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| August 31, 2012 | | PM calls for conducive climate to spur growth, investment
Amid the April-June quarter growth slipping to 5.5 per cent, the lowest Q1 growth in a decade, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday strongly pitched for creating conducive climate to boost investment and economy.
Fiscal deficit for Apr-Jul at Rs 2.64 lakh cr
Fiscal deficit in the first four months of 2012-13 stood at 51.5 per cent of the budget estimates -- slightly better compared to 55.4 per cent in the same period a year ago -- according to Controller General of Accounts (CGA) data released on Friday.
How govt plans to CURB radiation from mobile towers
Radiation emission from mobile telephone towers will be reduced to 1/10th of the present level from Saturday, a decision aimed at addressing public health concerns.
Narayana Murthy requests FM to set things 'RIGHT'
Expressing hope that new Finance Minister P Chidambaram will "set right" things at the earliest, business leader NR Narayana Murthy on Friday said the government and the opposition should declare that they would never do anything on "retrospective basis".
Agriculture growth slows to 2.9% in Q1
The fall in production of rice and oilseeds pulled down the growth in the agriculture sector to 2.9 per cent in the first quarter of the current fiscal, even as wheat and cotton output increased.
Car plant in Bengal? Possible, says Ratan Tata
He was responding to the shareholders' questions relating to the abandoned Nano car factory at Singur at the AGM of Tata Global Beverages.
IMAGES: A look at Samsung's new gadgets
Samsung Group is a South Korean multinational conglomerate company headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul.
Sahara Group asked to refund Rs 17,400 cr to investors
In a major setback to the Sahara Group, the Supreme Court on Friday directed two of its companies to refund around Rs 17,400 crore to their investors within three months with 15 per cent interest.
Economic growth declines to 5.5% in April-June
The gross domestic product had expanded by 8 per cent in the April-June quarter of 2011-12.
Public sector bank chiefs are not paragons of HR virtue
Human resource, or HR, development is one of the key portfolios that K C Chakrabarty handles as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deputy governor.
Quiz: What was Warren Buffet's first job?
Today they are the leading names in the world of business, technology and finance. But, before they started out their big business careers, many of them worked outside of their arena.
'Next Infosys CEO should be from within'
According to the retirement policy followed at Infosys, Shibulal would retire in about three years, when he turns 60.
IMAGES: India's biggest and busiest airports
Riding high on the aviation boom, India has built 17 international airports.
August rains best among recent drought years
The rains in August have also led to speculation that if the trend continues, rains in September, the terminal month of the four-month monsoon season, could be better, thus aiding production of paddy and other kharif crops.
IMAGES: South Asia among top tourist destinations
In 2011, travel and tourism generated $2 trillion globally.
IMAGES: 10 wildest highways in the world
There are some highways that cross 16 countries, some have no speed limit and some have 26 lanes on each side.
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| August 30, 2012 | | Corp Bank, Union Bank cut rates on home, car loans
Corporation Bank has decided to slash interest rates on home, car and educational loans with effect from September 1 for a three-month period.
Good news! Diesel, LPG rates may not be hiked
Diesel and cooking gas (LPG) prices are unlikely to be hiked even after the end of the Monsoon Session of Parliament next week as the government is wary of taking such a decision at a time when it already has political battles on hand.
Gold imports dip 18.4% to Rs 71,912 cr
India's gold imports contracted by 18.4 per cent year-on-year to Rs 71,912 crore in theApril-June quarter of the current fiscal.
KV Kamath disagrees with SBI Chairman
ICICI Bank Chairman K V Kamath on Thursday disagreed with the suggestion of SBI chief Pratip Chaudhuri that RBI should scrap CRR, saying it is part of the monetary policy and no issue can be made of it.
IMAGES: Office space in Mumbai among most expensive
Renting an office space in prime locations in major cities, such as London or Hong Kong, isn't cheap.
Madhya Pradesh to be in top 10 diamond producers' league
Rio Tinto, one of the largest global miners, has started a trial run of diamond mining operations from its Bunder project in Madhya Pradesh.
IMAGES: Samsung unveils new Galaxy Note II
Samsung Electronics, after losing a US patent battle with Apple, unveiled the second generation of its popular Galaxy Note phone-cum-tablet in Berlin on Wednesday.
How companies plan to hire EMPLOYABLE graduates
Tired of complaining about the employability of graduates in the country, individual IT-ITeS firms are now tying up with educational institutes to be able to hire more employable graduates.
Now, online grocery stores draw investor interest
After BigBasket, another online grocery retailer, MyGrahak, is scouting for private equity (PE) investment to fund its expansion plans.
New FM will take tough decisions, says Nobel Prize winner
In a recent Facebook interaction, Andrew Michael Spence, who got the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2001 with Joseph Stiglitz and George Akerlof, said India had suffered self-inflicted wounds to lower investor confidence.
A Rs 4-lakh car, and 8 others will soon be in India
Spoilt for choice? More car brands heading this way.
IMAGES: Renault may launch Scala at Rs 6 lakh only!
Renault has a good lineage of cars that drive very well on Indian roads.
Historic IMAGES: Journey of the railways
Oldest, man-hauled railways date to the 6th century BC, with Periander, one of the Seven Sages of Greece, credited with its invention.
IMAGES: New York City as it used to be
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the centre of the New York Metropolitan Area.
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| August 29, 2012 | | Apple computer sold from Jobs' garage to be auctioned
Fewer than 50 original Apple 1s are believed to survive, with only six known to be in working condition.
SPECIAL: Is Nashik the next Manesar?
The nine-month-old labour agitation at Everest Industries Ltd's plant in Nashik took a violent turn on Friday as three management officials of the company were stabbed.
Bengaluru's burning problem: Its garbage
The city's experience offers a lesson to all major urban centres in the country, which will come to grief if they do not follow the right policies.
Why high growth is not a perfect solution for an economy
As India has fallen off the high-growth path that it travelled for five years (2003-08) to considerable global acclaim, economists have focused on the prerequisites of high growth, to highlight what needs doing to again be among the global good and the great.
Raghuram Rajan appointed India's top economic adviser
Given that the public is no longer willing to tolerate lack of transparency, politicians will see they have no alternative but to change, feels Raghuram Rajan, economic advisor to the prime minister. Interestingly, Professor Rajan made this hard-hitting speech at an event to release a book in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's honour.
How Big Mac aims to stay ahead of the game
McDonald's is adopting differential pricing, new formats and designs to stay relevant to customers who are spoilt for choice.
RBI on why inflation needs to be brought down to 5%
Inflation as measured by the Wholesale Price Index stood at 6.87 per cent in July, down from 7.25 per cent in June. It is still much above RBI's comfort level of 5-6 per cent.
IMAGES: Top 10 supermarket giants in the world
Let's have a look at some of the retail giants in the world.
IN PIX: What next to Apple's victory over Samsung?
Innovation will be hit by US ruling.
IMAGES: New Toyota Camry and its 4 closest rivals
The new Toyota Camry will be challenging the likes of Volkswagen Passat, Hyundai Sonata, Honda Accord and Skoda Superb, to name a few popular names from the segment.
IMAGES: 24 countries with most compulsory holidays
There are some countries that legally require workers to take vacation.
Amazing IMAGES of supercar McLaren Spider
McLaren Group is famous for producing supercars.
Year 2050: These economies will DOMINATE the world
With the rapid growth of the emerging markets, the global economy is experiencing a seismic shift, points out the latest study by HSBC. Titled, 'The World in 2050', the report highlights that the economic shift is likely to continue.
Indian states with HIGHEST FDI, Odisha is No.1
A total of 763 FDI proposals worth over Rs 1.78 lakh crore were filed across various states in India during 2011-12, according to Assocham.
NEW aircraft: India's airlines have BIG plans
The airlines in India are expected to add around 370 aircraft worth Rs 150,000 crore (Rs 1.5 trillion) to their fleet by FY17, according to a study by Assocham.
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| August 27, 2012 | | Indo-US trade likely to EXCEED $100 bn in 2012
In many ways, the United States and India are fulfilling our own destinies now, as we cooperate even more closely together.
Has Sonia Gandhi killed economic growth?
Manmohan Singh has blamed the lack of an ingredient called 'consensus' for slow economic growth.
Why government's web censorship is FAULTY
In the poorly planned blocking of several websites and accounts on the social networks Twitter and Facebook, it has demonstrated not just the wrong instincts, but a wholesale lack of effectiveness.
Govt still hasn't recovered all the black money
Progress has been painfully slow despite strengthening global information-sharing networks.
Column: Why is Delhi Airport losing money
Delhi airport has been losing money for the past six years because of the heavy interest burden on loans.
Taking stock in the tech world
When a technology change happens its universal and so is the impact.
Check out Mario in a new avatar
The New Super Mario Bros for the Nintendo DS brings back the traditional side-scrolling adventure game featuring Mario, Luigi and other favourite characters from the popular Mario series.
IMAGES: How much does Eiffel Tower cost?
The iconic Eiffel Tower has turned out to be Europe's most valuable monument.
COLUMN: Why a South Asian Union is not a bad idea
The best insurance for the future is to ensure that people are fully employed and not pushed into the arms of communalists because they are compelled to fight for crumbs of a depleted pie of economic opportunity.
SPECIAL: How AI's political baggage dug its grave
State ownership of the national carrier has undermined the commercial principles that should drive its operation.
Leela Palace Chennai readying for November opening
Chennai's newest luxury hotel, situated on the southern end of the Marina beach, is being readied to welcome guests. Sea-facing, the Chettinad Palace-inspired opulent hotel from Hotel Leelaventure Ltd will open early November, just in time to cash in on the peak-season demand.
23% rise in FAKE notes in India's private banks
Govt targets coordinated approach among agencies; plastic notes set for test in five cities.
IMAGES: Ultra-rare supercar Zenvo
Just 15 of these ultra-rare cars are produced every year and each car costs $1.8 million.
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| August 24, 2012 | | IMAGES: Samsung launches Galaxy Note 800
Handset maker Samsung on Friday said it expects its market share to rise to 65 per cent in the Indian tablet PC market as it expands its product portfolio during the year.
IMAGES: The all new Rs 23.80 lakh Toyota Camry is here
Camry is the highest grossing vehicle from the Toyota clan in the global market.
Billionaire wealth: Top 5 WINNERS and LOSERS
Take a look at the 5 biggest winners and losers on a real-time basis.
Making money isn't supposed to be easy
Every economy has a natural "frequency" that is determined by a range of factors, including size, population and its age distribution, type of government, dynamism (as measured by things like ease of doing business), importance of religion, culture and so on. Technology, of course, is a key factor, both in terms of assessing the frequency and in terms of changing it.
Maruti puts Gujarat plant on FAST TRACK
Suzuki has prioritised meeting with Gujarat Chief minister Narendra Modi over his Haryana counterpart B S Hooda, illustrating not only his fondness for Modi, whom he hosted last month in Japan, but also indicating the company's seriousness to start work on the Gujarat project.
Airlines concerned about 49% FDI cap: Lufthansa
The 49 per cent cap that would not give them a majority control over domestic carriers.
Singur land row: SC notice to Tata Motors
A bench of justices H L Dattu and C K Prasad, however, said that the Calcutta high court's interim order which had stated that the state need not part with the land for two months to allow it file its appeal, would continue.
Growth may be back on track next year, says RBI
Central bank sees ray of hope in govt's latest promises
How India's youngest airline became the largest
A signature cocktail of on-time performance, clean aircraft and good on-board service has helped India's youngest airline become the largest.
2 Indian biz women among the world's most POWERFUL
The list includes political leaders, corporate executives, NGO heads, top government functionaries and a first lady. Here, we present you the world's top 30 businesswomen.
Retrenchment or dismissal? Maruti action sparks debate
While retrenchment of workers is possible under the Industrial Disputes Act, subject to the approval of the state government, dismissal is possible under the Industrial Employment Standing Orders Act, which does not require the state approval.
Icra lowers GDP forecast to 5.7%
Rating agency Icra has revised down its GDP growth estimate to 5.7 per cent, citing absence of concrete improvements in the investment sentiment, weaker monsoon and a likely rise in inflation, which limit RBI's room to spur the growth by cutting rates.
SPECIAL: Bad old ways of modern-day entrepreneurs
Despite a more liberalised business milieu, modern-day entrepreneurs remain prone to unethical behaviour and poor governance.
IMAGES: Check out these dangerous luxury cars!
Only 3 out of 11 luxury cars have received good or acceptable ratings in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's new small overlap frontal crash test, the latest addition to a suite of tests designed to help consumers buy the safest vehicles.
IN PIX: DLF may sell Aman Resorts for $350 million
Recently, DLF sold 17 acres of prime land in Mumbai to Lodha Developers for Rs 2,700 crore.
IMAGES: World's biggest vehicle manufacturing nations
China's automobile industry has been the largest in the world in terms of automobile unit production since 2008.
IMAGES: Maruti launches Rs 4.45 lakh Wagon R Pro
Wagon R's sibling is out with additional features new body graphics, new wheel cover design, rear spoiler, bumper rub rails, body rub rails at the rear and front end, on the exterior level of the car.
Apple iPhone 5: Wait to END on September 12
Apple iPhone 5 will be introduced on September 12. Even, pre-orders start on the same date; the latest fad will be shipped on September 21, the Friday. Things, though, are not yet official.
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| August 23, 2012 | | TCS overtakes RIL as India's most VALUED co
Consequently, RIL lost its about position of the country's largest company in terms of market valuation, which it had held for nearly a month.
Gamescom 2012: A gamer's paradise
The Gamescom convention is Europe's largest video games trade fair.
BharatBenz ready to take on the Indian roads
By designing trucks just for the Indian market, the vaunted German auto maker is about to start what analysts are calling a 'bloodbath' in the industry.
What lies ahead for Jet Airways?
Though June-quarter performance was impressive, fuel price hikes and falling demand pose fresh challenges for the company.
IMAGES: 10 college dropouts who built business empires
They never went to college...yet they own some of the world's biggest businesses.
Images: World's top 10 richest countries in 2050
The London School of Economics professor Danny Quah forecasts that by 2050 the world's economic centre of gravity, a theoretical measure of the focal point of global economic activity based on GDP, will have shifted eastwards, as quoted in the Wealth Report 2012 by Knight Frank & Citi Private Bank.
STRIKE: Banking operations remain disrupted
Normal operations in public sector banks, including cheque clearances and fund transfers, were on Thursday hampered for the second day because of the strike called by unions to protest against reforms in the sector and outsourcing of non-core services to private sector.
TCS' star CEO in returns, has to catch up with Infosys
Murthy best performer in IT stock returns, TCS' Chandra in pole position among current chief executives.
IMAGES: Delhi airport to become global air traffic hub
Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) is taking baby steps towards becoming an international airline hub.
IMAGES: India will soon bid goodbye to these 7 cars
'Survival of the fittest' is the mantra here; if a car fails to impress customers, it is either chucked out or given a makeover.
IMAGES: World's 10 hottest real estate markets
According to CNBC's report based on a research by global real estate consultancy Knight Frank, which ranks countries according to highest average growth in housing prices from the fourth quarter of 2006 to the same period in 2011, here are the world's hottest real estate markets.
PIX: World's 2nd best airport gets a stunning makeover
Changi Airport's Terminal 1 (T1) has received a S$500 million makeover.
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| August 22, 2012 | | Want to teach your child importance of saving? Try this
Banks like ICICI Bank, ING Vysya Bank, HDFC Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank provide savings bank accounts for children (below 18 years).
Maruti sack order illegal, say trade unions
Central trade unions have questioned Maruti Suzuki's decision to terminate the services of 500 of its permanent workers, alleging not just violation of the Industrial Disputes Act, but also immaturity on the management's part in failing to arrive at a peaceful settlement of the dispute.
IMAGES: MTS launches three smartphones in India
SSTL, whose 21 licences are among those cancelled by the Supreme Court in the 2G spectrum case, offers CDMA telephony services under the MTS brand name.
Mr Minister you are wrong! High prices HURT farmers
Mr Verma argued that higher prices for agricultural goods meant more gains for India's farmers and, therefore, he was happy with such inflation.
12th Plan GDP growth pegged at 8.5%
Economists say even 8.5 per cent growth is an optimistic target, which could not be met, unless the government pushes for economic reforms.
FDI in retail will benefit poor farmers: Beni Verma
Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma has been in news for his statement "inflation helps farmers". He talks about why he stands by his statement and how FDI in retail would set right prices for both agriculturalists and consumers.
Sebi cracks down on MISUSE of Esops
Restricts buying by schemes from secondary market.
Nano needs another push, says Ratan Tata
Tata Nano's potential was not fully exploited and the world's cheapest car needed another push to boost sales, said Tata Motors Ltd Chairman Ratan Tata.
Column: How can China REBUILD its economy?
Its economy needs radical re-engineering on a par with its original transformation three decades ago.
Banking services hit by strike; unions protest reforms
Employees of public sector banks have gone on two-day nationwide strike on Wednesday opposing banking sector reforms and outsourcing of non-core activities, affecting operations.Several private sector banks, foreign banks and ATMs, however, continued to operate normally.
How rival models are trying to gain from Swift's pain
That's a tailor-made opportunity for rivals such as Renault, Ford and Nissan who have stepped on the gas on customer offers.
IMAGES: These SUVs and MPVs will soon be in India
Keeping in mind India's obsession for family vehicles, here is a list of the SUVs and MPV/Minivans that are scheduled to be released soon.
IMAGES: World's oldest Ferrari unveiled!
The 166 Spyder Corsa was built by manufacturer Enzo Ferrari just after the World War II.
Why India must hike diesel price
With the losses incurred by oil marketing companies (OMC's) on selling regulated fuels below their market prices (under-recoveries) reaching alarming levels, an urgent corrective action, like hiking the price of diesel, has become imperative, says a Crisil study.
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| August 21, 2012 | | Mumbai's real estate CRASHES, suburbs turn attractive
Skyrocketing real estate prices in Mumbai and global economic conditions have badly hit Mumbai's real estate sector with sales falling by nearly 70 per cent.
How 'Friends' are ruling the ad world
Mind you, here we are not talking subscriber base or the pecking order in the India mobile phone market; this is simply about brand recall and the likeability factor.
Jet and SpiceJet soar on the misfortunes of rivals
Despite a bleak operating environment, Jet Airways and SpiceJet have flown into the black. The turnaround may have more to do with their embattled rivals than anything else.
1924 Rolls: 1st car from India to win this US award
Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur, the scion of the House of Mewar has become the first Indian ever to win a trophy at the recently-concluded five-day 62nd annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance event in California.
The INSPIRING story of a million-dollar company
OrangeScape, one of the most successful start-ups in India, was in the news last month, when it was named the prime technology partner for 'Google App Engine'.
Why customers break-up with their favourite brands
The reality is that customers can and will cut ties with brands that do not take their best interests into account.
Mobile cos see 7-8% revenue loss due to curb on SMSes
The government had banned bulk SMSes and MMSes for 15 days across the country from August 18.
Online privacy: Look who's watching you
Online privacy probably began with websites using counters on web pages to track the number of visitors, but it has now evolved into a sophisticated software that can tag and compare site visitors, telling site owners exactly what visitors did on the web.
QUIZ: Which is the world's busiest airport?
It won't be so bad if we know little more about the airports around the world. Right? So, take this quiz to find out how well you know the airports?
How the gutka industry is being killed
Starting April 1, eight states have banned the manufacture, sale and storage of this mixture of tobacco, catechu, areca nut, slaked lime and food additives.
Looking at buying a 3D TV? Here are some options
If you are looking to buy a 3D TV, here are some latest idiot boxes that deliver respectable 3D experience.
IMAGES: World's worst cities to live in
Latest report from the Economist Intelligence Unit has ranked worst cities in the world to live in.
Maruti reopens Manesar plant under police protection
Maruti Suzuki India on Tuesday reopened its Manesar plant amid heavy security, a month after a lockout was declared due to the violence in which one senior company official was killed and 100 others injured.
Infosys wins case against a whistleblower employee
The judge ruled that that Palmer failed to prove his claims against Infosys -- including breach of contract and fraudulent misrepresentation, under Alabama state law and therefore had no right to recover damages.
IMAGES: Nissan Evalia and its 2 biggest rivals
The first Evalia in India will sport a 1.5L K9K dCi diesel engine.
Amazing IMAGES of supercar Koenigsegg Agera R
Koenigsegg is a Swedish manufacturer of high-performance sports cars.
Slowdown? Residential property prices hit the roof!
Developers say rise due to increase in cost of credit, input and labour.
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| August 20, 2012 | | Which is India's LARGEST airline?
According to the latest figures released by the DGCA, IndiGo, with 27 per cent market share in July this year, has edged past Jet, which managed 26.6 per cent share.
Asia gets its fastest undersea data cable system
A new 7,800 km undersea data cable has opened to traffic in Asia linking Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines which could aid in financial trade.
Markets: Is this the lull before the storm?
The period of respite may presage another period of extreme volatility.
BEWARE! Don't use forged documents to get SIM cards
The new rules will be applicable from the second week of November.
Union minister says he is HAPPY with RISING prices
Lashing out at Beni Prasad Verma's rationale, BJP accuse Cong of turning blind eye to common man being hit by inflation.
IMAGES: 4th generation Range Rover REVEALED!
The all-new Range Rover ditches the body-on-frame chassis for an all-aluminium monocoque construction.
Online usage: Indian students caught in the Google web
It revealed that in absolute volume terms or the number of education related "searches", India ranks second only to US globally.
Why CAG's numbers on Delhi airport are MISLEADING
The Comptroller and Auditor-General's report on the Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) as a public-private partnership (PPP) project makes several valid points, but presents a seemingly factual but fundamentally misleading picture of the total financial outcome.
IMAGES: Supercar Pagani Huayra
Pagani Automobili is an Italian manufacturer of sports cars and carbon fibre.
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| August 17, 2012 | | Hungry or not, BPL families to get a free phone!
The arguments in favour of the proposed 'Har Hath Mein Phone' scheme are strong. The challenge lies in its implementation.
PMEAC for hiking diesel price, cut in LPG cylinders
Raise the price of diesel and restrict supply of subsidised LPG cylinder in a year to four per family, Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Panel suggested on Friday.
CAG raps govt: Coal blocks biding LOSS at Rs 1.86 lakh cr
Rapping the government for its failure to timely implement the competitive bidding mechanism for allocation of coal blocks, CAG on Friday said part of the Rs 1.86 lakh crore loss could have been partially tapped had the procedure been put in place earlier.
IN PIX: This Chinese phone threatens to beat the iPhone!
A Chinese company Xiaomi Technology has launched a smartphone, Xiaomi Phone 2 which is set to challenge the mighty Apple iPhone.
AMAZING: A car that can folds itself
Hiriko is a folding two-seat urban electric car.
Why migrant labour is India's LIFEBLOOD
Without the freedom to move anywhere in India to work, citizenship loses much of its meaning, and without the ability to hire from the largest possible pool of labour, growth will become even more difficult to achieve.
PHOTOS: Samsung's new tablet takes on iPad, others
Samsung has launched Apple's iPad rival, the Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet.
How Obama plans to STOP jobs going to India
The Obama Administration has announced setting up of an institute for manufacturing innovations which will help prevent jobs going to India and China.
Amazing IMAGES reveal how miners search for gold
Gold has been a valuable and highly sought-after precious metal for coinage, jewellery, and other arts since long before the beginning of recorded history.
IMAGES: World's best cities to live in
Latest report from the Economist Intelligence Unit has ranked world's best cities to live in.
IMAGES: Stunning steel structures you must see!
Take a look at some of the most stunning structures made in steel!
Amazing IMAGES of supercar Hennessey Venom GT
Just 10 of them are manufactured every year and each car costs $1.1 million.
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| August 16, 2012 | | Infy's visa fraud trial postponed to Sep 17
The reason for the postponement couldn't be immediately ascertained.
COLUMN: India is a real market for power
Open access for consumers of electricity and a more effective market exchange for power are necessary.
RIL has potential to be a $100 bn company
For its m-cap to more than double, RIL needs government nod for nearly doubling of its gas price of $8 per million British thermal unit together with approvals for oil and gas field investments.
Maruti's Manesar plant to REOPEN on Aug 21
The country's largest car-maker has also issued termination notices to 500 regular workers.
Kerala firm gets Gates Foundation grant for 'e-toilet'
Thiruvananthapuram-based Eram Scientific Solutions Private Limited was awarded the grant as part of the foundation's second round of 'Reinvent the Toilet Challenge' grants totalling nearly $3.4 million.
IMAGES: A tour across Infosys' impressive campuses
The company bagged the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) India 'Platinum' rating by Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for its Software Development Block 5 (SDB 5) in Mysore, Hyderabad and Jaipur.
IMAGES: Drought, a killer in India's growth story
Poor monsoon has shattered the hopes of revival in India's economic growth.
Mahindra Satyam needs to bag big deals, say analysts
Steady performance of Mahindra Satyam and increasing traction in non-BT revenues are key positives for Tech Mahindra.
India Inc struggles to find buyers for assets
Buyers are looking for deals at half the price sellers are asking for.
IMAGES: Ferrari's new museum in Italy
Legendary car manufacturer Ferrari has recently opened a new museum in Modena, Italy.
COLUMN: India's next tryst with destiny
Unlike China, India has not clearly embraced its post-reform policy direction
IMAGES: The stunning Nissan Evalia soon in India
Sold in the global markets as a van, Evalia will be placed in the category of an 'Urban Class Utility Vehicle' in India.
At Videocon, Dhoot Jr has BIG plans
Chairman Venugopal's son, Anirudh, pushes premiumisation agenda with higher technology poducts such as LED TVs
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| August 15, 2012 | | Essar, RIL may HIKE petrol, diesel prices
PSUs to wait and watch, IndianOil says losing Rs 1.37 on every litre of petrol.
Cheers! How Indian wine has come of age
Contrary to popular perception, the general quality of the wines I tasted was good, with some wines definitely very good, and in two instances, excellent.
Mahindra beating us is a shame, says Ratan Tata
Tata said it was a matter of "great shame" that the company allowed Mahindra & Mahindra to get ahead of it to claim the number three spot in passenger vehicle production.
Nation first - GIVE back to the community
ETNOW's Senior Editor speaks to corporate citizens and explores if a sustainable model of corporate social responsibility is the way forward for India's growth.
Why Jindal Steel exited its $2.1 bn venture in Bolivia
The mines are said to have 40 billion tonnes of ore, of which Jindal Steel Bolivia, a subsidiary of Jindal Steel & Power, had the rights to develop half -- 20 billion tonnes. To put in perspective, all of India's iron ore deposits add up to 28.5 billion tonnes.
IMAGES: Mahindra is the new king of Indian roads
M&M recently roared past Tata Motors in auto sales for the first time.
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| August 13, 2012 | | Ford recalls over 1.28 lakh cars in India
In one of biggest ever such exercises in the country, Ford India on Monday said it has recalled over 1.28 units of its best selling Figo and Classic cars to rectify problems related to steering and rear suspension.
A business model that gave 'life' to the poor
As an NGO, IVDP has facilitated loans totalling Rs 2,406 crore.
SNEAK PEEK: The all new Hyundai Elantra
Rohin Nagrani drives the new Elantra ahead of its launch.
Hotel occupancy, room rates set to hit a new low
If the first quarter results are anything to go by, the hospitality industry may have to face gloomier times ahead.
Retail biggies outdo each other with price challenges
Faced with tough competition and a slow economy, hypermarkets run by retail biggies are outdoing each other with price challenges, aggressive discounts and combo offerings for the Independence Day sales.
The good old desktop gets a makeover
Apple and Microsoft plan to introduce tablet-like features on the desktop to make it appealing for users.
A young maharaja who is also a passionate businessman
In this rapid fire chat on Tee Time with on ETNOW the young maharaja shares his childhood memories and talks of going from traditional to modern. Today he is converting his passions in golf, cricket and business into a real opportunity.
PHOTOS: Skoda to enter pre-owned car business
Skoda is working at entering the pre-owned car business by the end of the financial year.
Despite improving monsoon, worry continues for most crops
As the kharif sowing season exceeds two months, no crop has managed to reach the normal area of cultivation (average of the past five years), except for sugarcane, cotton and jute.
Anil Ambani cuts salary to Rs 5.5 crore in 2011-12
Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) Chairman Anil Ambani has taken a huge cut in his total remuneration from his four main companies in 2011-12 at about Rs 5.5 crore (Rs 55 million), lower by nearly two-third from the previous year.
How LG aims to recover lost ground
It is a make-or-break year for South Korean handset maker LG Electronics in India. As per market research firm IDC, the share of smartphones in the overall handphone market in India is expected to touch 9.3 per cent by 2016, up from 2.9 per cent during 2012, making it the fastest growing smartphone market among the emerging nations.
IMAGES: Porsche goes into high gear to capture market
Macan, a compact SUV, could provide just the volume fillip the car manufacturer needs.
Veritas warns Indiabulls of legal action
Neeraj Monga says he might initiate legal action against Indiabulls for slanderous remarks.
IMAGES: World's 25 most business-friendly countries
In 2010/11, governments in 125 economies implemented 245 institutional and regulatory reforms as measured by Doing Business.
Further rating cut looms for India, warns Fitch
Fitch says possibility of downgrading India's sovereign rating is more than 50 per cent.
Amazing IMAGES of One World Trade Center in New York
Whole bunch of new renderings of One World Trade Center have just been released.
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| August 10, 2012 | | Citi paints a GRIM picture of India's GDP
India's economic growth could fall below 5 per cent.
Jaguar to unveil F-Type at Paris Motor Show in September
Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover on Friday said its new two-seater sports car F-Type will make its global debut in production form at the Paris Motor Show next month, marking its re-entry into the segment.
'London is the most sought after city for Indian firms'
London is the number one investment location for Indian companies.
China's economy continues to slow amid decline in exports
China's economy continued to slow down as declining exports and imports impacted revenues, raising fears about the strength of the world's second-largest economy.
Another growth data goof-up by the Centre?
MoSPI showed Maharashtra as the state with the least economic growth in 2011-12.
The 'Kid' reinvents Cognizant -- and himself
The man steering Cognizant today is boyish-looking, 44-year-old Francisco D'Souza, who could easily pass for an energetic student at a management school, than for the CEO of a top-flight technology company.
QUIZ: Which state is known for Madhubani paintings?
We all know that there is amazing cultural diversity throughout our country. The south, north, east and west have their own unique cultures and almost every state has impressed us with its own cultural niche.
Sony, BBC in alliance for India business
BBC to join OneAlliance platform, to outsource sales to MSM.
Reports on black money to miss Sept deadline
Three institutes entrusted with the task to estimate amount say data collection a hurd#8804 to submit report by December.
Concern on Nielsen research cuts across sectors
Nielsen's woes over questions being raised on the accuracy of its data are not restricted to media and fast-moving consumer goods companies.
Infosys stares at fresh US visa row
Former staffer files suit in US, says harassed after reporting visa abuse.
Why RBI cannot ignore IIP contraction
While the index of industrial production series is justly criticised for its flaws and its volatility, its trend is unmistakable.
IMAGES: Amazing cable railway rides in Switzerland
Switzerland offers some of the most exciting cable rides.
How online media gave this film director new hope
Taking this platform to a new level is this new-age impendent director, Shailja Gupta, who chose the online space to release her first film.
IMAGES: 20 most food-secure countries in the world
While the world is better fed than it was 50 years ago, those gains are now under threat.
IMAGES: Onboard the stunning SuperStar Virgo
A floating 5star resort, the SuperStar Virgo offers fun, entertainment and activities as it cruises through some of the most exotic locales across Asia.
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| August 09, 2012 | | Banks have Rs 40,000-cr debt on airline companies: FM
Banks have Rs 32,961 crore (Rs 329.61 billion) of securities against which loans were given, data given by Finance Minister P Chidambaram in the Lok Sabha showed.
Mahindra & Mahindra: Cost control drives profit beat
When it comes to navigating through tough times, Mahindra & Mahindra is no novice. The positive surprise the company has thrown up, in terms of profit and margin expansion in the June quarter, only endorses this fact.
Industrial output dips by 1.8%
Industrial output in the April-June quarter too contracted by 0.1 per cent this fiscal, according to the official data released on Thursday.
Noida replaces Mumbai in real estate ranking
Gurgaon scores down from previous year but still on top.
Car sales up 7% in July on last year's low base
Domestic passenger car sales jumped by 6.7 per cent to 1,43,496 units in July 2012 compared to 1,34,473 units in the same month in 2011.
TOUGH financial math ahead for Chidambaram
Economists say there aren't many options with the government at present, given the drought-like situation which would only spur its spending.
Only three Air India routes make money: Ajit Singh
At a time when the aviation industry is going through turbulent times and multiple issues, the government is trying to put Air India back on track.
BAD NEWS! Air India's Star dream ends
Jet Airways' prospects of entering the exclusive alliance brighten
PHOTOS: World's longest, largest, busiest highways
The United States has the world's largest network of highways, including both the Interstate Highway System and the US Highway System.
IMAGES: 20 biggest power plants in the world
United States, China and Japan are the world's largest producers of electricity.
IMAGES: Top 20 banks where the rich put their wealth
Bloomberg Markets Magazine has ranked top firms that manage money for the wealthiest.
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| August 08, 2012 | | ONCE AGAIN! Citi, CLSA pegs India's growth to 5.4%
The report, authored by Citi India chief economist Rohini Malkani, further said if the drought conditions worsen, growth may slip further to 4.9 per cent.
When will the next bull market start?
While Morgan Stanley believes individual stocks are in a bull phase, rate cuts, GDP growth revival are key.
'No competition for Gujarat in years to come'
Speaking at 'Business Standard Gujarat Round Table 2012' in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, Minister of State for industries, energy and petrochemicals, Saurabh Patel, said the state was way ahead of others in the country.
Manesar violence: 30 trade unions seek CBI probe
According to sources in the know, nearly 25,000 workers from Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, Suzuki Powertrain India, Gurgaon-based Maruti Udyog Kamgar Union, Suzuki Motorcycle India, Sona Koyo Steering Systems, etc, filed a memorandum before Deputy Commissioner P C Meena.
A newspaper that wanted to fly
Deccan Chronicle's ventures into niche aviation and IPL seem to be cause of its troubles Could the strange twists and turns in the relationship between the Deccan Chronicle and Kishore Biyani-controlled Future Capital be simply coincidental?
IMAGES: Ultra-rare supercars in the world
There are some cars that are truly rare.
Key Bills to be taken up as Parliament reconvenes
A slew of Bills that will have a significant effect on India's financial landscape are likely to come up in the Monsoon session of Parliament.
Good news: Air is cleaner. Bad news: Water still dirty
Air pollution has fallen, but rivers remain dirty, says Rema Hanna, an academic who has studied pollution in India.
GREAT projects that will CHANGE the face of 10 cities
The revamp of cities to offset hectic pace of urban living is the idea behind these mega projects.
Clash of the titans: Audi, BMW, Merc BATTLE it out
With the release of the Audi A8L 4.2 TDi, all three auto manufacturers having brought their champions to the Indian roads and it is time to see how these fearsome gladiators will fare against each other.
Shocking! Only 21 per cent of MBAs are employable
With the rise in the number of B-schools, the employability standard of MBAs has drastically fallen.
SPECIAL: Moving story of a Magsaysay winner
He has been working for the last 33 years with the tribals living in the remotest parts of Tamil Nadu and later with the underprivileged women in some of the villages in Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri and Vellore districts, making them self sufficient.
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| August 07, 2012 | | 'LIC: Not straitjacket but flexible products will soar'
D K Mehrotra, chairman, LIC, tells Business Standard the proposed new product guidelines need to be tailored with some caution.
'Global investors remain positive about India'
Despite the toned-down estimates, Sukumar Rajah, MD and CIO -- Asian Equities, Franklin Templeton Investments, tells Business Standard that India maintains the lead in economic growth vis-a-vis most of its peers and the regulatory risk will reduce.
IMAGES: Lufthansa flies world's newest aircraft to India
B747-8 introduction marks Asia launch of airline's all-new Business Class.
Now, StanChart's India outsourcing under US lens
A probe by the New York State's key banking regulator, the Department of Financial Services, has found deficient money laundering controls in outsourcing of work by StanChart to India, thus exposing the US financial system to terror financing and other risks.
COLUMN: Blackouts and unconventional solutions
Instead of just being angry or dismayed by last week's blackouts we could all look more closely at some unconventional, out-of-the-box, solutions that have enormous long term promise.
SPECIAL: Maruti's 'low road' to trouble
Maruti's transformation -- if not descent -- to the 'low road' of labour practices stems from growing competitive pressures in the marketplace since the late 1990s.
PHOTOS: Largest, busiest and highest railway stations
The world's largest station in terms of platforms is Grand Central Terminal in New York City with 44 platforms.
IMAGES: Stark architecture of Communist-era Europe
Slovenian professor Roman Bezjak has captured some beautiful images of Communist-era Europe.
Remote workers: Here's how companies MANAGE them
Though not exactly a new phenomenon, remote working -- professionals working from any place other than their offices -- is now becoming almost routine as more and more companies look at it not just as a tool to cut operational costs but as a means to retain employees and offer them a better work-life balance.
How solar power has lit up lives in India
The arrival of solar power last year has changed the lives of people in rural India.
GOOD NEWS! Indian job space looks bullish
According to the findings of the 12th Antal Global Snapshot, hiring levels across the globe witnessed a slowdown in the June quarter, while the Indian job space looks bullish.
Slow growth raises spectre of unemployment in China
This year, close to seven million college graduates are entering the work force.
India's long-term story remains intact, says Kidwai
Indians want to have a little more clarity and certainty before they invest, says Naina Lal Kidwai, Executive Director, HSBC Limited and Country Head, HSBC India.
Cognizant TOPPLES Infy as No 2 IT firm in India
Last year in the same quarter, Cognizant had toppled Wipro as the third largest software exporter in India.
The 1.3-litre Multijet engine also powers these cars
The 1248cc, in-line four-cylinder Multijet engine is Fiat's brainchild.
IMAGES: 15 mega-airport projects in the world
Some countries spend billions of dollars on mega airports.
IN PIX: Famous 10 logos and how much they cost
Companies pay close attention to their logos. After all it's the logo that gives the brand its identity. However, there is a big difference between the price and the value of a logo design.
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| August 06, 2012 | | New stores, malls hit retailers' sales in big cities
For instance, Shoppers Stop has seen a mere two per cent like-to-like growth in the southern region in the first quarter of 2012-13 (and 10 per cent in the western region, mostly Mumbai and Pune) due to the cannibalisation effect, said managing director Govind Shrikhande.
'Labour law reforms have lagged auto sector growth'
Tamil Nadu, claiming to be the Detroit of India, has labour unrest in the automobile industry, among others.
Drought: Food prices to hit record highs, grim outlook
Food prices around the world are rising to historic highs following extreme weather conditions.Food prices around the world are rising to historic highs following extreme weather conditions.
Why the designers of the Olympic logo broke all rules
How the designers of the Olympic logo broke the rules to send out a message that the Games were no longer just for the elite.
COLUMN: Lessons from the Maruti violence
Under a new industrial relations deal, the worker's basic right to a living wage and decent working conditions, as well as the right of association and collective bargaining, must be respected and made effective.
DGCA's aim is not to kill an airline: Arun Mishra
Arun Mishra takes over as Director General of Civil Aviation at a time when questions are being raised on its leniency with airlines. Being also grossly understaffed, it faces an International Civil Aviation Organisation safety audit this December. The new DG talks about these and other issues.
JLR shifts gear to take on German giants in India
The race to become India's top luxury car company has heated up, with Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) planning launches and local research and development (R&D) facilities to take on German rivals BMW, Audi and Mercedes.
8 sectors double shareholders' wealth in 4 years
Robust growth in sales and profits has helped them grow the combined market cap by 92 per cent to Rs 17 lakh crore during FY08-12.
Falling rupee hurts India Inc in Q1
Mark-to-market losses, oil & gas companies drag profits; sales growth moderates
Microsoft's changing outlook on email
Just when we thought that web mail services were all about Google's Gmail and Yahoo, Microsoft redesigned its ageing Hotmail.com as Outlook.com, considered the biggest improvement in its email service in eight years.
42 million Indians watch videos online!
In future the line between the online video advertisement and the online video content is likely to blur.
Land talks on for 'smart cities' project in India
Maharashtra, Gujarat discussions progress faster than other 4 states in Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor scheme
Less than 8% growth will hurt India badly: Economist
Potential growth in India is 8 to 8.5 per cent, says Kalpana Kochhar, World Bank's Chief Economist for South Asia.
How DROUGHT looms large over Indian economy
Drought looms as large this year as it did in 2009, even as attempts to play down its impact surface.
IMAGES: This hotel costs a whopping $50 million
Chinese multi-millionaire has built a replica of the Paris landmark Chateau de Maisons-Laffitte in Beijing.
IMAGES of an amazing railway that completed 100 years
One of the world's most amazing railway projects, Jungfrau Railway has completed 100 years.
IN PIX: This is how wine is made
The science of wine and winemaking is known as oenology. A person who makes wine is traditionally called a winemaker or vintner.
IMAGES: The Rs 6.19 lakh new Premier Rio is here!
The model launched abides by the norms of Bharat Emission IV and is available in red, silver, black and white.
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| August 03, 2012 | | Floor price for spectrum auction fixed at Rs 14,000 cr
The Cabinet on Friday fixed a minimum or base price of Rs 14,000 crore for the Supreme Court mandated auction of telecom spectrum.
Karbonn to launch 'Smart Tab 1' tablet PC in August
Karbonn Mobiles on Friday said it will launch world's first 'Smart Tab 1' tablet PC loaded with the latest version of Google's Android operating system in the country in August.
Maruti to scale up safety measures at Manesar plant
Hit by worst ever violence in its history, the country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki on Friday said it is considering to deploy advanced safety measures forits employees at the Manesar plant.
Hike diesel price or face grid collapse: Montek
Raise diesel prices or else face a situation similar to the recent grid failure which led to complete blackout across 20 states for hours, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said on Friday.
Narayana Murthy hopeful of Infosys' Kolkata centre
Founder of software giant Infosys, N R Narayana Murthy on Monday said he was positive that the company's first centre would come up in the metropolis."
Billboard players are putting up a brave face
Travellers at the Mumbai airport were in for a surprise recently. They were greeted by Volkswagen's flagship product Beetle. Not the original one, but a car made from scrap, which was a "tailor-made" out of home (OOH) advertisement designed by DDB MudraMax.
The world's 15 most HARDWORKING nations
India has been ranked as one of the most hardworking nations in the world.
It's official, Met says rains to be deficient this year
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), for the first time, officially hinted at a drought-like situation, saying the southwest monsoon over India in 2012 is likely to be deficient at below 90 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA).
Should you switch your home loan to SBI?
Wait for some days, as other lenders are likely to follow suit. You can also negotiate for a lower rate before deciding on a change of bankers.
Power companies lose Rs 550 crore in two days
The massive electricity grid failure earlier this week, that left a majority of India in darkness, has impacted the volumes of power generation companies. The worst power black-out in the world hit their revenues by an estimated Rs 550 crore (Rs 5.5 billion) in two days.
Column: Maruti could have avoided glaring HR goof-ups
The latest round of violence in Manesar brings into sharp focus how Maruti could have done better in terms of industrial relations management.
IN PIX: What's so special about the Rolls-Royce
The Silver Ghost, launched in 1907, was a car of legendary smoothness that completed a 14,371 mile virtually non-stop run, creating 'the best car in the world' legend.
Meet the CEO who 'has not seen a slowdown'
Having delivered the numbers, Nitin Paranjpe talks about his plans to make Hindustan Unilever future-proof.
IMAGES: 10 most stolen luxury cars
Thousands of cars are stolen every day around the world.
Sensex ends 26 points lower in volatile trade
After dropping nearly 200 points, the Sensex on Friday staged a smart recovery tracking strong cues to close just 26 points lower as investors looked beyond thedeficient monsoon and ECB not announcing immediate steps to tackle Eurozone debt crisis.
Rupee recovers after breaching 56-level
The rupee on Friday again breached the 56-mark by losing 31 paise to 56.15 against the US dollar in early trade to hit a fresh one-week low, due to strong demand for the American currency from banks and importers.
Focus on HR, not stocks, to maximise profits
The perils of thinking of human resources as 'soft'.
Jet Airways charts new route
Jet Airways is venturing into the loyalty management business.
World's 10 most innovative urban transport projects
With world's population rising, it is imperative to have an efficient, cost effective and green form of urban transport.
Planning to buy'builder floors'? Read this....
The builder floors can be developed either by established builder, individual land owners or as joint venture of both the parties.
Quiz: Which is the world's first airport?
The phrase for this month is Who made it 'first' to the finish line? Keeping in line with this spirit, we bring you a few world's first. Take this quiz to find out how much you know about them.
IMAGES: 30 busiest subways in the world
There are 160 metro systems in the world.
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| August 02, 2012 | | Employees spend a quarter of their day checking emails
Working individuals spend two-and-a-half hours on an average writing emails every day, a new study has found, suggesting changes in the way people use computers that could make them 25 per cent more productive.
The world's 10 most VALUABLE banks
In the current economic scenario, most banks around the world have experienced some jitters and felt the jolt. However, some banks have managed to steer away from the storm and stay resistant to the troubles whirling around the sector.
IMAGES: World's top 20 global outsourcing companies
Average revenue for 2012 Global Outsourcing 100 providers was $1.6 billion, with a growth rate of 6 percent versus 13 percent in 2008.
Building an IT portfolio? Look at mid-cap stocks
The quarterly results of India's big four IT (information technology) players (HCL, TCS, Infosys and Wipro) have left investors confused, with no clarity on the sector's outlook.
India has the world's best, largest power grid: Moily
Power is a very crucial sector, as it fuels growth; one per cent increase in power generation leads to one per cent increase in gross domestic product, says Veerappa Moily.
Are India, US on the brink of trade war?
Political rhetoric ahead of Presidential elections in US is denting trade ties.
Rupee down 25 paise vs dollar in early trade
The rupee on Thursday lost 25 paise to 55.72 against the US dollar in early trade at the InterbankForeign Exchange market as the American currency gained strength against other currencies overseas.
Sensex ends 4-day upmove, falls 33 pts
Snapping a four-day gaining streak, the BSE benchmark Sensex on Thursday fell over 57 points in early trade due to profit-booking after recent gains amid a mixed trend in other Asian markets.
Good news! SBI slashes home, auto loan rates
On the day P Chidambaram took charge as the Union finance minister, the country's largest lender, State Bank of India (SBI), brought interest rate relief to its new home and automobile loan customers.
Why filing tax returns is necessary
Tax must be paid by the assessee failure of which will invite interest and penalties.
IMAGES: India among biggest nuclear-power generators
There is no shortage of uranium on the planet.
As jobs vanish, it's a NIGHTMARE for the unemployed
The unemployment rate in the euro zone has hit the highest since 1995 with the economic crisis forcing many companies to slash jobs.
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| August 01, 2012 | | Diesel, LPG, kerosene prices may be hiked
With a high-powered ministerial panel on fuel pricing being scrapped, a cabinet committee may consider raising the prices of diesel, LPG and kerosene, Oil Minister S Jaipal Reddy indicated on Wednesday but refused to say when the issue would be taken up.
BAD NEWS! Hiring goes downhill across all sectors
The survey by leading job portal Naukri.com has revealed a dip in hiring sentiment across sectors, with only 62 per cent of recruiters saying that new jobs will be created in the second half of 2012, as compared to 80 per cent a year ago.
Auto companies see mixed results in July
Most auto companies posted positive reults, while others saw a dip due to high interest rates, high fuel prices and other factors.
SHOCKING!10% of rural India lives on less than Rs 17 a day
According to a government survey released for 2011-12 on household consumer expenditure, "The poorest 10 per cent of India's rural population had an average monthly per capita expenditure of Rs 503.49 per month."
China's millionaire number crosses million mark
The number of millionaires in China crossed a million mark for the first in the Communist nation, putting it in the elite club of the wealthy nations like US and Japan.
Sahara eyes French palaces, Marriott's UK portfolio
Two deals are all it took the Sahara Group to let the global hospitality industry know it meant business.
Column: RBI's balance of growth and inflation may be wrong
The Reserve Bank of India, in its first-quarter review of monetary policy, kept the benchmark policy rate constant at 8 per cent.
Why clinical trials have gone haywire in India
There is no independent audit to investigate the cause of death and the regulator simply takes the word of the investigator.
Why Serious Fraud Investigation Office is back in news
Known best for its probe into the Satyam scam in 2009-10, SFIO is again making headlines, thanks to various high-profile cases of alleged frauds being referred to it in the last few months.
IMAGES: How the stunning BMW Welt was built
The BMW Welt is an architectural marvel blending technology, design, innovation and style.
Slowdown will impact asset quality: Subir Gokarn
Subir Gokarn says credit-deposit growth mismatch for a longer period could put pressure on liquidity.
Should you BUY the new Mahindra Verito? Find out
The new Mahindra Verito will face stiff competition from Maruti Swift Dzire and Toyota Etios.
How to cut corners on purchase of property
Buying a house is a big investment for most people and the financial burden can be huge. However, some states provide relief in the form of lower stamp duty rates for women buyers. These include Delhi, UP, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab.
Dreamliner for AI suffers engine mishap; probe on in US
This is only the second aircraft to be built at the airframer's Charleston, South Carolina, facility.
Can Chidambaram REVIVE the Indian economy?
He is an architect of economic reforms and a part of Manmohan Singh's dream team.
Toyota Etios Liva TRD Sportivo in India now
This Sporty initiative by Japanese carmaker will definitely steal the hearts of numerous 'racing' enthusiasts across the country.
IMAGES: 15 companies that have ZERO debt
There are some companies that have no debt at all.
Missed the deadline for filing tax returns? Don't panic
There are ways to salvage the situation by filing belated returns under various clauses.
Metro rail costlier than space travel: Chinese planners
As more cities across world opt for metro rail making it the mainstay of urban transportation,Chinese planners have warned that their construction and maintenance turned out to be costlier than space travel, with networks in Beijing and Shanghai running in big losses.
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| July 31, 2012 | | No rate cut: Both praises and brickbats for RBI
For the second consecutive time, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday left the key interest rates unchanged in its attempt to fight inflation.
NDTV sues Nielsen for 'taking bribes to fix ratings'
NDTV has sued Nielsen for allegedly manipulating viewership data in favour of channels that were willing to give bribes.
Dubai airport turns busiest, sees 27.9 mn passengers
Dubai International Airport recorded the busiest first half in its history with 27.9 million passengers passing through its three terminals between January and June this year, the traffic report issued by Dubai Airports said.
Why RBI's decision to retain old rates is right
The central bank lowered the Statutory Liquidity Ratio -- amount of deposits banks park in government bonds -- by 1 per cent to 23 per cent.
HDFC banks on its 'recession-proof' formula
Despite the ups and downs, the home financier is able to sustain its spreads and report the same loan growth Q-o-Q; so predictable that analysts sometimes find it boring.
Tamil Nadu: Distressed farmers look for other jobs
Demand for consumer goods is almost intact due to availability of jobs outside the farm sector, such as MGNREGS.
Start-up success: An Indian product for Fortune 500 cos
This start-up helps corporates use social tools to understand their competitors' social media strategy.
Want to save money? e-shopping is the answer
Some other sites that allow repayment over longer tenures also waive off interest cost but that might be built into the product price.
World's most difficult companies to get a job
Here we take a look at companies that conduct toughest interviews in the world.
Reserve Bank of India leaves key rates unchanged
The central bank cut SLR to 23 per cent from 24 per cent.
ONGC sitting on a pile of cash is a myth: Sudhir Vasudeva
Despite stagnant domestic production and challenging geopolitics, Oil and Natural Gas Corp has a plan to produce 130 million tonnes (mt) oil equivalent by 2030.
Inflation a big worry, says RBI
Calls for decisive fiscal policy action to revive growth
The pill pushers: Story of a questionable nexus
There are 20,000 pharma companies in India scrambling to get doctors to prescribe their drugs.
IMAGES: Who lost how much from Facebook stock crash
As a whole, Facebook's insiders have lost about $19.2 billion.
IMAGES: 3 closest rivals of the all-new BMW 3 series
The new 3 still has a fight on its hands.
IMAGES: World's 10 most innovative NEW city projects
These city projects promise better urban living conditions.
IMAGES: This is the world's TALLEST green building
The 1,666 foot tall building has received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council.
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| July 30, 2012 | | FMCG firms to face monsoon blues
Despite a handsome performance by leading fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies in the June quarter, the road ahead appears full of hurdles.
Special: How China is handling the economic slowdown
China's leaders are responding to the growth slowdown, but risk losing their strategic direction.
'Strict action needed to stop corruption in NREGA'
We need real laws to protect whistle-blowers, and even more than that real action should be taken against perpetrators, says Sandip Sukhtankar.
IMAGES: Boom time for luxury market in China
Major international luxury goods manufacturers are riding high in China with the luxury goods market booming, despite a slowdown in economic growth.
How Toyota aims to attract the youth
Having entered the mass segment in India with its compact range, comprising the Etios and the Etios Liva a little over a year ago, the campaign marks its first major attempt to communicate to the masses.
US GDP: A tale of uninspiring new normal
Meanwhile, adjustments to prior years suggest America's emergence from the 2009 recession has been sluggish, yet steady.
IMAGES: All about the Rs 28.9 lakh new BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 series is here to challenge the Audi A4, Mercedes C Class and the likes.
Warning: Markets caught between devil and deep sea
With the Nifty settling below 5,050 on the expiration of July 2012 series, tongues seem to have started to wag again over the outlook for the markets in India.
Premium food and beverage market to see fast growth
Premium food and beverage market is expected to grow rapidly.
Why metros are going off-track
Chiefs of metro rail corporations, operating or implementing rapid transport systems in various cities, are reported to have demanded that they be freed from the regulatory control of the Indian Railways.
Property prices in Mumbai set to increase 20%
Have already touched Rs 1 lakh per sq ft, surpassing those of Manhattan in NY and London.
Dry spell: Food prices on fire
Prices of essential commodities, including foodgrains, have surged 8-10 per cent in just three days, because of deficient rains and on concerns that the farm output this kharif season would be hit badly.
IMAGES: Indian Railways exports these beautiful coaches!
Established in 1986, Rail Coach Factory (RCF), a manufacturing unit of Indian Railways has manufactured around 16,000 passenger coaches of 51 different types including self propelled passenger vehicles which constitute over 35% of the total coaches in the Indian Railways.
PHOTOS: Making of Mahindra Xylo
Its portfolio comprises of some amazing models like Mahindra Scorpio, Mahindra XUV 500, Mahindra Verito sedan and Mahindra Xylo.
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| July 27, 2012 | | IMAGES: Sachin Tendulkar unveils all-new BMW 3 series
German carmaker BMW on Friday launched its 3 Series in India, as competition hots up in the luxury car market.
HDFC Bank overtakes SBI as India's most valued bank
SBI shares were seen trading under pressure with a fall of nearly 2 per cent this afternoon, despite an overall uptrend in the market, while HDFC Bank shares gained by more than 3 per cent.
FDI does not benefit any country: Madhav Gadgil
"FDI doesn't benefit any country; these investors are exploiting us," Says Madhav Gadgil.
'Indian IT cos supported 2.8 lakh jobs in US last year'
Acknowledging that India's trade and economic relationship with the US has not scaled the heights reached in US trade and economic ties with China, she said there are goals yet to be achieved in this area.
COLUMN: How did the bankers become sexy?
Banks are being squeezed every which way -- on capital, on compensation, on credibility. Jobs in financial services will become scarcer and will pay less.
Shinzo Nakanishi: Maruti Suzuki's unsung crisis manager
Shinzo Nakanishi, the 65-year-old managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL), spent the better part of last week visiting and apologising to injured colleagues across half a dozen hospitals in Gurgaon, Haryana.
'91% bearings on Delhi Airport Metro track were defective'
A report of a joint inspection committee (JIC) - comprising experts from DMRC, Indian Railways and Reliance Infra - has revealed that the Airport Metro Express line had been rolling on a track that had 91 per cent of its bearings dislocated.
PM as FM: Nothing much has changed
The prime minister has been careful to say the right things about foreign investment and animal spirits; some of the more controversial aspects of the Mukherjee era are being given a high-profile review.
Mahindra's new-look Verito @ Rs 5.27 lakh
The car will be available in both petrol and diesel options and will take on Maruti Suzuki's DZire and Toyota Kirloskar Motor's Etios.
Why prices rise by 300% from market to consumers
With a multi-tier supply chain, consumers pay up to 300% more than wholesale prices for agricultural commodities.
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| July 26, 2012 | | Why workers at Maruti's Manesar plant are disgruntled
The salaries for the top management, which was already better off, have gone up many times whereas wages at the bottom have marginally increased thereby widening the gap between the rich and the poor.
IMAGES: An amazing bus that does push-ups!
Czech artist David Cerny is transforming a London bus into an amazing robotic sculpture.
Bad monsoon? How it will hit key sectors of the economy
Not just agriculture, monsoons are important for the hydro-electric power generation too, which in turn reduces the consumption of diesel and other forms of fuel.
What the Apple CEO likes and dislikes about India
"I love India, but I believe Apple has some higher potential in the intermediate term in some other countries," Apple CEO Tim Cook said.
'Auction land instead of compensating farmers'
Farmers should decide how much compensation is enough for them, say Parikshit Ghosh and Maitreesh Ghatak.
IMAGES: Car of the Year - Hyundai Elantra
It seems the Korean carmaker Hyundai Motors has pulled up its socks to conquer every bit of premium car segment.
Slowing output: What the RBI should do
RBI's policy stance must address concerns over slowing output
Mascot Quiz: Can you identify these figures
A brand mascot personifies the brand very effectively. They have the capacity to create a better brand recall and strong positioning for a brand. Take this quiz to find out if these mascot have managed to leave a lasting impression.
Smaller, mid-size IT cos performing well: Nasscom
With some IT majors performing below industry expectations, Nasscom on Wednesday said smaller and mid-size companies, which adopted different strategy after the 2008-09 economic crisis have peformed well, posting up to 20 per cent growth.
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| July 25, 2012 | | HCL to hire 10,000 employees in US
HCL Technologies on Wednesday said it will give salary hikes of up to 8 per cent to its offshoreemployees and its plan of hiring 10,000 people in the US and Europe is also on track despite the global economicuncertainties.
Tough measures needed to make AI survive: IATA
Tough measures need to be taken to make Air India "survive and thrive", global airlines body IATA said on Wednesday, asking the government to take a cue from the merger of two state-owned Japanese carriers which slashed jobs and operations to come out of bankruptcy.
FDI inflows to India see sharp dip in May
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India declined sharply for the second month in a row in Maywith inflows slipping to $1.32 billion from $4.66 billion in the year-ago period, reflecting the impact of slowing global economy.
Facebook user base soars to 50 million in India
Facebook has said its user base in India has grown from 8 million in 2010 to 50 million now and most of the people access the site through mobile phones, prompting it rethink its model.
Now, check your PF account on EPFO site
Over 50 million subscribers of the retirement fund body EPFO can obtain e-passbook along with details of their updated accounts online from Wednesday.
Jet chief on what ails India's aviation sector
On the high costs facing the Indian airline industry, Goyal said the factors included a depreciating rupee against the dollar, escalating jet fuel prices, high taxes and rising infrastructure costs.
Petrol, diesel prices rise in 7 states, drop in 11
Petrol and diesel prices were on Wednesday hiked in seven states like West Bengal and Maharastra and that of domestic LPG in six states as state-owned oil firms recalibrated rates to reflect changes in local levies.
IIT Mumbai alumnus gifts $1 million to Cornell
Raj Gupta, former chairman and CEO of pharmaecuticals giant, Rohm & Haas, endowed $1 million fellowship to his alma mater, Cornell University in the name of his parents.
Income Tax officials after 'big fish', raids up 60%
The value of assets seized during raids by the Income Tax Department has more than doubled in last five years, as the department started going after the 'big fish'.
43% engineers in India can't write correct English
This poor grasp over grammar by engineering graduates is highlighted in a report by employability measurement and recruitment firm Aspiring Minds.
AMAZING! $70-mn organ chips could recreate human body
The five-year long 'Tissue Chip for Drug Testing' programme, worth 45 million pounds ($70 million), is being funded by three giant US agencies, the Daily Mail reported.
India profits for small foreign banks plunge
Lower revenue, rise in costs, higher provisions hit earnings in a subdued growth environment.
How Germany shrugs off Moody's downgrade
Moody's had revised credit outlook of Germany to negative, raising the possibility of the economic major losing its coveted 'Aaa' rating amid worsening European debt turmoil.
Birla, Jindal go after foreign mining assets
India's resource-hungry corporations are going aggressive to acquire natural resource assets overseas.
Loan pricing by banks comes under RBI lens
Base rate effectiveness under review due to lack of monetary transmission
IMAGES: A tale of Bangalore and Delhi Metro
Bangalore and Delhi experiences have lessons to offer metro projects in other Indian cities.
PHOTOS: Largest consumer markets in the world
India, like other emerging economies, is a huge consumer market, and it is expected to grow further.
Stunning images: Tallest buildings in Dubai
The history of skyscrapers in Dubai began with the construction of the 149-metre (489 ft) Dubai World Trade Centre in 1979.
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| July 24, 2012 | | Manesar land: Maruti asked to pay Rs 235 cr to farmers
Maruti Suzuki's woes at Manesar are piling up with the Haryana government asking the company to pay Rs 235 crore (Rs 2.35 billion) to HSIIDC as enhanced compensation to farmersfor land acquisition under a Supreme Court order.
Infosys to hire 2,000 people in US by Dec
India second largest software firm Infosys on Tuesday said it plans to hire close to 2,000 people in the US by the end of this year.
Oil Ministry pushing for hike in diesel, LPG prices
Close on the heels of a 70 paise per litre hike in petrol prices, the Oil Ministry is pushing for an increase in diesel and domestic cooking gas LPG prices, even though it is unsure of political support for the unpopular move with the ruling UPA alliance.
PM's stand on reforms: What Premji has to say
Premji said more than policy initiatives, the government should systematically execute on issues which are part of the existing policy.
Inappropriate pix on Facebook? You could lose a job!
In one of the biggest ever studies of the importance of Facebook profiles among job hunters, American scientists found that employees increasingly use the social networking site to weed out unsuitable candidates, the Daily Mail reported.
Iron ore: Much ado about little things
To look at it rationally, a steel plant in Visakhapatnam without ownership of mines perhaps will not be worse off if it starts using Australian ore instead of hauling the mineral from Bailadila in Chattisgarh, especially when sea freight is down and rail charges are up.
Success story: Meet the world's youngest entrepreneurs
When brothers 12-year-old Shravan Kumaran and 10-year-old Sanjay Kumaran registered their own company in December 2011, little did they know that they would become the youngest entrepreneurs in the world.
Maruti vs workers: Lessons from Manesar
There is enough blame to go around for Maruti violence.
Business schools get more women on board
Management institutes are putting in additional efforts to get more woman students on their campuses.
Mumbai, Jaipur to get AC double-decker trains
The much awaited fully air conditioned double-decker trains between Delhi-Jaipur and Mumbai-Ahmedabad are set to be launched soon as both of them have got safety clearance.
Can Lumia revive Nokia's fortunes in India?
After getting hammered by competitors like Samsung both globally and in India, Nokia's domestic revival rests on its latest Lumia series of phones.
Wipro Q1 net up 18.37% at Rs 1,580 crore
The company had posted a net profit of Rs 1,334.9 crore (Rs 13.34 billion) in the April-June quarter of last fiscal, Wipro said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.
'India lacks China's ruthless pursuit'
India's economy is slowing down due to domestic issues, says Sumit Ganguly.
IMAGES: Slowest-growing economies in the world
Some nations are finding it hard to boost growth.
Why YouTube continues to rule online video streaming
With nearly 72 hours of content uploaded (globally) onto its platform every minute, YouTube remains the top video site in India with over 25 per cent share of the market.
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| July 23, 2012 | | EGoM for spectrum price between Rs 14,111-Rs 15,111 cr
In a relief to telecom operators, the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) is believed to have suggested setting a 20 per cent lower base or bid start price at Rs 14,111-15,111 crore for the proposed spectrum auction.
I-T dept adds column for declaring foreign assets
Tightening the norms, Income Tax (I-T) Department has introduced a new column seeking details of foreign assets in the Income Tax Return (ITR) forms for the 2012-13 assessment year.
Petrol price up by 70 paise a litre
Oil companies have decided to hike petrol price by 70 paise per litre with effect from midnight tonight.
India's rural market is a $1.8-trillion opportunity
Indicating that Hindustan Unilever (HUL) which sells almost 40 percent of its brands in thehinterlands will increase its focus on rural markets, the consumer goods major today called for convergence of urban and rural marketers so that prosperity spreads to the rural areas.
Facebook spent $960,000 on lobbying
Facebook, which went public in May, tripled the amount spent on lobbying activities to nearly $1 million in three months ended June 2012.
AI to consider sacked pilots' plea with sympathy
The Air India management on Monday told the Delhi High Court that it has revoked the sacking of nine of the 101 pilots and would sympathetically consider the other cases, which would be decided within four to six weeks.
From an Army Colonel to a successful entrepreneur
the Colonel is a successful entrepreneur with his business expanding to many places in India.
How NIIT is surviving the downturn
NIIT Technologies continues to show resilience despite the weakness in the West. The tier-2 IT services company reported sustained order flows and employee utilisation as well as moderate attrition rates for the June 2012 quarter. CEO Arvind Thakur about how they are surviving the slowdown.
IMAGES: World's most powerful women in business
Meet the women who make a big difference in the world of business.
Simple steps to e-filing income tax returns
The deadline for filing income tax returns is (July 31) fast approaching. While many may be filing returns through their chartered accountant, filing e-returns (electronic returns) is the fastest and more convenient.
Tough market? Not for Audi India
Having displaced world leader BMW to claim the numero uno position in the luxury car market in India, the company is confident of achieving 35-40 per cent growth in sales this year against an industry expectation of 10 per cent.
Luxury players look at smaller cars to up volumes
Luxury car makers are lowering the entry barrier and lining up half a dozen launches in the premium segment.
Do we really need the meteorological department?
A dedicated system to make district-wise, five-day forecasts can effectively deliver at one-tenth the Met's expenditure.
IMAGES: Is your brand a fake yet?
Every self-respecting city in India will have its version of China Town or Chor Bazaar.
Fizzy war: Big Cola set to take on Coke, Pepsi
India is the fourth Asian country where the Latin American brand is trying its luck.
IMAGES: World's 20 biggest IPOs
Many companies go public by launching IPOs, but not all turn out to be roaring success.
Infra needs fast-track board, says top analyst
Steps are needed at granular level to boost investment in infrastructure, says Vinayak Chatterjee.
Global super-rich hiding $21trn in tax havens
At least $21 trillion of unreported private financial wealth was owned by wealthy individuals via tax havens.
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| July 20, 2012 | | Reliance net drops 21% to Rs 4,473 cr
RIL announced its Q1 results on Friday
It's going to be a bumpy ride for markets: MD, StanChart
Indian equity markets have seen huge inflows of foreign money recently, which many attribute to lower valuations and reduced flow of negative news.
Poor rains globally may add to India's woes
As the monsoon situation in India turns gloomy, relying on foreign markets for imports might not be of much help, since India is not alone in facing the spectre of a drought.
An entrepreneur who helps students with internships
Karthikeyan shares his experience of starting Twenty19, an NGO, Deepam that works for underprivileged children and his passion for marathons.
20 cities with most expensive office spaces
International commercial property markets have reacted to the increased uncertainty in the global economy in late 2011 and early 2012 with varying degrees of resilience.
Can we trust unemployment rate claimed by govt?
Why unemployment figures in India mean little.
Why does RBI's balancing theory fail to convince
The word 'balancing' seems to be a favourite of Reserve Bank of India Governor D Subbarao.
What ails Infosys?
Consecutive quarters of missed targets have alarmed the investor community.
We cannot jeopardise our business: Infosys
He feels that, like in the past, the firm will prove detractors wrong, and create a business proposition that will be followed.
Modi to pitch for Suzuki factory during Japan visit
Maruti is in the final stages of talks with the state government to set up a manufacturing plant in Gujarat, similar to those in Gurgaon and Manesar.
Reliance plans to be a strong TV player
Reliance Broadcast is building a curious network of English and regional channels.
We're clear on why we need FDI in retail: Anand Sharma
He said policy could not be rigid, while declining to say by when FDI in multi-brand retail would be allowed.
Manesar violence: Analysts turn heat on union leaders
Analysts came down heavily on D L Sachdev, secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress, for the latest developments at the plant following which the management has shut the plant.
Anil Kumar gets away with two-year probation
Anil Kumar came out from a courtroom in Southern New York, all smiles.
IMAGES: The stunning Ford Classic Titanium is here!
Ford Classic Titanium is an entry level sedan, which has been blessed with a number of advanced features and most importantly improved mileage.
IMAGES: Countries with lowest working hours
In several countries, the average hours worked per year has fallen by more than 20.
An inside view of the Adidas innovation laboratory
US market leader Nike and German rival Adidas are locked in their own Olympic battle to boost athletes' performance and squeeze maximum value out of the London Olympic Games.
IMAGES: The tough life of window cleaners
The cleaners have to obtain a license for high-rise operations and must not have high blood pressure or naturally suffer a fear of heights.
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| July 19, 2012 | | Reliance launches new 3G tablet for Rs 14,499
Reliance 3G Tab comes with a 7-inch capacitive touch screen with Android 2.3 OS and a high speed processor of 1.4GHz.
SPECIAL: The success story of Freshdesk
Freshdesk is one of the numerous start-up success stories India is witnessing ever since the economy opened.
QUIZ: Dong is the currency of which country?
It's time to test if you are a numismatist - a person who likes to collect coins. Take this quiz to find out, if you can match the world currency with their respective countries.
New York has the highest demand of H1-B visas
The top uncapped employers are the nation's largest research institutions and universities from across the country, including the University of Michigan, the University of Texas at Austin, the National Institutes of Health, and the Johns Hopkins University.
Earnings' checklist: Key sectors one should keep an eye on
With high inflation and low growth plaguing the economy, the results' season has turned important.
Can Team Manmohan deliver?
PM's new vigour should revive investment - but may not return India to nine per cent growth.
Indian economy: Ratan Tata's prescription for the PM
The Chairman of the $100-billion conglomerate has also hit out at the Opposition, media and 'some members of ruling party', saying it is 'grossly misdirected' to single out the Prime Minister and blame him for the economic woes that the country is facing at present.
IMAGES: Ford plans EcoSport in diesel, petrol
The vehicle is expected to be rolled out in the first quarter of 2013.
US faces worst drought in 25 years; may up food prices
As many as 61 per cent of the land mass of the United States is currently being characterised as being impacted by this drought, the Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, told reporters on Wednesday at a White House news conference, noting that this drought is having an impact in crops.
Some myths about income tax
According to a study, there are several misconceptions regarding income tax.
PHOTOS: How Hong Kong was 40 years ago
Life in Hong Kong was very different 40 years ago.
India's promising cities: Vijayawada tops, Patna at No. 5
India's booming cities are set to become major commercial hubs.
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| July 18, 2012 | | Sebi allows QFIs to invest $1 bn in corp bonds
To increase fund flow in the bond market, market regulator Sebi on Wednesday issued guidelines allowing overseas individual investors to invest up to $1 billion in corporate bonds and debt schemes of mutual funds without any lock-in period.
Pilots' sacking: AI withdraws proposal
The impasse over reinstatement of 101 sacke pilots of Air India continued as the airlines on Wednesday withdrew from Delhi High Court its proposal after Indian Pilots Guild sought amendments including induction of a retired judge in a manage ment committee formed to deal with it.
IMAGES: How logos of companies have changed
Many companies around the world have rebranded themselves by changing their logos.
World Bank economist slams gender inequality in India
South Asia has the highest gender inequality in the world, says Kalpana Kochhar.
Europe crisis hits India-France bilateral trade
Eurozone crisis has hit the India-France bilateral trade and achieving the USD 12 billion target (of the trade) would be difficult this year, French Ambassador to India, Francois Richier, said.
PHOTOS: New cars for old boost Maruti's sales
Country's largest car maker draws nearly half of its sales from exchange programmes, rural focus.
IMAGES: Brands rush to tie up with Olympics
Companies are rushing to sign up and run promotions for the 2012 London Olympics.
One Indian among the world's richest women
According to the Forbes the world's richest women (two women tied at 20th place) have a combined total net worth of $248.6 billion, or an average of $11.84 billion each. That's a slight jump up from last year's 20 richest, whose average net worth was $11.6 billion.
Of Gypsy and XUV500: Is rabbit safe where cheetah prowls?
Maruti Suzuki India may have taken pride in its 'Gypsy' model with defence forces as its main customers but Mahindra & Mahindra Vice-Chairman and MD Anand Mahindra has likened it to a rabbit compared to the company's cheetah-inspired 'XUV500'.
Beginning of the end of India's mainstream media?
From politics to economics, from cinema to sports, to arts to culture, social media has a view on everything.
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| July 17, 2012 | | 'HSBC exposed US to terror funding, money laundering risk'
A US Senate panel has accused global banking giant HSBC of exposing the country's financial system to various terror financing, money laundering and drug trafficking activities with transactions worth billions of dollars, due to poor risk control systems at the bank.
Who will buy 88,000 MW of power?
With 37,000 mw of existing power capacity lying unutilised, the additional 88,000 mw announced by the power minister will find few takers unless tariffs go up.
Taj, Oberoi under pressure from foreign hotel chains
The influx of such international hotels chains into India over the last two years has led to a sharp correction in room rates, not just in Pune but also in other hot spots like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and Goa.
COLUMN: Of wrong rain and the economy
As in 2009, the India Meteorological Department is understating the effect of the delayed, deficient monsoon.
Bad News: Upside risks to inflation persist
Inflation data for June has not brought any cheer to the markets. From this data, the possibility of a rate cut is negligible. Deficient monsoons and higher food prices would make any rate action difficult.
At 7.25%, inflation still above comfort level: RBI Governor
His comments poured cold water on hopes that the central bank may have a rethink on rates after the wholesale price index, the main inflation gauge, rose a lower-than-expected annual 7.25 per cent in June, its slowest rise since January, helped by moderation in fuel prices.
Stunning IMAGES of an air show in England
Farnborough International Air Show is held in England.
How free drug policy will redefine health insurance
Insurers may be burning their fingers in urban health portfolios for some time now, but the government's rural healthcare initiatives, including its decision to provide free generic drugs to public hospitals, are set to offer fresh avenues of growth for them.
Welcome Mr Obama's attention, don't condemn it
US President Barack Obama is known as a measured, temperate man, and his remarks on the Indian economy in an interview, this past weekend should bolster that reputation.
What downturn? Birla goes on a shopping spree
With six acquisitions in a little over a year, Birla has charted out a bold expansion path for his group.
IMAGES: 10 top-performing airlines in the world
Smaller and niche carriers dominate latest top-performing airlines study this year.
Rupee gains 20 paise to end at 55.11 vs USD
Dollar selling by exporters & banks, amid higher opening in domestic equity market supported rupee.
Markets end flat amid range bound trade
Broader markets under perform.
Fashion industry: A STORY of consumption and waste
Professor Tonya Boone draws upon her research on sustainable supply chains to discuss the impact of fashion industry on the environment and the implications of fast fashion for India.
These eight countries DON'T PAY personal income tax
According to CNBC's list based on KPMG's 2011 survey of 96 countries, these eight nations don't have to pay any income tax to their government.
The first serious, small SUV is here. And it's GOOD
The Renault Duster is available as a two-wheel drive model only, with a few interesting engine options.
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| July 16, 2012 | | New corporate sop: Health benefits for staff
Firms are increasingly launching health initiatives for their employees to reduce stress, revitalise body -- it also helps keep people occupied.
Facebook turning teens into gambling addicts: Experts
With a burst of casino-type games on Facebook, experts have warned that the social networking site is turning youngsters into gambling addicts.
Monsoon worries keep stock markets on edge
With almost one third of the season over, rainfall until, last week was 23 per cent below the 50-year average.
India has not reached drought situation yet: Pawar
India has not reached the drought situation yet, although it faces the challenge of maintaining record foodgrains production due to weak monsoons this year, Agriculture Minster Sharad Pawar said on Monday.
IMAGES: Millennium City woes
Gurgaon is the industrial and financial centre of Haryana.
SPECIAL: Why Infosys is worried and TCS isn't
IT industry's two giants present a contrast.
How the govt plans to cover trade gap with China
Deficit is likely to touch $60 bn this financial year from $40 bn in the previous one.
How the TCS boss keeps the company agile
N Chandrasekaran, managing director and CEO of Tata Consultancy Services, maintains that his company has proved its adaption to merging trends by reporting consistent growth.
How India and China are fuelling global growth
Emerging giants India and China are leading the global economy on a '32-62-72' growth path, Standard Chartered Bank's Chief Economist has said -- using the numeric phrase for evolving economic size of the world.
Woman charges dollar a minute for a cuddle
A woman is offering sessions where she cuddles strangers for one dollar a minute.
IMAGES: Mahindra Scorpio - the journey so far
Mahindra & Mahindra has come a long way from being a utility vehicle maker to a reigning SUV czar.
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| July 13, 2012 | | Infy, HCL, Wipro among world's top 10 outsourcing cos
According to a PTI report, in the latest '2012 Global Outsourcing 100', compiled by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals, three Indian firms have found a place in the top 10, with Accenture heading the list.
Inflation is high; RBI may not cut rates
The index of industrial production -- gauge of industrial activity in terms of production -- showed a 2.4 per cent growth in May, down from 6.2 per cent a year ago.
Buying property abroad can be much cheaper
A three-bedroom apartment (1,000 square feet super built-up) in the Mumbai suburb of Bandra (east) can set you back easily by over Rs 4 crore (Rs 40 million). But for just half the amount, or Rs 2 crore ($400,000), you could own a flat in Dubai.
We don't want to be a money-laundering nation:Singapore PM
Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore, believes bilateral economic ties between his country and India can be significantly enhanced, if India builds up a stable policy regime to soothe investors' nerves. He said India should get its record straight and not indicate Singapore as a black-money hub.
Slowdown: China Q2 GDP growth at a three year low
China's economic growth fell to 7.6 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2012, from 8.1 percent in the first quarter, the slowest growth since first quarter of 2009.
IMAGES: World's 10 fastest cars of 2013
Some car companies in the world that are known for producing supercars.
IMAGES: Europe's 20 tallest buildings
The Shard in London is the tallest building in Europe.
Amul girl far cuter than Amul boy: DaCunha
The Amul campaign has been telling stories of India through the hoardings, captivating Indians of all ages.
India wastes most of its water and exports the rest
The devastating floods in Assam and the continuing scarcity of water in its cities are woeful manifestations of India's mismanagement of water. India may not be a water-rich country, but it is not water-starved either.
TCS v/s Infosys: Who is the new bellwether?
TCS emerges as a safe haven, as Infosys stumbles for sixth straight quarter.
QUIZ: How well do you know your airlines?
The world of aviation is so fascinating that it has developed a sense of heritage. There are museums dedicated to their history and the famous people who have made a name for themselves in aviation history. Further, this industry continues to play up its part as millions around the world make their way through the terminals of both International and domestic airports on a daily basis.
IMAGES: 15 fastest-growing retailers in US
Online retailers are reporting much better numbers than traditional ones.
Indian executives lead in job hopping
About 60 per cent executives in India plan to quit their jobs within five years against the global average of 44 per cent
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| July 12, 2012 | | TCS Q1 net up 37.39% at Rs 3,318 cr
TCS Q1 FY'13 consolidated revenue up 37.71 per cent at Rs 14,868.71 crore.
ADB lowers India's growth projection to 6.5%
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday lowered the growth forecast for India to 6.5 per cent for the current fiscal, from the earlier 7 per cent projection, on the back of subdued demand and high inflation.
Competition to pinch telecom players in Q1
Competitive intensity has returned to haunt the telecom sector.
No wage hike for Infy staff; hiring plan on track
The hiring plan, which includes 13,000 jobs for its BPO operations, will be adhered to despite an uncertain global economic growth environment and the wage-hike freeze.
IMAGES: 10 most transparent companies in the world
Transparency International has studied most open companies in the world.
China's small cities taking giant strides
Kunshan, one of China's smallest cities, produces 40 per cent of world's laptops, its neighbour Shengzhou supplies 40 per cent of global neckties while Yiwu is the world's largest commodity market.
Unique idea: This shop has a jail theme!
Ram Soni wants to send a message about the dangers of tobacco, a common ingredient in paan, through his jail cell-themed shop decorated with hangman's nooses in the Ahmedabad.
BAD NEWS! Industrial production slows to 2.4%
Growth in factory output, as measured by the Index of Industrial Production, was 6.2 per cent in May 2011, according to the official data released on Thursday.
Pre-nups: Growing trend among working couples
Working couples are increasingly going for prenuptial agreements, though these are not recognised under the Marriage Act which supersedes the Contract Act in cases of dispute.
Images: India's 30 most PROSPEROUS cities
Competitiveness, productivity and prosperity of these cities are the key to economic success.
Indian economy: Half full or three-quarters empty?
The two paths India could follow: one moderately positive, one relentlessly negative.
General Motors' U-turn catches IT companies off guard
Auto major plans to cut technology outsourcing from 90 to 10 per #162 TCS, Wipro, others could be at receiving end
Downgrade sword hangs, diesel prices may rise Rs 5/lt
Keen to prevent a downgrade of India's sovereign rating by Standard & Poor's (S&P), which could trigger an exodus of foreign investors, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has told the Congress party there is no option but to raise diesel prices by at least Rs 5 a litre after the Presidential election. The current diesel subsidy is Rs 9.13 per litre sold.
Infosys Q1 net rises 33% at Rs 2,289 crore
IT-major Infosys reported a marginal decline of 1.2 per cent in consolidated net profit at Rs 2,289 crore (Rs 22.89 billion) for the quarter ended June 2012. It was Rs 2,316 crore (Rs 23.16 billion) in the previous quarter ended March 31.
IMAGES: On board Richard Branson's SpaceShipTwo
Virgin Galactic, the world's first commercial spaceline, announced "LauncherOne", a new air-launched rocket specifically designed to deliver small satellites into orbit.
IMAGES: 10 best-selling products of all time
There are some products that not only break all records, but also change our lives.
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| July 11, 2012 | | New Delhi is the most competitive city in India
New Delhi has topped the list of most competitive cities for the third year in a row with a score of 69.732, in the City Competitiveness Index.
Pilots' strike on: 12 Kingfisher flights cancelled
Nine flights from Bengaluru and at least three from Delhi were cancelled till this afternoon as several pilots did not report for duty, airline officials said.
Monsoon picks up, but half of India is deficient
The southwest monsoon has picked up pace, and is now on the verge of covering almost the entire country.
The next decade belongs to Indian entrepreneurs
"We can go back to being 25% of the global economy if we get Indian entrepreneurship right," says Saurabh Srivastava.
Peugeot revises India launch target
PSA Peugeot Citroen, France's largest car maker, has again revised its India launch plans, as it battles financial losses.
PHOTOS: Town converts Walmart into library
A Texas town has turned an old abandoned Walmart into a massive public library.
Did not mock the middle class: Chidambaram
Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday lashed out at home minister P Chidambaram for his remarks that the middle class is ready to pay for mineral water and ice cream but can't bear an increase of Re 1 in price of wheat and rice, saying he has shown insensitivity towards them and ridiculed them.
Is the infrastructure sector on a turnaround path?
Focus on the Dedicated Freight Corridor and Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor could spur the sector.
Mobile phone radiation affects you: What's the govt doing?
While we laud the dramatic rise in India's tele-density thanks to the mobile phone penetration, it is concerning to see most subscribers, including the educated class, unaware of the possible health hazards due to radiation from mobile phones and mobile towers.
How Dhirubhai's iconic brand became his son's castaway
Vimal was a pioneer in making TV commercials for fabrics, the first to use Bollywood stars and cricketers as brand ambassadors and among the earliest to start a national retail chain. What happened to it?
The pros and cons of free generic drugs
The Planning Commission's working group on drugs and food for the 12th Five-Year Plan estimated that the country's public health sector caters to only 22 per cent of the population.
Nobel to Team Manmohan - for MISMANAGING the economy
If the dream team was responsible for the economic growth between 2004 and 2008 they are responsible for the fall between 2008 and now.
IMAGES: 10 countries paying fortune in pension
Some countries are taking extreme measures to reduce debt and bring the budget in order.
Lessons from Kasab for the financial sector
Abu Jundal is the latest hot property in terror-related news in India. Newspaper reports are replete with stories of how intelligence agencies are gleaning more information from him.
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| July 10, 2012 | | Economic crisis may be of govt making: Chidambaram
Home Minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday said while some of the difficulties on the economic front may be of government's making, most of them are due to international situation.
India Inc invested $500 million in Singapore
Singapore has emerged as the most sought after destination for foreign direct investment by Indian companies, who invested over USD 500 million there in May.
Kingfisher pilots go on strike, 5 flights cancelled
A section of pilots of Kingfisher Airlines on Tuesday went on a strike over non-payment of salary and other dues for the past five months, forcing cancellation of five flights.
Hiring improves in June; auto, pharma lead
Leading job portal Naukri.com said on Tuesday that hiring was happening in selective sectors.
World's 25 biggest firms: IOC, RIL in Fortune's top 100
Eight Indian companies find a place in the list of world's 500 largest companies compiled by Fortune magazine, with Indian Oil and Reliance Industries finding a place in the top 100.
Sneak Peek: Lufthansa brings B747-8 aircraft to India
Delhi becomes Asian launch destination for the new "Queen of the Skies" and airline's new Business Class product Bengaluru to follow soon.
Poor rain: Inflation haunts agriculture
NCDEX benchmark index up 10% over a month, as expectations on sowing gather pace
PHOTOS: A man-made floating island
An Austrian company has created a man-made floating island, Orsos Island, that combines the mobility of a yacht with the comfort of a house.
Going abroad for education? Get the right insurance deal
While the basic cover is generally of around $50,000, limits for accident and sickness are up to $500,000. Here's a list of important covers that come bundled with travel insurance.
Reforms a priority, populist moves later: Congress
A Cabinet reshuffle 'is unavoidable', said a top party manager, and indicated it could take place before, or immediately after, the monsoon session of Parliament, likely for four weeks from the beginning of next month, possibly August 7.
Double trouble: Setback for Mallya in whisky battle
There is more worry for Vijay Mallya, battling many a fire. Even as his Kingfisher Airlines struggles to hold itself, another of his major companies, United Spirits, has had a setback in its legal battle against his arch rival, Kishore Chhabria.
Designer rice, a solution to tackle rising demand
'Designer rice' or genetically-modified rice variety, is going to be the answer for food security and will help in increasing rice production in the coming years.
India's growth to be below 6%, to pick up post polls
The survey, in which 125 corporate clients of the bank from south India participated, says a majority of corporates continue to be pessimistic about the country's growth with 72 per cent saying GDP growth will fall below 6 percent and 20 per cent predicting it to be less than 5 per cent.
IMAGES: Dubai's islands that are stuck in sea
The World islands are composed mainly of sand dredged from Dubai's shallow coastal waters.
Hyundai Elantra makes a comeback
Offered with a 1.8-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel option, the Elantra had a lot going for itself -- decent performance, good space, fairly reasonable dynamics and a good price tag.
Highest and lowest unemployment rates in Indian states
India's jobless rate stood at 3.8 per cent during the last fiscal, with Daman and Diu and Gujarat topping the list of least unemployed among states and UTs.
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| July 09, 2012 | | Rs 45 lakh crore black money stashed abroad: Ficci
India could become a fiscal surplus nation if the government manages to bring back at least one-tenth of the estimated Rs 45 lakh crore black money stashed abroad, industry body Ficci said on Monday.
Global scrutiny: Swiss banks' assets dip to 4-year low
Amid a growing global scrutiny of overseas funds deposited in Swiss banks, the quantum of total foreign assets managed by them has dipped by nearly 300 billion Swiss francs (about Rs 20 trillion) since 2008.
India can get back to high growth: Chidambaram
Commenting on the Time magazine's latest article, the Home Minister said the United Progressive Alliance-II was confident that it would overcome the present economic situation.
What makes Ratan Tata regret
Tata said his group, which was 'a traditionally manufacturing company in a sellers market', did not succeed in 'really embracing the customers' values'.
Mobile handset sales in India: Who are the toppers?
The Indian mobile handset market saw a drop of 5 per cent in revenues in FY 2011-12.
Richer men drive dirty cars: Survey
According to a survey, rich are more willing to drive dirtier vehicles for longer than poorer but prouder owners who prefer to keep their cars clean and tidy.
GM sets 'Sail' to beat India blues
Stung by its indifferent show in India, the Detroit giant is overhauling the entire line-up of cars.
Tata Motors: Unlikely to Evoque interest
Increasing competitive intensity in JLR's key luxury car market and weakness in domestic business dampen sentiment.
Dr App: Software for healthy living
Stress, hypertension, obesity and other lifestyle diseases have been dogging all of us. But with a little help from your mobile phone, you can now track how many calories you intake on a daily basis, your exercise routine, the miles you have run or cycled and much more.
India booming? Well, not exactly!
It is time for India to rebalance itself by sorting out its social and health issues and reorganising its soft infrastructure
Carrefour freezes big city store plans
Carrefour, the world's largest retailer after Walmart, is learnt to be rationalising its expansion plans in India, prompted by a worsening global economy, particularly in Europe.
IMAGES: A look at Europe's high-speed train network
High-speed rail is a type of passenger rail transport that operates significantly faster than traditional rail traffic.
Amazing PHOTOS of Europe's tallest building
Europe's tallest building with an irregular pyramidal shape from the base to the top, and clad entirely in glass was unveiled in London.
Tale of two cars: Ertiga v/s Xylo
Both cars come with multiple engine options. The Xylo comes with three diesel engine choices, which is a bit of overkill given that there is no petrol option here.
Of Barclays and other corporate scandals
This has been a season for corporate scandal.
Debate on poverty: Who is a poor Indian?
Who is a poor Indian? One who earns below Rs 35 a day? Or one whose salary is in four figures? While the debate rages, the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, the organisation that governs the affairs of the Zoroastrian community in Bombay, has said that any Parsi who earns less than Rs 90,000 a month (or Rs 10.8 lakh a year) is poor and therefore eligible for its help in finding a house.
GOOD NEWS! Monsoon to cover entire country soon
The southwest monsoon, which has gathered significant pace in the last few days, is expected to cover the entire country in two-three days, the India Meteorological Department said on Friday.
TIME magazine dubs Manmohan Singh an 'underachiever'
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who has long been lauded for his pivotal role in liberalising the Indian economy, has been dubbed an "underachiever" by a top US magazine, which says he appears "unwilling to stick his neck out" on reforms that will put the country back on the growth path.
Banks want Kingfisher brand's revaluation
Promoters pledged brand in 2010.
Can India sustain the 'free for all' generic drugs plan?
Health economist and advisor to the High-Level Expert Group on Universal Health Care, S Selvaraj says that tackling lack of doctors in India will take time to sort out, but providing free drugs can be done immediately.
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| July 06, 2012 | | PM 'blaming' Pranab for economic slowdown: BJP
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday alleged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is "directly and openly" trying to put all the blame for the economic slowdown on former Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and charged that he was equally responsible for the state of affairs.
Poor monsoon could slow India's growth to 6%: Citi
The estimate is much lower than Citi's earlier growth projection of 6.4 per cent for India, which saw its economic expansion touch a nine-year low of 6.5 per cent last fiscal.
IMAGES: Nokia launches cheapest Lumia phone
Aiming a larger share in the country's smartphone market, Finnish handset maker Nokia today launched its Windows-based phone 'Lumia 610' at Rs 12,999, the cheapest device in the series.
State Bank of India has 17,88,125 defaulters!
Nearly five million debtors have defaulted in repaying loans totalling a little more than Rs 1 lakh crore from various nationalised banks in the country, a right to information query has revealed.
Montek on why 9% growth is not possible in 5 years
Last year, the Planning Commission got the approval for the 9 per cent annual average economic growth target under the Approach document for the 12th Plan from the country's apex decision making body, the National Development Council, headed by the Prime Minister with all the chief ministers and Cabinet ministers on board.
Good news! Two-wheeler makers plan diesel, hybrid bikes
Amid rising petrol prices, two-wheeler makers such as Mahindra & Mahindra, TVS Motors, Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj Auto are stepping up research to develop engines run on diesel or other fuels.
How Mercedes plans to regain lost ground in India
It's in the reverse gear on the list of the most-aspired-for cars in India, but the iconic brand is hoping to regain lost ground with cheaper models.
IMAGES: India among 30 nations facing external debt
Greece is not the only country that is feeling the pain of rising external debt.
Sinking story: Is Kingfisher hurtling towards a dead end?
With promoters unable to raise money, airline may find it difficult to sustain curtailed operations.
Partial diesel decontrol expected after Prez poll
The government is preparing to bite the bullet, with partial decontrol of diesel prices after the Presidential election on July 19.
QUIZ: Can you identify these brand logos?
A logo is an integral part of a company's corporate identity. A uniquely customised logo design can intensify your company's identity, and help you to acquire instant recognition. Take this quiz to find out if you can identify these logos:
IMAGES: India will be among major 'growth countries'
IMF has sharply cut its forecast for world growth this year.
World's 25 most innovative nations, India way BEHIND!
The Global Innovation Index published by INSEAD, and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), ranks 141 countries on the basis of their innovation capabilities.
IMAGES of a jobless generation: Engineer works as cook!
Millions of qualified students are forced to take up menial jobs as unemployment rises across the world.
Exclusive: 'PM's economic knowledge is frozen 30 yrs ago'
As the Indian economy passes through one of its worst times, well known chartered accountant and Convenor of the Swadeshi Jaagran Manch Swaminathan Gurumurthy, in an exclusive interview with explains what ails the Indian economy, and the remedy to fix it.
COLUMN: The hype over Gujarat's economic performance
Gujarat's so-called superior performance, relative to its own history, and its present peer group, is being used to assiduously promote a personality cult around Modi together with a fascist ideology, say
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| July 05, 2012 | | 'India's economic troubles self-inflicted'
The report expressed doubts over reforms even post-2014.
Should cardholders pay before filing a complaint?
The Banking Ombudsman suggests you first pay the bill, even if disputed, before filing a complaint with the card provider.
IMAGES: 30 most livable cities in the world
Only few cities have excellent infrastructure, schools, healthcare, etc.
Fuel shortage darkens power generation scene
Despite an increase in generation capacity, the country has been grappling with power shortage in the peak summers as the availability has not risen at the same pace as generation capacity, owing to fuel unavailability and other supply constraints.
How govt plans to contain widening fiscal deficit
As part of the plan, government departments may have to surrender the unspent project-linked component of the Rs 70,000-crore (Rs 700-billion) additional gross Budgetary support at the end of the financial year.
Air travel to become more expensive
Travel agents have decided to impose a service charge of Rs 225 from July 16 on customers of full service carriers.
Global Innovation Efficiency Index: TOP 10 nations
Countries which are strong in producing innovation outputs despite a weaker innovation environment and innovation inputs are poised to rank high in this "efficiency" index.
IMAGES: Greatest economic collapses of all time
The latest economic downturn is not the only one the world has gone through.
IMAGES: 4 closest rivals of Renault Duster
Renault proffers 2+2 years or 80,000 km warranty on the compact SUV.
IMAGES: World's most expensive real estate markets
These are some of the most expensive real estate markets in the world.
IMAGES: World's 10 remarkable infrastructure projects
These are some of the most noteworthy infrastructure projects in the world.
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| July 04, 2012 | | IMAGES: The Rs 7.19 lakh Renault Duster launched
Whether or not Renault India will be able to fulfill its aim, we'll have to wait and watch.
War time: Google to take these 12 products head on
At the recently concluded annual I/O conference, which is an annual developer-focused event held in San Francisco, California, Google announced several new devices and services.
Get ready to spend more on these services
Booking a holiday package online, attending a seminar, buying a designer dress and attending a coaching class will become costlier, thanks to the new service tax rates effective from July 1.
Just ended Air India pilots' strike 2nd longest
The Air India pilots strike was called off on Tuesday night after the Delhi High Court asked them to join duty within 48 hours and the management to sympathetically consider their grievances.
IMAGES: India and manufacturing activity
Global manufacturing contracted in June for the second consecutive month.
Monsoon 30% below: What government should do
The government must prepare for below-normal monsoon.
It's a luxurious life for 81,000 households in India!
The dark clouds of a slowdown are hovering ominously over everybody, except 81,000 households in India for whom the word 'downturn' just doesn't exist.
Telecom woes unlikely to ease with TDSAT verdict
After falling 11 per cent over the past six months, shares of Bharti Airtel gained over three per cent on news that the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) had given a split verdict on inter-circle 3G roaming arrangements between Bharti, Idea and Vodafone.
India, China to boost Boeing deliveries: Report
Boeing has projected a USD 4.5 trillion market for 34,000 new airplanes over the next 20 years as the current world fleet doubles in size, with robust growth in China, India and other emerging markets.
IMAGES: Chevrolet to launch 3 new cars soon in India
Sluggish sales have not stopped car makers in India from bringing reworked versions of their existing cars along with new models.
Controversy over ArcelorMittal's Olympic showpiece
The ArcelorMittal Orbit tower, the tallest structure in Britain and located next to the Olympics stadium in London has been claimed by survivors of the Bosnian concentration camp at Omarska, with the steel giant rejecting their bid.
IMAGES: This is how an aircraft's life ends
Aerospace company Tarmac Aerosave is specialised in the dismantling of end-of-life aircraft at its base.
Down memory lane with the AMAZING Lamborghini
Lamborghini is an Italian supercar. Founded in 1963, Automobili Lamborghini is headquartered in Sant'Agata Bolognese, in Northeastern Italy. There it manufactures some of the world's most sought-after super sports cars.
China's pride: World's largest hydropower project
For the first time, all 32 giant generators of China's Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydropower project, went into production, generating nearly 22 million kw of power.
IMAGES: World's top 20 brands on Twitter!
From Facebook to Twitter, companies are going all out to create brand loyalty.
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| July 03, 2012 | | Sonia's carte blanche to PM; but hurdles still remain
While the signals of intent have already gone from North Block, the hiccups this time are coming from officials in the Finance Ministry, who had got used to a certain mindset.
India: Mobile phone sales cross 50 mn mark in Jan-Mar
Total India smartphone sales touched 2.7 million units during January-March 2012. Samsung emerged as the leader in the smartphone segment with a 40.4 per cent share, followed at number two and number three by Nokia with 25.5 per cent and RIM with 12.3 per cent share.
Rich prefer spending on lifestyle over charity!
Charity donations have suffered as the uber-rich are preferring to maintain their opulent lifestyles over philanthropy in the gloomy economic environment, a specially commissioned report to "decode" the high networth families said.
IT services: Gloomy outlook for Tier-I companies
A weaker rupee is good for technology firms, as it improves margins and shores up earnings.
IMAGES: Richest Americans of all time
When it comes to history, even Bill Gates's enormous wealth isn't enough to put him on the top of the rank.
Air India pilots likely to call off their strike
Air India pilots have been on strike for 55 days and on hunger strike since last Sunday over the issue of career progression and training on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Multi-asset funds are for passive investors
With gold prices rising and debt holding steady, fund houses have launched multi-asset funds for passive customers who are not so nimble while churning their portfolios.
Stunning photos of the world's longest bridge
Russia has unveiled the world's longest cable-stayed bridge, a part of the huge investment to boost the country's infrastructure in the Far East region.
Auto component makers hit roadblock amid slowdown
The Rajkot-based auto component industry, which was doing well last year, has hit multiple road blocks -- rupee depreciation, high interest rates and high petrol prices.
IMAGES: World's top producers of oil by 2020
Major oil producers have enough oil to keep the economic engine running at full steam.
High excise duty dampens branded fuel market
With the levy making unbranded fuel cheaper, consumers turn away OMCs plead in vain with finance, petroleum ministries.
Coming soon: Life insurance policies at your doorstep
Tata AIG Life set to approach regulator soon on the 'e-life' tablet; to be launched in metros initially.
How Reebok fraud cost Adidas Rs 170 crore
German sportswear maker Adidas has disclosed to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) that it lost around Rs 170 crore (Rs 1.7 billion) because of "goodwill impairment" after it bought Reebok.
20 cities with households of annual income over $20,000
The developing-region cities of the City 600 will be home to an estimated 235 million middle-class households earning more than $20,000 a year at purchasing power parity (PPP) by 2025, points out a McKinsey study which maps the economic power of cities.
How Philippiness outplayed India in the BPO game
In its rise to the top of the voice-based BPO business, the Philippines has brought a great deal from the Indian industry but has also learnt from its mistakes.
Driving in the rains? 5 CRUCIAL questions answered
Tips to safe driving this rainy season.
GDP rank: What if these Indian states were countries!
Uttar Pradesh's GDP per head is close to that of Kenya.
IMAGES: How Hong Kong has changed in 15 years
China resumed sovereignty of Hong Kong from Britain in 1997.
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| July 02, 2012 | | New auto policy will ensure safety of passengers
Under the policy, which is applicable for all manufacturers, from two-wheelers to commercial vehicles, if a company is of the opinion that there is a manufacturing defect that compromises safety of vehicles, it will voluntarily rectify the problem free of cost to the customer.
Why women in India fail to move up the corporate ladder
In India, Korea and Japan, almost fifty per cent of those surveyed believed that family commitments were the primary reason for women leaving the jobs.
SHOCKING! Over 1.8 mn more lose jobs in euro zone
The 17-nation euro zone, that share the common currency euro, is reeling under sovereign debt crisis with its epicentre in Greece.
PHOTOS: Shanghai's super car show
A car show saw enthusiasts test their supercars to the limit in Shanghai.
IN PIX: Success story of the amazing Maruti Swift
Small car wizard, Maruti Suzuki's supremacy goes back to the year 1983 when the carmaker started its innings in India.
June: Auto companies post mixed results
In June, MSI recorded domestic sales at 83,531 units, compared to 70,020 units in the year-ago period, registering a rise of 19.30 per cent.
IMAGES: Dubai's real estate sector shines again
Prices of apartments and villas have gone up by up to nine per cent and 16 per cent respectively here during the first half of this year, indicating that the real estate market is on the way to recovery after three years of decline.
UK's PizzaExpress to debut in India soon; hires CEO
The UK-based casual dining restaurant chain PizzaExpress has kicked off the process of starting its India operation, almost eight months after signing a 50-50 joint venture partnership with Bharti Family Office.
Global cities of the future: 36 from India!
India will contribute 36 global cities by 2025.
Cheap Re: Imported cars costlier; prices won't rise
The costs of imported vehicles have increased 25-30 per cent because of the depreciation of the rupee. That has made CBUs more expensive to import but companies are putting off price hikes and taking a hit on their margins.
Road to NOWHERE, Indian highway stuck in limbo
It seems the Indian economy is on a road to nowhere.
't's imperative for the govt to reassure investors'
It's imperative for the govt to reassure investors: Montek Ahluwalia
Why Delhi's taps are running dry this summer
Water shortages in the scorching weeks just before the monsoon hits the national capital are not unknown; but there is little question that this year they have been more than normally acute.
Three top smartphones priced under Rs 5,000
Affordable and packed with features, these devices score high on the value-for-money proposition.
Rupee fall to hit India Inc's margins by Rs 11k cr
Embedded redemption premium and 36 per cent depreciation in five years will realise forex losses worth Rs 67.2 billion.
IMAGES: 10 best Google products ever
Let's take a look at some of the best products it has launched.
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| June 29, 2012 | | Sensex zooms: Investors richer by Rs 1.17 trillion
Helped by a rally in the stock market where the Sensex surged by a whopping 439 points, its biggest single-day gain in 2012 so far, investors became richer by Rs 1.17 lakh crore on the back of clarity on tax-avoidance rules and bullish global sentiment.
Gold tumbles by Rs 360, silver by Rs 550
Gold prices on Friday tumbled by Rs 360 to Rs Rs 30,060 per 10 grams in the bullion market on Friday, while silver shed Rs 550 on sluggish demand amid weak global cues.
SHOCKING! Core sector growth slows to 4.6% in May
The core industries that also include coal, electricity, cement, petroleum refinery products and finished steel, and carry 37.9 per cent weight in the Index of Industrial Production, had grown by 5.8 per cent in May last year.
RIM to cut about 5,000 jobs; delays BlackBerry 10 launch
The company which posted results for the latest quarter said restructuring efforts are underway that will include a workforce reduction of around 5,000 employees.
India's economic growth to bounce back from Oct
India's economic growth, which dipped to 9-year low of 6.5 per cent in 2011-12, is expected to rebound from October, Chief Economic Advisor Kaushik Basu said.
Realty sector: $3.2-bn PE exits in 4 years!
In rupee terms, this amounts to about Rs 14,720 crore (Rs 147.2 billion), considering the rate of Rs 46/dollar suggested in the study.
New life insurance policies might be worth the wait
In its draft guidelines, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irda) has asked the country's life insurance companies to refile their existing products and withdraw the same by September 30.
JLR to generate 4,500 jobs in UK
Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover plans to generate 4,500 manufacturing and engineering jobs in London over next five years, JLR executive director Mike Wright has said.
IMAGES: How the world's economic centre is changing
Shift in economic balance toward the East and South is happening with unprecedented speed and scale.
RBI says banks mislead investors on bad loans
Deputy Governor K C Chakrabarty says monetary policy to ease once inflation comes down.
Does IKEA's suggestion about FDI policy make sense?
IKEA, the euro 25-billion Scandinavian retailer, wants some alterations in the guidelines for foreign investment in single-brand retail before it invests in India.
Rainfall 23% below normal, reservoirs run dry
Met department assures rains are likely to revive from next week
Analysts see silver lining in India's growth story
Having seen reinforcement from North Block, analysts have begun to see the silver lining in the Indian markets.
It's a cloudy outlook for Mahindra & Mahindra
The outlook on Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) has been changing since its tractor business hit a speed-breaker. Analysts say there are no real triggers for its shares to move up in the near term.
IMAGES: World's 11 biggest consumers of wine
Wine is a popular and important beverage.
The all new Chevrolet Cruze is finally here
The new 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is sturdier, smoother, more comfortable and more powerful than its previous version.
Markets: Will the bull come out of coma?
One animal seems to have heard the Prime Minister's call to revive animal spirits in the economy.
IMAGES: The top 10 cities of the world!
The Global Cities Index measures global engagement of cities across five dimensions: business activity, human capital, information exchange, cultural experience, and political engagement.
Ex-employee reveals Facebook's 'secret' a/c details
Facebook developed an experimental feature called "Dark Profiles" which would give secret accounts to people who did not even sign up, a new book by a former employee of the social networking site has claimed.
US, China to lead global tech innovation
US and China will remain at the forefront of global technological innovation with the cloud-enabled consumer technology and business transformation for enterprises leading the chart.
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| June 28, 2012 | | This is what petrol will COST in the 4 metros
Petrol price has been cut by Rs 2.46 a litre with effect from midnight tonight.
ALERT: Mumbai, Delhi to go very dry by 2025!
According to the report, nearly 80 billion cubic meter increase in municipal water demand is expected in the world cities by 2025, and Mumbai and Delhi tops the list of the 20 countries that are expected to experience the maximum demand.
'India is exploiting its limited natural resources'
In this interview with , G Krishnan talks about the implications of the verdict on the Western Ghats and other environmental issues.
The secret behind Venugopal Dhoot's biggest success
Videocon's Venugopal Dhoot has become the most successful maverick in oil and gas business in India.
Why things in US might be worse than Europe
Just because there are problems in Europe doesn't mean things are fine in the US.
Column: Who benefits from REFORMS?
The next time you hear a call for "reform", it might be useful to ask, "For whose benefit is this reform?"
IMAGES: Worst trading losses in the world
Losses and gains are an everyday business in the stock markets.
IMAGES: 15 nations that lead in giving citizenship
There are many countries that have restrictive immigration policies, while some have a welcoming policy.
Hindustan Unilever's new horizons: Beauty, food and water
In its recent annual report for 2011-12, the country's largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, the market value of which is about Rs 1,00,000 crore (Rs 1,000 billion), stated these segments were "key capabilities in order to win in the future".
Can the Centre solve states' debt crises?
West Bengal's demand for a moratorium on repayments to the Centre raises a whole slew of problems.
Before leaving North Block, Pranab clears CST compensation
Empowered committee to meet on July 13 to discuss Central Sales Tax, Goods and Services Tax.
Why these 10 countries are the world's happiest
The latest HPI results show how these countries produce long, happy and sustainable lives for their people. The overall index scores rates countries based on their efficiency, how many long and happy lives each produces per unit of environmental output.
Economy doesn't seem water-proof, yet
Deficient rains can shave 50-80 basis points off gross domestic product and hurt consumption.
India to have 36 of 440 rising cities in 2025
McKinsey Global says these cities would generate about 47 per cent of expected global GDP by 2025.
Revive animal spirits for growth, says PM
Says reverse climate of pessimism, fix problems on tax front, remove policy bottlenecks to ease capital flows.
IMAGES: The all new Chevrolet Captiva at Rs 18.74 lakh
Though GM India delivers best of technology cars but at the same time, it lags in the dealer and service station network, one very important criterion for improving sales and rising popularity charts in India.
PHOTOS: Now, you can buy a laptop for Rs 5K!
ACi India has unveiled India's first ever fully functional high-resolution screen laptop at Rs 4,999.
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| June 27, 2012 | | 1.85 mn new mobile users in April, Bharti leads
The total mobile subscriber base in the country grew marginally to 952.91 million in April from 951.34 million in March with net addition of 1.85 million users, according to data released by sectoral regulator Trai on Wednesday.
Good news! Oil cos may cut petrol rates by Rs 4 a litre
Petrol price may be cut by as much as Rs 4 a litre from
Allowance for Singur farmers to be doubled: Mamata
The allowance of Rs 1000 per month being paid to farmers of Singur, who had unwillingly parted with their land and not accepted Minister Mamata Banerjee announced.
India Inc's revenues at 6-qtr low in Q1
Revenue and profit contractions to continue till investment cycle does not revive.
China sinking? External debt crosses $751 bn
China's external debt crossed $751 billion in March, highest since it embarked on economic reforms in 1985, even as debt ridden local governments have been barred from issuing bonds directly to raise revenues.
Slowdown: Has India entered a stagflation period?
Fitch Ratings said with GDP growth of 6.5% and WPI-based inflation of 8.8%, India may have entered into a stagflation period in 2011-12.
Ratan Tata gets Rockefeller Lifetime Achievement Award
Tata Sons Chairman Ratan Tata has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the prestigious Rockefeller Foundation for innovation in philanthropy.
Old is gold: Heritage pharma brands take the lead
At a time when pharmaceutical companies are investing billions of dollars to develop new and path-breaking medicines, it is the old and heritage brands that continue to dominate the market. Sales in 2011 show that the average age of the top 10 pharma brands is 19.3 years, and some of them are as old as 25 years.
SPECIAL: Why UPA will be slow to reforms even now
It is expected that the finance ministry will be handled for some time by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
IMAGES: 10 luxury brands that dominate the world
There are many brands that are famous all across the world.
Vote: Who is India's best finance minister?
India's finance ministers ushered in financial reforms and steered the economy out of crisis over the years. Despite the present slowdown, India has managed to maintain a stable outlook on India's rating.
Coming soon: Maruti's NEW 800cc car
Maruti Suzuki India is gearing up to introduce by the end of this year a new 800cc car that is likely to be more fuel efficient, but also more expensive, than its existing best selling model Alto.
IMAGES: World's 20 best tech companies to work for
There are many big tech companies, such as Apple and Google, but which are the best to work for?
Now, dating an IITian just a click away
Are you an IITian looking for some quality time, as a welcome break from the drudgery of studies? Or, put differently: Are you looking to date none else but the brilliant IIT-types?
COLUMN: How Pranab will be remembered as FM
For most of his first stint as finance minister, Pranab Mukherjee had Indira Gandhi as his prime minister. In his second stint, the prime minister was Manmohan Singh.
RBI may impose curbs on gold coin sale
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to clamp down on gold coin sales by banks, amid rising bullion imports adding pressure to the current account deficit and weakening the rupee.
'Rupee was somewhat overvalued'
While markets are watching the rupee touch record lows, Paul Mackel, Head of Asia Currency Research-Global Research at HSBC, says the currency is not yet in a free fall.
ONCE AGAIN! US goes full blast against outsourcing
US President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday went full blast against Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, accusing him of outsourcing American jobs to countries like India and China.
IMAGES: How Americans spend their days
Sleeping accounts for more than a third of the average American's day.
Why flexible working hours are here to stay
The research involving more than 1,000 employees from US, Britain, Germany, France and Ireland revealed that flexibility in office hours often results in employees working for more than 12 hours instead of the traditional eight hours.
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| June 26, 2012 | | Tough decisions taken in interest of people: FM
Pranab Mukherjee, who resigned as the Finance Minister on Tuesday to contest for the post of President as a Congress nominee, sought to justify some of his tough and contentious decisions saying that they were taken in the interest of people.
Bangalore Metro Phase-I by December 2013
Karnataka Government on Tuesday said it was aiming to complete the Phase-I of the metro rail project in the city by December next year and has begun talks with Centre for taking up the second phase of the mass rapid transport system to ease traffic congestion in the IT capital.
Sentimental Pranab says goodbye to North Block
Before leaving to tender his resignation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Mukherjee said, " I stand ready to embark on a new journey".
From FM to President: Pranab's successful innings
From starting off his career a teacher in West Bengal to joining politics and holding several ministerial positions, it has been an enviable journey for Pranab Mukherjee through the echelons of power.
QUIZ: How well do you know India's Finance Ministers?
So, how well do you know the Finance Ministers of India, who have contributed towards India's story? Take this quiz to know a little more about India's Finance Ministers:
Luxury in Asia: What millionaires buy
Asia now has more millionaires than North America.
Who will be India's next Finance Minister?
India's finance minister Pranab Mukherjee is all set to become the next President of the country.
IMAGES: How Ikea became largest furniture retailer
Ikea is a privately held, international home products company.
Busted: CCI brings 'cartelising' cement companies to heel
The CCI says that cement firms met regularly to fix prices, control market share and hold back supply.
And now, crippled Kingfisher sees flight of engineers
About 200 engineers reported sick in April protesting delay in salaries.
Pranab's parting gift disappoints markets
Hike in limit on foreign investment in govt bonds among measures to stem rupee slide.
How erratic monsoon spells trouble for Indian markets
Musings on the world market trends.
IMAGES: Highest unemployment rates around the world
Unemployment rate is increasing all across the world due to the economic crisis and global uncertainty.
Drought: It's a fight for survival in Maharastra
Drought returns to rugged south Maharashtra, and farmers are left to cope. <I></I> visits Jath <I>taluka</I>, where things look grim.
Stunning images: The rise of megacities
A megacity is a metropolitan area with a total population of over 10 million people.
IMAGES: 5 cars priced above Rs 10 lakh coming to India
Despite the slowdown, year 2012 is also going to witness the launch of few of the most desirable premium cars in the price bracket of Rs 10-20 lakh.
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| June 25, 2012 | | Why Sanjay Gandhi forced SBI chairman to quit in 1976
The vignette that deserves a wider audience relates to Talwar's ouster.
IMAGES: 25 countries that depend the most on tourism
There are many countries that depend on tourism, but some depend more than others.
COLUMN: Degrowth: beyond Rio+20
The transition towards a degrowth society also requires a reexamination of the idea of democracy.
Going the digital way: Gadgets for e-readers
Among the e-book readers or e-readers, users have enough variety to choose from. E-readers are available in the traditional black-and-white, e-ink formats, seven-inch multi-media tablets and the colour tablets like the iPad.
On the ground, Singur remains disappointed, despairing
It is easy to spot the trappings of dejection along the now broken Singur roads, after the Calcutta High Court division bench judgment termed the Singur Act, a legislation introduced by the Mamata Banerjee government to recover some land leased to Tata Motors Ltd, as "void and unconstitutional".
Despite low GDP, Moody's upbeat about India's future
Although, Moody's expects that global and domestic factors, including potential shocks in agriculture, could keep India's growth below trend for the next few quarters.
How these Indian brands attained the cult status
Indian market has stood testimony to mighty global brands that have not only confronted their greatest opponents in local brands, but more often than not, bitten the dust.
'The world is moving to online big time'
'Eventually many ecommerce businesses will be profitable and will do well. Nobody can say whether you have paid a huge price for a company but the future is indeed embedded there.'
How the Rupee slide will impact sectors
Though the first quarter of this financial year has nearly come to an end, analysts and research houses are still trying to figure out the exact impact of the rupee on companies.
Rupee fall: What the government, RBI plan to do
India Inc expects hike in FCNR (B) rates among on Sunday's measures to arrest rupee fall.
Singur verdict: A few positive things for Mamata
Implementation of the Act would have been very difficult for government.
IMAGES: The Rs13.60 lakh Jetta petrol is in India
The VW cars are well known in the country's car market for having sturdy body structures, which are combined with powerful fuel efficient engines and abundant comfort and safety features.
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| June 22, 2012 | | Indian cities to house 85 crore people by 2050
With growing urbanisation in India, nearly 85 crore people are estimated to live in cities across the country by 2050, a latest report by industry chamber CII and realty consultant Jones Lang LaSalle said.
Crude down, yet oil cos refuse to cut prices
Rupee depreciating to an all-time low of Rs 57.30 to a US dollar has wiped away most of gains arising from oil dropping below $90 a barrel for the first time since December 2010.
IN PIX: 15 global banks that Moody's downgraded
Some banks called the Moody's move backward looking, arbitrary and unwarranted.
Special: Can Unitech's recover from this crisis?
With dwindling profits, stalled projects, a real estate slump and a promoter just out of jail, Unitech has its hands full.
Tatas win Singur case, setback for Mamata
Giving its verdict on an appeal by Tata Motors Ltd, a division bench comprising Justices Pinaki Chandra Ghosh and Mrinal Kanti Chaudhury observed that the President's assent had not been taken for the Act and as such it was void and unconstitutional.
IMAGES: How did the richest Indians fare in 2011?
Overall financial wealth of high net worth individuals fell across all regions in 2011.
PHOTOS: Amazing hydroelectric plant in Germany
Local architectural office Becker Architecture has designed something from another world.
IMAGES: The top 5 hatchbacks in India
Hatchbacks in India are very appealing and easy on the pocket, which prompts majority of the middle class population to opt for them.
IMAGES: India among fastest-growing economies
India will be among the fastest-growing countries in the world in the next two years.
IMAGES: How people struggle for a living in India
India's streets are bustling with small businesses.
PHOTOS: Budget hotels boom in Asia
International hoteliers are betting big on budget hotels in Asia.
Microsoft's downfall: Steve Ballmer to be blamed?
Steve Ballmer would be dead in the water without Windows and Office, which he inherited.
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| June 21, 2012 | | Retail investment: India 5th most attractive market
Even though its ranking slipped from the fourth spot in 2011, India has been placed ahead of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Russia.
China has over 100 mn living below poverty line
Addressing the conference, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said as a developing country, China may boast a fairly large economy, but its per capita income ranks around 90th in the world.
India 'condemning' millions to stay poor: L N Mittal
Joining the likes of N R Narayana Murthy and Azim Premji to blame the Indian government for policy inaction, UK-based NRI billionaire L N Mittal said the country is potentially condemning millions to remain in poverty by not helping industrialisation.
Bangalore - India's LEADING real estate market
Good range of properties, stable prices, makes the city perform better than peers.
IMAGES: India's love affair with mangoes
India's mango production is estimated to have been stable at 1.5 million tonnes for last few years.
IMAGES: 8 regions that have most oil and gas
About 75 per cent of the resources are in four principal regions.
RIM launches Blackberry Porsche at Rs 1.39 lakh!
Blackberry-maker Research In Motion, which is facing troubles in global markets, said it will top industry growth this year in India.
IMAGES: Tata's electric car to cost less than $20,000
Tata Technologies completed its first feasibility study of the electric vehicle using Dassault Systems' 3DEXPERIENCE Platform.
Foreign vacation gets the blues
Outbound travel falls 10 per #162 reasons vary from economic downturn, rupee and a rise in air fare.
Historic PHOTOS of Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport is a major aviation hub in the Middle East, spread over an area of 7,200 acres.
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| June 20, 2012 | | Govt to exempt 14 more services from tax
With the inclusion of 14 items, the total number of services in the negative list will go up to 38.
All nations must focus on growth: Manmohan Singh
Stating that the G-20 Summit took place in very difficult circumstances, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, "Faltering growth in most countries was overshadowed by the threat of uncertainty in the Eurozone arising from a combination of excessive sovereign debt combined with banking weakness."
Motorola launches two Razr smartphones
In India, Razr Maxx will be available in select cities at select retail stores starting June 21 for a recommended retail price of Rs 31,590.
Fitch lowers rating outlook of 3 Indian banks
Global agency Fitch on Wednesday cut credit rating outlook to negative from stable of 11 financial entities, including State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, Punjab National Bank and Axis Bank.
Murthy's 2nd innings a big success as well
The Rs 600-crore (Rs 6-billion) fund wants to become a global-style limited-partnership investor. It was a venture capital fund formed after much thought and attention to detail, like almost all the moves.
Sinking story: Why Air India's nightmare continues
. Therefore, it is now the government's urgent responsibility to end the impasse, restore confidence in the airline and its staff and allow it to continue with its recovery before it manages to sink it, once again.
IMAGES: Indians among top buyers of homes in US
While all real estate is local, not all property buyers are.
TCS gives Rs 5-cr farewell gift to Tata
The TCS board approved a special compensation of Rs 5 crore (Rs 50 million) over and above the Rs 3-crore (Rs 30-million) commission due to him for the last financial year.
Big pay rise for Indian private bank CEOs
RBI released guidelines on compensation of CEOs of foreign and private banks.
Q1 advance tax figures signal corporate gloom
Growth in Apr-Jun collections falls to 4.9% from 19%.
COLUMN: Why economic reforms face political hurdles?
Indian governments enjoy brief periods of autonomy before politics take over.
IMAGES: Tata Safari Storme to be launched soon
This new version was first showcased in the 2012 Automobile Expo, which was held in the country's capital, New Delhi earlier this year.
IMAGES: Jobs, pay and skills for 3.5 bn people
Over the past three decades, a global labour market started taking shape.
IMAGES: The stunning Peugeot 301 may soon be in India
This new sedan that Peugeot has planned for developing markets, called the 301, takes a leaf right out the 309's book.
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| June 19, 2012 | | India Inc takes the innovative route to cost-cutting
Austerity, and not necessity, appears to be the mother of invention these days with the economic slowdown forcing companies to explore new ways of doing businesses.
PHOTOS: Tesla cars are simply beautiful
Tesla Motors is a Silicon Valley-based company.
Is ArcelorMittal winning or losing ground in China?
At the zenith of his success in capacity consolidation marked by acquisition of Arcelor in June 2006, and, in the process creating a steel behemoth of over 100 million tonnes (MT) capacity, Lakshmi Mittal, credited with spotting opportunities ahead of his peers, used to say that his squaring the circle would be complete with his setting foot in China and India.
Airlines to cut highest level domestic fares by 20%
All scheduled domestic carriers are mandated to upload their minimum and maximum domestic fares for all routes on their websites every month.
IMAGES: Microsoft unveils Surface to rival iPad
Microsoft has launched its own tablet called Surface.
Global economic situation is deeply worrying: PM
The economic recovery is faltering and even the fast growing emerging markets are slowing down, says Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
QUIZ: Can you identify these business leaders?
Some are innovators, some have inherited their family business and some are at the helm of big corporate houses. They are all successful in their own stride. Can you identify these business leaders? Take this quiz to find out
India's airlines: Meet the winners and losers!
India's domestic air traffic rose during to 258.07 lakh from January to May 2012 as against 244.98 lakh during the corresponding period of previous year, registering a growth of 5.34 per cent.
IMAGES: India to be among top wealth markets
India is set to occupy a major position in the top 10 wealth markets in 2012, says Datamonitor.
Apple takes these products heads on
Every year, Apple developers get together at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), held in San Francisco. The event focuses on Apple's successes and what products developers should be getting excited about in the future.
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| June 18, 2012 | | Oil cos put off petrol price cut due to weak rupee
State-owned oil firms have decided to "wait-and-watch" the international scenario and the rupee-dollar rate before deciding to cut petrol prices.
'Liberalisation has to come into the real estate industry'
Nanded City developed by the Magarpatta Town Development Corporation, is a Rs 6,000 crore project spanning a whopping 700 acres.
Internet content censorship from India up 49%: Google
The Internet giant said political comments were a prime target as the number of requests for the company to remove content from the reach of Internet users jumped manifold.
New to photography? Great tips for an amateur
If photography is your passion and you like to see the world through the lense, the camera is the ultimate device you would like to possess. Here are a few things an amateur should know.
PIX: Discover the new Disneyland California Adventure Park
Walt Disney Company has unveiled a revamped Disneyland California Adventure Park spending a whopping $1.1 billion.
IMAGES: These are the BEST buildings in the world!
Dramatic towers in Canada, Qatar, Australia and Italy have been named the best tall buildings in the world.
Why is Volkswagen introducing a petrol version of the Jetta
Petrol prices are on the up and up while petrol car sales are going down and down. So what makes Volkswagen think that the market is in need of a petrol-powered Jetta?
PHOTOS: Hotel built on boats in New York
A hotel in New York is built on boats.
Is it yours? Rs 1,200 crore unclaimed deposits in banks!
It is not impossible to claim a 10-15-year-old deposit, but the process can be cumbersome and time taking.
Why delay in filing returns can be taxing
July is the season for filing your tax returns for the previous year. While most tax payers would be engaged in filing their annual tax declarations to their company for the current year, let us not forget about the last duty due for the previous year.
COLUMN: What is Mamata Banerjee's real problem?
The single factor that can help West Bengal to tackle its debt crisis is private investment.
Can India's healthcare sector paint a happy picture?
As a formidable global economic power, accessible quality healthcare can be a key competitive strength for India.
No change in home, auto loan rates
The Reserve Bank of India has kept all key interest rates unchanged in its mid-term credit policy review announced on Monday.
IMAGES: The Rs 34.62 lakh Mercedes C Class AMG is here
This new limited edition Mercedes Benz C Class AMG luxury sedan will be on sale with immediate effect.
How Jet Airways has managed to retain its top position
Aircraft reconfiguration and Kingfisher's slide help the airline consolidate its top spot, but widening losses and IndiGo's rapid rise are big concerns.
62% Indian employees report sick to chill out at home
In India staying home and watching TV was the top choice followed by meeting up with friends and relatives.
IMAGES: Best and worst airlines in America
There are some airlines that are winning praise from customers.
TIPS: How to save car fuel
These tips have helped many car owners over the years.
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| June 15, 2012 | | Jet Airways to WITHDRAW JFK flights from Sep
It will continue to operate to Newark International Airport.
HSBC lowers India's growth forecast to 6.2%
HSBC's downward revision is in line with similar kind of revisions by a host of other think-tanks, research houses, investment banks and other agencies like the UN, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, Stanchart and Citi.
RECORD! Gold hits fresh high at Rs 30,570
Gold climbed for a sixth straight session by adding Rs 20 to hit an all-time high of Rs 30,570 per 10 grams.
India story intact: Kochhar, Kamath differ with doomsayers
Amid a growing number of industry leaders expressing anguish over policy paralysis, top banker Chanda Kochhar has said that people are talking more about challenges while taking the positives for granted.
IMAGES: Inflation rates around the world
Inflation is a rise in the general level of prices of goods and services in an economy.
'India needs to retrain 285 million working individuals'
Of these, 150 million have not even completed primary education. Providing job-relevant vocational skills to these workers is a unique challenge that India faces, said the report.Vocational education from the secondary school level should be pursued, and efforts should be made to retrain 285 million adult workers with just primary schooling or less, according to Anu Madgavkar, senior fellow, McKinsey Global Institute.
How to rebuild India's economic story
The big domestic economic challenge today is the slowdown in growth and infrastructure investments.
Watch out! Rival companies are spying on you
In order to gain advantage over their competitors, companies across various sectors engage in "espionage" like "bugging offices of their rivals by planting a mole", says a survey by industry body Assocham.
Jaguar Land Rover shifts into a higher gear
While analysts reacted negatively to a drop in the operating margin, JLR has demonstrated a strong global growth.
Big crisis: 50% below normal rains in India
As the southwest monsoon moves slowly across the southern peninsula, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in its latest report said the overall rainfall during the second week of the four-month season was almost 50 per cent less than normal.
Car makers are looking at new ways to attract customers
With sales sagging despite discounts, car makers are now looking at value-added services to attract customers.
IMAGES: These ten cars under Rs 10 lakh soon in India
Let's take a sneak peak into these cars.
Haunting IMAGES of child labour around the world
Child labour refers to the employment of children at regular and sustained labour.
IMAGES: Italian village meets China!
China has constructed a copy of an Italian city called Florentia Village.
Amazing PHOTOS of a solar-powered aircraft
Solar Impulse's solar-powered HB-SIA prototype airplane has successfully completed the world's first intercontinental flight.
These sectors see dramatic growth in India
The print media industry is on a roll, if Index of Industrial Production (IIP) data is to be believed without a pinch of salt.
Victims of urbanisation: India, Indonesia and China
The island city of Indonesia serves as a grim reminder of the urban squalor that awaits most Asian cities.
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| June 14, 2012 | | At 50, witty 'Amul' girl captured in book
The likes of megastar Amitabh Bachchan, cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid, veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, novelist Shobhaa De among other prominent public figures have chronicled the story of the 'little girl in polka dots' in a book now.
Indian economy is in stagflation: Moody's
Amid wholesale price-based inflation ticking up to 7.5 per cent year-on-year in May due to supply-side factors, the agency said it will cause further "headaches" at the RBI.
Mining in India is out of control, claims report
Report by the Human Rights Watch running into 70 pages shows that mining in India is out of control.
IN PIX: Gold climbs to all-time high of Rs 30,550
The yellow metal had gained Rs 920 in previous four trading sessions.
Nokia to cut 10,000 jobs; shut units
"Nokia plans to reduce up to 10,000 positions globally by the end of 2013. Nokia is beginning the process of engaging with employee representatives in accordance with country-specific legal requirements," it said in a statement.
How you can fuel your car's efficiency
Experts cite several points which can help cut fuel costs. For instance, sudden acceleration and hard braking should be used rarely, since they can increase consumption by at least 40 per cent.
How e-commerce is reinventing itself
The experience of 99labels, a fashion e-retailing site controlled by InfoEdge -- the same company that owns India's largest job search site, Naukri.com -- is key to understanding big changes sweeping the e-commerce sector.
IMAGES: Rise and fall in oil production and demand
It was a 'turbulent year' for global oil markets.
Financial literacy: World's top 20 nations, India lags
Indians are among the least financially literate people across the globe with youngsters and women struggling most with their finance knowledge due to lack of discussions within the families on money management issues.
SHOCKER! Inflation rises to 7.55% in May
Overall food inflation rose to 10.74 per cent in May, from 10.49 per cent in the previous month. Food articles have 14.3 per cent share in the WPI basket.
Why politicians love low-skilled jobs
Creating low-skilled jobs, the kind of jobs that almost anyone in a country can aspire to, is the real priority of any politician who has to face an electorate.
Why do top bosses feel lonely?
The CEO Snapshot Survey conducted by global executive talent development firm RHR International showed that being a CEO may come with prestige and financial benefits, but it is often accompanied by isolation.
Indian cos apply for domain names priced over Rs 1 cr
Leading corporate houses like Reliance Industries, Airtel and State Bank of India have applied for use of word of their choice to replace .com, .net and the other usual suffixes on their website addresses.
Jobs update: These 7 sectors are hiring big time in India
Indian employers report positive hiring plans for third quarter in 2012. With 55 per cent of employers expecting to increase staffing levels, 2 per cent forecast a decrease and 32 per cent anticipate no change, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.
Indian stock market unattractive for investors: Goldman
The Indian stock market does not present attractive prospects for investors in the near term amid sluggish domestic and global economic growth outlook, according to Goldman Sachs.
IMAGES: Biggest silver reserves in the world
World silver mine production increased to a new record of 23,800 tonnes as a result of increased production at primary silver and lead-zinc mines.
IMAGES: 10 Indians among hottest business leaders
Business leaders in the region are breaking paths and becoming powerful players.
IMAGES: 10 top searched 'new' cars in India
These days, majority of car buyers do their research online before buying a car.
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| June 13, 2012 | | IMAGES: Nokia Pureview 808 in India for Rs 33,899
Currently, most smartphones available in the country offer cameras with 5-12 MP quality.
PIX: Assam's stunning Saraighat Bridge completes 50 years
The first bridge on Brahmaputra River, built to connect north east India with the rest of the country, has completed 50 years.
IMAGES: 27 BEST banks in the developed markets
New York-based Global Finance magazine recently announced its annual awards for the World's best banks in developed markets. The winners of this year's awards are those banks that attended carefully to their customers' needs in difficult markets and accomplished better results while laying the foundations for future success.
Toshiba launches new range of laptops
Toshiba India, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, Japan, on Wednesday launched its 2012 range of new fully-equipped and sophisticated Satellite Series laptops -- C Series, L Series, M Series and the new Ultrabook Satellite U840.
The all new Scorpio W105 to hit the roads soon!
India's largest selling sports utility vehicle is going strong even in its 10th year, but M&M has already set the ball rolling for a complete makeover
IMAGES: Mumbai monorail to be ready by December
Mumbaikars will have to wait until December for the commissioning of the Mumbai monorail phase-I project and till March next year for the phase-I of Mumbai Metro rail project.
IMAGES: World's 20 most expensive cities
When compared to New York, Mercer's benchmark city, most European cities have witnessed a decline in cost of living.
Pitroda urges America Inc to be patient with India
A coalition government doesn't lend itself to the kinds of demands US companies are making.
Premji slams Centre for policy paralysis
An analyst who participated in the call, on the condition of anonymity, quoted Premji as saying, "The government has to act now; there is a need for regulatory changes.
Innovation: Philips makes chips out of hot air!
Priced at Rs 14,995 the product is targeted at urban and semi-urban consumers.
India will restore investor confidence: Krishna
Seeking to abate skepticism over the current business environment in India, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna claimed India will restore investor confidence and regain economic momentum.
Why RBI should cut key rates
Contraction in mining and capital goods pulls down industrial growth to 0.1%; FM says steps being taken to revive investments.
PHOTOS: South Korea builds city of the future
Songdo International Business District officially opened as a designated Free Economic Zone and the first sustainable city in the world.
BATTLE of the hatches: Honda Jazz vs Maruti Swift
The two car companies have one of the most prominent hatchbacks in the premium segment namely, Maruti Swift and Honda Jazz.
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| June 12, 2012 | | What irks train travellers in India the most?
Indian Railways might be hit by a series of problems including safety issues, but it is basic hygiene, particularly unclean toilets, that appear to be the biggest concern in the minds of frequent travellers.
UPA pushing India to brink: Modi on S&P report
Standard and Poor's (S&P) in its report released on Monday 'Will India Be The First BRIC Fallen Angel?' said: "Slowing GDP growth and political roadblocks to economic policy making could put India at risk of losing its investment grade rating".
Why development has come to a standstill in Andhra Pradesh
Jagan Reddy's arrest has only added to the prevailing climate of economic uncertainty in the state.
PHOTOS: Stunning bridges in the United States
There are more than 600,000 bridges in the United States.
HNIs plan private museums to display collections
Uber-rich approaching bankers to help them set up trusts that will own, govern and manage the collections.
Why property sales are falling in Mumbai
However, leave and licence deals registered with the department of stamps and registration shot up during the period, official data showed.
Zurich Airport eyes Navi Mumbai, Goa
Even as German airport developer Fraport AG is shutting its operations in India, deciding to sell its small stake in the Delhi airport, its competitor in Europe, Zurich Airport, is bullish on Asia's third-largest economy. The company is eying investments in the greenfield international airport projects at Navi Mumbai and Goa.
IMAGES: Apple launches MacBook Pro
Apple has announced an all-new MacBook Pro at the Worldwide Developers Conference 2012 in San Francisco.
How the govt can bring foreign investors BACK to India
How just a few sentiment boosting measures by the government will go a long way in turning back the attention of foreign investors on India.
Air India advertises for pilots on contract
For the first time ever, Air India (AI) has decided to induct Indian pilots on a five-year contract, giving rise to fear among the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) that sacked pilots might not be inducted on a permanent basis.
SHOCKING! Industrial production rate slows to 0.1%
The manufacturing sector, which constitutes over 75 per cent of the index, grew barely 0.1 per cent, as against 5.7 per cent in April 2011, according to the official data released on Tuesday.
Facebook has company in India
Investors in many Indian companies would have a sense of deja vu after Facebook's public issue turned into a Wall Street debacle. For, over the past five years, Indian markets have been witness to many such breathlessly hyped Initial Public Offers (IPOs) which crashed in an equally spectacular way on the listing day and never recovered.
Videocon, Philips gear up for digitisation
Videocon and Philips are gearing up to usher in a new regime with new models that can receive and broadcast TV signals without a set-top box, though a debate over the preparedness of cable operators to migrate to digitisation from July 1 continues to rage.
India a FALLEN angel? Nah, says Pranab
Pegs 2012-13 GDP growth at 7%, says turnaround of the economy likely, rules out fiscal stimulus to revive growth prospects
India may be the first fallen angel in BRIC: S&P
Rating agency says the country may lose its investment-grade status on growth concerns; finance ministry begs to differ
BIG discovery: A 2,500-year-old industrial estate!
The finds show that workshops for cutting and shaping precious gems, for making semi-precious stone beads, and also, incidentally, for shell-cutting, were present in Kodumanal more than 2,300 years ago.
Why petrol price may be cut by Rs 2 a litre
On June 2, petrol was brought down by Rs 2.02 to Rs 71.16 a litre in the capital.
IMAGES: Most beautiful hybrid cars in the world
A hybrid electric vehicle combines a conventional internal combustion engine propulsion system with an electric propulsion system.
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| June 11, 2012 | | SBI breaches RBI norms on RIL exposure for 4th year
State-run banking giant SBI has said it temporarily exceeded RBI-prescribed credit exposure limit for the fourth year in a row in 2011-12 with regard to loans given to Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries (RIL).
There's some good news in the Indian economy
It would be foolish to deny that some of the increased spending by governments (Centre and states) is showing up in better numbers.
Spicing it up: Tata plans to expand Ginger hotels
After taking a few knocks, the Tata group-owned no-frills hotel chain is putting its expansion plans on the fast track.
IMAGES: 25 most reputable companies in the world
Reputation Institute has identified 100 companies that have successfully established strong international reputations.
Govt's austerity? It's a big JOKE
The government will get away with it, because of our perennial confusion between public and personal austerity, and our jaw-dropping incompetence with simple mathematics.
Oneworld is taking it easy on Kingfisher membership
Ealier at a press conference, the Oneworld also announced the joining of Srilankan Airlines in its fold.
Mini Cooper S: The rich man's Swift
Same DNA, different attitudes.
Take action against striking pilots: Ajit Singh to AI
'It is an illegal strike. They have defied the high court.'
Taxes make Indian airfares 300% higher than China: Goyal
Air fares in India were about 300 per cent higher than those in China and some other countries because of high tax rates, Jet Airways chief Naresh Goyal said on Monday, asserting that the aviation industry could not grow with such taxation.
Safeguard yourself with these apps
Industry data suggest that we lose more than 10,300 hours a year retrieving lost passwords, making new ones or talking to call centre representatives about those. And it gets much worse if a password is stolen and misused.
Govt slammed for airport charges, poor infrastructure
Observing that India's airport regulator AERA allowed a whopping 346 per cent hike in Delhi airport charges, IATA Director General and CEO Tony Tyler said 'this is clearly unacceptable'.
CII survey predicts a dismal GDP growth in 2012-13
Economic growth slipped to a nine-year low of 6.5 per cent last financial year, but India Inc fears further deceleration in the GDP expansion during 2012-13, shows a survey.
Situation VACANT -- at a couch near you
IT-BPO company Zensar to have 30% workforce based at home to cut office spends, draw talent
How mobile TV market is trying to make it big in India
India happens to be the third largest television household market. The country also has the second largest cell phone user base in the world. Mobile television would seem like the natural progression. Right?
RCom deal: Alcatel, Ericsson front runners
The Rs 8,000-cr deal is expected to be finalised early next month.
LONELY Greece: Where are all the tourists?
According to a Reuters report, tourism, which slumped by 25 per cent in 2009-2010 only to rebound last year, is crucial to Greece's economy, accounting for 15 per cent of its output and one in five jobs in a country where unemployment has hit a record high of 21 per cent.
10 factors that attract foreign investors to India
India is rapidly emerging as a manufacturing location for many foreign corporations.
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| June 08, 2012 | | COLUMN: Why one should invest in stocks now
Given the all-pervasive air of negativity hanging over the country, it is tempting to try and construct a contrarian viewpoint
Infrastructure's biggest enemy? The government
Ask any infrastructure developer and he will tell you that the biggest risk factor is the government itself.
SPECIAL: It's talent, stupid
Challenge of holding on to a good workforce and keeping employees motivated doesn't go away in a slowdown.
44 BSE 500 companies beat RIL returns since '91
An investment worth Rs 1,000 in Reliance Industries' initial public offer about 35 years earlier is now worth Rs 778,000, said its chief, Mukesh Ambani, on Thursday.
PHOTOS: 12-step plan to boost India's economy
The GDP growth fell to a nine-year low of 5.3 per cent in the first quarter, down from 9.2 per cent the same time last year.
Can you identify these ad slogans?
A slogan brings out the product's feature and gives the brand an identity. If the slogan manages to capture the customers' attention, then it is pronounced as an instant winner. Why? It not helps the brand break the clutter, but it makes an instant connection with the customer.
Chances of US slipping into recession 'very low': Buffett
Unless the Eurozone crisis escalates further.
Gold booms at 30K: Doom for jewellers, buyers
Gold on June 6 hit a fresh all-time high by adding Rs 100 to Rs 30,400 per 10 grams on brisk buying by stockists triggered by a firming global trend. Silver followed suit, and shot up by Rs 1,200 to Rs 55,500 per kg on increased offtake by industrial units and coin makers.
India has created thousands of jobs in US: Blake
The sizeable Indian investment flowing into the US is supporting thousands of jobs in this country, a senior US official has said, acknowledging the contribution of Indian money in creating employment during a tough economic environment.
10 languages in which it is EASY to crack Net passwords
Many users continue to use rather predictable passwords to protect themselves online.
India's aviation hub dreams face Dubai,Singapore challenge
Indian airports have been at a disadvantage because of high taxes, cumbersome visa and foreign exchange norms, losing out to peers in the Gulf.
PHOTOS: North Korea boasts of some amazing architecture
North Korea is one of the most secretive countries in the world.
Why Ambani may be able to walk the talk
Analysts believe for each of its businesses, RIL has underlined triggers that could boost profitability.
IMAGES: These nations offer the best housing facilities
Housing should offer a place to rest where people feel safe and have privacy and personal space; somewhere they can raise a family, says an OECD study.
Clash of the titans, New Hyundai i20 vs Volkswagen Polo
Hyundai completely changed the old i20 and provided some alluring cues to its fluidic structure.
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| June 06, 2012 | | India has ambitious plans to meet infrastructure targets
Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission made a presentation in which he pointed out the detailed process through which these targets were finalised and the high level of ambition they represent.
Gold zooms to a record high of Rs 30,400
Gold on Wednesday hit a fresh all-time high by adding Rs 100 to Rs 30,400 per 10 grams on brisk buying by stockists triggered by a firming global trend.
BIZZARE! A 'dead' cat-helicopter worth Rs 70 lakh
The value of Orvillecopter, a Dutch work of art transforming a dead cat into a remote controlled helicopter, has surged by almost tenfold after generating both headlines and criticism worldwide.
Cyber crime detection: A long road ahead for India
India's cyber security is definitely a cause for concern and every day there are new forms of onslaughts.
Few takers: Maruti cuts petrol car production
The company had recently stopped production of petrol models, including the Alto, M800, A-Star, Estilo and Omni for three days to prevent inventories piling up further.
How Kolkata's iconic trams plan to stay afloat
The plan, chalked by the West Bengal government and CTC, envisages ferry services on the Ganges between Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas and Babu Ghat in Kolkata.
PHOTOS: A day in the life of India's financial capital
Mumbai is the commercial and entertainment capital of India.
The big fall: Will Facebook vanish by 2020?
The world without Facebook sounds unbelievable, but after its sliding stocks a hedge fund manager has predicted that Facebook will "disappear" in five to eight years.
IMAGES: World marks environment day
United Nations Environment Programme established World Environment Day in 1972.
Good News: India's growth cloud has a silver lining
When stock brokers start quoting Oscar Wilde, it's probably a good time to bet on the markets. After the dismal Q4 GDP numbers, some experts are rushing to write the obituary of the India story. So, is this really endgame for India? It seems not.
ITC cracks the code in foods, finally
As a business, ITC Foods is younger than many other established players around, having begun operations only a decade ago.
Amul's Utterly, Butterly girl is winning hearts at 50
Yes, the girl in a polka dotted dress, with a matching bow in her hair, for whom no subject is taboo, no individual beyond her jibes, whom we know fondly as the Amul Girl, has just completed half a century peering down billboards.
IMAGES: Drinking alcohol? 15 nations that top the list
The WHO has ranked countries based on consumption of alcohol.
EU crisis creates a headwind for the global economy: US
Observing that economic performance in Europe is of great importance to the US, the White House has said the Eurozone crisis creates a headwind for the global economy, and as such any trouble there poses a challenge to the American economy.
IMAGES: 15 reasons why China will dominate the world
China is the world's second-largest economy, after the United States.
Work-life balance: World's 20 BEST NATIONS
The biggest challenge for workers across the world is to find a perfect balance between work and life.
IMAGES: Toyota Corolla Altis Aero at Rs 11.47 lakh
As this is a limited edition trim, there are expected to be some impressive features on offer, which have been specifically incorporated in these premium sedans.
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| June 04, 2012 | | Petrol price: FM favours 25% cut in states taxes
He said the states needed to also do their bit on reduction of petrol price.
Only reforms can help India tide over crisis
India's gross domestic product growth has slumped to 6.5 per cent in 2011-12, the lowest in the last nine years.
Realtors put launches on the back burner
Big projects may wait till second half of the year as developers turn focus towards execution and delivery
Indian economy: Is there a silver lining?
As the storm clouds gather over the economy, is there a silver lining? Yes more than one. To see them, we have to stop looking in the rear-view mirror at all the accumulated problems and negative trends, and focus on current trends.
Poor economic growth would spell UPA's doom: Javadekar
Poor shape of economy and massive corruption in UPA government would result in defeat of the ruling coalition in the next general elections, BJP MP and party's spokesperson Prakash Javadekar claimed in Hyderabad on Monday.
IMAGES: How child labourers toiled in America
A large number of children worked in mines, glass factories, textiles, agriculture, canneries and small industries during the industrial boom from 1876 to 1900.
'Don't forget Rajat Gupta's philanthropic work in India'
Sixty-three-year-old Gupta's trial, which began in Manhattan federal court on May 21, will resume today after a weekend break with his protege and former McKinsey executive Anil Kumar returning to the witness stand to testify against him.
India's richest join Gates in philanthropy tete-e-tete
"The group expressed belief that philanthropy and social service are integral to the development of any society. The meeting was focused on sharing ideas on philanthropy and not about any pledges. It discussed social work in areas like education, health, water and agriculture," stated the Azim Premji Foundation, the not-for-profit organisation run by Premji.
IMAGES: Companies that earned highest profits
While many companies struggle to break even, there are some that are reporting record-breaking profits.
Upper crust: Exclusive sites for the super-rich
To cater to increased online spending especially for unusual products and services, websites like Excluzen.com, Elite Matrimony and Purple Swan have cropped to cater to this niche audience. The site retails such luxury for the connoisseur.
Is Samsung Galaxy S3 superior than its peers?
The latest mobile from the Samsung stable is out. The device sports a huge display aimed at winning your heart. Besides the looks, it has also got muscle: A 1.4GHz quad-core processor. Now, all you need is a deep pocket.
Highway projects nixed as they falter on finances
This is the first time that highway projects awarded by the NHAI have failed to achieve financial closure.
IN PIX: Ten nations where China has invested the most
China's government has been fine-tuning economic policy settings since the autumn of last year as the outlook for the global economy darkened, export growth sank and capital inflows - a core component of money supply stalled, according to a Reuters report.
Govt backs banks' entry into commodity futures trading
Amendment Bill may be tabled in Monsoon session despite RBI's reservations.
Telecom Revolution: How 4G will change your life forever
4G, already on offer in Kolkata and Bangalore, is all set to change the way you use your mobile phone, watch TV and surf the Net.
Anil Ambani group firms save on employee cost
RCom's employee cost declined by 20.7 per cent.
Why India Inc is in rush for deals in media space
Some see value accretion, for others it's a de-risking hedge
PHOTOS: Most competitive countries in the world
Rankings measure how well countries manage their economic and human resources to increase their prosperity.
Downgrades in earnings loom for Sensex firms
A fall in consensus earnings estimates for 2012-13 will make markets appear relatively expensive: Analysts
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| June 01, 2012 | | What is Bill Gates' ultimate DREAM?
Come August and he will host the world's best scientists and engineers in Seattle, US, to see if they can design cheap, dry toilets which don't hitherto exist.
India is a growth market for us: Standard Chartered
Sunil Kaushal, who took charge as the chief executive of Standard Chartered Bank's India and South Asia operations in February this year, however, appears confident that India will continue to remain a growth market for the bank in coming years.
The alarming case of India's declining growth figures
The crisis is visible across sectors -- even services, normally the engine of growth, clocking near double-digit figures even if agriculture and industry are anaemic, grew at only 7.9 per cent.
PHOTOS: India has one of the most millionaires
Global private financial wealth grew by 1.9 per cent in 2011.
India Inc ready to shift to other side of the dot on www
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, which recently closed the process for its top-level domain programme, has received 28 applications from 15 Indian corporate houses.
Ambani of the Gulf bets big on Indian market
With a house on the top floor of Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, Bahrain-based India-born billionaire Ravi Pillai is planning big-buck investments across the construction, hospitality, real estate and healthcare sectors in India.
Trading in options comes cheap, but with risks
Index options safest in derivatives but can wipe out all the capital if attempted without knowledge.
Petrol price hike: How does it affect the common man?
While RBI is still battling rising inflation, it now has the tough task of managing inflation in the light of increased petrol prices.
Looming shadow of the monsoon-unfriendly El Nino
El Nino, an anomalous rise in sea surface temperature off the Peru coast, has been observed to often cause the Indian monsoon to flounder, resulting in poor rainfall. Nearly 60 per cent of agricultural land is wholly rain-dependent.
Stunning IMAGES of 30 rail stations around the world
A glimpse into some beautiful railway and metro stations across the world.
Millionaire households in India SWELL amid slowdown
The number of millionaire households in India jumped nearly 21 per cent.
India to be $2-trillion economy by FY13-end?
In 2011-12, when the rupee stood at an average of 47.95 against the dollar, the size of the economy was $1.84 trillion at current prices (including indirect taxes).
PHOTOS: Billionaires who did not complete college
There are some who did not complete college, but went on to become successful businessmen.
PHOTOS: How the iconic Golden Gate Bridge was built
It is one of the most internationally recognised symbols.
IMAGES: Most admired car companies in the US
Car manufacturers are finding it tough to increase their numbers amid the economic slowdown.
Want to SAVE tax? Try these offbeat options
One of the best ways to take the time to research and plan well in advance, is to start on this exercise right in the beginning of the financial year and not at the end of the it, when there are bound to be different constraints on the cash flow and also confusion over what to choose in the last minute frenzy.
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| May 31, 2012 | | IMAGES: 'Killer' companies that are making billions
Consumption of tobacco is rising by 3.4 per cent per year in the developing world.
Buying a property? Learn about loan to value
The Reserve Bank of India has brought about many new directives and guidelines in order to curb speculation in the property market as the sector stands poised for a revival post recession recovery.
New Gem: The next BIG market for growth
Global Emerging Middle (GEM) is the next big market, says PwC. In India, this segment is expected to cross the USD 1 trillion threshold by 2021; globally the figure is expected to be in excess of USD 6 trillion by 2021.
India's GDP growth dips to 5.3%, LOWEST in 9 years
The gross domestic product growth in the January-March quarter of 2010-11 was 9.2 per cent, according to the government data released on Thursday.
Toyota looks at more small cars for India
Toyota is working on developing six subcompact cars as part of its global strategy to increase volumes in emerging markets over the next four years.
Jatin Thakker has a mission: Save human lives
When you smoke a cigarette you get 1 mg of nicotine is ten minutes. Nobacco gives you the same nicotine in the same time, but it's cleaner.
IMAGES: 20 jobs that are most in demand globally
Organisations around the world still report that they cannot find the talent they need when they need it.
The West moves to revive manufacturing. Why won't India?
The United States does not stand alone in reassessing how government interacts with manufacturing. Across the developed world, only Westminster's Conservatives, the last lovers of finance, continue to be without an industrial policy.
PHOTOS: Biggest beer companies in the world
Beer is the world's most widely consumed alcoholic beverage.
IMAGES: 3 safest cars under Rs 10 lakh
Fortunately the concept is changing, and more and more car makers are now also concentrating on providing ample safety features to woo prospective buyers.
Gates Foundation to sign MoU with UP govt
Bill Gates, who was in Lucknow on a day's visit, assured the UP chief minister of full support by the Foundation to develop innovative solution and provide catalytic, technical, managerial and advocacy support.
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| May 30, 2012 | | Rajat Gupta trial: Prosecutors want email about Mukesh
According to the email, Kumar said, "When with Mukesh on portfolio question. . . 2 things to explore: A) Raj wants to know if they will get into the solar biz aggressively and when (there are implications for supplier companies etc)."
VC king Vinod Khosla's mantra for success
In his speech Khosla asked the teenagers to pursue whatever they have passion for.
Volkswagen woos Indian customer with two new launches
Volkswagen has recently launched Volkswagen Vento Petrol 'Comfortline' and Volkswagen Jetta 'petrol' in India to keep up with the competition.
We have to create a new India: Sam Pitroda
There are lot of opportunities in India to innovate. We need their talent, their emotions and we need their connections.
Mystery deepens over Swiss bank's $2.5-bn transaction
In interview with FSA in front of Sebi, mystery man denies owning U account used to execute $2.5-billion unauthorised trades.
IMAGES: Amazing 'eggs' worth over millions of dollars
It is the 166th birthday of Russian jeweller Peter Carl Faberge today.
Stick to a budget, start saving early in life
This will give you the long-term advantage of compounding and prepare you well to meet your financial needs in the future.
IMAGES: Companies that have NEVER sacked anyone
There are some that have never sacked a single staff in their whole history.
IMAGES: 25 best countries in the world to live in
OECD has ranked countries in the block based on quality of life.
TiEcon is all about fostering entrepreneurship
People were busy, rushing from one panel to the other to grab some knowledge on Cloud, Mobility, Social Media, Energy, Women Entrepreneurship and the newly formed Youth Panel.
Why govt can't DELAY raising diesel, LPG prices
As other members of the government have pointed out -- Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh and Chief Economic Advisor Kaushik Basu among them -- India cannot afford to delay increasing prices, given the ballooning subsidy bill.
PHOTOS: Biggest engineering companies in the world
Construction industry is witnessing a booming business in Africa and Asia.
IMAGE: 10 most searched cars in India
Almost every international car brand is willing to launch its products here.
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| May 29, 2012 | | Jobs go vacant as talent SHORTAGE plagues India
Globally, however, India's position is still better than other developed nations like Australia and Japan.
Million-dollar court cases is what he will inherit!
The largest German bank is facing numerous charges of defrauding its customers and contributing to the US housing market bubble by marketing complex mortgage and financial products that concealed the risks involved.
Democracy wriggling to get out of military grip
Now that democracy is creeping up on Myanmar, there are palpable changes. "Sixty five per cent of Myanmar is dependent on agriculture. We grow mostly paddy. Most of the land is owned by the state and you give a share of what you grow to the government, keeping the rest for your own consumption. But now, things are changing.
IMAGES: Once bustling, Detroit is now a ghost town
Detroit lost 25 per cent of its population in the first decade of the 21st century.
Facts that your insurance agent NEVER tells you
It is, thus, a good idea to get all your doubts clarified right from the beginning to avoid unpleasant surprises later.
Shop online for jewellery, get variety and discounts
As buyers become accustomed to the process of click-buy-pay, they are slowly shedding their inhibitions towards online shopping for jewellery items. These stores have expertise in solitaires, studded jewellery, gold bangles and coins (for special occasions like Akshaya Tritiya and Dhanteras).
Dreaming big: What TCS plans to do now
TCS is aiming to add another $10 billion to its turnover in the next five years or so. Which means, the company has to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 15 per cent. Can TCS pull it off?
IMAGES: These are the world's 10 worst oil disasters
An oil spill is the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment, especially marine areas, due to human activity, and is a form of pollution.
Meet the man who will step into Azim Premji's shoes
Since his low-key entry into Wipro five years ago, Rishad Premji is being carefully groomed to lead the company one day. on the man who could succeed Azim Premji.
AI's woes: What's PLAGUING the Maharajah
Air India's pilots have been hurting customers with their repeated strikes.
IMAGES: 15 cheapest diesel cars in India
While there is no solace for those who own petrol cars, let us look at the cheapest diesel cars available in India to help prospective buyers.
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| May 28, 2012 | | Indian economy: Why CREATE ghosts where none exist?
Now, we have to demonstrate self-confidence and take strong corrective and decisive measures.
IMAGES: 3 biggest hatchbacks rivals in India
From home bred cars to SUVs, vehicles made under collaboration or imported cars, automobile experts believe that small cars and hatchbacks are running the show in India.
Rumblings on Coffee Day Group's Amazon safari
Experts, political parties raise red flag over timber exports from there; Siddhartha denies any rule breach
Images: World's tallest free-standing tower
Japan's biggest new landmark, the Tokyo Skytree stands at 634 metres (2,080 feet) high.
IMAGES: Two Indian cities have busiest air routes
Number of people travelling between Asia and North America, and between Asia and Europe grew by nine per cent from 2010 to 2011.
Mobile handset companies bet on Indian app makers
There was nothing remarkable about what would have been just another popular game, except that it was developed in a tiny laboratory in Nagpur by an Indian gaming developer, Manthan Studios, not even two years into business at that time.
How to build debt portfolio in uncertain markets
Risk-averse investors can invest in fixed income products as these are giving good returns and are tax efficient.
Going for an insurance policy? Look beyond life, health
While these two are important, there are other risks such as loan repayment and retirement that you need to insure.
Most states now TAX petrol consumption more than Centre
After much persuasion by the UPA government in the aftermath of the petrol price hike, some Congress-ruled states made part-relaxations in taxes.
Why is the Indian economy in BIG TROUBLE? 10 reasons
The ugly underbelly of the policies of economic liberalisation followed over the last two decades has been crony capitalism at its worst.
Met predicts El Nino trouble for monsoon
Senior officials of the India Meteorological Department said they were now more confident that El Nino would indeed appear during the second half of the southwest season, compared to April when the last official forecast was made.
IPL on turning track, broadcast revenue down by a third
Multi-Screen Media (MSM), which runs the league's official broadcaster, SET Max, is likely to see a nearly 30 per cent drop in ad revenues this season, given the hard bargains most companies have driven.
GDP growth in FY 12 likely to disappoint
For the economy to grow by 6.9 per cent in 2011-12, GDP growth for the fourth quarter needs to be 6.9 per cent.
Traders go long on $-Rupee, short on Euro-Rupee
The rupee's slide was predictable in direction, if not in timing. It has been obvious for months that India was vulnerable to depreciation. A combination of European weakness and bearish FII attitudes were the triggers.
Markets HAVEN'T bottomed out yet, say leading players
Most pundits see room for a market correction in the light of domestic issues, especially the falling rupee and a lack of reforms, coupled with looming global uncertainties.
SPECIAL: India's economy is caught in a quagmire
Unlike in 2008, the pace of revival will be very modest.
Images: A CAR that missed its date with HISTORY
It was avant garde in terms of its styling.
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| May 25, 2012 | | IN PIX: RIM launches BlackBerry Curve 9320 in India
The new smartphone features all the core BlackBerry messaging and social-centric features that keep people connected and offers global 3G connectivity.
Kalam urges IITians to become job generators
"India has the potential to come out of this difficult situation because of its inherent strengths. The strengths are the purchasing power of 400 million middle class citizens and 600 million youth willing to take up challenging missions," Abdul Kalam said at the 14th convocation of IIT, Guwahati.
COLUMN: Pirate Party and Freedom
The Pirate Party is fighting to retain the right to privacy and the right to communicate freely via e-mail, telephone or letters.
'This is NOT the right time to hike petrol prices'
Government needs to rethink its over-dependency on imported petrol, and come up with ways to stabilise the Indian rupee.
Smaller cities are more prone to cyber attacks
Smaller cities in India run the risk of a cyber attack when compared to the bigger ones. A report released by Symantec Corp reveals that smaller and emerging cities such as Bhubaneshwar, Surat, Cochin, Jaipur, Vishakhapatnam and Indoreare increasingly facing the risk of cyber attacks, with 25 per cent of bot- infections in India reported in such cities.
How India, Myanmar bilateral trade can flourish
Myanmar is a member of the Asian Clearing Union and settlement of current account transactions including trade transactions are done through ACU.
Prem Watsa the Indian Warren Buffett goes shopping
V Prem Watsa, the India-born billionaire and promoter-chairman of Toronto-based Fairfax Financial Holdings, a $30-billion plus insurance and investment company, is often referred to as the "Canadian Buffett," a reference to the famous billionaire founder of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett.
IN PIX: India yet to get these AMAZING electric cars
Take a look at some amazing electric cars.
How to choose a non-resident account
Consider taxation and currency risks before choosing between NRI, NRO and FCNR accounts.
Air India's rich 'workmen'
At the heart of the national carrier's troubles are the archaic labour laws that allow pilots the same rights as industrial workers
Petrol price hike: Bollywood takes to Twitter
Bollywood celebrities took to Twitter to vent their ire over the steepest ever hike in petrol prices.
The RISE of the Indian small town
The performance in 2011 (Q4 over Q1), shows that the smaller Indian towns with a population of less than 1 lakh people, led an impressive growth story: 19 per cent in value terms versus 15 per cent in rural India and 12 per cent in the metros.
Burden on common man would be eased: Cong
UPA ally DMK also opposed the move and demanded withdrawal of the hike.
IMAGES: 14 most fuel efficient diesel cars in India
Another factor that works in favour of diesel cars is its 'full-size' mileage, which falls easy on wallet.
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| May 24, 2012 | | Uttarakhand, Kerala cut petrol prices upto Rs 2/ltr
Prices of crude oil are rising in international market and that India has to import 80 per cent of its crude oil consumption.
Re rebounds from life-time lows; back to 55-level
This marks a turnaround after rupee's 158-paise plunge in the last three sessions.
Bangladesh finds new oil reserves in Sylhet
The discovery has boosted morale of officials of the State-run Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla), the parent company of Bapex, who are hoping that other oil fields may be found in similar gas fields across the country.
How AI, Kingfisher crisis benefited Jet
The Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation also expects India's airlines to post a combined loss of a whopping $1.4 billion, with Air India likely to be the 'worst performer' to report a loss of almost the entire amount of $1.3 billion.
HP to cut 27,000 jobs in two years to shore up earnings
"As part of the restructuring, HP expects approximately 27,000 employees to exit the company, or 8 per cent of its workforce as of October 31, 2011, by the end of fiscal year 2014," the company said in a statement.
'The govt has lost the moral right to rule'
As we spoke to people from various walks of life, they all conveyed their anguish over this 'unreasonable hike' and slammed the government for mismanaging the economy.
Who pays the highest and lowest for petrol in India
Petrol prices in India are amongst the highest in the world.
Higher oil prices or higher EMIs? Take your pick
A higher government borrowing will 'crowd-out' the private borrowing and push interest rates higher.
First test flight of Dreamliner for AI successful
A new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft -- which is to be delivered to Air India -- has successfully completed its first test flight in South Carolina, the plane manufacturing company has said.
IMAGES: Former Yahoo CEO's amazing home on sale!
Former Yahoo! CEO Terry Semel is planning to sell his magnificent sea facing mansion in Malibu.
Despite stalled reforms, FDI inflows rise 34% in 2011-12
In 2011-12, FDI rose 34.4 per cent to $46.84 billion, compared with $34.84 billion in 2010-11 and $37.74 billion in 2009-10, according to data from the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.
Warren Buffet firm's Gujarat project hangs in balance
The fate of US $ 245-million (approx. Rs 1,356 crore at current exchange rates) chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) unit, proposed to be set up through a joint venture between billionaire investor Warren Buffet's firm, Lubrizol Corporation and Ahmedabad-based Astral Poly Technik Ltd, is hanging in the balance as there is no progress on the project since the announcement was made in September last year.
Auto demand to be further skewed towards DIESEL
The domestic car market, which sees sales of almost one diesel car for every petrol car sold, will see demand for diesel-powered cars to hit the roof.
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| May 23, 2012 | | Petrol price hike is 'unjust and unilateral': Mamata
Banerjee, the chief of Trinamool Congress, the second major partner of UPA government, however, said her party would not topple the government.
This is what petrol will COST in the 4 metros
This is the steepest ever hike in rates.
Petrol price hike 'unreasonable': BJP
Petrol price hike will have a cascading effect and prices are going to go out of control.
COLUMN: The 'rights' and 'wrongs' of a controversial Bill
The Supreme Court denies the Copyright Board the power to grant temporary licences.
Japanese investors face land, infra hurdles in India
The report, to be released in Japan at the India-Japan Business Summit on the completion of 60 years of diplomatic relations, has termed infrastructure as the biggest bottleneck that has threatened the sustainability of India's economic growth.
Image: Top 30 most valuable global brands
The world's leading brands have continued to grow in value despite the current economic uncertainty, according to WPP company Millward Brown's annual BrandZ top 100 most valuable global brands study.
B-school faculty salaries also take a hit
At the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, the depreciation of rupee is making it difficult for the institute to offer attractive salary to faculty members it recruits internationally.
COLUMN: What is India's real growth potential?
The nine per cent growth of United Progressive Alliance-I was an aberration.
Falling rupee spells fresh TROUBLE for airlines
Lease and maintenance rentals of aircraft, salaries to expatriate pilots, parking and landing rates at international airports and jet fuel prices are all dollar-denominated costs.
IMAGES: Stunning bridges in France
The Millau Viaduct is a cable-stayed road-bridge that spans the valley of the river Tarn near Millau in southern France.
India's airlines: Here are the best performers
India's air traffic continued to rise in April.
How India can curb the menace of black money
The true lesson of the White Paper should be that there are no quick fixes for what has been a major scourge of the Indian economy for several decades.
FII gains evaporate as dollar turns too hot for rupee
Several stocks cheaper in dollar terms now than in March 2009 when Sensex was below 9,000; FIIs in Coal India IPO stare at losses.
IMAGES of the world's tallest residential building
Towering over the Dubai Marina skyline at 414 metres from base to tip, Princess Tower has been recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world's tallest residential building.
Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha steps down
Jha, who revived Motorola's Mobile Devices business and led the company through this acquisition, has stepped down as CEO, although he will continue to work with Google to help ensure a smooth transition.
IMAGES: Fiat Punto and its 4 closest rivals
The Italian hot hatch with its high-end features along with powerful and refined engine choices poses serious challenge to premium car makers of India.
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| May 22, 2012 | | Why your 'chai' is getting costlier
Irregular rain, input cost pressure prompt price rises by some firms; others to follow.
'India to grow at 7.7% in 2013'
According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's latest Economic Outlook, India's growth rate is likely to slow to 7.1 per cent in 2012 from 7.3 per cent in 2011, but would inch up to 7.7 per cent in 2013.
He sells jets to India's rich and famous
Nigel loves luxury. A big golf enthusiast he also likes to run, play squash and drive his classic sports cars.
IMAGES: Bumpy road ahead for the new Merc
Does the all-new Mercedes-Benz ML350 CDI, launched two days ago, get it spot on?
IN PIX: Meet 5 highest paid CEOs of the US
For the fifth year, the Wall Street Journal partnered with Hay Group, a global management consulting firm, on its annual survey of CEO Compensation.
A different war at Wagah, on the trade clamps
Business on both sides ready to move into a completely new era, as India and Pakistan begin freeing the genie, maybe, hopefully, irreversibly
Is US living on borrowed money? Its debt = $15 trillion
The United States public debt is the money borrowed by the federal government of the United States at any one time through the issue of securities by the Treasury and other federal government agencies.
COLUMN: It's not Greek, Mr Mukherjee
There hasn't been a single confidence boosting measure by the government in the recent years.
Premji says his son Rishad may succeed him eventually
An MBA from Harvard Business School with work experiences in global firms like Bain Consulting and GE, Rishad joined Wipro in July 2007 as a business manager in the banking and finance division.
Why is Nandan Nilekani talking about plumbing?
Government is tougher than the private sector -- but transformative, says UPA's highly visible ex-CEO.
Is Biocon GUILTY of accounting fraud?
Biotech company denies all charges.
IMAGES: How thieves steal crude oil in Nigeria
The underground industry is estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars a year.
Images: World's 10 most popular metro systems
A rapid transit, underground, subway, elevated railway, metro or metropolitan railway system is an electric passenger railway in an urban area. They are either located underground or on elevated rails above street level. Across the world, metros are considered as cheapest and fastest mode of transport.
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| May 21, 2012 | | SPECIAL: How does the external value of the rupee matter?
The depreciating Indian rupee creates new opportunities.
Is it too early to judge Facebook's performace?
Founded in 2004, by Mark Zuckerberg, 28, the technology company, announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 421,233,615 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $38 per share.
COLUMN: The exchange rate: economics bites back
After the presentation of the Union Budget in mid-March, the rupee has been again jittery and anaemic, dropping to an all-time low of 54.9 on May 18, raising serious concerns in both the media and Parliament.
US visa probe on Indian cos: Nasscom concerned
India's IT services industry body National Association for and Services Companies has expressed concern over recent probe by the US against some Indian companies, including country's second largest software exporter Infosys, on allegations of violating visa norms.
Images: World's top five IT outsourcing firms
Worldwide IT outsourcing (ITO) revenue totalled $246.6 billion in 2011, a 7.8 percent increase from 2010 revenue of $228.7 billion, according to Gartner, world's leading information technology research and advisory company.
SPECIAL: Unravelling the Greek tragedy
A debt overhang can last generations.
COLUMN: Why the rupee is likely to hit 60/UD$
The sharp and sudden fall in the exchange rate of the Indian currency in relation to the American greenback has taken many by surprise.
Joint property ownership isn't a hurdle to tax benefit
If property is purchased by one person, he/she will get the full tax exemption. If bought together, proportionate exemption is allowed
IMAGES: Dream limousines that you will love to own
Some stunning limousines that are sure to catch eyeballs.
Images: The Rs 7.36 lakh Fiat Grande Punto is here!
Fiat India has added a sports edition model to their hatchback model lineup.
Why Piramal Healthcare is like Berkshire Hathaway
Piramal is pragmatic when he says he's equally clear the conglomerate approach may not be beneficial in the long run. "It's not that we are married to the idea of having everything together permanently."
IMAGES: World's 10 most underrated cities
These cities have a unique charm complete with beautiful locales, history and culture. Yet, they tend to be overlooked by many travellers or are just considered as stopovers.
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| May 19, 2012 | | Aditya Birla Group buys stake in Living Media India
The Birlas have earlier forayed only in the entertainment business and in 2003 launched a movie and television software production company called Applause Entertainment, best known for producing Hindi movie Black, starring Amitabh Bachchan.
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| May 18, 2012 | | Facebook lists on Nasdaq. Opens at $42.05/share
Setting the stage for the much-awaited trading of Facebook, its founder Mark Zuckerberg on Friday rang the opening bell at the Nasdaq stock exchange. Zuckerberg rang the bell from the headquarters of Facebook in California.
Hewlett-Packard may slash 30,000 jobs
Hewlett-Packard plans to slash up to 30,000 jobs in the coming months, which would be one of the biggest layoffs in American corporate history, says a media report.
Cut spending: Pranab's recipe to stabilise economy
Government may slash spending on foreign travel by ministers and officials and on meetings in five-star hotels as part of austerity measures to cut down on budget deficit in view of the tight economic situation.
India Inc worried about fiscal woes, not Mamata govt
There were concerns among industrialists about direct land acquisition after the present government stated it would not acquire land anymore for industry.
Experts caution on Facebook IPO frenzy
As the shares of social networking giant Facebook begin trading on the NASDAQ exchange today, experts believe that the stock is overpriced at $38 apiece and one must wait for now to invest in the firm.
Column: Why the rupee is on a freefall
Rupee is well on its way to touching Rs 55 against the dollar.
Kingfisher owes to govt Rs 269 cr Income Tax
Kingfisher Airlines was found to have deducted tax at source on salary payments but had not deposited it in government account, Minister of State for Finance S S Palanimanickam said in a written reply.
'GOOD NEWS! India can grow at 8-9% for 20 years'
Addressing a high level debate on 'State of the World Economy and Finance in 2012' at the United Nations General Assembly in United Nations on Thursday, Ahluwalia said the Indian economy grew at an average rate of 9 per cent in the five years prior to the financial crisis of 2008.
IMAGES: Interesting glimpses from the world of Facebook
Facebook made history by launching one of the largest initial public offerings.
Will Facebook create wealth for investors?
Analysts worldwide are expecting that Facebook can list at a huge premium as the number of shares on offer is minuscule in comparison to the high level of investor interest. They are also expecting a closing price above $50 mark.
Vegetable prices push retail inflation to double digit
Vegetable prices recorded the maximum spurt in prices, up 24.55 per cent, followed by edible oils -- 17.63 per cent and milk products -- 14.94 per cent in April, year-on-year basis.
Will India skip the hypermart stage?
The need to modernise supply chains is pitted against visions of how big retail would devastate small shops.
Cambridge enterprise expert hails Indian 'jugaad'
A new book co-authored by three Indian-origin authors suggests that western companies can adopt the time-tested Indian concept of 'jugaad' -- a frugal and flexible approach to innovation -- to succeed in a world that is hyper-competitive and faces resource constraints.
IMAGES: Visit Vienna's first cat cafe!
After three years of negotiations with city officials over hygiene issues, Austria opened its first cat cafe.
Facebook's $104 bn IPO is among the world's largest
The shares would begin trading on the NASDAQ exchange on Thursday under the symbol 'FB'.
Silicon Valley companies that pay the HIGHEST salaries
Software engineers are one of the most highly paid employees.
Why GOLD is so precious: Interesting facts
Gold is one of the world's most sought after metals.
Rupee has FALLEN by over 202% vs US$ since 1990!
The value of rupee has fallen by over 300 per cent since 1990.
Greece's real threat to the euro zone
If Greece leaves, and its economy rebounds, the power of its example could split Europe
3G tariff war: Airtel cuts rates up to 70%
In an aggressive bid to improve the slow uptake of 3G services, the country's largest mobile operator, Bharti Airtel, on Thursday slashed tariffs in various plans by as much as 70 per cent across circles.
OMOs aid govt borrowing as RBI fights rupee slide
According to market participants, the OMOs have also come in handy at a time when the central bank is intervening in the foreign exchange market almost regularly to stem the sharp depreciation of the domestic currency.
IMAGES: 7 more cars that are coming soon to India
This year too carmakers are geared up to pump in some fresh blood to their existing cars to keep them in the fray.
'Re fall: Govt must act fast or economy will perish'
A day after closing at a record low of 54.50 against the dollar, the rupee on Thursday slid further to 54.60 intra-day as capital outflows continued but suspected Reserve Bank of India intervention cushioned against a steeper fall and it closed at 54.47.
Antilia is the only home that we have: Nita Ambani
The ultra-luxurious 400,000 sq feet Ambani mansion and its contents continue to fascinate people not only in India but also abroad.
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| May 17, 2012 | | How employees are bleeding Air India dry
The vigilance cases ranged from stealing liquor and caviar and flying for other airlines while on the rolls of the national carrier to inflated bills and making claims for bogus attendance.
Samsung launches interactive Smart TV in India
Samsung's new voice control, motion control and face recognition aims at advancing the user experience in a competitive TV market that values ease, convenience and choice.
Petrol price may be hiked by Rs 5, diesel by Rs 3
Fuel prices are likely to be hiked again after the Parliament's Budget session ends on May 22.
Why are all eyes on Pirojsha Godrej?
Hungry for deals, Godrej Properties plans to treble the number of project launches in the current financial year, from five launches in FY2012 to 15 in FY2013.
India's gold demand dips 29% to 207.6 tonne
India's first quarter gold demand decreased by 29 per cent in volume at 207.6 tonne, year-on-year, while it dipped by 3 per cent at Rs 56,650 crore (Rs 566.5 billion) in terms of value.
IMAGES: 15 countries with the highest oil reserves
Crude oil prices are expected to rise this year as Iranian oil sanctions will lead to a drop in oil supply.
Concept Investing: A new way to manage your portfolio
There are varied styles of picking stocks but these may not suit your investment profile. So, check before getting lured.
From boom to doom: BJP blames UPA for the economic crisis
The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) pulled up the government for a total policy failure, resulting in grave economic crisis.
Why Indian private equity is at the crossroads
The evolution of the PE market against the backdrop of the strong growth in the economy should translate into strong returns for investors.
BAD NEWS! FM signals tough measures, austerity coming
Informing the Parliament about this, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, however, said the panic button should not be pressed.
Piramal Health buys US data firm for $635 mn
The cash-rich Piramal Healthcare has closed its second deal in the past month to strengthen its pharma research and development business. The company has said it would acquire the US-based Decision Resources Group (DRG) for a consideration of nearly $635 million (Rs 3,400 crore).
Oil firms BLOCK 3.8 million LPG connections
Oil marketing companies IndianOil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum together blocked nearly 2.9 million LPG connections belonging to customers having more than one connection across states.
IMAGES: Ten countries that have the highest tax rates
Governments around the world are trying their best to achieve the right balance between the rise in overall net revenues, personal income tax rates and tax credits.
Maruti Swift or Ford Figo: Which to BUY?
India, also referred as a hub for small cars, has umpteen hatchbacks running on its roads.
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| May 16, 2012 | | No need to panic over falling rupee: FM
FM said the slide would be contained when there is certainty in eurozone recovery.
Are Indian MNCs ahead of the domestic economy?
The Indian School of Business, in co-operation with a Brazilian counterpart, has constructed a transnational index to rank Indian multinationals and thereby gain available insights.
Facebook raises IPO price range to $34-38
The move signals a strong demand from investors.
PHOTOS: World's largest swimming pool
Acknowledged by the Guinness World Records as the world's largest swimming pool, the lagoon measures 1,013 metres (3,323 ft)) in length.
IMAGES: The story behind the sparkling diamonds
When the salesperson starts explaining the 4Cs -- cut, clarity, carat and colour -- this alluring piece of stone becomes even more enchanting.
AI starts intl flights; pilots want govt to initiate talks
As the stir by the pilots entered the ninth day, the Airlines curtailed and clubbed many of its flights to the US and Europe to stabilise international operations.
Monsoon to keep date with India, hit Kerala on June 1
The southwest monsoon is likely to hit the Kerala coast around June 1, well within its normal date of arrival, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
IMAGES: 20 BEST companies to work for
High salaries, great perks and a fantastic work environment make these companies an employee's dream destination.
SPECIAL: What are the implications of Facebook's IPO
There are considerable implications for corporate governance in the structure of the initial public offering of Facebook.
IMAGES: Renault Pulse petrol and its 3 closest rivals
The price of the car is quite tempting considering the fascinating features that this new petrol model sports.
There is more to Indian IT story, believes TCS head
"The opportunity that we have ahead of us is much more than what we have seen in the past," says Natarajan Chandrasekaran.
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| May 15, 2012 | | IMAGES: The Rs 60 lakh Mercedes Benz M Class now in India
Mercedes Benz India has introduced this M Class in two editions.
IMAGES: 30 stunning heritage trains of the world
We present in this slide show, 30 heritage railways from the pages of history.
Govt decides to cut Iran oil import by 11 per cent
Succumbing to the US pressure, India has decided to cut crude oil import from Iran by over 11 per cent this fiscal to 15.5 million tons.
AI cancels 10 intl flights; unions seek end to standoff
With a medical summary issued by the aviation ministry stating that most of the AI pilots, who called in sick, were neither found at home by doctors sent by the airline nor reported to doctors.
Infrastructure projects that will CHANGE the world
Some of the world's biggest and most expensive infrastructure projects are in China.
India's medicine man strikes again
To some -- especially western drug companies -- he is a 'pirate'. To others, mostly those in developing countries, he is an unparalleled hero. Either way, Yusuf Hamied, 75, is perhaps the most talked about man in pharmaceutical circles in the last decade.
IMAGES: 16 cars that will even make James Bond drool
So, this year from Ferrari, Lamborghini to Bentley, Land Rover and many other luxury cars have made a significant impact across every auto show that this year.
Future Generali Life shuts 55 branches, cuts staff
The downsizing is a direct fall-out of the slowdown in the business and the promoter's plan to sell stake in the life insurance business.
PHOTOS: Biggest revenue-generating companies
Manufacturing is one of the most important pillars of the world economy.
AI strike: Airfares on intl routes up by at least Rs 20K
Owing to a demand-supply mismatch, all the airlines are seeing an increase in revenues.
Moody's cuts RIL credit rating to NEGATIVE
Sequel to firm's announcement of cut in K-G gas reserves after long decline in output; agency says it expects decline in cash flows.
IMAGES: A real modern city where no one will live!
This will be a high tech city comprised of urban, suburban and rural environments and a mix of new and aging infrastructure.
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| May 14, 2012 | | India to be among TOP 10 economic superpowers in 2013
Next year, India will become one of the world's 10 biggest economies.
Highly polluting industry: Bengal tops the list
The survey was conducted in 88 major industrial clusters in the country.
ArcelorMittal Orbit: An architectural WONDER, and more
An amazing architectural masterpiece, 'ArcelorMittal Orbit' is a 115 metres (377 ft) high observation tower in the Olympic Park in Stratford, London.
COLUMN: Why drought reigns eternal in India
Each year, first we have crippling droughts between December and June, and then devastating floods in the next few months.
Three senior executives at JP Morgan may quit: Report
Three senior executive of JP Morgan Chase & Co's are expected to leave over the US-based global banking giant's over USD 2 billion loss on derivative trades, says a media report.
IMAGES: 5 top selling hatchbacks in India
While sales of hatchbacks were quite impressive in February and March, the burden of excise duty had its toll, and in April, the figures were quite subdued.
SPECIAL: Indian economy will perish without reforms
India's political leadership needs to demonstrate persuasively that economic reforms are on track
Inflation rises to 7.23 per cent in April
Inflation moved up to 7.23 per cent in April on account of spurt in prices of vegetables, meat, milk and pulses, although onion and fruits showed a declining trend.
How Tata Croma plans to make it big
Tata Group's Croma, which launched its e-retail store last month, is reworking its backend to secure its early mover advantage
PHOTOS: Biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world
Pharmaceutical industries is one of the biggest businesses in the world.
Fab five sectors salvage India Inc's bottom line
An analysis of 989 companies that account for 52 per cent of the total market capitalisation on the Bombay Stock Exchange shows net profit growth of 2.7 per cent over the previous year was reported mainly due to strong profit numbers registered by players in banking, cement, information technology, pharmaceuticals and fast moving consumer goods.
INFOSYS top management SALARY bill crosses $10 mn
This marks an increase of about 50% from previous year.
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| May 11, 2012 | | IMAGES: The Rs 4.25 lakh Renault Pulse petrol launched
The company is offering a total of 3 trims of this petrol variant along with the RXE trim; the other two trims are RXL and the top end RXZ.
IIP disappointing, weak sentiments hinder recovery: FM
Factory output, as measured by the Index of Industrial Production, contracted in March to a five-year low of 3.5 per cent.
Have foreign assets? Get ready to detail these
The new I-T return forms make things more complex. Even trustees or nominees are in for a tough time.
PHOTOS: Beauty of Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is one of the most iconic brands in the world.
Airlines warned against hiking fares beyond their band
The DGCA order came in the wake of members of the Parliament raising the issue in Parliament on Thursday and asking the government to act.
2G: Apex court to hear Presidential Reference from July 10
The Reference has asked the court for its view whether the verdict in the 2G case be given retrospective effect for radio waves granted since 1994.
US economy getting stronger: Obama
Claiming that the US economy is getting stronger, President Barack Obama, has said it is time that businesses move back their manufacturing from China, as he hit's the campaign trail this week.
Industrial production dips by 3.5% in March
The industrial production has been dismal at 2.8 per cent in 2011-12 as compared to 8.2 per cent in previous fiscal.
JPMorgan loses $2bn after bet goes wrong
JPMorgan Chase took the market by surprise on Thursday after it announced a $2 billion trading loss.
Kingfisher pilots call off strike
Pilots have been protesting since Thursday against non-payment of their due salary.
SC refuses to entertain AI's plea, strike continues
The ongoing Air India crisis deepens further as it enters the fourth day on Friday and there seems to be no respite as the situation is turning from bad to worse.
Poverty falls in Orissa, rises in Delhi
Among the major states, Orissa recorded the steepest fall in poverty from 2004-05 to 2009-10.
PHOTOS: Largest hotels in the world
There are some hotels that are so big that they can easily accomodate a small town.
A trip across the world's LONGEST railway tunnel
The daunting excavation work to build the world's longest railway tunnel beneath the Swiss Alps is complete.
IMAGES: America's 20 largest corporate giants
Oil giant Exxon Mobil beat Wal-Mart Stores to become America's largest corporation.
PHOTOS: New electric car hits the road
Fisker Automotive is an American car company, founded in 2007.
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| May 10, 2012 | | STUNNING pix of new TAG Heuer Carrera Monaco
TAG Heuer launched Carrera Monaco Grand Prix Limited Edition Chronograph in Mumbai on May 10.
COLUMN: Celebrating water traditions
The main reasons for water scarcity are wastage, pollution and unsustainable management.
Reliance buys stake in HDFC, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank
Awaiting regulatory approvals for its foray into financial services sector, Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries has acquired shares in giants like HDFC, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank as part of long-term 'investments'.
IIT alumnus named new chancellor of California varsity
Pradeep K Khosla, dean of Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering, also known as the Carnegie Institute of Technology, has been selected as the eighth chancellor of the University of California, San Diego.
PHOTOS: Most powerful cities in the world
World's top 100 metros generate roughly half of the globe's total economic output.
Kingfisher pilots report sick, Delhi flights hit
A section of Kingfisher pilots have reported sick in protest against non-payment of salaries.
IMAGES: Amazing inventions from Chinese farmers!
Chinese farmers are at their inventive best.
Planning a holiday this summer? Travel closer to home
With the rupee down over 20 per cent against the dollar in one year, one could go to countries where the currency is not suffering as badly.
AI stops bookings for US, Europe, 9 more pilots sacked
Over 20 Air India flights were cancelled on Thursday from Delhi and Mumbai as the agitation by the protesting pilots entered the third day.
Slowdown hits campus placements
Placement season drags on as B-schools find it difficult to place students despite making changes in their policies
Rupee gets euro zone jolt, hits all-time low
RBI intervention fails to arrest decline, experts feel govt must get house in order to weather shocks.
PHOTOS: 20 Indian companies that are most 'global'
Transnational companies accounted for a quarter of the world's GDP1 in 2010.
PHOTOS: Top shopping streets in the world
There are many shopping streets in the world, but only few have everything.
Volkswagen Beetle: A DELIGHT for car lovers
Born in 1938, the Volkwagen Beetle is still a rage among car lovers.
Infosys STIFFENS whistleblower policy
Gives more reporting options to staffers who wish to flag a wrong practice; sequel to changes required from US law, experience.
Maruti HIKES prices of new Swift Dzire
Based on the new Swift hatch, 2012 Dzire is selling like pancakes.
How to buy properties in foreign countries? GREAT tips
More and more Indians are opting for offshore properties as a second home in exotic locations.
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| May 09, 2012 | | AI strike enters 2nd day: Passengers hit hard
While the government continues to grapple with 150 errant Air India pilots who have refused to fly for the second day, stranded passengers are left wondering what to do next
Work-life balance? Indians are happier!
According to the workplace provider Regus' job satisfaction indicator -- Work-Life Balance Index -- the country has scored 139 points in 2012, a 15 per cent rise from 2010.
No hike for 4 years, Mukesh's salary remains Rs 15 cr
However, RIL's total outgo towards remuneration to its all top management personnel, as also the sitting fees and commissions for its non-executive directors, increased during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.
IMAGES: 5 Indian companies lead in global race
Indian companies, like their Western counterparts, are becoming more global with mergers and acquisitions.
Why RBI has little room to cut interest rates
To balance growth and inflation, tax reforms such as GST and investments in increasing food productivity are vital
Here's what Murthy panel plans for higher education
The panel's report could be considered while framing the final document for the 12th five-year Plan.
Report card: How India's top 4 IT companies performed
TCS delivered the best all-round performance, while Infosys and Wipro were dragged down by problems plaguing their restructuring initiatives.
Road still potholed for infrastructure firms
With another rate cut unlikely to happen soon, coupled with a muted order inflow trend, investors should tread with caution.
Are FM's changes to the Budget necessary?
It has become clear that many things were wrong with the taxation proposals made in the 2012-13 Budget. In attempting to fix the fiscal deficit, the government decided it was necessary to increase the tax base.
Why Infosys employees are unhappy
There is a surge in number exploring a change at middle and senior levels; recruitment agencies cite restiveness on pay, work patterns.
SHOCKER! Fuel price may rise again in June
Price hikes of controlled petroleum products such as diesel, cooking gas and kerosene have been happening annually in the month of June, irrespective of the companies' losses.
Ready for talks, but pilots must withdraw strike: Govt
Three international flights of Air India were cancelled from here and Mumbai as the agitation by a section of pilots entered the second day on Wednesday.
What the UPA govt can learn from Mumbai's B.E.S.T
Bad economics does not always mean good politics. Its time UPA woke up to that.
Photos: Google gets licence for self-driving car in US
Google, known more for its search engine and e-mail service, has bagged the first licence in the US to test self-driving cars along busy public roads in Nevada.
IMAGES: Maruti Ertiga and its 3 closest rivals
Maruti Suzuki has tried its level best to fit Ertiga with powerful engine options, impressive features and 'killer looks'.
PHOTOS: Amazing electric cars set to hit the roads
Future of electric cars looks bright.
IMAGES: Biggest electricity companies in India
Electricity sector in India had an installed capacity of 199.6 Gigawatt as of March 2012.
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| May 08, 2012 | | Excise duty on diesel cars may be hiked
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is demanding an increase in excise duty on diesel cars with a view to discouraging consumption of subsidised fuel by personal vehicle owners.
Cognizant lowers its revenue guidance on 'slow demand'
Information technology services company Cognizant Technology Solutions on Monday met its revenue guidance given for the quarter ended March 30 and projected its April-June revenues to cross those of Infosys, something long anticipated in industry circles.
India, Pakistan to relax norms for businessmen
India and Pakistan are expected to sign a revised visa agreement making liberalised provisions for businessmen when the Home and Interior Secretaries of the two countries meet for talks in Islamabad later this month, Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal said.
IN PIX: Will Audi Q3 manage to beat BMW X1?
After being crowned the second best car company in the luxury segment in India, Audi is ambitious to rule the Indian luxury car segment by the year 2015.
Amazing attraction: A house built upside down!
Polish architects Glowacki and Rozanski have built a house upside down in Austria to attract tourists.
PHOTOS: Most expensive projects in the world
World has seen many mega-projects, but not all have turned out as planned.
PHOTOS: Underwater hotel planned in Dubai
Dubai has some of the best hotels in the world.
Good News: Jewellers to cut making charges by 25 per cent
Set to begin next week, the first of its kind uniform discount offer from all jewellers across the country, would be valid for 10 days nationwide.
Glimpses of amazing futuristic vehicles, gadgets
Take a look at some of the most amazing vehicles and gadgets.
India reduced import of Iranian oil in the last 4 years
In the last four years, India has significantly reduced its import of Iranian oil by volume from 16 per cent in 2008 to 10 per cent now, a US Congressional report has said.
How to get the best of debt instruments
For risk-averse investors, there is a choice of a wide range of debt products. Each of the products has its own utility, depending on your goal and investment horizon.
AI strike: 10 agitating pilots sacked, union de-recognised
Four Air India international flights were cancelled from Delhi and Mumbai today after about 100 pilots refused to join work.
Golden TIPS on how best to take care of your car
Proper functioning of the engine is obviously very important for the overall health of the car.
TCS, Infy, Wipro among world's most valuable IT brands
Brand Finance assesses the dollar value of the reputation, image and intellectual property of the world's leading companies.
IMAGES: Biggest natural gas fields in the world
Natural gas is found in deep underground natural rock formations or associated with other hydrocarbon reservoirs.
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| May 07, 2012 | | India Inc holds on to its cash
10 Indian companies are holding as much as Rs 2.34 lakh crore (Rs 2.34 trillion).
Delay in reforms inevitable in a coalition: FM
Exudes confidence that RBI's rate cut move will revive investments and business sentiment; India to get $6.25-bn ADB assistance over three years
Special: How to make NGOs successful
The first is the orchestrated approach to organizing the NGO and the second is like improvisation at every step.
Private bankers put their money on 'middle India'
Take their credit card business to sub-Tier-II cities to tap latent demand
PHOTOS: India among biggest buyers of land
The increase in the price of agricultural commodities was accompanied by a rise in media reports of huge transnational farmland acquisitions.
How best to plan your finances while travelling
You will have to plan it in advance to bag good deals and save at the same time
IMAGES: World's 12 TALLEST buildings
Dubai's Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world.
Tatas among TOP 5 leadership firms in Asia
In the annual Best Companies for Leadership Study by the global HR consulting firm, the Tata group shared the limelight with other global companies like Procter & Gamble, IBM, Coca-Cola and Unilever.
Smaller cities may find place in air map
A fund, Essential Air Services Fund or EASF, will be created for paying the subsidy.
Cut down Iranian oil purchases: Hillary to India
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday urged India to do "even more" to cut its purchases of oil from sanctions-hit Iran to keep pressure on that country to o prove its nuclear programme is peaceful.
How Uttarakhand is different from Himachal Pradesh
"Look at Uttarakh#8743 there the government first developed land and then called industry." Rawat's sentiment finds echo across Himachal. "In Uttarakhand, the development was much more planned," says C N Dhar, senior vice-president, Indo Farm Equipment.
PHOTOS: A look at some of the hottest cars
This year's Beijing Auto Show attracted the biggest and best car manufacturers from around the world.
Panel rejects Bihar's demand for special category status
The panel, under the supervision of the Planning Commission, also turned down the demand for area-based fiscal concessions for Bihar on the grounds that it was not consistent with the proposed reform measures under the Direct Taxes Code and Goods and Services Tax.
SPECIAL: Is India's growth story going awry?
The cumulative impact of flagging investments that set in during 2011-12 has taken the shine off the India growth story.
Ford's India story: Successes and challenges
Ford's India boss, shares that the success of the Indian market so far has also come with its share of challenges.
How Siemens is learning to be 'smart'
From X-ray machines to circuit breakers and airport conveyor belts, from signaling systems to switch gears and foetal heart beat monitors - a portfolio of low cost, locally made, no-frills products is helping Siemens reinvent itself.
Bears take charge as key support levels break
Clarity on GAAR, IIP data & rupee movement to guide investors.
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| May 04, 2012 | | Facebook IPO: Mark Zuckerberg to become RICHER
Facebook Inc's initial public offering will vastly increase the wealth of its 27-year-old co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, leaving him with over $ 1 billion in cash and stocks worth $17.6 billion.
Huge investment scope in India; $1-tn in 5 years: FM
Offering "huge scope" for foreign investments, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said India needs about $1 trillion in next five years for infrastructure development, half of which has to come from the private sector.
Sensex dips below 17k after 4 months
The rupee slid as low as 53.84 per dollar, the weakest since December 15, lifting the cost of imported oil, fueling inflation and reduce scope to cut interest rates.
Nine Indian Americans in Forbes 'Midas 100'
Nine Indian Americans have made it to the list of 100 dealmakers with "Midas Touch" compiled by the Forbes Magazine.
Narayana Hrudayalaya plans low cost heart hospitals
Bangalore-based Narayana Hrudayalaya Hospitals (NHH) which is setting up Rs 600 crore Health City in Bangalore, announced that they plan to build low-cost heart hospitals across India with collective capacity of 30,000 beds in the next 5-7 years time.
Railways need Rs 15,460 cr to complete 918 projects
Minister of State for Railways Bharatsinh Solanki said during Question Hour that against the demand of about Rs 47,000 crore (Rs 470 billion), the gross budgetary support for 2012-13 is only Rs 24,000 crore (Rs 240 billion).
Is the euro going down?
Ever since the European sovereign debt crisis first came into sharp focus in late 2009, talk about "the end of the euro" has been going on and off.
PHOTOS: New engines to power supercars
New car unveilings aren't the only happening thing that happened at the Beijing Auto Show.
How mobile phones are helping farmers in India
Ossian Agro Automation Private Limited, a Pune-based manufacturer of rural wireless automation systems, is in dialogue with Nokia to offer 'Nano Ganesh', a product which allows farmers to use mobile phones to remotely monitor and switch on or off their irrigation pumps, bundled with the Finnish company's handsets.
PHOTOS: When will these 7 stunning cars come to India?
China's annual automotive event, Auto China 2012, saw a record numbervisitors.
Facebook sets IPO price range at $28 to $35
On Thursday, all eyes were on Facebook, as it announced a proposed price range of $28 to $35 per share for its initial public offering.
Fall in output: Penalty on RIL hiked to $1.46 billion
The ministry had previously wanted to disallow $1.235 billion expenditure that RIL had incurred on putting production facilities at the Bay of Bengal gas fields but in the 7-page notice it sent to the company on May 2, the cost to be disallowed was put at $1.462 billion, sources privy to the development said.
Kingfisher in talks with tenants to avoid eviction
The airlines sources confirmed the development and said the management is negotiating with the developers to resolve the deadlock.
PHOTOS: Stunning bridges of Switzerland
Switzerland has some of the world's most remarkable transport infrastructure.
Debt: West Bengal facing Greece-like tragedy
Experts say moratorium on interest not a solution, debt needs to be restructured; state must look for avenues to increase revenue and curtail expenditure.
$80,000 fine slapped on Air India
This is the first penalty assessed for a violation of the department's new airline consumer rules that took effect last August.
PHOTOS: World's 20 safest banks
Bank stability is an ever-more pressing concern for the world's corporations and investors says Global Finance, while announcing the half-yearly update of its ranking of the world's 50 safest banks.
60% of rural India lives on less than Rs 35 per day
According to the 66th round of National Sample Survey carried out between July 2009 and June 2010, all India average monthly per capita consumer expenditure in rural areas was Rs 1,054 and urban areas Rs 1,984.
PHOTOS: Biggest telecom companies in the world
Telecommunication is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
IMAGES: 6 swanky cars that will be in India by 2014
Quite a few international players also have ambitious plans for the Indian roads.
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| May 03, 2012 | | 'Possibility of a normal monsoon is less than half'
Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices cairman Ashok Gulati tells Business Standard that IMD's prediction should be taken with a pinch of salt, as data shows there is usually a deviation of eight-10 per cent from the standard margin of error in many met predictions.
Gold at life-time high of Rs 29,695
Gold prices on Thursday rose to all-time high of Rs 29,695 per 10 grams in the billion market here as investors shifted funds from melting equity markets to the precious metal, considered as a safe-haven investment.
IMAGES: The new Audi A4 is priced at Rs 27.33 lakh
The sedan is offered in both petrol and diesel variants with their iconic Quattro option.
JLR to build new Jaguar F-type sports car
According to The Telegraph, JLR intends to invest around 200 million pounds on expanding the facility by 50 per cent.
Investments from GCC to India remain negligible: Report
Investments from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to India remain negligible relative to trade flows and represent just a small percentage of total FDI from the region to the world, says a report.
Harvard, MIT launch initiative to offer free online courses
The new online education platform 'EdX' would be overseen by a Cambridge-based not-for-profit organization and be owned and governed equally by the two universities.
PHOTOS: The smallest car in the world
There is a company that became famous for producing the smallest car in the world.
Photos: Indian states with the largest highway network
India has the second largest road network in the world, stretching across a distance of 33 lakh kilometres.
Despite a gloomy economy, consumers are still spending
There is much gloom about macroeconomic fundamentals. Yet consumer sentiment seems to contradict any sense that the India story is stuttering.
PHOTOS: Youngest Indian CEO in US shares his story
Sahil Lavingia had already created dozen of apps by the age 16, says .
What is thwarting the growth in the country?
The speed at which political statements of doubtful veracity acquire the aura of gospel truth is astonishing. One such "truth" is: coalition compulsions impede economic reforms. Even Chief Economic Advisor Kaushik Basu believes in it. He recently said, "Thanks to coalitional democracy, there is some slowdown in economic reforms and decision-making."
Why this year will be crucial for global economy
Meanwhile, an ADB report presented at the seminar said this year could prove crucial for the global economy as financial tensions in Europe could escalate further and there remains concern over fledgling economic recovery in the US.
How the new policy will affect telecom sector
The 2G judgment and Trai spectrum pricing have led to a policy that makes sense for only one survivor.
Bharti Airtel: All's well that ends well?
Total network minutes rise 5% q-o-q but revenue per minute down 1.9%
Murdoch's lessons for India's state and media
Would-be Indian Murdochs should take note: they will likely not be allowed Mr Murdoch's four decades. And the Indian state may not be as restrained in response as the British state has been.
Amazing IMAGES reveal the cost of global warming
Global warming is the rising average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans since the late 19th century.
Images: Satyam ready to take on big boys of IT
Union of scam-tainted Satyam and telecom-focused Tech Mahindra has produced a fitter company.
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| May 02, 2012 | | TCS overtakes RIL as India's most valued firm
Tata group firm TCS on Wednesday replaced Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries as the country's most valued company in terms of market capitalisation, as investors rallied behind the shares of the IT giant.
'HUL's strategy is to build great brands'
Hindustan Unilever reported good numbers for the fourth quarter and for 2011-12, despite commodity inflation and currency fluctuations.
What is the new normal for growth?
The RBI has benchmarked trend growth at 7.5 per cent. That means India's potential has declined.
Why India, China are next destination for talent
Multinational companies are ramping up in new markets on a scale that is incredible and presents opportunities for Westerners looking for jobs in India and China.
It's time for government to get real on reforms
The government has to make up its mind. Mere articulation of a desire to take tough measures is not enough. It needs to implement those measures and prevent the adverse consequences of a higher fiscal deficit.
Photos: World's top 14 technology companies
Apple Inc tops the Forbes list of world's top technology companies.
Is S&P's negative outlook justified?
The outlook cut is based on a weak premise since the economy is expected to rebound this fiscal but a wake-up call was needed.
PHOTOS: Japan Airlines brings Dreamliner to India
Japan Airlines has become the first airline to launch Dreamliner Boeing 787 flights to India.
Indian cos stepped up US hiring during recession: CII
Over 70 per cent of these companies have increased staff since 2005, and expect to create another 3,400 jobs this year.
A look at India's top performing states
An assessment of how different states performed in the seven-year period from 2004-05 to 2010-11 brings out interesting nuggets of information that seem to challenge the conventional wisdom on which states are growing fast and which are laggard.
More trouble for Adidas
Former company MD likely to file a legal notice against his former employers
Column: Almost nothing is right with Obama and America
The growing weakness of the US economy means re-election is getting tougher for Barack Obama.
Exports fall for the first time since 2009
Exports dropped 5.7 per cent to $28.6 billion from the same period a year earlier.
White-collar strike hits outsourcing company WNS
The strike has been on for four days at the Nashik centre of the business process outsourcing company, which has a headcount of 23,874.
IMAGES: Maruti plans to launch 5 more new cars
Maruti India started year 2012 with a bang and launched 5 cars, and promises to launch five more this year.
SPECIAL: Air India's last chance for a take-off
Promises of a turnaround have been made before to little effect, so it's natural to feel a flood of scepticism at such proclamations.
Uninor moves SC on Trai's auction proposals
Says recommendations not in line with court order; move follows Telenor threat to quit India.
IMAGES: It's a plane with a difference
In October 2005, EVA Air launched a campaign with Japanese company Sanrio to create the "Hello Kitty Jet," featuring the popular Japanese character.
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| April 30, 2012 | | TCS becomes India's 2nd most valued company
The market capitalisation of a listed company corresponds to the cumulative market price of all its shares.
PHOTOS: Two Indians among richest Britons
It's no secret that Indians the world over are making their mark in various fields.
240 million Indians suffer from poor quality of life
The gap between the haves and have-nots may actually be widening, the survey said, releasing the results of its recent opinion poll in which nearly three-fourths or 73 per cent of the respondents perceived corruption as being widespread in the government.
How Chidambaram plans to tackle cyber crime
Chidambaram said dimensions of security problem increased manifold in the online space and 'we have to build lawful interception capabilities'.
Advani's take on India's weaknesses and difficulties
Bhartiya Janata Party patriarch Lal Krishna Advani has picked up for his blog this week a new book by the US-based Morgan Stanley executive Ruchir Sharma that identifies "graft driven inflation" and "crony capitalism" among the weaknesses and difficulties that can be a damper for India's high expectations.
PHOTOS: World's 20 youngest billionaires
Mark Elliot Zuckerberg is known for co-founding the social networking site Facebook.
Spectrum shifting means Rs 10,000-cr burden: Vodafone
The government has in-principle approved refarming (shifting) of spectrum and was waiting for Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's recommendations in this regard to start the process and formalise it as part of the new telecom policy.
COLUMN: Mirage of local empowerment
Poverty, unemployment and inequality are not problems that communities can solve on their own.
Where is the Indian economy heading? Ganesha speaks
Ganesha analyses the chart of Taurus rising Ascendant with Krutika Constellation. Rahu is in conjunct with the degrees of Ascendant. Mars is posited in second house whereas Jupiter is in Sixth house. Ganesha observes a stellium of six planets in third house.
Mamata's makeover plans for Bengal transport
To put in place an effective and economically vibrant transport system by this September, the West Bengal government is contemplating voluntary retirement scheme to shed out willing and physically unfit employees.
Whatever may happen in politics, India will grow: Mittal
The second richest Indian said he felt bad about the delays his projects faced in India.
SPECIAL: The curious case of rising prices
Our economic climate since the spring of 2007, when foodgrain prices started their journey northwards, has created an imbalance in market power between buyers and sellers, to the great disadvantage of the former.
The STUNNING i-Gen i20: On the fast lane
The new line-up will be supported by a 360-degree marketing campaign touting 'I live the uber life'.
Why Met dept's monsoon forecast goes haywire
The IMD projects total rainfall in the June-September monsoon season as being 99 per cent of the long-period average.
PHOTOS: Cars world's richest people drive
Many ultra-rich people drive small and inexpensive cars.
Parting shots: The hostile exit letter as an art form
Every parting shot needs a 'so what?' Once the author has seized the attention of a reader with grief and loathing, one can press for action: change the direction of the enterprise.
EGoM given sweeping powers on 2G auction
PMO to have direct say in decision-making through MoS Narayanasamy.
Maruti Suzuki to effect cost cuts to boost margins
As part of this cost-cutting exercise, the company has initiated measures to step up localisation levels and to pare the number of tier-I suppliers over the next two-three years.
M-cap of top 7 firms dips Rs 28,760 cr, SBI biggest loser
Coal India's value dropped Rs 7,200 crore to Rs 2,21,799 crore, becoming the second biggest loser in the list
Why you must be wary of PSU stocks
The entire basket is likely to suffer for sometime and offer lucrative short positions.
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| April 28, 2012 | | We are very POSITIVE on India: Piaggio chairman
The economic squeeze may be getting tighter in the euro zone -- and more so in Italy apart from Greece and Spain -- with every passing day. But that has in no way deterred group Chairman and CEO of Piaggio & C. S.p.A Roberto Colaninno or affected his investment plans for India.
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| April 27, 2012 | | Vested interests sucked life out of Air India: Par panel
Two parliamentary panels have castigated the government over the precarious health of Air India, with one of them saying "unscrupulous and vested interests" had worked overtime to "suck the life out" of the national carrier.
DLF unlikely to continue with IPL title sponsorship
With the slump in real estate market and television ratings, DLF, the country's largest real estate developer, is unlikely to continue with the title sponsorship of the Indian Premier League, according to sources close to the development.
Lufthansa introduces its Boeing 747-8 in India
India is the first Asian country where Lufthansa will deploy its latest fleet member the B747-800.
How Wipro is gaining from a revamp
This is evident in the firm's client addition and mining abilities, and also in its ability to stabilise employee attrition.
IMAGES: Ford EcoSport set to hit Indian roads soon
These days the talk of the globe is Ford EcoSport.
Will do everything to bail out Bengal: PM
A day after they placed their demands before Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, including restructuring of the 'massive debt burden' faced by the state, a delegation of Trinamool MPs met the Prime Minister to raise the issue.
First Look: Mumbai-Ahmedabad AC double-decker train
Commuters will soon enjoy the experience of travelling by a double-decker airconditioned train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
PHOTOS: The quest for gold in Mongolia
Mongolia remains the least densely populated country on the planet at 1.7 persons per square kilometres.
Reforms were easier to do in 1989: Commerce Secretary
India's merchandise exports crossed the government's target of $300 billion in the last fiscal and reached $303.7 billion. But according to Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar, the present fiscal is going to be tougher.
India-Pakistan trade ties leapfrog
Saturday would mark the completion of a year of history being made in India-Pakistan trade relations.
IMAGES: Hottest real estate markets in the world
It is expected that the global real estate market will see some major improvements in the latter half of the year.
Kaushik Basu: Right man, wrong job?
Kaushik Basu became a headline hogger recently, but for what he says are all the wrong reasons.
Why Indian Railways' finances are in a mess
Seeking more funds, Railway Minister Mukul Roy requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to provide additional allocation to meet the rising demands of the Railways to achieve efficiency and provide more safety.
15 most desired destinations for emigrants
22 million Chinese and 10 million Indians are eager to move to America permanently.
PHOTOS: Lamborghini CEO on a speed mission in India
The German-born, Italy-raised paratrooper-turned-automobile poster boy embodies Lamborghini's raging bull image.
Why RBI thinks India's financial system is strong
RBI Deputy Governor K C Chakrabarty said the central bank will come out in June with its next financial stability report, which showcases the country's financial strength, and
PHOTOS: Longest train journeys in the world
Train journeys are almost always a memorable experience.
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| April 26, 2012 | | Will S&P's outlook downgrade spur reforms?
The announcement by Standard & Poor's (S&P) on Wednesday to cut its outlook for India from stable to negative should cause no surprise, even though it comes barely five days after a similar exercise by Moody's, which had retained its outlook on India as stable.
Black money: 8 overseas I-T units to open soon
The Income Tax officials, having a tenure of three years, will function from the Indian Missions in Washington DC (the US), London (the UK), Berlin (Germany), Paris (France), The Hague (Netherlands), Abu Dhabi (the UAE), Cyprus (Nicosia) and Japan (Tokyo).
Will Tata Motors' outperformance sustain?
Tata Motors has seen strong upgrades in volume, top line and profit estimates, after reporting an unexpectedly superlative quarterly global volume performance for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). It was led by strong demand for the Evoque SUV from the Land Rover stable.
How they make gold out of dust
About 5,000-6,000 people are dealing in gold dust in West Bengal for months along the Ganges in and around Shibpur area of Howrah district without any licence whatsoever.
Now, get your insurance policy online
A month down the line, you may be holding insurance policies in electronic form. According to sector experts, the regulator is in the last lap of checking repositories' preparedness and infrastructure, and is likely to allot licences by May-end or early June.
SHOCKING: 345% rise in Delhi airport charges
DIAL allowed to charge user development fee from both departing and arriving passengers
Kolkata may soon get cafeteria trams
The plan, being put together by the transport and tourism departments, could just be a shot in the arm for the cash-strapped CTC.
PHOTOS: Made-in-India Google Drive to roam Internet
Google's engineering teams in Bangalore and Hyderabad have built it.
Lawmakers praise Indian cos for boosting US economy
In a rare show of solidarity, more than 20 top American lawmakers turned up for a Capitol Hill reception organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry.
PHOTOS: Demand for seats in lower rung B-schools to drop
Industry fears 1,00,000 management seats out of 3,50,000 to remain vacant this year.
Weak govt biggest drag on India's growth: Moody's
It has blamed lack of political will for the slow reform process.
People in slums? Here's a new deal
A third of urban India and half of some metros live in slums.
S&P cuts rating outlook of SBI, ICICI, HDFC Bank
India's top 10 banks, including the SBI, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank suffered a collateral damage following the Standard and Poor's lowering the country's sovereign rating outlook.
PHOTOS: 3 cities in India among fastest growing
About 52 per cent of the world's population currently live in urban areas.
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| April 25, 2012 | | Biggest deal: Citi buys Mumbai office space for Rs 985 cr
Global banking major Citigroup has stuck the biggest property deal in recent years in the country by paying a hefty Rs 985 crore (Rs 9.85 billion) for six floors in the upcoming First International Financial Centre (FIFC) Tower at the coveted Bandra-Kurla Complex, to house its country headquarters.
Food inflation rises, no relief for next 6 months
Experts said onion prices, which are seeing deflation, are also headed to high-inflation territory in the coming months.
Sinking story: Air India incurs Rs 7,853 cr loss
The government said losses made by national carrier Air India could be around Rs 7,853 crore in financial year 2011-12.
PHOTOS: Stunning cars you would love to drive!
Take a look at some of the stunning cars on display at Auto China show.
Pranab's legal expertise floors US economists
It's perhaps no small wonder that Pranab Mukherjee, is the go-to person in political circles and not just the Congress Party's savior.
Are online travel companies gouging customers?
The last few weeks have seen heated exchanges between two important stakeholders in online travel, putting a damper on a fast-growing industry.
S&P cuts India's outlook from stable to negative
The lowered outlook jeopardises India's long-term rating of BBB-, which is the lowest investment grade rating. S&P has threatened to downgrade India's rating in next 2 years if the fiscal situation does not improve.
PHOTOS: Why this is the best time to buy gold
The third (Tritiya) day of the Hindu calendar's Vaishaka month which falls in late April or early May every year is called Akshaya Tritiya.
It's offers galore to push petrol cars
Automobile manufacturers are offering freebies, ranging from gold coins and LED televisions to record discounts, to push petrol vehicle sales.
Column: Have non-government economists worked?
Has the experiment of appointing non-government economists worked?
Wipro Q4 net up 7.7% at Rs 1,480.9 crore
IT major Wipro on Wednesday reported a consolidated Q4 net profit up 7.7 per cent at Rs 1,480.90 crore (Rs 14.80 billion).
Skoda Fabia Scout launched at Rs 6.79 lakh
Skoda Auto has launched the awaited model Skoda Fabia 'Scout' in the country.
Why you must invest in GOLD
Gold has been performing well over the last 10 years.
IBM, Infosys most preferred employers for graduates
According to the portal, both the companies are topping the employer preference charts for the second year in a row.
PHOTOS: Sydney - the business hub of Australia
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia.
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| April 24, 2012 | | Diesel to cost more, govt plans to deregulate prices
The government on Tuesday said it has agreed in-principle to deregulate diesel prices, but is not considering similar proposal for the cooking gas.
Peer plans may put Infosys under pressure
With Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announcing a wage rise for its employees this year and most other industry peers going ahead with their wage increase plans, pressure is expected to mount on Infosys to reconsider its earlier decision.
Why 41 per cent of CEOs in India delayed their plans
About 41 per cent of chief executive officers (CEO) in India have cancelled or delayed a key strategic initiative because of skills shortage, an annual global CEO survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) states.
Now, a hi-tech car that can guide older drivers
The car, which has navigation tools, night vision systems and intelligent speed adaptations, can also monitor stress levels, concentration and driving habits of the drivers by tracking their eye movements.
Curb on Internet freedom bad for Indian democracy
Google is great for shopping, but not for learning, says Siva Vaidhyanathan, Robertson Professor in Media Studies Chair, Department of Media Studies, University of Virginia.
'GST would be single biggest reform after 1991'
Adi Godrej says he hopes the government would address industry's apprehensions over some of the Budget taxation proposals on stalled reforms and so on.
Must Read: What India must do to grow in double digits
Given that the public is no longer willing to tolerate lack of transparency, politicians will see they have no alternative but to change, feels Raghuram Rajan, economic advisor to the prime minister. Interestingly, Professor Rajan made this hard-hitting speech at an event to release a book in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's honour.
Column: Is Bihar a special category state?
Separate fiscal consideration for special category states because of their hilly terrain imparts a cost disability in public service provision.
The rising tide of Indo-Pak trade
Political tensions have cast a long and troubled shadow over cooperation between India and Pakistan. Cross-border terrorism, Kashmir and water rights remain the core issues of contention.
Opposition to retail FDI cannot go on, says Pranab
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said that the government will have to find some solution to the feisty issue of opening up of retail sector for FDI.
RBI cuts rate but loans won't be cheaper right away
Over the last week, several banks have cut rates by 25 basis points, clearly not enough to fuel credit demand.
Gujarat gets world's first canal-top solar plant
The project, which virtually eliminates the need to acquire huge tracts of land as is typically needed in setting up such plants, was commissioned in late February this year.
PHOTOS: The amazing Lamborghini
Lamborghini is an Italian supercar.
PHOTOS: World's 25 biggest companies
Exxon Mobil tops the Forbes 2000 list.
Victoria Beckham designs JLR's Evoque
Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover on Monday launched a special edition of its latest sports utility vehicle Range Rover Evoque, which will hit the market in October with a price tag of 79,995 pound (over Rs 65 lakh).
PHOTOS: A look at rich and poor around the world
Rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer.
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| April 23, 2012 | | TCS Q4 profit up 22.6% at Rs 2,932.40 crore
The company became the first Indian IT company to cross the $10-billion milestone posting annual revenues of $ 10.17 billion, said a TCS statement.
This is what junk food companies are hiding from you
Labels on packages do not explain just how much of our daily salt, sugar or fat quota this "fun" food is taking up.
Finally, some clarity on K-G reservoir output riddle
Company indicates estimates of reserves needed to be cut.
The debate about growth and deficits
The fiscal deficit is unsustainably high and the Budget has done precious little to offer a credible path for consolidation.
FinMin may cut capital gains tax on PE investments
Several PE investors have appealed to the ministry to bring them at par with the foreign institutional investors as far as tax treatment is concerned.
Take Basu's message seriously: Time for reform is now
Chief Economic Advisor Kaushik Basu sounded a warning bell at the Carnegie Endowment in Washington, DC, last week, saying that big-ticket reforms would probably have to wait to be carried out for the next government, after general elections in 2014.
Maruti's Manesar workers demand 5-fold rise in basic pay
According to sources close to the development, the newly formed body -- Maruti Suzuki Workers' Union -- has submitted a list of about 20 demands to the management for consideration while finalising the three-year wage settlement agreement.
Fizzy war: Who is Thums Up's new rival?
Thums Up moves away from its individualistic, masculine positioning to be the flag bearer of daredevilry, a la Mountain Dew.
IMAGES: How is it to drive the quirky Renault Twizy
It's not a car. It's not a scooter. It is a hole on four wheels. Doors are an option.
Do you KNOW how the postal system works?
Modern mail is organised by national and privatised services.
PHOTOS: Yash Birla on business, life and spirituality
Known more for his lifestyle than business moves, Yash Birla talks to <I> </I>about life and spirituality.
IMAGES: Check out the new Apple iPad
The new iPad lands in stores on April 27, and all those who haven't got an iPad or a tablet PC yet, but are considering to buy the device, could go and try the third-generation model that goes on sale on Friday.
US Lobbying: RIL pauses, Government spends Rs 3.7 crore
Corporate giant Reliance Industries Ltd has stopped lobbying with US lawmakers for the last two quarters, while the Indian government incurred an expense of Rs 3.7 crore (Rs 37 million) for such activities during the last financial year ended March 31, 2012.
Who says India has no appetite for major reforms?
Nothwithstanding his chief economic adviser's contention that there would be no reforms till elections in 2014, Pranab says there is no lack of appetite for reforms and that an electorate's support or lack of it can be gauged only in the national polls.
PHOTOS: Biggest airlines in the world
Not all airlines fly on international routes.
What is holding back the stock market?
It is difficult to see valuations rise unless the institutional attitude, especially that of foreign investors, turns bullish again.
Pranab: We have 'Very powerful, strong PM'
Pranab said he had clarified this issue in no uncertain terms with US Treasury Secretary who had brought up this issue during bilateral talks.
PHOTOS: YouTube to share revenue with creators
Video-sharing website YouTube will now offer original content creators a chance to monetise their work uploaded on the website without any prerequisites.
New wage system for AI, no productivity-linked incentive
Management to be restructured to monitor integration of erstwhile Indian Airlines and Air India.
Sebi to probe flash crashes
The frequent flash crashes - sharp falls in stocks or indices within minutes - have the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) worried.
IMAGES: Turn your house green and save money!
The concept of green homes is a trend that is here to stay and is slowly but surely catching up in India.
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| April 20, 2012 | | The truth behind Andhra's liquor scam
The crusade against the liquor cartel may well be masking another dynamic that many say is the real reason behind the spike in liquor prices -- namely, exorbitant liquor licence fees paid to the government by retailers.
Infosys investors concerned over company's performance
Questions are also being raised over Infosys' rational to maintain high margins, especially in a difficult macro environment.
How to set up a workable home budget!
One of the key aspects of creating a successful financial plan for a year is to establish a workable home budget.
PHOTOS: Inside the world's gambling capital
Macau is famous worldwide as the 'Monte Carlo of the Orient'.
Can Didi convert Kolkata to London? Bah!
The West Bengal chief minister's dream of transforming her state's capital might prove difficult.
Why you should think beyond tax when investing!
Many investors confuse investment with a tool to save tax and do not see them as a tool to build wealth!
PHOTOS: Biggest insurance companies in the world
Global insurance premiums grew by 2.7 per cent in inflation-adjusted terms in 2010 to $4.3 trillion.
Why gold loan business will be hit
Gold is one of the most influential financial instruments in the India. Banks, NBFCs and unorganised lenders are actively engaged in providing loans against gold value.
Infosys reaches out to staff on wage hike
Sources say the company's decision has led to a lot of discontent among its employees, many of whom are said to have expressed their unhappiness on the company's intranet portal and 'bulletin board'.
Volvo India chief on future plans and business mantra
Expect a new compact SUV from their stable called EcoSport later this year.
PHOTOS: World's most influential businesspeople
Time magazine lists 100 'people who inspire us, entertain us, challenge us and change our world'.
Better times ahead for airlines
Experts say carriers will start making money on higher ticket prices, but jet fuel costs may act as a dampener
IMAGES: 10 most stolen cars in the US
One of the biggest worries of a car owner is somebody stealing their vehicle.
What you should know about cashless hospitalisation
Wealth is a key factor in the first stage of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. In its true form wealth is a combination of three aspects namely good food, an adequate wardrobe and good health.
Compared to its rivals, Maruti Ertiga is really CHEAP
Apart from a tempting price-tag, the car delivers remarkable fuel efficiency.
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| April 19, 2012 | | Reliance Jewels offers special bonus this Akshaya Thrithiya
Reliance Jewels is offering double gold rate protection for Akshaya Thrithiya.
XOLO X900, smartphone with Intel Inside now in India
The device will be available from April 23 for Rs 22,000, said a company statement.
Consumer confidence: India tops the Asian list
At 81.2, in an index which is calculated with zero as the most pessimistic 100 as the most optimistic, India was the leader of the pack in Asia, said MasterCard Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence.
IMAGES: Longest train journeys in India
Indian Railways has 114,500 kilometres of total track over a route of 65,000 kilometres and 7,500 stations.
IMAGES: 30 busiest ports in the world
Global consumer demand dictates the flow of container shipping.
Why the Chinese currency is a bone of contention
The reformist wing of the current Chinese leadership should look to Zhu Rongji for a solution.
Internet giants scramble for social media pie
Last week, when news about Facebook acquiring the start-up photo-sharing app Instagram for a whopping $1 billion surfaced, the digital world was abuzz with frantic activity and comments.
It is EASIEST to start a business in these nations
Entrepreneurs face severe challenges while starting a business as the regulatory framework is burdensome in many nations.
FM faces US chill: Business forums express concern
The weather in Washington is balmy, but Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, in the US to attend a meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, would feel a distinct chill as he readies to meet corporate America.
Mumbai property prices jumped 10% in four months!
Prices in Mumbai have risen 10 per cent in the January-March period.
IMAGES: A cheaper version of Skoda Superb launched
It offers luxury saloon car features at a competitively low price.
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| April 17, 2012 | | SBI to cut lending rates soon
The transmission of the last cash reserve ratio cut has also not happened fully because that came in March.
More pacts with Pak on anvil
Companies from both sides have shown interest in entering the energy, cement, healthcare, and hospitality segments. Banking is also likely to draw some interest.
Good news! Your EMIs will come down
Home, auto and corporate loans are likely to become cheaper as the Reserve Bank on Tuesday slashed the short term lending rate sharply by 0.50 per cent to 8 per cent, signalling banks to cut rates.
Why investors are restive at Budget tax proposals
Starting with the proposed retrospective amendment to Section 9 of the Income Tax Act, seen as a move to get over the adverse Supreme Court verdict on Vodafone, the controversy spilled over to taxation of foreign portfolio investments and taxation of foreign assets of Indians.
PHOTOS: 10 most trusted brands in India
The Brand Trust Report has come out with a list of 1,000 Most Trusted Brands in India.
How will RBI rate cut affect you? Well, it WON'T
The government has taken on more and more debt to finance the deficit and more debt also means more interest.
New iPad to hit Indian stores on April 27
The best-selling device is priced between Rs 30,500 and Rs 50,900 in the Indian market.
RBI cuts lending rate to prop economy
With RBI rate cut, loans are likely to be cheaper.
COLUMN: Oil price decontrol has become a farce
It will soon be two years since petrol was decontrolled, but few will happily celebrate this second birthday.
World Bank selects Jim Yong Kim as its president
Kim, 52, will take over at the beginning of July, after the current president, Robert B Zoellick, steps down at the end of his five-year term.
Big boys of India Inc bet on RATE CUT
Line up Rs 10,000 cr worth bond issues.
SLOWDOWN gets serious: A grim future for India
As each month's economic numbers roll in, the slowdown gets more serious; and each month it gets clearer than before that government spokesmen who keep predicting an upturn are whistling in the dark.
PHOTOS: Two Indian cities among the most polluted
Two Indian cities have been ranked as the most polluted cities in the world.
Infosys' result: Harbinger of BAD times?
Infosys Technologies' fourth-quarter results have been poorly received. The bellwether stock has taken a severe beating, bringing the markets down with it.
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| April 16, 2012 | | RBI for hiking prices of petroleum products
Making a case for increasing prices of petroleum products and deregulating diesel prices, the Reserve Bank on Monday said these steps are necessary to contain fiscal slippages and arrest decline in growth.
Mumbai's infra projects stuck in policy paralysis?
Under attack from both the ruling coalition and opposition parties for his alleged inaction and a prevailing "policy paralysis", Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan says major infrastructure projects, since he took over in November 2010, have gained momentum due to a systematic approach.
IMAGES: World's biggest food and beverage companies
There are some food and beverage companies that have more money than some countries of the world.
City, Fiesta or Rapid? Which car to BUY?
Are you dreading the commute home? These automatic sedans hope to alleviate that anxiety.
Why Manmohan Singh's reforms legacy is under threat
At Vigyan Bhavan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sat with silent stillness as a key economic advisor and the head of India's central bank discussed the legacy of his reforms - a legacy that speakers said was under threat because of complacency.
Investors hope for rate cuts as uncertainty looms
FII inflows subdued, investor sentiment remains sombre abroad
Air India invites merchant bankers to raise $1 bn
Move follows govt nod to carrier to borrow via ECBs. Turnaround plan involving Rs 30,000 cr equity infusion, Rs 21,000 cr debt recast okayed last week.
Mumbai is the world's MOST EXPENSIVE city!
Knight Frank LLP, an international property consultancy, recently conducted a study on how many years worth of earning would it take for an average citizen to buy a 100-square-metre luxury or a high-end apartment in the world's most important cities. These numbers are according to an analysis of real estate and wages.
More women now in the driver's seat in car market
Also, car owners driving more than they did five years ago despite fuel price hikes; average age of buyers on downhill ride
New IIP coming after Holi havoc
Faulty Jan data blamed on festival holiday; govt to form review panel
Infosys finally utters the 'C' word
CFO admits for the first time that some amount of conservatism has set in.
Column: How CAG spotted the 2G spectrum scam
It is because of the Comptroller & Auditor General that we know all isn't well in the murky world of government purchases and the allocation of resources.
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| April 13, 2012 | | Infy falls 13% on BSE, investors lose Rs 20,000 cr
In its biggest fall in nearly three years, Infosys on Friday plummeted by about 13 per cent, wiping out nearly Rs 20,000 crore (Rs 200 billion) in market value.
Picture perfect ending for Insta-millionaire
The founder of Instagram, 28-year-old Kevin Systrom, has made an unlikely star out of the company because he's managed to tap into a common obsession amongst us humans the need to lose ourselves in the magical realm of photos.
Why FDI won't make airlines more attractive for investors
Airplanes are fascinating and air travel is crucial for business and leisure. The number of people travelling by air has been increasing at double-digit levels over recent years. Low single-digit penetration provides adequate scope for growth.
Mukul puts Trivedi's tenure under scanner
The development comes about a week after Roy said that the work has slowed down especially during the last eight to nine months apparently making a veiled attack on his predecessor, who is also a fellow party leader.
No one-time endorsement fee, stars have more at stake now
Bollywood stars are now being guided by wealth managers and their own business instincts to multiply their fortunes.
India's foodgrain stock to rise but much will rot
Too much grain, and no way to distribute it.
'Creative' reasons employees cite for taking leave!
Employees never run out of ideas on reasons for taking leave.
India should accept days of 9% growth are over
India has no god-given right to foreign capital.
In West Bengal, culture pips welfare in fund allocation
Outlay for cultural activities increased, for social welfare schemes slashed
SPECIAL: Value investing and the margin of safety
Intrigued by the concept of value investing? Read on...
PHOTOS: This supercar can go up to 390km/h!
McLaren F1 is a supercar designed and manufactured by McLaren Automotive.
PHOTOS: Life and style of Chinese millionaires
There are currently 2.7 million high-net-worth individuals in China.
As water becomes scarce, DROUGHTS ravage the world
he cracked earth of the drought-stricken Portodemouros reservoir is seen in Portodemouros, northern Spain April 8, 2012
PHOTOS: Onboard the stunning Disney Fantasy
Disney Fantasy is the fourth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, which started operations in 1998.
Is Kingfisher Airlines really in trouble?
It may just be a well-crafted strategy by Vijay Mallya to sail through the current crisis
Economic freedom: 122 nations, Pakistan beat India!
The world economy is in trouble, and governments are making things worse, says the 2012 Index of Economic Freedom published by the Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal.
IMAGES: Meet the world's richest CEOs
According to the study, the ranking is based on net worth figures from Wealth-X, a research firm that provides information on ultra high net worth individuals to private banks and consulting firms.
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| April 12, 2012 | | SUCCESS story: He started a software company at 18!
Shalin Jain's journey as an entrepreneur started when he was a college going teenager.
Huawei launches NEW smartphone in India
Huawei Devices, which aim to be amongst the top three handsets brands by 2016, on Thursday announced the launch of Huawei Honor and the New Huawei Ideos X5 in the Indian market.
IMAGES: What Mallya can learn from Buffett
Worst sort of business is one that grows rapidly, requires significant capital to engender the growth, and then earns little or no money, says Buffett.
IPL viewership slump worries advertisers
Some say they saw it coming, with the earlier Team India performance, cricket fatigue
In 4 years, India has gone from shining to crawling
Four years ago India was riding high.
IMAGES: The Rs 5.89 lakh Maruti Ertiga is here!
Maruti reversed geared this time and for the first time in history, designed a car from scratch to suit Indian conditions.
AI revival plan: Rs 30,000 crore equity over 9 years
The CCEA approved the TAP and the airline's financial restructuring plan, which includes additional equity infusion by the government.
IMAGES: The highest selling cars in India
Car sales in India grew by just 2.2 per cent in 2011-12 , the slowest in two years.
COLUMN: China's economy booms, India lags
China's ascendancy has reached a point where India will have to play a delicate game of exercising autonomy in its pursuit of national objectives without provoking conflict.
25% travel bookings for Indonesia may be cancelled
Travel companies are trying to address the concerns of those visiting Indonesia and surrounding coastal areas.
How much do Indians SPEND on food?
In 2011, the Chinese spent 14 per cent of GDP on groceries.
PHOTOS: 3 Indian cities among world's top megacities
A megacity is a metropolitan area with a total population of over 10 million people.
The shocking experience of taking a UID card!
Machines obey bumbling humanity in ageless India.
Volkswagen's journey in India: Crests and troughs
Indian car market is crucial for any carmaker to maintain an upper hand in automotive industry dynamics.
Priyanka Chopra LAUNCHES Nikon's summer range series
Actor Priyanka Chopra unveiled imaging maker Nikon India's latest Coolpix collection for Spring Summer 2012 on Wednesday in Mumbai.
Employees in India may get LOWER salary hike in 2012
As per the survey conducted by HR consulting firm Right Step Consulting, the salary hikes for India would decline to 11.54 per cent in 2012 from 11.89 per cent in 2011.
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| April 11, 2012 | | IMAGES: India's top 15 BPO employers
The survey conducted by Dataquest, India's leading IT magazine, consists of two parts: HR round and employee satisfaction.
PHOTOS capture oil extraction controversy
Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is used to extract oil from deep within the earth.
Infy CEO puts spotlight on better half
Shibulal plans to commission biography of his wife
Spielberg gets funding from Reliance Entertainment
Reliance Entertainment, a unit of the Anil Ambani-led ADA Group, is expected to give $ 200 million to Hollywood director Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks Studios, a deal which will extend a new financial lease of life to the struggling California-based film company.
Amazing PHOTOS of a yacht that's actually an island!
While there are many superyachts that are luxurious, comfortable and really huge, but none come even close to this superyacht.
COLUMN: How Aadhar is transforming lives in Jharkhand
Aadhaar is helping in weeding fake beneficiaries from social welfare schemes and transforming lives across Jharkhand.
IMAGES: World's 10 most impressive cities
A recent study titled - The Wealth Report 2012 - suggests that even though the focus is now on emerging economies; established top cities in the world will continue to draw wealth for sometime.
A rags to riches story of a roadside fruit vendor
From roadside vendor to Rs 150-crore (Rs 1.5 billion) regional giant, this is one of a kind, rags-to-riches story that will inspire anyone.
Obama pushes for HIGHER taxes on the wealthy
US President Barack Obama has made an aggressive case for imposing more taxes on the rich and criticised those opposing his 'Buffet Rule'.
Lavasa turns into a bad dream for banks
Dream hillstation project Lavasa, near Pune, is now a millstone around lenders' neck.
IMAGES: India set to see a pizza war!
As new players make plans to invade the Indian market, learning from incumbents like Domino's and Pizza Hut may be the best hope for survival, even success.
Now, prosecution of tax evaders made easier
A senior finance ministry official said on Tuesday the proposed change in the Finance Bill, 2012, would broaden the definition of commissioner.
PHOTOS: Mahindra in race to acquire Saab
Last day for bid over; Mahindra is said to be one of those interested.
PHOTOS: Symbols of China's economic success
An economic superpower, China is marching ahead to become the world's largest economy.
PHOTOS: World's biggest coffee producers and drinkers
Green (unroasted) coffee is one of the most traded agricultural commodities in the world.
The STUNNING Maruti Ertiga: A sneak peek
Since the last one month, many test drives have been conducted and speculations reported ahead of its launch on April 12, 2012.
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| April 10, 2012 | | SPECIAL: Why the annual Budget is like a bikini
Five things you did not hear the finance minister Pranab Mukherjee say in the budget speech.
How to invest profitably in global markets
High net worth individuals slowly warm up to US market; however, financial planners generally discourage such dabbling
GLIMPSES of London, the financial capital of Europe
London is a leading global city, with strengths in the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism and transport.
IMAGES: Stunning cars that will make you drool
New York Auto Show is one of the most awaited motoring events in the world.
Job scheme to provide food, too
The job guarantee scheme is set to provide food grain as part of wages.
PHOTOS: 10 stunning towers around the world
Take a look at these impressive towers with huge atriums...
Indian job market upbeat, no slowdown blues
The slowdown has returned, but this time things are different. Suryavanshi is sitting on two job offers, wondering which to zero in on.
PHOTOS: Sahara makes $600mn bid for NY Plaza
Sahara has paid a 10 per cent down payment for the 105-year-old landmark.
IMAGES: Maruti to launch Ertiga to take on Innova
With 25 per cent sales growth in the multi-utility vehicle segment, other car makers rushing in, too.
IMAGES: Inside the most expensive hotel room in history
Burj Al-Arab is a luxury hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
PHOTOS: 10 most-liked CEOs in the tech world
Not many bosses receive glowing feedback from their juniors, but some do.
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| April 09, 2012 | | After MFI turmoil, chit funds the next big draw
PE/VC investors keen on bolder bets in sect#8744 rise in investment enquiries, growth
Iconic and historic PHOTOS of London Stock Exchange
London Stock Exchange is the fourth-largest bourse in the world and the largest in Europe.
COLUMN: A pension for the poor and elderly
Proponents of universal pension coverage argue that India is now a rich country with a large population of poor people. So resources are available but not adequately channeled to those who need them.
Will Goa's Grand Hyatt be demolished?
High court to hear contrasting views on location in CRZ later this month, in the background of more than one rule change.
Equities to take cues from Bernanke, Infosys
Key among those would be US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's speech late on Monday evening, fourth-quarter earnings report by information technology major Infosys Technologies and India's industrial production data during the week.
Selling property? Know all about capital gain tax
What is confusing for many investors though is the tax structure on these real estate transactions. Here, we will explore the tax liability on such transactions, also known as capital gain (or loss depending on whether the investor made money on the transaction).
The iconic Mysore Palace to get a makeover
The allocation of Rs 25 crore for the facelift of the iconic Mysore Palace in chief minister Sadananda Gowda's Budget 2012-13 will pave the way for the first major makeover of the palace which is celebrating its centenary year.
Airlines cut business-class seats on domestic routes
Of the 62 Airbus-320 family of aircraft, AI has started converting 14 to single-class configuration and to decrease the number of business-class seats in 43 others from 20 seats per aircraft to 12.
PHOTOS: India's most amazing malls
The largest Indian mall is less than a fourth of the world's largest mall and does not figure amongst the 30 largest malls in the world.
Low-end tablet PC: A cheap hook-up and a killjoy affair
Going for a tablet purchase? Don't let price points persuade you. Frugal innovation in tech may be grabbing headlines these days, but the bottom line remains very much the same -- 'cheap ain't better'. The 'affordable' breed of tablet PCs are in stores, but their ilk may not be relied upon.
How will Indian consumers pay in the future?
With all the innovation in technology and business, as well as new consumer behavior, it's sometimes difficult to separate what will shape the future of payments from what is just hype.
GOOD NEWS! Expect 20% Sensex return in 2012
Indian equities are currently undervalued vs their own past levels and current peer levels. Since 2007, the Sensex has reached 16,000 for the sixth consecutive year.
Looking for easy way to order food? Here's HELP!
She is a self-confessed foodie. It's this passion for food which inspired her to start Deliverychef.in. Meet Aditi Talreja, the 23 year-old owner of this online aggregator for restaurants and other food providers.
IMAGES: Which are the BEST cars and bikes in India?
With only 11 categories, they had better be the best of the best. Here they are...
Confused by savings interest rate? Read on...
RBI's deregulation drive on saving interest rates has created a competitive environment.
COLUMN: Is India shining? Bah!
A lack of balance in economic policy, with a fiscal deficit that doubled from 2008 to now, and overemphasis on monetary policy to combat structurally high inflation, resulting in overly aggressive rate hikes, discouraging investment and impairing growth.
Why gold is set to continue GLITTERING
Gold is said to be the most-favored investment instrument in India.
PHOTOS: When Hong Kong fuelled Britain's economy
Hong Kong became a colony of the British Empire after the First Opium War (1839-42).
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| April 05, 2012 | | Stunning PHOTOS reveal how gold is mined
Gold is one of the most sought-after precious metals.
Hiring activities slow down in March
With the ongoing appraisal season in most of the companies, recruitment activities were lower in March compared to the previous month, according to the survey conducted by job portal Naukri.com.
Column: Why Warren Buffett is WRONG about gold
"As Buffett puts it "Gold has some industrial and decorative utility, but the demand for these purposes is both limited and incapable of soaking up new production. Meanwhile, if you own one ounce of gold for an eternity, you will still own one ounce at its end."
Amazing IMAGES of an unbelievable motorhome
A German company has launched a motorhome that is not only luxurious but also comfortable.
Is China stuck in a Catch-22 like situation?
The economic fate of the world is now inextricably linked to China. While China's growth is important, its drivers are frequently misunderstood and poorly analysed. The ability of China to support the seriously compromised global economic and financial system is overestimated.
How to build comprehensive ecosystems?
India's inability to address infrastructure is legendary, barring historical exceptions. It shows in electricity shortages, inadequate sanitation, broadband, railway services, airlines and roads. This explores the common strands of such failures, and a possible alternative drawing on China's approach to development.
'India is ranked No. 1 for developer satisfaction'
Global software giant Microsoft intends to tap the growing cloud computing market here. Sanket Akerkar, managing director of Microsoft India, says he's seeing an uptick in its adoption by enterprises, to become competitive.
Economy needs ACTION, but the govt is SLEEPING
Government has been trying to get rid of the impression that it is caught in "policy paralysis".
IMAGES: Dazzling diamonds from across the globe
We present here some stunning photographs of diamonds.
'India CANNOT GROW, if Bihar lags behind'
Deputy CM says a lot has been achieved, but the state has to go a long way.
IMAGES: World's most admired technology companies
So, which technology firms have the best reputation? These nine firms are the envy of their peers, everywhere! Read on, to find out why
TOUGH course: B-schools on sale
Bad market forces new management institutions to get out of business
Now pay Rs 200 more for cancelling air ticket
From April 1 all domestic airlines except Air India have increased fee for cancellations and date change by Rs 200 to Rs 950.
IMAGES: 10 cars under Rs 5-lakh coming to India
In the last one year, a number of global car makers have shown their interest in debuting in this segment.
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| April 04, 2012 | | Salary talks: Indians most confident
As per the survey conducted by professional networking website LinkedIn across eight countries, Indian professionals are the most confident people in career negotiations like asking for a raise or closing a business deal.
GOOD NEWS! Robust hiring, 12% pay hike on anvil
According to the study conducted by staffing consultancy Mercer, organisations are planning to hire aggressively this year, when competition could grow further for right talent.
Tatas refute media reports; Indica still in focus
Contrary to information in the report, Tata Motors does not have any plans of 'de-emphasising' the Tata Indica, the statement said.
Unusual PHOTOS of stock exchanges from around the world
There is more to bourses than just men in suits and hard cash.
Apollo's mission: To serve the masses
Local healthcare is a largely disaggregated affair but Apollo's new plan to start local clinics could change the way we access doctors while adding another valuable addition to the hospital group's value chain.
As Aadhaar debuts in Jharkhand, doubts arise
UIDAI will have to assail concerns over authentication and connectivity that have emerged in the Jharkhand pilot projects.
GDP growth: The BEST and WORST performing nations
While emerging economies present the best chances for economic growth, not all countries will prosper at the same rate.
Amazing PHOTOS of a 'hidden paradise'
Steep mountain walls enclose the valley on either side with snow-clad ramparts.
Haridwar factories brew Manesar-like labour situation
Workers at Satyam Auto and Rockman Industries, two leading auto parts suppliers to India's largest two-wheeler company, Hero MotoCorp, have been on strike for the past two weeks. They have come together to press for better wages and a workers' union.
These heritage brands are old but not ageing
Many brands have proved there is gold in old. What explains their success?
SPECIAL: When big brands hide behind a veil
The moral of the story is that BSing helps CEOs often get out of tricky situations where the "real" answer is obvious, but they can't be seen mouthing it.
IMAGES: These hot cars will now cost MORE
Auto giants like Hyundai, Volkswagen and Nissan too will hike prices, even though no announcement has yet been made.
Air India plans fare system that syncs with fuel price
According to the formula being worked out, the company would raise the fuel charge by Rs 50 for every Rs 1,000-per-kilolitre increase in the rates of jet fuel. Inversely, there would be a slide in the fares by the same amount in case of a Rs 1,000-per-kl decrease.
A Kerala youth turns coconut plucking into a hi-tech job
Shortage of trained nut pluckers is a grim farm sector problem in Kerala but for 37-year-old Selvin Chacko coconut plucking is a hi-tech profession involving car, mobile and even a dedicated website.
PHOTOS: Time for non-American to head World Bank
The race for the top position at the Bank is really heating up.
IMAGES: The World Trade Centre is 100 storeys high!
It will soon be the tallest building in New York City, surpassing the Empire State Building.
PHOTOS: The amazing Flying Car is all set to take off
Dream of a flying car could become a reality soon.
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| April 03, 2012 | | US court permits class action lawsuit against TCS
The lawsuit filed in 2006 by two of its former employees, Gopi Vedachalam and Kangana Beri, alleges that Tata unjustly enriched itself by requiring all of its non-US-citizen employees to endorse and sign over their federal and state tax refund checks to Tata and by taking unauthorised deductions from employee's paychecks.
IMAGES: New Renault diesel Fluence at Rs 15.2 lakh
The new Fluence will be powered by 1.5 litre diesel engine, which will give a mileage of 20.4 kilometre per litre.
Indian ADRs lost $6-bn of market value in March
The 15 Indian entities listed on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq saw their cumulative market value plummet.
Stunning IMAGES of beautiful Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a vibrant, exotic state where tradition and royal glory meet in a riot of colours against the vast backdrop of sand and desert.
PHOTOS: How workers toil at Foxconn, the human sweat-shop
Foxconn has been involved in several controversies, mostly relating to how it manages employees in China.
Passwords are most insecure, says a study
Passwords are most insecure, says a study
US asks India to relax norms on imports of select items
It also sought permanent exemption from the requirements that wine and distilled spirits labels include an ingredients list and disclose the date the product was manufactured.
Kingfisher staff withdraw threatened stir
Vijay Mallya, who had a meeting with the employees including pilots and engineers late on Monday night, had assured them that their dues would be paid in a staggered manner by April 10.
No end in sight in battle over Haldia
A 7-yr legal tussle over Haldia Petrochemicals looked close to being resolved. But when Mamata Banerjee upped the ante, it was back to square one for investor Purnendu Chatterjee.
Rajanna and the cooking gas revolution
How the nuts and bolts of the Aadhaar promise of targeted subsidy delivery are being tested on the ground
Amazing PHOTOS of world currencies
Paper currency was first developed in China in the Tang Dynasty during the seventh century, and was later introduced in the Mongol Empire, Europe and America.
SHOCKING! Honda Siel on brink of turning sick
Such a financial condition had impelled the management to expedite a board resolution for fresh infusion of equity capital through a rights issue.
2G scam: Why customers have not DUMPED Unitech
The phenomenon is a little difficult to explain. According to the Supreme Court's order, all telecom service licences given in 2008, during the A Raja regime, have to be cancelled by June 2. The licencees will have to return the spectrum they received to host telephony services.
Infosys: Analysts upgrade FY13 revenue estimates
Quarterly revenues may be volatile, as spending will be driven by the global macroeconomic situation
No Indian city among the world's 20 most IMPORTANT
These cities are considered the most important to the world's High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), according to The Wealth Report 2012 by Wealth Report 2012 by Knight Frank & Citi Private Bank.
Stock exchanges are not private business: Bimal Jalan
An interview with author of the report on the working of stock exchanges and other market infrastructure companies
IMAGES: 5 great cars will be launched this April
Carmakers, both domestic and foreign are gearing up with their 'to do' list.
Top 10 biz groups LOST Rs 6,000,000,000,000 in FY12
In line with the overall downtrend in the markets, a majority of large business conglomerates saw their valuations taking a dip.
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| April 02, 2012 | | Growth of middle class sluggish in China
China may be the home to a rising number of billionaires but the growth of middle class, the main requisite for its social stability, remained sluggish due to concentration of money in just one per cent of wealthy Chinese, a top economist said.
How London Dairy plans to make it big in India
The timing of premium ice cream maker, London Dairy ice creams' first ever media campaign in India is perfect.
Hitler's holiday resort to become a luxury hotel
German dictator Adolf Hitler's Nazi holiday resort, which spans nearly three miles along the coast of the Baltic island of Ruegen, will soon be converted into a 400-bed luxury hotel and 400 apartments, a media report said.
PHOTOS: An inside look at how Porsche is built
Porche cars are famous around the world for their speed, design and luxury.
IMAGES: All about the stunning Hyundai Sonata
The Sonata's back. Can it sing its way to success?
Camping in Googleland: Social animals discover new tools
With 10 million Indians now on Google+, the newest social media platform, users are now seeking ways how best to use it.
Why only doctors and engineers? Be an entrepreneur
As a charter member of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), entrepreneur-turned venture capitalist, Sateesh Andra has been actively involved in creating a common platform for entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and academicians to interact and help build successful enterprises.
Stunning IMAGES that capture the beauty of GOLD
Gold has been with us since time immemorial.
Mobile wallet takes aim: Buck gets a bang
Old king cash may have to take a bow. Plastic credit may find itself redundant. And 40 per cent of people who do not have bank accounts could leapfrog into the banking space. With mobile wallets, that's the change they are gunning for.
Destination smaller towns for BPOs
With an expanding domestic market, increasing cost and higher attrition rate, outsourcing action is shifting to tier-III and IV cities.
These are Asia's top high-value real estate deals...
The sale of Leela Kempinski Kovalam was among the top 10 hotel deals in Asia during the past one year, shows data from the US-based research firm Real Capital Analytics.
COLUMN: Why bosses like 'unhappy' employees
A simple way of keeping employees happy but with low self esteem is to create some self doubt in their minds.
Why Konnect edged out JetLite
The airline will reconfigure its planes to add business class seats in its low-cost service
PHOTOS: A tour of the world's 30 stunning malls
Malls have turned out to be hotspots for shopping entertainment and other activities too.
Ratan Tata's Vision 2020: A $500-bn global EMPIRE
Outgoing chief's presentation to top executives sees fivefold rise in sales in 8 years.
Three big worries for Indian stock investors
Confusion over India's new tax rules, slow rate cuts, and a weakening rupee could create a stock-picking environment.
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| March 30, 2012 | | Hyundai i20 iGen: 10 SPECTACULAR features
The i20 iGen boasts of many 'firsts in segment' features.
Big jolt for Posco. Green clearance suspended
The environment clearance granted to Posco's mega steel project in Orissa in January 2011 will remain suspended till the environment ministry reviews it afresh.
P-Note holders not liable to pay tax in India: FM
Setting at rest the uncertainty about overseas investments, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said that persons investing in stock markets through participatory notes (P-Notes) will not have to pay taxes in India.
PHOTOS: $500-million lottery fever grips US
United States is in the grip of a lottery fever.
Can interviewers ask about a jobseeker's Facebook life?
It is easy to see why employers might be tempted to peer into applicants' online lives. Worldwide, people's social lives have moved online to a far greater degree than they have earlier.
New ideas, but no challenge to the West, yet
As advanced economies continue to be consumed by the tailback of the economic crisis that struck in 2008, the germ of an alternative model of economic growth seemed to be emerging on the anvil of the BRICS regional grouping that held its fourth summit in Delhi here on Thursday.
Column: Lessons to learn from these success stories
All great companies determine success by their ability to bounce back.
Photos: STUNNING office buildings around the world
Take a look at some amazing office buildings around the world.
Aviation may be down, not its training institutes
Some airline companies may be struggling to keep themselves afloat, but business for the aviation training industry is brisk, barring some exceptions.
Is Rajat Gupta INNOCENT? Trial to start on May 21
Defense strategy seems to relying on three basic arguments.
The stranger who put life back into Rajiv Bajaj's life
"Brevity is not a family strength," Bajaj said, an obvious reference to father and patriarch Rahul Bajaj, who loves to air elaborate views on all things under the sun. The audience, comprising a Who's Who of India Inc, responded with huge applause.
PHOTOS: Most expensive office spaces in the world
Global market for office rentals grew three per cent in 2011, up from just one per cent the year before, according to property consulting firm Cushman & Wakefield.
Inside Burj Al-Arab: World's most LUXURIOUS hotel
It is said that Burj Al Arab is the most luxurious hotels in the world. For starters, the prices of rooms vary from $1,000 to $27,000 per night! It is also described as 'the world's only seven-star hotel.
Year 2050: World's TOP 10 economies
While there is little doubt that the emerging economies present the best chances for economic growth, not all countries will prosper at the same rate, says the Wealth Report 2012 by Knight Frank & Citi Private Bank.
PHOTOS: Shopping around the world
Shopping is the engine that drives the growth of most of the economies in the world.
IMAGES: 7 cars under Rs 10 lakh to be launched in 2012
Despite the high fuel prices, SUVs and MPVs are becoming increasingly popular in India.
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| March 29, 2012 | | No hike in H-1B visa fee for next year, says US
Applications for H-1B work visa for the fiscal year 2013 would be accepted from April 2.
PHOTOS: How oil is extracted, and more
Crude oil, or petroleum, is recovered mostly through oil drilling.
A car engine that unites rival brands
The 1.3-litre multi-jet diesel engine powers more than a dozen models stretching across five companies including Maruti Suzuki's latest MUV.
IMAGES: PM highlights 10 issues at BRICS
Prime Minister's speech at the Plenary Session of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Cars in India: The top 10 GAINERS
With total sales of 2, 11,402 cars, compared to 1, 86,890 notched up in the same month last year, February 2012 witnessed the highest growth in the last 10 months in terms of sales output.
On-time performance: Kingfisher is best, AI is worst
Cash-strapped Kingfisher had the best on-time performance in the last three years and low cost airline IndiGo registered the highest passenger load factor while national carrier Air India remained the worst performer on both the parameters.
IMAGES: Advertisements that leave you with a smile
Just three months into 2012, and we have already seen some interesting television commercials. Some give us hope, while others strum an emotional chord by saying happiness is more important the money.
PHOTOS: 12 greatest entrepreneurs of the world
It's not everyday that we see people turning their dreams into amazing ideas.
IMAGES: Hyundai's new i20 iGen at Rs 4.73 lakh
The country's largest car exporter launched the iGen i20 in both petrol and diesel variants, carrying a total of 12 variants.
India to become world's LARGEST economy by 2050!
Surpassing China, India will become the world's largest economy by 2050, says a report.
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| March 28, 2012 | | Australian watchdog accuses Apple of misleading consumers
IT giant Apple has been accused by Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) of misleading consumers by selling the latest version of 4G enabled iPad, which cannot connect with the 4G mobile network in the country.
Fortune names Narayana Murthy among greatest entrepreneurs
Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy is among the 12 "greatest entrepreneurs of our time" according to a Fortue magazine list that is topped by Apple's late chief Steve Jobs.
CarDekho.com turns 4, comes out with a facelift
The stylish new homepage with its increased usability and new features gives an in-depth knowledge about all new/used cars and their details.
Consumers prefer companies with strong CSR: Study
Seven out of 10 customers in India prefer to conduct business with companies that have implemented socially responsible programmes, according to a Nielsen study.
Vaccine makers give India shot in the arm
It is estimated the current Indian vaccine market is around $900 million, with a potential to touch $4.6 billion by 2017.
Column: How we can make Indian cities livable
Clean, reliable and timely public transport will go a long way in making and keeping towns and cities livable.
PHOTOS: Should TV channels reduce ads?
Unbridled advertising should be checked given weak self-regulation but the impact on revenues should be considered too.
Coke, Pepsi still a hit with consumers
Consumers have given a thumbs-up to these products, especially in countries such as India. The latter remains a key market for these brands, with volume sales seeing double-digit growth quarter on quarter.
US hikes H-1B visa fee, move to hit Indian IT cos
In a move that is expected to hit Indian IT companies, the US government has decided to hike H-1B visa fee from next fiscal.
Wealth in India shifting to smaller cities, towns
India has been the fastest-growing market in Asia for the affluent segment between 2006 and 2010.
Get Smart: Give your portfolio the global advantage
A weak rupee and strong global markets make a case for investing in foreign funds, but themes have to be chosen carefully.
Buyers misled? Realty promoters will be jailed
The Union ministry of housing & urban poverty alleviation has refused to dilute the penalties to be imposed on non-compliant promoters in the final version of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, despite industry opposition to the concept of sending the offender to jail.
SUCCESS story of a doctor who turned an entrepreneur
Winner of this year's TiEcon award for Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Dr P Srinivasan, is the Chairman and Managing Director of Jeevan Blood Bank and Research Centre.
Don't rush to invest in debt instruments
There are reasons to limit your exposure, even with the rise in rates of small savings schemes.
PHOTOS of some of the world's most exotic yachts
There is nothing like having your own yacht and going on a cruise.
Good news for SBI's home loan customers
In a move that would help a large number of home loan customers to reduce their interest burden, nation's largest lender State Bank of India has decided to allow them to reprice their existing loans at lower rates.
PHOTOS: Punchy, witty world of Amul advertisements
Amul advertisements are real entertainers.
IMAGES: Imported cars will cost Rs 20-40 lakh more!
Budget proposal increased Customs duty on imported vehicles.
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| March 27, 2012 | | Kingfisher suspends operations in several cities
Faced with a cash crunch resulting in several employees not getting salaries and dues for over three months, the airline also did not rule out a lay off.
UPA's policy is anti-citizen: Arun Jaitley
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday criticized the Union Budget 2012-13 saying it has "dampened" economic sentiments as almost all services have been brought under tax ambit.
PHOTOS: Japan's superfast train
Japan is famous for having superfast trains, and Narita Express is no exception.
Goa to cut petrol prices, will other states follow?
With the Goa government proposing a reduction in petrol prices by Rs 11, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla on Wednesday said the other states especially the BJP ruled ones should emulate the step to ease the burden on the common man.
Prices of cars, jeeps, cooking gas to rise in Maharashtra
Maharashtra government is set to implement some harsh monetary steps from next month.
Now have an enemy list on your Facebook account!
You can also declare 'war' on any product, person or company that has a presence on Facebook.
Should you buy a Maruti Ertiga? An expert's VIEWS
The maker of the people's car finally has a people car.
PHOTOS: Beautiful Greece
Greek government debt crisis is one of a number of current European sovereign debt crises.
Photos: World's 20 BIGGEST hotels
With thousands of rooms, these hotels can accommodate many guests and offer the best of services to travellers. Here's a look at the world's 20 biggest hotels.
PHOTOS: Jets owned by Indian billionaires
Private jets are the must-have toys of the super rich.
Execs in India to get higher salary than Asian peers
Executives in India are likely to take home a fatter salary than their peers across Asia this year as average base pay for heads of organisations in the country are likely to rise by 8.3 per cent, says a report.
Good news! It's raining jobs in India
The next three months are likely to offer solid opportunities for job seekers as 39 per cent of Indian employers are expected to increase their headcount, says a survey.
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| March 26, 2012 | | Global investors not confident about India, says Mallya
"India's global image has taken a beating," Mallya said on the social networking platform Twitter.
Home prices in Mumbai will continue to remain HIGH
A sharp rise in construction and funding costs will increase costs for builders and prevent a reduction in home prices.
IMAGES: World's biggest consumers of wine
Global growth in wine consumption is being driven by demand in the United States, Russian and China.
IMAGES: Audi TT coupe launched at Rs 48.36 lakh
The auto firm has targeted to sell more than 50 units of the coupe this year.
PHOTOS: The illustrious history of Fiat
Fiat was founded in 1899 by a group of investors including Giovanni Agnelli. Besides automobiles, Fiat has also manufactured railway engines and carriages, military vehicles, and aircraft during its century long history.
Don't demand passwords of jobseekers: Facebook warns
Facebook chief privacy officer Erin Egan issued the warning in the wake of a published report that companies and governmental agencies were increasingly asking job applicants for access to their accounts as part of a pre-employment screening process.
PHOTOS: Most expensive neighbourhoods in India
There are some streets in India where the property prices are so high that only the super rich can afford to live there.
Taxman will not play policeman, FM assures India Inc
He sought to know from the industry if it wanted India to become a no-tax country.
PM invites Korean investments in solar, nuclear sectors
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, during a bilateral meeting with Singh on Sunday, had requested that his country be allocated a site in India to build nuclear reactors.
IMAGES: Audi to launch 6 stunning cars in India
Audi is preparing an arsenal of cars for India.
IMAGES: 11 safest banks in Asia
The banks were selected through a comparison of the long-term credit ratings and total assets of the region's largest banks. Ratings from Moody's, Standard & Poor's and Fitch Ratings were used.
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| March 22, 2012 | | India-made Figo to be exported to 50 international markets
Ford India, subsidiary of US carmaker Ford, said it aims to accelerate export of India made-Figo to 50 international markets by this year end, from current 34.
Markets slump on weak global cues
The fall was led by index heavyweight Reliance Industries along with bank shares.
Coal scam: Govt loses Rs 10.6 lakh crore
In another huge embarrassment to the government after the 2G fiasco, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has estimated a Rs 10.6 lakh crore loss to the exchequer on account of allotment of coal blocks during 2004 to 2009 without auction to 100 private and public sector companies.
New Railway Minister announces rollback of fares
This was on the expected lines after Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee played a major role in getting the former Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi resign.
PHOTOS: Hollywood stars and models at NYSE!
While the New York Stock Exchange is usually filled with testosterone-driven men, it sometimes does see Hollywood actors, models and sport stars.
PHOTOS: Are Indian students shunning US business schools?
Decline in high-quality applicants from India into US business PhD courses.
The reason behind India's uneven growth path...
The Indian economy has clearly been on an upward growth path -- from an average annual rise of three to four per cent in the first three decades, growth took a sharper upturn in the eighties.
PHOTOS: Sunny days for Nissan in India
Nissan's Sunny overtook Volkswagen Vento to become the third-largest selling sedan in February.
Mukesh to rejig personal investment
Ambani has investment in gas pipeline company Reliance Gas Transportation Infrastru-cture; Jamnagar-based power company Reliance Utilities and Power Ltd and Reliance Ports and Terminal Ltd.
Education loans: Banks to rate institutes
Banks may also rate students every year and fix interest rates according to the ratings.
PHOTOS: Most competitive cities in the world
There is no doubt that competition is increasing the world over, but there are cities that are more competitive than others.
SLOWDOWN: How India's key sectors fared in FY12
The Indian economy is estimated to grow by 6.9 per cent in 2011-12, after having grown at the rate of 8.4 per cent in each of the two preceding years.
Capt Gopinath has a solution for Kingfisher, Air India
These are troubled times for the 'King of Good Times', Vijay Mallya. His airline, Kingfisher has been hogging the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
PHOTOS: The world's most beautiful cars
There are some cars that are not just amazing to drive but also beautiful to look at.
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| March 21, 2012 | | Why Budget 2012 is NOT bad for the Indian economy
In an exclusive interview with rediff.com Gopalan replies back to the critics of the Budget presented by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
Renew US visa within 4 years, no interview required
The new rules will apply to those within categories of B1, B2, C and D.
IMAGES: Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3 BS IV at Rs 7.51 lakh
The engine of this car is now Bharat Stage IV compliant.
PHOTOS: Exactly how big is Apple?
As of July 2011, Apple had 357 retail stores in 10 countries.
Stunning PHOTOS of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
One of the world's most beautiful landmarks, Sydney Harbour Bridge has completed 80 years.
IMAGES: Secret behind Cognizant's success
Cognizant's success has come from its ability to learn how to change quickly and adapt rapidly.
When taxpayers are above the taxman
That's the case in some of the 17 retrospective amendments in direct tax laws
PHOTOS: The man who turned Bajaj around
Clear brand positioning is the key.
What about the price rise in Bengal Mamatadi?
Banerjee has already allowed one in power rates, besides making milk dearer.
PHOTOS: The magic mantra of Nestle
Thinking on its feet, Nestle has stayed ahead of rivals.
IMAGES: IT sector in India faces growth dilemma
Indian IT firms, with their focus on cost-saving and labour arbitrage deals will face intense competition from their better equipped global competitors who provide solutions across the value chain.
PHOTOS: Vodafone's tax battle far from over
SC dismisses review petition; govt waits for Finance Bill passage.
PHOTOS: DLF's foundation shaken by debt
With a huge debt burden of Rs 22,758 crore, DLF is scrambling to sell non-core assets to give itself some breathing room.
PIX: From April this year travel in Maruti Dzire taxis
The company has adopted a smart move here by not pulling out the original Swift Dzire.
IMAGES: India's top 20 profit making PSUs
India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru called public sector units 'the temples of modern India'.
PHOTOS: Brand Sachin pads up for advertising field
Sachin Tendulkar endorsed health drink Boost after his match-winning performance against England at Old Trafford in 1990.
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| March 20, 2012 | | Kingfisher to suspend international flights
Kingfisher Airlines on Tuesday decided to suspend all international flights from March 25 and further curtail domestic operations even as government warned the ailing carrier that its flying licence can be cancelled if it failed to meet safety norms.
Occupy protests: Are they more than a trend?
As a grand spectacle, of the kind that grabs headline news, 'Occupy' has indeed gone into the background even though the 'occupation' of Wall street continues at Union Square a few blocks uptown.
An energy sufficient India? A long road ahead
Today we are importing over 80 per cent of our oil needs which gets refined into kerosene, LPG, petrol, diesel, fuel oil, naphtha etc hence not only all our energy needs but also fertilisers and plastics needs are susceptible to international crude prices.
From the slums of Chennai he made it to the World Bank
The story of E Sarathbabu, a boy brought up in a slum in Chennai who turned into a successful entrepreneur, passing through, on the way, the corridors of BITS, Pilani and IIM-Ahmedabad has become legendary in India now.
Stunning IMAGES from an unfinished tourist attraction
Grand Canyon Skywalk is a transparent horseshoe-shaped cantilever bridge and tourist attraction.
Decline in poverty? RS dubs it as a ploy
Soon after the Rajya Sabha met for the day, members from Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal-United, Bahujan Samaj Party, All India Anna Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam and the Left parties were on their feet seeking a discussion on the issue.
PHOTOS: Indian company among world's most-valued brands
Tata has moved up the ladder in a list of the world's most-valued brands.
PHOTOS: The stunning Embraer Legacy 650
Legacy 650 is a longer-range version of the Legacy 600 giving it a range capability of 7,223 km.
Pay hefty, become part of an IIM brand
Rs 25 lakh can make sure that the medal will bear individual or corporate donor's name for 10 yrs.
Why MF agents are laughing their way to the bank
According to a notification on Saturday, the "services rendered by a mutual fund agent or distributor to mutual fund or asset management company for distribution or marketing of mutual fund" form part of 34 items exempt from service tax.
Budget 2012: Which cars will cost MORE?
Your plans to bring home a dream vehicle may just have become a little more distant, with automobile manufacturers considering price increases to offset the impact of higher excise duty levied in the Union Budget.
India's Internet economy to touch Rs 11 trillion
Indian Internet economy represents 4.1 per cent of the gross domestic product.
New railway minister's qualification: Loyalty to Mamata
Roy's son Subhrangshu is also a Trinamool MLA from Bijpur constituency of North 24 Parganas.
Pranab 'confident' of keeping subsidies low
Critics call fiscal deficit projections ambitious; government to meet Opposition, chief ministers to discuss issues after Budget session
PHOTOS: Amazing cars that will hit the roads soon
Some of the biggest makers have announced stunning cars.
PHOTOS: Two Indian firms among most ethical in the world
There are many companies in the world, but not all do business ethically.
BEAT the HEAT with these frozen treats
The Rs 1,500-crore branded ice cream market (60 per cent of the Rs 2,500 crore market) has been evolving beyond the impulse purchases of stick, cups and cones.
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| March 19, 2012 | | JetLite to be merged with JetKonnect
JetLite was created in 2007, following the takeover of Air Sahara in April 2007.
Small clauses make life tougher for taxpayers
Though the annual light & sound show anchored by Finance Minister (called the budget) made a lot of sound but the light was not enough to show the way where the Indian economy is heading.
HC quashes criminal proceedings against Microsoft India
Justice Suresh Kait set aside the trial court order for initiating criminal proceedings against the website.
Poor service: Delhi, Hyd airports top complaint list
Over 2,800 complaints were registered at various airports for issues like poor service, bad food, lost luggage or other problems, with Delhi and Hyderabad topping the list.
PHOTOS: India and major nuclear-power producers
Nuclear power forms a big part of energy production in some countries.
How Pakistan economy can benefit from India?
For Pakistan's economic growth, it is important for the country to have more trade with India, a top World Bank official has said.
Tata Motors raises car prices by up to Rs 35,000
Under the passenger car division, the company sells small car Nano, hatchback Indica series and Indigo family of sedans.
IMAGES: Chevrolet to launch 5 cars in India this year
The list comprises three completely new car models and two upgraded versions of its existing cars.
Poverty dips to 29.8% in 2009-10: Plan Panel
Poverty in rural areas declined at a faster pace than in urban cities between 2004-05 and 2009-10, according to the Planning Commission estimates released on Monday.
Lifeline: Rs 4,000-cr bonanza to rescue Air India
Equity infusion of Rs 4,000 crore into Air India, proposed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in Union Budget 2012-13, will improve the debt-equity ratio of the airline to a level considered comfortable and help open the doors of banks for them.
PHOTOS: Getting paid to sleep in five-star hotels!
Almost all of us do normal jobs, but some are luckier than us.
'Let's not spend too much energy focusing on the Budget'
Interview with Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission.
The secret behind Cisco's bold networking start-up
The product they are discussing, called Insiemi, would be designed to work in high-end computer centres that use "software-defined networking."
Get ready to pay more for petrol from April
Even as automobile manufacturers are considering increasing the prices of their products, an increase in auto fuel prices is also imminent.
Meet Mukul Roy, the new Railway Minister
All eyes are now on the low profile Mukul Roy, Trinamool Congress general secretary and Minister of State for Shipping.
Markets need to understand the implications: R Gopalan
The markets tanked 209 points after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee tabled the Union Budget in Parliament on Friday. Economic Affairs Secretary R Gopalan defends the measures, saying the markets will need time to comprehend the measures.
PHOTOS: India's most stunning trains
India's luxury trains are among the world's best.
PHOTOS: Aerial shots of Dubai
Dubai is as a global city and a business hub.
PHOTOS: Apple's new stunning iPad
The new iPad Wi-Fi models will be available in black or white at price of $499.
PHOTOS: India most upbeat on hiring
More employers expect to hire than fire over the next three months.
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| March 17, 2012 | | What they liked and disliked about the Budget
'There is nothing really good about this budget. One will have to read the fine print to see what the Direct Tax implications are.'
Budget: These 20 services will be cheaper
Metered taxis, entry to amusement facilities, second-class rail travel, and betting, gambling and lottery will not attract the 12 per cent Service Tax, as per the budget proposal.
What is missing from the food security Bill?
The food security Bill's focus ignores changes in agriculture and eating habits.
What makes MPs cheer on Budget day
One thing is clear from watching MPs on the Lok Sabha's biggest day: the only thing that unites them is the words "outlay was doubled".
Wanted: A professional to bring Air India on track
It will require leadership with business experience, not a bureaucrat, for the loss-making carrier to get back on track.
PHOTOS: Stunning interiors of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner
Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a long-range, mid-size wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner.
Budget: The FM could have been bolder
The FM could have been bolder, but this is still a forward-looking Budget.
I'm ready to even bite the ballot: Pranab Mukherjee
More than merely being an economic balancing act, this was also about walking the political tightrope.
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| March 16, 2012 | | In graphics: Budget-2012-13
A graphic description of Budget-2012-13
Budget 2012: IT-BPO industry expressed disappointment
Software body Nasscom expressed its disappointment over the budget as it has no fresh proposals for the USD 100 billion Indian IT-BPO sector even as the industry's request to exempt SEZ income from Minimum Alternative Tax has been ignored.
Pranab: I must be cruel only to be kind
"The life of a Finance Minister is not easy. Various players, including policy makers, politicians, agriculturists and business houses, participate in the making of the economy."
Budget hikes AC, first class train fares further
Passengers travelling in all AC classes and first class will have to pay charges in addition to the recent hike in train fares with the General Budget on Friday bringing journeys in them under the ambit of service tax.
Invest in stocks, get tax exemption!
In order to increase retail participation in the capital market, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on proposed a tax exemption scheme for new investors.
Government to infuse Rs 158 bn in PSU banks
The government said it will provide capital support of Rs 15,888 crore (Rs 158.88 billion) to public sector banks and financial institutions during the next fiscal to strengthen their capital base.
New tax slabs: How much you will SAVE?
Giving some relief to tax payers, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday proposed raising the income tax exemption limit for individuals to Rs 2 lakh per annum from Rs 1.80 lakh.
Govt proposes amendments in Income Tax Act
In a measure that will have far-reaching impact on foreign investment and the Vodafone case having a tax implication of Rs 11,000 crore (Rs 110 billion), the government proposed amendment in the Income Tax Act retrospectively from April 1, 1962.
Impact of taxes on YOUR income
Biggest beneficiaries would be people having income between 800,001 to 999,999 per annum.
Budget: A bandage for an amputee
A much stronger focus was required on irrigation and water management. The FM merely acknowledged that it was a problem.
Allies will be consulted on 'tough' decisions: PM
Against the backdrop of stiff opposition by UPA constituent Trinamool Congress to FDI in retail and rail fare hike, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said the government will consult allies and take them on board whenever "tough" decisions are taken.
Left parties slam budget, say common man will be burdened
"The roadmap given by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee makes it clear that this budget will increase financial burden on common people," CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury told reporters outside Parliament.
Pranab quotes Kautilya and Shakespeare
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee made a quantum leap.
SHOCKER! Maruti, Honda, M&M to raise vehicle prices
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday announced raising of excise duty to 12 per cent from 10 per cent at present.
Budget gives boost to aviation sector
External commercial borrowings to the extent of USD 1 billion to be allowed for aviation sector for next year.
Govt allows lenders to raise Rs 60Kcr via bonds
Move is to encourage investment in the infrastructure sector.
Congress happy with the Budget, TMC dismisses it
Congress ministers on Friday hailed the General Budget as "balanced, thoughtful and forward looking" which would lay the foundation for fiscal consolidation but ally Trinamool Congress dismissed it as "status-quoist".
Service tax rate hiked to 12%
Telephone use, eat-outs and other activities will cost more.
India Inc calls Budget missed opportunity
Budget would have cascading impact on inflation and consumer demand.
Measures proposed for augmenting funds for SMEs
In order to augment funds for SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises), Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, in the General Budget 2012-13 presented in Lok Sabha, has proposed to exempt capital gains tax on sale of a residential property, if the sale consideration is used for subscription in equity of a manufacturing SME company for purchase of new plant and machinery.
Govt trying to reach consensus on FDI
Government said consultations are on to arrive at consensus on allowing FDI.
Good news! FM offers tax sops for you
The Individual tax payer exemption limit to be raised to Rs 200,000 from Rs 180,000.
Opposition parties slam budget as anti-people
The Opposition parties on Friday slammed the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee as "anti-people", "lacklustre" and one that would increase the financial burden on the common man.
Budget 2012: Steps announced to check black money
Tax collection at source on purchase, in cash, of bullion or jewellery in excess of Rs 2 lakh is one step announced.
Amendments to FRBM Act
Two important features are Effective Revenue Deficit and Medium Term Expenditure Framework.
Budget: What is cheaper, what is costlier
A look at things whose prices will change post Budget.
Fiscal deficit at 5.9 per cent of GDP
Government determined to bring down fiscal deficit to 5.1 per cent of GDP next fiscal.
Budget 2012: Substantial hike in defence budget
Rs 193,407 crore provision made for defence services in 2012-13.
Govt to fully provide for food subsidy, food security act
Food Security Act will be fully provided for and subsidy to be 2 per cent of GDP for next two years.
Budget 2012: Agriculture sector to get sops
India will become self-sufficient in urea production in five years.
External borrowing up to $1 billion in aviation sector
External commercial borrowings to the extent of USD 1 billion to be allowed for aviation sector for next year.
Economy is now turning around, says FM
Economy is now turning around, manufacturing appears to be on revival, says FM.
GDP to grow by 7.6 per cent in 2012-13
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjeet presenting the 2012 Budget said the GDP to grow by 6.9 per cent in 2011-12.
20 interesting facts about the Budget
India has had 28 finance ministers since independence.
Budget 2012: A few tips for the FM and PM
There is one unenviable job out there that Pranab Mukherjee is doing and the rest of the country is up in arms to judge his performance.
Economics vs politics: Mamata shocks India Inc
Mamata-wary corporate heads hope economics wins over politics in Budget.
High fiscal deficit weighs on market
Overnight, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 0.4% to 13,253 and the Standard & Poor's 500 Index advanced 0.6% to 1,403 at close.
What Pranabda will bring in his briefcase
Last Minute Preview of Budget 2012
An aam aadmi's open letter to India's finance minister
Need to classify clinics as industries.
Letter to the FM from a salaried employee
Find out what a salaried person wants from the finance minister.
Budget 2012: Tax payers may get some relief
Tax payers will be looking forward to some relief from Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee who is expected to raise the income tax exemption limit to at least Rs 2 lakh in his budget proposals.
COLUMN: Budget is a big test for the UPA govt
The finance minister has to present a Budget that will revive investor confidence, restore fiscal balance and rescue the electoral prospects of his badly battered party.
SPECIAL: Is the Budget only about taxes?
First thing an average citizen thinks about before any Budget is about income tax.
What has Budget 2012 in store? Ganesha PREDICTS!
Expectations are always high from the Budget, but this year the expectations are even higher due to an increase in inflation as well as a widening fiscal deficit.
Budget Highlights: Tax sops, but costlier services
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presented the Union Budget for 2012-13 on Friday.
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| March 15, 2012 | | Tepid growth in tax mop-up; SBI, LIC, TCS lead the pack
The initial numbers for the last installment of advance tax payment on Thursday by top corporates based in the financial capital present a tepid growth in the levy mop-up, with banking and financial institutions leading the pack.
INFOGRAPHICS: The state of Indian economy
India 4th largest economy, yet low per capita income.
IT sector, the biggest job creator in FY12
The job market has emerged unscathed from a slowdown in the economic growth rate and the country has maintained an upward trend in hiring activities continuously for about three years, the Economic Survey 2011-12 said on Thursday.
Indian economy to bounce back in FY13
Suggesting a rebound, the government has projected the economy to grow by about 7.6 per cent in the next fiscal, up from 6.9 per cent estimated in 2011-12 on the back of declining inflation and softening interest rate.
National Telecom Policy to be in place by June
"Draft of the policy was circulated in 2011 for consultation with various stakeholders. Views/comments from these stakeholders have been received and the same are under consideration. NTP is likely to be in place by June 2012," the Survey said.
India 4th largest economy, yet low per capita income
India has become the fourth largest economy in the world due to a strong economic growth but still has a low per capita income, the Economic Survey revealed.
Govt bullish, GDP growth pegged at 7.6% for FY13
Following are the highlights of the Economy Survey 2011-12, a report card of the Indian economic scenario.
In pix: The SUCCESS story of Kalyan Jewellers
T. S. Kalyanaraman is the Chairman and Managing Director of Kalyan Jewellers, the largest jewellery chain in India with a turnover of Rs 8,500 crore (Rs 8.5 billion) this year.
A mountain railway that existed 125 years ago
Meghalaya does not have a rail link at present but around 125 years ago people from this quaint hill-station made memorable journeys on one of the most romantic mountain railways of the world the Cherra Companyganj State Railways (CCSR).
World Bank extends $4.3 billion aid to India
This arrangement, while facilitating a $4.3 billion increase in support to India, is designed to maintain IBRD's net exposure within the limit of US$ 17.5 billion established by the IBRD for lending to a large, highly creditworthy borrower like India.
RBI keeps key rates unchanged, pegs GDP at 6.9%
The Reserve bank of India has kept the repo rate and reverse repo rates unchanged in its mid-quarter review of monetary policy announced on Thursday.
PHOTOS: Indian among richest bankers in the world
Some bankers in the world are really wealthy.
Mamata stops Trivedi in his tracks
Trinamool Congress sacks minister for raising passenger fares by 8-22%.
'Indian Railways was headed for ICU, I pulled it out'
In an interview with Business Standard, Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi says if there is no rise in fares, the Indian Railways would come to a grinding halt.
IMAGES: These 13 swanky SUVs will soon be in India
Right now, MPVs along with SUVs comprise about 15 per cent of the entire passenger car market in India.
Mukul Roy to be India's new Railway Minister
PMO officials said while they had got a request from Trinamool Congress MPs for a meeting with the PM, no letter recommending Trivedi's replacement had been received till late Wednesday night.
IMAGES: New Ford Fiesta Ambiente at Rs 7.23 lakh
The company has got six variants in total -- two petrol variants, two diesel variants and two automatic variants.
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| March 14, 2012 | | Rail fare hike: How much your ticket will cost now
Union Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi on Wednesday announced a marginal hike in passenger fares.
Montek hails Railways move to create tariff body
Plan panel Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia welcomed the initiative to set up a Rail Tariff Regulatory Authority for rationalising fare and freight rates, in the Railway budget.
Indian Railways to borrow Rs 15,000 cr in 2012-13
The Indian Railways will borrow Rs 15,000 crore (Rs 150 billion) from the market through its dedicated financing arm IRFC in the 2012-13 fiscal, Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi said on Wednesday.
Railways' gift for you: 75 new Express Trains
Union Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi said the new Express Trains would include 9 AC Express Trains including double Decker Express Trains between Chennai-Bangalore and Habibganj-Indore.
India Inc is impatient for reforms
We are already seeing pressure of inflation, we also seeing slowdown in manufacturing, hope excise rates are not increased because that will get passed to the consumer.
Rail Budget forward-looking: PM
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday hailed as "forward-looking" the Rail Budget which has proposed hike in passenger fares in various ranges in different categories.
Mamata livid, demands roll back of rail fare hike
A team of Trinamool Congress Members of Parliament met Railway Minister and party colleague Dinesh Trivedi soon after he presented the Railway Budget in which he proposed to hike fares across all classes.
Here's some good news for the ailing aviation sector
The airline industry was impacted last year by the global economic slowdown but the growing Indian and Chinese markets are expected to help boost the sector, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said.
Yashwant, BJP flay Rail Budget
Sinha, a former Finance Minister, said the hike put a 'big burden' on the people as it is 'steep'.
RBI unlikely to cut key rates tomorrow: Bankers
The possibility of key policy rate cut is not bright as industrial output grew by 6.8 per cent in January against just 2.5 per cent in the previous month.
A look at the Bills under discussion
The Budget session of Parliament started Monday with the President's address.
How to manage diversification in a portfolio?
Mutual funds have emerged as an ideal option for investors to achieve diversification. Apart from being a diversified investment vehicle, these offer a variety of funds within an asset class.
What Aamir Khan WANTS from Pranab
The Union budget would be presented this Friday.
PHOTOS: India's best railway stations
The Indian Railways has one of the busiest railway networks in the world.
Rail Budget: Investment in 12th Plan=Rs 7.35 lakh cr
Railway investment in the 12th Plan to be Rs 7.35 lakh crore
Passenger fares HIKED across all classes
Train fares have been hiked by 5 paise per km for Sleeper Class, Union Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi announced on Wednesday.
Amenities: Passengers to get a good deal
Union Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi in his maiden Budget announced passenger amenities worth Rs Rs 1,112 crore in 2012-13 as against Rs 762 crore in current year.
800 km of lines to be converted
All meter gauge, narrow gauge sections to be made broad gauge.
Rail Budget: A huge emphasis on safety
Railway Safety Plan for 12th Plan would be Rs 16,842 crore (Rs 168.42 billion), the Railway Minister informed the Lok Sabha.
Pay more for fares, get a modern rail network
Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi present the Railway Budget on Wednesday.
SPECIAL:Why healthcare sector is upbeat about telemedicine
From Apollo to Narayan Hrudayalaya, healthcare outfits eye the segment as the next big growth opportunity, but they may have to wait for it to become solidly profitable.
Rail Budget: Annual Plan put at highest ever Rs 60,100 crore
The Annual Plan for Railway for 2012-13 is put at highest ever Rs 60,100 crore (Rs 601 billion).
Rail Budget: 487 UNFINISHED projects, says Trivedi
Trivedi presented the Railway Budget in the Parliament on Wednesday.
We'll tap regional partners: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Biocon chairperson and managing director Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is in a firefighting mode, as the company she founded was forced to call off a blockbuster deal with global pharmaceutical major Pfizer.
Par panel on DTC suggests wider Income Tax slab
Wants investment limit for tax savings schemes be increased to Rs 320,000
SPECIAL: RBI should avoid a self-goal
The bank risks losing credibility if it cuts rates this week despite rising crude oil prices and uncertainty over fiscal discipline.
Railways plan to hire 150,000
With 1.36 million employees, the railways are one of the biggest employers in the country, and constitute 28 per cent of the total central government employees.
What next for Greece and the troubled euro zone?
Like a cancer patient in remission, Greece now greets every little victory with disproportionate joy, in the knowledge that it has only postponed the inevitable.
Mamata's big rail plans FAILED to take off
Some say it is time to decongest the existing line infrastructure and cater to the supply shortage of rolling stock to meet the demand for bulk commodities such as coal, cement and foodgrains.
Markets end firm amid volatile trade
BSE market breadth is positive. Out of 1,509 shares traded, 1,073 shares have advanced while 378 shares have declined in trades.
Historical and iconic PHOTOS of Indian Railways
Railways were first introduced to India in 1853.
India's tryst with the STUNNING Boeing Dreamliner 787
All eyes will be on the Boeing 787 as it will land in the city on Wednesday morning marking its debut on the Indian soil.
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| March 13, 2012 | | Recession: Moving IMAGES reveal the dark side of US
Unemployment and income inequality are increasing in the United States.
Fare hike in Rail Budget looks remote
The Rail Budget to be presented tomorrow may continue with the practice of not raising the fares and freight rates but the possibility of imposition of a safety cess may not be ruled out, at least on the higher class fares.
PF accounts to get lower returns this year
Around 61 million subscribers of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) are likely to get lower returns on their deposits this year.
Next phase of village banking likely to start
After coming close to the target of providing banking facilities in 73,000 villages with population of more than 2,000, the next one for banks will be to cover 120,000 villages with population between 1,000 and 2,000.
PHOTOS: Biggest tax havens in the world
There has been a lot of talk about tax evaders stashing their wealth in tax havens around the world.
Miles to go before India gets Pak's MFN status
It would be quite a strenuous journey for India before it obtains the much-awaited most favoured nation (MFN) trade status from Pakistan next year. India would not be allowed to immediately start exporting the remaining tariff lines yet, even as Pakistan's Cabinet has given its approval to shift towards a negative list containing 1,209 items.
Mitsubishi plans global small car hub in India
The company is far behind its aggressive Japanese competitors, selling only 4,000 vehicles annually.
PHOTOS: Biggest tea producing countries
Is India the biggest tea producer in the world?
Hedge fund threatens to sue Coal India's board
Second largest shareholder wants public commitment to have market-linked coal prices
Miles bought from Kingfisher: Banks have nowhere to fly
Banks stuck with miles purchased from Kingfisher Airlines, halt fresh buys
PHOTOS: World's 10 richest tech billionaires
These tech wizards transformed the IT sector with path breaking innovations.
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| March 12, 2012 | | Car sales rise, price hike likely post-Budget
Car sales in India grew 13.11 per cent to 2,11,402 units in February as customers rushed to buy vehicles fearing rise in prices post the Union Budget, to be presented this week.
IMAGES: New Mitsubishi Pajero launched at Rs 23.53 lakh
The sizzling hot Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is powered by 175 PS 4000 Nm 2.5 L diesel engine.
H-1B visa issue: Silicon Valley fumes
No Republican lawmaker dares cross Norquist, as the majority of them signed on to his Taxpayer Protection Plan, where they pledge never to vote for any legislation to increase taxes.
Coming soon: New Maruti Ertiga and Pajero!
Amidst the increasing demand for the utility vehicles in Indian automobile industry, leading car makers are gearing-up to launch their new age SUVs/MPVs in the Indian car market.
SPECIAL: How will the Budget impact your investments?
The Budget changes how much money we take home every month, what we save and how we invest our money.
Government to award road projects for 7,000 km this year
According high priority to infrastructure development, the government will award projects for construction of at least 7,000 km of roads this year, President Pratibha Patil said.
Industrial growth rebounds to 6.8% in January
IIP growth has been revised upwards to 2.5 per cent in December, from the provisional estimates of 1.8 per cent.
Why Railway modernisation needs to get on track
The search for a 'perfect decision' derailed a 2006 plan to build diesel and electric locomotive factories under the PPP model.
Photos: STUNNING cars that will make you drool!
Take a look at the flashy cars on display at the Geneva Motor Show.
CRR rate cut welcome, but is it enough?
This cut was welcome not just for its well-planned timing, but also for its relative size; the RBI has, too often, moved with baby steps when strides are called for.
Bull rally missed: Sour grapes?
Institutional buying/selling activity shows domestic institutions were aggressively selling, whereas foreign institutional investors were seen lapping up stocks.
How cloud computing can transform your business
The potential of cloud to transform business enterprises is increasing as cloud computing gains traction with a variety of organisations and user groups across the globe.
IMAGES: World's least corrupt nations; India ranked 95!
The Corruption Perceptions Index ranks countries and territories according to their perceived levels of public sector corruption. It is an aggregate indicator that combines different sources of information about corruption, making it possible to compare countries.
Don't want to miss cricket match? Watch it on mobile!
With boom in mobile video on demand, India has now over 200 million video views a month on mobile devices, the average duration of clips viewed being 1-3 mins.
There's room for a 50-bp rate cut, says SBI chief
State Bank of India Chairman Pratip Chaudhuri says though Friday's cash reserve ratio cut will help ease short-term rates, liquidity may continue to be tight and, hence, a further 25-bp (basis point) cut in CRR can be expected.
Plan to buy a tablet? Check out these six
Apple has released its latest device, 'new' iPad, that also brings 4G capabilities along with a host of software upgrades.
PHOTOS: World's 20 economic superpowers
The United States reigns supreme as the world's economic superpower.
How social media helps you to bond with staff
Employees are increasingly becoming more active and vocal for solving everyday issues as well.
PHOTOS: 10 cool cars that are also fuel efficient
Car owners looking more and more for fuel-efficient vehicles.
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| March 09, 2012 | | Eleven companies call off IPOs in 2012: Report
At least 11 firms have called-off their Initial Public Offer (IPO) plans since the beginning of 2012, even as the country's largest commodity exchange MCX today made a stellar debut in the stock market after a highly-successful IPO last month, a report has said.
REVEALED! 10-yr-old tax evasion cases may reopen
Greater focus on international transactions.
Tax exemption to be hiked to Rs 3 lakhs soon?
In its report, which was submitted to the Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar on Friday, the Standing Committee on Finance suggested that the wealth tax limit be pegged at Rs 5 crore (Rs 50 million), while the Securities Transaction Tax be abolished.
IMAGES: 3 new rivals for Maruti Swift will soon be here
Apart from the cut-throat competition it gets from Ford Figo, Chevrolet Beat, Nissan Micra, Hyundai i10 and Toyota Etios Liva, Swift will need to compete with a few more rivals soon.
PHOTOS: Mercedes-Benz launches City Bus
Mercedes-Benz has announced its foray into the city bus segment in India.
PHOTOS: Cities where rents are sky-high for expats
Rents are a big expenditure both for citizens and expatriates.
Want to access your computer from anywhere? Try iTwin
Lux Anatharaman designed iTwin, a cable-less cable, which has two identical USB drives with which you can access files kept remotely in a PC. The idea behind iTwin is, "to make remote access simple and secure."
Citi's Pandit gets $15 million package for 2011
As per a regulatory filing by Citi, Pandit's pay package for 2011 included a salary of $1.67 million, a cash incentive of $5.33 million and stock options valued at $7.98 million, totalling to $14.98 million.
PHOTOS: Historic look at how people used to travel
There was a time when people used to travel by horse-driven carriages.
Apple cuts iPad-2 prices 17% to Rs 24.5K
It will take on Samsung Galaxy Tab models that start at about Rs 24,000.
Is the Aadhaar card really of any use?
It is not clear if banks will accept the card for opening accounts.
IMAGES: 20 nations with the largest gold reserves
China and India remain the cultural heartlands of gold, generating 55 per cent of global jewellery demand and 49 per cent of global demand, says the World Gold Council.
PIX: Iran crisis to hit 10 oil-starved nations
An oil crisis is set to further hit the fragile global economy.
IMAGES: JLR to launch more than 30 cars in 5 years
Some of the new products targeted at launch are the all-new Defender.
IMAGES: Over 4% of the world's richest are Indians!
Forbes said this year's 1,226 billionaires are a record high, up one per cent from last year's total.
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| March 07, 2012 | | Rein in prices, say homemakers
Finance Minister urged to work on alternative modes to lower inflation and help families save more
AI pilots warn they will keep away from flying duties
Protesting delayed payment of salaries and allowances, a section of Air India pilots today warned they would not undertake flying duties from April one if their dues were not cleared by then.
Realty focus to shift from Noida to Lucknow
While Noida and Greater Noida, next to Delhi, had gained in prominence under Mayawati as the Uttar Pradesh chief minister, Lucknow would get the same treatment now, experts said after the results to the five state elections were announced.
Infosys to hire 5,000 people for its new Hyderabad campus
Infosys Limited is planning to double the current strength by recruiting 5,000 people at its 448-acre Pocharam campus here by the end of this calendar year.
Room for reforms gone, but some see hope in Budget
India Inc's mandate after poll results
IN PIX: 11 Indians among Young Global Leaders
For 2012, the forum has selected 192 YGLs from 59 countries.
With mounting LOSSES SpiceJet is caught in air pocket
It has posted losses in four consecutive quarters as higher operating costs wiped out revenue gains.
Photos: STUNNING cars you would love to drive!
Take a look at the mind blowing cars at the Geneva Auto Show.
Why RBI must set a rupee band
The RBI should develop a plan for forex markets without worrying about its inflation-fighting reputation.
Embattled Europe is now a fan of offshoring
Hobbled by the European crisis, countries like France and Germany who once fiercely resisted offshoring IT jobs are increasingly doing so, sending coveted contracts India's way.
UNVEILED! Tata Megapixel and 5 other stunning cars
Tata Motors, a regular at the Geneva Motor Show, has shown several concepts that have eventually turned into production realities.
IMAGES: 2 Indian companies among world's most ADMIRED
While the global rankings of the Indian companies are not available, the list does give their overall score.
Which is BETTER? The new Xylo or Tata Storme
While Mahindra Xylo has already hit the showrooms, Storme is likely to be available by March end or early April.
IMAGES: Ford may launch B-MAX in India also
This may be a part of the eight new products planned for India.
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| March 06, 2012 | | Oil cos want petrol price HIKED by Rs 5/litre
Oil firms had last revised petrol prices on December 1.
Nano to have more power, variants: Ratan Tata
Tata Group head Ratan Tata said on Tuesday he has set higher ambitions for the Nano car which will be available in more variants, including diesel and electric versions.
Bangalore airport turns the heat on L&T over runway
Invokes maintenance warranty for having to relay surface within 4 years; work to begin this weekend
What Mamata plans to do to keep Infy, Wipro in Bengal
According to officials in the state IT department, as part of the 2009 incentive scheme, the sop is currently available for all IT companies looking to set up or expand base in Kolkata.
Indian Railways need to modernise. But, how?
Indian Railways (IR) seems to be caught in a time warp, kept there by successive ministers who have played to the gallery by announcing more and more new passenger trains without caring what this will do to the congestion in the network and the efficient carriage of revenue-earning freight traffic.
Why you must BUY your dream diesel car NOW
About 45 per cent of car sales since October have been diesel, but the capacity has been constrained.
Get ready for higher medical, car insurance premiums
To reduce costs, take advantage of the no-claim bonus, buy top-ups or shop a bit.
3 suitors eye Kingfisher Airlines stake
Private equity majors interested in buyouts have started initial discussions with promoter Vijay Mallya.
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| March 05, 2012 | | SPECIAL: Seed festival and India's food politics
Activists have expressed dismay at the manner in which the Prime Minister discounted the democratic process that led to the Bt Brinjal moratorium.
India ranked 30th for women presence on companies' boards
Women account for over 30 per cent of total workforce of India Inc, but their presence is very low at less than 7 per cent when it comes to the board-level positions at the Indian companies, a survey has found.
United Spirits, the next shaky ground for Mallya
Brewing billionaire Vijay Mallya's woes seem to be compounding. His flagship spirits arm, United Spirits Ltd (USL), is starting to mirror Kingfisher Airlines.
PHOTOS: Fastest trains in the world
Trains have gone through a complete transformation.
Work well, get reward points from your employers
The employees are referred by a superior, based on their performance/behaviour. The company has been doing it to encourage the best performing employees through gifts, apart from cash incentives.
Is this a make or break budget for India?
There is immense hope that the FM will help turnaround the tepid sentiment in the country.
DON'T MISS! 25 biggest hydro-electric power stations
We present here a list of 25 biggest hydel power stations of the world.
China lowers its GDP target for first time in 7 years
Facing an economic downturn due to steady fall in exports, China, the world's second largest economy, for the first time in seven years today scaled down its GDP growth target to 7.5 per cent this year from last year's eight per cent.
LIC losses may be passed on to policyholders
Notional losses on insurer's PSU shopping spree at Rs 3,038 crore (Rs 30.38 billion) or 25 per cent of investment.
Battleground: Who will win Samsung or Nokia?
Smart phone leader Samsung is following a multi-platform strategy to win over the Indian mobile phone market; Nokia has upped the ante with differentiated products.
PHOTOS: The 15 richest countries in the world
There are some countries in the world that are really rich.
IMAGES: Mahindra plans to launch 5 great cars this year
Also on the list is a next-gen electric car from the Reva stable.
Home prices in Mumbai may FALL on launches, inventory
Fresh rules to trigger a number of project launches in the metro, say analysts.
MUST READ! All you want to know about espos
Esops are considered perquisites from a taxation perspective. If you are employed with the company at the time of exercising, then the perquisite amount would be added to your salary and subject to tax deducted at source as per the slab rate applicable.
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| March 02, 2012 | | IndiGo to hike flight frequencies on its routes
No-frills carrier IndiGo Airlines on Friday said it will increase frequencies on the domestic and international routes this summer as it adds nine aircraft to its fleet by the year end.
SPECIAL: China's $22 trillion time-bomb
China's growth model is based on the oldest rapid economic growth hormone available: debt.
Nokia's hopes ride on Asha
The company's overall share was sliding -- its market share stood at 49.3 per cent in 2010 -- and Korean competitor Samsung had dislodged it from the top slot in the aspirational smart phone segment in November 2011.
Meet India's most powerful businesswomen
They have played an important role in India's economic rise. Some of these women are founders, while others have taken up key roles in family-owned business, while some have scaled up the executive ladder.
The SBI chief and his crown of thorns
Worst quarter in a decade, fund crunch, Fitch downgrade and messy NPAs. . . he has had little to cheer about
Nano-bitten Bengal twice shy, won't drive away Infy, Wipro
West Bengal is having a rerun of the Nano episode, but this time it doesn't want the lead actors to exit the stage prematurely. The government is ready for whatever manoeuvres it takes to retain Infosys and Wipro projects in the state.
DON'T MISS! World's 10 biggest employers
CNBC recently came up with a list of world's biggest employers.
Indian CEOs inching closer to global salaries
The average salary of Indian chief executive officers is inching closer to their global counterparts.
REVEALED! How India's mobile market fared in 2011
India's mobile-phone market grew to 183 million handsets in 2011.
IMAGES: 10 hot cars that will be launched in 2012
Despite efforts by carmakers such as Ford, GM and Nissan to aggressively expand their Indian operations, domestic automakers continue to dominate the market.
World's most luxurious electric cars
Here are some cars, we feel will surely make you stop and think about investing in electric cars, if you haven't done so far.
PHOTOS: Countries with most foreign exchange reserves
Foreign exchange held by a nation is one way to measure a country's economic power.
IMAGES: World's 30 largest ships
We present here a list of 30 largest ships of the world.
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| March 01, 2012 | | Nine Indian women in Forbes' Power Businesswomen list
ICICI Bank CEO and MD Chanda Kochchar, Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and film producer Ekta Kapoor are among the nine Indian women named in Forbes magazine's inaugural 'Asia Power Businesswomen list'.
Exports GROW 10.1% in Jan to $25.34 billion
Imports grew at a faster rate of 20.25 per cent to $40.1 billion.
Microsoft unveils Windows 8
Microsoft Corp unveiled the first widely available test version of Windows 8 on Wednesday, giving the public the first chance to try out the slick, new-look operating system it hopes will restore the company's fading tech supremacy.
Which car to buy? Ford Fiesta or Honda City
It's earlier prime contender, Honda City, is already in the market now loaded with automatic gearbox.
Good News: India's unemployment rate falls to 6.6%
Government on Thursday said unemployment rate in the country has declined from 8.3 per cent in 2004-05 to 6.6 per cent in 2009-10 despite global slowdown because of the success of the employment policies.
Harvard B-school has a new address in Mumbai
US-headquartered Harvard Business School (HBS) has finally found an address for its executive education classroom in India. The B-school, beginning this March, will offer executive programmes at the Taj Lands End, at Bandra, in suburban Mumbai.
'Going back to 6.5% growth is leading to anxiety'
Vikas Khemani, President & Head-Institutional Equities, Edelweiss Securities, feels Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee could really make Union Budget 2012-13 an important one.
Walmart to sell Hero bicycles worldwide
Breaking the near monopoly of Chinese bicycle manufacturers, the Pankaj Munjal-promoted Hero Cycles has clinched an agreement with Walmart, the world's largest retailer, to supply bicycles across the world. It will supply bicycles priced at $200 (roughly Rs 10,000) apiece.
New, faster Apple iPad expected next week
Apple Inc is hosting a media event next Wednesday, where it is expected to unveil a faster, better-equipped version of its popular iPad tablet to thwart increasing competition from deep-pocketed rivals such as Amazon.com Inc.
Why is RBI caught between inflation and slowdown
As GDP growth falls below the new normal, rate cuts seem inevitable.
Mahindra may cut expansion plans if diesel tax is imposed
An expected drop in sales may prompt Mahindra & Mahindra to cut scheduled capacity expansion plans, if the government goes ahead with the imposition of additional tax on diesel vehicles, according to the country's biggest maker of sports utility vehicles.
Political system will not allow reforms
Nirmalya Kumar discusses innovation happening in India, marketing tools and stalled reforms in an interview with Faisal Kidwai.
PHOTOS: See the world in this yacht for $12,700 per day
Price tag for the trip is $1.6 million per couple.
IMAGES: 20 best nations for doing business
To maintain a strong and mature economic growth, countries around the globe are focusing on attracting foreign investments. For this, many nations are working on developing easy policies and laws for foreign investors.
MUST READ: 30 countries with highest proven oil reserves
We present here a list of countries with highest proven oil reserves.
Meet the man who heads India's most vibrant think tanks
Intellectual freedom lies at the heart of successful academic institution-building, says Pratap Bhanu Mehta, President And Chief Executive, CPR
PHOTOS: Most expensive hotels in the world
While all luxury hotels are expensive, there are some that are really expensive.
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| February 29, 2012 | | 2G licence cancellation: Tata seeks SC verdict review
The petition seeking review was filed nearly a month after the apex court on February 2 had cancelled 122 2G licences granted to nine telecom companies including Tata Teleservices Ltd, based on the first-come-first served policy for 22 circles.
SHOCKER! GDP slows to 6.1%, lowest in 11 quarters
The gross domestic product growth the in third quarter (October-December) last fiscal was 8.3 per cent, as per the latest data released by the government on Wednesday.
Key Pak ministries OPPOSE liberal trade with India
The commerce ministry recently announced that it intends to switch over to a small negative list for trade with India by the end of February and to phase out this regime by the end of the year.
Niche talent is name of game for IT firms
The Indian IT sector is increasingly preferring candidates with expertise in niche areas like mobile technology, data analytics and SAP over others.
Bangalore absorbs 3rd of India's commercial space
Powered by strong demand from IT and related sectors, Bangalore is seeing a record absorption in commercial and residential segments amid a sharp fall in demand seen in key property markets such as Mumbai and the national capital region (NCR).
What happened to the Rs 94K cr that Indian NGOs received?
It is time the government woke up to the risks that uncontrolled foreign monies flowing to Indian NGOs pose to India's economic progress, social cohesion and national integrity.
Smartphones with Intel logo from April
The Intel Inside logo, which consumers have always seen on laptops and PCs, will now be seen on smartphones, too. In April, mobile vendor Lava International will launch its first smartphone in India based on the Intel processors, expected to be priced around Rs 25,000.
Kingfisher cannot be closed down because of losses: Ajit
Bank chiefs have been quoted as saying that Kingfisher would need to arrange fresh equity of Rs 1,000-2,000 crore (Rs 10-20 billion) before seeking additional funds from the consortium of banks, led by the State Bank of India.
2G licences: Govt ready with 3-pronged plan
A government group under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has broadly accepted a Department of Telecommunications (DoT) proposal favouring a three-pronged strategy to deal with the challenges arising out of the Supreme Court order cancelling 122 telecom licences.
Railways may stray on to deficit track next year
The Indian Railways is set to record a marginal surplus in the current financial year -- much lower than the Rs 5,258 crore (Rs 52.58 billion) budgeted in February 2011. But, the fall is only a trailer, considering the country's largest passenger and goods transport network is likely to go into deficit next year.
US court upholds case against L&T Infotech
Lawsuit has been brought on behalf of Deepa Shanbhag and 1,500 past and present women employees.
PHOTOS: Top jewellery outlets in the world
There are many jewellery retailers in the world, but not all are famous.
PHOTOS: Amazing toys of billionaires
Billionaires have it all - from supercars to exotic islands to coolest toys.
PHOTOS: This is what Donald Trump bought for $150 mn!
Trump has bought the Doral Golf and Spa Resort in Miami for $150 million.
PHOTOS: India's top 24 trading partners
India has booming trade with many countries across the world.
IMAGES: 16 top museums of the world
In this slide show, we present 16 top museums of the world.
Ford Ecosport vs Renault Duster. Which is BETTER?
Both Ford Ecosport and Renault Duster were unveiled at the 2012 Auto Expo held in New Delhi in January.
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| February 28, 2012 | | Trade unions strike; transport, banking hit
Operations like deposit, withdrawal as well as clearing were affected in public sector banks, including largest lender State Bank of India.
IMAGES: The Rs 8.99 lakh Ford Fiesta Automatic launched
New Ford Fiesta will give firm competition to others in the C segment.
India is still waiting for an electric start
government is expected to roll out a policy for hybrid and electric vehicles (xEV) this April after over a year of consultations.
Stunning IMAGES of the world's best hotel
It has been voted as the best hotel in the world by Conde Nast Traveler magazine.
Why Pranab needs to change India's subsidy regime
Budget ideas from industry are irresponsible
'India is more than just a research power centre'
There is a dramatic shift in which even the smallest denominator in tier-2 cities are using adobe products and since there is such a low penetration across the country's small cities, the opportunity is only going to rise.
Now, drive cars built on cornstarch
A specialised team at Tata Motors, the country's largest automobile producer, is using cornstarch in the making of body parts for cars.
Automobile sector: Taxing times ahead
Market expects FM to be selective in imposing levies in Budget FY12-13.
PHOTOS: These 17 smartphones, tablets are the next wave
Some dazzling mobile phones have been launched at the Barcelona World Congress in Spain.
PHOTOS: World's major producers of electricity
Demand for electricity is increasing all over the world.
PHOTOS: Indian among Silicon Valley's youngest CEOs
Technology world is witnessing massive changes, and it is mostly youngsters who are driving these changes.
IMAGES: 8 superb cars that will make you drool
A jury panel of 59 automobile journalists will unveil the car of the year for the first time in Geneva.
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| February 27, 2012 | | Petrol, diesel prices may go up after polls
State-owned oil companies are losing about Rs 4 per litre on petrol, industry officials said.
If you can't stand the LPG limit, build another kitchen
Having failed to align cooking gas prices with the market and limit the number of subsidised cylinders to consumers, the government is now trying to curb the misuse of multiple connections in households.
China's GDP set to fall, economy needs reforms: World Bank
A report prepared by World Bank in coordination with Chinese experts said China has reached a 'turning point' in development but it could still emerge as the world's largest economy before 2030 if it carried structural reforms.
Kingfisher turns to foreign carriers for rescue package
Kingfisher Airlines, owned by Indian liquor baron Vijay Mallya, is in talks with two foreign carriers, including International Airlines Group (IAG) -- the owner of British Airways and Iberia -- for a potential rescue package, a report said.
Bloodbath on the bourses! Sensex down 478 points
The market breadth in BSE remained dismal with 2,210 shares declining and 649 shares advancing.
Mamata's appeal to keep life normal tomorrow
Assuring of steps to keep life normal during the strike on Tuesday, Banerjee said that the state government's measures had been intimated to the Calcutta high court also.
How Godrej is writing a new story
The recent changes at the Godrej Group are not just cosmetic they are a result of strict prioritisation and better listening.
Moving PHOTOS: Impact of Europe's financial crisis
Many in Europe are finding it difficult to survive the harsh economic times.
India will be world's 3rd largest economy by 2030
There would be 'no surge in energy demand as India industrialises.
IMAGES: These 3 cars will have automatic gearbox
But things are changing fast as more and more carmakers are keen to launch cars with automatic gearbox in the 'affordable segment'.
Take a loan, don't drain savings
This way you not only end up owning a house but also maintain a healthy bank balance for future needs.
Budget team: Mix of old & new faces
For all five secretaries in the finance ministry, this will be the first Budget in their existing capacity.
Nuclear power will play big role in India's growth
India's energy consumption profile is varied.
App Alert: It might just be a Trojan horse
Malware and fake apps are passe. Attackers are now targeting users by faking the entire app store itself.
Aakash: Not quite reaching for the sky
If private players do not come out with student-specific content, the device may take some time to soar.
PHOTOS: Air India's 787 dream unlikely to take off
Price appreciation since the aircraft order in 2005 could yield Rs 7,200-crore gain.
IMAGES: How fast is Internet around the world?
A study conducted by Pando Networks reveals the speed and reliability of Internet connections around the world with some surprising findings.
From coins to notes: AMAZING journey of Indian money
One of the earliest issuers of coins in the world, India has an illustrious history of coinage and currency notes.
World's 10 greenest companies
Last year, Newsweek came up with a list of greenest companies of the world and for that, it compared the actual environmental footprint, management (policies, initiatives, controversies) and transparency of various companies.
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| February 24, 2012 | | I-T exemption limit may be hiked to Rs 3 lakh
A Parliamentary committee scrutinising the Direct Taxes Code (DTC) Bill will recommend raising of the annual income tax exemption limit to Rs 3 lakh.
PHOTOS: Scientist claims water can boost car's mileage
A scientist says he has found an easy and affordable way to increase the fuel efficiency of a car.
Social media too needs regulations, says Kapil Sibal
Refusing to be labeled as an enemy of the social media, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal has called for the Internet to be governed by regulations similar to the print and the electronic media.
PHOTOS: Swanky boats display their beauty in Mumbai
Sixth edition of the Mumbai International Boat Show is showcasing some of the latest in leisure boating industry.
Chief executive salaries in India march north: Survey
The Top Executives' Compensation report by the group showed that compensation was pegged at more than Rs 7 crore (Rs 70 million) at larger, more complex organisations.
How will Iran's crude oil crisis hit India?
For starters, the Iran situation is sure to have an impact on crude oil prices, as the world has little spare capacity.
PHOTOS: Zynga chief's spectacular home for $1.97 mn
Mark Pincus plans to sell another plush property in San Francisco for $1.97 million.
Filing tax returns? A checklist of things to DO
With the deadline for filing returns just four months away, familiarise yourself with the processs so that you can avoid last-minute rush
DoT asks Idea, Voda for info on mobile Internet users
DoT officials said instructions have been issued to Idea and Vodafone to provide the requisite information to IB at the earliest.
PHOTOS: Major coal producing countries in the world
World is moving away from coal production, but it still forms a big part of power generation.
SPECIAL: Seven infra expectations from the Budget
There is far more hope for policy interventions than outlays and taxation.
Delhi, Mumbai airports earning least revenue
As per the list of 50 countries prepared by Leigh Fisher Management consultants, Delhi airport is at the bottom of the list with meagre 1.97 SDRs compared to Japan's Narita airport with 17.86 SDRs. Mumbai stands at the second last place with 2.09 SDRs.
RBI may cut rates on respite from inflation
Economists expect a cut in repo rate in at least one policy review in March-April, before high base effect wears out and inflation rises
PHOTOS: Govt may not let Kingfisher shut shop
Government may have ruled out a bailout package for Kingfisher, but is likely to make sure that the carrier does not shut up shop.
US downplays visa denial issue
Francisco J Sanchez, US Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, on Thursday downplayed the issue of H-1B visa denial to Indian companies.
Did you know that these JOBS are available at Google?
While most people have job titles that are far from exciting, employees at Google not only have unusual designations, but also unbelievable work.
IMAGES: India's top 20 'youthful' brands
Youth is one of the largest consumer groups in India. Every brand is trying to reach out to them. Read here to find out, which brand was successful in its attempt to connect with the youth.
PHOTOS: World's longest driverless metro rail network
The Dubai Metro, comprising the red and green lines, has entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest driverless metro network in the world spanning 74.695 km.
IMAGES: 5 most popular diesel sedans under Rs 7 lakh
Diesel powered engines carries fewer burdens on the pockets of the car owners in the long run.
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| February 23, 2012 | | PHOTOS: 11 American states that run on nuclear power
While there are growing calls to reduce dependence on nuclear power, some states in the United States are still reliant on it.
PHOTOS: Onboard the stunning Glacier Express
The Glacier Express takes tourists on an exhilarating trip through the World Heritage site in the Albula/Bernina landscapes.
Why Europe will never be the same...
The crisis and the painful, austerity-induced recession will focus anger on a relentless Germany.
Gujarat callers made threatening calls to US consumers
A call centre's workers in Gujarat posed as US law enforcement officials and made nearly 8.5 million threatening calls in just eight months to consumers in America, US federal authorities have claimed.
Kingfisher starts operating new flight schedule
Facing severe turbulence, Kingfisher Airlines today started truncated operations in accordance with its new flight schedule, as aviation regulator DGCA examined its operational details to consider whether to take any punitive action against it for flouting norms.
PM's advisers see current a/c deficit worse than in 1991
They want govt to raise excise duty and service tax rates, cut subsidies.
Hero's Munjal eyes premium segment
This partnership will help us improve our own capability, says Munjal.
PHOTOS: World's 10 amazing railway projects
A look at the 10 recent ambitious rail projects.
Obama proposes minimum taxes on foreign earnings
US President Barack Obama has proposed to establish a new minimum tax on foreign earnings while repealing benefits for outsourcing jobs overseas and providing new incentives for bringing jobs back home.
PHOTOS: Most expensive mobile phones in the world
While all of us have mobile phones, some go for really expensive ones.
Bankers refuse lifeline to Kingfisher
I-T dept refuses to unfreeze a/cs; airline curtails operations; SBI, other bank stocks take a knock
Photos: India's top 25 states with highest GDP
India's economic success is powered by these states.
PHOTOS: World's most expensive SUVs
There are some sports utility vehicles that are expensive and then there are some that are really expensive.
Economic confidence: India SLIPS to 4th place
The survey was conducted by research firm Ipsos.
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| February 21, 2012 | | Job hunters get ready; robust hiring on cards!
As per the survey of more than 1,000 recruiters, conducted by leading job portal Naukri.com, about 72 per cent of the employers are bullish about hiring prospects in the first half of 2012.
Kingfisher cancels 40 flights; hundreds stranded
As over 40 flights were cancelled across the country on Tuesday, the airline informed DGCA that it had 28 functional aircraft, out of 64 planes in November last.
Yahoo says case against it is motivated, seeks dismissal
The Internet giant sought removing its name as a party from the lawsuit contending that it was not an affected party and the 'present suit is not only motivated but also a complete abuse of the process of law.'
PHOTOS: Amazing planes with unusual duties
Most of the aeroplanes in the world are used to transport people or goods, but some have unusual purposes.
Calculate actual returns before participating in buybacks
Share buyback has been the buzzword for many companies in the past year. Over 20 companies, including market movers like Reliance Industries, have announced their plans to buy back shares. Many would be also tempted to participate in these, especially if the price announced is higher than the existing market price.
Advertising to hospitality: Adman Kamal Oberoi's journey
Veteran adman Kamal Oberoi has never failed to surprise people. His never-say-die spirit has seen him make the transition from advertising to hospitality with elan.
German-French retail rivalry plays out in east Delhi
While French retailer Carrefour had set up its first cash-and-carry centre at Seelampur in east Delhi in December 2010, German chain Metro will launch its 10th Indian outlet in Karkardooma on Tuesday.
'No helping any one airline, the whole sector is in crisis'
As for the crisis emanating from the Kingfisher Airlines' flight cancellations, it is now up to the airline to utilise those measures and come up with resources, he tells Business Standard's Kavita Chowdhury in an interview.
GOOD NEWS: Indians to see 12% rise in salaries this year
Indians are projected to see a 12 per cent rise in salaries in 2012.
Pesky messages back in the mask of transactional SMSes
With the government imposing restriction on pesky SMS, telemarketers have found transactional SMS, such as banking transaction and flight schedule alerts, as a safe and cheap mode of sending the promotional messages.
A tale of two airlines: Kingfisher vs IndiGo
Kingfisher and IndiGo started roughly around the same time, yet the former has total losses of Rs 6,000, while the latter is India's most profitable airline. How did this happen?
PHOTOS: They quit good jobs and became millionaires!
Find out more about these millionaires, who made a fortune after they quit their jobs.
PHOTOS: The world's fastest train routes
High speed trains have considerably reduced travel time between cities.
Dramatic rise in visa denial to Indians by US
There has been a dramatic increase in denial of visas to Indians by the United States.
PHOTOS: World's biggest wheat producing nations
Wheat is grown on more land area than any other commercial crop.
IMAGES: This Rs 6 lakh Ford may soon come to India
Ford plans on bringing in eight new models to India by 2015.
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| February 20, 2012 | | Kingfisher blames I-T dept for flight disruptions
Beleaguered Kingfisher Airlines on Monday virtually blamed the Income Tax authorities for the large-scale flight disruptions, saying freezing of its bank accounts by them had "severely affected" payment schedules that had led to the curtailment in its services.
Jamshedpur, Bokaro to have airports soon
A memorandum of understanding was signed by the AAI and the Jharkhand government for establishing airports in both the cities in the presence of AAI Chairman and Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda.
Home, study loans become cheaper
SBI cuts education loan rates 25-100 bps; others reduce home loan rate, waive processing fees
Astrologer's predictions on how stock markets will behave
The stars kept their promise of an action-packed week giving the Sensex the much-needed boost.
Meet the people who drive the Indian luxury market
It's a closed club. No real estate developer or retailer who may have made serious money recently can get into luxury. The domain is reserved for those who are exposed to these brands and understand their finer aspects.
Apple faces more trademark problems in China
At least 39 Chinese companies and individuals have attempted to register the names iPhone or iPad as trademarks.
Tax planning? Invest in long-term instruments
Some instruments help you perform the dual task of tax saving and retirement planning. Pick ones with the longest lock-in period
PHOTOS: 5 amazing yachts to arrive in Mumbai soon
Some of the most amazing boats in the world are set to sail at Mumbai International Boat Show this week.
DGCA summons Kingfisher officials, govt says no bailout
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has asked senior officials of the airlines, including CEO Sanjay Aggarwal, to appear before it tomorrow to explain the cancellations.
Where is the tablet PC market in India headed?
With a series of high-decibel launches in the last one year, the most recent one being the government supported Aakash, tablet computers were expected to obliterate the netbook market in India sooner than later.
Upgraded Aakash tablet will not cost more: Sibal
'Aakash', the world's cheapest tablet, will be fully indigenous soon and its improved version will be launched by the government at the same price.
PHOTOS: Nations with highest number of billionaires
Number of billionaires is increasing all across the world.
Why senior MNC execs are jumping ships
Reliance to M&M and Bharti and Vedanta, talent migration picks up at all corporate giants
IMAGES: Jaipur Auto Expo showcases NEW cars
Auto Fashion Show and Stunt Show are the highlights of the extravaganza.
IMAGES: Volvo launches 3 stunning diesel cars in India
Volvo joins the band of affordable entry level luxury cars.
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| February 17, 2012 | | How well do you know your MF scheme?
Those who do their homework and conduct due diligence before putting in their money could stand to gain significantly.
MPs want IT exemption limit hiked to Rs 5 lakh
The Standing Committee on Finance, which met under the chairmanship of senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, has decided to finalise its report by March 2, enabling Parliament to consider the ambitious reforms in direct tax regime.
Why Yunus likes to be known as promoter of social business
Mohammed Yunus is no longer known as the pioneer of micro finance or even a Noble Laureate. He prefers to be now known as a promoter and founder of 'social business.' This is a concept that Prof Yunus believes will help him fulfill his mission -- to remove poverty in a way that its traces are only found in museums.
10 REALLY FUNNY print ads from around the world
Some interesting advertisements from across the globe.
Stunning PHOTOS of highways across the world
Roadways form the backbone of a country's economic growth.
Lawmakers question rise in H-1B, L1 visas' denial
Officials at a Congressional hearing cited last year's figure of 26 per cent denial to H1B visa applicants, that was the highest in recent years, and also pointed out instances where the visas were denied for flimsy reasons.
Stunning IMAGES of a villa rented by Bill Gates
Last winter, Microsoft founder Bill Gates spent a whopping $600,000 per month to rent a plush bungalow in Wellington, Florida.
Here's how to make boardroom meetings meaningful...
Make sure that meetings don't turn into meaningless babble.
'The rupee may strengthen further by year-end'
Craig Chan, executive director and head of forex strategy & fixed income division (Asia-ex Japan), Nomura Singapore, in an interview with Business Standard's Rajesh Bhayani, shares his outlook on the dollar.
China surpasses India in gold demand
In October-December, demand in India dips 42% to 173 tonnes; China consumes 190.6 tonnes
IMAGES: 10 Indian companies among the most INNOVATIVE
Innovation is the lifeline of almost all companies in the world.
IMAGES: 10 biggest gold mines of the world
Among the most valuable sources for gold mining production data, besides reports from mining companies themselves, are the Raw Materials Group in Solna, Sweden; Canada's Metals Economics Group in Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Intierra Resource Intelligence, based in Perth, Australia.
PHOTOS: This is where America's richest live
While the United States goes through some tough economic times, some people continue to enjoy the best life.
IMAGES: 25 stunning cars that may not come to India
Ourtuts.com came up with a list of 25 stunning concept car designs.
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| February 16, 2012 | | IMAGES: The Rs 8.25 lakh Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3 BSIV
The major highlight of this New BS IV model will be the 2.0L 4-cylinder TCDI diesel engine.
COLUMN: Bigger bandwidth for a new spectrum SCAM
While Reliance/Infotel Broadband stands to gain if Qualcomm is forced out of the BWA race, will the potential Indian consumer of broadband wireless services gain from this unseemly tussle? That is a question that remains unanswered.
R&D growth: India, China, Brazil ahead of US
The United States is lagging behind India, China and Brazil in rate of growth in research and development (R&D) indicators, a Pentagon report has said. The global investment in R&D rose to nearly USD 1.1 trillion in 2007 in the three major regions where R&D is funded, the report said.
Mumbai world's 2nd least expensive city, Delhi 4th
As per the worldwide 'cost of living' survey by Economist Intelligence Unit, Mumbai is the second least expensive city globally, while New Delhi is ranked fourth.
Can Yahoo! undo its years of mistake?
Yahoo!'s drive to revive its business hit major roadblocks on Tuesday, as the company's talks to sell back most of its stakes in its Asian partners collapsed and a big investor unveiled plans to mount a board fight.
Stunning IMAGES of Changi Airport in Singapore
at Changi Internaional Airport you will in fact pray for delays and long layovers. That's the right.
Charitable entities to see tightening of income tax
Non-profit organisations set up for charitable purposes may see a tightening of income tax provisions.
Zoellick to step down, Hillary Clinton may head World Bank
In a statement on Wednesday, World Bank said that its President Robert B Zoellick has announced that he would step down at the end of a five-year term in which a transformed Bank played an historic role during the global economic crisis, using record replenishments to provide more than $247 billion to help developing countries boost growth and overcome poverty.
Star Power: Can SRK bring back West Bengal's luster?
The question that Bengalis might want to ask is this. Is a fading star, producer of serial flops and owner of the money-guzzling Indian Premier League cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders the right fit for marketing a bankrupt state suffering the pangs of slow economic growth?
IMAGES: 30 Indian companies with HIGHEST cash reserve
Some companies are sitting on huge piles of cash.
The end of crony capitalism?
There are alternatives to auctions that also reduce discretion.
Will the new engine deal benefit GoAir?
GoAir Managing Director Jeh Wadia is ecstatic. Eight months after ordering 72 Airbus A320 Neos worth over $7 billion (Rs 32,400 crore), he has signed an all-important engine deal for these planes.
Want to be an entrepreneur? Here's some good news...
Easy financing, including grant of tax exemption, being considered to provide early stage funding.
What's there on RBI's mind?
By tightening or loosening money supply and tinkering with interest rates, central banks try to nudge economies in the right direction.
IMAGES: 3 Indian airports among the world's BEST
Incheon Airport has been named Best Airport Worldwide for the seventh straight year.
IMAGES: 20 stunning bookstores of the world
We present here 20 stunning stores that stand out not only for their collection of books, magazines and journals but also for their interior decoration.
PHOTOS: India's first monorail to start this year
India's first monorail service will start operations in just six months.
IN PIX: Petrol versions of these 4 cars soon in India
But here, in a trend reversal, is a list of four diesel cars which are all geared to launch a petrol version, irrespective of the skyrocketing price of the fuel.
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| February 15, 2012 | | Now, leasing a Merc is cheaper than buying
Leasing expenses may help save up to 30% for those in the highest tax bracket, but the salaried get no such benefits.
PHOTOS: World's hardest banknotes to fake
Counterfeiting is probably as old as money itself.
It is time to take money off the table: Jim Walker
Globally, markets are not reflecting the imminent recession in Europe, says Jim Walker, renowned economist and managing director at Asianomics. He also says that the current rally is driven by misplaced hope about Europe.
Stunning PHOTOS: World's weirdest hotels
These unique hotels are a traveler's delight.
All Indians need to plan their financial future: Noel Maye
Noel Maye, chief executive of Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB), USA, says the Indian attitude of "I am OK. My children will look after me" is wrong.
IMAGES: Hyundai will launch 6 NEW cars in India in '12
Needless to add, each and every car in the 'sizzling-six' of Hyundai has got enough temptation and oomph aspect.
India's most investment friendly states, GUJARAT tops
Gujarat have clearly emerged as preferred investment destination.
PHOTOS: World's most and least expensive cities
Economist Intelligence Unit survey compares more than 400 individual prices across 160 products and services.
IMAGES: Stunning cars that you will love to own
A look at some amazing cars.
Here's how to keep credit limit in check abroad
As much as technology makes life easier it also gives rise to some loop holes which might burn a hole in pocket at times.
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| February 14, 2012 | | SRK to bring back industrialisation in Bengal
A positive and vibrant image of the state will be created through a series of campaigns and advertisements fronted by the 46-year-old actor, the sources said.
REVEALED! How Indians spend their money
Indian consumer market is poised to grow 3.6 times between 2010 and 2020, faster than most other emerging markets.
Inflation falls to 2-year low of 6.55% in Jan
The latest numbers are the lowest since December 2009 when headline inflation was at 7.15 per cent.
Pankaj Munjal wants to take Hero from India to US
He is the Hero of the bicycles business churning 19,000 bikes a day and over 5.6 million every year. Pankaj Munjal is now pressing the reset button and thinking global.
Why the Internet is always under scrutiny
Without debate or a regulatory framework that works, how on earth can this medium ever be strengthened?
PIX: Stunning double decker trains around the world
Bilevel cars or double decker trains are a blessing for travelers as they help in increasing passenger capacity.
Here's how telecom story can develop...
The Supreme Court judgement on the telecom scam raises many questions.
Why bulk recruitments are going thin at B-schools
As against taking 25-30 students in one go, companies, especially in finance and IT sectors, are said to be taking only 8-12 students each, on average.
Small, the new big for IT industry
Indian IT industry is all set to achieve its projected revenue target of $100 billion in 2011-12 and is projected to achieve revenues of $225 billion by 2020. This is an ambitious target that will require all the stakeholders in its eco-system to collectively innovate and catalyse growth.
Flying out of Mumbai? Pay more now!
The airport operator is in the process of acquiring 16 acres of nearby land, for Rs 250 crore (Rs 2.5 billion), with the cost to be added to the bill for expansion.
PHOTOS: Most valuable luxury brands in the world
Luxury brand market is witnessing one of the fastest growth.
SPECIAL: Is 2G court order a clean chit or a long rope?
When an economic crime is carried out, it becomes difficult to figure out the role played by various parties.
PHOTOS: Stunning views of some cities and countries
There is no shortage of natural and man-made beauty in the world.
This V-Day, hotels serve love at first bite
The occasion can be special for those with padded wallets
Tablet PCs in shops make shopping, payment easy!
Tablets with smart apps help shoppers browse products and make hassle-free payments.
How microfinance firms are coping with change
The new regulations by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on microfinance have prompted MFIs to go for a makeover, in order to cope with the new limitations imposed on them.
To claim or not to claim - The HRA dilemma!
Can one claim both HRA and home loan benefits? This seems to be a confusing factor for most tax payers.
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| February 13, 2012 | | Is it a wise move to invest in infra bond?
The government of India has outlined a plan to spend $1 trillion in next 10 years on infrastructure development. This development is necessary because infrastructure needs support to sustain the projected growth rate of Indian economy for next few decades.
Black money stashed by Indians: Over $500 billion!
India, in particular, has suffered from the flow of illegal funds to tax havens such as Mauritius, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, British Virgin islands etc.
Som Mittal on the big challenges IT sector faces
Som Mittal talks about the industry challenges, the next big disruption for the IT industry.
Shailesh Rao: Search expert who opted for microblogging
After being at the helm of Google India and Google Asia Pacific for over seven years, Shailesh Rao is now been roped in by micro-blogging service provider, Twitter.
What's there on the Timex watchlist?
The American brand wants to take on its one-time partner, Titan
PHOTOS: Building the world's LONGEST train tunnel
The world's longest train tunnel Gotthard Base Tunnel (GBT) is being constructed beneath the Swiss Alps.
IMAGES: Maruti Ertiga and its 6 closest RIVALS
Even India's largest passenger carmaker in Maruti Suzuki best known for its hatches, sedans and vans, could not resist the temptation to announce its upcoming MPV.
Why are builders feeling investor heat?
Indian real estate saw 14 such private equity (PE) exits, worth $457 million (around Rs 2,285 crore) in 2011. Of these, promoters bought out existing PEs or other financial sponsors in eight deals, according VCCEdge, the research platform of VCCircle.
PHOTOS: Check out the world's most expensive cars
These cars certainly make luxury come alive. They look great, they feel awesome and they can zip by at a sped of 200 miles per hour (322 km per hour). But, they all come at price exceeding $ 1 million.
Now, ATMs can advertise financial products
Banks with a large network of automated teller machines will now be able to generate additional revenue by advertising financial products offered by other institutions.
PHOTOS: This superyacht is on sale for $44m!
The 147 foot superyacht Helix has been made available for sale just $44 million.
Stunning PHOTOS of bank headquarters
Banks have some of the most amazing offices in the world.
PHOTOS: American CEOs who get paid the most, and least
Some chief executive officers in the United States are overpaid, while some are underpaid.
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| February 10, 2012 | | SHOCKING! Many Indians denied of H-1B, L-1 visas
US immigration authorities, in the past four years, have increased denial of work-related visas, with India-born professionals being refused at higher rates than nationals of other countries, an American think tank said in a report on Friday.
Images: World's top 10 expat-friendly countries
If you are looking for a change, and have been considering to move oversees, this survey can help you find the best foreign country to live and work in.
PHOTOS: 20 most corrupt countries in the world
Corruption is a big problem not only in India, but across the world.
Now, Tata cars dearer by up to Rs 12,000
The company said the price hike has been effective from Thursday across the country.
PHOTOS: This will be the world's tallest building!
While Burj Khalifa in Dubai remains the tallest building in the world, a new challenger has emerged.
PHOTOS: An amazing success story called Facebook
From a Harvard dorm room to becoming one of the world's biggest internet success stories, it has been an incredible journey for Facebook.
Is the US economy recovering? Well not exactly
US data suggest recovery, but politics might intervene
PHOTOS: Dream cars that collectors love
There are some cars that instantly remind us of the golden period of automobile history.
PHOTOS: TCS employees among the happiest in US
Some employees are happy with their company.
I-T exemption limit to be hiked to Rs 3 lakhs soon?
Suggests far more generous provisions than proposed in Direct Taxes Code
IMAGES: Mahindra Xylo has 50 NEW features!
The new Xylo was launched on Wednesday at an attractive price starting at Rs 737,000.
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| February 09, 2012 | | IMAGES: The all new Mahindra Xylo is here!
The all new Mahindra Xylo will replace the existing MPV in all four variants.
PHOTOS: Aston Martin's fabulous racing car
Legendary car manufacturer Aston Martin plans to start production of its racing car, V12 Zagato.
The rise and fall of Kodak: Why it went bankrupt
Fifteen years ago, Kodak was the fourth most valuable brand in the world after Disney, Coca-Cola and Microsoft.
RARE FEAT! Maruti's domestic sales cross 1-crore mark
Maruti Suzuki India had rolled out its first car -- an M800 -- in December 1983 and attained five million domestic sales in February 2006.
Here's the real story of 2G licences
Cancellation of 122 telecom 2G licenses by the apex court has created ripples.
Brand Wars: Dunkin' says won't compete with Starbucks
Jubilant Foodworks, the master franchisee for Dunkin' in India, has tweaked the business model of the company based in the northeastern US state of Massachusetts, opting to position it more as a food service brand than a coffee player.
Thomas Cook's India exit triggers industry frenzy
As domestic players sense a strategic partner, experts say firm may have to sell forex, travel businesses separately.
AI gets more fliers on global routes
Says market share will further increase after induction of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and flights to new destinations.
Why the govt stand on airline sector is wrong-headed
Two decisions by an empowered group of ministers on Tuesday demonstrated the government's continuing inability to come to grips with the problems being faced by the aviation sector.
PHOTOS: What's brewing in Starbucks' cup? Find out...
Starbucks faces two major challenges.
Here's how you can save on phone bills
With telecom companies increasing rates, it's time to cut corners.
PHOTOS: Glimpses of Gujarat's high growth story
Gujarat is one of the fastest growing states in India.
Maruti Swift vs Renault Pulse: And the WINNER is...
Maruti Suzuki, the market leader famous for cost effective management in its products, will face the French carmaker.
PHOTOS: World's biggest shopping malls
Malls have become an inevitable part of the retail boom all over the world.
Countries with HIGHEST per capita income: India at 135!
Though India's per capita income is estimated to grow above Rs 60,000 per annum or over Rs 5,000 per month, it is ranked at 135 when compared to other nations.
PHOTOS: This will be the fastest car in the world
Right now, the fastest car in the world is the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport.
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| February 07, 2012 | | India shining: Per capita income to cross Rs 60,000!
Reflecting general rise in living standard, India's per capita income is estimated to grow above Rs 60,000 per annum or over Rs 5,000 per month, said the government data.
SPECIAL: Goa sees rise in land wars
Wherever you go in India's top tourist destination and playground of the well-heeled, you hear of nasty property disputes.
New Year cheer in job street, hiring rises across sectors
Job seekers have reasons to cheer, as hiring activities surged across all sectors in the first month of the year, despite the uncertainty prevailing in the overall economic scenario.
We will exit Vodafone in 12-18 months: Ajay Piramal
Even after investing almost Rs 6,000 crore, Ajay Piramal, chairman of the company, insists it is a short-term investment.
PHOTOS: World's most beautiful airports
Waiting at some airports can be a pleasant experience.
Slowdown hits India's growth, GDP to sink to 6.9% in FY12
The Indian economy will grow by 6.9 per cent in 2011-12 against 8.4 per cent in the last financial year according to government estimates.
IMAGES: World's 20 youngest billionaires
Meet the world's youngest billionaires according to the Forbes 2011 list.
Indian IT cos in US paid $15bn in taxes in last 5 yrs
Economic challenges in the US should not lead to protectionism.
IMAGES: Audi to launch 7 stunning cars in 2012
If you are a fan of Audi cars, then this will surely be good news for you!
AMAZING numbers reveal Facebook's strength
Facebook is seeking to raise $5 billion.
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| February 01, 2012 | | Amazing PHOTOS of Alibaba headquarters
The Alibaba Headquarters' in Hangzhou has won the International Property Award for Office Architecture.
How the mobile industry changed in the past 5 years
Android and iPhone, considered outsiders from a mobile industry perspective were able to revolutionise the industry and have created immense positive network externalities.
Meet the man who gave a NEW kind of outsourcing
MPO is Market Process Outsourcing. It is a new one in the alphabet, if you can call it that! After running the marketing divisions of various companies for more than 20 years, I felt there was a big gap.
I've right to privacy, media can't violate it: Tata
Tata group chief Ratan Tata on Tuesday submitted to the Supreme Court that despite being a public figure he has the right to privacy and the media cannot violate it by publishing or telecasting his private conversations contained in Radia tapes.
PHOTOS: 10 fastest cars in the world
Some extremely fast cars are allowed on the streets.
World's TOP 25 supercomputers: India ranked at 85!
India is ranked at a dismal 85th position in the world's 500 fastest supercomputers' list.
PHOTOS: Now, India to rank other nations
Method will be part of this year's Economic Survey; will help investors in relative comparison.
IMAGES: Mercedes GL Grand Edition at Rs 65.50 lakh
The distinctive, new GL- Class Grand Edition's level of spaciousness and comfort is at par with that of a luxury saloon.
Planning to buy a house? Some VITAL points
In 2012 the realty market is expected to consolidate.
PHOTOS: World's highest-valued currencies
Only a handful of currencies carry weight either globally or locally.
PHOTOS: Glimpses of Bihar's success story
From being an economically backward state, Bihar has come a long way to be one of the fastest growing states.
He's seen commerce ministry battle it for 7 yrs
"You see, I have been in Commerce for the last seven years and I am perhaps the only factor that provides continuity in this ministry," Khullar says with unconcealed pride.
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| January 31, 2012 | | India's per capita income grew by 15.6%
Reflecting growing prosperity, India's per capita income grew by 15.6 per cent to Rs 53,331 per annum in 2010-11, crossing the half-a-lakh rupees mark for the first time, according to government data.
Should the govt cover up EPFO's inefficiency?
The 48-odd million employees covered by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) may be touched that the finance ministry is actually considering a proposal to extend the organisation a fiscal helping hand to offer a rate of interest comparable with other savings instruments.
PHOTOS: Six most traded currencies in the world
Lots and lots of money changes hands every day in foreign exchange trading.
PHOTOS: Beautiful B-school campuses in India
Take a tour across India's amazing B-school campuses...
India's GDP growth revised to 8.4% for FY11
The government revised the economic growth rate for 2010-11 financial year slightly downto 8.4 per cent from the earlier estimate of 8.5 per cent.
TCS opens new facility in Silicon Valley
Expanding its presence in the US, India's IT major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has opened a new facility here which was welcomed by the US lawmakers and the Californian government.
IMAGES: Why these 7 cars are SWANKIER than before!
These days, auto giants such as Volkswagen, Ford, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Toyota are literally working their hearts out to woo customers at every level.
What is holding back India's growth story?
Although the rising tide of growth has lifted all boats, the faster-growing, richer states have steadily pulled apart from the slower-growing, poorer states. Although this growing divergence has been observed during earlier periods as well, factors responsible for it are not fully understood.
How Facebook's Timeline can reveal all your secrets!
Facebook Timeline, a new profile layout, will go live on Wednesday.
Understand your true net worth!
An accurate understanding of one's financial well being is of utmost importance.
SPECIAL: 'Azadi' to 'Vodafone'? Need for review
To avoid taxes, assessee resorted to complex structuring - especially from and through tax havens.
PHOTOS: India's 30 biggest companies
India's companies are today amongst the biggest companies in the world.
Pulok Chatterjee: PM's new principal secretary
Pulok Chatterjee has joined the Prime Minister's Office.
Taxes aren't always worth saving
Sometimes, it is better to pay them instead of making unwanted investments.
SPECIAL: Will the Internet manage to remain free?
Internet cannot be regulated by 20th century notions of intellectual property. That is simply because the moment you 'see' something on the Internet it has, in a sense, already been copied onto your computer.
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| January 30, 2012 | | Sky is limit for investor in India: G P Hinduja
Stating that "sky is the limit for investors" in India, conglomerate Hinduja Group's Co-Chairman G P Hinduja has said the Western world should get into emerging markets including India and China, which would help both sides to improve their economies.
Tatas-Starbucks: 50 stores at Rs 400cr investment
"The company has entered into a joint venture with Starbucks group whereby, the newly formed joint venture company Tata Starbucks Ltd shall engage in the operation of Starbucks Cafes."
SPECIAL: Is US losing its economic power to China?
Economist Arvind Subramanian's new book, Eclipse: Living in the Shadow of China's Economic Dominance, defies the mainstream consensus of thinkers like Harvard's Joseph S Nye, Jr (author of The Future of Power) and Niall Ferguson that America's dominance is omnipotent vis-a-vis China.
IMAGES: 6 stunning cars that will be launched soon
Most of these car models have already been unveiled at the recently held Delhi Auto Expo 2012.
India can power growth if it boosts energy supply
Lack of infrastructure and inefficient transmission systems are the biggest problems.
Foreigners light up Dalal Street as locals keep away
FIIs pour $2 bn in January; flows into India equity funds hit 54-week high; doubts on sustainability persist.
Meet the new age professionals: 'Ethical hackers'
Ethical hackers are fast becoming a valued tribe in India. According to data from Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (Cert-In), in November last year more than 800 ".in" websites and nearly 700 ".com" websites in India were defaced by miscreants.
Mumbai big-ticket property market sluggish
Sector insiders and analysts say this is due to combination of slowing property markets and liquidity issues.
Revealed! Bata's secret to attract youth
Bata is aiming to be a brand attractive to the youth and to the fashion conscious.
Photos: India's 30 most TRUSTED brands
Nokia maintained its leadership position among the most trusted brands in India.
India won't scale down its petroleum imports from Iran: FM
India, which imports 12 per cent of its oil from Iran, will not scale down its petroleum imports from Tehran despite US and European sanctions against the Islamic republic, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said.
India-China trade hits a record high
India-China bilateral trade hit a record $73.9 billion last year.
PHOTOS: Amazing campus of Bill Gates' Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation campus in Seattle, Washington has secured LEED-NC Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council.
India among top five countries for investors
India is the fourth destination for foreign direct investment just below the United States, China and Britain.
REVEALED! How much software engineers make in US
It is no secret that software engineers at the Silicon Valley in the United States are paid good salaries.
Crazy about mobile apps? The TOP 10 trends for 2012
Gartner points out that mobile apps will not only generate good revenue ($15.9 billion in expected end-user spending in 2012) but will also drive hardware sales, advertising spending and technology innovation.
PHOTOS: Mercedes' Swan Wing Aria
He designed this concept as part of his thesis and was even assisted by Mercedes designers.
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| January 27, 2012 | | Stunning PHOTOS: World's busiest metro rail stations
There are around 160 metro systems in the world.
Once more, food inflation is in negative zone
Overall, vegetables were 47.06 per cent cheaper during the week under review, from the same period last year.
India among 10 countries that will see MOST growth
Half of CEOs based in developed markets believe that emerging economies are more important.
Will the markets continue to reflect the positive note?
Though 2012 has started on a positive note on foreign institutional investor (FII) flows, it is too early to say if the trend will sustain through the calendar year, analysts say.
Why the world of technology is so unforgiving?
Few companies evolve quickly enough and innovate consistently enough to retain leadership for meaningful periods.
Iranian crude for gold - Beginning of the END of dollar?
The macroeconomic implications of successful Iranian Bourse selling oil denominated in non-dollar terms are in fact profound for the world of finance.
Why the Vodafone tax case assumes significance
The issue was whether India could tax capital gains arising from sale of shares of overseas companies merely because such companies had downstream subsidiaries in India.
IMAGES: 8 tablets that failed to take off
There were several tablets launched in 2011, but not all became hot with customers.
Landlord's PAN card not there? Fret not
If your house owner does not have a PAN, you need not worry, as long as he/she is ready to sign a self declaration stating he does not have a PAN. You can submit a copy of this declaration to your employer and avail of the HRA deduction.
Indian IT firms step up HIRING in the US
The Durbin-Grassley Bill might have fallen through but large Indian information technology service providers are taking no more chance of being seen as job snatchers in the US.
Sheryl Sandberg: Facebook's pride, world's envy!
A class topper, a passionate human being, a smart executive, brilliant orator, and of course a doting mother - meet Sheryl Kara Sandberg.
India's 'Turnaround man' is back in action
It is a well-known fact that he was brought into Patni with an intention to bridge the revenue gap between the company and its peers as well as to try and extract a better valuation for the company for a possible sale.
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| January 25, 2012 | | Delhi-Mumbai route to get high-speed trains!
Going ahead with its ambitious high-speed train proposal, Railways have joined hands with Japan to begin the ground work to reduce travel time by half on the Delhi-Mumbai corridor.
IMAGES: All new Tata Safari Storme at Rs 10 lakh?
This revolutionary crossover is a strong contender of Toyota Innova, Mahindra Xylo, Mahindra Bolero and Mahindra Scorpio.
Photos: Stunning SOLAR cars around the world
Solar-powered cars have ushered in a revolution in the transport sector.
E-book revolution likely: Students brace for digital storm
While India is yet to see the launch of iBooks 2 and iBooks Author, independent developers in the education space are already eyeing the digitised space.
What does RBI's move to cut CRR rate mean?
This Tuesday saw an upbeat in the money market.
Indian brands warming up to Facebook ads in news feeds
Some are still circumspect, but most think it's a smart platform for promotions.
Five common mobile web mistakes
After years of eager anticipation, the mobile revolution is now truly moving ahead.
Global economy: CEOs' confidence shrinks to lowest
At the same time, the confidence level of the CEOs is relatively better when it comes to the prospects for revenue growth in their own companies, as per the 15th Annual CEO
PHOTOS: A tour of the fantastic Facebook office
Launched in February 2004, Facebook has more than 800 million active users.
Rate cuts possible ONLY when inflation comes down: RBI
CRR cut does not rule out open market operations.
Want to make a quick buck? Try the cyber route
If you want to tread this path, then conceive an idea and take it further. The online platform supports not just creativity, but also creative entrepreneurs.
Why the IMF cut India's economic growth projections
'Nations like India with high inflation and public debt should be cautious'
PHOTOS: World's 20 biggest oil and gas companies
A consulting firm has just released its annual ranking of the biggest oil and gas companies in the world.
India's problem is productive jobs: ILO
In India, total employment grew by only 0.1 per cent yearly over the five years till 2009-10, says the report, "from 457.9 million in 2004-05 to 458.4 mn in 2009-10, while labour productivity grew 34 per cent over this period".
New MPV in town. Chevrolet Enjoy at Rs 6.5 lakh
General Motors used the Auto Expo 2012 platform wisely and introduced its much anticipated MPV.
Obama to take US away from outsourcing, bad debt
The US President emphasised that the blueprint has been built to last -- an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values.
How Dinesh Trivedi plans to revamp Indian Railways
Despite a party leader who doesn't seem to put much faith in him and barbs on his first-time ministership, Trivedi is determined to revamp the Indian Railways.
More flyers: India needs 30 more airports in 5 years!
The growth projections for air passenger traffic suggest an additional requirement of 30 functional airports over the next five years and 180 in the next decade, according to Planning Commission estimates.
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| January 24, 2012 | | Diesel may cost more, RBI asks govt to deregulate prices
The Reserve Bank on Tuesday said the government should deregulate diesel prices in order to contain the trade deficit, which is expected to widen to $160 billion during the current fiscal.
'Glass ceiling for women is a state of mind'
In this second part - of 'Glass-ceiling in India' - we bring you India's successful entrepreneurs. These women are stereotype-busters in their own right.
One-bedroom, studio apartments make a comeback
Faced with slow offtake in big-ticket residential apartments, property developers are launching one bedroom (BHK) apartments to generate fast liquidity.
RBI rate cut: No immediate respite for borrowers
After the Reserve Bank unveiled the third quarterly review of the monetary policy, several bankers said that they may not go in for rate cut immediately.
Good news! India's 'RICH' households rising rapidly
The cut-off to enter India's one per cent - Rs 12.5 lakh - is nothing to write home about compared to global standards.
Chip to guard against mobile phone radiation
If you are one of those who frets about the health hazards caused by mobile phone radiation, then help - in the form of a chip - is at hand.
Workplace anxiety pulling you down? Here's a solution
Anxiety is possibly the single largest inhibitor of growth both for an individual and for a corporation, says Thomas J DeLong, Philip J Stomberg Professor of Management Practice, Harvard Business School.
Tamil Nadu students design low-cost amphibian car
Students have designed two types of light weight, eco-friendly and low-cost cars.
Reliance's Rs 10,440 cr share buyback to start from Feb 1
The country's most-valued firm Reliance Industries on Tuesday said its Rs 10,440 crore (Rs 104.40 billion) share buyback offer will start from February 1 and closes on January 19, 2013.
Bihar progressing? Not really!
Bihar remains shackled by poverty even as agricultural growth increases.
Cyber crime is now a booming industry
From compromised machines to mass email lists for spamming, electronically-transferring funds out of bank accounts to phishing attacks -- India's 100 million internet users have become prime targets for hackers across the globe.
RBI cuts cash reserve ratio, key rates remain unchanged
The central bank says that there is room for policy action, but warns of persistent inflation risks.
Economic growth: BIG issues emerging nations face
Perceptions regarding the composition of the global economy underwent a shift.
Uncertain markets: What should investors do?
Falling market should be an opportunity to invest more in equities and not shift to other asset classes. Keep buying on dips.
No conflict over UIDAI project: Montek, Chidambaram
Home Minister P Chidambaram and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia rejected reports that they were locked in a turf war over the ambitious UIDAI project to give every Indian resident a unique ID number Aadhar.
Cash-strapped railways to get a makeover plan soon
A high-level committee set up to suggest a blue print for modernisation of cash-strapped railways will submit its report shortly, said its chief Sam Pitroda while dismissing report of having recommended 25 per cent hike in passenger fares linking it to inflation.
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| January 23, 2012 | | BAD NEWS! India's GDP to fall further, says RBI
The RBI-sponsored survey by professional forecasters has revised the growth projection for the current fiscal downward to 7 per cent, which is lower than the central bank's projection of 7.6 per cent.
Gujarat MPs want bullet train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai
BJP MPs from Gujarat met Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi and submitted a memorandum requesting new railway projects, including that of a bullet train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
'Women have to accept that men are as smart as them'
Meet stereotype-busters in their own right,who share their experiences about glass-ceiling in India.
Rising giants of Asia: How far is India behind China?
China's GDP in 2011 was $6.99 trillion, or nearly four times India's $1.84 trillion.
Photos: Super cars shine on Mumbai roads
The Parx Super Car Show 2012, organised by the Super Car Club (SCC) in association with Autocar India, took off to a roaring start with excited Mumbaikars vying for a glimpse of the 80 odd super cars displayed at the Riding School at Mahalaxmi Race Course.
Ministry prods RBI to cut rates, bankers not hopeful
The finance ministry wants the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to switch its policy stance, with growth concerns occupying centre stage and inflation showing signs of moderating.
India walks the tightrope on US-Iran issue
India and China have already rejected the US' sanctions move.
Will Subbarao check or boost market rally?
The domestic market has posted its third straight weekly gain, supported by positive global cues, strong foreign fund inflows and good numbers from some companies.
Will Indian airlines fly past these tough times?
Costlier fuel, fall in yields make things increasingly tough; analysts say focus on ending red ink a must.
Is retiring shares best avenue for RIL?
When Reliance Industries Limited announced its buyback recently, the stock price soared even before the details were made public.
Economists want focus on infra, investment, fiscal deficit
Economists want Budget to focus on infrastructure, have a clear strategy on disinvestment and state measures to boost investment climate.
Rupee depreciation helps Indian IT companies
Software leaders are quite robust.
Why Aakash tablet has run into a storm
Canadian company dismisses series of charges levelled by cellular majors
PHOTOS: 25 top-performing CEOs in India
An Insead study reveals India's top-performing CEOs.
Move over Toyota Innova, 5 new STUNNING MPVs are here!
Almost every global brand is introducing its vehicles into the Indian car market.
SHOCKING: Lowest growth for 219 Indian cos in 11 quarters!
Analysts see a silver lining in banking.
Photos: Visit this AMAZING Google campus
The 100,000 square-foot campus was designed by architect Frank Gehry.
IMAGES: These are the world's BEST Internet banks
According to Global Finance (part of Class Editori Group, a leading Italian finance and lifestyle media company) these names were selected from 233 banks from around the world.
Market off to best start in more than a decade
Second-best performer after Brazil so far this year.
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| January 20, 2012 | | Premji compares Eurozone crisis to Bollywood films
For IT czar Azim Premji, what's happening in the Eurozone facing a two-year debt crisis is something like new Bollywood films hitting silver screens every week in India.
Reliance Q3 profit falls 14% to Rs 4,440 crore
Reliance Industries Ltd on Friday reported a 13.6 per cent fall in October-December net profit, the first drop in the Mukesh Ambani-led company's quarterly profit in more than two years, as refining margins fell sharply and reservoir complexity pulled down gas output.
Govt realised it's slowing down economic growth rate: Premji
IT czar Azim Premji on Friday said the government has realised it is slowing down economic growth rate and he expected it to get into policy initiatives action post assembly polls in five States, irrespective of results.
Petrol price decontrol seen only in vapour outline
OMCs losing Rs 20 crore daily on sales, 18 months after prices were deregulated.
FDI in aviation: Is this a good move?
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India's aviation sector is long overdue; the Cabinet should back Mr Singh's decision -- which was taken following a meeting with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Petroleum Minister Jaipal Reddy and Commerce Minister Anand Sharma.
India must learn from US, UK regulators' mistakes
India must learn from the missteps made by financial regulators in the US and UK.
Why a 'founder' of a company gets fired
Jerry Yang, who founded Yahoo along with David Filo in 1995, has left to "pursue other interests outside of Yahoo". Yang, who carried the designation "Chief Yahoo", exited two weeks after Scott Thompson, who used to run eBay's PayPal unit, joined as CEO.
Vodafone wins $2.2 billion tax case, blow for govt
Supreme Court Chief Justice SH Kapadia has ruled on Friday that the tax deparment has no jurisdiction over Vodafone's purchase of mobile assets in India.
Why recruiters fail to attract the right candidate
Ironically, the biggest mistake recruiters make when writing a job advertisement is exactly the same as that made by poor applicants they just don't sell themselves.
Government move to control Internet is wrong
Even attempting it would be a colossal waste of time and public resources.
PHOTOS: China's indigenous supercomputer is operational
China's first supercomputer built with "domestically-produced" microprocessors and capable of performing around one-thousand-trillion calculations per second has become officially operational.
Photos: The SUCCESS story of a serial entrepreneur
Swaminathan K can be described as a serial entrepreneur who started young; in fact, from his school days.
TCS chief shares the company gameplan
N Chandrasekaran, managing director and CEO of Tata Consultancy Services, talks to Business Standard on the growth outlook and why the current slowdown is unlike the one in 2008.
World's most innovative nations: India at No.6!
India has been ranked the sixth most "innovative" country in the world according to General Electric's Annual Global Innovation Barometer.
Wipro Q3 net grows 10% to Rs 1,456 cr
The company had a net profit of Rs 1,318.8 crore (Rs 13.18 billion) in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal, Wipro said in a filing to the BSE.
This is how Lupin cracked the Japanese pharma market
From zero revenues eight years ago, Lupin has posted Rs 621 crore (Rs 6.21 billion) in sales last year-that too in a country regarded as one of the toughest markets in the world for generics.
US, a technology leader? India, China to take over soon
The US remains global leader in supporting science and technology (S&T) research and development, but could soon be overtaken by rapidly rising Asian countries like India and China, a latest report by an American body said.
PHOTOS: 12 beautiful cars elite collectors love
There are cars that fetch some serious money at auctions.
PHOTOS: Amazing architectural marvels that remain a dream
World is dotted with amazing structures.
PHOTOS: What do the world's richest people buy? Find out...
When it comes to buying things, billionaires are different.
Budget: What the Finance Minister must do
Central goal of the Budget must be to restore confidence in the prospects for rapid growth in India.
Want to stay leader, but it's getting tougher: KP Singh
After his recently published autobiography Whatever the Odds, he's already looking forward to a biography, where he's known as a giver more than anything else.
How demand-supply gap is ailing domestic aviation
Though India is one of the largest growing markets in terms of passenger volumes, airlines have not been able to add capacity to match growth.
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| January 19, 2012 | | Mahindra launches scooter Duro DZ @ Rs 42,332
The new scooter will be an addition to the company's existing range of 125 cc scooters, Rodeo and Flyte that cater to different consumer segments.
PHOTOS: An illustrious past, uncertain future for bankrupt Kodak
Kodak has filed for bankruptcy.
Food inflation still remains in negative zone
Food inflation remained in the negative zone for the third straight week, at (-)0.42 per cent for the week ended January 7, mainly due to fall in prices of onion and vegetables.
India's top banks vie for gold loan business
Financing against gold being a secured form of lending and higher margins are key reasons.
Page not found: Who blocked my website?
The recent remark by Delhi high court that India can go the China way and block Google and Facebook if they do not remove objectionable content has got netizens worrying.
Biz vs politics: Marwaris feel the heat of Mamata's hostility
Marwari community has chosen to portray Mamata Banerjee's patent bias against it after the AMRI Hospital fire as unfair persecution.
What is 'share buyback' and how does it impact investors?
With RIL announcing a buyback after seven years, a primer on how it impacts shareholders.
Who pays the highest and lowest for petrol in India
There has been a marginal dip in the petrol prices.
I-T Dept to launch drive against tax evasion from Jan 20
The high value transactions that will be under the I-T Department scanner include the purchase of property, vehicles, shares and bonds, fixed deposits in banks and post offices, etc.
IMAGES: 18 stunning concept cars that dazzled the Auto Expo
Concepts cars placed at the heart of imagination and reality, play significant roles in automotive shows for automakers and visitors.
How loyal are you to your smartphone?
A recent research from GfK (a Germany-based research company) suggests that nearly one in five consumers, who own both an iPad and an iPhone, say switching smartphone is more difficult than changing bank accounts.
PHOTOS: Where does India rank in cyberbullying globally?
A new poll finds that cyberbullying in India is pretty high.
Photos: Are these the BEST nations to work in?
There are huge differences in working conditions around the world.
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| January 18, 2012 | | World Bank slashes global growth forecast to 2.5%
The multilateral agency had earlier projected that the world economy would expand by 3.6 per cent this year.
Beware! Indian Wi-Fi networks under virus risk
Indian computer security analysts have detected and alerted Wi-Fi users in the country against a possible virus attack that could lead to crashing and hacking of secure networks.
Meet the man behind India's FIRST private TV channel
From being the first national English news reader at Delhi Doordarshan Kendra, to starting India's first private television channel and the first exclusive journalism college on the lines of the Columbia School, Sashi Kumar has done several path breaking things in his life.
'Disproportionate' H-1B visa denial to India to be examined
A top American Senator, who visited New Delhi earlier this month, vowed to look into the "disproportionate number" of H-1B visa being denied from India, amid concerns over the increase in certain categories of visa fees.
PHOTOS: Ferrari Daytona is a beautiful ride
Ferrari 365 GTB/4 "Daytona" is frequently considered one of the last truly great front-engined GT cars.
Village level innovation: The next BIG thing
Over the last twenty years it has even more passionately been argued that the future of India depends on rapid expansion on four fronts.
The secret recipe behind Coal India's STUNNING success
India's state-owned miner had posted a whopping 68 per cent jump in net profits for the half-year ended September, 2011.
PHOTOS: CEOs who got millions to quit
Some CEOs walk out with millions even after getting fired.
Farewell: Rise and 'fall' of Yahoo! co-founder Jerry Yang
Internet company Yahoo!'s co-founder Jerry Yang has quit the company he founded 17 years ago.
PHOTOS: 18 hotels offering world's best facilities
Some hotels are architecture marvel.
India CAN GROW at 9%; The World Bank is confident
India can return to 9 per cent growth if the government removes uncertainties in policy-making and go for early implementation of some of the long pending tax reforms, a senior World Bank official said on Wednesday.
Most valued companies: TCS slips to fourth place
IT giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on Tuesday slipped to fourth position in the list of the country's most valued companies, below Reliance Industries, ONGC and Coal India Ltd.
How currencies fare and the cost of a burger in 30 nations
The Indian rupee is the world's most undervalued currency, finds The Economist's latest Big Mac Index.
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| January 17, 2012 | | Foreign airlines may get nod to buy 49% in Indian carriers
Accepting a major demand of the cash-strapped aviation industry, the government on Tuesday said it would soon launch the process to allow foreign airlines 49 per cent stake in Indian carriers.
TCS Q3 net up 18% at Rs 2,803 crore
TCS Q3 net up 18% at Rs 2,803 crore
ONCE AGAIN! Prices of gold, silver to rise
The ad-valorem rates of excise and customs on precious metals like gold, silver and platinum have come into effect from Tuesday, said a government notification. Diamonds, too, will now attract an import duty of 2 per cent.
'India's attractiveness is still intact'
Anup Maheshwari, executive vice-president and head of equities & corporate strategy, DSP BlackRock, says the long-term attractiveness of investing in India remains intact.
Now, meet your life partner through LinkedIn
For single, highly networked professionals, LinkedIn could well be the networking website to find that perfect job - or even a life partner. For the first time, a website for dating has been created for LinkedIn users.
PHOTOS: Richest children in India and abroad
These are some of the richest children in the world.
BAD NEWS! India's economy to grow a mere 7.7% only
The government recently lowered the gross domestic product growth target for the current fiscal to 7 per cent from the earlier estimate of 8.5 per cent.
Maruti, General Motors hike prices by up to Rs 17,000
Maruti Suzuki India has hiked prices of its vehicles across all models, except the entry level sedan DZire, by up to 3.4 per cent.
BRIC's 20 BEST banks: Only ONE from India
Government-owned banks lead the market by size in the BRIC countries -- accounting for 50 per cent of total banking sector assets in China, 40 per cent in Brazil and Russia and reaching 70 per cent in India.
Can money buy you happiness? Read this!
Money can buy you happiness, says a study, finally putting an end to the age-old debate.
IMAGES: 15 most 'liked' brands in the world
Social media is opening whole new avenues for companies.
Why RBI rate cut may be delayed
RBI may wait for a substantial downtrend and maintain repo at the current level in its third-quarter review.
Stunning pics: A Malibu beach house on sale for $10.5 million
Relativity Media Founder and CEO Ryan Kavanaugh plans to sell off his Malibu beach house for $10.5 million.
A refrigerator that connects to the Internet and more innovations
The refrigerator, which connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi, has a variety of Apps including a grocery in ventory manager and a Twitter feed.
FDI in aviation: All set to take off
Meeting on Tuesday to decide on letting foreign airlines buy into domestic ones.
PHOTOS: World's best innovations in 50 years
Past 50 years have seen several path-breaking innovations.
PHOTOS: Get ready for the upgraded tablet Aakash II
Amid complaints with regard to the quality of the low-cost 'Aakash' tablet PC, the government on Monday said it is hopeful of bringing out an upgraded version of the device, 'Aakash-II', by April this year.
Inspiring entrepreneur: Sam Walton's words of wisdom
Sam Walton learnt the value of money very early in life.
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| January 16, 2012 | | Photos: Hyundai launches costlier Eon variants
The country's second largest maker Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) on Monday said it has introduced three new variants with additional features of its latest small car Eon, which will be costlier by up to Rs 7,000 from the existing versions.
What do employees do when bored? Find out...
When bored at work, most workers look to munchies and caffeinated beverages to perk them up.
India threatens to put curbs on European airlines
Under a Horizontal Aviation Agreement between India and the EU, New Delhi allows European airlines to operate flights between India and any EU member-state.
Vodafone dials for India IPO
The world's largest mobile operator by revenue has begun the year on a bold note, backing the initial public offer plans of its Indian unit and sources say the ball has already been set rolling.
Flashback: Cars with high recall value in 2011
The year 2011 did not end too well for the auto sector. This was mainly from the perspective of 'recall', both globally and in India.
Photos: Maruti to launch NEW DZire in February
Four years after it launched the entry-level sedan Swift DZire, the country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India is bringing a shortened version of the car that will hit the market next month.
Interested in collecting art? Read this...
Collectors can now buy works by some of the best-known Western modern artists and at prices less than what they've paid for some works by the Indian modern masters.
Inflation at two-year low of 7.47% in Dec
The latest numbers are the lowest since December 2009 when headline inflation was at 7.15 per cent.
Is India ready to drive in the green lane?
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has been the frontrunner in taking initiatives for promotion and adoption of electric vehicles.
PHOTOS: Bill Gates: Life down the ages
Bill Gates is one of the richest men in the world.
Are prices falling? People talk about the real story
After years of high food prices, India is now witnessing a deflation, according to the government's food inflation data.
SBI to raise interest rate on car loans
A senior SBI official dealing with the retail business confirmed the country's largest lender's decision.
PHOTOS: World's best collectible cars
There are some cars that are simply adored by collectors and fans alike.
Stunning photos: Swanky TRAMS across the world
Trams are usually lighter and shorter than conventional trains and rapid transit trains. The
Dry days for IPO street, but delisting lane will stay abuzz
Companies likely to defer initial share sale plans due to lack of investor appetite, state polls, Budget.
SBI: Banker to every Indian, except Infosys
Infosys has withdrawn all its deposits with State Bank of India, the largest commercial bank in the country, in the just concluded October-December quarter.
Gujarat to become India's first special investment region
With the first two phases of town planning and zonation completed this month, the country's first special investment region (SIR) at Dholera in Gujarat is set to take off. The endeavour in Ahmedabad district is likely to bring investment amounting to $90 billion to the western state over the next ten years.
RIL plans to pick 26% stake in leading cable operators
Talks under way for partnership model to provide last-mile connectivity to 4G users.
World's 12 most powerful art collectors
There is no business like art business.
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| January 13, 2012 | | Apple store pelted with eggs in Beijing
Apple has temporarily stopoed selling its latest iPhone 4S.
IMAGES: 25 most luxurious hotels in India
Hospitality sector in India has seen the birth of many luxury hotels and resorts in recent past.
MUST READ: World's top 25 banks
The sovereign debt crisis is still raging in Europe and renewed fears of contagion from southern European countries are affecting banking and market outlooks across the globe.
Filter content or face blackout, Delhi HC warns Facebook, Google
The Delhi High Court on Thursday warned social networking site Facebook India and search engine Google India that websites can be "blocked" like in China if they fail to devise a mechanism to check and remove objectionable material from their web pages.
Will global investors bet big on India again?
Any improvement in confidence will trigger a virtuous cycle, projects will start moving, the RBI will be cutting rates, companies will recapitalise and, as we lap easy comparisons for both earnings and GDP in the second half of 2012-13, India will look like it is accelerating again.
Why India is the hot spot for luxury brands
It is estimated that the luxury market in India is around USD 5.8 billion (nearly Rs 28,500 crore), is spreading beyond the metros as adoption of global trends is fast catching up in smaller cities, as well.
World's best and worst performing stock markets
It's not just India that saw a drop in stock market fortunes in 2011.
Meet the first Indian-origin Dean of Cornell's biz school
Cornell President David Skorton said in an announcement, "Professor Dutta's appointment is a natural fit with Johnson's increasingly global outlook."
IMAGES: Brilliant tech innovations you must see!
The Consumer Electronics Show is the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow.
IMAGES: The expressive faces of Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer
Microsoft Corporation CEO Steve Ballmer is perhaps the most expressive CEOs in the world.
Made profits in 2011? Hold on to those scrips
The good part is that even in the most beaten down sectors, there have been some select stocks that have given not just positive, but considerable, returns.
PHOTOS: Hotel suite in India among world's most expensive
Some hotel suites are extremely expensive.
PHOTOS: Beautiful Ferraris down the ages
Ferrari's are said to be the most beautiful cars in the world.
PHOTOS: Now, a low cost electric car from Tata
Stylish, comfortable, practical, fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly -- that's prototype of a $20,000 electric car from the Tata Technologies.
Infosys: On track to meet 45,000 hiring target
"People addition is on track for 45,000 (employee hiring) target for the financial year 2012. The company will focus on local hiring. We have hired 1,000 people in the US in the last four quarters," Infosys Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director S D Shibulal said.
Air India in trouble: Service tax dept freezes accounts again
The Service Tax Department has once again frozen the bank accounts of the national carrier Air India for non-payment of dues running into a little over Rs 300 crore (Rs 3 billion).
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| January 12, 2012 | | Slowdown: Infosys cuts FY'12 revenue outlook by 3%
Infosys on Thursday cut its full-year revenue outlook in dollar terms by about 3 per cent because of mounting economic uncertainty in the euro zone, a move that did not go down well with investors.
Food inflation in negative zone: What's cheaper, what's costlier?
Food prices fell for the second consecutive week as food inflation remained in the negative zone at (-)2.90 per cent for the week ended December 31, 2011.
India's industrial growth bounces back to 5.9%
Led by a recovery in manufacturing output, industrial production grew by 5.9 per cent in November, 2011, after witnessing a contraction in the previous month, a development that may reverse the negative sentiment amid an economic slowdown.
Bihar taps investors at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Guests were all praise for the Bihar government.
It might be working Saturdays for Indian stock exchanges
Stock exchanges are said to be toying with the idea of opening a regular trading window on Saturdays. The window may be for a shorter duration, in line with the Saturday banking hours.
In pics: Two Indian companies among global WINNERS
Teleos, in association with The Know Network, has announced winners.
US urges countries to reduce oil imports from Iran
The United States has said it is encouraging countries to diversify away from Iranian oil.
Stunning PHOTOS: World's hottest cars are here!
The world's most brilliant cars are lined up at the Detroit Auto Show.
Infosys Q3 net up 33.25% at Rs 2,372 crore
The company had registered a net profit of Rs 1,780 crore (Rs 17.8 billion) for the December quarter of the previous fiscal (2010-11), Infosys said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.
PHOTOS: World's top 25 software companies
Microsoft is undoubtedly the king of software companies.
IMAGES: 16 global cities of the future
There are some cities in the world that are expected to be major centres in the future.
Images: 8 AMAZING green cars
At the 42nd annual Tokyo Motor Show, leading auto companies unveiled some beautiful eco-friendly cars. These cars are said to justice not just to the environment, but are also a treat to drive.
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| January 11, 2012 | | Indian economy doing a good job: Economist
Nobel Prize winner in economics in 2001, Stiglitz, who was delivering a lecture in the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata, said that a government needed to play an important role 'in any economy correcting pervasive market failures'.
IMAGES: Stunning aerial views of flashy Dubai
Dubai city has emerged as a global city with some of the world's most famous landmarks.
Indian bureaucracy rated worst in Asia
Indian bureaucracy is the worst in Asia with a 9.21 rating out of 10.
How India, China still contribute half of world's growth
Despite slowing down, China and India continue to contribute more than half of the world's economic growth, a new report by an investment management and advisory services firm has claimed.
Slowdown? 7% growth certain, says PM
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said his government expected a reasonably good growth rate of seven per cent in the ongoing 2011-12 financial year.
How to gain more from your investments?
Being market-linked, the public provident fund corpus can no longer be predicted over the long term.
PHOTOS: Brilliance of sportscar Porche 911
Porsche is a luxury two-door sports coupe made by Porsche of Stuttgart, Germany.
This is not the time to buy beaten down stocks
Cheap valuations mean little in a bear market. There could be more downside.
'Kingfisher not like AI, no direct financial help'
Ministry will try to persuade Airports Authority of India, fuel suppliers for easier terms to the airline
RBI raises red flag over banks' foreign currency loans
Just 40 per cent of India Inc's forex loans are hedged.
IMAGES: STUNNING cars you would love to own!
The North American International Auto Show is one of the largest car shows held each year in Detroit, United States.
Now, pay taxes and fines online
Maharashtra government initiative aimed at making system more transparent.
Union Budget exercise begins
Pranab Mukherjee will begin the fortnight-long pre-budget brainstorming sessions with various stakeholders.
Photos: World's most INNOVATIVE gadgets
More than 100 products have been introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show at Las Vegas.
2012: A year of GLOOM and DOOM for auto sector
The 50-odd launches and unveilings at the Auto Expo are unlikely to lift the gloom off the domestic automobile industry, which has been battling declining sales for six months.
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| January 10, 2012 | | Aquarian Age: Bloom not Doom
While this apparent obsession with 2012 may largely be an internet phenomenon there is something more happening here that predates our age of hyper-connectivity.
Govt okays 100% FDI in single brand retail
Notwithstanding its inability to open multi-brand retail for foreign investment, government on Tuesday notified 100 per cent FDI in single-brand retail, paving way for global chains like Adidas, Louis Vuitton and Gucci to have full ownership of their India operations.
Jet, Nokia take advertising to new heights
In these times of high losses, airlines are looking at multiple options to earn cash.
EPFO may cut interest on PF deposits to 8.6%
Retirement fund body EPFO may lower the interest rate on deposits to 8.6 per cent for over 4.7 crore (47 million) subscribers for 2011-12 to match it with the rate of public provident fund (PPF) scheme.
IMAGES: Of Bollywood stars and SWANKY cars!
The relationship between the movie stars and cars go way back into the history.
Network18 owes Rs 300 cr
18.6 million debentures were issued to five promoters convertible at Rs 160.
Pioneering airport-city project struggles to stay aloft
The first ever airport-city project in which Singapore's Changi airport holds a 26 per cent stake was expected to be the pride of West Bengal. Instead, a steady stream of pitfalls --from land acquisition problems to allegations of corruption amongst promoters -- has taken the sheen off the project.
Apple CEO Tim Cook gets $380-mn pay for 2011
Cook's pay package for 2011 is likely to be among the most lucrative compensations awarded to a chief executive.
Moody's upgrades India's rating to investment grade
The 'P-3' ratings suggest acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.
Now, pay more for auto insurance
Insurers are all set to raise premium. Rates may increase 40-50 per cent for commercial vehicles and 20-25 per cent for private vehicles.
Stunning pics: World's 25 LARGEST buildings
Amidst the world's growing concrete jungle, these buildings hold a unique record.
Investors warm up to tax-saving bonds
The bonds' unattractive structure seem to have found little favour with eligible taxpayers and infrastructure finance companies are hoping the government would do something to enhance product appeal.
New York hotelier Chatwal has big plans for India
New York-based Chatwal Hotels and Resorts is planning to invest Rs 2,000 crore (Rs 20 billion) to open 52 hotels in India in the next five years. The company has tied up with international hospitality major Wyndham Hotels for the expansion of its hotel brands Dream and Night.
'Invest Rs 10,000 every month in the market'
'Just keep investing a steady amount every month irrespective of what the media says about the direction of the market,' advises Jyotivardhan Jaipuria, Managing Director, DSP Merrill Lynch, India.
Centre-state consensus on service tax, finally
State FMs okay list of tax-exempt services with certain riders.
HDFC's new diktat: Pay for inoperative A/Cs, cash deposits
These fees are part of the new set of service charges introduced by HDFC Bank from January 1, 2012.
IMAGES: World's 10 best airport lounges
In this slide show we present some of the world's best airport lounges (in particular order) that are an over-the-top testament to the VIP privilege.
Mahindra to double capacity for XUV500, launch in Oz, Europe
Touted as its first global product, the diesel SUV was recently introduced in the South African market.
We need to encourage research, says Infosys's Gopalakrishnan
Infosys felicitates outstanding researchers in various fields.
PHOTOS: Beautiful cars sizzle at Auto Expo in Delhi
Auto Expo is seeing a long line of beautiful cars.
IMAGES: Acer unveils world's thinnest laptop
Acer has unveiled the world's thinnest Ultrabook with the Aspire S5, an ultra-slim device that measures only 15 mm at the maximal point.
Why lifetime mobile schemes did not last
The lifetime-validity schemes that once led to explosive growth in subscriber base for the mobile telephony industry did not last a lifetime.
STUNNING gizmos to drool for in 2012
Tech lovers can never get enough of gadgets or the latest in technology.
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| January 09, 2012 | | Kingfisher's plans to resolve the lapses, discrepancies
After a rap from the aviation regulator for neglecting safety issues, Kingfisher Airlines on Monday submitted a detailed response to DGCA giving time-bound plans to resolve the lapses and discrepancies identified.
Worst is over for the Indian economy: Credit Suisse
The worst could be over for the Indian economy, Swiss bank Credit Suisse said, after contending with many months of stubbornly high inflation and sluggish growth.
Investing: Watch out for the game changers!
Come a new year, and the guy with some cash to spare invariably wonders how to avoid repeating the investing mistakes of the past year.
Dial 'T' for entertainment
No wonder, it's raining tablets in India and they are giving a stiff competition to personal computers, notebooks and mobile devices so far as consumption of entertainment by the digital consumers is concerned.
Why did the rupee fare much worse than other Asian currencies?
In 2011, the rupee emerged as the most vulnerable Asian currency on the block. It depreciated by almost 19 per cent in 2011, while for the others depreciation was mostly in single digits. The Chinese Yuan actually appreciated in this period.
COLUMN: Fault lines in the Indian IPO market
We need to build the household sector's confidence in the stock market.
Globalisation is dead. When will India realise this?
As the West realizes that globalisation has pauperised governments, left its society in disarray and its currency weak, there is a huge re-think there about the very idea of globalisation.
COLUMN: Was India too timid to manage to FDI issues?
In the cacophony of debates on the wisdom of liberalising retail foreign direct investment, or FDI, one viewpoint was noticeably absent: whether and how this might affect India's strategic interests.
This is what it takes to become an entrepreneur
First, get out and engage with customers sooner than later. If you stay focused on the lab to work on your product, the market may have moved. Customer feedback is very important. Also do not underestimate competition; stay on top of it.
Pranab's prescription to better India's growth rate
Moderating inflation and a likely reversal of tight monetary policy will boost the economic prospects during 2012, said Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
PHOTOS: Dazzling beauties at Auto Expo
Automobile companies have showcased an exciting display.
'We need one party running the country, not 10'
We should now think positively and look at options and opportunities, says Deepak Parekh.
It's woman power on the Internet
Women are exploring the Internet to turn into home-based entrepreneurs.
India's MOST influential women in finance
Some are heading the top banks in India, while others are calling the shots as company's CFO.
IMAGES: Cubit launches all-in-one desktop for Rs 22,000!
With an eye on the rapidly rising market of all-in-one (AIO) computers segment, Ahmedabad-based Cubit Computers has launched the first-of-its-kind assembled all-in-one desktop personal computer for the Indian market.
Infrastructure set to escape Budget cuts
Sector to see funding push; tax reforms as well as sops to wait longer.
Must-see: SPECTACULAR cars at the Auto Show
Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, showcased an exciting display of cars at the 11thAuto Expo in New Delhi.
Kingfisher may cut its fleet to stay afloat
Airline may cut its fleet from the existing 64 planes over the next few months.
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| January 06, 2012 | | Stickers defaming Anil Ambani in Mumbai; FIR filed
Stickers defaming industrialist Anil Ambani and his Group ADAG were found pasted at various locations in suburban Bandra.
US court wants specifics of financial benefits made by Gupta
A US judge has asked prosecutors to provide specific financial benefits they allege former Goldman Sachs director Rajat Gupta made by passing inside information to his friend Raj Rajaratnam amidst allegations that he also tipped him about Proctor and Gamble's 2008 sale of Folgers Coffee Co to JM Smucker.
DAZZLING beauties wow world's 2nd largest auto show
The 11th Auto Expo 2012 that began on Thursday in New Delhi with a slew of launches that marked the debut of many automobile manufacturers into new segments of the dynamic Indian vehicle market.
SBI classifies Kingfisher Airlines account as NPA
SBI Chairman Pratip Chaudhuri told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday the Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) account had turned into a non-performing asset (NPA). "The account became an NPA on December 31, 2011. They are in default," Chaudhuri said.
Slowdown: Planned job cuts in US drop to 41,785 in Dec
Planned job cuts announced by US employers declined in December to 41,785, the lowest monthly total since June, says a report by global outplacement company Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
'Stock markets are virtually breaking India Inc's back'
In an interview with Business Standard, Kamath says he is surprised by the sharp correction in the stock markets and the rupee in an economy growing at seven per cent.
The amazing success story of brand Safal
Mother Dairy's retail model helps farmers but is under pressure from chains.
'Food inflation will go back to 7 per cent in a few weeks'
Others may be gung-ho about food inflation falling into the negative territory, but not former chief statistician <B>Pronab Sen</B>.
Survival plan: Kingfisher gets time till Monday
DGCA summons airline's officials on safety issues.
Why majority of Indians want to work abroad
Majority of younger employees are keen on seeking jobs abroad.
What Indian Railways must learn from China
Slow pace in modernisation and infrastructure addition chokes tracks, constrains productivity, raises costs and invites political interference.
Euro crisis more threatening than crash in 2008: Soros
US billionaire investor and philanthropist George Soros said that the collapse of the euro will have catastrophic consequences.
No fare hike: Trivedi's Rail Budget to bear Didi stamp
Trinamool politics set to trump prudence on passenger fares.
Images: BIG car launches at the Auto Expo
A number of stunning cars were unveiled at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi.
Iconic photos trace AMAZING history of Kodak
Kodak is prepairing to file for bankruptcy.
The new Bajaj RE60: Don't call it a car!
Bajaj Auto's new four-wheeled people-carrier might well create an entirely new category.
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| January 05, 2012 | | Bankers expect interest rates to fall by 1%
While bankers and experts expect the lending rate to fall by about one percentage point in the near-term, the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council has strongly pitched for rate cut by the RBI in its monetary policy review later in the month.
All about Avanti, India's first Rs 30-lakh supercar!
Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan on Thursday unveiled India's first supercar, Avanti, designed by style guru Dilip Chhabria's DC Design at the 11th Auto Expo 2012 in New delhi.
TCS to create 16,000 jobs in West Bengal
The country's largest information technology (IT) service provider, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is all set to expand its footprint in West Bengal, according to state IT minister Partha Chatterjee.
Govt gets a Rs 4,000-cr New Year gift from ONGC
The Centre -- running out of cash, and time before the Budget to meet its fiscal deficit target -- will get as dividend Rs 3,964 crore (Rs 39.64 billion) from its flagship listed firm Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).
Nano missed chance; to remove tag of poor man's car
Admitting that Nano has 'wasted an early opportunity' due to teething problems, Tata Group chief Ratan Tata on Thursday said Tata Motors will do everything to undo the tag of 'poor man's car'.
Forget gloom, Indian economy is strong: Tata
Differing with some of the leading corporate voices against perceived policy paralysis in the government, industrialist Ratan Tata on Thursday said there is no need to be pessimistic because of the global uncertainties as India's economic fundamentals are strong.
Cash-strapped airlines compromise on safety
An official financial audit of all Indian carriers has found that safety issues were being neglected by some of them due to serious financial distress and suggested stringent action, including cancelling of flying permits, against two major carriers.
Cost of foreign education rises as Rupee falls
To tide over fund crunch, students are either looking at alternative sources of funding like scholarships or picking up part-time jobs.
IMAGES: It's raining bikes at the Auto Show
Eyeing Indian mass motorcycle segment, Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL) on Thursday launched Hayate, a 110cc bike, which will cost over Rs 40,000, at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi.
What is negative inflation? Food inflation at -3.36%
This is the first time in almost six years, for which data with base year 2004-05 is available, that food inflation has shown a decline on an annual basis.
Reversing India's downward trajectory
Country can regain growth momentum with rate cuts and telecom reforms.
Forget about pension plans, there's none available anyway
If you plan to buy a pension plan as a part of your tax-saving exercise, you need to wait.
Divestment pushed back as PSUs don't fancy buybacks
Ministries seek more discussions, Cabinet defers decision.
Employees to get 14% average pay hike in 2012
Sectors like infrastructure could see average salary hike of as high as 16 per cent, but the increments could be lower at 5 per cent in a few segments like aviation and textiles.
Investors likely to opt for safer bets in 2012
Individuals likely to opt for safer bets like fixed income, PSU stocks and gold in the new year.
VOTE: Which is the biggest economic challenge facing India?
India has a number of problems, such as high inflation, poor infrastructure and rural poverty.
Asset Under Management: India's top 15 Mutual Funds
The mutual fund industry took a hit of more than Rs 16,000 crore on its asset size during 2011, even as the newly-crowned market leader HDFC MF grew in size and consolidated its top position.
11th Auto Expo: Maruti unveils SUV XA Alpha
The concept XA Alpha showcases the unified R&D of Suzuki Motor Corp and Maruti Suzuki India.
Internet growth: Problems and challenges
India should piggyback on mobile phones to increase penetration and speed of Internet.
Great Walmart of China & why FDI in retail will kill Indian jobs!
Walmart's entry into India will mean profits for the Americans and jobs for the Chinese, says .
Auto Expo: Cars that will make you DROOL!
Auto enthusiasts can look forward to 50 new launches and a flurry of other activities at the 11th Auto Expo that starts in New Delhi on Thursday.
No work for UIDAI after January! Is that the end for it?
Govt's unique identification body still in search of a clear identity.
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| January 04, 2012 | | Bad times: Kingfisher may cut 2,000 jobs by July
In a major cost-cutting exercise, private sector air-carrier Kingfisher Airlines is believed to be considering about 2,000 job cuts and longer working hours for its staff, among various options.
IMAGES: Fiat starts work on small car, launches Linea 2012
Italian car maker Fiat has started work on its small car for India.
Now, hallmarking of gold is compulsory
The hallmarking of gold, which is voluntary in nature at present, is a purity certification of the precious metal.
9 ways how Indian business can restore growth!
Government-industry relations seem to be hitting a new low. But without co-operation, a recovery in 2012-13 will be impossible, says former chief mentor of CII, .
PPF interest rates to be floating, post office savings spared!
The government on Wednesday said interest rates on post office savings schemes, except the PPF, will remain fixed throughout the term of the scheme.
PHOTOS: Watch out for these 7 BIG auto launches!
Auto Expo 2012 is the venue for the launch of seven all-new automotive brands in India.
1.55 lakh post offices could double up as banks
The government's plan to tap into India's vast postal system to reach out to the unbanked population by utilising offices across the country as banks is expected to take some shape this year as the proposal has been sent to the Finance Ministry for its nod.
Controversy HEATED up 2011 for Environment Ministry
The Environment Ministry was hit by controversies in the year gone by which saw clearances for two big ticket projects -- POSCO and Lavasa -- and exit of Jairam Ramesh as the green minister.
Slow decisions delay AI revival: Ministry official
No move yet on delivery of 787s slated for mid-January.
5 promises that you MUST keep in 2012
Learn from mistakes made in the past year, resolve not to repeat them and plan for the long term.
Mukesh Ambani plans mega-server of content
Network 18-Eenadu is just the beginning of a bigger data and video strategy.
Durable firms brace for rough ride ahead
The road ahead for consumer durable companies appears tough with New Year sales not ringing the cash registers as expected.
IMAGES: World's 20 busiest airports
Airports Council International's data for January-July 2011 gives an insight into the world's 20 busiest airports.
Mukesh Ambani a new media giant?
ETV's bouquet consists of 11 regional channels and one Telugu news channel ETV2.
India's FII outflows highest among BRIC nations
Even as Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have been selling across markets and pulling out money, their outflow was highest from India in 2011, compared with BRIC peers (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and other emerging markets.
Want to own a designer label? Buy these products
Top brands like PepsiCo, Nestle, Citibank have roped in leading designers like Manish Malhotra, Wendell Rodricks, Tarun Tahiliani to design the packaging for their products so as to draw a better connect with fashion-conscious consumer. In the bargain, they are also hoping for higher recall value.
The SHOWSTOPPERS at the Delhi Auto Expo!
The Delhi Auto Expo has grown into a high-profile event where car makers, Indian and foreign, announce new models and reach out to customers. Business Standard tracks the meticulous planning that goes into the event.
IMAGES: 15 best mobile apps in the world
There are thousands of mobile-phone apps.
The India story: Three cheers for 2012, and beyond!
Forget the current bout of economic stress; India is blessed with growth drivers that won't go away in a hurry.
PHOTOS: 4 Indian trains among world's best railways
When it comes to travel, nothing is as exciting as travelling by train.
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| January 03, 2012 | | Union Budget to be presented after March 5
This time, it might start between March 5 and 12 in view of polls, government sources said, citing that counting of votes is scheduled for March 4.
Bajaj unveils small car RE60; may price it at Rs 125,000!
Although the company has not yet revealed its exact price, the buzz in the market is that the Bajaj RE60 is likely to be priced between Rs 125,000 and Rs 200,000, giving tough competition to the Tata Nano which is the cheapest car in the world currently.
Slowdown? Not a hurdle for Indian travellers!
Data for 2011 are expected to reveal the number of outbound travellers from India rose 10%, with the West vying for a major slice of the market pie.
IMAGES: World's 10 most-hated airports
The world's most-hated airports are not necessarily the worst. But many travelers experienced a harrowing time at these airports.
PHOTOS: Most-successful car launches in 2011
Year 2011 witnessed a large influx of cars, most being revamped versions of existing models and some diesel avatars of the popular petrol variants.
2012: The year of digital music
With the growth of mobile phone and internet users, consumers of digital music have increased manifold.
Currency woes: Rupee to remain bleak in 2012
The rupee was Asia's worst performing currency this year, and the outlook for 2012 also remains bleak.
'India to see BIGGEST urban migration in next 15-20 years'
India needs to create 220 million jobs in the next 15 years and this is only possible by implementing the National Manufacturing Policy, launched recently by the government, says Arindam Bhattacharya, managing director, The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) India Pvt Ltd.
Why India's 2011 macroeconomic numbers are so poor
The unprecedentedly poor macroeconomic numbers for 2011 are the price of government mismanagement.
DC Design to unveil indigenous SUPERCAR at Auto Expo
India's own automotive design house, DC Design, is all set to unveil a supercar at the forthcoming 2012 Auto Expo to be held in Delhi.
What do market leaders do in a slowdown? Increase prices!
At a time when key economic indicators are pointing to a slowdown, market leaders in three sectors have been raising prices to maintain margins.
This is what will fuel India's divestment drive
Cabinet set to approve broadened framework this week; market route to be pursued as well.
Software product start-ups rely on smaller cities
Marketing challenges apart, 300 firms sprout in past 5 years in Tier-2, -3 cities.
Nifty: Bearish trend likely to continue in 2012
It is relatively easy to make predictions about market directions in 2012. Technically, this is a long-term bear market. There are no signs of recovery.
Now, shop on the move with the help of apps
Shopping will become a lot easier when Reasoning Global eApplications, a Hyderabad-based multi-channel solutions provider for the retailing industry, rolls out its native applications (or apps) for BlackBerry, iPhone and Android-based platforms by the end of the current financial year.
Kingfisher to add more seats on A330s
Plans to remove onboard bar to create space.
2012: This leap year may not be good for Sensex
Leap years 2008, 2000, 1992 have not been great; this year may not be different.
The TOP 5 stock picks for the year 2012
The Indian equity markets is one of the worst performing markets globally -- down for the calendar year 2011 by about 25 per cent in rupee terms and around 35 per cent in dollar terms.
Special: The BEST advertisements of 2011
Though advertisements weren't exceptionally creative, they were very likeable. The top five of 2011.
IMAGES: Check out these HOT wheels for 2012
Tata Motors created the idea some four years ago with the Indigo CS, but not much has happened so far.
5 reasons Kolaveri Di became a HUGE hit online
Mobile marketing campaigns that can engage, go viral and become a sensation for mobile consumers are now benchmarks for digital marketing.
How embattled Indian IT firms are adopting NEW strategies
Faced with competition from low-cost locations and inefficiencies associated with unwieldy growth in head count, Indian IT companies are exploring non-linear growth strategies.
Govt loses Rs 5 lakh crore in stock market in 2011!
The Union government, the largest owner of stocks in the country, is also easily the largest loser in the stock market this year.
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| January 02, 2012 | | Petrol prices not to be hiked this fortnight
Petrol prices will not be raised this fortnight as state-owned oil firms apparently could not get political clearance for the over Rs 2 per litre hike in rates needed to achieve parity with the imported cost on account of the weakening rupee.
3G roaming: Telcos suppressed facts, says DoT
Filing an affidavit before the TDSAT, the department of telecommunication has requested the tribunal to dismiss the petition of telecom operators challenging the government directive to stop 3G roaming immediately.
Auto majors post mixed results in December
The month of December was a year of joy and celebrations for some auto companies, while for others it was a period of mixed reactions. This is because, even though the overall result wasn't so positive, some of its brands registered good sales.
15 most disliked CEOs in technology world
Employee review site Glassdoor has put together its year-end list of the most hated CEOs in tech.
Good news! Banks extend festive offers
The festive season may be over, but festive offers on loans are open for the next couple of months.
Budget to be presented after state polls: Pranab
The announcement of the Assembly election schedule in five states between January 30 and March 3 has raised the possibility of rescheduling of the Budget for 2012-13 this year.
Bigger models to dot 11th Auto Expo
The 11th edition of the exhibition, one of the largest in the world in terms of participants, will kick-start on January 7.
15 countries that offer risky but high returns
While markets like China and India are showing signs of slowdown, Frontier Markets continue to be an attractive destination for adventurous investors.
Investing: Gold will continue a good show in 2011
Other assets suffered badly, experts feel that the yellow metal and debt will continue good show.
How Vijay Mallya hit the headlines in 2011
Getting his bruised Kingfisher Airlines ready for that auspicious occasion is the least of his worries, as Mallya is scrambling to find an equity partner to keep his Kingfisher aloft.
In PICS: 10 countries that will RULE world trade
Trade is set to transform with most growth coming from emerging markets.
IMAGES: Amazing office buildings in India
India prides itself on having some of the most contemporary designs for offices, especially in the IT sector.
PHOTOS: 14 SUVs set to hit Indian roads soon
Upcoming 2012 Delhi Auto Expo will be special this time.
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| December 30, 2011 | | 2011: Stocks ditch investors, gold remains true friend
As the investors burnt their fingers with heavy losses in the stock market in 2011, the tried-and-tested gold added to its glitter and silver could retain only part of the sheen it gained during the year.
Rs 40,000-crore tax mop-up SHORTFALL looms
Barely four months are left for the financial year to end and the government has reached only the halfway mark of its tax revenue collection target.
Slow hiring, double-digit pay hikes likely in 2012
The Indian job market is expected to see slower hiring activity, but double-digit salary hikes next year as employers are embracing a "cautiously optimistic" approach amid the economic uncertainty.
Great start, sad ending: That's 2011 for auto sector
A year that began with a bang only to fizzle out in the end with car sales posting the steepest fall in nearly 11 years; a year marred by strikes -- 2011 will be one that the Indian automobile industry would like to forget in a hurry.
Rural India: The next big market for car companies
Car makers are reaching out to consumers in rural centres as high lending rates slow urban demand.
Millions of jobs created in 2011, but strikes marred labour arena
Reaching out to the working class, especially in the unorganised sector, the government rolled out several measures in 2011, raising minimum daily wages, enlarging health insurance coverage and also notifying Majithia Wage Board recommendations for newspaper and news agency employees.
Healthcare: Of misery tax, expansion and tragedy
For India's healthcare industry, expected to double to $100 billion by 2015, this year was marked by expansion and consolidation as well as painful moments of the Kolkata hospital fire.
Newsmaker of the year: Cyrus Mistry
Like JRD Tata, Mistry also loves Cantonese-style Chinese takeaway from Colaba's cult restaurant Ling's Pavilion.
Classpad takes a cue from Akash tablets
Delhi-based Classteacher Learning Systems, an education solution provider, has come out with a new tablet, Classpad.
TCS beats Reliance to be India's most valued firm
Reliance Industries lost its position of the country's most valued company to Tata group firm TCS this afternoon, as the shares of billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led corporate giant fell sharply in a weak market.
IMAGES: 8 most expensive jets owned by Indian billionaires
Today, India boasts of about 515 private aircraft, including 257 fixed-wing planes and 258 helicopters.
2011: Uncertainty over EPFO rates haunted subscribers
The 4.7 crore (47 million) EPFO subscribers were left guessing during the year on continuance of 9.5 per cent interest rate for this fiscal, with the retirement fund body, in an unprecedented development, deciding to refer it to the finance ministry for a final decision.
Cyber criminals eye year-end online shoppers
A phishing scam targetting those buying via eBay was discovered recently.
Stocks of controversial groups beaten down
But analysts advise against dumping, say these could recover if market conditions improve.
Net widens on IPO rigging
Multiple agencies to probe, regulatory crackdown on more companies expected.
Amazing PHOTOS: World's 15 strangest bridges
Some of the world's most remarkable infrastructure projects are bridges.
Rajat Gupta: Man who had everything but blew it away
Rajat Gupta was the former head of bluechip consulting firm McKinsey.
Oil sector: Arbitrariness shakes investor confidence
The way the government treated miner Vedanta Resources' proposal to buy majority of UK's Cairn Energy in Cairn India and RIL selling 30 per cent of its stake in 23 properties, including the prolific KG-D6 gas block to BP, goes to the heart of the mistrust between India Inc and United Progressive Alliance-2 in 2011.
Telcos yet to make good money from 3G
Number of 3G subscribers in India is more than 12.2 million.
Amazing PHOTOS of Ice Hotel in Romania
The Ice Hotel is rebuilt every year - so no two years are the same.
Telecom sector maintains shimmer despite controversies
Though the multi-crore 2G scam had come to light last year, it was 2011 which was action-packed as Raja, telecom ministry officials along with many high-profile business heads were put behind the bars for their alleged involvement in the case.
IMAGES: 10 most expensive buildings in the world
Some buildings cost billions of dollars to build.
Stunning PHOTOS of 2013 Mercedes Roadster
Luxury car manufacturer is planning to launch a new model, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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| December 29, 2011 | | Ratan Tata calls on Narendra Modi along with Cyrus Mistry
Ratan Tata, the outgoing chairman of over $80-billion Tat Group, on Thursday introduced his successor Cyrus P Mistry to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi during a courtesy visit to his residence in Gandhinagar, a top state official said.
IMAGES: 25 best skylines in the world
There are some cities in the world, such as New York City, that are famous for having beautiful skylines.
Telecom: How Ambani brothers can rule the roost
Anil's RCom straddles 2G, 3G; Mukesh has spectrum to operate in 4G.
Special: It was never in Jamsetji Tata's ken
But the Tata Group is an established and growing brand in Australia, affirm top local managers.
India twiddles its thumbs as foreign airlines grab traffic
Private airlines wait for permission to fly abroad, foreign carriers walk away with the traffic.
Column: Why our rulers want people to remain poor
Deep down, our rulers don't want the aam admi to get out of his rut.
PHOTOS: World's 25 most amazing offices
Many offices are now turning into stylish spaces, looking cool, comfortable and attractive.
GOOD NEWS! Food inflation plunges to six-year low of 0.42%
According to official data released on Thursday, onions grew cheaper by 59.04 per cent year-on-year during the week under review, while potato prices were down by 33.76 per cent.
You can buy a listed company for Rs 1 crore!
You may not be able to buy you a decent flat in Mumbai with Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million), but stock prices have fallen so much this year that the sum may buy you an entire listed company, maybe even two.
Slowdown-hit tourism sector struggles to move ahead
In mid-October, travellers from the US, the UK, New Zealand, Canada and Australia were advised by their governments to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to India, citing terror threats.
Coming soon to India! Low-priced, shorter cars!
After witnessing a plethora of car launches in 2011, the Indian automobile industry is set to welcome some new models, reworked versions and new variants in the New Year.
FDI flow soars but policy inertia SPOILS party in 2011
On the face of it, the country attracted FDI worth $22.52 billion between January and September, 2011 against $15.97 billion in the same period last year.
Chennai hub of gaming, android-based tech
Chennai is slowly becoming a hub in providing support for gaming and android-based technologies.
In PHOTOS: 16 cool products expected in 2012
The next year is expected to see more exciting gadgets enter the global market.
2011 second worst for investors in 14 years
It is second only to the disastrous 2008.
Tendulkar gets Rs 100 cr cover for Bandra house
The cover, touted as one of the highest taken by an individual, is in two parts: a fire insurance policy of Rs 75 crore (Rs 750 million) and an additional cover of Rs 25 crore (Rs 250 million) for items within the house.
Stunning IMAGES of the COSTLIEST hotel in India
The Leela Palace New Delhi is indeed a star among the luxury hotels in India.
IMAGES: EcoSport, Ford's new SUV will soon be in India
EcoSport has unbelievable fuel economy and a fascinating futuristic look.
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| December 28, 2011 | | Farewell: Delhi will miss 'Metro Man' Sreedharan
Describing E Sreedharan as a man of great vision and impeachable integrity, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has said the Metro Man, who retires on Saturday, gave Delhi a "new identity" for which people of the city will always miss him.
Brothers Ambani come together at Dhirubhai's memorial
The Ambani brothers -- Mukesh and Anil -- came together for the inauguration of a memorial for the legendary industrialist and founder of Reliance Group Dhirubhai Ambani in Chorwad town in Junagarh district on Wednesday, in the presence of the entire family.
Falling rupee to shave Rs 4,000 cr off Nifty cos: Crisil
Credit rating agency Crisil on Wednesday said depreciation in the rupee will shave off up to Rs 4,000 crore (Rs 40 billion) from the profits of Nifty companies in the December quarter.
Manufacturing growth: Bihar on top
Manufacturing growth in Bihar stood at 15 per cent in 2010-11 against 15.2 per cent a year ago and 21.9 per cent in 2008-09, according to data provided by Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
IMAGES: The BEST Amul advertisements in 2011
Amul's ads have touched the hearts of millions of Indians since decades.
2011: Of 2G, illegal mining and the Supreme Court!
The corporate world in 2011 found itself on tenterhooks as various scams in the telecom and the mining sector came under the prying eyes of the Supreme Court.
Gold and silver touched all-time highs in 2011
Continuing their record-breaking spree, gold and silver galloped to all-time highs in 2011 on strong demand for precious metals considered as a 'safe-haven investment' in times of economic turmoil and rising inflation.
Amazing PHOTOS of Maserati's exclusive model
Maserati has launched a super exclusive model of its luxury car.
Slowdown? Not for these cars
Petrol cars like Jazz and diesel variants of Ritz, Swift Dzire and Manza see strong demand.
How Indian policy makers made a mess of the finances
It is customary at this time of the year to look back and assess how the year set to end in a few days went by.
2011: Investors lost Rs 20,000,000,000,000 in stocks
In a departure from big gains in the past two years, investors saw around Rs 20 lakh crore of their wealth eroded as Indian equities tanked in 2011 because of inflation, high interest rates and the uncertain global growth environment accentuated by the euro zone debt crisis.
SHOCKING: India ranks 73rd in personal freedom
When citizens enjoy their rights, their country enjoys higher levels of income.
Stunning IMAGES of world's top 6 SUVs
The SUVs are perfect amalgamation of space, safety, features and performance.
IMAGES: Any buyer for this stunning $8.9 million bungalow?
Zynga CEO Mark Pincus plans to sell off his palatial bungalow at San Francisco.
AMAZING things that happen online every 60 seconds
While we know that technology travels at lightning speed on the Internet, but what actually happens online in just 60 seconds?
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| December 27, 2011 | | Debt recast: Banks ask for Air India board seats
Air India is the second Indian carrier to get a large bailout this year.
UK subway drivers' strike affects holiday shoppers
Trains throughout the UK were operating a significantly reduced service, with only five rail companies out of 25 running a 'limited' Boxing Day service, a public holiday in Britain.
IMAGES: Changi Airport makes fresh attempt to enter India
Said to be in talks with Hyderabad-based GVK Group; if the deal sails through, the alliance would be the biggest player in India's airports market.
Rupee fall: How it has changed currency traders' lives
With the rupee falling 20 per cent since June 30, the Reserve Bank of India first intervened, and later introduced policy measures to control the outflow and improve dollar liquidity.
'Inflation should start abating in a few months'
"The calendar year 2011 has seen tremendous wealth destruction and volatility, both in India and globally. In 2012, while the first quarter will continue to be extremely challenging, it will prepare a base for creating long-term wealth, particularly from an Indian perspective."
Special: Most CORRUPT industries in India
Report also stated that some 68 per cent of India's aggregate illicit capital loss occurred after India's economic reforms in 1991.
SPECIAL: She fought cerebral palsy to be an entrepreneur
Twenty-eight year old Archana Achuthan is mildly affected by cerebral palsy, but that has not deterred her from studying and becoming a social entrepreneur.
Will Emami Group survive the AMRI Hospital fire?
Emami's soaring fortunes have been dragged down to earth by the blaze that torched its AMRI Hospital, killing 93 people. With seven directors -- six of them family members -- in jail or absconding, can the Emami Group survive the rocky road ahead?
GOLDEN tips on how best to build your MF portfolio
Every investor must have a clear game-plan and set financial goals based on certain pre-defined objectives with specified time frames.
India to become 5th LARGEST economy by 2020
Brazil now has a bigger economy than the United Kingdom.
Why China's growth is set to fall in 2012
China's growth rate may fall to about 8.5 per cent if the European Union crisis deteriorates into a global meltdown.
Consumer durable companies also had a tough year
According to the Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association (CEAMA), the estimated Rs 35,000 crore (Rs 350 billion) Indian consumer durables market, which has giants like LG, Sony, Videocon, Samsung and Panasonic, did not grow as expected, with air-conditioners being the biggest spoilsport.
IMAGES: World's 20 BEST airports
Asia boasts of some of the world's swankiest airports
Ten key trends that will redefine consumer behaviour
Every year, marketing and communication giant JWT surveys the markets around the world to spot the following year's trends. Here's a snapshot of the trends it has spotted for 2012.
India Inc milks weak rupee through overseas trades
Bigger players tap non-deliverable forwards market to make a killing.
India is changing, but for whom?
While India's economy is changing, its guts are still being gnawed at by corruption.
Government in ICU, economy in ICCU
One wants to partner success, not failure: this is especially true of global investors. Once Indian entrepreneurs invest and are successful, foreign investment will partner them.
In GRAPHICS: The state of the Indian economy
In GRAPHICS: The state of the Indian economy.
IMAGES: 8 stunning cars that you will soon see in India
In less than two weeks, the 11th Auto Expo will start in New Delhi.
Mother hints at closeness between Ambani brothers
The markets had been speculating for weeks, but on Monday corporate India's first family got into it as well.
IMAGES: A stunning Superbus that beats a private Limo!
This Superbus is a 15-meter long electric vehicle with seating for 23 passengers and it travels at a speed of 250 kilometres per hour.
IMAGES: 30 most-visited attractions in the world
People, including Indians, are travelling more to see some of the most amazing places in the world.
SPECIAL: How your HRA helps you save tax
There are many tax components you need to be clear about and also figure out how to plan your investments to gain maximum returns as well as maximum tax benefits.
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| December 26, 2011 | | Industry leaders must not only CRIB about policy coma
Heads of the leading business chambers -- Ficci and Assocham -- on Monday said the industry has 'equal responsibility' along with the government to pull the economy out of slowdown without always 'cribbing about policy paralysis'.
Tata to REPLACE starter motor in 140,000 Nano cars!
In the biggest-ever replacement exercise in Indian automobile history, Tata Motors has asked an estimated 1.40 lakh (140,000) Nano owners to bring back their cars for change of the starter motor free-of-cost.
Battery woes? Hydrogen powered gadgets from Apple soon!
Apple is said to be working on laptops and smartphones powered by hydrogen fuel cells that would last for weeks without needing to be refuelled.
5 corporate honchos who will rule Indian business in 2012
Meet the corporate biggies who will make it big in 2012.
Hurry! Book your car and get huge DISCOUNTS
Most of the discounts are being offered on the petrol versions of the cars.
Bihar: From Bimaru to booming?
All may not be hunky-dory in Bihar, but its chief minister and people deserve full marks for trying.
Why 2012 may be GOOD for Indian economy
If the government can get even a minimalist agenda going while improving its management of infrastructure, and if the Reserve Bank of India can cut interest rates quickly, the Indian script for 2012 could change.
Slow growth, lack of reforms to weigh down markets
Indian shares may not be able to build solid gains on last week's relief rally as concerns surrounding slowing growth in Asia's third-largest economy and lingering worries over euro zone debt crisis will continue to temper investors' enthusiasm.
Domestic traffic: India's busiest airports
Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), among India's five privately owned airports, has said it is now the country's third busiest in terms of domestic traffic.
India's small units faced big problems in 2011
MSMEs contribute immensely to the industrial landscape of the country in terms of their 45 per cent share of manufacturing output and 40 per cent of exports.
Mobiles apps to get bigger and better in 2012
Mobile Apps revolution. Internet usage on mobile phones is growing at a scorching pace, giving rise to predictions that mobile internet usage will soon overtake desktop computers. It is estimated that the apps market in 2012 will be worth $17.5 bn.
Silver lining in the dark clouds
Companies are focusing on building a larger market base through mass market or alternative product variants, shedding premium tags for technically advanced products, providing cost efficient solutions and exploring synergies to match the ever decreasing customer threshold for consumption against the grim economic background.
Images: 5 STUNNING cars to be launched next week
Going one step ahead, a number of car makers are planning to launch their new car models in the first week of the January 2012.
COLUMN: India needs to rethink the notion of 'smart cities'
Influx of millions of rural hopefuls chasing the middle-class dream will stretch the capacity of cities, says .
PM's lament unjustified, govt must buck up, says India Inc
Differing with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who feels the corporate sector has been harsh in blaming the government, leading players in India Inc say a policy paralysis in the government and its inability to push reforms have indeed led to an economic slowdown and Singh's criticism is not justified.
2011: High traffic, yet huge losses for India's airlines!
The Indian aviation industry faced a paradoxical situation in 2011 suffering huge losses in the face of a burgeoning domestic air traffic, as it battled high fuel costs and fierce competition while looking up to the government for help.
Mamata's promises of resurgence stare at Bengal's economy
Even existing projects are yet to take off, courtesy land policy.
Amazing and historical PHOTOS of Saab's cars
Swedish car manufacturer, Saab, has filed for bankruptcy.
IMAGES: America's 30 largest companies
Wal-Mart Stores continues to top the Fortune 500 list.
Top global challenges and opportunities in 2012
Faced with a challenging and unfavourable economic backdrop, institutional investors should focus on agility, flexibility and efficiency.
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| December 23, 2011 | | COLUMN: Towards catastrophic 4-degree global warming
Durban will create climate apartheid, under which rich polluters evade responsibility, but underprivileged people suffer the worst effects of climate change for which they are least responsible.
The fall of the rupee: When is it going to stop?
As the rupee continues its downward slide it could have some unpalatable consequences.
'The US has a fairer environment to succeed'
I think competing in India is very difficult.
PHOTOS: India's BEST performing airlines
Domestic airlines carried 550.32 lakh passengers during January-November 2011 as against 468.09 lakh passengers during the corresponding period of previous year, registering a growth of over 17.6 per cent.
Small stocks take big beating in 2011
The downslide on Dalal Street did not spare big names in 2011, but small stocks lived up to their nomenclature with a much more sickening slump and investment in mid-cap companies also turned out to be messy affair.
Republicans give in to Obama's pay roll tax cut demand
The Republicans, who hold the majority in the US House of Representatives, finally caved in and agreed to extend the pay roll tax cut for two months, as demanded by President Barack Obama and thus gave him a big political advantage on the eve of the election-year.
Govt trying for consensus on FDI in retail, reforms
Expressing commitment to push forward economic reforms, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said the government is making efforts to build a consensus on important economic legislations, including PFRDA and foreign investment in multi-brand retail.
2 basic errors that could CRIPPLE India's growth
If either failure of comprehension stays uncorrected, 2012 will be a singularly disastrous year, says .
Credit ratings: Weak economies ranked HIGHER than India
Moody's upgrade should start a long-overdue correction. Credibility of the big credit rating agencies is under threat.
Beware of these 12 online Christmas scams!
According to a report released by computer security company McAfee, there are many scammers out there who are trying out numerous ways to take advantage of innocent shoppers.
Say goodbye to cheap new drugs
Government plans to move from controlling bulk drugs to formulations.
DoT stops 3G services under roaming pacts
Says Airtel-Vodafone-Idea pacts violate licence terms; firms may move TDSAT.
IMAGES: India's BEST railway, road bridges
India has an impressive network of road and railway bridges.
2013 will be a better year, says StanChart head
This is a significant slowdown - no doubt about that, says Neeraj Swaroop.
Indians may get 12% salary HIKE in the New Year
Amid economic sluggishness, employees in the country have a reason to smile as a survey has predicted up to 12 per cent pay hikes in the New Year.
Politicians, cops most corrupt in India: Survey
Seventy-four per cent Indians feel that the level of corruption in the country has gone up in the last three years and perceive politicians and police to be the most corrupt, according to a survey.
Most stocks prove DUDS in a nightmarish year
60% stocks in BS 200 underperform the Sensex in 2011.
Leaders in a hall of mirrors
Most corporate bosses suffer from delusions of indispensability.
30 countries that face most or least VISA restrictions
There are some nations whose citizens can travel to almost anywhere without any restriction.
IMAGES: India's 8 fastest-growing companies
These companies are poised to be star performers of the future.
Toyota to recall 41,000 Etios, Liva models in India
Japanese carmaker Toyota is recalling 41,000 units of its sedan Etios and small car Liva in India to replace faulty inlet pipe to fuel tank.
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| December 22, 2011 | | US Bill on outsourcing cause of concern: India
India on Thursday expressed concern over the proposed US Call Centre Bill, but said that it is premature to assess the impact of the decision on the domestic IT industry.
Banking system stable, but weak spots in economy: RBI
India's banking system is stable and can withstand global shocks, but there are weak spots like decelerating growth and rising fiscal deficit which need to be addressed, said a Reserve Bank report.
Indian stocks markets may FALL further!
According to global equity research firm CLSA, the Indian market is still trading with a 'premium', although it has come down considerably.
Force Motors to launch hybrid version of Traveller
Force Motors on Thursday said it will launch a hybrid variant of its commercial vehicle 'Traveller' by the end of 2012 after unveiling to the public at the upcoming Auto Expo next month.
PHOTOS: India's BEST performing airlines
Domestic airlines carried 550.32 lakh passengers during January-November 2011 as against 468.09 lakh passengers during the corresponding period of previous year, registering a growth of over 17.6 per cent.
Mahindra to launch its first compact car next year
More than a year after Mahindra & Mahindra bought stake in Reva Electric Car Company, the SUV-maker is gearing up to launch its first compact car -- it promises nine times the mileage generated by the country's most fuel-efficient petrol-powered car.
India's 30 BEST cities to live and work in
A livable city is one that directly benefits the people who live and work in it.
'Slowdown will continue in Oct-Dec quarter'
India may end the financial year with a seven per cent GDP growth rate, as the economic deceleration is expected to continue in the third quarter, said Montek Singh Ahluwalia, deputy chairman of the Planning Commission.
Food inflation plunges to 4-year low of 1.81 per cent
Food inflation fell sharply to a near four-year low of 1.81 per cent for the week ended
A tale of West Bengal's missing data
In a central govt report, the state only has figures from 2001-02 to 2003-04. But nothing after that.
Asia to be fastest-growing banking hub by 2015
Asia would become a major hub for corporate and investment banking in five years, according to a report released by McKinsey.
Little known and MEGA events will reshape future
As the year 2011 comes to a close we are faced with extremes of hope and despair.
What India can do to track black MONEY abroad
There is much more that the government can do to track money hidden abroad.
Buying peace of mind after the SPLURGE
An extended warranty is often more than worth the cost; though expensive, manufacturer's warranty works best for electronic items.
India's economy is running out of POWER!
India's economy is running out of power. Separate the markets for base- and peak-load power consumption, says .
The GOLDEN journey of Honda City, since 1981!
The glorious journey of Honda City began in 1981. From then on, Honda City has gone through several transformation phases.
PHOTOS: India's 30 biggest companies
India's biggest companies are public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the oil & gas sector.
The 7 most-SEARCHED Indian cars on the Net!
Here's the Google Zeitgeist list of the most sought-after cars in India. Seven cars from different car manufacturers top the list.
Auto Expo: 50 global launches, but visitors to be restricted
As many as 50 global brands will showcase products at the 11th Auto Expo next month, although organisers have decided to restrict the number of daily visitors which could cost the show its tag of the world's second largest auto show in terms of footfalls.
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| December 21, 2011 | | India back in trillion-dollar market-cap club!
Within a day of slipping out of the coveted league of countries with trillion-dollar-size stock markets, India today regained this status as a 510-point strong Sensex rally boosted its market capitalisation to $1.02 trillion.
2G: Essar surprised by CBI stance; Ravi Ruia quits
Essar Energy chairman Ravi Ruia on Wednesday announced his decision to step down from the post amid the Central Bureau of Investigation claiming that the Essar Group had suppressed facts related to its equity holding in Loop Telecom, an allegation denied by the conglomerate.
Moody's upgrades Indian bonds, pegs GDP below 7%
The same rating agency, however said India's GDP growth rate would go below 7 per cent in the current fiscal from 8.5 per cent a year ago.
Gold glitters with second biggest gain in 2011; up by Rs 1,025
Gold today zoomed by Rs 1,025, its second biggest rise this year, to Rs 28,990 per 10 grams, on brisk buying by stockists and investors amid a firming global trend and shifting of funds to the precious metal from volatile equity and forex markets.
Ranbaxy settles case with USFDA, to pay $500 mn
Drug-maker Ranbaxy Laboratories on Wednesday said it has signed an agreement with the US health regulator to lift a ban on the import of drugs from certain manufacturing plants in India and will pay up to $500 million to settle a case lodged by the Department of Justice.
Sensex zooms riding on European cues
Markets extended their gains in noon trades led by banks, capital goods and index heavyweights Reliance Industries, HDFC and Infosys and ICICI Bank.
The 30 highest paid CEOs in the US
There are some CEOs who not only get paid millions of dollars, but are also rewarded with shares.
Ten Indians in Forbes '30 under 30' list
From a 29-year-old Goldman Sachs director to a graduate student developing energy conserving sensors, about 10 Indian-origin young turks have been named in a Forbes list of "tomorrow's brightest stars" who are "reinventing the world".
India is too emotional, says world's top analyst
When the world is happily dealing with unstable countries, why shouldn't India? asks world's leading geo-strategist Parag Khanna.
IMAGES: 10 best SUVs in India
The manufacturers are not only keen to introduce small cars in India but also luxurious sedans and stunning SUVs.
Audi snaps at Mercedes' heels
Audi, the premium car maker from the Volkswagen fold and the latest entrant in the luxury segment, has declared its intention: topple Mercedes Benz from its second spot in the next two years.
The crisis now is worse than in 2008: India Inc
Some still hopeful, most say lack of confidence has made the difference.
IMAGES: 30 Indian cities that will soon boast of solar power
India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy proposes to develop 60 cities as solar cities.
30 countries that have MOST holidays
Employees in Asia fare poorly compared with the rest of the world.
PHOTOS: Onboard India's most expensive train
Luxury knows no bounds on India's most expensive train, The Maharajas' Express.
Nokia's Windows phone Lumia shines
Lumia range is make-or-break for both Nokia and Microsoft where each is desperate for a successful device that can take Windows operating system to the masses.
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| December 20, 2011 | | IMAGES: It's raining superbikes in India
The sales of superbikes are happening fast, even with the eye-popping prices that they sport. The bikes are moving off the shelves faster than perhaps the bikes themselves.
Turbulent times ahead for the insurance sector
Low margins and cash crunch have resulted in job cuts and a decline in the insurance industry. A policy roadblock is making it worse.
US call centre bill aims to STOP jobs coming to India
A bipartisan Bill has been tabled in the US House of Representatives to make companies that move call centres overseas ineligible for grants or guaranteed loans from the American government, a move aimed at stemming the tide of jobs heading to nations like India.
How New Companies Bill will empower small investors
The class action suit, a handy weapon for small investors seeking relief from errant corporations, will soon be available in India.
Why are small saving schemes no longer lucrative?
These schemes now cease to be lucrative in spite of a raise in most of their returns. Reason: These schemes are now linked to the market.
Striking IMAGES from the world of business
Take a glimpse at the striking images from the world of business in 2011.
FinMin on what's hurting India's growth
Attributing the slowdown to the Reserve Bank's tight monetary policy and global problems, the government on Tuesday informed Parliament that economic growth in 2011-12 will moderate to 7.5 per cent, from 8.5 per cent in the previous fiscal.
Rs 300 crore in black money unearthed in Apr-Oct
The I-T department has issued 2,190 warrants and seized assets worth Rs 299.63 crore (Rs 2.996 billion), Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in the Rajya Sabha.
Year-end break? It's work time for 71% Indians!
The upcoming festive season will be work-time for an average of seven in every ten employees in India, but a vast majority of them still expect the level of productivity to remain low during this period, says a survey.
Sumant Sinha: The wind talker in pinstripes
Why Sumant Sinha, chairman & CEO, ReNew Wind Power sees value in the renewable energy business.
HSBC to cut jobs in India
The move is aimed at reducing costs and improving efficiency.
STUNNING pics: World's 30 most unusual buildings
These are the modern architectural wonders of the world.
REWIND: Some Best Ads of 2011
The flavour for this year was Musicals. Apart from the usual suspects, some unusual product categories like fans (consumer durables) and industry bodies like World Gold Council managed to surprise us with some interesting concepts.
Maruti Alto K10 vs Hyundai Eon: And the WINNER is...
Eon has enough substance to disrupt Alto's free run.
'Uncertainty the biggest challenge for IT sector'
The IT companies are not getting clarity about clients' IT budgets because of this uncertainty.
PHOTOS: Onboard the world's BIGGEST cruise ship
The world's biggest cruise ship, Allure of the Seas is indeed a floating palace.
Economic development: India ranks among the TOP nations
Index analyzes drivers of financial system development that support economic growth.
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| December 19, 2011 | | PHOTOS: Amritsar to get a modern pod-car system!
Amritsar can soon boast of one of the most modern modes of transport.
India's root problem? Labour laws
The answer to the problems of high inflation and slowing growth, and low farm incomes, would lie in addressing the basic reforms that India is still to attempt -- like labour laws, says .
Now, a superfast camera that captures the speed of light!
A team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology claims its superfast camera can show a bullet-shaped pulse of light travelling from one end of a laboratory flask to another in a fraction of a second, the British media said.
Special: The STAR stocks of 2011
24 stocks in the BS 200 list have stayed in the positive territory.
Primary capital market: Fund-raising at 8-year low
Fund-raising from primary market by listed and unlisted companies has hit an eight-year low in 2011. The calendar year has seen the lowest realisations from public offers since 2003, mainly on account of poor conditions in the secondary market.
Watch out retail giants! Online majors aim for the sky
Indian non-store market set to touch Rs 57,500 crore by the end of the year.
With dollar shining, NRIs on a property-buying spree!
Most developers Business Standard spoke to claimed a 25 to 30 per cent spurt in sales to NRIs over the last two months.
RARE images: New York's infrastructure since 1904!
If New York were an independent nation, it would rank as the 16th largest economy in the world.
Re drops by 48 paise to breach Rs 53/$ again
The domestic currency moved in a range between Rs 52.80 and Rs 53.18 per dollar during morning deals.
Microsoft takes on Apple, Android
Code named Mango, this new OS for mobile handsets comes powered with many familiar applications of the most popular operating system in the PC world.
IMAGES: 30 richest Indians in the world
Although the world economy is going through tough economic times, the number of Indians making it to the global rich list is increasing.
New direct taxes code unlikely in next Budget
But, govt plans to bring some provisions that can't wait.
PHOTOS: Inside the stunning transparent Airbus and A380
Come 2050, and you can fly in a fully transparent plane enjoying the panoramic views of the sky.
IMAGES: 30 most expensive cities in the world
Last 12 months have seen considerable increases in the cost of food, oil and other commodities in many parts of the world.
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| December 16, 2011 | | Arrest warrant against Mukesh Ambani
A bailable arrest warrant has been issued against Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director, Reliance Industries Ltd, by a consumer forum in Thissur for failure to pay Rs 24,000 fine to a person who had purchased a mobile from a Reliance outlet in 2003.
Experts welcome RBI decision to keep rates unchanged
The Reserve Bank of India's move to pause its hawkish Monetary Policy stance is on expected lines as high interest rates affect the economic growth, bankers and analysts said.
Auditors should provide early warning signals: Subbarao
Terming auditors as the 'eyes and ears' of the central bank, Governor Duvvuri Subbarao on Friday said accounting professionals should provide early warning signals so that better supervision can be ensured in the banking system and also called for an inter-disciplinary approach to the job.
INTERESTING story of India's first e-toilet
A government girls' school in Ernakulam has become the first school in the country to get an electronic public toilet.
Inflation can bounce back again, warns RBI
The Reserve Bank of India said it is closely watching the rupee situation and will respond appropriately, even as the local currency recovered against dollar by 2 per cent in the opening trade.
No rate hike by RBI makes India Inc happy
The halt in the RBI's monetary tightening drive comes after 13 hikes since March, 2010.
Can't speculate if we will start cutting rates soon, says RBI
Reserve Bank of India Governor D Subbarao on Friday said he cannot speculate on when he will start cutting policy rates, but assured that the central bank will ensure that there is enough liquidity in the system by conducting open market operations.
Here's how FDI in retail will help farmers, kirana stores
Opposition to FDI in retail is misguided, says Pranab Bardhan, professor of economics in University of California, Berkeley.
Rupee fall: RBI must be seen to be in control
Like inflation targeting, regulating a floating currency is all about managing expectations. The RBI cannot manage expectations if it appears helpless.
PHOTOS: The devastating effects of global warming
In the last 100 years, the earth's average surface temperature rose by about 0.8 degree Celsius with about two thirds of the increase occurring over just the last three decades.
How market uncertainty affected fund managers' net worth
The fund managers of Smart Portfolios' Season 4 generally remained on the sidelines during the past week, with few transactions to their credit. The uncertainty of the markets reflected on the fund managers' net worth.
IMAGES: When CEOs set the ramp on fire
For once they shed their formal wear and business suits to set the ramp on fire!
India is not going to hell
To read the daily papers, it would seem that India is going directly to hell.
BSNL's quest for IT: Challenges, solutions and results
In the past, BSNL had invested in IT, but it could never get the desired effect. In fact, a report pegged the company's expected 2010-11 losses to be over Rs 6,000 crore (Rs 60 billion).
RBI gives a breather, NO hike in interest rates
Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF will remain unchanged at 7.5 per cent and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate at 9.5 per cent.
'US economy owes a lot to the immigrants'
Republican presidential candidates today vowed to revamp the flawed immigration system of the country, in particular the legal immigration, with onenoting that half of the Fortune 500 companies in US were founded by immigrants.
Re woes: Caught on the wrong foot, firms take short-term bets
With the 21 per cent depreciation this year making most hedging strategies redundant.
REVEALED: How Indians are making money
Individual wealth of Indians is expected to triple by financial year 2016 to Rs 249 lakh crore.
Here's what taxi ride COSTS around the world
Taxi prices can be very confusing in any given city, so trying to compare all the cities together is complicated.
IMAGES: All new Honda City at Rs 6.99 lakh
Honda has made the new City more premium and stylish.
Slowdown no issue; Indians plan to travel more in 2012
The study, conducted by travel portal TripAdvisor, also found that 44 per cent of Indians plan to spend more on leisure travel next year despite the current economic climate.
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| December 15, 2011 | | UPA-II must close ranks behind its only workable big idea
The committee's objections are a curious mixture; some attack the very basis of the project, others question its implementation.
Indians pay Rs 3,700-crore bribe a year for land services alone
A whopping $700 million (about Rs 3,700 crore) is paid annually as bribe in India for land administration services, a joint study by United Nation's body FAO and Transparency International has observed.
RBI may give a breather, pause interest rate hike
Amid declining growth and moderating inflation, the Reserve Bank of India is likely to pause hike in interest rate at the mid-quarterly review of the Monetary Policy on Friday.
India's highest advance-tax payers in Q3
The largest financial institution, LIC, led the list of companies that paid up their advance tax this morning, with a spike in the amount to Rs 1,200 crore (Rs 12 billion) from Rs 1,070 crore (Rs 10.70 billion) a year ago, a senior income tax official said in New Delhi on Thursday.
US to certify Indian NGOs
Amid concern over some NGOs misusing foreign aid, the United States is preparing an online searchable database containing a vetted list of transparent and accountable Indian non-government bodies so that philanthropists can safely donate funds to them.
IMAGES: Italy shows off its new high-speed train
Italian operator Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori (NTV) launched its new high-speed trains called .Italo on December 13 at Nola, northwest of Naples.
REVEALED! How an IPO scam takes place
how operators and promoters relieve themselves on the heads of gullible and greedy retail investors.
Sibal meets social networking representatives
The government has called for an open dialogue with the social media firms and asked for opinions on how social media and e-governance can empower individuals and citizens of this country, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said after meeting representatives of these firms.
What India must do to keep its economy BOOMING
India's Foreign Secretary listed out some economic policies that emerging nations, particularly India, must adopt to keep them from driving off the growth path and also spoke about how these policies are closely linked with the nations' foreign policy.
Food inflation eases to nearly 4-year low of 4.35%
Food inflation, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index, stood at 6.6 per cent in the previous week.
China's doom story: The signs of a downfall
Among its various records, China now has the world's largest vacant malls, empty cities, and stalled amusement parks.
Debt crisis: Will a political UNION rescue Europe?
Debt levels in 18 OECD countries have gone up from 167 per cent of GDP back in 1980 to 314 per cent of GDP now.
Buying a second-hand car? Here's some GREAT advice
A used set of wheels is cheaper by 10-70 per cent. In fact, the moment a car rolls out of the showroom it is considered to be a used car and its value depreciates.
Beware: Banks may protect their employees over their customers
The bank will take its time to look into the complaint and carry out an investigation. Ultimately, if the bank refuses to admit its liability, the customer is forced to take recourse to legal action.
Bankers tried to create illegal investment arm for Anil: FSA
According to a report in the Financial Times, two UBS bankers tried to create Pleuri, an offshore vehicle through which Ambani 'could illegally invest in securities at home'.
Low business interest dogs PM's visit to Russia
India and Russia may have last year elevated their strategic partnership to "special and privileged status," but there seems no evidence of private enterprise in both countries following in the footsteps laid down by their respective governments.
IMAGES: 30 best companies to work for in India
There are some companies where work is a chore, while in some it is fun.
'Re plunge to cut India Inc's slowdown pains'
The domestic currency had tumbled by 48 paise to close at a record low of Rs 53.71/72 per dollar in the previous session on strong demand for the American currency and strengthening of the dollar against its rivals overseas.
The mystery of the Rs 1,00,000-cr bill
An avalanche of delayed projects has meant huge cost overruns where the taxpayer is left to foot the bill.
PHOTOS: The stunning City of Silk in Kuwait
A few years from now, a billion-dollar city will come up in Kuwait.
IMAGES: The stunning Nissan Sunny diesel at Rs 7.98 lakh
The Nissan Sunny diesel silently crept in the Indian market and the car maker has brought two variants -- XL and XV.
Re: Free fall continues, worst not over yet
In a poll conducted by Business Standard, a majority of respondents said the rupee would fall further at least till March, taking cues from global economic conditions and strong demand for dollar in the country.
IN PIX: Low-cost tablets try hard to woo buyers
There are many buyers in the market looking for low-cost tablet PCs.
Illegal investment arm for Anil? Reliance denies charge
In a statement issued from New Delhi, Ambani-led Reliance group, however, said that no charges have been levelled against them by the UK regulators in these proceedings.
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| December 14, 2011 | | CBEC de-freezes Kingfisher, Air India bank a/cs
The government has de-frozen the bank accounts of debt-ridden Kingfisher Airlines and Air India after the two air carriers made part-payment of their service tax dues.
RBI must focus on controlling inflation: PMEAC
With inflation still ruling above the 9 per cent mark, Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Committee (PMEAC) on Wednesday suggested that the Reserve Bank should continue to focus on controlling the rising prices.
Petrol may cost 65 paise per litre MORE from Friday
Petrol prices may be hiked by Rs 0.65 per litre this week if state-owned oil firms manage to get political approval for the move.
US fee hike: India hopes for early resolution to issue
India said on Wednesday that it has conveyed its concerns to the United States over the hike in fees for H1B and L category visas and hopes for an 'early resolution' of the issue as the move was affecting Indian companies.
Why companies increasingly opt for arbitration
"Companies ideally like to resolve issues across the table through discussions but this requires decisions to be taken by the government and that does not happen often," says a person who is closely associated with one of the high-profile arbitration cases with the UPA government that has now landed in the courts.
What makes Samsung Galaxy Note a cut above the rest?
Big -- that's how you would summarise Samsung Galaxy Note, the latest smartphone that claims to be a tablet too. The question that needs to be answered is why there is a buzz about the Samsung Galaxy Note, when the Dell Streak 5 too tried the same thing and pretty much collapsed in the process.
Asia to overtake US as world's top casino market by 2013: PwC
Asia will surpass the United States as the world's largest casino gaming market in 2013 on account of the region's robust economic growth and growing people interest for gambling, says a report by PwC last week.
Land utilisation: Car firms in slow gear
Automobile companies in India may have many headaches, but land availability doesn't figure in that list.
Anoop Prakash: The ex-US Marine who now sells Harleys in India
The ex-Marine is on a mission to capture the Indian market for heavyweight bikes.
Re tumbles further to a record low of Rs 53.8/$
The rupee resumed lower at Rs 53.54/55 per dollar on the Interbank Foreign Exchange, as against its previous close of Rs 53.23/24 per dollar, and declined further to a record low of Rs 53.80 against the American currency before quoting at Rs 53.60/61 per dollar at 1030 hours.
Here is PM's prescription for 9% growth
India needs to rapidly increase energy consumption to achieve the ambitious target of 9 per cent economic growth in the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17), Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Wednesday.
India's BEST cities: Here are the toppers!
Ahmedabad has been ranked as the best mega-city in India.
IMAGES: Oracle CEO's beautiful Woodside villa
Passionate about buying land, Ellison, co-founder and chief executive officer of Oracle Corporation, has acquired some of most beautiful houses and land since the 1990's.
IMAGES: World's most STUNNING railway stations
These swanky railway stations are a travellers' delight.
IMAGES: The top 20 companies in India
Ranking is based on latest sales and gross revenue figures.
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| December 13, 2011 | | Air India's debt to oil cos: A whopping Rs 4,170 crore!
Besides, it owes an interest of Rs 423.43 crore (Rs 4.23 billion) to IOC, Rs 92.73 crore (Rs 927.3 million) to BPCL and Rs 66.17 crore (Rs 661.7 million) to HPCL.
Fitch revises India growth projection to 7% in 2011-12
In its report, 'Global Economic Outlook: December 2011', the agency said the Indian economy is likely to regain the 8 per cent economic growth trajectory only in 2013-14.
Curtain raiser: 9 STUNNING cars at the Auto Expo 2012
In 2012, the Auto Expo will witness more than 55 new cars
Infosys, not RIL, is India's most influential stock!
Billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd has lost its position as the Indian stock market's most influential individual company to IT major Infosys, following a recent plunge in its share price.
No policy paralysis; India can beat economic crisis: FM
India has the capacity and the resilience to overcome economic crisis, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Tuesday in the Rajya Sabha.
Here's how you can combine innovation with a social cause
There is good news for Kolkata and maybe, eventually, the rest of urban India too. A report says that a Danish firm has designed a cart for food hawkers – there are 1.25 lakh of them in the city – which will enable them to ply their trade in a clean and hygienic way while taking up less space than do today's carts.
Investments for saving tax is just not enough
As the calendar year comes to an end, employees are asked to file investment declarations to their companies.
How to choose between safe and short-term investments
Bank fixed deposits offer assured returns but are entirely taxable. Ultra short-term debt funds can't specify returns but are tax efficient.
Capt Nair, Leela Group's boss, shares his success story
Nair is credited for introducing the West to a fabric called Bleeding Madras. It used vegetable dyes and the colour washed away with every wash. He marketed it in the United States as a fabric that would look different after every round in the laundry.
PHOTOS: World's most expensive business jets
These luxurious business jets are made for the billionaires and celebrities.
The money story: From barter to currency
Money has been a part of our history for the last 3,000 years.
Re drops to a historic low at 53.40/$
Dollar gains against other currencies overseas amid euro zone debt concerns also put pressure on the Indian rupee.
India's 50 most COMPETITIVE cities
Which are India's most competitive cities? The City Competitiveness Report 2011 -- unveiled by an international think tank, Institute For Competitiveness (IFC) -- aims to answer this question. Read on . . .
Rare IMAGES of Delhi's infrastructure since 1858
Delhi was once a provincial town and small commercial centre, but one decision changed its destiny forever.
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| December 12, 2011 | | Unemployment is the world's fastest-rising fear
The most frequently discussed issue in India while unemployment is the world's fastest-rising fear, according to a survey by the BBC covering 11,000 people in 23 countries.
Rupee in free fall; plummets to all-time low of 52.85/$
Forex dealers said a slew of measures like plunging stock markets, dollar gaining strength against its rivals in the overseas market weighed against the local currency which lost a whopping 81 paise against the Greenback on Monday.
Fraud alleged: Legal tussle over Sebi probe on DLF intensifies
A complainant has alleged that he was duped of his land worth Rs 34 crore by the DLF Group and following a direction by the Delhi high court, Sebi has ordered a full-fledged probe into the complaint.
2G: Essar bosses chargesheeted; deny role in scam
Besides Ruias, the CBI charged Essar Group director (strategy and Planning) Vikas Saraf, Loop Telecom promoters Kiran Khaitan and her husband I P Khaitan.
Metro Man Sreedharan to retire, says stint was 'very satisfying'
Set to retire on December 31, Delhi Metro chief Elattuvalapil Sreedharan sums up his 16-year experience as a 'very satisfying' and attributes the organisation's success to the 'different work culture' and fast decision-making process.
IMAGES: Cars that you will see at Auto Expo 2012
The 11th Auto Expo will be held from January 7 - 11, 2012, at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
Rich should stop buying subsidised LPG voluntarily: RPN Singh
In a bold suggestion, Minister of State for Petroleum R P N Singh today said affluent people should voluntarily stop buying subsidised LPG and said he will be the first person to pay market price for the fuel, which is Rs 287 per cylinder more than the current rate.
Now, world's smallest steam engine that actually works!
Although this cannot be used as yet, the experiment carried out by the researchers at the University of Stuttgart shows that an engine does basically work, even if it is on the microscale.
IN PIX: Luxury hotel chains to check into India
Many of the best luxury and ultra-luxury hotels from all over the world are readying plans to enter the India market, and are expected to set up chains over the next couple of years.
Spending on festivals: Where does India rank globally?
Are Indians able to stick to budget when it comes to spending on festivals?
Revealed: How Maruti plans to boost its sales
So at the beginning of the current financial year when the domestic automobile industry started to depict the first signs of a slowdown, MSIL resolved to intensify focus on such niche segments to bring in the additional numbers.
GDP at 6.5%: What lies ahead in 2012?
If the nascent US upturn gathers momentum, then the global scenario could look less disaster-prone a year from now.
Court stays order to REVEAL top loan defaulters
A court has stayed an order to Reserve Bank of India to publicly name top 100 loan defaulters.
Malware re-birth a new threat?
An international team, led by Murray Brand, says that a theoretical attack strategy it calls a malware rebirthing botnet would render existing antivirus measures obsolete by using different kinds of malware in a coordinated strike.
Delhi bucks national trend, consumes less petrol
It's a capital shock. Delhi, which has more cars than the three other metro cities put together, is seeing a drop in petrol consumption. This is against the national growth trend. The consumption of the fuel declined by a startling nine per cent in November, while diesel grew by 19 per cent. CNG sales have also grown by around 15 per cent.
PHOTOS: India's 20 most sought-after cities
Indian cities are getting more crowded as people continue to migrate in search of better prospects.
India's industrial output contracts by 5.1% in Oct
As per data released by the government on Monday, industrial output grew by 3.5 per cent in the April-October period this fiscal, as against 8.7 per cent in the same period last year.
GoAirHow GoAir plans to attract passengers
GoAir, run by the Wadia Group, has come out with an innovative way to attract passengers and reduce distribution cost. The smallest of all domestic airlines by market share, GoAir has rolled out a loyalty programme making it the first low-cost carrier to launch such a scheme.
IMAGES: Durban climate deal sealed, mixed outcome for India
Road map agreed for future treaty to legally bind polluters to cut emissions.
Stunning PHOTOS of Apple's new store in New York
Apple has opened its latest retail store in New York's historical Grand Central Terminal.
Income of Indians will DOUBLE faster than...
Until recently, average incomes in advanced countries were increasing at much faster rates than in the rest of the world.
10 BIGGEST corporate layoffs in US
With the world going through tough economic times, companies around the world are handing out pink slips.
Prepare for pay CUTS amid poor results
Indian companies have had a dismal last quarter, as is evident from their September quarter results. The slowdown seems to have alarmed companies enough to begin cutting corners.
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| December 09, 2011 | | Govt doesn't intend to meddle with social media: Sibal
He said the industry should develop a set of guidelines for screening of objectionable content after it is uploaded.
IMAGES: The 15 Euro nations that face a downgrade
Standard & Poor's has placed the sovereign ratings of 15 euro zone nations, including AAA-rated Germany and France, under 'CreditWatch'.
DLF eyes three big-ticket sales in 2012
The developer needs to realise Rs 3,000 crore (Rs 30 billion) to Rs 3,500 crore (Rs 35 billion) from non-core asset sales, to reach its 2011-12 goal.
7% growth? Concerned FM seeks Oppn's help
Contending that economic growth has been high during United Progressive Alliance rule, he admitted that gross domestic product of 7 per cent was 'not adequate' but refused to accept the opposition contention that it was all time low.
Why global auto majors are RUSHING to Gujarat
Consider this: by 2015-16, nearly one of every three cars that roll out in the country could be from Gujarat. If that's not enough, in the next three-five years, half the installed capacity for making cars in India will be located in the state.
Price rise, global slowdown hurting India, says Pranab
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said surging food and fuel prices amid weak global economic growth are adversely impacting GDP growth of the country.
Will start work on West Bengal centre in 3-6 months: Infosys
IT major Infosys Technologies will start construction work on its first software development centre in West Bengal, at Rajarhat near here, in three to six months, a top company official said on Friday.
Probability of global recession low: RBI governor
The probability of a global recession is low, even though the United States is growing slowly and Europe is experiencing negative growth, Reserve Bank of India Governor D Subbarao said on Friday.
Govt lowers GDP growth forecast to 7.5 per cent
The government has pegged GDP growth for 2011-12 at 7.5 per cent (plus/minus 0.25 pc).
This is how a rising star was brought down to earth
Commerce and Industrial Promotion minister Anand Sharma's rise in government has been dizzying, which is why his current setback is also precipitous. Ahead of the cabinet meeting that took place after Sharma's project -- to ensure the approval of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail -- was given the thumbs down, his colleagues are asking some searching questions and seeking some hard answers.
Historical and amazing PHOTOS of Rolls-Royce
We take a look at Rolls-Royce's amazing and path-breaking journey.
The secret world of Maharashtra's PSUs
State-run public sector undertakings live in a mysterious world, without scrutiny from analysts or the public. Here's an overview of Maharashtra's PSUs.
Indian airlines: The WINNERS and the LOSERS!
There is a high possibility that one or two Indian airlines might not survive the rough weather.
IMAGES: World's most STUNNING airports
These airports with all the modern amenities make travel a memorable experience for passengers.
Businessmen who shaped Tamil Nadu's economy
Chennai, the fourth-largest metropolitan city in the country is a good example of how a place can converge tradition and modernity amicably.
In India, these sectors have MOST and LEAST jobs!
Some industries in India are booming, while some are not witnessing impressive growth.
Govt ties itself in knots on web pre-screening
While the government defends itself, citing the 'seriousness' of the issue, the Opposition suspects the attempts to 'censor' these online platforms by the government are also targeted at quashing the space for public criticism they enable.
Brinjal debacle still raw, Bt rice on course
Mahyco confident of regulatory approvals, plans launch within a year.
Gambling losses in top 15 countries
Some people bet big, really big.
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| December 08, 2011 | | These smaller foreign food brands are eyeing India
At a time when India is looking to open up its retail sector to foreign investments further, lesser known international food brands such Loon Tao, Berrylite and Sarpino's Pizzeria are set to announce their entry into the country to cash in on the opportunity.
Banks upbeat on credit card biz
Bankers are confident that unlike the last time, there would not be significant erosion in asset quality, since their expansion strategies are backed by rich information on borrowers' credit histories.
Security glitch: Photos of Facebook CEO that got leaked!
A security flaw in Facebook has exposed photographs of its founder Mark Zuckerberg from his private page.
Eurozone crisis to HIT global airlines hard
Airlines in Asia-Pacific expected to post losses worth $1.1 billion out of a total industry loss of $8.3 billion next year.
S D Shibulal: 'Middle class risk taker' who became Infosys CEO
Infosys' co-founder on multitasking at Infosys and the game-changers that made the company.
Food inflation declines sharply to 6.60%
According to data released by the government on Thursday, onions became cheaper by 39.20 per cent year-on-year during the week under review, while potato prices were down by 15.75 per cent.
Can the government muzzle websites?
Legal experts say under existing Indian cyber laws, Sibal cannot do much harm to Google, Yahoo, Facebook or the like. They are not so clear on whether it can be done, or to what extent.
Why internet companies are upset with Kapil Sibal
Kapil Sibal has caused a furore by suggesting that internet companies need to 'pre-screen' pages. Here's a peek at some of the chief issues being debated.
Is industrial growth really slowing?
India's industrial growth has been crawling below five per cent for months now and overall economic growth has moderated to a two-year low of 6.9 per cent in the second quarter of this financial year, say the statistics.
What makes Wal-Mart the world's LARGEST retailer
It is, in fact, so big and so furtively powerful that it has become an entirely different order of corporate being.
Why the govt wanted 358 items removed from Google
Google has received government requests for removal of 358 items from its services, including YouTube and Orkut, during the January-June period, according to a report by the Internet search giant.
Credit Suisse on the Sensex crash in 2012
The Sensex is likely to rule between 13,200 and 14,400 points and the rupee may touch Rs 54-55 by June next, Credit Suisse India has said in a report.
Will Hyderabad-Chennai route have these high speed trains?
Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) and Oriental Consultancy along with Parsons Brinkhoff India has bagged the contract to conduct the pre-feasibility study on the proposed 664 km long Hyderabad-Vijaywada-Chennai route for running the high speed train, a senior Railway Ministry official said.
IMAGES: America's stunning architectural marvels
Here's a look at some of the most stunning buildings in the US cities...
Indian cities with MOST and LEAST jobs
Here we present five Indian cities that are witnessing growth in job opportunities and five that are not.
New offer: Air India launches marriage gift vouchers!
Air India has come up with a "gift" this marriage session - 'Shagun Vouchers'.
IMAGES: Why the Tata Nano is here to stay
In November Tata Motors launched a brand new variant of Tata Nano.
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| December 07, 2011 | | Inflation a concern but fundamentals are strong: Pranab
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Wednesday fundamentals of the Indian economy are strong despite concerns of inflation and growth, and the overall environment will improve significantly if Parliament functions and approves important legislations.
Crusade against black money to show results in 5 years: FinMin
Armed with information on secret bank accounts of citizens from 10 countries, the Finance Ministry said on Wednesday the results of its crusade against black money will be visible over the next five years.
Would you go for Walmart or 'Agarwalmart'?
Indian retail chains have not put small stores out of business.
Govt to look into telecom operators' concerns: PM
Telecom Ministry over issues ranging from one-time spectrum charges to 3G roaming and a uniform licence fee.
IMAGES: This is Google's new office!
The centre will work on open data, improving Google video search technologies and the Chrome operating system.
Obama to extend higher taxes for the rich
US President Barack Obama has defended his administration's push for extension of a payroll tax break package, which has run into a Republican roadblock in Congress, emphasising the widening inequality between the rich and middle class in America.
DTC to come into force from next fiscal: FM
To modernise the tax system, the government has proposed to replace the Income Tax Act, 1961, with a new legislation.
Sibal's move to control Internet is wrong
Government wants social-networking websites to pre-screen content.
US govt puts bill to ease green cards on hold
The bill, the 'Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act' (HR 3012), which sailed through the US House of Representatives last week on a 389 to 15 vote, had been sent to the Senate for consideration.
Top 10 mobile application trends for 2012
Analysts have identified the top 10 cutting-edge technologies and trends for 2012.
Citigroup to axe 4,500 jobs soon
The job cuts will begin this quarter and be completed 'over the next few quarters' across a range of businesses, Pandit said at a Goldman Sachs Financial Services conference in New York.
Mallya's 'associate' white knight for Kingfisher
Though the UB Group chairman didn't name anybody, some of these associates could be the owners of Balaji Distilleries, whose breweries and distilleries were acquired by UB Group companies -- United Spirits and United Breweries -- during the last financial year.
Top 10 technology trends for 2012
The year 2012 is expected to be an exciting year for technology lovers.
DON'T MISS: Top 10 logo designers of the world
We present here 10 most famous and successful logo designers whose creations redefined the world of art.
Derogatory content: Govt, Google lock horns
Amid the raging controversy over content regulation online, Internet search giant Google India on Tuesday said it complies with the law of the land but will not remove any material just because it is controversial.
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| December 06, 2011 | | FDI in retail: What will the government do now?
Intriguingly, the agenda for the Cabinet meeting convened on Wednesday evening has not been circulated as the government wants to study the Opposition's mind before deciding how the Cabinet handles the FDI-in-retail decision it had taken on November 24.
Won't settle for anything less than FDI roll-back: Karat
CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat also reminded the government that it should not think of bringing back FDI in retail sector after the winter session of Parliament and his party will unite with other forces to oppose any such move.
Ministry moots corporate funding for zoos
The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has mooted corporate funding of zoos and recruitment of volunteers to give a fillip to Indian zoos, on the lines of the foreign zoos, to make them a great attraction for tourists.
Why are all eyes on the media industry?
Are we getting somewhat blinded by television news channels and an English press that is obsessed with itself? Have we forgotten how to wield the power of media with responsibility? And every time someone reminds us, we bristle.
Move permitting 26% FDI in aviation gets FinMin nod
In what may help beleaguered airlines Kingfisher, the finance ministry has approved a draft Cabinet note floated by the commerce and industry ministry allowing foreign fliers to acquire up to 26 per cent stake in India's aviation companies.
FDI in retail: Kiranas unfazed; ask what's the fuss all about?
Kirana stores, equivalent of 'mom-and-pop' stores in the US, seem confident of holding their own against any foreign investment onslaught in retail.
Why sports education is BIG business
If sports is becoming a serious business, sports education and management can't be far behind. The last year and a half has seen over half-a-dozen players setting up shop.
RIL plans to offer low-cost 4G service on Rs 3,500 tablets
RIL mulls launching tablets at around Rs 3,500 and bundle it with data offering 1 GB at Rs 10, a tenth of the current 3G prices.
Ratan Tata's 20-year tenure: Only a few red marks
When he took over as chairman of the Tata Group in 1991, the majority perception was the untested nephew of J R D Tata would be a pushover.
Spend more to beat slowdown, experts to govt
Now, experts say strains on fiscal deficit are coming from the revenue side and the administration should, if anything, step up expenditure to prop up the economy that is slowing down.
IMAGES: World's 20 largest mobile operators
China dominates the world of mobile telecommunications with the largest subscriber base.
Euro zone is too diverse to manage single currency
European politicians who insisted on introducing the euro in 1999 ignored the warnings of economists.
Why political debacle over FDI retail is damaging for India
it is a clear indication that the country's politicians do not hesitate to play politics with economic reforms and nor do Indian industry leaders seem unduly worried about economic policy stasis.
SNAPSHOTS: When the Euro was launched
The Euro was formally launched on January 1, 1999, but the currency has only been used for non-cash transactions such as cheques and bank transfers. The Euro notes and coins were officially launched on January 1, 2002, with the new currency becoming the sole legal tender of the Eurozone on March 1, 2002.
Images: 23 STUNNING cars that were launched in 2011
The cars mentioned here do not include facelift, new variants or upgrades of any existing car.
Indian companies that have made it big abroad
Indians companies are becoming major players around the world.
Indian retail KINGS around the world!
India has been doing business with the world long before most countries realized the power of trade.
Wanted: System change not climate change
Many people who recognise the grave implications of climate change find it difficult to grapple with it. The problem is too big and thinking about it can be unbearable, says .
'We don't want FDI in retail in Bihar'
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi tells Business Standard that foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail will cause job losses and the state doesn't want it. Edited excerpts:
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| December 05, 2011 | | Social indicators: Here's where India lags Bangladesh, Nepal
India is the fastest growing economy after China, and is the fourth largest economy in purchasing power parity terms in the world, but lags neighbouring least developed countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal in terms of various social indicators.
Raise income tax limit for peak rate to Rs 12 lakh: Ficci
As the Indian economic growth slowed to a nine-quarter low of 6.9 per cent in the second quarter of this financial year, Ficci has urged the finance ministry to provide more disposable income at the hands of the people by raising the personal income tax slab for the peak rate of 30 per cent in the next budget.
Photos: India's longest train journey
The journey would take 83 hours or three-and-a-half days - and take in 54 stations in eight states.
India should cut rates, boost spending, says economist
India needs to cuts interest rates and expand public expenditure if it wants to boost growth rate, says Sunanda Sen.
No more SMSes, apps the way to go
No matter how expensive the phone is, apps that allow free messaging (like BlackBerry's popular messenger service) are always in demand. Here are five such apps that will help all the twiddling thumbs to cut down on their phone bills by sending free SMSes.
Industry sees red over flip-flop on retail FDI
The industry is counting minutes and hours in the run-up to the Parliament session on Wednesday, as finance minister Pranab Mukherjee has said any announcement would be made in the House.
Why FDI in retail MUST be supported
Meanwhile, Parekh and Ganguly make a strong and compelling case for FDI in retail. Read on…
Trip from Shimla became a learning experience
A taxi driver laments the state of affairs in Shimla.
Are you into console gaming? Here's list of best buys
Console gaming is not just about fun, but a great way to bond with your family too.
How politics continues to rule business in India
The head of a global advisory firm in the US said in a recent conversation that India was the most unpredictable territory because nowhere else in the world did you have the same combination of complicated rules and enforcement with a random harshness.
The Indian engineer behind the world-famous Malkha fabric
If rural artisans are today able to spin yarn in the confines of their homes, it is because of the micro-spinning line of carding machine, draw-frame and flyer-frame, designed by L Kannan, a mechanical engineer from IIT-Madras.
India puts FDI in retail on hold; govt gives in to pressure
According to sources, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday spoke to Opposition leaders about this decision. Details awaited.
A bus ride that's worth Rs 100 crore!
A bad experience led to Phanindra Sama's good idea: why not sell intercity bus tickets online?
MNCs keep the faith while India Inc frets
In automobiles or retail, engineering or even the regulated insurance sector, the traction for foreign investors seems to be rising.
IMAGES: World's most beautiful cable car rides
India prides to have the Gulmarg Gondola Project, one of the highest and largest ropeways in Asia.
PHOTOS: World's 30 most corrupt countries
Public outcry at corruption, impunity and economic instability sent shockwaves around the world in 2011.
How India story is losing sheen with PE investors
About 75 India-focused funds have hit the road to raise nearly $50 billion.
MUST READ: Some harsh truths about child labour
It pains to think that all over the world, children continue to work, putting at stake their education, their health, their normal development to adulthood, and even their lives.
PHOTOS: India among worst countries to do business in
Bureaucratic rules and regulations in the developing countries are making investment decisions difficult.
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| December 02, 2011 | | RBI taking steps to deal with rupee fall: FinMin
Rupee has depreciated against major international currencies since July 2011.
RBI to adjust rates in tune with price situation: FM
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, said, "In the forward guidance of the second quarter review of the Monetary
Why the Opposition is wrong and FDI in retail is good for India
With the middleman being bypassed, the farmer will get more money and the end-consumer will benefit as prices will fall, says .
Halt austerity, avoid recession: UN to rich nations
While growth in India and China is likely to remain robust, the rest of the world risks falling back into recession if developed countries embark prematurely on fiscal austerity measures, says a United Nations report, released in New York on Thursday.
Sensex may surge by 16% in 2012: Morgan Stanley
The Sensex is down by nearly 22 per cent from an all-time high of 21,206.77 points scaled on January 10, 2008.
How this sleepy town became the centre for a major steel plant
With 22,000 people working relentlessly to complete a Rs 17,000 crore (Rs 170 billion) makeover for IISCO Steel Plant, formerly, Indian Iron and Steel Company, the energy is palpable.
PHOTOS: Here's how 25 countries are projected to grow
Contrary to what was expected earlier this year, the global economy is not out of the woods.
FDI in retail: How it could enslave, bankrupt Indians
The push for FDI in retail by foreign interests smacks of the East India Company syndrome and Indians have the right to protest any attempt by a class of corporate cronies to rule India by proxy, says .
Now, low-priced smartphones to target the masses
Experts say Tier-II and Tier-III cities and smaller towns have a role to play in growth in smartphone sales. Mritunjay Kapur, managing director, Protiviti Consulting, said, "There is definitely a market in Tier-II, Tier-III and Tier-IV towns. Smartphones are fast becoming important as a business communication tool. This is especially true for sales people, and 'fleet-on-the-street'," he said.
Beware! Spy agents can monitor all your email, phone calls
Wikileaks has revealed how technology is being used to monitor everybody's emails, text messages and phone calls.
Warning: Beware of fake Chinese firms!
Alarmed by increasing incidents of Indian firms being cheated by their Chinese counterparts, the Indian embassy here has put out an advisory warning traders from entering into any financial dealings, without doing due diligence first.
Measure your risk ability, then invest
Classify goals into those for the short, medium and long term to arrive at a risk mitigation plan, advise experts.
Looking for a smartphone? Here are some GREAT options
A smartphone is more than a necessity these days. This is true for everyone, irrespective of your status professional, employed, student, homemaker. Isn't it? So, as the race to own a smartphone gets charged up, so does the market.
The fall of the Indian rupee: How it helps NRIs
India's rupee woes seem to have worked in favour of non-resident Indians (NRIs). Last week, the Reserve Bank of India increased the cap on foreign currency non-resident (FCNR) and non-resident external (NRE) interest rates.
India's economy is SLOWING down, admits Pranab
GDP growth in 2010-11 stood at 8.5 per cent.
PIX: Chinese economy in trouble as manufacturing slows down
The Chinese economy is headed for troubled waters, with its manufacturing sector shrinking in November for the first time in nearly three years, in a fresh sign of a further economic slowdown that may prompt it to loosen its monetary policy.
Telecom firms pitch for 2G spectrum auction
If accepted, the plan could give the sector Rs 70,000-crore (Rs 700-billion) relief.
IMAGES: World on brink of another economic meltdown
The United Nations has warned that the world is on the brink of another recession, projecting that global economic growth will slow down further in 2012 and even emerging powerhouses like India and China, which led the recovery last time, will get bogged down.
PHOTOS: The all new Chevrolet Sail will soon be in India
The new hatchback will likely be powered with either 1.2 litre or 1.4 litre petrol engine.
Tata, Infosys among 20 most ADMIRED firms globally
A panel of Global Fortune Global 500 senior executives and leading knowledge experts selects the Global MAKE Winners.
Indians are vacation-deprived, Japan tops list
Indians are the fifth most 'vacation-deprived' in the world. A recent survey conducted by online travel firm, Expedia, said that Indians get an average of 25 vacation days in a year, but one-fifth of these goes unused.
Swadeshi retail icon to drop label
While protests are mounting against the government policy allowing foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail, the chain, founded by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and supported by the likes of Ratanji Jamshedji Tata, is in the midst of change. Besides foreign money, it is also keen on establishing a global presence.
Railway usage: Top 10 nations, India No.1
Railways are one of the best modes of transport.
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| December 01, 2011 | | Don't allow political differences hurt progress: Tata
Other corporate leaders, including Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, UB Group Chairman Vijay Mallya and Mahindra Group vice-chairman Anand Mahindra, have also expressed concerns over the current state of economy in the country.
Nokia's Lumia to hit Indian markets this month
It was launched globally in October.
Exports grow by only 10.8 pc in Oct, lowest in 2 years
The growth rate has been the lowest since October, 2009, when it contracted by 6.6 per cent.
Slowdown: RBI may halt rate hike
Moderating economic growth and easing inflation may prompt the Reserve Bank to halt interest rate hike in the upcoming mid-quarterly credit policy review later this month, according to analysts.
Get this card; travel on train, bus, metro in most Indian cities!
Soon city commuters will be able to use a single, rechargeable master mobility card to hop onto any metro, local train or government bus across all major Indian cities without the hassle of queuing up to buy paper tickets.
6,994 crore! That's Air India's estimated loss in 2010-11
Replying to several questions about Air India in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of Civil Aviation Vyalar Ravi gave details of the national carrier's financial woes.
FDI in retail: No rollback, says govt; deadlock on
Ruling out any rollback of the policy to allow foreign investment in multi-brand retail in the country, the government on Thursday said it would issue the guidelines in due course.
Now, Montek pitches for FDI in medical education
Ahluwalia's comment comes at a time when the government is facing flak over its decision to open up the multi-brand retail sector to foreign investment.
Rupee impact: Car makers to HIKE prices
Maruti Suzuki India on Thursday said it is considering an increase in prices of its products from January next year to offset the impact of rupee depreciation.
In Nov, FIIs sold Indian stocks worth Rs 3,200 crore
Foreign funds withdrew over Rs 3,200 crore (Rs 32 billion) from the Indian securities market in the month of November amid concerns over the worsening debt crisis in the Eurozone.
Mixed response to all-India traders' strike
pkeepers in many cities took out marches demanding a rollback of the government move on FDI in retail.
Worli-Haji Ali sea link project faces further delay
MSRDC wants to complete this process before exploring options of arbitration and termination of concession agreement signed with the RSOPL for the project.
PHOTOS: World's 30 least corrupt countries
Public outcry at corruption, impunity and economic instability sent shockwaves around the world in 2011.
Food inflation down to 8%; FM upbeat
Fuel and power inflation stood at 15.53 per cent during the week under review, compared to 15.49 per cent in the previous week.
Markets start Dec on a promising note
The rally was owing to Central Banks (ECB, US Fed, BoE, Central Banks of Canada, Japan and Switzerland) liquidity move to get dollars at subsidised rates.
Car majors' sales rise, Maruti suffers setback
The national capital-based company recorded sales of 82,870 units in the domestic market last month, a 19.15 per cent fall from 1,02,503 units in November, 2010.
IMAGES: The amazing world of technology
Toyota's concept vehicle Fun-Vii shows a display content on its body during its unveiling at a pre-Tokyo Motor show.
India to see HIGHEST foreign remittances in 2011: World Bank
In all, worldwide remittances -- including those to high-income countries -- will reach $406 billion in the current calendar year.
IMAGES: 20 countries with lowest tax rates!
'Taxes are what we pay for a civilized society'.
'Don't be surprised if growth rate slips below 7% next year'
The signs were visible for a while, but reality has finally hit home.
Top FREE apps for iPhone and iPad
The number of apps for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is huge, and chances are that someone, somewhere is always working towards developing a new app to suit your need. This is not the best part. The good part of having apps, apart from their usage is that surprisingly many of the best apps are free.
US House eases wait for green card
The legislation aims at eliminating a country-by-country cap on visas offered to skilled workers for obtaining a green card.
Why the Indian rupee is FALLING; how NRIs can gain
The general perception amongst experts is that until the global macro-economic environment stabilises, the rupee will continue to be under pressure.
India's 5 best cities: Bengaluru is No. 1
Though Bengaluru has been ranked as India's best city, it has been placed at 141st position worldwide.
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| November 30, 2011 | | Petrol price further cut by 78 paise a litre
Petrol prices may be cut by Rs 2 a litre from on Wednesday as global oil rates have softened and the rupee has stabilised against the US dollar.
Here's why BJP is opposed to FDI in retail
The time for allowing FDI in retail sector in India has not yet come. Such a move may end up hurting domestic interests, says .
UK crawls as millions go on strike against pension cuts
The 24-hour strike is expected to disrupt hospitals, courts, job centres, driving tests and council services, such as libraries, community centres and refuse collections.
Slowdown? Growth not disappointing, says FM
GDP growth in 2010-11 stood at 8.5 per cent.
Now, get ready for a bigger HOLE in your pocket!
Household budget may make a larger hole in the pockets of Indian consumers in the coming months, as an estimated 41 per cent of food and beverages businesses are looking to hike their prices over the next one year, a survey has said.
India may become Honda's global hub for bikes
Japanese auto major Honda Motor Co will commence exporting bikes by next year from India, a country which it sees as a future global hub, particularly for mass market models.
Cybercrime! The most and the least vulnerable nations
Cybercrime ranks as one of the top four economic crimes.
Mounting losses: Air India leases planes
The airline's board met in the national capital on Tuesday, and decided to go in for sale and leaseback of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, due for delivery next month.
FDI in retail: Whom are you kidding, Mr PM?
In India, it is markets that sustain the farmers and not subsidies. We are therefore importing a failed model from America.
India Inc sitting on a mountain of cash
India Inc (excluding trading and financial services companies) was sitting on a cash mountain of Rs 456,700 crore (Rs 4,567 billion) as on September 30, up 21 per cent from the same time a year before.
Here's what is missing from India's FDI in retail debate
makes a strong case for FDI in India's retail sector emphasising that farmers and urban consumers will benefit the most from this move.
Slowdown: India's GDP growth falls to 6.9%
India's GDP growth has slowed down to 6.9 per cent in second quarter of 2011-12 from 8.4 per cent in corresponding period of previous year.
FDI issue: Pranab meets Sonia
Ahead of his meeting with Congress members of Parliament to allay their apprehensions on FDI, Mukherjee met Gandhi at her 10, Janpath residence for about 10 minutes, party sources said.
FDI issue: PM's hard talk cuts no ice
Opposition firm on its demand for FDI decision reversal, even as PM asks dissenters to fall in line.
Why does US hail FDI in retail
Foreign direct investment in the retail sector was one of the wish list of the US companies and the US had been pushing for it for quite some time now.
IMAGES: World's best and worst cities to live in
European cities are the best places to live in, finds the Mercer survey.
IMAGES: 25 countries with highest tax rates!
Governments in economies of all sizes and at all stages of development are struggling with the tax policy choices available to them.
Photos: The world's top 10 retail giants
The world's largest retail company, Wal-Mart was founded by Sam Walton in 1962.
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| November 29, 2011 | | FDI decision taken after lot of consideration: PM
Virtually rejecting demands from within United Progressive Alliance and outside for rollback of foreign direct investment in retail, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday justified the decision as a well considered move.
Petrol in India COSTLIER than in the US
Nearly 45 per cent of the current retail price of petrol in Delhi is made up of taxes.
India's most and least DESIRABLE cities to live in
Chandigarh, Bengaluru and Pune have emerged as the three most desirable Indian cities to live in, reveals a survey conducted by real estate portal 99acres.com and YouGov, an international Internet-based market research firm.
Investors pull out $2.7 bn from emerging market funds
This was the biggest weekly outflow from emerging market equity funds since early October and has taken the total outflow from these funds since the beginning of 2011 to $39.9 billion, EPFR said.
EU, US crisis could be reason for slow Q1 growth: Govt
The government on Tuesday said the slowdown in the Europe and US may have contributed to the moderation in India's economic growth rate to 7.7 per cent during the first quarter of the current fiscal.
Is India heading towards a great transformation?
A large proportion of Indian population has begun its journey towards an urban lifestyle -- we simply do not seem to know whether to call them villagers or townies.
Prince who did not want to be king
on how it was Noel Tata's own choice to stay away from the corner office at Tata Sons.
Not correct to say IIT students' quality is poor: IIT director
An interview with Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, the newly appointed director of IIT Madras, who is also alumnus of the same institution.
'We will all be slaves to MNCs,' says Saravana Stores founder
S Rajarathinam is the founder-owner of this retailing giant. We asked him about his opinion on the government's decision to allow 51 per cent foreign direct investment in India's multi-brand retail trade and 100 per cent FDI in single-brand retail trade.
How retail chains can help farmers
Regardless of the merits and demerits of foreign direct investment in retail, the fact is that a tie-up between organised retailers and farmers benefits both, as also consumers of farm goods, writes Surinder Sud.
World's top thinker's take on what ails India
India needs to tackle three problems if it wants to post good growth, says Deepa Narayan.
Coming soon: Maruti's 'nano' @ Rs 300,000
The 660-cc car will be priced higher than the Alto.
Setback: Deadlock over FDI in retail continues
The deadlock over foreign direct investment in the retail sector continues as government officials on Tuesday informed parties opposing FDI that they will discuss their demands with the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Indian bosses mentor juniors, finds survey
The findings, part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index, obtained views of approximately 97,000 people in 30 countries, including almost 2,000 in India.
How rupee fall affects your investment
Most investors do not read between the lines regarding how rupee fluctuation impacts their investments.
Toyota to bring Lexus to India by 2013
The Japanese multinational automaker's Lexus cars will be sold in India through an exclusive network of dealerships by 2013, executive vice-president Yukitoshi Funo said on Monday.
How FDI in retail will help consumers, farmers, economy
The recent Cabinet decision to allow 51 per cent foreign direct investment in the multi-brand retail sector in India has deeply divided the nation's political, social and trading classes.
PHOTOS: World's topmost thinkers; 6 Indians too in the list
There are some who go with the flow, while there are others who try to change the world for better with their revolutionary thinking.
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| November 28, 2011 | | No 51% FDI in retail in West Bengal: Mamata
The Union Cabinet on November 24 approved 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail paving the way for global giants like WalMart to open mega stores in cities with population of over one million.
FDI in retail: Why this Kolaveri di?
In Thailand and Brazil, within years, they have been seen to have destroyed domestic competition. Moreover, uniformly they are accused of adopting bad labour practices, squeezing manufacturers and following predatory pricing policies, says .
Averting climate talks disaster: What India should DO
Catastrophic, irreversible climate change represents the gravest threat today to human civilisation.
FDI in retail: Are there any takers?
While Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry extended an all-out support to the government, Confederation of Indian Industry recommended 'a calibrated approach for introducing FDI in the retail sector in terms of the percentage and minimum capitalisation requirements'.
Here's what IT firms PAY in 20 countries
It is a common perception that IT specialists are paid handsomely the world over.
MUST READ: World's 15 richest tech billionaires
Recently, Forbes 400 published names of 15 richest tech people.
The great mobile phone robbery!
It is estimated that 840 million Indians lose their mobile phones.
SPECIAL: What is Vijay Mallya doing to keep Kingfisher alive?
The government's stated position is that it cannot tailor a bailout package for Kingfisher Airlines alone.
BJP claims Congress opening retail due to US pressure
Prakash Javadekar says Congress is allowing FDI into retail to boost profits of foreign chains.
Rupee fall: Textile, IT earnings to get a boost
While a weak rupee is a bane for most sectors, the country's two key export-oriented sectors -- IT and textiles -- are expected to gain from the phenomenon.
Here's how the world generates electricity
World uses different types of sources to generate electricity.
Rupee fall spells windfall for Kerala
The steep fall of the Rupee is not just making things scary for the Indian economy and economists.
Amazing and historical PHOTOS of New York's financial district
New York's financial district has changed a lot since 1900.
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| November 25, 2011 | | FDI in retail to create over 10 mn jobs, says govt
The guidelines regarding the decision to allow 51 per cent FDI in the multi-brand retail will be issued by next week.
Growth story: 10 challenges that India faces
For India to regain its growth momentum and indeed accelerate it further, we need to address several challenges, said , Governor, Reserve Bank of India, while delivering the Haksar Memorial Lecture.
SPECIAL: The king of poverty relinquishes throne
Clad in his trademark kurta pyjama Vikram Akula has never been at a loss for words while articulating to the media the pivotal role that micro-lending can play to liberate the rural poor from the clutches of money lenders. It earned him the status of poster boy for the microfinance industry.
IMAGES: Indian billionaires' favourite playgrounds
French Riviera turns out to be Vijay Mallya's favourite destination
How Mahindra is scripting a 'rising' on the Internet
The story of Mahindra's Rise campaign talks about how the company is keeping things real . . . and hoping to disappoint cynics in the process.
iDubba: Watch TV, then share socially
iDubba claims to be India's first (and only) television programme-recommendation and social-sharing platform. Adding 444 channels in the last five years, the platform aims to connect TV audiences by recommending relevant programmes.
Jayalalithaa gives freebies to poor, taxes middle class
A financially destructive populist culture of giving voters freebies in TN has left the state with massive bills.
Exiting fixed income funds? Read on…
Those getting into debt instruments like short-term funds, ultra short-term funds and income funds may need to extend their investment horizons or pay higher exit loads. The past couple of months have seen 16 such funds either raising their exit loads or increasing the scheme's lock-in period.
Buying resale property? Follow the checklist
Despite their age, ready property prices are rarely discounted. "Due to the prevalent high real estate prices, generally, the cost of a ready property and an under-construction one are almost par," says Amit Shah, vice-president, indiaproperties.com, a Pune-based property portal. In fact, sometimes, ready properties may even be available at a premium.
How euro crisis can change Europe
Stratfor analyses the predicament of the states caught between a changing euro zone and a resurgent Russia.
IN PIX: This is what billionaires' houses cost in global cities
Price growth of high value homes has been highest in emerging markets like Singapore, where prices have increased 144 per cent since 2005 and Mumbai, where prices have jumped 138 per cent in the same period.
Top MNCs jostle with India Inc to secure Mumbai
As third anniversary of 26/11 draws near, a new homeland security project gets underway.
The funny thing about foreign money
The Cabinet has agreed to the suggestion of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion or DIPP to allow companies like Walmart and Tesco to set up shop in the country.
Stunning PICS: Inside the most luxurious yachts
These luxury yachts are truly floating palaces.
It's more than change of boss at Tata
Tata is separating management from shareholding control.
PHOTOS: Here's what the inflation rate is in 20 countries
Everyone is worried about inflation making their money worth less or even worthless.
Why the Re will remain weak in 2012
Could plumb to 57 against the US dollar if macro dynamics continue to weaken.
Here are the stocks that Amitabh Bachchan buys!
Mega star Amitabh Bachchan, known as the Big B of the Bollywood, invests in small and mid-sized companies as well when it comes to stock market purchases, and is sitting on losses on some of his recent investments.
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| November 24, 2011 | | Historic decision: Govt allows 51% FDI in retail
In what will be a historic decision, the Union Cabinet is likely to clear a policy paper that seeks to allow 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail trading and 100 per cent FDI in single-brand retail on Thursday.
Shares worth Rs 1.1 trillion pledged by promoters
Investment in such companies exposes an investor to severe price volatility in case a promoter is not able to meet payments.
Black money: CBI gets names of LGT bank account holders
The CBDT has provided to CBI for possible action the names of those individuals whose names have figured in the LGT Bank accounts for stashing illegal funds abroad.
RIM launches three BlackBerry 7 smartphones in India
Canadian firm Research In Motion (RIM) today announced the launch of three new handsets based on its BlackBerry 7 operating system in the country.
Get your iPhone 4S at the stroke of midnight
Leading telecom operators Airtel and Aircel will launch the much-awaited iPhone 4S smartphone in the country at midnight on Thursday at prices starting from Rs 44,500.
PHOTOS: World's most business-friendly countries
Vibrant private sector promotes growth and expands opportunities for the poor.
Photos: The RICHEST people in 30 countries
The world has 1,210 billionaires with a combined wealth of $4.5 trillion.
Food inflation falls sharply to 9.01%
However, prices of most agricultural items, barring potatoes, onions and wheat, continued to rise.
Rupee fall due to FII pullout? Time to end P-Note menace!
Participatory Notes (P-Notes) are derivative instruments issued by FIIs to foreign investors -- individuals or corporates -- who want exposure to Indian equities, but do not want to register with Sebi.
'Tata family is small. So, there isn't much to choose from'
Russi M Lala, 82, celebrated chronicler of Tata Group stories, has seen the top leadership for two generations very closely. He was JRD Tata's biographer and also director of Tata's premier foundation, the Dorabji Tata Trust, for 18 years. He talks about the new leadership and what it means for the Group.
IMAGES: Strong winds damage Beijing's stunning airport!
Strong winds damaged the roof of third terminal building at the much admired Beijing Capital International Airport for the second time in a year, raising doubts about the resilience and the quality of construction of the land mark structure.
Meet the new crown prince of the Tata group
"A reclusive construction tycoon" is how an industry captain, who claims to be his friend, describes Cyrus. In that sense, he has striking similarities to the man he is succeeding and who he admires the most. Even after so many years of staying in the limelight, Tata also remains low-key and shy.
Special: 10 companies that rule the world!
It is no secret that a small group of financial institutions run a major part of the world.
How Cyrus Mistry steered Shapoorji's fast-track growth
In the decade and a half he has been at the helm of the Rs 9,000-crore group (Rs 90-billion), Mistry has helped it build an impressive portfolio.
Tata succession: How the 'Mistry' was solved
They had to finalise Ratan Tata's successor by the year end and they had already cast their net wide.
Jobs: South Asian nations that are booming
While workers in the United States and Europe are having a difficult time in not only finding a job but also keeping it, the situation in South Asia, including India, is somewhat different.
10 best smartphones to gift!
With Christmas and New Year approaching, it is once again time to make endless trips to shopping malls to select the best gifts for the holiday season.
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| November 23, 2011 | | Govt to allow 51% FDI in multi-brand retail: Cabinet note
In what will be a historic decision, the Union Cabinet is likely to clear a policy paper that seeks to allow 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail trading and 100 per cent FDI in single-brand retail on Thursday.
FIRST LOOK: The man who will succeed Ratan Tata
Mistry will work with Ratan Tata over the next year and take over from him when he retires.
Occupy Wall St: Who will meet protestors' demands?
Last week's police actions against the 'Occupy' encampments -- from Oakland to New York in the United States -- will not snuff out the underlying energy, says .
Sabeer Bhatia on his new venture, JaxtrSMS
JaxtrSMS, co-founded by Bhatia and Yogesh Patel, is an application that allows users to send text messages for free anywhere in the world. It took Bhatia and a team of 50 people over a year to come out with the latest offering. While Bhatia has announced three more ventures - Arzoo, Instacoll and SabseBol - after Hotmail, JaxtrSMS would see him back at the helm as a chief executive officer.
PHOTOS: 15 most innovative gadgets in the world
World is witnessing introduction of most innovative gadgets.
Special: Pressure on Anil Ambani, Tata off in 2G scam case
Gautam Doshi, Surendra Pipara and Hari Nair, senior executives of the Reliance ADA Group who were granted bail on Wednesday by the Supreme Court in the 2G spectrum scam case, will provide major relief to their high-profile boss Anil Ambani.
Property prices go down across 9 cities in September
The number of cities with property rates rising was down to six in the second quarter, against 12 earlier, according to the NHB index.
IMAGES: These 8 cars will sport a new look in 2012
Some of facelifts in India will include cars from highly prominent car makers.
Column: Rising disparity: How to bridge the gap?
India's disappointing human development status is well known. It is a virtual tailender among the newly emerging BRICS economies Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa which are expected to become the engine of global economic growth as the developed countries slow down.
Faces of the 2G spectrum scam
Here are some of the top executives and politicians who have been linked to the 2G spectrum scam in India.
MAYHEM! Why Sensex crashed by over 500 points
The Bombay Stock Exchange's benchmark Sensex crashed by 580 points to 15,484 at 1230 hours on Wednesday as operators succumbed to fresh selling pressure amid a rapid pullout of foreign capital as a poor manufacturing outlook for China and weaker-than-expected growth in the United States spurred fresh fears of a global slowdown.
What makes Assam's Muga silk as expensive as gold!
Muga silk (Muga Paat) or the golden silk is not only a nature's gift to Assam, but also a symbol of rich Assamese culture. It represents the brilliance of traditional attire of the region. The most significant characteristic of 'Muga silk' is its golden bright hue.
Job freeze casts a chill again
India Inc is not flashing the pink slip yet, but multitasking is the buzzword.
End 'decision-making paralysis': Industry to UPA
Reminding the UPA-II government about the need to reverse the negative perception of a 'decision-making paralysis', industry body Assocham has made a pitch for second-generation reforms in various sectors, including finance, banking, taxation and agriculture.
2G scam: Five top executives get bail
The Supreme Court has granted bail to five corporate executives in 2G spectrum case.
IMAGES: 25 stunning cars that will make you drool
The Los Angeles Auto Show had an interesting showcase of the latest vehicles.
10 BEST IT companies to work for in 2011
Information technology companies have always dominated Fortune magazine's '100 Best Companies to Work For' list for many years.
PHOTOS: Splendid interiors of the Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest tower is Dubai's masterpiece, Burj Khalifa.
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| November 22, 2011 | | Your foreign travel is COSTLIER now! Here's why
The depreciating rupee against dollar is burning a bigger hole in the pockets of Indians travelling abroad with travel firms hiking charges to offset the impact.
Falling rupee scares car makers; price hike likely
Hit by the depreciating rupee, auto companies, including General Motors India and Toyota Kirloskar Motor, are mulling hike in prices to offset the rising cost of component imports.
No names before launch of prosecution: FinMin on black money
The government on Tuesday said it cannot disclose the identity of persons involved in black money cases before initiating prosecution proceedings.
PHOTOS: 12 fastest growing economies in 2012
Some countries, including India and China, that are poised to post impressive growth numbers.
Govt hopes inflation to come down to 6-7% by March
The finance minister attributed the rising prices to demand-supply mismatch, depreciating rupee, global commodity prices and easy monetary policy followed by some countries.
Who is Kingfisher's latest 'white knight'?
Malvinder Singh's name is thrown up by rumour mills, after Tata, Reliance & Sahara.
Smart tips on short term trading
Apart from knowing the rules, investors should also understand that short term trading mostly relies on luck and on study, which at best can be termed speculative.
Rupee at all-time low; RBI move won't stop fall, says Pranab
The Indian rupee dropped by 58 paise to a lifetime low of Rs 52.73 per US dollar in early trade on Tuesday on persistent demand for the American currency from banks and importers amid sustained foreign capital outflows from the equity market.
Want to transfer your insurance policy? All you need to know
Effective 01 October 2011, health insurance has become portable and you are now free to move to another provider and carry along all the credits gained for having been loyal.
Debt story: Indian banks with HIGHEST NPAs
Bad loans are turning nightmarish for Indian banks.
Solve this employee harassment case and win Rs 25,000
An alleged case of harassment against one of his employees by business associates puts an hotelier in the biggest crisis of his career.
US-India partnership can bring poor into knowledge pool
It is time for the US to reposition its foreign policy.
How Mahindra developed XUV500. The TRUE story
Tracing the development of the Mahindra XUV 500, the company's first four-wheeler to be fully styled in India.
Special: Why India too is a TAX haven now!
It would seem when it comes to secrecy on bank accounts the Indian government seems to have a tacit arrangement with the Swiss -- even if the Swiss fail in protecting the identity of crooks, India will, says .
MUST READ: The happiest cities in India; Jaipur tops!
With slowing down of the Indian economy and inflation gnawing into the entrails of our existence, any information on the happiest cities of India makes interesting reading.
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| November 21, 2011 | | Infosys sounds the WARNING for IT sector!
Infosys says further deterioration of economic conditions in US and Europe could hit the domestic IT sector.
Rupee, Asia's worst performing currency, in a free fall!
The rupee plunged to nearly 33-month low of sub-52 level after losing a whopping 81 paise against the United States currency on sustained dollar demand amid weak trends in stock markets and deepening euro-debt crisis.
Are UPA's long-term policies counterproductive?
The only option is to cool demand. In other words, cut back on spending and aim for slower growth.
Buying a smartphone? First, know its operating system…
There are five main mobile operating systems (OS); each claiming superiority over the other. Arguably, options are always good for users but with mobile phones it means making a confusing choice between the latest devices in the market and going by someone's recommendation. Here's what you should consider before getting your OS.
Tata Motors launches more powerful Nano
The car's 624cc engine has been made more powerful.
AC rail travel may cost MORE in negative list of services
There could be rise in the cost of construction work, renting of vacant land and rail travel in air-conditioned coaches, if a set of government proposals on taxing services comes into effect.
Kingfisher may hive off ATR aircraft fleet
Kingfisher Airlines, struggling to stay afloat, may spin off its ATR fleet and loyalty programme (frequent flier programme) into separate units.
iPhone 4S bookings open @ Rs 50,900!
The latest version of Apple's iPhone 4S is now open for pre-bookings in India, at a price which is more than that in other countries.
Rise in demand for Indian workers abroad
Indians are emerging as favourites of overseas companies looking for temporary but experienced workforce for specific requirements available at low cost, says experts.
Labour woes, rising costs hit realty firms
The shortage of labour, a fund crunch, high interest rates and steep input costs have hammered the net profits of major real estate developers in the second quarter.
Good news! Tatkal booking in one day
The new Tatkal booking scheme in which the train reservation period has been reduced to one day from two days will come into effect from Monday.
WARNING: Beware of the virus attack
According to the Security Threat Report organisations across India spent an average of $7.2 million (Rs 32 crore) in 2010 to deal with damages caused by data breaches.
Govt nudges LIC to buy 10% stake in Kingfisher
Its lenders, who hold around 23 per cent of the debt-laden airline, have asked the promoters to bring in equity before they lend more.
IMAGES: Dazzling cars at the Los Angeles Auto Show
Started way back in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show has an illustrious history.
Images: World's 20 TALLEST towers
While the world's tallest building is Burj khalifa in Dubai, the world's tallest tower is Tokyo Sky Tree.
MUST READ: India's 15 best banks
All the banks mentioned here have balance sheet size greater than Rs 50,000 crore (Rs 500 billion).
Past imperfect, future tense for India Inc
And, Future Group chairman Kishore Biyani, who has copyright on the famous ad tagline, admits even steep discounts didn't help much in many regions this year.
Check out these attractive double-decker buses!
Double-decker buses are a big attraction for commuters.
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| November 18, 2011 | | Diesel, LPG prices UNLIKELY to be hiked
A top oil ministry official said it will be "suicidal" to even think of raising prices of diesel, LPG or kerosene just before Parliament is to meet.
Infrastructure? India needs $20 trillion in 20 years
The report, 'The roots of growth: Projecting EM infrastructure demand to 2030', produced jointly by Cambridge Judge Business School and the Royal Bank of Scotland, predicts that the emerging world will need to spend $20 trillion dollars on infrastructure over the next 20 years.
India's quarterly gold demand declines 23%
Slump after 5 quarters amid high prices, rupee depreciation.
Cityscapes: STUNNING photos of world's great cities
Here are spectacular photographs of the skylines of some of the greatest cities in the world.
Dubai Airshow records USD 63.3 billion worth of orders
The orders for aircraft, maintenance services and flight training programmes at the 12th edition of the airshow, which concluded on Thursday, are much higher than the last edition in 2009 which recorded orders worth USD 14 billion.
Indian HNIs feel inherited wealth a burden: Survey
India has more of first generation high net worth individuals than the one who have inherited wealth.
IMAGES: 55 new cars arriving in 2012 even as old sell less
The last edition (in 2010) featured 50 launches, including 10 global debuts.
PHOTOS: Benetton's most controversial ads
Each time Benetton releases a controversial ad, it is making a statement by pushing a political agenda, or sensitive subjects that are deliberately offensive to some people. In a way, it takes the age-old advertising tactic of challenging reality to its extreme.
IMAGES: Climate change: 10 nations that face highest RISK
The British risk analysis firm Maplecroft recently released a 2011 scientific report ranking the top 10 countries at extreme risk for impacts from climate change.
Kingfisher cancellations EXTENDED till March 2012
The carrier is loaded by debt of as much as Rs 7,000 crore.
8 Indians amongst world's TOP management gurus
These are people known little to the general public but revered throughout the business world.
The most EXPENSIVE iPads, phones and laptops
UK designer Stuart Hughes is known for crafting masterpieces with the latest tech gadgets.
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| November 17, 2011 | | FinMin okay with 51% FDI in multi-brand retail
The finance ministry has given its consent to the draft Cabinet note on opening the multi-brand retail to foreign investment, an official said.
Needed: $1,000,000,000,000 for India's infrastructure!
India's infrastructure sector will require investment of about $1 trillion in the 12th Five-Year Plan, double the amount envisaged in the ongoing Plan period, a report says.
India plans super-regulator for aviation sector
A draft bill to set up a powerful Civil Aviation Authority for better regulation of the aviation sector is in an advanced stage of getting the official nod, official sources said on Thursday.
IIM-A to give marketing lessons to Gujarat prisons
Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad and Central jail in Baroda have contacted IIM-Ahmedabad to help them in issues related to sale, distribution and management of factory products and also help inmates acquire more skills which they may be able to best utilise outside when they are released from prison, Dheeraj Sharma, associate professor of marketing and international business, IIM-Ahmedabad, said.
Is the green Ministry reactive, not pro-active?
A rash of clearance issues with infra projects raises the question of who really is responsible for the delays.
MNREGA: Ramesh writes to Mayawati again on irregularities
In a 14-page letter to Mayawati, Ramesh cited the instances of alleged irregularities and corruption in implementation of the scheme in Balrampur, Gonda, Mahoba, Sonbhadra, Kushinagar, Mirzapur and Sant Kabir Nagar.
Has Pak granted MFN status to India? Not yet says Gilani
Gilani said the people and Parliament would be taken into confidence on the issue of giving MFN status to India.
Airlines WARNED on mounting fares
With airfares mounting in the last couple of weeks primarily due to cancellation of Kingfisher flights, aviation regulator DGCA on Thursday warned airlines not to raise air ticket prices beyond a given range.
Decision on foreign airlines buying stake soon
The government is likely to take a final decision on allowing foreign airlines to pick up stakes in Indian carriers in a 'couple of weeks', with the Union civil aviation ministry proposing a 24 per cent cap as against 26 per cent recommended by the industry ministry.
Aviation fuel price 50% HIGHER in India
Even flights on foreign routes pay more when they refill in India.
Airlines hit by rising fuel price, lower fares
Jet, Kingfisher, SpiceJet in the red during September quarter, despite 20 per cent rise in passenger numbers.
IMAGES: The world's top 10 emerging economies
Even though emerging markets generally do not have the level of market efficiency and strict standards, they are most sought after by investors.
Why Indian American entrepreneurs are key to Indo-US relations
Ambassador Rao says role of Indian American entrepreneurs take on new meaning; also acknowledges the contribution and inspiration of Nobel Laureate Hargobind Singh Khorana.
IIT Bombay alumni appointed CIO of Washington
Shyam's appointment was announced by Washington Governor Chris Gregoire on Monday.
Falling rupee may breach 52 level against US$
Global risk aversion and India's widening current account deficit have dragged the rupee close to all-time low.
Images: The FASTEST growing cities in India
There are 37 Indian cities among the world's 300 fastest growing urban centres, according to a survey conducted by the City Mayors Foundation, an global think tank on urban affairs.
Photos: Meet India's most INNOVATIVE young minds
IGNITE is a national competition to harness the creative and innovative spirit of school children organized by the National Innovation Foundation.
Hopes run high as PM leaves for ASEAN meet
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh left for Bali and Singapore on Thursday.
US debt tops $15 trillion. HIGHEST in world history
Once the envy of the world, these nations are now posing a threat to the world economy.
IMAGES: Stunning IT parks of India
India has some of the best IT parks in the world.
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| November 16, 2011 | | The 6 outstanding winners of the Infosys Prize
Infosys Science Foundation announced 2011 prize winners across five categories.
IMAGES: The Rs 6.75 lakh Skoda Rapid launched!
Skoda launched Rapid in both diesel and petrol variants in order to boost up sales substantially.
Now, Indian scientists produce petrol from plastic!
A team of scientists at the Indian Institute of Petroleum in Dehra Dun has developed a new technology to convert environmentally-hazardous plastic into petroleum products.
COLUMN: Building Bridges in South Asia
"Building Bridges" was the theme of the recently concluded South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, or Saarc, summit in Addu (Maldives).
7 of the world's most beautiful mobile phones
Here's we have listed the world best-looking mobile phones, ever.
Sanjaya Baru: America's strategic Pacific offensive!
The United States is creating a new strategic framework for the 21st century and its Trans-Pacific Partnership is just one of the pillars of the new edifice, says .
China overtakes US in Land Rover sales
The UK is the single largest market for Land Rover.
Now, credit ratings agencies under EU scanner
Responding to what is widely felt by the political establishment in Europe to be the "destabilising" role played by credit ratings agencies in the ongoing euro zone crisis, the European Commission unveiled measures to curb their power.
For old age, pick mutual funds over retirement schemes
There are various mutual fund schemes to choose from, such as equity-diversified funds, mid- or small-cap funds, debt funds and so on.
IMAGES: World's 25 BIGGEST renewable power stations
Renewable power stations run on fuel sources such as biomass, geothermal heat, water, solar and tidal energy.
Aviation turmoil: How some investors checked out in time
Their success formula was to enter the business at the right time and exit at the opportune moment.
Kingfisher promoters open to reducing stake to 26%
Talks initiated with Indian investors, private equity players.
IMAGES: The 8 stunning hatchbacks coming in 2012
In India, major demand is for hatchback cars.
Scientist who runs world's most cost-efficient microfinance firm
Dr Tara Thiagarajan is the chairperson and managing director of the Rs 200-crore (Rs 2 billion) Madura Micro Finance Ltd. She is also the director of Microcredit Foundation of India.
How the rasogolla became a global name!
We recently paid a visit to one of the retail outlets-cum-restaurant run by K C Das, the company that played a significant role in granting the rasogolla international status.
Financial technology: World's top 20 companies
Even as uncertainty continued to hamper the financial sector, these companies tided over the difficult times.
Huawei launches world's 1st cloud phones in India
The company, which has just 6-7 devices in its portfolio as of now, is also looking at expanding its product range aggressively in the next few months.
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| November 15, 2011 | | Flying from Delhi? Now pay Rs 200 development fee!
In an order, the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority has fixed these rates to be charged by the Delhi Internal Airport Limited with effect from December 1 for 18 months till May 2013 to help it bridge a funding gap of Rs 1,230.27 crore (Rs 12.30 billion).
Deve Gowda was napping when Indian Inc met him: Book
Known for his habit of dozing off, India's former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda was literally caught napping when industry leaders went to meet him to discuss the deteriorating state of the Indian economy, DLF Chairman K P Singh has recollected in his autobiography.
STUNNING products at Japan electronics show!
3D televisions were a major attraction at last month's CEATEC (Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies) show -- Japan's premiere consumer electronics event, held each year at Makuhari Messe, a convention centre outside Tokyo.
Kingfisher not shutting down, has not sought bailout: Mallya
Battling financial crisis, Kingfisher Airlines Chairman Vijay Mallya on Tuesday said he has not asked for a bailout from the government but wants the lenders to help with Rs 700-800 crore (Rs 7-8 billion) working capital as short-term need and interest concessions.
Chidambaram: Caught by courts, bowled by Swamy?
There are some rather inconvenient questions related to the 2G spectrum scam that the former finance minister may have to answer in the coming days, says .
Wealth woes: India tops in family feuds over inheritance!
Forty per cent of the globe's wealthy population has direct experience of their family fortune leading to disputes, but the percentage is even higher in India, where 61 per cent of the rich have seen relationships deteriorate into feuds over money, according to a new report.
PHOTOS: Cops evict Occupy Wall St protestors in midnight raid
Police in New York City police descended on Zuccotti Park in the wee hours of Tuesday to forcibly remove Occupy Wall Street protestors who have been camping in Lower Manhattan since September 17.
5 marketing lessons from Ra.One
Endless promotion works only up to a certain point, says .
IMF calls for reform in China's financial system
China's banks and financial sector are healthy, but there are vulnerabilities that should be addressed by the authorities.
Indians' spending on FMCG at malls set to skyrocket
Indian consumers' spending on FMCG items at modern retail stores is set to nearly triple to $5 billion by 2015 from $1.8 billion at present, according to market research firm, the Nielsen Company.
Govt grants Rs 100 cr to fund low cost innovation
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said the country needs creativity and innovation to address the problems of poverty, health and environment.
Govt may impose 0.003% stamp duty on commodities, stocks
The government may impose a stamp duty of Rs 300 per crore (0.003 per cent) on transactions in commodities, stocks and other derivatives, with the Finance Ministry moving a proposal to Cabinet for taking the final call, sources said.
Rupee is SINKING! Hits 32-month low; may touch 51/US$
The rupee resumed lower at Rs 50.40/41 per dollar on the Interbank Foreign Exchange.
Wary Indian companies wake up to UK law
The law's ambit has been widely framed, with severe penalties such as prosecution and jail in the UK for a bribe given in India.
Super-rich: India has 8,200 high net worth individuals
India is home to as many as 8,200 ultra high net worth (UHNW) individuals whose combined wealth amounts to a whopping $945 billion, says a study.
Petrol prices SLASHED by over Rs 2.20 a litre
Petrol prices may be cut by Rs 2 a litre from on Wednesday as global oil rates have softened and the rupee has stabilised against the US dollar.
LESS turbulent skies ahead for Jet Airways
Easing competitive pressure, rising ticket prices offer respite from high fuel costs and effects of weak rupee.
IMAGES: All new Ford Fiesta automatic soon in India
Since a couple of months, Ford India is busy giving a makeover to its cars.
Check out these 2 NEW smartphones from Nokia!
Aimed at strengthening its position in the smart phone segment, Finnish handset giant Nokia on Monday launched the 'Lumia 800' and the 'Lumia 710', the first devices from its partnership with software major Microsoft.
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| November 14, 2011 | | Indians more OVERWORKED than global peers!
A high rate of economic growth seems to be taking a toll on people's work-home balance and more Indians are overworked than their global peers, according to a survey.
Big deal: Coca Cola to invest $2 billion in India
In one of its single biggest investments, beverage major Coca Cola and its partners will invest $2 billion (around Rs 10,000 crore) over the next five years to enhance its operations in India and set up a new plant.
IMAGES: Workers flock to Kerala in search of greener pastures
Kerala, which largely depends on remittances of around two million Malayalis working in the Gulf, has now become a thriving job market for workers hailing from Assam, West Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.
CAG official says 2G scam loss only Rs 2,645 crore
Former top CAG official R P Singh on Monday appeared before the Joint Parliamentary Committee looking into the 2G spectrum scam and is understood to have stuck to his stand that the presumptive loss in the radiowave allocation was only Rs 2,645 crore (Rs 26.45 billion).
PHOTOS: World's 15 stunning buildings
Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest structure in the world, at a height of 829.84 metres (2,723 ft).
IMAGES: The Rs 5.23 lakh Tata Sumo Gold
Tata Sumo Gold is available in two engine tunes with four variants.
SPECIAL: How Nokia plans to make it big in India
Bringing affordable web access and applications to the masses is the crux of Nokia's new strategy.
Euro crisis hurting India, says Pranab
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said the Euro Zone crisis is impacting the country's growth and will hurt exports in coming months.
Headline inflation inches up to 9.73% in Oct
Food inflation was recorded at 9.23 per cent in September.
The world's biggest shoplifters; India ranks No. 1!
The world over, shoplifters are giving the retail industry a gigantic headache. A $119-billion headache!
SBI asks Kingfisher to raise fresh equity
On whether the bank will consider making fresh advances to Kingfisher, SBI managing director Hemant Contractor said, "We have to be satisfied about the viability of the company.
IITs remain the big daddy of fund-raisers
IIT Bombay has, over the last decade, generated Rs 200 crore (Rs 2 billion), only via donations from its alumni.
Kingfisher in crisis; Jet goes for the kill
Airline to increase full-service flights as Kingfisher curtails operations.
Kingfisher mess deepens: More flight disruptions likely
Flight schedules to be affected more than thought earlier.
SPECIAL: Why Niira Radia shut India's largest PR firm
Radia's decision to close shop was as dramatic as her entry into the country's close-knit world of public relations.
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| November 11, 2011 | | Railway Minister for linking train fare to fuel cost
Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi said the passenger fare should to be linked to fuel price.
Petrol prices may be CUT next week
With global oil rates softening, state-owned oil companies may next week cut petrol price by about Rs 0.80 per litre which could be the first reduction since January 2009.
Good news! Interest rate on PPF, NSC, post office savings hiked
The government has hiked the interest rate on Public Provident Fund account (PPF) to 8.6 per cent from 8 per cent. The investment ceiling has been raised to Rs 1 lakh a year.
INTERVIEW: 'Merger with Tech Mahindra likely next year'
After announcing the second quarter results, Chairman Vineet Nayyar, Chief Executive C P Gurnani and Chief Financial Officer Vasant Krishnan share their views.
Kingfisher cries out for help; govt may bail it out
Facing serious financial turbulence, Kingfisher Airlines has sought government help for a bailout even as it continued its flight curtailment spree for the fifth consecutive day on Friday and its stocks plummeted by over 19 per cent to an all-time low but recovered slightly later.
Annuity now mandatory in pension products
Positive return guarantee but with conservative bias; rider to check insurer hopping by customers.
Oops! Standard & Poor's downgrades France by mistake
In a major goof-up, US-based ratings agency Standard & Poor's accidentally disseminated a message to subscribers earlier that it has downgraded its top-notch credit rating of France from 'AAA', but has since issued a clarification and is investigating the cause of the error.
The rags-to-riches story of a billionaire BARBER!
Ramesh Babu has a barber shop and a booming car rental business in Bengaluru, but still prefers to cut hair so that he never forgets his humble beginnings, writes .
IIP nos disappointing, 6% growth likely: Rangarajan
Prime Minister's economic advisory panel chief C Rangarajan has described the dip in factory output in September as 'disappointing' and said industry may grow by just 6 per cent in the current fiscal, as against the earlier projection of 7 per cent.
Here's what Horlicks is doing to succeed
GlaxoSmithKline is piggybacking the Rs 1,600-crore (Rs 16-billion) brand to step into newer product categories.
Visa misuse case: US court rejects Infy's plea for arbitration
Infosys had earlier requested the court to decide the case filed by its former employee Jack Palmer on the alleged B-1 business visa misuse by an arbitrator instead of a judge or a jury.
Slowdown: India's industrial growth falls
Continuing its dismal performance, industrial growth fell further to 1.9 per cent in September, mainly due to poor output from the manufacturing sector.
World's 20 most powerful people in finance
Euro Zone is reeling under a debt crisis, USA is downgraded and world leaders are losing sleep over their attempts to find ways to beat slowdown.
Six personal loan truths that you MUST know!
Since the documentation required is little and the disbursement is faster, it automatically tops the list of anyone who is in need of emergency cash.
Tata Motors launches revamped Sumo in Pune
The vehicle is being manufactured in the company's Bhosari plant.
IMAGES: India's biggest infrastructure projects
India has seen rapid progress in various big-budget infrastructure projects.
Biggest crisis: Kingfisher hits air pocket
After oil firms' rebuff over dues, rival Jet refuses to accommodate Kingfisher passengers due to non-payment.
Ratan Tata may remain head of group trusts
He may play an indirect role in group beyond Dec next year.
IMAGES: The stunning Skoda Rapid soon in India
Reports suggest that this new sedan has a lot of potential to beat its competitors in the segment.
The ASTOUNDING story of the fall of Kingfisher Airlines
After recast, Kingfisher Airlines total debt reportedly came down to Rs 7,057 crore (Rs 7,057 billion) which is still considered very high for a private domestic carrier.
India's top 5 PC makers by market share
"This growth was primarily driven by the mobile PC market which grew 29 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2011," said Vishal Tripathi, principal research analyst at Gartner.
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| November 10, 2011 | | S&P differs with Moody's, upgrades Indian banks!
Differing with the downgrade accorded by Moody's, leading ratings agency Standard & Poor's has upgraded the Indian banking sector saying its domestic regulations are in line with international standards.
India, Pak agree to move towards a new trade deal
The two leaders also agreed that bilateral trade will be conducted on Most Favoured Nation basis.
COLUMN: How will the MFN status help India and Pakistan?
New Delhi and Islamabad have, in the recent past, taken many positive steps to make bilateral relations cordial. For instance, the two countries have firmed up a draft bilateral visa agreement that will ease travel between the two countries.
2G scam: Ambani, other executives may be examined on Friday
The much-awaited trial in the 2G spectrum allocation scam case, involving high-profile accused, including former Telecom Minister A Raja, DMK MP Kanimozhi, top corporate honchos and telecom firms, is likely to commence from Friday before a Delhi court.
Slowdown blow: Hyundai drops diesel engine plant plan
The slowdown in the Indian automotive market has resulted in its first major casualty, with the country's second largest car-maker Hyundai Motor shelving a plan to set up a diesel engine manufacturing plant at an investment of Rs 400 crore (Rs 4 billion).
Global audio brand Harman tunes in to India
Harman, the premium global audio and infotainment group, which retails brands such as JBL, AKG and Harman-Kardon, is training Indian engineers based at its research and development centre in Bangalore to work on audio components for brands like BMW and Audi. This business contributes an estimated $600 million to the company's sales.
Mamata must learn the limits of populism
No doubt Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's gentle reminder that she did not oppose the Cabinet's June decision to decontrol fuel prices also encouraged her to soften her opposition.
Another SCAM on rupee depreciation, exports boom?
Who are the gainers from all these economic policies of SEZs, weakening Rupee, tax breaks, etc? Obviously, it is fictitious exporters and shady foreign investors.
Jet staff union says it won't allow job cuts
The airline, on its part, on Wednesday denied retrenchment plans.
Tata Motors goes on Nano overdrive
During the festive season, dealers of Tata Motors reported a robust pick-up in demand for the Nano.
Lipton Tea found with TOXIC content in China
The five tea brands were among 19 oolong products that were found not adhering to regulatory standards.
PHOTOS: India's 20 most powerful women in business
Chanda Kochchar has been ranked as the most powerful woman in business.
Kingfisher woes add tailwind to air fares
A partial withdrawal of flights by Kingfisher Airlines has led to a more than 100 per cent rise in spot fares on key metro routes.
20 nations with the WEAKEST pension systems
Pension is a regular (normally monthly) payment that a person gets when he/she has retired from a job. This regular payment is obtained from an investment fund to which that person, or his/her employer, contributed during the time the person was working.
IMAGES: India's top 13 tourist destinations
Tourism in India is the largest service industry.
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| November 09, 2011 | | SAARC nations more pragmatic than EU, ASEAN
The SAARC nations have been more pragmatic than their peers in the ASEAN and EU, indicated an official source on the eve of the 17th SAARC Summit to be held in Male on November 10-11, even as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh left for Maldives for the SAARC Summit on Wednesday.
Pakistan will not backtrack: Khar on MFN status
Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar on Wednesday said Islamabad is not backtracking on its decision to normalise bilateral trade with New Delhi.
Gold zooms to an all-time high of Rs 29,000
Gold crossed the all-time high level of Rs 29,000 while silver coins touched the record Rs 68,000 mark in the bullion market here on strong demand propelled by ongoing marriage season and deepening financial worries.
Walmart sets up R&D centre in India for e-commerce biz
US-based retailer Walmart is setting up a research centre in India to develop technologies and solutions for its global e-commerce business.
Modi's visit to China creates a buzz
He pitched for Gujarat while Chinese businessmen heard him with rapt attention. Modi is on a five day visit to China on an invitation from Communist party of China.
Future Quotient: Just what is it all about?
Future Quotient (FQ) is both an idea and a business concept designed to measure the ability to think and act not merely for the present but future generations.
Stunning PIX: World's 20 best architectural marvels
Take a look at the amazing projects that won the World Architecture awards in 2011.
EXPLAINED: The Eurozone's impending disaster!
with low interest rates these countries went on a borrowing spree and since they borrowed much more than their repayment capacity is, they are in a mess. Greece is the smallest of these countries and is in the biggest mess.
PIX: India's car sales see biggest fall in a decade
Domestic passenger car sales declined by 23.77 per cent to 1,38,521 units in October, 2011, from 1,81,704 units in the same month last year.
Moody's downgrades Indian banks, govt fumes
International credit ratings agency Moody's Investors Service changed its outlook for India's banking system to negative from stable due to concerns that an increasingly challenging operating environment will adversely affect asset quality, capitalisation, and profitability.
Rajaratnam to pay $ 92 million as penalty in insider trading
A US judge has ordered disgraced billionaire Raj Rajaratnam to pay over USD 92 million as penalty in the insider trading case filed against him by the US financial regulator, saying the "huge and brazen nature" of his fraud "cries out" for such an unprecedented fine.
Kingfisher to CANCEL 31 flights daily till Nov 19
At least 34 flights of Kingfisher airlines were cancelled on Tuesday with the Vijay Mallya-owned carrier maintaining these were planned curtailments.
India has 18,000 tonne of gold in private hands!
, Manappuram had commissioned ICRA Management Consulting Services (IMaCS) to study the gold loans market in the country and they came out with a report, 'Gold Loans Market in India, 2009'. This was a pioneering study; the first time that a scientific study of the gold loans market in India was carried out.
IMAGES: 5 most expensive SUVs in the world
Most SUVs are designed with an engine compartment, a combined passenger and cargo compartment, and no dedicated trunk.
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| November 08, 2011 | | PM gave no assurance on petro price rollback: TMC
They registered their protest with a warning that any other such increase would make the party consider its future ties with the UPA.
IMAGES: India's 10 highest paid CEOs
Naveen Jindal remains the highest paid corporate head in India for the second consecutive year.
Taxes account for 38% of new petrol price
The new rate is based on a basic price of petrol, without including any taxes, refining cost or margin, of Rs 41.38 per litre, oil company officials said.
Brussels: Finance ministers begin the daunting task
The finance chiefs face the daunting task of putting flesh on the bare bones of the agreement reached by EU leaders last month, intended to stem the fiscal bleed afflicting the region.
What it costs to get an electricity connection around the world
Getting electricity connection in a new building or a new factory is not an easy task.
28% drop in American L-1 visas to Indians
This data was obtained from the US Department of State in a new report by the National Foundation for American Policy, an Arlington, Virginia-based policy research group, which focuses on US immigration policy.
How food inflation can be tamed, an expert's view
Food inflation, which remains remarkably high at over 12 per cent, could be tamed through innovative agriculture business models, a KPMG report said.
Why is the US keen on investing in India
But cautions about some damage in short term, next three quarters may see high volatility.
SPECIAL: Can IIMs break free from government's clutches?
While IIM-Bangalore wrenches free from the government, heated disagreements remain over corporate donations for board seats as well as mandatory teaching hours.
IPL, MNCs offer internship to IIM-K students
In the two year programme, after the first year, every student has to undertake 8 week internship in an organisation.
Investing tips for the new 'Crorepati', Sushil Kumar
"I haven't thought about how I should spend this money as yet. The first thing I will do, though, is build a house for my family," says Sushil.
Goan miners fear a Karnataka-like crisis
With the probe of the Centre-appointed Shah commission into alleged irregularities entering its last lap, Goan miners have started bracing themselves for a possible Karnataka-like blanket ban on mining and exports.
IMAGES: World's 20 most powerful business people
They are the world's most powerful people in the corporate world. They lead big companies or world's leading financial institutions.
PHOTOS: Delhi, Mumbai among world's richest cities
There are some cities in the world where earnings are really high.
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| November 07, 2011 | | How advertising is blending virtual, real worlds
Moving beyond the virtual world, brands are using user testimonials in mainstream ads.
Barclays pegs India's growth at 7-8%
According to the financial services firm, India's growth pattern remains skewed towards the services sector and is heavily dependent on domestic consumption, which it said, raises the possibility that the imbalance between the services and other sectors may widen even further.
Yachting: The new sunrise sport in India
"World over the cruising industry has grown consistently. Its compounded annual growth rate is 6.5-7 per cent. In India, cruising is growing 8-10 per cent year-on-year (albeit on a much smaller base) for the three-four years. It can improve with better infrastructure," said Royal Caribbean Cruise India representative Gautam Chadha.
'A double-dip recession not unlikely'
In a wide-ranging interview with Business Standard, the professor with Columbia University says economic power is already shifting to emerging market economies.
India will continue to dominate KPO sector: Report
The potential KPO delivery locations, including China, the Philippines and Sri Lanka, are unlikely to challenge India's dominant position in the market, but they have enabled many vendors to pursue a multi-shore strategy, it said.
Indian activist drums support for Occupy Wall Street
In conversation with , activist and musician Sonny Singh drums in the importance of the Occupy Wall Street protests.
Why the king of fruits did not make it to Australia?
Australia finally gave a green signal to imports of mangoes from India this year, but the king of fruits didn't make it to the market shelves. The initial 1.267 tonnes of mangoes were found to be rotten or over ripe on arrival in Australia and had to be destroyed, resulting in the two importers incurring losses of nearly A$100,000.
COLUMN: The investor's dilemma
India Inc will regain its appetite for investing only when better governance improves the market mood.
COLUMN: The power of the Chinese economy
The head of the European monetary authority stepped off the plane at Beijing airport, and was transported by a high-speed train faster than France's TGV, to the centre of Beijing.
Using Facebook in office? Beware of threats
A global survey on social media risks reveals a dangerous gap in corporate social media security.
INSIDER Story: How Hero Honda became Hero MotoCorp
On December 16 last year, Hero Honda informed the stock markets that the partnership was over and Honda would soon exit the company.
IMAGES: How Delhi airport plans to earn more money
DIAL has seen a sixfold rise in the number of transit passengers to 6,000 in the past one year, but it's just 7.5 per cent of the 80,000 passengers handled daily and contributes only six per cent to the total sales at the airport.
Investors question golden handshake to Maruti workers
Institutional investors and independent advisors are questioning the company's crisis-handling process in the wake of reports that several workers, including strike leaders Sonu Gujjar and Shiv Kumar, quietly resigned after pocketing hefty payouts.
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| November 04, 2011 | | Unfazed PM virtually JUSTIFIES fuel price hike
Unfazed by ally Trinamool Congress' threat of even withdrawing support, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today virtually justified the hike in petrol prices, saying there should be further movement towards deregulation of fuel prices.
Allies slam petro price hike, a roll back possible
UPA's largest ally Trinamool Congress on Friday strongly protested the unilateral petrol price hike, but said it has not taken any decision to pull out of the government and entrusted party supremo Mamata Banerjee to have the 'final word' on the issue.
Now, no more prepayment penalty on home loan
These decisions by NHB will come into effect immediately and will cover all housing finance companies including LIC housing finance.
Nooyi wants 50% revenues from emerging markets in 5 years
She expects to expand the Indian distribution system in a big way.
IMAGES: World's 10 largest stock exchanges
Trillions of transactions take place in these bourses making investors poorer or richer...
Want to invest in gold? Read this
Media, brokers and bullion traders have been predicting various numbers which gold will touch subsequently.
Here's what you need to know about hybrid loans
In a rising interest rate scenario, borrowers generally tend to hold back on procuring loans.
IN PIX: How 20 Indian states fare against the world
Despite India's two decades of rapid growth, Uttar Pradesh's GDP per head is close to that of Kenya.
COLUMN: Has the rupee truly recovered?
The near-vertical rise in rupee volatility (from 5.4 per cent to 9.5 per cent) since mid-August, accompanied by a collapse in the rupee to below 50 to the dollar, has rattled most companies. While the rupee has recovered somewhat, volatility – and nervousness – remains high.
SC grants bail to Ramalinga Raju
The Supreme Court has granted bail to Satyam's founder B Ramalinga Raju in multi-crore accounting fraud case.
SPECIAL: Can the Planning Commission reinvent itself?
Caught in the middle of a maelstrom of controversies, the Planning Commission has been accused of being disconnected from ground realities. Its 12th Plan hopes to fix that.
Black money: Manmohan Singh urges G20 to take strong steps
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has urged the G20 nations to send a strong message to control the 'serious problems' of tax evasion and illicit flows that have grave bearing on the developing nations' future.
IN PIX: World's 10 most expensive watches
One cannot afford a watch costing millions of dollars but any information on it makes an interesting piece to read.
IMAGES: New SUV in town. The sizzling Range Rover Evoque
Range Rover Evoque, being a high-segment SUV, is loaded with exciting and brilliant features, which makes this car an exquisite model.
What Mahatma Gandhi and Steve Jobs had in common
The icons from two different eras had an intuitive sense of what it took to strike a chord with the masses.
'Indian markets unlikely to slip below Oct lows'
A meaningful correction in global oil prices and/or progress on key reforms would be important re-rating triggers for the Indian stock market, says Bharat Iyer, executive director and the head of India equity research at JPMorgan.
Nita Ambani - woman with a middle class heart
She has been described as Reliance's real programme manager.
Bharti's Q2 net profit down by 38.17% at Rs 1,027 cr
This is the seventh straight quarter in which Bharti Airtel has reported a consecutive decline in its net profit.
IMAGES: 20 best nations to live in
Latin America has the largest income inequality, although it is more equitable than sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia in life expectancy and schooling, states a UNDP report.
IMAGES: The stunning Rs 3.69 crore Lamborghini Aventador
Looking to tap the fast-growing Indian market, Italian luxury sports car-maker Automobili Lamborghini SpA on Thursday launched its latest model, the 'Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4', priced at Rs 3.69 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi), in the country.
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| November 03, 2011 | | India for big IMF role for support to Eurozone
Extending full support to Europe, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Thursday that a quick solution to the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis was required but it should not be at the cost of growth of the developing nations like India.
BJP calls petro hike as 'midnight deceit', Left wants roll back
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday alleged that the hike in petrol prices was yet another act of "midnight deceit" by the UPA and insisted that the common man would not spare the dispensation led by the "economist" Prime Minister for its arrogance.
Yet another blow! Petrol price hiked by Rs 1.80
Oil companies on Thursday again hiked petrol prices by Rs 1.80 per litre to offset the fall in rupee that has made imports of crude costlier.
India tops Asia for family-controlled listed companies
The study, conducted by global financial services major Credit Suisse, found that 67 per cent of all listed companies in India were family-controlled entities.
MFN status to India: Pak govt issues confusing statements
Hours after announcing that it would grant the much-delayed MFN status to India, Pakistan government issued several confusing statements which made no direct mention of the significant step aimed at boosting bilateral trade.
IMAGES: World's 10 largest shopping malls
Malls have become an inevitable part of the retail boom all over the world.
US welcomes Pakistan's MFN status to India
The US has welcomed Pakistani cabinet's move to grant the much-delayed Most Favoured Nation trade status to India, terming it a positive development towards the economic integration of the region.
Gold costlier by Rs 50, silver plunges by Rs 200
Gold in global markets, which normally sets the price trend on the domestic front, recorded a sharp gain of USD 17.50 to USD 1,738.40 an ounce and silver rose by 2.45 per cent to USD 34.27 an ounce in New York last evening.
IMAGES: 6 cheapest SUVs in India
The diesel engine option for almost all SUVs cuts down the burden on commoners, thanks to low diesel price.
Why younger employees prefer mobility over money
A good salary is important for the youngsters, but many of them would prefer a job that allows mobile connectivity to the workplace and provides social media freedom, a study has found.
Misery continues: Food inflation surges to 12.21%
Eggs, meat and fish also became 13.36 per cent more expensive on an annual basis, while cereal prices were up 4.13 per cent.
Black money: India urges G-20 to take strong actions
India on Wednesday said it hopes the G-20 nations will pay heed to its call for a strong action on the issue of black money stashed in tax havens during their crucial summit in Cannes.
BAD NEWS! Diesel, LPG prices set to rise again
Time opportune before state polls as inflation is moderating.
Quality of life? India ranks at a dismal 134!
In the 2010 Human Development Report, prepared by UNDP, India had been ranked at 119 out of 169 countries.
VP Nandakumar: Man with the Midas touch
The man behind this miraculous growth is 57-year-old VP Nandakumar, the executive chairman of Manappuram Group. He took over the reigns of the shop in 1986 when his father fell ill.
Photos: Petrol is CHEAPEST in these 10 nations!
Demand, supply imbalance and taxes influence petrol and diesel prices.
Images: World's most STUNNING car parks
Some of the world's best car parking spaces and auto dealerships are architectural wonders.
How these 30 nations treat their women
85 per cent of countries have improved their gender equality ratios.
India at G20: Will big economies be able to deliver the goods?
Even as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived in the quaint, quiet resort of Cannes in southern France on Wednesday for the G20 Summit, the air was thick with doubt if the leaders of the world's largest economies would be able to deliver the goods and rein in the galloping debt crisis. reports from Cannes.
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| November 02, 2011 | | India may consider financing bailout of Eurozone: FM
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday hinted at financing for sorting out Eurozone crisis after a credible assessment of solvency problem is made.
Jobs will woo 3 lakh NRIs to return by 2015
The finding also highlights that for a majority of reverse migrants, job satisfaction levels in India will outshine their previous overseas jobs within the next 2-3 years.
'Left govt's unrestrained borrowing led to Rs 1.92 lakh-cr debt'
In a telephonic conversation, Mitra explains to how the state is reeling under a huge debt, a 'legacy' of the Left government.
IMAGES: Technology at its best
Take a look at stunning photos from the technology world...
PM hopes G20 leaders will put global economy on track
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday expected the Summit of world's 20 leading economies to signal a 'strong and coordinated approach' to put the global economy back on track, while addressing medium term structural issues.
28 nations that pay LEAST and MOST bribes
Transparency International, a global anti-corruption group, has just released the Bribe Payers 2011 Index.
IN PIX: 10 countries with most billionaires
The 2011 Wealth Report published a list of 10 countries with most billionaires.
Is RBI's credit policy a volte-face?
explains how the central bank's acceptance of a new normal for inflation could drive future policy decisions.
PHOTOS: World's 17 biggest employers
While the world is going through tough economic times, there are some organisations that are adding jobs instead of cutting.
How to maximise WEALTH? Few golden tips
During high inflation times, calculate real returns to maximise wealth.
Pakistan grants MFN status to India
The MFN status, which means that Pakistan will give trade treatment to India at par with its other partners, is likely to boost bilateral economic ties.
PIX: InterGlobe launches Atom in India at Rs 85 lakh!
Diversified business house InterGlobe Enterprises on Wednesday said it has launched British sportscar maker Ariel Motor's Atom range of cars in India, priced up to Rs 85 lakh.
Is govt an enlightened shareholder?
Does the UPA govt have any other options if it wants to exploit its public sector assets to raise resources and bridge its fiscal deficit?
India improves score in global bribery index
In a list of 28 countries, India has been ranked 19th, while China and Russia were fared the worst, at 27th and 28th positions, respectively.
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| November 01, 2011 | | PM to take up India's concerns at G20 Summit in Cannes
The prime minister will be assisted by Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, India's Sherpa to the G20 process.
Petrol prices likely to go up by Rs 1.82/litre
It remains to be seen if the government will concede to the demand of oil companies just before the winter session of Parliament.
Govt must reveal names of all 700 black money holders: BJP
BJP also demanded that the government make public the action taken to bring back Indian money stashed abroad and steps initiated to prosecute such tax evaders.
Govt disagrees with Wipro chief's remarks on governance
"I cannot agree with any statement which says that there is lack of governance. I cannot agree with that perception at all," Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters.
Auto majors record mixed sales in Oct; Maruti slips
Auto majors, except Maruti, register marginal growth in sales in October.
Planning to retire? Take a look at India's BEST places
These places are best suited for retirement in India, in terms of it's proximity to the city, medical and infrastructure facilities, good location with interesting local activities and places to explore, safety and a cosmopolitan outlook with low cost of living.
Occupy Wall Street gets a desi flavour
Occupy Wall Street protests have a distinct desi flavour that goes beyond the belief in militant non-violence.
IMAGES: The 4 closest rivals of Hyundai Eon
Maruti Alto or Hyundai Eon? The comparison is here!
How Wipro recorded positive growth despite global economic issues
We saw the highest growth coming in from BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance) last quarter than any of our competitors. It has grown very well. But the others have also now stepped up their focus on BFSI.
Mumbai homes may just become CHEAPER
Home prices in Mumbai are headed for a sharp correction, while others may remain stagnant due to rising unsold stock, says a report from Bank of India Merrill Lynch.
Images: The making of the world's LARGEST gold coin
Australia has unveiled the world's largest gold coin, weighing a massive 1,000 kg to mark the visit of Queen Elizabeth II.
New savings rate: A bonanza for small depositors
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has at last rung down the curtain on administered lending rates by freeing the interest rate on savings bank accounts.
Stunning PHOTOS: Rise of the megacities
Take a look at the rise of megacities across the world...
93-day Manipur economic blockade partially off
Senapati district happens to be inhabited largely by different communities of the Kukis, the Nepalis, and the Nagas. Within the district, Sadar Hills is dominated demographically by the Kukis.
Richard Branson lends a hand to tiger conservation
The 61-year British business tycoon flew into New Delhi on Saturday evening to help efforts in conservation of tiger, which he says his favourite animal.
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| October 31, 2011 | | India growth projection at 7.6% for 2011-12: Citigroup
Maintaining its growth forecast for the Indian economy at 7.6 per cent for 2011-12, financial services major Citigroup on Monday said higher farm output is expected to offset sluggishness in the industrial sector.
Who is to blame for America's financial mess?
The money from America that ends up abroad brings prosperity and generates more jobs at the cost of jobs in the US.
Global giants plan thousands of job cuts to save costs
More than 1,35,000 job cuts have been announced by just about a dozen multi-national companies in past few months in their efforts to slash costs and those from the financial services space are among the worst hit.
Prices will begin to drop soon, says Pranab
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said that inflation will start easing soon as the government's efforts to remove supply-side bottlenecks have started yielding results.
Catch a glimpse of the NEW Renault Pulse
Powered by a new 1.5L diesel engine, Renault Pulse delivers an impressive mileage of 23 kmpl.
How PSU giants are eating up India's precious resources
Historically, public sector units were conceived of under the assumption that they will control the 'commanding heights' of the Indian economy, which were necessary for rapid industrial growth but where private investment was unwilling to enter.
EU's rescue plan offers temporary reprieve
Perhaps the most important thing that has come out of it is clarity about the extent of private sector involvement in the Greek bail-out programme.
S Ramadorai on life after TCS
S Ramadorai is now the vice-chairman of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) after being its MD and CEO for a decade. He is also advisor to the Prime Minister on the National Skill Development Council (NSDC).
A big food crisis likely, prices to RISE further
Catastrophic flooding and crop losses in Thailand - the world's leading rice exporter - are raising concerns that another food crisis may be in the offing.
AI to train pilots for Boeing 787 in Singapore
Air India will train its pilots in Singapore for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, due for delivery from December. The move is sparking a protest from one of its pilots' unions, on promotion issues.
India needs change in policies to boost manufacturing
India needs manufacturing sector growth for a variety of reasons.
Qantas resumes operations after 44-hour shutdown
The first Qantas domestic flight took off from the airport in Melbourne with passengers cheering as boarding began after the airline was grounded on Saturday following series of union issues.
'Occupy Dalal Street' seeks the spotlight
Starting this Friday, Prakash Reddy, secretary of the Communist Party of India, plans to occupy Dalal Street accompanied by whoever he manages to woo by then.
COLUMN: Fixing India's broken education system
Education is merely seen as a means to further one's career. A bunch of entrepreneurs are trying to change this.
The rise and fall of Rajat Gupta
From a man used to rubbing shoulders with the most powerful businessmen in the world, Rajat Gupta is now staring at a lengthy prison sentence.
Population @ 7 billion: Chilling IMAGES from around the globe
Overpopulation is the biggest threat to our planet.
Japan Delhi Metro's knight in shining armour again
Sharp jump in soft loans to help DMRC finance surge in construction cost.
Wipro Q2 net up 1.24% at Rs 1,300 cr
Last year, the company had posted a net profit of Rs 1,284.9 crore (Rs 12.84 billion) for the second quarter, as per international accounting standards.
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| October 30, 2011 | | Niira Radia exits communication consultancy biz
In a surprise move, Niira Radia, owner and promoter of Vaishnavi Group which has the mandate from Tata Group and Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd, has announced her exit from the business of communication consultancy.
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| October 28, 2011 | | Sulking Maya complains against Jairam to PM
Accusing Jairam of making a mountain out of a molehill, she has sought to draw the prime minister's attention to the minister's bid to generalise some information.
COLUMN: Can Occupy London transform the financial world?
The encampment of protestors started out in the square at the front of the towering St Paul's cathedral, one of London's best loved landmarks.
Post-Diwali investors richer by Rs 1,500,000,000,000
A strong rally in the stock market, the biggest in the last two months, on Friday added an estimated Rs 1.5 lakh crore to the investors' wealth.
Meet the wannabe poster boys of e-commerce
Flipkart's Sachin and Binny Bansal may have become the poster boys of the Indian e-commerce industry, but there are a host of others who are emerging from the shadows.
SPECIAL: The changing face of Sivakasi
Sivakasi of today is not the Sivakasi of yesteryear.
What kind of superpower will China be?
By 2030, China will exercise dominance while still being only an upper middle-income country.
World's 25 best firms to work for, Microsoft No.1
Software giant Microsoft has topped a list of the world's best multinational companies to work for, where all the top-ten positions have been bagged by American firms.
Savings rate deregulation: How does it affect you?
The deregulation has also helped build efficiency in the system where there is not much difference between savings deposit rates and market rate. There is no reason why India should not have this norm as well.
Mangu Singh: The man who will run Delhi Metro
Mangu Singh will take over from E Sreedharan.
EXCLUSIVE! It's Maharashtra's turn to draw flak on rural jobs
Ramesh wants Maharashtra to be a pace setter.
PHOTOS: World's 20 most generous nations
A report, released recently by the British-based Charities Aid Foundation, showed striking variations in charitable behaviour across the world.
Indian airlines go on penny-pinching spree!
Amid surging oil prices and depreciating rupee, Indian carriers are becoming frugal.
IMAGES: This is where the Internet was born
The original lab, which for years had been used as a classroom, has been recreated as it was in 1969.
2G scam: How Raja's secretary overruled advice
Instructions of the personal secretary to the minister were taken as instructions of the minister himself.
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| October 27, 2011 | | Rajat Gupta's arrest sends shockwaves through ISB
The $130-million world class premier Indian School of Business in Hyderabad, a brain child of Rajat Gupta, was nurtured by him and his other colleagues in McKinsey through the nineties and the last decade.
A childhood friend on why Rajat Gupta surrendered on Diwali
Julka recalls that after the May conviction of Gupta's billionaire friend hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam, Gupta seemed worried and nervous about his own future.
IN PIX: India's 25 richest people
The combined wealth of India's 100 richest people is down 20 per cent from a year ago to $241 billion.
Nokia launches 'Asha' with eye on India
Nokia has launched two new phones.
Food inflation rises sharply to 11.43 per cent
Food inflation, as measured by Wholesale Price Index, stood at 10.60 per cent in the previous week.
REVEALED: The New BMW 3-series
German carmaker BMW AG has unveiled its longer, lighter version of its core 3-Series midsize car.
PHOTOS: Dreamliner takes off on maiden flight
The All Nippon Airways Flight NH7871 left Tokyo shortly after noon, arriving four hours and eight minutes later to be greeted by traditional dance and music.
World population to hit 7 bn on Oct 31
The UN urges the global community to seize the opportunity and invest in health and education of its youth.
Gupta pleads not guilty in insider trading, released on bail
He will be arraigned before US District Judge Jed Rakoff in the US District Court, Southern District of New York.
IMAGES: World's 10 busiest ports!
Global consumer demand dictates the flow of container shipping.
Internet surfers: Mumbai scores, Bangalore falls
The survey found that towns with less than 2 lakh population collectively returned a much higher number of internet users that the top four metros put together.
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| October 25, 2011 | | Ashok Soota on starting from scratch at age 69
For MindTree, he met the other co-founders through the VC. He is enjoying himself thoroughly and "excited and very pleased with the team" he has been able to build. Given the depth of experience assembled, he considers it "the strongest start-up team for an IT services company."
COLUMN: Will America see economic revolution?
US financial sector not only dominates the US economy, it also in effect controls the US politics, policies and programmes.
RBI rate hike: Home, auto loans to be costlier
Banks have not raised interest rates following the September review of credit policy.
COLUMN: What it takes to be Ratan Tata?
Those in charge of the search for a suitable successor to , who heads the group that bears his name, seem to be sweating for a solution.
RBI frees savings bank interest rate, depositors may get more
While freeing interest rates on savings bank accounts, the RBI has said that banks will have to offer a uniform interest rate on deposits of up to Rs 100,000.
NREGA fraud: Where is the money, Jairam asks Maya
The National Level Monitors have pointed out grave irregularities in the NREGA scheme in Uttar Pradesh.
IMAGES: Amazing interiors of Boeing's business jet
The Boeing Business Jet series are variants of Boeing airliners for the corporate jet market.
Bad News! RBI hikes rates by another 25 bps
Reserve Bank on Tuesday raised key interest rates by 25 basis points, its 13th such hike since March, 2010.
Investing in gold? MUST READ this!
India (NRIs included) goes crazy about gold jewellery.
India to grow FASTER than China in 2013
Bolstered by industrialisation, India is projected to grow at a faster clip than neighbouring China with a 9 per cent economic expansion in 2013, says a report by global consultancy firm Ernst & Young.
What's on offer for home buyers?
Real estate firms are facing a cash crunch because of low sales, increasing inventory costs and higher cost of funds.
Indians pay the HIGHEST for petrol and diesel!
Petrol costs less than a dollar in the OPEC region.
Why India is grappling with labour issues
Although India is a labour-surplus economy with an unlimited number of workers willing to work at a subsistence wage a paradoxical feature of the labour market is the rising incidence of scarcity or shortages amid a situation of potential plenty.
This is how India can sustain its growth
In 2008-09 boosting consumption helped sustain growth. Now it's investment that needs a boost.
IMAGES: World's most and least happy countries!
A new report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development offers a comprehensive picture of people's lives in 40 countries worldwide.
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| October 24, 2011 | | 'India's environment for entrepreneurship positive'
Fourth edition of TiE Chennai's TiECON, Chennai 2011 will be held on November 24.
BAD NEWS! India Inc set to register worst growth
Costly inputs, dearer loans, volatile rupee squeeze profits, margins in Q2.
Prince Charles plans to turn Buckingham Palace into hotel
According to sources quoted in the upcoming book penned by BBC broadcaster Andrew Marr, the 62-year-old Prince wants to put his own stamp on monarchy by formulating a 'detailed plan for a first year of change under King Charles III'.
Is it time to privatise oil trade in India?
Indian consumers and oil companies are losing out because buying remains a government monopoly.
Diwali 2011: India Inc's wishlist
Gadgets and gizmos that the big bosses of the business world are hoping to lay their hands on this gifting season.
IMAGES: The stunning Rs 2.69 lakh Hyundai Eon
The Hyundai Eon is all set to take the game to the Maruti Suzuki Alto.
Yashwant Sinha on DTC and Services Tax
As chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on finance, former finance minister, Yashwant Sinha, says he is committed to expediting the legislative work associated with important Bills, including the direct taxes code (DTC) and Goods and Servies Tax.
'Mean' Jobs admired Facebook CEO Zuckerberg
Apple's late co-founder Steve Jobs, who is described by his biographer as being "brittle and very mean to people," had high regards for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and admired his Silicon valley counterpart for "not selling out."
Tatas mull Group CEO post to ease chairman's workload
This move is seen as a way to create an enabling structure for the new chairman, where he or she will have the support of an experienced team to share some of the responsibilities in running the conglomerate through Tata Sons.
Will Mysore play host to mass rapid transit system?
Now that Bangalore has the 'Namma Metro', will Mysore too play host to a mass rapid transit system?
REVEALED! Steve Jobs learnt intuition in India
Walter Isaacson says Jobs' design sense was greatly influenced by the "simplicities of Zen Buddhism."
Images: 28 nations with highest UNEMPLOYMENT rate
There is no doubt that the global economic crisis has further exposed the fragility of youth in the labour market.
Early birds catch very little worm
Costly inputs, dearer loans, volatile rupee squeeze profits, margins in Q2.
Images: Onboard the STUNNING Norwegian Epic
Norwegian Epic has one of the best accommodation facilities, dining and entertainment avenues for passengers on a luxury cruise.
World's top 20 RICE producing nations
One of the reasons why food prices are increasing all across the world is the shortfall in agricultural output.
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| October 21, 2011 | | Human Development Index: Kerala No. 1, Delhi 2nd
The Human Development Index in the country rose by 21 per cent, according to a report which cautions that health, nutrition and sanitation remain the key challenges for India.
Manesar strike loss pegged at Rs 700 cr
The agreement provides for reinstatement of 64 dismissed permanent workers by MSI, which will also take back 1,200 casual workers.
Govt working to make private sector bribery criminal: PM
Speaking at the Biennial Conference of CBI and state anti-corruption bureaux, the Prime Minister said India has ratified UN Conventions against corruption and to meet its requirements a slew of measures which include amendments in laws pertaining to anti-graft measures.
IMAGES: 12 hatchbacks that cost between Rs 300,000 and Rs 500,000
Indians are offered ample choice in the Rs 300,000 - Rs 500,000 category, where consumers can buy a car, which is not only loaded with remarkable features but is also high on brand value.
Why Greece can't be rescued, but is still being rescued!
If profligate Greece defaults on its debt, it will pull down many other European economies, says .
IMAGES: 29 countries with most economic freedom
In some countries opening and running a business is as easy as travelling from one city to another, while in some it means battling layers of bureaucracy.
In Pix: ICICI's Chanda Kochhar is among the world's sexiest CEOs
Chief executive officers (CEOs) are known not just for their outstanding capabilities, they are also famous as style icons.
IMAGES: World's 10 most precious gems
We present here a list of some of the world's most precious, rare and valuable gems.
SBI hikes home loan tenure to 30 years
Rising rates prompt extension by 10 more years; others may follow suit.
Firms in India, China, US facing high FRAUD risk
Organizations operating in multiple geographies, legal environments and cultures face a complex set of challenges and risks as they develop their business.
How to eliminate corruption? Abolish the laws
Inexplicably, the Law Minister does not realise that all these economic crimes are highly damaging to our economy and social fabric.
IMAGES: World's most business-friendly countries
While some countries are business friendly, others are not.
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| October 20, 2011 | | Telecom ministry targets Rs 650,000-crore investment!
According to a background note prepared for the Economic Editors conference, the Telecom Ministry has made a provision of adding 1,200 million new telephone connections by 2017.
Maruti's next auto hub: Will Gujarat clinch the deal?
It is a raging battle between the states as automobile companies explore ideal locations to set up manufacturing bases.
Bad news! Food inflation zooms to 10.60%
Food inflation is back in double digits after a gap of a month-and-a-half and stood at 10.60 per cent for the week ending October 8 on the back of costlier vegetables, fruits, milk and protein-based items.
Stunning PICS: World's longest suspension bridges
These bridges are one of the world's best engineering marvels.
IMAGES: Bengaluru's swanky metro rail starts service
The IT capital's much awaited Bangalore's metro rail service, 'Namma Metro' will start operations from 20 October, 2011.
IMAGES: Stunning buildings in 10 future cities
With cities getting cluttered with concrete jungles, there is a need for innovative building designs.
17 countries that waste MOST food
With people consuming more every day, the problem of waste is increasing.
Indian market not cheaper than global peers
The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex has declined 17 per cent in this calendar year and has underperformed the US and European markets.
Average wealth of an Indian triples to Rs 270,000
Still, the average wealth for Indians was way below the global average of $51,000.
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| October 19, 2011 | | Know about UPA ministers' travel travails
Ministers in UPA-II had undertaken over 460 official foreign trips in the first 18 months of its tenure and spent more than 1,800 days abroad.
IMAGES: World's amazing monorail systems
Monorail is an advanced transportation system based on a single rail, which acts as its support and guide way.
Is the quality of IIT students declining?
Yes, thanks to coaching classes and, paradoxically, the IIT brand but let's also give credit where it is due.
Slowdown to hit economy, inflation to moderate soon: FM
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said the global slowdown will impact India's growth prospects, but expressed hope that inflation will start moderating from December.
How to get the right health cover under portability
"Customers can only take the policy in totality. So it's important to understand the benefits offered under the existing health policy and to match those with the plan one wishes to port to," says Apollo Munich Health Insurance CEO Antony Jacob.
Mumbai's changing face hurts dabbawalas' growth
Craze for fast food and growing trend among the youngsters to eat out have led to near stagnation in the customer base of famed Mumbai dabbawalas.
IMAGES: Top 10 gold producing nations
British Geological Survey accessed in September 2011 produced a list of countries by production of gold.
IMAGES: World's 10 biggest cruise ships
The oceans are full of beautiful and massive cruise liners.
You've got mail, it has a fake job offer
TCS, on the careers page of its web site, has put an alert about fake job offers. It has also created a toll-free TCS Careers Serviceline (1800-209-3111) for people to report such job alerts.
Photos: The rich-poor divide in Mumbai
One of the world's top 10 centres of commerce in terms of global financial flow, Mumbai is also home to Asia's largest slum.
IMAGES: Countries with most broadband connections
With the increase in the number of Internet users, demand for broadband connection is also growing.
IMAGES: These cars cost less than Rs 300,000!
Indian consumers with their inherent nature to choose a good value proposition place a low cost hatchback on top of their priority list.
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| October 18, 2011 | | Best ways to invest for your child's future
Planning for your child's future is very crucial to your child's well-being. There are certain points which one should keep in mind before choosing the investment options as it will help you generate optimum capital in future.
Tips on how to manage your home loan smartly
Taking informed decisions to manage the asset that we call home and the liability that we call housing loan. By being prudent, you can get high "returns" in the form of saving on interest outflow.
Intel gears up to woo the Indian consumer
With its Ultrabooks, leading chipmaker, Intel, has brought enterprise features like cloud services, lighter devices with longer battery periods and remote data security on devices like laptops, smartphones and PCs to the consumer.
All about EMI and loan repayment
In the current scenario of rising interest rates, it is vital that you understand important elements in the loan-taking process.
Tourists flock to Kashmir, highest in 25 years!
With tourists coming back to the valley since early spring, Kashmir and its people are brimming with joy.
Why TCS failed to impress post-Infosys cheer
Posts a fall in net profit sequentially despite clocking higher volume growth.
Two contrasting realities rule Asia, says ADB
While the world's largest and the most populous continent has more than doubled its share in the global gross domestic product from 15 per cent in 1950 to 35 per cent currently, billions of its people do not get even basic amenities of life, the Philippines-based institutions president Haruhiko Kuroda said.
EXPLAINED! Why the US dollar is still in demand
At the beginning of September 100 dollars could buy 70 euros, now they can buy 72.5 euros.
China's Q3 GDP slows down to 9.1% on drop in exports
Hit hard by a sharp drop in its trade surplus due to decreasing exports and rising inflation, China's GDP growth rate slowed to 9.1 per cent in the third quarter, the lowest since the fourth quarter of 2010, sparking concerns about a possible hard landing of its economy.
11 things that you can do through ATMs, now
A visit to an ATM today can help you accomplish myriad value-added transaction services like utility payments, pre-paid mobile re-charge, credit card payments, tax payments and much more.
Highways: At less than 9 km a day, it is still in slow lane
The National Highways Authority of India and the road transport ministry together have constructed 1,314 km of highways in the current financial year till August 31.
15 countries with BIGGEST oil reserves
Big movements in the price of oil can have significant impact on the economy.
IMAGES: Bengaluru's swanky metro rail to start on Oct 20
The IT capital's much awaited Bangalore's metro rail service, 'Namma Metro' will start operations from 20 October, 2011.
BMW to launch Rs 25-lakh Mini in India next year
The company also said it will set up separate showrooms for the brand and aims to have up to 12 dealerships across the country for the Mini in the coming years.
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| October 17, 2011 | | 'Better India-Pak trade will be win-win for all'
Pakistan is not raising revenues to the optimum extent. The tax to the GDP ratio is below 10 per cent.
SPECIAL: The secrets behind Titan's success
With a smart combination of edgy design and value pricing Titan's Fastrack has managed to keep a firm grasp on the capricious youth market.
8 reasons why food prices are rising globally, and MORE
It is not just India that is witnessing a continuous increase in food prices.
Many see lack of focus in Occupy Wall Street movement
The protests that began on September 17 by a small group of people in Manhattan have snowballed into a movement against the financial institutions, income inequality and corporate bailouts with thousands taking to the streets and courting arrests.
What is not so 'saral' or 'sahaj' about IT returns
The forms for simplified income tax returns are anything but Saral, Sahaj and Sugam: for many readers these would have a familiar ring particularly in the month of July.
Can Sidhartha Mallya turn Kingfisher to 'good times'?
A familiar face in the glamour circles, Sidhartha Mallya is being groomed to eventually step into his father's shoes.
IMAGES: Look at the building boom world over!
Fast paced urbanisation has taken a toll on the environment.
IMAGES: Top 10 tablet PCs in India
Tablet PCs are getting bolder, sleeker and more alluring than ever. What more? The market is only getting bigger and the competition more fierce.
Sharing tax info: India expresses concern
During a short halt at Tabriz airport in Iran on his way back home, Mukherjee gave i a brief account of the summit, euro zone crisis and what it meant for India.
IMAGES: World's top 15 car manufacturers
China, United States and Japan are the world's top automobile manufacturing countries.
The framework behind executive compensation in India
A recent study by Indian Business School, Hyderabad says that Chief executive officers (CEOs) in India are paid considerably higher compensation than executive directors.
Global rich list: Indians one of the WEALTHIEST
A research company has unveiled the results of the biggest global study into the attitudes and investment priorities of the affluent.
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| October 14, 2011 | | Pranab's prescription to tackle global economic woes
Amid fears of double-dip recession, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday called for concerted action by G-20 nations to provide impetus to the world economy and deal with the related problems.
Billionaire's prison pay: 17 cents an hour cleaning toilets!
He might have presided over assets worth billions of dollars, but Raj Rajaratnam will have to work for 12 to 17 cents an hour cleaning the kitchen or the toilet in prison.
The man behind Rajaratnam's sentencing
Raj Rajaratnam's 11-year sentence might be far less than what United States District Attorney Preet Bharara sought, but the legal eagle and his team have won a "huge victory," felt Ravi Batra, another high-profile desi lawyer in Manhattan.
Rajaratnam's sentencing: A warning to Wall Street!
The sentence -- which some legal considered light -- seemed to be the result of the consideration by the court that Rajaratnam, 54, was apparently in poor health and despite being on the wrong side of the law, had contributed over the years to charities and for benevolent activities.
Dennis Ritchie - Father of Unix and C dies at 70
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, working at Bell Labs, Ritchie made a pair of lasting and very significant contributions to computer science.
IMAGES: Must-see unusual, innovative products!
Take a look at some amazing products from across the world
Australia bets on Indians to triple tourism revenue
Tourist arrivals declined by 6% in Australia after attacks on Indian students.
Slowdown effect: 30% fall in Mumbai realty biz
The government and realty players have admitted that the prices are likely to move upwards and the supply would be affected.
How to get discounts from your mobile app
So, here's another app -- Red Anar -- that not only allows you to explore a city, but also promises to find offers and promotions near you. How's that? Read on . . .
6 tricks that malls use to make you buy MORE
Here is a list of six things that I learnt about how the mall environment can encourage you to buy more.
IMAGES: The stunning Rs 76 lakh Volkswagen Phaeton!
The decision to release the Phaeton was, in part, a response to Mercedes' decision to compete directly with Volkswagen in the European marketplace with the low-cost A-Class.
Govt not using tax money ideally: Shaw
"My view on taxation levels in India is that it is at a reasonable level and I think what is more important is how the government uses taxpayers' money," said Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the Chairman and Managing Director of Biocon, India's largest biotech company by revenue, said.
World's 9 most-famous insider trading cases
There are some who play by the book and there are some who don't. Stock markets are no different.
Income inequality: Where does India stand globally?
With India witnessing massive economic growth, there is a feeling that the gap between the rich and the poor is getting increasingly bigger.
Why US is keen to forge 'education ties' with India
Ron Somers, president of the US-India Business Council, said that the reason the USIBC is so keen to deepen linkages with India across the education sector is 'because our knowledge partnership with India depends on it.'
India vs China: Battle of the tigers
It is no secret that India and China are in a race to become the biggest Asian tiger.
PICTURES: 10 most expensive laptops
Some cost just about a few thousands of dollars but some are worth more than a million.
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| October 13, 2011 | | Rajaratnam gets 11-year sentence
The sentencing caps a prosecution, marked by secret wiretaps of Rajaratnam and his associates that shocked the investment world.
Inflation, faltering growth hitting the rich
The rise in the toasted category of high networth individuals in the country is getting affected in the 'high inflation, slow growth' scenario being witnessed at present, a top official of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management said in Mumbai on Thursday.
PHOTOS: Hyundai Eon unveiled, starting at Rs 2.69 lakh!
Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Co on Thursday launched entry level compact car Eon that has been developed specifically for the Indian market, at an introductory price of between Rs 2.69 lakh (Rs 269,000) and Rs 3.71 lakh (Rs 371,000), ex-showroom Delhi.
Clear your tax dues for seamless transfers
According to the Income Tax Act, certain transfers can be considered void without a tax-clearance certificate (Section 281B).
Corporate culture: Why US beats India!
The practice of corporate inheritance is so ingrained in Indian corporate culture that no one really thinks about it.
Users get BlackBerry blues, corporate productivity hit
Financial institutions, banks and other companies, which use enterprise email services by BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion, were affected.
US seeks stronger educational ties with India
US Deputy Secretary of State Williams J Burns said that several Indian leaders -- both business and political -- educated in the US are testament to the quality of an American education.
International tourist arrivals: Top 10 countries
India does not figure in the list of top 10 countries that saw the highest number of international tourists in 2010.
South Africa: Dream meets reality
Only time will tell how well the rainbow shines in the African sun.
20 countries with best and worst Internet speed
A study conducted by Pando Networks reveals the speed and reliability of Internet connections around the world with some surprising findings.
PHOTOS: India's impressive railway stations
India has over 7,000 railway stations.
IMAGES: World's 20 largest economies
The United States' reign as the world's largest economy will end in less than a decade. China is all set to surge ahead as the world's biggest economy.
Lenovo tablets to take on Samsung, Apple
After increasing its market share from 7.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2010 to 10 per cent in the first quarter this year, Lenovo India is ready to take on Apple, Samsung and domestic tablet PC vendors with its own Lenovo Ideapad and Thinkpad tablets.
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| October 12, 2011 | | World's 20 least hungry nations; India's record worsens!
According to the Global Hunger Index released by the International Food Policy Research Institute, India ranks 67th out of 84 countries, having slipped by 2 ranks since the last year, with a hunger rate of 23.7.
India's IT sector grew 19% in FY'11
The growth is a significant recovery for the industry, which recorded just 8 per cent growth in 2009-10.
Trai to showcause telcos over 3G
The telcos have been offering 3G services through roaming agreements among themselves.
5 Satyam accounting fraud accused get bail
The former Satyam employees, who were granted bail, were its former internal chief auditor V S Prabhakar Gupta besides executives G Ramakrishna, D Venkatpathi Raju and Ch Srisailam. The fifth accused, who got the bail, is PWC's former auditor Subramani Gopalakrishnan.
All new Hyundai EON to cost below Rs 300,000
Apart from pricing it attractively, Hyundai has taken enough precaution to see that EON's quality, at no point, has been compromised.
Jobs death livens up sales of books and memorabilia
Several online stores have listed Steve Jobs books as top sellers after the man behind the iconic i-products passed away last week. Faced with huge demand, many stores across cities have had to put up 'out of stock' signs.
Spectre of zero production looms at Maruti
Workers across Suzuki Motor Corporation's three subsidiaries in the country are standing firm on their decision to continue an indefinite sit-in strike at the company's Manesar facility.
World's 10 most influential companies
There are some companies that not only play not only a big role in their own industry, but also reshape the corporate world.
Sebi consent order on RIL may be delayed
The RIL order is critical as the estimated penalty amount of Rs 1,500 crore (Rs 15 billion) could be the highest ever levied by Sebi.
Seven billionth person will be born on Oct 31
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the world needs sustainable development.
What do super-rich Americans own? Nearly the whole country!
Rich are increasingly accumulating a greater share of the national wealth.
How big is Facebook? Let's find out
At a recent conference Facebook revealed that they now have 800 million active users.
How Raymond CMD plans a turnaround
In an interaction with Business Standard, chairman and managing director Gautam Hari Singhania talks about the company's plans.
Maruti strike costs govt Rs 350 crore in excise duty
A series of strikes at the country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India's Manesar plant since June this year has resulted in excise revenue losses to the tune of nearly Rs 350 crore (Rs 3.50 billion) for the government, while the company has already suffered a hit of up to Rs 1,540 crore (Rs 15.40 billion).
IMAGES: 36 cities that will shape India's future!
GIREM 36 is focusing on a new strategy to develop smaller cities as a magnet for allied investments in development of key areas of infrastructure, education and research, and industry.
Infosys' consolidated Q2 net up 9.72%
Its revenue rises to Rs 8,099 crore.
Lenovo unveils Android tablets in novel launch
Lenovo, one of the fastest growing PC makers on Tuesday amongst much fanfare launched its IdeaPad K1 and ThinkPad tablets in India.
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| October 11, 2011 | | Government considering raising FDI cap in single-brand retail
"We are seriously considering raising the bar further- that means to allow increased FDI," Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said at a CII event on Indian luxury market.
Botched debate over poverty line: A Catch-22 for UPA?
The manner in which the government and the political opposition in Delhi have been guilt-tripped into this debate on the poverty line is a reflection of a broader phenomenon that has taken root within the minds of the thinking class at large, says .
Beware of fake job offers in the IT industry!
The IT and ITeS Industry Association of Andhra Pradesh (ITsAP) has cautioned the youth to be vigilant over fake job offers in these sectors.
PHOTOS: Amazing view of China's richest village!
China's richest village Huaxi has a new landmark - a stunning 74-storey International Hotel.
Biggest worry for economy? Idea-less economists!
When it comes to newer prescriptions, there is not much in the form of solution on offer by economists even from the IMF stable. Every report, including this one in September 2011, is a mere rehash of existing ideas, theories and ideologies.
Should you invest in gold? The pros and cons
Is there any one avenue, where your hard earned money will not only be safe, but also give you the maximum return?
Crack this case and win Rs 25,000!
All you have to do is read the case, see the question you have to answer on the last slide, click on The Smart Manager logo below, and post your solutions by October 16, 2011. All the best!
What do Wall Street protests mean for India?
As the agitation, which claims to speak for 99 per cent Americans, spreads to many cities across the United States of America it is evoking a range of responses here -- from admiration to scorn.
Calculating poverty: How India does it!
There is certainly something missing with the way poverty is measured in India.
World's 20 most valuable brands
Seven of the top 10 brands, four of the five biggest risers and the one of the few new entrants to the Best Global Brands report are from the tech sector.
Surviving the legacy: Ness Wadia's biggest challenge
Bombay Burmah sees quick divestments, eyes buyouts.
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| October 10, 2011 | | Fewer Indians will buy cars in 2012: SIAM
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers had earlier revised the sales forecast for financial year 2012 downwards for the passenger cars at 10-12 per cent in July against 16-18 per cent announced at the beginning of the fiscal.
American duo wins Economics Nobel; more interesting facts
In 1968, Sveriges Riksbank (Sweden's central bank) established The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel.
Corruption: Bigwigs write 2nd open letter to leaders
A group of prominent personalities, including industrialists Azim Premji, Keshub Mahindra and Deepak Parekh, have expressed concern over a series of scams leading to 'governance deficit', but said that national challenges like fighting corruption cannot be solved by urban protests and posturing.
India's car sales slip; bikes zoom 20% in Sep
According to figures released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers on Monday, motorcycle sales in the country grew by 19.92 per cent during the month to 9,33,465 units from 7,78,351 units in the corresponding month last year.
New formula to cut inflation: Cut salaries by half!
Farm activists say low MSP is fine, if salaries revised under the Sixth Pay Commission are lowered.
Why early birds end up RICHER
Compounding advantage helps even those investing for a limited period.
Why corporate India is on a green hiring drive
While the reason for this may be genuine concern for the environment in the case of some firms, others may have gone ahead with the exercise simply to be branded as 'green' firms.
Plan panel, DIPP slugfest: PM to mediate
The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion and Planning Commission member Arun Maira are sticking to their guns on foreign direct investment in the pharmaceutical sector.
How work culture in India differs from rest of the world
In an increasingly global business world, where teams work across borders, understanding different work cultures is the key to success.
Tatas may bring Starbucks to India
Starbucks, which runs the world's largest coffee shop chain and enjoys cult status among coffee lovers, has been trying to enter India for many years, but has been unsuccessful in its efforts so far.
Why Indian stocks are sensitive to dollar movement
Since its low on July 26, the US dollar index has gained a little over eight per cent. In the same period, the Bombay Stock Exchange Sensitive Index, or Sensex, has lost 12.4 per cent, establishing a negative correlation of about 1.5 times.
How Nokia is trying to make a comeback in India
The phone maker seeks to protect market share via budget smart phones, dual-SIM devices and more.
The 'bogey' of green clearances
Environment is holding up growth and economic development is a common refrain.
IMAGES: Four closest rivals of iPhone 4S
Apple CEO Tim Cook has revealed the hardware that would be packed inside the iPhone 4S.
How Steve Jobs changed Apple with the greatest ad
It's what made Apple famous. '1984' wasn't just about personal computers. It was more personal than that.
How PC architecture will give way to mobiles
Peter Sondergaard, senior vice-president at Gartner, thinks Indian service providers are capable of dealing with the shift mainly because of their broad understanding of business processes.
2G spectrum loss? It's actually a boon for mobile users!
The 'presumptive loss to the exchequer' from 2G allocations actually represents a huge benefit to citizens.
CBI books Maran brothers in Aircel-Maxis deal
After registering the case, the agency carried out searches at the premises of Maran brothers in Delhi and Chennai.
RICH households: India ranks 2nd after US
Strange as it may sound, with as many as one-third of its population still living in poverty, the country is also home to the second largest number of affluent people with a whopping three million households which have over $1 lakh of investible funds.
Services negative list likely in next Budget
In a negative list approach, barring a few services listed by the government, all others will be taxed.
PHOTOS: India's amazing railway bridges
The Indian Railways has some of the best railway bridges in the world.
Naresh Goyal's next plan: Operate a low-cost carrier!
Kingfisher's departure from the Low Cost Carrier (LCC) segment shows that running an LCC is no cakewalk, requiring a whole new management philosophy.
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| October 07, 2011 | | Tata Motors launches Manza, Prima in South Africa
Tata Motors is showcasing its Manza sedan and Prima range of world trucks at the Johannesburg International Motor Show in South Africa, with plans to formally launch these vehicles in the country early next year.
EXCLUSIVE: The man who blew the whistle on Swiss banks!
A former employee of Swiss bank Julius Baer, Rudolf Elmer shot into limelight as a whistleblower in 2008.
Sino-Indian trade marked by caution and suspicion
More than 200 Indian companies have invested in China.
Rakesh Jhunjhunwala's portfolio: One up on Dalal Street
While many are sweating in the current environment, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala's portfolio has done well and seen new additions.
Ravi Pillai: Amazing journey of the 'Ambani of the Gulf'
Ravi Pillai, is the founder-managing director of the Bahrain-based construction services major Naseer S Al Hajri Corporation (NSH), and Petrochem, Saudi Arabia. With 60,000 people working for him, he is the largest employer of Indians in the Middle East. His company has a turnover of $2.5 billion.
Porting polices? Wait and watch, say experts
Health portability came into force this month. However, financial planner Gajendra Kothari is advising health insurance clients to wait and watch before shifting one's insurer.
Jobs was in tight control of his choices till his final days
In his final months, Jobs' concerns were for people who depended on him, 'the people who worked for him at Apple and his four children and his wife,' a report in the New York Times quoted his sister Mona Simpson as saying.
Why rich nations are not happier than poor countries
The policy lesson from the complex relationship between income growth and well-being is to accelerate growth.
Steve Jobs: Turning smallest ideas into life-changing products
Steve Jobs (1955-2011) showed what it takes to turn the smallest of ideas into life-changing products, says .
6 lessons from brand Anna for marketers
Hazare campaign has some valuable pointers for marketers.
Jobs agreed to biography as he wanted his children to know him
In his final weeks, a severely ill Jobs had met Isaacson, the author of his biography Steve Jobs at his Palo Alto, California home.
Markets jump 3%, metals and bankex rally
The markets across the globe advanced after the European Central Bank announced a series of policy measures aimed at raising liquidity in European banks, easing concerns that an escalating debt crisis could trigger the collapse of European banks.
REVEALED! 7 cars that will soon blaze Indian roads
Diwali, considered as one of the the most auspicious times for new launches, will witness cars of all contours -- right from hatchbacks and sedans to tight-built SUVs.
7 Indian cities to see shortage of 2.3 mn homes
The study further said the mid-range housing segment is expected to drive the maximum demand of 45 per cent.
Down South, women shake up male job bastions
Whether it is in medicine, hospitals or the testosterone-dominated world of tractors, a surprising number of women have inherited the top job down south. Here is the first in a series on women who have taken charge of a traditionally male-dominated world.
Financial secrecy: Blame these 20 nations!
Financial secrecy takes place when there is a refusal to share this information with the legitimate authorities, in order to tax wealthy taxpayers appropriately or to enforce its criminal laws.
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| October 06, 2011 | | The incredible success story of Steve Jobs
From a college dropout to heading an over $350 billion Apple empire, Steve Jobs dramatically transformed the worlds of personal computing, music and mobile phones, ushering in a new digital era.
Steve Jobs: The monk who left India to make i-Products
The cost factor notwithstanding, the products that Jobs brought to this world achieved unmatched fashion value and cult status across the world, including in India.
Indians remember Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs had been struggling with health issues for quite some time.
Tears and tributes for Steve Jobs
The world today mourns the death of Apple's iconic visionary Steve Jobs.
Must read! Steve Jobs and his words of wisdom
On Thursday, Steve Jobs resigned as Apple's chief executive officer and named Tim Cook as his successor.
PHOTOS: The many faces of Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs, billionaire co-founder of Apple and the genius behind revolutionary products that stunned the world and made his company one of the world's top technology companies, died in California at the age of 56 on Wednesday.
Apple founder Steve Jobs dies at 56
In a somber statement on Wednesday, the Apple board of directors said: "We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today. Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve."
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| October 05, 2011 | | India unveils world's cheapest tablet PC at $35!
Tablet PC, named Aakash, will cost the government Rs 2,276.
New rules to stop Indian workers settling in UK
Currently, immigration rules allow non-EU professionals to settle in Britain indefinitely after working for five years.
Rolls-Royce launches new Ghost at Rs 3 crore
Ghost Extended Wheelbase is powered by a 6.6 litre petrol engine.
Moody's reaffirms ICICI Bank ratings, calls it robust
A day after downgrading its rating of public sector lender SBI's financial strength, Moody's on Wednesday re-affirmed its rating for ICICI Bank and said the private sector lender continues to maintain a robust franchise and a strong liquidity, capitalisation and earnings profile.
IMAGES: Finally it's here! The Apple iPhone 4S
The iPhone 4S is packed with a variety of new features, including Apple's dual-core A5 chip for fast performance and vivid graphics, an all-new camera with advanced optics, full 1080p HD resolution video recording and and Siri, an assistant that helps get things done just by asking.
India, Switzerland to share tax info from next year
Move comes at a time when the issue of black money stashed in Swiss banks has become a major concern in India with political parties and civil society taking up the matter.
RIL to stop gas supply to 4 UP fertiliser plants
Reliance Industries has served a notice for suspension of gas supplies to four fertiliser plants in Uttar Pradesh from Thursday unless they enhance their financial guarantees to cover for state sales tax.
India Inc's finest: Best of Karnataka
In this part, we highlight some of Karnataka's leading entrepreneurs. They are the ones who played a key role in defining its present cosmopolitan status, giving Karnataka a resonance in history and in international relations.
Union Budget exercise kicked off
The Union finance ministry has kicked off the exercise for preparation of the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2012-13 and has asked all ministries to rush proposals by October 31 for inclusion in the second supplementary budget for 2011-12 to be presented in the winter session of Parliament.
2G scam: Some questions without answers
If improving tele-density was the avowed objective, what is the benchmark? At what level of tele-density will the government auction spectrum? And that is the crux of the issue.
Skilled Indians may have to wait 70 years for US green card!
Two new reports urge government to ease green card process.
Why diamond industry is in for a dull festive season
The erosion of rupee value against the dollar and sluggish demand from key foreign markets are cited as the main reasons for declining sales.
Mid-size corporate loans, agri portfolio worries SBI
SBI says the downgrade will not hurt the bank that much.
IMAGES: World's 20 best companies to work for
In a world where top performing employees are becoming scarce, finding the right people is crucial for business success.
Murthy's comment on IIT students' quality sparks debate
The Indian Institutes of Technology and IIT-JEE coaching institutes have not taken kindly to Infosys Technologies founder, N R Narayana Murthy's comment that questioned the quality of students at these institutions.
PHOTOS: The 10 fastest cars in the world
Cars with spectacular pace never fail to hit the headlines.
A peek into China's incredible future
China currently ranks as the world's second-largest economy after the United States.
Here's what top tech companies are paying in US
With the technology industry booming across the world, highly sought-after experts are seeing their salaries hit the roof.
US index's eerie coincidence spooks Indian stock market
The Dalal Street was on Tuesday abuzz with an eerie coincidence that took place last night in the Wall Street, the US stock market, with its benchmark index S&P 500 closing at a level exactly same as that of October 3, 2008.
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| October 04, 2011 | | Renault to uncover its compact car in October
Carlos Ghosn, 57, will unveil the concept version of Paris-based Renault's compact car prior to the start of the inaugural Formula One Grand Prix of India, which is scheduled to take place in October 28-30.
Zurich: Where the world's richest come for banking
If Mumbai's Zaveri Bazaar is full of jewellery shops and Delhi's Chandni Chowk has got hundreds of saree merchants vying for customers' attention, Zurich has got a street full of Swiss banks -- known for their secrecy veils.
Why Moody's downgraded SBI
Moody's cited a likely rise in the bank's non-performing assets in the near future as one of the reasons for the downgrade.
IMAGES: Anti-Wall Street protests spread across America
The Occupy Wall Street protests entered their third week in New York.
Manufacturing growth lowest in 30 months
Weak PMI gives rise to fears of sub-8 per cent economic growth for the third quarter in a row.
New Indo-Swiss pact will help unearth black money
The MoU deals with creation of a useful forum for exchange of views on financial and macro-economic issues. Official sources said the MoU will facilitate dialogue between the tax authorities of the two countries.
Why Railways is going downhill
This is unfortunate, not unexpected. When the Budget was presented, it was anticipated that the improvement in the operating ratio would be 'hollow'.
Wealth distribution: Which nations are the best?
The global wealth currently held by 4.4 billion adults has increased by 72 per cent since 2000 to reach $195 trillion.
Buzz of new iPhone hits sales of earlier models
Some hope Apple Inc would lower the prices of its earlier models -- the iPhone4 and 3GS.
Here's how Apple became a success in China
One of the most fascinating areas of Apple's rise is how the company has managed to find growth in emerging markets like China.
Why Tata Nano sales have suddenly shot up
Its wholesale numbers may be on the decline, but Tata's small car Nano is picking up in sales at retail level as dealers at different parts of the country cash in on the reduced down payment scheme introduced by the company ahead of the festival season.
Two Indian cities among world's most polluted
WHO estimates 1.34 million people died in 2008 from breathing in the tiny particles present in polluted outdoor air.
Falling rupee: Gainers and losers
The Indian rupee has fallen by almost 11 per cent since August 1, thanks to rising risk aversion.
Images: Check out these 20 STUNNING green cars
Globally there are about 850 million vehicles, on average 13 people in 100 have a car.
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| October 03, 2011 | | Why airlines' mergers are failing
Analysts say mergers by India's airlines have not been successful so far because of their objectives: it's to either kill competition or acquire flying rights to fly international.
Honda plans to launch diesel cars in India
The company is engaged in developing diesel engines back in Japan.
Rs 32-a-day definition of poverty not our view: Plan panel
Under attack over the Rs 32 per capita per day (in urban India and Rs 26 per day per person in rural areas) cut off for poverty line, the Planning Commission on Monday distanced itself from the controversial definition presented to the Supreme Court saying it did not represent its views.
How Godrej plans to be good and green
The Godrej Group is walking the talk on 'Good and Green', its brand campaign.
Students entering IITs are of poor quality: Murthy
Infosys founder said that apart from the top 20 per cent of students who crack the tough IIT entrance examination and can 'stand among the best anywhere in the world,' quality of the remaining 80 per cent of students leave much to be desired.
Rs 32 a day: Issues resolved, say Montek, Ramesh
Amid the controversy raging over the definition of poverty, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh on Monday claimed that they have resolved the issue.
IMAGES: India's 1st double-decker AC train
The first double decker air conditioned train between Howrah and Dhanbad was flagged off on 1 Oct 2011.
Why India should take lesson from Greece
It is now the Greeks who have been gifted a 'Trojan' horse.
So how far can Rs 32 a day take you?
Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Alhluwalia has said that a person who can spend Rs 32 a day in urban India -- and Rs 26 a day in rural India -- is not poor and that he is above the poverty line.
Is it too late for govt to improve economic mood?
Managing expectations lies at the core of economic governance in a modern economy.
Pitroda favours transparent e-auction of spectrum
In this regard, Pitroda noted the 3G auction in the country last year was transparent and there were no complications whatsoever in the bidding process.
Can renewable energy help solve India's power woes?
India must look at renewable power as a commercially viable solution rather than just a green and exotic option.
Why the Delhi airport is in a financial mess
The proposal was mooted at a Prime Minister's Office meeting.
How Metro is changing Delhi's image
New modes of public transport in Delhi are changing the way its citizens live.
Markets end lower on global cues
Most Asian markets are also trading in the negative over deepening concerns that the euro zone's debt crisis will dampen global growth
Slowdown may not check travel boom this season
As the last three months of a year form the peak season for travel and leisure holidays, the country will also witness room rates rising by 10 per cent and airlines doubling fares on popular routes.
H1B visa: Who is spending how much and where
Many foreigners, including Indians, have benefitted from the immigration visa.
World's 5 biggest tea exporters; India 4th
Indian tea industry is concerned over the discouraging export scenario in 2011.
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| September 30, 2011 | | BJP on all that is wrong with UPA's economic policies
"The economic environment in the country has suddenly become dismal. The UPA blamed the Left Front for the paralysis in economic decision making during UPA-I. However, there is no such compulsion during UPA-II."
Watch: The new Tata Indica eV2 commercial
Here's an sneak peek at the new commercial for India's most fuel-efficient cars.
Don't miss! The amazing story of Levelfield
The much-advertised hunger for success among the denizens of India's tier-II and tier-III cities has been the big story of the past decade. How relevant is it to memorize Ampere's Law, Charles's Law and the dates of the battles of Panipat in this brave new world?
Railway staff to get 78 days' bonus
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said the Union Cabinet has accepted the proposal of the Ministry of Railways for payment of PLB equivalent to 78 days' wages for 2010-11 for all eligible non-gazetted Railway employees.
Rift between Jairam and Pawar over farm labour
Ramesh opposes Pawar's plan to provide cheap labour to farmers under NREGS.
'India is cooling, not collapsing'
Economies the world over are facing different sets of challenges.
Minister upset with ex-babus joining private sector firms
The latest move to increase the cooling-off period for bureaucrats is meaningless.
CBI probe news makes Anil Ambani Group firms shed 10%
The group's telecom arm, RCom, saw its shares plunge by 8.11 per cent to a low of Rs 71.35 in morning trade, while Reliance Capital tumbled by 9.91 per cent to a 52-week low of Rs 323.55 on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Nilekani's UID under siege
Once a star programme of the government, the UID has become everybody's favourite whipping boy.
How to keep your smartphone safe from cybercriminals
The season for holiday travel begins soon. As we create our checklists while planning our vacations, here's one more item to tick-off -- smartphone security.
New Takeover Code will keep raiders away
Definition of voluntary offers rules out hostile bids, say corporate lawyers.
Column: The skewed story of India's infrastructure boom
Infra projects are enormous cash guzzlers and funding such low-return projects might unwittingly pull down the overall growth rates.
Excessive nutrition kills more people than hunger!
Almost one billion people around the globe go to bed hungry every night, but it is 'excess Nutrition' that kills more, according to world's largest humanitarian organisation IFRC.
20 amazing facts you must know about India
India is set to emerge as the world's third largest economy by 2030.
Made a mistake in filing I-T returns? Here's help
The department allows you to revise these, but there are strict conditions to be noted.
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| September 28, 2011 | | Ambani brothers meet Chidambaram, separately
Chairman of Reliance Industries Ltd Mukesh Ambani and his younger brother Anil today met Home Minister P Chidambaram separately at his North Block office within a span of 50 minutes.
Watch live: The Mahindra XUV500 launch
Live telecast from the launchpad of the most discussed XUV.
Mallya to shut down Kingfisher Red in 4 months
Low-cost carrier Kingfisher Red will shut down in four months with the airline group chief Vijay Mallya on Wednesday saying several measures have been initiated to face financial problems caused by high interest burden and burgeoning fuel costs.
The $35-computer is back! Launch on Oct 5
The much-awaited $35 computing-cum-access device, to be made available to students right from primary schools to universities, will be launched on October 5.
Walmart to invest more if FDI policy is relaxed
The world's largest retailer Walmart on Wednesday said its investments in India will grow manifold if foreign direct investment regulations on multi-brand retail are relaxed in the country.
Mukesh Ambani praises 'exemplary' leadership of Modi
"You have made India and Indians proud by putting Gujarat on the global map. Gujarat is blessed to have an inspiring leadership like you," said Mukesh Ambani.
CEO pay hike: Indian bourses beat global leaders
The two largest stock exchanges of the world cut salaries of their CEOs.
Ramdev blames Congress for 'loot and corruption'
Yoga guru Ramdev on Wednesday blamed the Congress-led UPA government for "loot" and "corruption" in the country and said he was trying to build public opinion against it.
The rich must be taxed more, says Chidambaram
Home Minister P Chidambaram, who as finance minister had slashed taxes, on Wednesday suggested that rich should be taxed more even though 'many people' would not like the idea.
IMAGES: India's 20 best IT employers
HCL Infosystems has emerged as the best employer among IT companies in India.
Now, get rewarded for spending
Credit card offers - discounts, reward points and cashback - could range across shopping, phone bill payments, dining and entertainment.
The top 8 cellphone sellers in India
Mobile handset shipments to India declined by 3 per cent in the April-June period compared to the previous quarter due to inventory build-up and reworking on product line-up by vendors, says research firm IDC.
Singur land deal: Mamata wins, Tata loses
The Tatas have received a setback in the Singur land deal.
PHOTOS: Top 10 business cities of the world
Some cities have become world-class business hubs.
IMAGES: World's 10 most famous hackers
While ethical hackers attack a security system to find out vulnerabilities that a malicious hacker could use to his advantage, unethical hackers discreetly wreck havoc on computer systems and steal confidential information.
PHOTOS: The world's 20 safest banks
Global Finance announced its 20th Annual Ranking of the World's 50 safest banks.
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| September 27, 2011 | | Funding Naxals: Essar Steel GM arrested
J S Verma, general manager of Essar Steel, was on Tuesday arrested for allegedly conspiring in funding Naxal groups in Dantewada area of Chhattisgarh.
US may revive trade benefits to India
The US Congress is likely to approve trade preferences for the least developed and developing countries in the next few weeks, a move which will help Indian exporters as well.
Protestors take on Wall Street
'Occupy Wall Street' protest is 10 days old today.
IMAGES: Honda Brio launched @ Rs 395,000!
So, does the Brio live up to the hype, in the end? After this first-drive, I would have to answer in the affirmative.
A refreshing holiday and a shopping festival? Kerala beckons you!
Kerala has been a favourite tourist destination for many in India and abroad, thanks to its beaches, the lush greens, the backwaters, ayurveda...
SMS limit: Trai clears confusion
On September 5, after much delay, Trai had come out with recommendations to stop pesky calls and text messages from September 27, ordering that no access provider (operators) shall permit the transmission of more than 100 SMSes per day per SIM.
Explained: Why gold prices are falling now
As more and more paper currency gets printed and dumped into the financial systems around the world, there is more the danger that paper currency will lose its value. So people are queuing up to buy gold. Unlike paper money, gold cannot be created out of thin air.
Meet the 'unconventional' chief of Britannia Industries
Certainly, she seems to have voluntarily subjected herself to adventure in her professional life after her MBA from Jamnalal Bajaj.
Anil Ambani may set up Reliance Bank soon
The banking entity of the group could be called Reliance Bank, Ambani told the shareholders of Reliance Capital.
Rs 26 a day! Garibi Hatao in the Congress-BJP way
The question is how to genuinely assess the felt needs of citizens who are below a decent way of living, based on their consumption of food and arrangement for housing.
FIRST LOOK: The all-new Mahindra XUV 500
This stunning SUV is likely to be prices at Rs 15 lakh.
Where India can benefit from Chinese investments
China's surplus foreign exchange reserves and India's long-term fund requirement complement each other.
India's rising dependence on energy imports a concern
Planning Commission's warning over rising dependence on imports is timely.
Mobiles per 1,000 in various Indian states
Indian Telecommunications network is the third-largest in the world and the second-largest among the emerging economies of Asia.
Indian Railways mulls trains zooming @ 300 km per hour
The Bill is likely to be introduced in the winter session of Parliament.
The best of Inc: Maharashtra's leading entrepreneurs
In this series, we feature some of the top businessmen across different states in India. Featured here are the top entrepreneurs (in no particular order) from Maharashtra.
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| September 26, 2011 | | IMAGES: The 3 closest rivals of Nissan Sunny
The Sunny is built inside-out.
ICAI: Mis-governance and a tin of ghee!
The functioning of the ICAI has come under greater public scrutiny and at times it is unable to meet the high expectations from its members and general public. Surely, something is wrong somewhere, says .
Gadget war: Who is the smartest of them all?
some avant-garde gadgets make the buy worth all the money you pay for them.
N Chandrasekaran: The driving force behind TCS!
The country's largest IT services provider has managed to stay nimble despite a ballooning workforce.
How the global fight against money laundering going ahead
After the terrorists attacks on the United States in September 2001, financial institutions across the world launched an unprecedented campaign to crack down on money laundering.
Gold suffers biggest fall, silver follows suit
In Asia, the metal tumbled about $124, followed by over $100 in the previous session.
How to chase the evasive tax payer
Search and seizure operations are necessary in an India that seems more dishonest.
Column: Who is 'poor' in India?
The official poverty line, which goes back 40 years, focused on a single parameter - what it would cost to get the minimum calorie intake.
10 popular company logos and their history
Many corporate brands change their logos with time to keep pace with their changing business.
Big gaps in US-India trade positions
The United States has ruled out signing a Totalization Agreement with India for now.
Now, India and China to deepen bilateral investment
Holding their first comprehensive Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) in Beijing on Monday, India and China have reached an understanding to deepen bilateral investment cooperation, further open up markets to each other and improve the investment environment.
Singapore: A country that plans to go completely green
Encouraged by the government, sustainable architecture has become the latest fad in Singapore.
Bears may tighten grip on D-street this week
Risk aversion to continue on euro zone debt crisis, weak US economy.
Markets end in red while IT shares recover
A recovery in European markets and buying in IT stocks helped the Sensex to recover around 250 points from the day's low of 15,801.
Special report: 3G roaming pacts under scrutiny
Vodafone, Airtel, Idea provide services without spectrum.
IMAGES: World's biggest electricity producers
Countries around the globe are racing to meet electricity demand.
Gold rush in India has now become a sprint
Around 700 post offices across the country would sell gold coins this year.
How to gain from property sale
Invest in bonds and another property to save tax on capital gains.
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| September 23, 2011 | | Has population growth hurt or benefited India?
Many Indians blame the nation's high population for all that is wrong with the country, but they forget that it is because of our numbers that we have become such an attractive economy.
Two Indians in Forbes richest Americans' list
Two Indians have made it to the Forbes list of 400 Richest Americans.
Weak rupee: How it will affect Indians
Travelling and studying will become more expensive. Even your stock portfolio is likely to suffer.
Channelise surpluses for infra in developing nations: Pranab
Amid recessionary fears in advanced economies, India's Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has called for channelising global surpluses to build infrastructure in developing nations to boost world economy.
Who is behind the success of India-US trade ties?
The private sector in India and the United States has succeeded in fostering historic trade relationships between the two largest democracies of the world, a top Obama Administration official said on Thursday.
Investors lose Rs 2 lakh crore in a day
Of this, more than half or Rs 121,416 crore got eroded just from the 30-share BSE Sensex companies.
How South Asia can reduce poverty
The report, 'More and Better Jobs in South Asia', released on Thursday said the required new jobs will be equivalent to about 40 per cent of the increase in the global labour force during the period.
What cost Rs 100 in 1947 would cost Rs 5,920.91 now
Inflation is one of the biggest challenges facing India. With prices rising to all time highs, there seems to be little respite for the common man.
Explained! The US 'twist' that MELTED stock markets
The United States Federal Reserve, the US central bank, has announced a new $400-billion rescue plan, which is being called the 'twist'.
PHOTOS: World's 10 most expensive classic cars
Vintage cars attract top dollars at auctions.
Revised AI plan projects operational profit in 5 years
The new plan is likely to be discussed in the meeting of the group of ministers to be held next week.
Ratan Tata: One of the world's most RESPECTED leaders
Their reputation was measured on a 0-100 point scale based on four attributes - the degree to which a person is liked, respected, admired, and trusted.
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| September 22, 2011 | | Reliance calls govt move on KG-D6 cost-recovery illegal
The ministry has attributed the fall in output to non-fulfilment of RIL's commitment to drill 22 wells in the field.
Special: Will Jairam Ramesh's new plan fix NREGA?
The new rural development minister wants to use technology to force states to make payments. Critics suggest that he should fix existing problems first.
Why the world may prefer India to China
explains what makes India a favourable destination for business in the long run.
Food inflation slips to 8.84%, but no relief for common man
Prices of most commodities, barring wheat, continued to remain firm on an annual basis, as per Wholesale Price Index data released by the government in New Delhi.
Indo-Pak trade high on hope, low on execution
An unfinished Integrated Check Post, a shabby passenger terminal, the lack of a connecting road on the Pakistani side and pending permissions, all threaten to undermine a historical trade agreement.
America Inc urges US govt to embrace India
As India's top Cabinet Ministers and industry leaders landed in Washington for crucial talks with their US counterparts in Washington, Corporate America on Wednesday urged the Obama Administration to embrace India as a knowledge partner.
IMAGES: Rs 2.5-lakh Hyundai Eon may take India by storm
The festive season is the time when car manufacturers offer major discounts and freebies to lure customers and Hyundai has decided to cash in on the occasion with Eon.
A car that may run 480,000 km before refuelling!
Charles Stevens, CEO and chairman of Laser Power System, a small R&D start-up in Connecticut, said that his design uses just 8 gm of thorium to help a car run for years.
Pranab confident of India attracting FDI in infra
'I think we will be able able to inspire confidence in the minds of prospective investors,' says Mukherjee.
BLOODBATH! Why Sensex crashed by over 700 points
The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex has lost 478.60 points, or -2.80 per cent, to slip to 16,586.55 in afternoon trade on Thursday amid panic selling in markets worldwide following the US Federal Reserve's warning that the outlook for the world's largest economy is grim.
IMAGES: These 20 firms are richer than several nations!
Believe it or not, the revenues of some of the world biggest companies beat the GDP figures of several nations.
Buffett is back, to invest in Gujarat chemical JV
Oracle of Omaha will initially invest Rs 1,177 crore (Rs 11.77 billion) in the venture.
Here's what techies earn in Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley has the highest concentration of high-tech workers of any metropolitan area.
India Inc won't make enough money to enjoy any festivity
General Motors vice-president P Balendran is less diplomatic and talks about a 'severe blow'.
The world's MOST reputable companies
Consumers want to know more about the companies that stand behind the products and services that they buy.
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| September 21, 2011 | | The IMF's gloom-doom report for India, world
The International Monetary Fund expects India's economic growth rate to moderate to 7.5-7.75 per cent this fiscal, from 8.5 per cent in 2010-11, on account slowing investments and sluggish global recovery.
20 most popular car logos & their history
20 car logos and the story behind each one.
Go glocal with these tablet PCs
As the rest of the world raves about 10-inch tablet PCs from Samsung and Apple, Indian vendors seem to be betting on cheaper 7-inch tablet PCs to lure buyers.
How China is rebalancing its economy
The country has become the world's workshop, lifting millions out of dire poverty.
Highest and lowest petrol prices in Indian cities
Petrol prices in India are amongst the highest in the world.
'Biggest employment generators will be MSMEs'
An interview with Annush Ramasamy, programme director, South Asia, Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA).
IMAGES: Nissan unveils the Rs 5.78 lakh Sunny
Nissan Sunny is one of the most complete sedans in the mid-size segment.
If you earn over Rs 32 a day, you are NOT poor!
Urban households having five members with daily consumption basket of food and other items of more than Rs 161 will not be entitled to benefits provided to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, as per the Plan panel's latest definition of poverty.
Pitroda to help Railways modernise
Deepak Parekh, HDFC Bank Chairman, M S Verma, former SBI Chairman, Raghuram, Professor IIM, Ahmedabad, Rajiv Lal, IDFC MD and Vinayak Chatterjee, Feedback, Infrastructure Services Chairman are members of the committee.
IMAGES: Delhi Metro's success attracts Yale, Stanford grads
Its doors are open not just for commuters, but also for management graduates from across the globe, engineers, bureaucrats and others who flock the Delhi Metro wanting to know its success mantra and management practices.
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| September 20, 2011 | | Now, S&P downgrades Italy's credit rating
The rating, however, is still five steps above junk status.
Sharad Pawar heads GoM on manufacturing policy
A group of ministers, headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, has been formed to resolve inter-ministerial differences stalling the national manufacturing policy which aims at giving a boost to the sector.
Rupee plummets; hits 2-year low of 48.25 per $
The Indian rupee was down by 44 paise at a fresh two-year low of Rs 48.25 per United States dollar in early trade on Tuesday on persistent demand for the American currency from banks and importers on the back of dollar firmness in overseas market.
Why America is the new Japan
Despite the US government having low interest rates and printing a lot of money in the hope that people will spend it and revive the economy, that is clearly not happening.
Special: All about the Reliance-KG Basin controversy
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha Tapan Sen, in an interview to Rediff.com, explains what he believes are the irregularities committed by Reliance Industries and how UPA government has allowed it to get away with it.
Want to insure art? Be ready for tough norms
While select private insurers like ICICI Lombard, Tata AIG and IFFCO Tokio provide specialised insurance covers for 'art' items, the minimum value they look at is in excess of Rs 1 crore.
NASA plans to spend $1.6 bn on space taxis
The US space agency will be looking for complete systems -- launchers, spaceships, mission operations and ground support -- to ferry astronauts to the InternationalSpace Station by the middle of the decade, The Daily Telegraph online reported.
Important infra projects mirred in trouble
With such projects not getting commissioned on schedule, growth target of nine per cent will remain elusive.
Savers in dilemma over channelling excessive capital
Heart of any economy is the mechanism by which funds are channelled from savers to investors.
Why US should invest in India's power sector
Shinde said the average plant load factor of Indian generation units improved to 77.5 per cent during 2009-10 from 73.6 per cent in 2006.
Here are some brilliant cars you will soon see in India
A look at India's share of the Frankfurt Motor Show pie!
IMAGES: World's 20 most stunning buildings
Architects have over the years designed unique and mind blowing buildings across the world.
IMAGES: Low-cost homes from $300 to $1,000!
The 'Pinwheel House' has been designed by Ying Chee Chui, a graduate of MIT's Department of Architecture, has been built in Mianyang, in Sichuan Province, China.
Special: The SAD state of 'other' India
By focusing only on urban India, the government is not only making the situation of villagers worse, it is also putting extra pressure on cities.
IMAGES: Ratan Tata unveils the Rs 22-crore Nano
At its current price - $1,819 per troy ounce - the gold alone adds $4.68 million.
Corruption? Railways tops, banks are 2nd, says CVC
Out of the total of 25,359 complaints received during 2010, the highest of 8,330 were against Railways, 6,520 against banks, 1,836 against petroleum department and 1,572 were against telecom officials.
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| September 19, 2011 | | Prices keep rising: Food, clothing more expensive now
Expensive food and clothing pushed up the Consumer Price Index (CPI) by 1.18 per cent in August vis-a-vis the previous month, but experts said too much should not be read into the numbers, as the data on retail prices is yet to stabilise.
New tax wing to probe poll funding
The Union finance ministry has set up a special investigation unit to 'regulate' the funding and donations made to political parties.
Pranab goes to US seeking big bucks for infrastructure
Pranab Mukherjee, who will be on a five-day visit to US from September 21, will address the 8th Annual India Investment Forum Meeting.
Mahindra's civilian plane makes its maiden flight!
Mahindra Aerospace, the aircraft and aero-structures arm of the Mahindra Group, on Thursday said it has successfully flown its maiden five-seater civilian plane.
Strike: Is Maruti harassing its workers?
Workers want a union, while Maruti wants a 'Good Conduct Bond.' Both refuse to give in to each other. The real issue, however, is something else.
Getting the right keyboard for your tablet
Investing in an external keyboard for your tablet PC is advised for users who would be doing a lot of typing on the device (longer emails, document creation or keying in work sheets).
10 economic experts who advise the prime minister
With inflation, oil prices and interest rates rising, Indians are finding it extremely difficult to make ends meet.
The next crisis will be worse than the one in 2008: Marc Faber
My view is that they can probably muddle through for another two-three years by piling up the fiscal deficit or printing more money. I do not know when it will happen in 2012 or in 2018, but the next crisis will be worse than the one in 2008.
Mafatlal feud: A brand new family drama unfolds
For, the low-profile promoter of what was once known as the Sungrace-Mafatlal group would never have wanted the world to know what's going on inside his 10,000 square feet second-floor apartment. It's where his wife Madhuri, son Atulya and Atulya's second wife, Sheetal, now live.
Special: The secret behind Ashok Soota's success
Ashok Soota has launched a new firm, Happiest Minds, at the age of sixty-nine, proving that there is no such thing as retirement.
20 fastest-growing companies in the world
There are some companies that are witnessing booming growth.
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| September 16, 2011 | | PE firm Silver Lake mulls buying out Yahoo
Various news reports suggest that the PE firm, if it buys out Yahoo, would first sell off the Internet company's Asian assets. Silver Lake would thereafter, a report said, try to either turn the 'remaining' company around or find yet another buyer for the main operations.
Govt cuts sops on exports; 1100 items to be hit
As a setback to exporters, shipments of 1,100 items will be entitled to lower tax refunds from October 1 when curtains draw on the popular DEPB scheme, government announced on Friday.
Fuel price hike is good news: Montek
The Planning Commission said the decision of oil marketing companies to raise petrol price by Rs 3.14 per litre is a good news and will provide credibility to the economic reforms process.
12th rate hike by RBI; loans to cost more
The Reserve Bank of India has increased the repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 25 basis points from 8.0 per cent to 8.25 per cent with immediate effect.
Maruti finds Swift allure sticky
80,000 customers are awaiting delivery of the new Maruti Suzuki Swift.
India's trade policy lacks transparency: US
The US has expressed concern over India's lack of transparency in its trade policy, as a result of which small and medium-sized enterprises have difficulties in investing and doing business in the country.
Images: STUNNING Lamborghini cars since 1963
This sprawling complex is the home to the Lamborghini factory and a mind blowing museum.
Solar power use: Top 10 countries
On the world map, India lags far behind other countries as far as generating solar power is concerned though the country has made significant progress in wind energy generation.
Snapshots: 10 best concept cars of 2011
A look into 10 best concept cars of 2011.
Photos: Top 20 items that India, China trade
Bilateral trade between India and China exceeded the two countries' $60 billion target in 2010.
Renault to launch 3 new cars by 2012
The three launches are part of the plans of the company, which is the fully owned subsidiary of Renault s.a.s, to introduce five new cars in the market, Renault India vice-president (sales and marketing) Len Curran told reporters in Kochi.
Protests erupt: Petro price hike hits common man
Terming the government's move to hike petrol prices as "callous", the CPI(M) on Friday demanded immediate roll back of the hike and restoration of the administrative regulation of petrol pricing.
Why India's foreign policy needs strong economic element
India can be a major politico-economic force, but it needs leadership that understands the power of billion-dollar investments and is not afraid to flex its muscle, says .
Spain to sell this STUNNING airport to cut debt
Debt-ridden Spain plans to sell off part of its airports operator AENA, which the government says could be worth up to 30 billion euros (Rs 1,964 billion), as it seeks ways to reduce the national debt.
PM takes metro to keep Mamata on track
UPA government has decided to take full responsibility for the Rs 4,874 crore East-West Metro Corridor project.
What lies ahead for Kingfisher Airlines
While higher fuel costs and irrational pricing are key concerns, infusion of funds to retire debt is crucial if Kingfisher Airlines has to improve its financials.
Why the RBI rate hike will NOT curb inflation
There is not much that the RBI can do to address India's inflation. Solutions to the problem lie with Pranab Mukherjee and Sharad Pawar, who run the ministries of finance and agriculture, respectively.
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| September 15, 2011 | | You may get only 4 gas cylinders a year at low rates
All subsequent cylinders will have a non-subsidised rate that will be fixed every month.
Petrol prices hiked by Rs 3.14 a litre
State-owned oil companies are all set to hike petrol prices by around Rs 3 per litre which will be effective from midnight on Friday.
Crisis a win-win situation for Indian IT: Kamath
Kamath, who succeeded N R Narayana Murthy at the Bengaluru-headquartered, Nasdaq-listed firm, nearly a month ago, said Infosys is a well-established company with processes which are clearly defined, and his role would be what is expected of an independent non executive board chairman, namely governance oversight.
US will not lose long-term bet on India: Rao
Like in any expanding relationship, there will always be transactional issues to address between the two sides, says Rao.
IMAGES: World's 9 weirdest hotels
A peep into 9 weirdest hotels of the world.
Solar energy market: China much ahead of others
China's solar energy budget still stands roughly 20 times larger than America's investment in the same period, Jonathan Silver, executive director, Department of Energy told US lawmakers on Saturday.
The trillion-dollar question nobody can answer
The United States government over the years has been spending more than what it earns. Like for the year 2011, the expected revenues for the US government stand at $2.17 trillion, whereas the expected expenditure is much higher at $3.82 trillion, leaving a difference of $1.65 trillion between what the government earns and spends.
Intel to launch Ultrabooks for $1,000
The world's largest chip-maker Intel Corporation on Thursday said the new 'Ultrabook' devices being developed with its technology will initially cost around $1,000, but the price tag should fall below $799 in coming years.
Maruti workers' strike turns violent, 5 injured
The labour unrest at Maruti Suzuki India's Manesar plant took a violent turn on Thursday when a group of supervisors were attacked on their way to work, with five of them sustaining injuries.
PHOTOS: 18 great cars from the world's largest auto show
Around 1,000 exhibitors are taking part from 35 countries and at least 80 world premieres are expected over the coming days.
Column: Are ministers working for us or corporates?
From the looks of it, it seems that ministers are more interested in pushing corporate India's agenda than people's agenda.
Infosys closes in on $700 mn foreign acquisition
IT giant close to acquiring Thomson Reuters' health care business.
IMAGES: The world's 10 largest airlines
Airlines are set to buy 30,900 aircraft valued at $3.6 trillion in the next 20 years.
PHOTOS: World's top consumers of electricity
At the world level, electricity consumption fell by 1.5 per cent.
The story of Air India's slow death
In popular perception, the villain of the piece is former civil aviation minister Praful Patel.
RBI set to hike rates, once more
As long as inflation does not decline to a significant level, the Reserve Bank of India would continue its tight monetary stance.
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| September 14, 2011 | | IMAGES: World's 10 worst cities to live in
The survey assessed living conditions in 140 global cities.
With Rs 1,500 he built a Rs 1-crore company
Amazing Youth has been adjudged the second runner up at the recently concluded Global Student Entrepreneur Awards at the John Cook School of Business at Saint Louis University.
India's top 20 IT services export companies
Indian information technology companies are making a huge splash all across the world.
Harshad Mehta scam: Rs 650 cr to settle claims
The Ministry of Finance has secured another order from the Special Court, Mumbai, allowing a release of a total amount of Rs 650 crore (Rs 6.5 billion) to the Income Tax Department, banks and financial institutions from the liquidated assets of the Harshad Mehta Group of entities, against pending claims.
Top 4 IT cos: TCS, Cognizant race ahead of Infy, Wipro
Analysts said the transition period at Infosys and Wipro have given an opportunity to TCS and Cognizant to increase their lead.
BAD NEWS! Petrol price may go up again
Firm crude and weaker rupee mean more losses for oil marketing companies. Jet fuel also set to rise, stressing airline finances.
One in six Americans living BELOW poverty line
The nation's official poverty rate in 2010 was 15.1 per cent, up from 14.3 per cent in 2009.
REVIEW: The new diesel Toyota Etios and Liva
The new diesel Toyota Etios and Liva find themselves in a highly competitive scenario.
PHOTOS: 20 countries with highest income tax rate!
There are some countries where more than 50 per cent of the income goes to taxes.
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| September 13, 2011 | | How this 21-yr-old became a social entrepreneur
Twenty-one year old Durgesh Nandan, the founder and CEO of AutomotionAds, is an engineer who passed out in April 2011. And, he has been running a venture for the last one year.
Sensex to touch 22K by Dec: JP Morgan
Even though investment sentiment is dampened by the worsening macroeconomic factors, investors are optmistic.
Here's why desktops won't die so soon
The growth in the desktop market is driven by the assembled desktop market and sales of desktops to the government and small- and medium-sized enterprises in Tier-II and Tier-III towns.
1 in 4 Indian employers uncertain about Q4 hiring
India has one of the most bullish employment outlooks across the globe, according to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey released on Tuesday.
Incredible India attracts 4 lakh foreigners in August!
Incredible India campaign has proved to be pretty successful.
SPECTACULAR IMAGES: Frankfurt Motor Show 2011
The Frankfurt Motor Show is the largest auto show in the world, and is held every two years. This year the auto show opens on September 13.
SPECIAL: She is one of the world's most powerful women
Chanda Kochhar on fate and hard work - the cornerstones of her career in the banking world.
From default risk to booming economy: India's comeback tale
Post-1991 reforms have brought unrecognisable change.
PHOTOS: World's 10 most beautiful currencies
We present a brief history of Indian currency as also 10 most beautiful currencies of the world.
Special: Here's why corruption will NOT end in India
Corruption, subsidies and infrastructure problems are still pockmarks on India's face.
PHOTOS: Cars India's ministers own
In their asset declarations, Indian ministers reveal the cars they dig.
Special: 10 countries with HIGHEST tax ratio
In some countries taxes are high, while in others they are low.
7 major food items that India IMPORTS
India's import trade is regulated by the office of the Director General of Foreign Trade and its regional offices functioning under the Ministry of Commerce.
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| September 12, 2011 | | Gold down by Rs 150, silver sheds Rs 300
Extending losses for the second straight session, both gold and silver today declined in the national capital due to subdued demand from stockists at prevailing higher levels amid a weak Asian trend.
Special: Can the absence of government be a boon?
Belgium has been without a government for a record 450 days but has managed to grow all the same.
Global tremors, IIP nos drag markets
The 30-share barometer dropped by 402.22, or 2.37 per cent to 16,464.75 at 1200 hrs with all sectoral indices trading in the negative zone.
The STUNNING Rs 30 lakh new Mercedes C-Class!
The facelifted C-Class has a lot of things sorted.
The curious case of Nilgiris, Ooty and Coonoor
A holiday allows you to get away from routine and invigorate yourself in as many ways as possible. Well, yes and no, if you have decided to go, for a change, on a conventional holiday to that evergreen duo in the Nilgiris, Ooty and Coonoor.
Here's how India can stop tax dodging!
India needs to develop ways to estimate the cost of tax dodging.
WikiLeaks: US embassy backs AI-Boeing deal
The embassy observations are part of a confidential official cable released by whistleblower website WikiLeaks on August 30.
Buying used cars? Some useful tips
The used car business is widespread in India, but has now grown in leaps and bounds to bring down the costs of the cars and to make it much easily available to the commoners in India; many auto companies have introduced the concept of used cars in India to combat the factors pulling back the car sales.
Home sales take a big knock, set to WORSEN
Developers blame credit rates, bankers say prices too high.
Nations with the world's BEST infrastructure!
A report by the Switzerland-based World Economic Forum for the year 2011-12 says that many Asian countries have better and more modern infrastructure than the United States.
How the govt sounded Air India's death knell
Foreign carriers leveraged the sixth freedom rights to grab Indian market share.
A quick guide to online filing of tax returns
Easier access, less time consumed and agency assistance at a small cost have helped online filing of income tax returns catch up in the past couple of years. Tax experts say about one in three returns are now filed online. Experts expect this to rise to 50 per cent.
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| September 09, 2011 | | Toyota launches DIESEL versions of Etios and Liva
Both the diesel variants will be powered by a 1.4-litre engine.
By 2013, computers will be 1000 times faster
Computer maker IBM is developing 'skyscraper' computers using huge sandwiches of silicon chips by sticking layer after layer of chips covered with tiny components together.
Special: Off to the US with a business plan
For the first time, an entry from the South Asia region will go to compete at the international level. Kadakia would represent South Asia at the 30 Global Dorm Room Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award on November 17.
Pesky SMSes/calls: What YOU can do
As India, the second largest telecom market in the world, has taken the lead in designing a system unique in the world that includes two databases -- a 'Do Not Call' and a 'Do Call' registry with 7 preference categories for customers who would like to receive only select calls and SMSes.
Carol Bartz SLAMS Yahoo board for firing her
Yahoo!'s fired chief executive officer Carol Bartz blasted the online media company's board of directors in a no-holds-barred interview with Fortune magazine, calling the people who fired her 'doofuses'.
Bank of America may fire 40,000 employees
Officials of United States financial giant Bank of America Corp have discussed slashing about 40,000 jobs under the first phase of a proposed restructuring exercise, according to a media report on Friday.
ICICI Bank to hire 6,000 people this fiscal
"Our business is growing between 18 to 20 per cent and we are also adding branches... it's expected that we would hire between five and six thousand people in our workforce," the bank's managing director and chief executive Chanda Kochhar told reporters.
Why smart cars can be a threat to you!
More and more digital technology is introduced into automobiles, the threat of malicious software and hardware manipulation only increases, cautions a new McAfee report, 'Caution: Malware Ahead'.
India lost Rs 34,200 crore to cybercrime last year
In India, approximately 2.9 crore (29 million) people fell victim to cybercrimes and cumulatively suffered a loss of $7.6 billion (approx Rs 34,200 crore) in 2010, a report by Norton has said.
Rupee plummets to fresh 1-yr low vs USD
Persistent dollar demand from banks and importers on the back of a higher dollar in the New York market mainly affected the rupee.
Is the US slipping into another Recession?
The more forward-looking survey data show significant deterioration. The Philadelphia Fed Index has dropped to -30.7, a level only observed previously during or on the cusp of a recession.
10 reasons why one should do business in India
A look into 10 positive aspects of the Indian economy.
Nations with MOST number of cars per 1,000 people
As aspirations and incomes grow in tandem, more people are buying cars now than at any other time in the history of mankind. Some of the world's biggest car markets are now located in Asia: China, India, Japan . . .
Which is the best laptop to buy?
Cutting across the bewildering number of options in the market, here are some latest value-for-money laptop options that compliment user's computing needs.
The STUNNING Rs 23 lakh Renault Koleos is here!
The Koleos is powered by a 2 litre diesel engine and is available in four wheeled drive option with six speed automatic transmission.
Roti, kapda, makaan aur mobile!
India is ranked third when it comes to minutes of mobile usage across the globe. The telecom sector alone directly contributes as much as $35 billion annually to the economy.
PHOTOS: The 4 closest rivals of Volkwagen Jetta
New Volkswagen Jetta price starts at Rs 14.12 lakh.
FDI inflows: India's top 10 sectors
In 1998 and 1999, the Indian government announced a number of reforms designed to encourage and promote a favourable business environment for investors.
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| September 08, 2011 | | Food inflation slips but no relief for common man
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee expressed hope that food prices will fall further after the festive season, even as he expressed concern over the high prices of non-food and fuel products.
AI move to acquire 111 planes is disastrous: CAG
Terming the move for getting of a "large number" of planes as "risky", the CAG said the aircraft acquisition had "contributed predominantly" to the airline's massive debt liability of Rs 38,423 crore (Rs 384.23 billion) as on March 31 last year.
CEO Bartz's exit clouds Yahoo! India prospects
Now, with her departure, the company's future is once again being questioned. "Yahoo! was earlier directionless. Now it's headless," says Mahesh Murthy, founder and chief executive, Pinstorm.
Land Bill: Here's how Jairam Ramesh explains it
Speaking to Business Standard about the Land Acquisition Bill recently cleared by the Cabinet, Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said though the farmers' protests in Uttar Pradesh provided the impetus, the Bill was as much a political response to a poll problem as a legal response to a social issue.
PHOTOS: The world's 15 most beautiful cars
A peek into world's 15 most beautiful cars compiled by msn.com
Murthy was unsure of growth in China: WikiLeaks
True, Infosys is on course to starting its first overseas campus in China, but only four years ago the Indian IT major's co-founder and ex-chairman, N R Narayana Murthy, was apprehensive about its expansion in the East Asian nation, according to WikiLeaks.
Just what is happening to the Indian stock market?
While many would say volatility is the new normal, it wouldn't be far off the mark to say this turnaround may be short-lived, as India's domestic problems and global risk aversion continue.
Suzuki set to meet Modi to finalise Maruti plant
Osamu Suzuki, chairman, Suzuki Motor Corporation, is likely to meet Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to finalise plans to set up a manufacturing plant for Maruti Suzuki India.
Visa woes: Infosys hires top criminal lawyer in US
Infosys, India's third-largest information technology services company, is putting in all-out efforts to douse the visa fire that erupted almost six months ago, with the filing of a lawsuit by one of its United States employees, and is spreading wings further.
Festive cheer unlikely for auto firms
The coming festive season is unlikely to bring cheer for the automobile companies. Leading manufacturers said on they did not expect consumer demand to rev up sales substantially this October, due to uncertainties over increasing lending rates and fuel prices.
Share trading may become cheaper
Finance ministry takes up a review of the STT regime after a meeting with stock exchange officials.
The only way EMIs can now go is UP!
The central government is worried about the rising home loan burden on consumers. On August 23, it wrote a letter to public sector banks, which account for over 50 per cent of the home loan market, to give borrowers the option to increase the tenure of their loans and not raise the EMIs.
Why the situation in Europe is like a forest fire!
The borrowing binge indulged in by European nations has attained catastrophic proportions.
Did Warren Buffett firm try back-door entry?
There is a buzz in insurance circles that Berkshire Hathaway might have resorted to a back-door entry into India in order to circumvent the caps on foreign direct investment in the insurance industry.
Is 'Group Buying' a good way to buy your home?
Since the last few years, group buying has been touted as a viable option for home buyers looking forward to get attractive discounts.
Special: Madhya Pradesh's hi-tech solution for PDS
State links PDS to UID to plug leakages in food supplies but gaps remain.
FDI: The top 10 nations investing in India
A Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion fact sheet mentioned India's top 10 FDI generating countries.
PHOTOS: Will Force One beat other SUVs in India?
Force Motors marked its entrance into the Passenger Vehicle segment by introducing Force One SUV in August this year.
World's 20 MOST competitive nations; US slips
While the top 10 countries in the list continue to be dominated by European nations, India dropped 5 places from 51 to rank 56 in the latest list.
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| September 07, 2011 | | Taxman's special agents may soon carry guns!
The Income Tax department is mulling to arm its soon-to-be-appointed 'special agents' who will be tasked to crack high-profile tax evasion and money laundering cases in the country.
Yahoo for sale? And why CEO was fired over phone
A Wall Street Journal report quoted a Yahoo insider as saying that 'Yahoo is open to selling itself to the right bidder'.
A brave new world for Infosys
Infosys has been hobbled by leadership issues, a dearth of bold decision-making and dissatisfied customers. It needs to fix these to rise back to the top.
Loan against shares: What one should know!
With consumer spending on rise and loans getting expensive, individuals are finding new ways to fulfil their money requirements.
Singh announces major trade sops for Bangladesh
A majority of these items - 46 to be precise, relate to textiles, particularly readymade garments.
Buying a home? Do this reality check first
The buy/sale agreement between the two parties is back in focus.
Special: Sanand now a MAJOR auto hub in India!
Following the re-entry of French car maker PSA Peugeot Citroen, the erstwhile sleepy town -- already home to Tata Motors' manufacturing plant for small car Nano -- finds itself along the country's prominent auto hubs like Pune in Maharashtra and Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.
Yahoo fires CEO Carol Bartz over the phone
It named chief financial officer Tim Morse as interim chief executive.
Vodafone Blue to woo users with Facebook phone
The company is relying on Vodafone Blue, a device that will be manufactured by Alcatel, to find a consumer following in non-metros.
PHOTOS: 12 luxurious homes of business titans
Some CEOs are living in houses that not only have helipads, but also multi-storey car parks.
Race to the bottom: It's India versus Bangladesh
The Indian stock market, hit by global fears and a high inflation-interest rate regime, has been the second-worst performer in Asia this calendar year - a shade above Bangladesh.
Here comes Koleos, the stunning SUV from Renault
The model which is to be launched in India is actually a facelifted version.
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| September 06, 2011 | | 'India can grow @12% if it were South, West ONLY'
Chidambaram also commented US Ambassador Timothy Roemer on the vast disparity between South India and the rest of the country, with the South being the entrepreneurial and business hub of the nation.
How Sachin would have made you a RICHER investor
So just keep on playing the game like Tendulkar has done over the past two decades . . . not bothering about short-term declines in form but practicing to be a master in the long term.
Stuck with shares of a scam-hit company? Read on
Keep your nerve and don't exit at once. For all you know, there could be a turnaround story.
There'll be regulations if . . .: Sibal to telcos
Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal on Tuesday warned that the growth of the telecom industry would be hurt if companies did not align their profit-making motives with the national interest and such a scenario could lead to over-regulation of the sector.
Budding entrepreneurs! Clean potable water for all
It was an event for budding entrepreneurs to showcase their Innovative Socio-Business Projects at IIT Madras organised by Genesis, a joint initiative of the Siva group (a $3-billion global conglomerate) and C-Tides (Cell for Technology Innovation, Development and Entrepreneurship Support), IIT Madras.
Toyota to HIRE 1,500 people in India by 2012
The company, which is present in India through a joint venture with the Kirloskar Group, is investing Rs 1,650 crore.
How India dismantled textile regime with Bangla
The radical nature of the trade package is sure to take everyone's breath away when Manmohan Singh meets Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
HDFC joins pricing war with dual home loan rate
Housing Development and Finance Corp Ltd (HDFC), the largest mortgage finance company in the country, on Monday launched a fixed-cum-floating rate scheme which would offer home loans at a fixed rate for the initial three or five years and at a floating rate thereafter.
'Won't start production until workers sign bond'
Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) on Tuesday said it will not resume full-scale production at its Manesar plant till workers sign a 'good conduct bond', as demanded by the company to ensure there is no repeat of quality issues that have surfaced at the plant.
The IMPRESSIVE Honda Brio could scare other cars!
So, does the Brio live up to the hype, in the end? After this first-drive, I would have to answer in the affirmative.
Workers FAKING sick leave: India 2nd worst
The survey, conducted by Australian workforce managers Kronos across Australia, China, France, the UK, India, Mexico and the US, found China taking first place at 71 per cent, followed by India at 62 per cent and then Australia at 58 per cent.
What parivartan? It's business as usual at Haldia
Mamata Banerjee promised a new era in West Bengal. Yet, workers at Haldia say that old habits of extortion and violence continue under the Trinamool flag.
'Corruption, scandals impair India's biz climate'
Besides corruption, the agency mentioned bureaucratic logjam and slow pace of judicial decision-making as factors hindering the Indian economy.
Railways may hike passenger fares by 8-12%, soon
Railway board chairman Vinay Mittal has written to railway minister Dinesh Trivedi, seeking a fare hike to address earning concerns.
Mumbai Metro to be operational by next year!
In a development that is bound to bring cheer for Mumbai's weary commuters and overburdened transportation facilities, authorities for the Mumbai Metro 1 project estimate that the Metro will be fully functional by next year.
IMAGES: The 8 CHEAPEST hatchbacks in India
With the hatchbacks selling like hotcakes, almost every car manufacturer is keen to launch a hatch in India.
Now, a 'Facebook phone' for Vodafone users
Vodafone is partnering social networking site Facebook to launch a 'Facebook' phone. This would give users one-click access to the site.
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| September 05, 2011 | | Honda to recall over 72,000 City sedans in India
Japanese auto major Honda on Monday said it will recall 72,115 units of its mid-sized sedan City in India to replace defective power window switches as part of a global exercise.
World economy in a new danger zone: Zoellick
World Bank Chief Robert Zoellick has asked the Chinese government to hasten planned structural reforms to shift the focus of its export-driven economy toward domestic consumption-led growth as the global economy entered a 'new danger zone' this autumn.
India's textiles exports to top $32 bn in FY-12
The country's textiles and clothing exports are expected to touch $32.35 billion in the 2011-12 fiscal, Parliament was informed on Monday.
Say bye to pesky calls, SMS from Sep 27
All those subscribers who have registered with the National Customer Preference Registry (earlier known as 'Do Not Call Registry') would get relief from all commercial
IMAGES: India's MOST fuel-efficient sedan is here!
25 KMPL mileage now on the new Tata Indigo e-CS VX
Pakistan debt: Case of the missing $5.7 billion!
It seems Pakistan's finance ministry and its central bank are not on the same page when it comes to calculating the government's short-term borrowing activity as their figures have an apparent discrepancy of $5.7 billion.
Everything about Dell's BIG plans for India
To achieve his objectives, the chairman of Dell India has a blueprint that spans across organic and inorganic (acquisitions) growth opportunities besides capitalising on Dell's "existing solutions for clients".
Images: This will be India's LONGEST road tunnel!
The work on India's longest road tunnel has begun, with engineers blasting a part of a hill to make way for the construction of the 9-km-long Chenani-Nashri tunnel in Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir.
Corruption: Time to get religion on the issue
Now that the crowds have gone home, Anna Hazare is back in Ralegan Siddhi, and the TV Rottweilers are looking for other ways to boost their rating points, we can have a rational debate about not just the Lok Pal but the larger issue of corruption.
Rajan Pillai death: HC notice to Centre
Nina Pillai, in her petition, had alleged that the mandatory medical examination of her husband was not conducted at Tihar for even two days after his arrest.
Mumbai airport: It's growth versus slum-dwellers!
Runways, taxiways, hangars, terminals, roads, offices, et cetera need to be built. But there is no land to do that on. The airport, which offers many overseas travellers their first impression of India, is choked by slums on several sides, and Sahar is the largest of them.
Why India Inc is SCARED to fly in business jets
Business jets and chartered flights have been an unlikely victim of the recent corruption scandals involving India Inc.
Anna's victory: 11 MANTRAS for entrepreneurs!
Anna's movement is likely to be a game-changer and will shift the rules of the game in favour of value-creators.
Mobile social networking sees explosive growth
Players bank on video messaging to attract users.
IMAGES: World's 10 BEST cities to live in!
The survey, an annual exercise, assessed living conditions in 140 global cities.
Honda to launch SMALL and CHEAP cars soon in India
Brio, cheaper City and Jazz and diesels could pave the way for growth in India.
35 Indian cos in Asia's Best under a Billion list
Recently, Forbes announced its Best under a Billion List of Asian corporation based on sales and earnings growth. To qualify the companies were required to have annual revenue between $5 million and $1 billion, and be publicly traded for at least a year.
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| September 02, 2011 | | Why Tamil Nadu is NO longer a favoured auto hub
Chronic power outages, labour issues and unaffordable real estate have taken the sheen off TN's vaunted ecosystem for global auto makers.
RICH feel the pinch too! Lifestyle inflation soars
If rising prices of food and fuel are hurting the common man, the richie-rich club has its own inflation-related worries -- that is in prices of Chanel bags and Rolex watches, among other high-end lifestyle products.
Stranded on road? SOS your insurer
Your car maker could also offer a service for free, provided your vehicle is within warranty period.
BOND problem: Why Maruti needs a political answer
Good conduct bonds and contract workers won't help.
Murthy, Kamath on how REFORMS helped India!
Things have changed dramatically for India Inc post liberalisation in 1991. Business Standard catches up with three industry veterans on what reforms meant in the early days and what lies ahead . . .
PHOTOS: The world's grooviest small cars
A compact car or small family car is a classification of cars which are larger than a supermini, but smaller than or equal to a mid-size car.
Mamata's 100 days: Industry is the casualty
"I am slogging like a demon," Banerjee said recently. What she left out was that she's made sure that everyone at Writers' the red-bricked colonial structure that houses the state secretariat is doing the same.
IMAGES: How Merc plans to regain its supremacy
Ironically, the loss of the number one position happened at a time when Benz has grown at a record 80 per cent clip last year.
Still Single? Set short-term goals for yourself
Creating a strong corpus through equity will reduce later need for debt to make big purchases.
CBI turns the heat on Essar, ex-BJP ministers
Says no evidence yet to incriminate Maran for coercion in Aircel-Maxis deal.
Maruti to start production at 2nd Manesar plant
The move to commission the new facility a month ahead of schedule comes in a bid to deal with the production impasse the company finds itself in.
IMAGES: World's 30 most powerful businesswomen
Three Indians PepsiCo chief Indra Nooyi, ICICI Bank's CEO Chanda Kocchar and Kiran Mazumdar Shaw of Biocon -- have been listed in 'The World's 100 Most Powerful Women' list by Forbes magazine.
SPECIAL: 20 stocks that you can GAIN from
Amid slowing growth and global uncertainties, here are the top recommendations of leading research houses.
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| August 30, 2011 | | Will invest in WB if there's no hostility: Tata
Tata Sons chairman Ratan Tata on Tuesday said that further investments in West Bengal would be made when there is a "feeling to satisfy that there is no hostility against us".
My Sunny Balcony: A passion that is a business
We have lost the front and the back yards. So, the only place left for us is the balcony. People buy flats with French windows and spacious balconies that can be used creatively, says the My Sunny Balcony team.
GDP data disappointing, need to work hard: FM
The government on Tuesday expressed disappointment over the slowdown in the country's gross domestic product growth rate and said hard work is needed by all sections, including industry and farmers, to ensure inclusive growth, keeping in mind uncertainty over the global economy and monsoon.
No White Paper on black money, says Pranab
White Papers, which are issued by the government, lay out the policy or proposed action on topics of current concern.
Strauss Kahn visits IMF headquarters to bid adieu
This was Strauss Khan's first visit to the IMF headquarters in Washington after he was forced to resign from the global lending institution following his arrest in New York early this year on sexual assault charges.
What is the perfect cure for corruption?
This is understandable very few people who do illegal things do so because they love doing illegal things. People are corrupt in India because the material life resulting from corruption an illegal act is better than a corruption-free existence.
Are the glory days over for the aviation industry?
The ultimate irony of today's air travel scene is that most of the firms that are intensively competing with each other to offer easy availability and service that was unimaginable earlier are not making money.
The failing health of India's higher education
Students seem to trip up when it comes to applying what they have learnt in one context to solve a similar problem in another context.
India's GDP growth slows to 7.7 per cent
Confirming fears of a slowdown, India's economy grew by just 7.7 per cent in the first quarter of the 2011-12 financial year, compared to 8.8 per cent growth in the same three-month period last fiscal, which was mainly due to the poor performance of the manufacturing sector.
Maruti suspends 16 more, fires 12 trainees
Production has not started yet, but there are indications that it will resume today with alternate arrangements like contract workers and hiring technicians.
Fixed income safer for higher loan
Avoid shares as collateral, as you may need to pay for the decline in stock price in volatile market.
A rocky road for Hindustan Motors
Declining sales and an inability to meet its capacity have hobbled the car maker.
India may be 3rd largest economy a decade earlier!
India's GDP would more than treble in dollar terms by 2021, be as big as a stagnant Japan's, and therefore poised to become the third largest economy in the world -- a decade ahead of the Goldman schedule.
Banks helping to hide black money? I-T to probe
In its pursuit to unearth black money, the Income Tax Department will probe certain banks and their officials suspected to be helping customers hide illicit funds through multiple accounts.
Get ready for the next bull run in GOLD
The likes of J P Morgan will now have to buy back gold in order to repay the Venezuelan government and this will drive the price of gold up globally.
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| August 29, 2011 | | Soaring gold prices bring cheers, and tears
With gold breaching the Rs 20,000-mark for a sovereign recently, market figures show there has been no let-up in retail buying, as gold is an integral part of marriage, cutting across caste and community divides in Kerala.
Game for gaming: Gen-Y geeks go pro
The reception area is packed with young turks in their early 20s, dressed in jeans and T-shirts, waiting patiently for their interview.
Global investors renew interest in Indian realty
With their home markets in turmoil, large global investors such as Blackstone, Carlyle, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan and the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation are actively scouting for and signing deals in the Indian property sector.
Consensus grows on internal Tata successor
Sources familiar with the developments say the growing consensus in the committee set up to find a successor to chairman Ratan Tata is that an internal candidate should be the preferred option.
Falling rupee begins to HURT dollar investors
While Sensex fell 14.4% since July 26, dollar investors lost 18.07%.
KV Kamath: From a banker to Infosys leader
The new chairman assumes his role at perhaps one of the most challenging times for both the company and the industry.
Production HALTED at Maruti's Manesar unit
The firm has suffered production loss of about 1,200 units, valued at around Rs 60 crore.
Global weakness spells new opportunities for India
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said adverse global economic developments, including the fallout of downgrade of the United States sovereign rating, present new opportunities to India and the country could become a source of stability for the world economy.
Sensex soars! Ends up 568 points
Heavyweights have continued to buoy markets higher today with Reliance and Infosys leading the upmove.
Minimum Rs 500-crore capital MUST to set up a bank
The Reserve Bank of India on Monday released the draft norms for licensing of new banks in the private sector, pegging the minimum capital requirement at Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion).
Look out for the great American tamasha
The political fall-out of the US downgrade is not over. Republicans and Democrats are both trying to pin the blame on the other party, displaying their great skill in spinning news to score partisan political points.
A scientist who is a social ENTREPRENEUR
Svati Bhogle, managing director of Sustaintech India Pvt Ltd, is not a typical entrepreneur: she is more a scientist than an entrepreneur.
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| August 26, 2011 | | MAYHEM! Investors lose Rs 250,000 crore!
The total investor wealth, measured in terms of cumulative value of all listed shares, fell by about Rs 1,22,000 crore (Rs 1,220 billion) on Friday, when the market benchmark Sensex fell by 297.50 points to its lowest level in over 18 months.
US praises Tata Steel for creating jobs in America
The Obama administration is appreciative of the investment made by Indian-owned multinationals to create new jobs in the United States as is evident from the visit of Acting United States Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank to Thomas Steel Strip, a Warren, Ohio-based Tata Steel unit.
PHOTOS: 4 Indians among MIT's top innovators
The innovators are blazing new paths in a wide range of fields.
Teaser, floating, fixed loans explained
Home loan rates, which have been rising consistently, and sometimes even on a monthly basis, have had borrowers on tenterhooks.
Governance bigger worry than inflation: Nomura
Nomura has come a long way since launching its first India-dedicated fund six years ago.
Gold, silver prices see sharp decline
Recent rise may be nearing peak, analysts say long-term trend remains bullish.
Indian BPOs head to China
After information technology, it's now the turn of Indian business process outsourcing services companies to harness China as a delivery location.
Foreign investors paint gloomy India picture
If the latest strategy reports of some leading foreign institutional investors (FIIs) are anything to go by, then the outlook for the Indian equity market appears bleak. This is, despite section of experts pitching for the current attractive valuations.
Finmin readies GST for 2012-13 rollout
The GST Constitutional Amendment Bill is with the standing committee.
Apple isn't going to change: New CEO
Terming his decision to join Apple as the 'best' one he ever made, Cook said it has been the 'privilege of a lifetime' to work for Apple and Jobs for over 13 years.
Now, Belgium agrees to share black money info
The move is likely to help the government track black money parked by Indians in Belgium - a huge diamond trading hub.
Gujarat biggest home to vanishing companies
With 26 companies, state tops list of vanishing companies in the country.
Steve Jobs clearly 'Apple' of Indian eyes
No other global chief executive officer's exit elicited such a response in blogosphere.
IMAGES: India's billionaire sons and daughters
Heirs to India's most wealthy companies, they command an enviable position.
Rahul Dravid and GOLD are the last men standing!
People hoard gold, whenever there is crisis of confidence on the paper currency.
PHOTOS: 10 SUPER expensive cars!
These super cars are not for everyday use.
RARE photos: A look at 63 years of computers!
History of computers can be traced way back to 1939.
Home growth can help ride over global slowdown
Pessimists argue that India cannot be decoupled from disturbing global trends.
How to safeguard oneself when buying a plot
A buyer has the right to ask and verify the certificates and documents cleared by the respective agencies or boards with regard to the property.
Reducing exposure to capital flows can help region
Reducing exposure to capital flows can help the region shield itself against volatility in global markets.
Want to be India's first Tech Idol? Try your luck!
Here's an opportunity to win the title of India's first Tech Idol. If you are the best developer and ready to take up a challenge, Gild.com offers you a lifetime opportunity to prove your mettle.
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| August 25, 2011 | | Switzerland to tax UK citizen's black money
It follows a similar deal agreed earlier this month between Germany and the Swiss authorities.
WARNING! High prices, tough times ahead, says RBI
The Reserve Bank of India on Thursday warned of difficult days ahead, saying inflation will remain at elevated levels for some more time while the economic growth rate will moderate in the current fiscal.pp
PHOTOS: The many faces of Steve Jobs
On Thursday (August 25), Steve Jobs resigned as Apple's chief executive officer and named Tim Cook as his successor.
Timeline: Steve Jobs's amazing innings at Apple
Steve Jobs' resignation is biggest blow to Apple, which is at the peak of its success.
Soaring inflation is bad news, am worried: FM
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday expressed concern over rising food inflation, saying it is perilously near double digits.
Steve Jobs: The man and his words of wisdom
On Thursday, Steve Jobs resigned as Apple's chief executive officer and named Tim Cook as his successor.
Food inflation rises to 9.80 per cent
During the week ended August 13, fruits became dearer by 27.01 per cent and eggs, meat and fish by 13.37 per cent on an annual basis.
Challenges facing Apple post Jobs
Jobs will now be the chairman of Apple's board.
The man who messed with the average American
Sharma hit the Average Joe hard, though not directly. The fact that other raters Moody's and Fitch maintained their top rating on US debt only added to the discomfort.
PHOTOS: The new Rs 388,000 Indica Vista is here
The new Tata Vista delivers a sedan-like experience.
Nano gets a big lift within Tata Group firms
Higher price tag and soaring fuel costs have swayed buyers away from the ultra compact car over the months.
TCS to open BPO centre in Ahmedabad
India's largest information technology (IT) services provider, TCS, is setting up a greenfield business process outsourcing (BPO) centre in Ahmedabad that can house 2,000 people.
PHOTOS: World's top 20 vehicle-producing nations
Number of vehicles in operation worldwide surpassed the one billion-unit mark in 2010.
Indian states with highest per capita INCOME!
Per capita income in India has doubled between 2004-05 and 2010-11 to touch Rs 54,835 per annum. The PCI figure gives a fair idea of the standard of living of the people. India's per capita income in 2009-10 was Rs 46,492.
Jobs resigns; Tim Cook is new Apple CEO
According to his letter 'to the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community', posted on the Wall Street Journal website, Jobs said, "I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee."
IMAGES: This Rolls-Royce may fetch pound 400,000
The vehicle once belonged to Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV.
Laptops dress up to woo tablet buyers
Since the introduction of Apple's iPad in 2010, tablet PCs have been dominating retail space.
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| August 24, 2011 | | Can automakers tide over the crisis?
Continuing slide in demand for new cars in Europe has made Maruti Suzuki edgy about business, but the automobile major is still looking forward to bagging export order for hatchbacks from Nissan this year.
SPECIAL: How the world is drowning in excess debt!
countries need to borrow to repay bonds that are maturing. And they also need to borrow to meet their current expenditure. So the debt just keeps growing.
SPECIAL: How unrestrained mining RUINED Bellary
Initially, it was all gold. But Justice Hegde's report exposed the dingy substrate of Bellary's mining operations.
How India plans to cut its loan pipeline
India may cut its loan pipeline from the World Bank or pre-pay some of the amount as it is running the risk of exceeding the borrowing limit from the global lender in next three years.
More jobs? Make trade unions LESS relevant!
Trade unions have to become much less relevant to India's future if we have to recognise that job-creation is more important than job preservation, says TeamLease CEO Manish Sabharwal.
Corruption in India has become worse: Ratan Tata
Top industrialists have expressed concern over the impact that worsening corruption has on their businesses and said there is no short-cut to becoming a billion-dollar company other than doing things the right way.
Will call PM, Chidambaram as witnesses: Raja
Jailed former Telecom Minister A Raja on Wednesday told a Delhi court that he would get Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the then finance minister P Chidambaram and the current Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal summoned as witnesses to prove that the government did not incur any loss in the 2G allocation.
How Renault plans to capture the Indian market
The French carmaker wants to erase the Logan memory by opting for a premium play before going down the value chain.
Raise tenure, not EMI, says FinMin
In a letter to chairmen and managing directors of public sector banks, the finance ministry has asked state-run banks not to increase the equated monthly installment, in order to provide some relief to the borrowers since interest rates have risen sharply.
Mumbai world's cheapest city, claims study!
According to UBS Prices and Earnings Update, August 2011, Mumbai overtook 73 cities of the world to take the cheapest city crown with 40.2 points.
'India may have competitive edge over China'
The think-tank, however, said that in next two decades, China would continue to maintain technological and economic edge over India, but would have demographic disadvantage over its Asian neighbour.
US court rejects appeal, Strauss-Kahn free
A judge had earlier dismissed all charges against Strauss-Kahn, who was accused of forcing the maid into a sex act at a luxury Manhattan hotel, but her lawyers had filed an appeal to a higher court seeking a special prosecutor, the report added.
Financial inclusion: India's TOP 23 states!
The essence of financial inclusion is to ensure that a range of appropriate financial services is available to every individual and enable them to understand and access those services.
IMAGES: World's most amazing workplaces!
From office headquarters to car factories and elegantly designed-institutes, these buildings are truly architectural masterpieces.
Special: Hyderabad's new Nizams
Heart of the old city is a spectacle of all-night shopping and feasting.
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| August 23, 2011 | | Petrol in India costlier than in US, Pakistan!
Petrol prices in India are costlier than the United States but cheaper than European countries, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas R P N Singh said on Tuesday.
Now, bulbs can be used to broadcast broadband
Prof Harald Hass says the invention, dubbed D-Light, can send data faster than 10 megabits per second, which is the speed of a typical broadband connection, by altering the frequency of the ambient light in the room.
Why India's largest textile exports hub is DYING!
An 84-year-old farmer's court injunction has converted a booming export hub into a ghost town, causing exports to plummet and businesses to relocate.
PHOTOS: Ferrari sells for $16.4 mn at auction!
In auctions held this weekend, nine much-desired cars were on the block.
Now, Google+ issues verification badges
Being anonymous or using a pseudonym is no longer an option on Google+.
Arvind Virmani: Economist who became a diplomat
Former chief economic advisor on life in government and the reform years.
Strauss-Kahn: Prosecutors want charges dropped
The lawyer for hotel housekeeper Nafissatou Diallo also met with prosecutors briefly.
Cars from India, China? DON'T WANT say Americans
Market research firm GfK Automotive's Barometer of Automotive Awareness and Imagery Study found that Chinese and Indian auto-makers could face a similar purchase consideration curve to Korean vehicles when they launched in the US.
Deven Sharma to resign as Standard and Poor's head
Indian-American Deven Sharma, the president of Standard and Poor's, is stepping down by year end, an announcement coming only weeks after the credit rating agency downgraded American credit rating.
ITC, Tatas vie for hotel market share
ITC Hotels and Tatas' Indian Hotels Company will invest strongly over the next few years to add properties in the segment, considered a booming one.
IMAGES: India's top 20 BPO companies
India's top business process outsourcing (BPO) companies posted a total revenue of Rs 32,246 crore (Rs 322.46 billion) in 2010-2011.
How Bombardier plans to make it big in India
Starting with SpiceJet deliveries from this week, aircraft maker sees 'very exciting opportunity'.
PHOTOS: China's counterfeit culture!
Chinese counterfeiters have had a field day pumping out knockoffs of Apple Inc's best-selling iPhones and iPads, but one appears to have gone a step further -- a near flawless fake Apple Store that even employees believe is the real deal.
PM tells IIM grads how corruption can be curbed
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed the Golden Jubilee of Indian Institute of Management-Calcutta in Kolkata on August 22, 2011.
PM exhorts IIT-ians to build a vibrant India
Even as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed the 57th Annual Convocation and Launching of Diamond Jubilee of IIT, Kharagpur on Monday, some IIT students and others held a demonstration near the campus of the premier technical institute here in support of Anna Hazare's movement hours.
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| August 22, 2011 | | IMAGES: India's top 20 BPO companies
India's top business process outsourcing (BPO) companies posted a total revenue of Rs 32,246 crore (Rs 322.46 billion) in 2010-2011.
How Mumbai can cope with urbanisation
Developing new mass rapid transit system (MRTS) will help decongest the already choked roads of Mumbai and cope with rapid urbanisation, according to a report by industry body Assocham.
Business-as-usual will not work for 9% growth: PM
A 'business-as-usual' approach will not work if the Indian economy is to achieve its long-term 9 per cent annual growth target, which is "very ambitious" in the backdrop of global uncertainties, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
More pain: RBI may hike interest rates in Sept
RBI is likely to continue with its tight monetary policy.
Tutoring US students from Indian homes
Tutorvista teaches 20,000 students, 95 per cent of them from the United States. The rest are from 24 different countries. Ganesh plans to enter the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia next year.
Can hero live up to its name?
Now standing on one foot, Hero MotoCorp has to decide if it wants to play offence or defence.
How MindTree can rectify its biggest mistakes
MindTree tried its hand at making wireless handsets but failed. Now co-founder Ashok Soota has moved on to start a competing business.
The all new Reliance 3G tab plays out good
Everyone who has looked at a tablet PC and backed off because of the price will see sense in the Reliance 3G Tab, an Android tablet PC that costs just Rs 13,000 (data prices extra).
SPECIAL: Why China is at America's mercy
China exports, US buys. China gets the money. The money is in turn invested in US government bonds, i.e. lent to the US. The US, in turn, buys goods from China from the money that is lent, and China earns dollars in the process. These dollars are again lent to the US and so the cycle continues
Force One: The STUNNING Rs 11-lakh SUV
drives the new SUV from Force Motors and tells you all about it.
Narayana Murthy bids farewell to Infosys
Infosys employees presented Murthy and his family members a sketch of his on a rice grain.
Online classifieds: The next big thing on the Net
If you are looking for a free and effective way to get rid of used merchandise, this is the perfect platform to reach out to interested buyers/sellers beyond your circle of friends.
What is the KEY to India's economic success?
The key to the success of India's 12th Plan lies in what state governments can and will do.
13 US companies that offer amazing perks!
There are some companies that provide just about everything.
Mahindra plans compact Verito to get excise sops
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, the country's largest utility vehicle maker, will roll out a sub-four metre compact model of Verito, the rechristened Mahindra Logan, which is expected to attract only 10 per cent excise duty instead of the earlier 22 per cent. Also, it will have a lower price tag.
Maruti may make engines to meet diesel car demand
The surge in diesel vehicle demand has prompted the companies to explore options such as developing new engines as well as buying these from other companies.
IMAGES: China's aircraft carrier hotel!
A former Soviet warship has been converted by China into a floating luxury hotel. A look inside the hotel/aircraft carrier Kiev.
Must read! When you become an NRI
One cannot open a savings bank account, have a fixed deposit or a public provident fund.
Ambassador set to get a facelift!
With over 35 brands offering their cars, Hindustan Motors is on the brink of being forgotten.
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| August 19, 2011 | | India's economy robust; growth story intact: FM
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday asserted that India's economy is 'robust' and its growth story is intact, amid fears of another global economic turmoil that sent the world stocks into a tailspin.
Swiss banks info-sharing to be effective in Sept
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said the agreement signed with Switzerland for sharing banking information on demand is likely to come into force by September.
Gold on fire; zooms to record high of Rs 28,150!
Gold climbed to an all-time high of Rs 28,150 per 10 grams in the national capital on Friday, posting its biggest-ever single day gain of Rs 1,310 amid frantic buying triggered by robust demand in global markets.
Why retail investors are flocking to gold ETFs
During April-July, the investor-base in gold ETFs expanded 24 per cent.
PHOTOS: 13 best diesel hatchbacks in India
Diesel is 40 per cent cheaper than petrol and some of the diesel cars are 30 per cent more fuel efficient as compared to their petrol variant.
Special: How to make PROFITS in a bear market
Bear markets are often shorter in duration than bull markets but they can have a devastating impact.
25 nations with most MILLIONAIRES by 2020
A study by New York-based Deloitte Center for Financial Services, titled The next decade in global wealth among millionaire households, says India is likely to experience the largest growth of a whopping 405 per cent in total millionaire wealth over the next decade.
SpiceJet chief says higher fares can fix finances
High fuel prices are not only taking a toll on airline companies' balance sheets, but also forcing them to innovate to cut costs.
PHOTOS: World's 10 worst oil disasters
An oil spill is a release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment.
Facebook not hit by social media fatigue
Facebook is the top social network in India.
Tough road ahead for new Air India chief
Biggest problem that Nandan faces is being able to simultaneously improve Air India's earnings and decrease debt.
Hackers cost finance firms Rs 7 crore a year
Indian banks saw their losses nearly double to Rs 12.6 crore.
Sensex plunges below 16K after 15 months
As many as 132 companies declined to their all-time low levels in morning trade on the Bombay Stock Exchange on Friday as weak global cues dragged the benchmark Sensex down by over 300 points.
PHOTOS: World's 10 richest diamond mines!
Diamonds are such a highly traded commodity that multiple organizations have been created for grading and certifying them.
They gave up BIG salaries to do GOOD for the world
Meet these corporates who chose to give up their high-income jobs, only to take up the cause they strongly believe in.
European debt crisis: Explained in SIMPLE terms!
The European debt crisis is possibly even bigger than the American one. But just what is the crisis all about? Here's a dummies guide to it. Read on . . .
Why the gold bubble will soon BURST!
Many are selling stocks and corporate bonds and putting their money into gold.
After 30 years, it is Murthy's last day at Infosys
Murthy will hand over his role to K V Kamath, who has been an independent director on the Infosys board since May, 2009.
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| August 18, 2011 | | Gujarat, preferred location for new Maruti plant
Top carmaker Maruti Suzuki on Thursday said that Gujarat is a preferred location for the company to set up its new manufacturing plant.
IN PIX: Gold rises to record Rs 26,840
Gold of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity advanced by Rs 160 each.
ICICI fined Rs 25,000; told to compensate customer
ICICI Bank has been slapped with a fine of Rs 25,000 by a Delhi district consumer forum for wrongly deducting Rs 40,578 from the account of one of its customers.
PHOTOS: 10 countries with least population density
There are some countries that have more animals than humans.
US probing S&P's rating of mortgages: Report
The investigation began before it cut the United States' AAA credit rating.
India Inc uneasy at Hazare standoff
Broader sentiment of lack of transparency bothers most in India Inc.
Morgan Stanley downgrades India ratings
Report maintains its underweight call on India.
How tablet PCs are SLUGGING it out in India
After mobile handsets, a price war is now brewing in the tablet PC segment.
PHOTOS: And now a hotel in space!
It will house seven guests in four cabins.
The 5 largest computer sellers in India
The combined desk-based and mobile PC market in India totalled nearly 2.5 million units in the April June quarter, a 2.5 per cent increase over the same quarter last year.
Crony capitalism: Why property prices don't fall!
So crony capitalism might be better than no capitalism but it comes with costs attached. And this should serve as a warning.
Gold jewellery will now fetch LESS loan
Companies change the way they calculate the value of gold, leading to a lower loan-to-value for customers.
UNVEILED! The all new Maruti SWIFT
Longer and wider platform, more fuel efficient, improved acceleration, plush interiors.
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| August 17, 2011 | | What India earns from telecom despite defaults
The government on Wednesday said it has received over Rs 2.15 lakh crore (Rs 2.15 trillion) so far from telecom operators as spectrum fee and licence fee.
India to be $5.6 trillion economy by 2020
India will see a three-fold jump in GDP.
Black money: UPA government loves tax evaders
'Considering that there was an estimated Rs 10 lakh crores of Indian money stolen and kept in foreign tax havens, the UPA government with one stroke of its tainted pen has granted immunity to tax-evaders who had stashed the loot in tax havens.'
Rajaratnam plea against conviction thrown out
A US court has denied a bid by billionaire hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam, convicted in May this year on insider trading charges, to reverse the verdict handed by the jury in his case.
India's 10 MOST valuable companies
State-run Coal India on Wednesday toppled billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries as the country's most valued company, with a slightly higher market valuation around mid-day.
Now, scratch cards are a marketing tool
Mobile advertising industry is generating responses that are as high as 40 per cent.
Must-see: The GOLDEN Amul ads
Cartoon artist Bharat Dabholkar has been involved with sketching the Amul ads since the 1980s.
Is the high margin story OVER for Indian IT firms?
Adverse economic and political conditions in the US and rising costs could see margins drop for the IT biggies.
IMAGES: 10 BIG projects that can transform India
The current lacklustre mood of the nation could well be revitalised with a clutch of game-changing projects.
Economist PM highly economical about economics
India had time to plan and improve its competitiveness and infrastructure. Yet it chose not to. And for that we need to blame our government, says .
PHOTOS: The STUNNING new VW Jetta hits roads
German name Volkswagen translates into English as the 'people's car'.
India: A scoop of vegetarianism and Americanism
Germ-dreading, bottled water-dependent upper-class Indian has to be reassured that what is on offer is safe to slurp.
Airbag for mobile phone? It's possible!
Mobile phone could someday have an airbag.
Here's what IBM and IIT are doing for the Ganga!
Given the tonnes of sewage and filth that have accumulated in the Ganga over the years, this may seem to be a drop in the ocean.
Why people hoard gold and buy it during crises
If you hoard a metal like copper, you will be taking it away from its genuine industrial users. So in the end people hoard gold, whenever there is crisis of confidence on the paper currency.
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| August 16, 2011 | | Automakers in trouble: Tatas, Maruti cut output
With the domestic auto market going on a downhill slide, Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki have cut production as the automobile industry braces up for a single digit sales growth this fiscal.
Being a nice guy doesn't pay off, literally!
Nen with disagreeable personalities are 18 per cent more likely to earn more than nice guys.
Inflation at 8-month low of 9.22%
On an annual basis, prices of food articles went up by 8.19 per cent in July, which is lower than the 8.38 per cent inflation recorded in June.
Will Microsoft now woo Nokia?
The possibilities are: Apple, Google and a third player. The pursuit of that third slot is where there will be blood on the streets -- who will win, RIM or HP or Microsoft?
Battle over smartphones: Samsung takes on Nokia
Samsung is counting on snazzy new products, innovative marketing and vaulting ambition to close the gap on rival Nokia in this lucrative segment.
How US beat its 1st debt crisis in 18th century
Both Europe and the US can learn a lesson from American history to overcome their debt problems.
IMAGES: World's 10 STUNNING yachts
The world's largest luxury yacht is Eclipse.
IMAGES: 20 most POPULAR cars in India
Sales plunged to 133,747 units from 158,767 in the same month last year.
IMAGES: India's best and worst performing states
The sustainable competitiveness report measures of the responsible growth of a state.
PIX: T3 to remain India's largest airport for now
The existing capacity will be able to match passenger growth.
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| August 15, 2011 | | Google to buy Motorola Mobility for $12.5 bn
The all-cash deal will boost Google's competitive edge in the mobile computing arena as well as give it access to Motorola's range of Android operating system-based offerings.
Govt debts crossed $41 trillion globally in 2010
Many governments, especially in the developed world, have resorted to massive stimulus measures to bolster their economies since the 2008 global financial meltdown.
India may see about 1 mn 'green jobs' by 2013
As green jobs exist in all sectors, this means more engineering, more construction and more management jobs.
India to be downgraded? No such immediate threat
The ratings are opinions that reflect the ability and willingness of the rated entity to meet financial obligations.
IMAGES: A new SMALL car from Hyundai soon
This car has been codenamed H800 and is also called Hyundai HA and it will take on Tata Nano, Maruti Alto and New Maruti 800.
When Dhoni's team WILTED, ad rates went for a toss
While no one knows whether the Indian cricket team will be able to regain its number one Test nation status in the near future, the consensus is that advertisers will refuse to play ball for some time at least.
When bears come calling, what brokers DO
Many have downgraded EPS estimates for the Sensex in FY12.
Use your mobile to drive, explore a car
Technology is operational in 2,000 high-footfall areas such as malls, hangout locations, airports, stadiums and showrooms across the country.
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| August 12, 2011 | | Buy a Mahindra aircraft for the price of a Ferrari
India's first private sector made civilian aircraft -- NM5 -- is all set to take off within the next six weeks. Developed by Mahindra Aerospace and NAL, it costs up to Rs 1.8 crore (Rs 18 million).
Auto sector slowdown! Maruti cuts production
The country's largest car maker Maruri Suzuki India on Friday said it has cut down production on most of its models this month due to slowdown in the market.
India 5th most indebted among developing nations
The government on Friday said that India is the fifth most indebted country among the 20 developing nations but its debt is within manageable limits.
Direct Taxes Code set to miss deadline again
The Direct Taxes Code Bill, introduced in Parliament on August 30 last year, proposes to replace the 50-year-old Income Tax Act.
END to pesky calls, SMSes likely in 6 weeks
In a relief to millions of mobile phone users, telecom regulator Trai on Friday said it will take 4-6 weeks to curb the menace of unsolicited calls and SMSes after DoT cleared the '140' number series exclusively for landline phones of telemarketing companies.
India's industrial growth jumps to 8.8% in June
Industrial growth in the country revived moderately to 8.8 per cent in June this year on the back of a smart recovery in the manufacturing sector and better offtake of capital goods.
In GRAPHICS: The booming Indian economy
Here are some aspects of the Indian economy in graphics.
PIX: How India can be a global business powerhouse
Marketers need to build on the country's core values to strengthen Brand India's presence abroad.
Air India will NOT be privatised, says govt
Crying foul, the Opposition on Friday alleged in the Lok Sabha that there was a deliberate design to make state carrier Air India bankrupt in order to privatise it, prompting the government to rule out privatisation and promise administrative and monetary steps to turn it around.
RARE images: Mumbai's infrastructure since 1864!
Mumbai, formerly called Bombay, is India's financial powerhouse. It is also home to close to 2.10 crore (21 million) people, making it the most populous city in the country.
Is Hyderabad going the Kolkata way?
Movement for a separate statehood to the Telangana region is taking its toll.
The Man who brought the US down
The US treasury bond has been perhaps the most resilient feature of the American economy.
IMAGES: Gold never glittered more!
Gold prices have hit a record high of Rs 26,000 per 10 grams for the first time ever.
SPECIAL: How India became a ROARING Asian tiger!
Twenty years of economic reforms later, the Indian elephant has morphed into a tiger, averaging 8.5 per cent growth in the last decade. . .
MUST READ! Does India have cash to repay its debt?
Here we try to give you a basic understanding of the whole US debt crisis and also give insights into the Indian scenario.
Do we really need B-schools? Solve & WIN Rs 25,000
What is the core objective of a bschool?
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| August 11, 2011 | | Sebi to keep an eye on rating agencies
The regulator will revisit the rules for credit rating agencies after monitoring the domestic and global developments in this regard.
SBI raises lending rates by 0.50%
SBI held its asset liability committee meeting on Thursday evening to finalise its rate hike move.
BlackBerry Bold 9900 hits Indian market
It comes with a keyboard along with touch display.
The secret behind Cognizant's AMAZING success
Hiring during a recession and leveraging a stable succession gameplan are just a few amongst many other things that this firm did right.
Now France is in a mess! World markets shudder
Banking shares led the free fall and dragged almost all major European indexes down with them.
No respite: Food inflation rockets to 9.90%
Food inflation surged to a four-and-a-half month high of 9.90 per cent during the week ended July 30 on the back of costlier onions, fruits, vegetables and protein-based items.
How markets came to hold nations to ransom!
Standard and Poor's action has left many speechless.
Why Air India is plagued by mounting losses
The government-owned carrier has asked for withdrawal of flights from destinations such as Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Chennai and Jaipur, among others.
Photos: America's WORST economic disaster!
The Great Depression, that began almost 10 years before World War II broke out, is said to be the worst-ever financial crisis that the United States and many other nations across the world ever witness to.
Telecom policy to allow pooling of spectrum
The policy is also pushing for a one-country-one-licence regime, which means removal of roaming charges.
SPECIAL: 5 stocks investors can bet on
Experts believe investors should focus on protecting capital rather than chasing returns.
20 nations with the HIGHEST debt in the world
Once the envy of the world, these nations are now posing a threat to the world economy.
Special: Has US managed to avert RECESSION?
The recession scare is back with the United States' economy plunging into another grave crisis.
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| August 10, 2011 | | Oil companies STOP fuel supply to Air India!
State-owned oil marketing companies on Wednesday stopped jet fuel supplies to Air India in the four metros after cheques from the national carrier towards payment for fuel bounced, raising fears that the airline's flight schedules might be badly disrupted.
EXCLUSIVE! Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on entrepreneurship
The story of Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is one of grit, self confidence and courage. If today she is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world, it is because of her determination.
Aura of America's economic might has faded
The US political system might not be as broke as some thought but the deal came a bit too late to allay apprehensions.
DEBT: How much does India OWE to whom
India's gross public debt to GDP ratio fell from 75.8 per cent to 66.2 per cent.
IMAGES: The 10 most searched NEW cars in India
Internet search giant Google tabulated the searches by consumers in India from January 2010 to May 2011.
Apple's STUNNING success at the bourses!
Technology giant Apple on Tuesday briefly displaced energy major Exxon Mobil to become the world's most valuable company.
The Web is 20 years old! What next?
Twenty years ago, a British computer scientist, Tim Berners-Lee, posted a short summary of a project on the alt.hypertext newsgroup, and also designed a crude website, with a few hyperlinks and some text to describe a project he christened the 'world wide web', or W3.
Why the world needs true LEADERS to avert crises
The crisis in Europe and the US and the short-sightedness with which it has been handled is enough to make people lose faith in governments across the world.
Now, Facebook and Twitter under govt SCANNER
The government has the power to monitor, intercept and even block online conversations and websites.
Most Indians will hop jobs in next 5 years: Study
According to a survey by global workforce solutions leader Kelly Service -- Kelly Global Workforce Index 59 per cent of Indian employees surveyed expect to switch careers within the next five years due to money and lifestyle issues.
Markets in roaring form; Sensex above 300 pts
...helped by a Wall Street rally after the US Federal Reserve yesterday pledged to keep US interest rates low at least through mid-2013.
US downgrade worries Indian business schools
While the rating cut will raise borrowing costs for the US government, companies and consumers, Indian educational institutes fear it may also impact recruitment plans of international companies.
Mayawati's budget: Rs 50 cr for personal comfort!
This came to light on the floor of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly where a supplementary budget of Rs 10,879 crore (Rs 108.79 billion) was tabled during the course of the on-going monsoon session in Lucknow on Tuesday.
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| August 09, 2011 | | Gold retains its sheen, hits new peak of Rs 25,840
Riding high on a firm trend in overseas market, gold prices today added Rs 610 to touch an all-time high of Rs 25,840 per 10 grams, as the turmoil in global financial markets increased the metal's demand as protection on wealth.
RIL's stake sale to BP gets govt nod
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had on July 22 cleared the sale of stake by RIL to BP in 21 blocks.
IMAGES: New luxury Aria at Rs 11.85 lakh
Tata Motors said it has completed its luxurious crossover range with the launch of the new premium car Aria 4x2.
India ready to face any challenge: FM
Pranab Mukherjee says India's economic fundamentals are strong.
RARE photos! America's Great Depression of 1930s
Here are some great photographs of daily life during the Great Depression of the 1930s in the United States.
US must borrow and spend MORE: Indian-born expert
The Chief Financial Officer of Washington DC, Natwar Gandhi, who is credited with turning around the financial fortunes of the US capital, on Monday said America needs to borrow more and spend more money in order to stimulate the economy.
Subbarao to remain RBI Governor for 2 more years
Ending months of suspense, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday gave a two-year extension to RBI Governor D Subbarao beyond September.
While market experts in India were sleeping . . .
All the newspapers and business news channels on Monday morning told us that the world is now going to change again. But these very guys had no clue till a few days back, and were gung ho about the Indian economy, the Sensex and pretty much everything else.
Air India chief might be offloaded
Civil aviation ministry has also reached a consensus to give a five-year term to the next CMD of the ailing state-owned airline.
Why the US downgrade is a BOON for India
Fall in oil prices is good news, as every $10/bbl price swing impacts the current account deficit by $8 billion.
Knives are out! S&P's US downgrade may be probed
The unprecedented downgrade of the US' creditworthiness by ratings agency Standard and Poor's may face a probe by a Senate committee, reports have said.
Stocks NOT plunging due to downgrade: US official
A top US official said the Dow Jones Industrial Average's 600 points plunge on Monday was not due to the downgrade of America's credit rating, but reflects the deep unease in the market about conditions in other parts of the world and the strength of the economic recovery.
PHOTOS: Global job cuts show economy on brink!
In an effort to improve their balance sheets, many of the major multinationals have started to lay-off employees.
Obama on why US will always be a 'triple-A' nation
President Barack Obama on Monday strongly defended US credit after a historic debt downgrade by rating agency S&P and said America will always be AAA nation as its economic problems were 'eminently solvable', given the political will.
Indian behind US downgrade SPEAKS out!
Facing criticism inside the United States for downgrading America's credit rating from AAA to AA+, the Standard and Poor's Indian-American president Deven Sharma has said that the agency's decision was made mainly because of the rising debt levels and the process of resolving things.
Global markets crash; Indian stocks recover
The market meltdown triggered by the US debt downgrade continued with full force on Tuesday too as the Indian stock markets tanked again.
SPECIAL: All about credit rating agencies!
A credit agency evaluates the credit worthiness of an issuer of specific types of debt.
US debt still worth 'AAA' rating: Warren Buffett
Legendary investor Warren Buffett feels that the US debt is still worth 'AAA' rating and if anything has to change, it may be his opinion about rating agency S&P rather than his view on US Treasury bills.
US crisis: How will it impact your MFs, gold
With fear of a slowdown looming, a steep fall in world's markets last week and the US being downgraded first the time in seven decades, domestic retail investors have made losses in their most-favoured schemes this year.
US crisis: Just what is 'double dip', 'tea party?
Facing a 'double-dip' risk, the United States government is blaming 'tea party' politicians for the situation, though these are the jargons associated with the economic scenario of the world's largest economy.
US crisis: What investors MUST do and NOT do now
Here are three ways you can use your emotional intelligence while investing in stock markets:
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| August 08, 2011 | | Good news! Goldman upgrades India rating
Citing expected improvement in macroeconomic situation, Goldman Sachs on Monday upgraded India's rating to 'market weight', indicating bullishness in the short-term.
Gold breaches Rs 25K mark, to hit Rs 27K by Diwali
Gold prices breached the crucial Rs 25,000-level for the first time ever in history, tracking strong trends in global markets where financial uncertainty increased the metal's appeal as a safe investment haven.
'Slump a panic reaction, stocks will bounce back'
Describing the slump in the market early Monday morning as a knee-jerk reaction to the negative global sentiment, experts said the markets will soon bounce back and lots of value buying will happen at lower levels.
US downgrade: The consequences are CHILLING!
This could lead to an unprecedented bloodbath in the global financial markets.
Crisis? US will still remain on top
Economics may be shifting power from the West to the East but the US would remain on top.
Now India, several other nations face downgrade!
Ratings agency Standard & Poor's on Monday cautioned that it could lower the sovereign ratings of countries like India, Japan and Malaysia, which 'are still to come out of the economic meltdown of 2008'.
CRASH! Why stock markets will continue to fall!
With the downgrade there is a danger that investors who hold these financial securities may sell out. Of course, the level of selling will depend on the way the investors react to this downgrade.
The Indian behind the US rating downgrade
There is an Indian at the helm of affairs surrounding the historic downgrade of the United States' creditworthiness, as ratings agency S&P's unprecedented move was taken under the leadership of Deven Sharma.
Sensex crash: Indian blue-chips in freefall
Blue-chips like Infosys, Reliance Industries and TCS went into a tailspin on the bourses today as investors abandoned their holdings in companies that rely heavily on exports after the US lost its top-notch credit rating.
US blues make Indian markets see red
Investors say stocks to drift further, but impact of rating downgrade may be short-term.
MAYHEM: Sensex plunges, world markets crash!
The Bombay Stock Exchange's Sensex plummeted to 16,865.58 on Monday early morning trade, down 440.29 points or -2.54%, while the Nifty crashed to 5,077.05 points, down 134.20 or 2.58%.
PHOTOS: 17 countries with the STRONGEST economy
Out of 200-odd countries, just 16 nations have the coveted triple-A rating.
FDI into India rockets to $5.65 billion in June
Foreign direct investment (FDI) into India saw a whopping 310 per cent increase in June to $5.65 billion, the highest monthly inflow in the last 11 financial years, indicating the revival of investor confidence in the Indian economy.
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| August 05, 2011 | | Market crash: Investors lose Rs 1,300,000,000,000
The investors were left poorer by over Rs 1.33 lakh crore after today's stock market crash, even as the market managed to recover nearly half of the losses suffered earlier during the day.
Markets crash: What investors MUST do
The common Indian is already under pressure from rising inflation, investments giving poor returns and lower salary hikes too!
PIX: Raj Thackeray visits Nano plant in Gujarat
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray who is on a 'study tour' to Gujarat showered praises on Chief Minister Narendra Modi for his business development skills.
This tablet PC costs only Rs 13,999!
A tablet PC, though smaller in size, has PC-like functionalities.
Amazing pics: How CHINA changed through the years
It has been an incredible journey for the Chinese economy.
Price rejigs put luxury cars on fast lane in India
General Motors, Nissan Motor India and Volkswagen managed to ride the tide with new launches.
SPECIAL: Sensex is sinking. Blame the Americans
Since its close on Monday (August 1), the Sensex has fallen more than 1,000 points or around 6.4 per cent.
Diesel subsidy end good news for smaller cars
Dynamics of auto business will change if the government ends diesel subsidy to passenger vehicles.
AI wants Lufthansa punished over Star Alliance
Lufthansa is a founder member of Star Alliance and was the mentor airline for facilitating Air India's entry.
Markets sink on global meltdown
The stock markets tanked in morning trade on Friday and sent the benchmark Sensex down to its lowest level in 13 months.
Jhunjhunwala pledges 25% of wealth for charity
Jhunjhunwala said that his decision was personal and might not have anything to do with Buffett's pledge.
IMAGES: New TALLEST buildings in India!
Most of the new skyscrapers in India are coming up in the financial hub of Mumbai.
IMAGES: Nissan Sunny, the NEW car in town
The price is expected to remain around Rs 700,000 to Rs 900,000.
India's airlines: Biggest losers and gainers
National carrier Air India incurred a loss of over Rs 5,500 crore during the 2009-10 fiscal, the government said on Wednesday.
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| August 01, 2011 | | W Bengal's huge debt: Centre plans rescue package
The Centre is working out a financial package for West Bengal to tide over the huge problems the new government has inherited from the Left Front administration, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Monday.
Rs 70 crore! Pay packet proposed for Sunil Mittal
Telecom giant Bharti Airtel on Monday proposed an annual pay package of up to Rs 70 crore (Rs 700 million) for its chief Sunil Mittal, besides other benefits, while seeking its shareholders' nod for his remuneration.
Star Alliance dumps Air India
Government called the move 'unexpected and disappointing'.
Maruti suffers biggest sales fall in July
The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India on Monday reported a 25.34 per cent fall in total sales for July to 75,300 units, mainly due to sluggish market condition and non-production of hatchback Swift as the company is preparing to launch a new version of the car soon.
MUST READ: Why the US debt crisis will hit us all
At the core of the present conundrum are certain fundamental theories of macroeconomics -- much of which was debated, celebrated and even imposed on others -- without even considering the possibility that such ideas could be plainly wrong or unworkable in entirely different circumstances, countries or cultures.
SPECIAL: The success story of Mitticool's inventor
Mitticool turned out to be a hit - its maintenance costs were minimal, and the fact that it ran without electricity was a boon for villages where power was in short supply.
HIGHLIGHTS: GDP to grow 8.2%, FIIs may shun India!
The main worry is that the inflation rate is expected to remain high at 9 per cent till October, the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council said.
IMAGES: World's 25 STUNNING metro stations
The world's first metro system, London Underground opened in 1863.
India to become mobile manufacturing hub
Fourteen years ago, the telecom market was thrown open to private and foreign players.
Get ready to welcome these CHEAP sedans and SUVs
Several manufacturers such as Mahindra
SPECIAL: Tips to make email marketing effective
As more and more marketers turn to email marketing, the email recipient's inbox is getting cluttered.
US debt crisis: Lawmakers finally reach agreement
The first part of this agreement will cut about $1trillion in spending over the next 10 years.
IMAGES: Urban India faces mobile glut
Everyone in urban India has, on an average, a mobile connection.
Someone's stealing your vehicle, SMS alerts you!
Vazhikatti Systems' pager-sized device, powered by a GSM module, detects tampering and immediately sends an SMS to alert the owner whose phone the device is connected to.
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| July 29, 2011 | | DETAILS of the draft land acquisition Bill
Amid a raging controversy over land acquisition, the government on Friday unveiled a new draft Bill putting in place a transparent, legal framework aimed at giving adequate compensation to land owners and ensuring rehabilitation of those displaced.
How 20 years of neoliberalism has ravaged India
Ironically, on the 20th anniversary of the event, the sleaze associated with neoliberalism, with all its cronyism, criminality and plunder of public wealth, is on full display.
Why Nandan Nilekani could lose his job
The list of governmental and corporate intervention based on information technology is growing all the time.
For each H-1B visa, US tech firms hire 5 Americans
Refuting the allegations of United States lawmakers and certain quarters here that H-1B visas take away jobs from Americans, Nasdaq's chief has claimed that studies show that for every H-1B visa, technology companies increase employment by five workers.
Is the telecom tariff party over in India?
Burdened with debt, cutthroat competition and declining ARPUs, Bharti is the first of the telco biggies to raise prices. Others are likely to follow.
Rajdhani trains to have Super AC coaches
At present, the second AC coaches in Rajdhani trains have 55 berths, while there are 72 in third AC coaches.
Why is India's middle class silent on inflation?
Absence of public indignation against persistently high inflation is a mystery.
India Inc welcomes new takeover code
Move to increase the trigger limit will lead to more transactions in companies.
Here's why you should file tax returns
It helps in applying for a loan, travelling abroad.
PIX: 11 brands that went for a makeover to succeed
The bottom line is that it's all about the chase for the wallet, and to reach out to younger customers who have more money to spend than ever before.
PHOTOS: World's 25 largest consumer markets!
India, like other emerging economies, is a huge consumer market, and it is expected to grow further.
From Jaipur to Berlin: Journey of Anshuman Jain
Jain, 48, currently the head of Deutsche Bank AG's investment banking division in London was named co-chief executive of Germany's largest lender.
PHOTOS: World's best tablet PCs in the market!
The tablet market will be an extremely competitive market place that is likely to see a flood of new entrants.
Why FDI norms in retail don't make sense
Committee of Secretaries has come up with a pointless set of guidelines.
Housing Fin firms gear up to raise lending rates
Brace yourselves to shell out more for home loan instalments.
15 nations with highest FDI inflows; India slips
Global FDI inflows rose five per cent to $1.24 trillion in 2010, but were still 37 per cent below the 2007 peak and 15 per cent below the pre-crisis average.
Financial crisis: Kingfisher plans low-cost routes
UB Group-controlled carrier to convert short-haul domestic routes with less demand for business class to all-economy configuration.
Tariff hike: New telcos wait and watch
As trade pundits predicted, tariff hikes are going to be slow and steady unlike the domino effect caused in 2009, when even established operators went into a frenzy and slashed tariffs to hold back subscribers.
PHOTOS: Debt trap: 21 countries facing default
Many nations, especially in Europe, are finding it hard to carry out the austerity measures.
Manmohan Singh: Reformist FM to weak PM
Singh is conscious of his formidable reputation.
Bad news! Mobile tariffs hiked by 20%
Two leading mobile operators, Vodafone Essar and Idea Cellular, are understood to have increased pre-paid tariffs by up to 20 per cent, in line with the recent Bharti Airtel move. According to industry sources, the tariffs were increased few days ago.
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| July 28, 2011 | | NEW takeover code! Minimum open offer size at 26%
Heralding a new set of rules for takeover of companies, the Securities and Exchange Board of India board on Thursday said that an entity buying 25 per cent stake in a listed firm will have to mandatorily make an offer to buy additional 26 per cent from public shareholders.
2 Indian-origin bizmen among Singapore's richest
Singapore's 40 richest are now collectively worth $54.4 billion.
Maruti's Manesar plant workers on strike again
The workers resorted to a strike when five of them were suspended for 'allegedly assaulting a supervisor' on Wednesday.
Chidambaram on why India must focus on reforms
Growth and economic reforms in India must take centre-stage again and acts of corruption or security concerns should not distract the attention of the government and the people, said Union Home Minister and former finance minister P Chidambaram recently.
B1 visa misuse: Infy denies US staff's charges
In February, Palmer had filed a complaint in a court in Lowndes Country, Albama, alleging that Infosys had misuses B1 business visa programme to bring Indian employees to the US to work at clients' sites.
PHOTOS: Why Paris is a tourist's delight
There are very few places in the world that are as closely identified with tourism as the French capital, Paris.
Delhi's STUNNING T3 celebrates 1st birthday!
The glass-and-steel integrated Terminal 3 of the IGI airport has completed one year of operations today.
Ford's Rs 4,000-crore plant to come up in Gujarat
The United States carmaker Ford on Thursday said it will invest Rs 4,000 crore (Rs 40 billion) to set up its second manufacturing facility in India with an initial installed capacity of 2.4 lakh (240,000) units annually.
Reliance Industries: Mixed bag of results
Fall in oil and gas output has pulled down the overall profitability.
Indians help MIT track e-waste
MIT is trying to find out what happens to used electronic devices after they are disposed.
PHOTOS: 5 most popular sedans in India
Carmakers both domestic and foreign are lining up a slew of sedans to be launched sometime in the near future.
Rate rise may hurt demand for office, retail space
The rise in interest rates is not only making homes and equated monthly instalments dearer for buyers, coupled with an anticipated slowdown in the economy, it would hurt demand for commercial real estate as well.
PHOTOS: India's 17 SPECTACULAR airports
Riding high on the aviation boom, India has built 17 international airports.
Starting a business in India?Takes less than a day
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has simplified the procedures for incorporation to enable promoters to get their companies incorporated within 24 hours.
IMAGES: Walt Disney's stunning mansion up for sale
Walt Disney's name lives on in history as the creator of a magical world and now his mansion is on the market for $3.65 million.
IMAGES: Kerala, a 'Dubai' for Bengali migrants
Bengali migrants who call Kerala their 'Dubai' can be seen filling the massive labour gap in the state by toiling away in a gamut of industries, from construction sites, to petrol pumps, to hotels, tea estates and even paddy fields.
Have a home loan? Try balance transfer
Consider prepaying or shifting but do the homework, as it makes sense or not, depending on where you've reached on the tenure.
'Breaking news' is now a raging scam on Facebook
Security firm Symantec confirms the trend. It has observed spammers trying to capitalise on related news headlines by sending out malicious threats less than a day after the news was released, according to a post on its official blog.
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| July 27, 2011 | | Tough road ahead for Ramdev's companies
More troubles are brewing for yoga guru Ramdev after the CBI registered a case against his close aide Acharya Balkrishan, with Enforcement Directorate probing the funding part of his business empire, that includes cash-rich trusts.
'Sub-8% growth will bring down inflation'
'While bank non-performing assets will rise, there is no systemic risk.'
What's wrong with India's economic data?
Farm and factory data collection methods urgently need to be expanded and electronically integrated to provide accurate and meaningful numbers.
Rate hike: Be ready for COSTLIER loans
Only those who opted for hybrid loans in the past couple of years will remain unaffected.
UPA on overdrive after season of policy paralysis
It is assumed that the growing worry over slowing down of economic growth had prompted the government to act.
20 years on, LPG means loot, plunder, goonda-raj!
Reforms process has definitely degenerated into a newer form of LPG -- Loot, Plunder and Goonda-raj.
Is China really losing its sheen?
As the reform years have gone by, China's bottom-up entrepreneurialism has given way to a crony-capitalist nexus between provinces and property developers that can no longer be restrained by Beijing.
PHOTOS: World's 11 most innovative airlines
The objective behind the survey was to select airlines whose recent innovations are inspiring, interesting and challenging to a rapidly changing industry.
Five segments to feel heat from RBI rate hike
While the rate increase was beyond Street expectations, it would put further pressure on demand and profitability of firms in rate-sensitive segments.
IMAGES: Onboard the stunning Midnight Rider
The luxurious Midnight Rider has a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the world's heaviest limousine.
Secrets behind BlackBerry's success in India
RIMs market share has shot up to 13 per cent.
PHOTOS: Will India ever get such SUPERB trains?
India is yet to boast of a bullet train.
Food subsidy transfer: Nilekani's 3-step mantra
Nilekani proposes centralised PDS network, model PDS software for transparency.
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| July 26, 2011 | | PHOTOS: Planning a holiday? Egypt beckons you
With the theme, 'Let's visit Egypt- Egypt is safe', the country is promoting itself as a safe tourism destination.
'Cloud computing can change IT sector's economics'
When most software companies in India stuck to services, Ramco Systems founded by P R Venketrama Raja in 1992 decided to create products by concentrating on research and development.
Pranab welcomes RBI rate hike
Inflation has remained stubbornly close to double-digit levels during the first quarter of the current fiscal.
RBI rate hike: Car makers fear further slump
Car-makers in India, who have been witnessing one of the slowest sales growth rates in over two years, said on Tuesday the Reserve Bank of India's decision to hike key rates will deal a further blow, as financing costs will rise.
PHOTOS: The STUNNING Rolls Royce 'Tiger car'
A blazing red Rolls-Royce customised with a machine gun for Umed Singh II, the erstwhile Maharaja of Kota, who is said to have used the car for hunting tigers, is now up for auction.
Switzerland may clear tax treaty with India
The revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between the two nations, that would allow India to seek details about its citizens having unaccounted money in Swiss banks, was approved by Switzerland's Parliament on June 17
PHOTOS: 10 countries with highest unemployment
According to a UN Report, 205 million people were unemployed in 2010.
RBI hikes rates: Home, auto loans to be costlier
RBI ups inflation target to 7 per cent from 6 per cent projected earlier.
Inflation: Pranab seeks British lessons
Perturbed by high inflation despite the Reserve Bank of India's monetary tightening initiatives, India on Monday asked Britain for lessons to rein in price rise.
BIG winners from China's economic success
Asian economies are already winning from Chinese growth.
In Pix: STUNNING cars for India's super rich
Volvo is looking at introducing stripped-down version of its luxury sedans.
COMPARED! Ford Fiesta diesel vs new Hyundai Verna
The new Ford Fiesta diesel takes on the current favourite, the Hyundai Verna CRDi. Business Standard plays referee.
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| July 25, 2011 | | Watch out! Another interest rate hike on the way
The Reserve Bank of India on Monday gave strong hints of another hike in its key interest rates at the policy review on Tuesday, saying that high inflation requires further monetary tightening, slowdown in growth notwithstanding.
Gold hits all-time high of Rs 23,620
Silver also moved up by Rs 500 to Rs 59,500 per kg on increased offtake by industrial units and coin makers.
Mumbai housing prices may rise up to 30%!
Mumbai municipal commissioner Subodh Kumar's proposal to charge additional premium on construction of certain sections in a building, could push up property prices in the city by 20 to 30 per cent, say property developers.
Google+ gathers steam; 18% users from India
Search giant Google's social networking foray, Google+, is steadily gathering steam, owing primarily to users in India and the United States.
Worldspace radio gears up for a comeback
The satellite radio service, which had gained a small but dedicated audience with its wide-ranging, advertisement-free programming, will be back as early as September, says Seetal R Iyer, head of content and co-founder of Timbre Media.
Strauss-Kahn case: Maid on what EXACTLY happened
The 32-year-old maid Nafissatou Diallo, recalling the events of May 14 when Strauss-Kahn allegedly forced her to perform oral sex.
Indians' share of money in Swiss banks ONLY 0.07%!
As per the official figures disclosed by Switzerland's central bank, the Swiss National Bank, total deposits of Indian individuals and companies with all the Swiss banks put together stood at about $2.5 billion at the end of 2010.
Oil ministry: Always in middle of controversy
In 49 years since the ministry was set up in 1962, there have been 41 ministers.
PIX: GFive launches 4 handsets, tablet PC by Sep
Mobile handset maker G'Five said it plans to introduce a tablet computer in India in the next two months to capture a share in the burgeoning market in the country.
Why the next decade will belong to INDIA
The coming decade could finally be India's, as China ages and its working population stagnates, and its savings rate drops.
IMAGES: World's 20 most valuable companies
Apple is all set to become the world's most valuable company beating Exxon in the next six months.
Open your wallets for online bids
A healthy bank balance and an Internet connection is all that you need to fulfil your dreams.
CRISIS: Air India pilots face financial turbulence
An AI spokesperson said the airline was in a financial crisis and all employees were facing a financial crunch.
Reserve Bank set to HIKE rates again
Bankers and other stakeholders are now almost certain that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will increase the key policy rate, or the repo rate, by 25 basis points (bps) on Tuesday.
Best celebrity ads of the decade
Here, we present some of the best celebrity ads of the decade that have managed to win our hearts and successfully managed to sell the product.
Want to escape creditors? Declare bankruptcy!
Filing can be done in a local civil court and Cibil records data for at least 10 years.
World's top 15 hotspots: ASIA rules
The world's largest companies are opting to locate their offices in booming Asian economies, reflecting a shift in global economic power, according to CB Richard Ellis (CBRE).
PHOTOS: The world's 10 BEST airlines
With 200 airlines featured, the awards reflect customer satisfaction levels across 38 different items of airline front-line product and service.
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| July 23, 2011 | | Panel okays 51% FDI in multi-brand retail
India on Friday moved closer to a major economic reform, with a committee of secretaries (CoS) giving an approval in principle for allowing up to 51 per cent foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail.
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| July 22, 2011 | | The economics behind demand for smaller states
If smaller states are formed on the principles of 'self-determination', it could result in unstable states.
Reliance-BP strikes BIGGEST FDI deal
After nearly five months wait, the government on Friday cleared UK's BP Plc buying 30 per cent stake in most of Reliance Industries' oil and gas blocks, including the showpiece KG-D6 gas fields, for $7.2 billion.
Cognizant charged with H1-B visa abuse by US staff
Eighteen American information technology professionals have filed a civil lawsuit against its former employer, Cognizant, for replacing them with people from India who were hired by the IT major on H-1B visas.
Reliance Infra is now under RTI!
Commission says that though Reliance Infra is a private company, it provides 'essential service' and hence comes within the ambit of the RTI Act.
Will a makeover really help the Indian Railways?
With surplus funds projected to fall at an all-time low of Rs 1,300 crore (Rs 13 billion) in the current financial year and the operating ratio, a key efficiency indicator, at an all-time high of 92 per cent, the railways requires a massive makeover in asset utilisation and to open itself to the private sector, said R Sivadasan, former financial commissioner, Indian Railways.
US company moves back call centre from India
Despite higher costs in the US, Carbonite says it has taken the step due to high turnover among its Indian staff, and complaints about the quality of service provided.
RBI is caught between inflation and slowdown
Central bank should raise key policy rates again but avoid becoming a prisoner of its own making.
India's largest arbitrageur shuts shop
BLB Limited, the country's largest arbitrage and proprietary book player not very long ago, went out of its primary business of share market trading earlier this week as business became unviable. The company, now operating with skeletal staff, will look at opportunities in the international commodities space.
How govt aims to plug gaps in benami law
As the government faces heat over corruption and black money, it is planning to bring a law to prevent the misuse of benami transactions, a key source of illicit funds.
2 Indian cos among world's TOP 10 innovative firms
The method relies on investors - voting with their wallets - to identify the companies they expect to be innovative today and in the future.
Mamata's populist sops to cost Rs 400 cr a month
More than a dozen schemes have been announced since the new government took over, with Naxal-dominated Jangalmahal finding a special place.
HUL, Paras told to take off offensive deo ads!
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has rapped the fast moving consumer goods majors Hindustan Unilever and Paras Pharma for their objectionable deodorant commercials, and asked them to pull them off air.
SPECIAL: The world's 10 biggest banks
An overview of the 10 biggest banks of the world on the basis of their assets.
PHOTOS: This is what America owes India, others!
Like all governments, the United States borrows hard cash through Treasury bonds.
IMAGES: India's top 20 states by GDP
These states make India one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
Services export: India ranks 10th
In 2009, the country stood at the 12th and 22nd position globally in services and goods exports, respectively.
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| July 21, 2011 | | Former beauty queen jailed for insider trading
Former beauty queen Danielle Chiesi will now be behind the bars.
$5bn unpaid bills: No Iran oil for Indian refiners
In signs that Iran is serious about shutting off crude oil supplies to India over unpaid bills, the Islamic Republic has not allocated any volumes for supply to any of the Indian refiners for August.
Why Gopinath's Deccan 360 has failed to take off
Pricey jet fuel, an over-ambitious expansion plan and a flawed partnership strategy have grounded the Captain's latest venture.
Why UPA is in trouble over rural jobs scheme
New Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh has, however, taken up the challenge on how to synchronise the employment guarantee programme with the ground realities.
IIT accused of stealing tech by US entrepreneur!
Farhang has alleged that IIT-K breached a 2003 contract it signed with her and her affiliate MA Mobile Limited by allegedly passing the technology, relating to a new platform for mobile computing, to others.
New UK visa plan to attract global talent
Britain has announced a new visa category to facilitate the immigration for exceptionally talented people from India and other non-EU countries in the fields of Science, Humanities, Engineering and the Arts.
Buying under-construction property? Think twice
Onus of paying the home loan is on the buyer.
9 Indian Americans feature in top 50 Asians list
Nine Indian Americans among Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business this year.
American Airlines places largest order in history
Under the deal announced on Wednesday, American Airlines will acquire a total of 200 aircraft from the Boeing 737 family, with options for another 100 aircraft.
Will dressing up like boss get you a promotion?
Business etiquette has been a flourishing industry for several decades in the West.
Narayana Murthy on why bribing must be legal!
Supporting a strong Lokpal, Infosys Technologies Chairman Emeritus N R Narayan Murthy said reduction in corruption leads to faster economic growth of a country and this could have been the case in India also if graft had been curbed.
7-fold rise in Net banking in India since 2007
As many as 7 per cent of bank account holders in the country are using the Internet for banking transactions, while branch banking has fallen by a full 15 percentage points, according to a report by global management consultancy McKinsey & Company.
Internet users: The world's TOP 20 countries
internetworldstats.com recently came up with a list of top 20 Internet using countries.
PHOTOS: The 20 richest people in India
The super rich are enjoying massive creation of wealth.
PHOTOS: Check out India's TOP 9 hatchbacks
From Fiat to Ford and Maruti to Hyundai, almost all carmakers are now opting to introduce a diesel car.
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| July 20, 2011 | | This is what's delaying Manufacturing Policy
Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma on Wednesday met Environment Minister Jayanthi Natrajan to resolve the inter-ministerial differences over a proposal to ease environment laws in the manufacturing policy.
India Inc, get ready for mandatory CSR!
Regretting that the concept of voluntary CSR has not picked up in India, Corporate Affairs Minister Veerappa Moily on Wednesday said the new Companies Bill would make it mandatory for corporate to earmark part of their profit for corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
No relief from rising prices till Dec, says govt
The common man will get no respite from rising prices for another six months, with the government on Wednesday saying that inflation, currently hovering above 9 per cent, will continue to remain high till December.
Murthy to mentor Gujarat talent incubation centre
The Gujarat government has given consent for setting up an international centre of excellence to nurture youth into entrepreneurs, which will be guided by chairman and founder mentor of Infosys, N R Narayana Murthy.
PHOTOS: A peek into the life of India's super-rich
Vijay Mallya, Adi Godrej, Anil Ambani and Anand Mahindra have fallen for the charms of a yacht.
Now, Bajaj wants to set up a plant in Gujarat
Bajaj Auto is planning to set up its fourth and largest plant near the Mundra port in Gujarat. The plant will also manufacture the long-awaited passenger car the company is developing with Nissan-Renault.
Google News, solar panels and Dolphin
Users can now see how voracious news reader they are by earning Google News badges.
IMAGES: World's most amazing circular buildings
The circular shape of these magnificent buildings have made them architectural wonders.
How farmers can generate more wealth from food
This could be done by farmers forming small production-cum-marketing groups and also challenging those corporate policies which dis-empower them.
Toxic waste continues to contaminate Bhopal
Indifferent parent, dithering states and a lethargic Centre have allowed Union Carbide's deadly waste to poison the soil and groundwater in Bhopal.
Regional brands struggle to go national
Many brands find the transition tough to handle and the reasons are many.
Wipro Q1 net up 1.23% at Rs 1,334.9 cr
"We are seeing early signs of positive momentum after the re-organisation. Clients continue to focus on optimising operations, creating new products and getting access to newer markets. We will continue to make investments that bring superior value to our clients as they try to win in this market," Wipro Chairman Azim Premji said in a statement.
SPECIAL: Don't get into this gold rush
The yellow metal is back in focus.
Role technology played during the Mumbai blasts
With phones jammed and fragments of news, citizens displayed a variety of web tools.
PHOTOS: The 5 most-loved hatchbacks in India
While some of these hatchbacks have been around for years, a few were recent additions.
IMAGES: The top 10 economies in 2020
Emerging economies will take the centre stage in terms of GDP (PPP) growth by 2020.
PIX: Flying cars may be in the skies in 5 years!
Imagine a car that can also fly. Well, it is a matter of just five years when you could see your fantasy becoming a reality.
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| July 19, 2011 | | Sebi issues moneylaundering warning on 10 nations
After cautioning Indian markets about possible money laundering and terror-funding risks from Iran and North Korea, market regulator Sebi has issued a warning for funds from eight more countries, including Turkey and Ethiopia.
Modi woos Murthy to head youth centre in Gujarat
N R Narayan Murthy, chairman and chief mentor of IT major Infosys on Tuesday called on the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and held discussions on a wide range of issues, including the setting up of a Infosys research centre in Gujarat.
Why Murdoch's India empire is on safer grounds
The media conglomerate has a significant presence in India.
Sushil Modi's first priority is VAT
Bihar deputy chief minister and finance minister Sushil Modi was on Monday elected the new chairman of the empowered committee of state finance ministers.
Gold glitters, hits a record high at Rs 23,470!
The yellow metal crossed its last record level of Rs 23,270 set on July 16.
Greece, Argentina: A tale of two defaults
The Greek debt crisis may turn out to be a much larger version of Argentina's economic crisis a decade ago.
Cisco to slash 6,500 jobs; India plans unclear
Networking technologies major Cisco plans to slash 6,500 jobs, about 9 per cent of its global workforce, as part of an operational revamp to boost profitability.
Sushil Modi's first priority is VAT
Bihar deputy chief minister and finance minister Sushil Modi was on Monday elected the new chairman of the empowered committee of state finance ministers.
Gaming: Indian themes strike a chord
Foreign superheroes and characters will have to make way as the Indian-themed games laced with Bollywood masala, Indian cricket fever and ancient mythology make their presence felt on the social gaming scenario.
India Inc training next gen for top job!
Industrialists passing on the baton to their children may be a common practice in India, but the next generation is not getting the crown on a platter anymore and is rather being 'trained' for the top job.
Outward FDI: Has India Inc arrived or is leaving?
Is this a new "secession of the successful", coming a generation after the flight of professional middle class talent that created the so-called global Indian diaspora?
How IIMs are trying newer ways to beat stress
Be it with faculty or students, premium business management schools are engaging newer initiatives for stress management.
H-1 visa rejections soaring, says TCS
Tata Consultancy Services, India's largest information technology services company, says visa rejections have gone up significantly compared to a few years ago.
Brokerages diversify to survive market conditions
Declining commissions, stagnant markets and increased foreign competition have forced brokerages to enter into marriages as well as new businesses.
Now, write Shortmail of 500 characters!
Shortmail hopes to change the face of communication.
10 trends that will change the world in 10 years!
Technology is going to change the way we live and interact.
PHOTOS: India's top 10 tourist destinations
The contribution of top 10 states was about 85.5 per cent to the total number of domestic tourist visits during 2010.
Rs 67,000 crore: The loss, debt facing Air India
Facing a massive cumulative loss and debt burden totalling about Rs 67,000 crore (Rs 670 billion), Air India hopes the government would take an expeditious decision to infuse more funds to boost its rapidly dwindling financial position.
Trees to be felled for hi-tech flats for MPs
The proposed construction of a residential block for Rajya Sabha MPs will come at a price -- 23 full grown trees, mostly neems, will have to be felled for the multi-story building in the heart of the capital.
Pitroda is new advisor on 'Resurgent Bengal'
Paribartan in West Bengal has a new-found enthusiast. Sam Pitroda, advisor to the Prime Minister on public information infrastructure and innovations, will be advisor to the new government on 'Resurgent Bengal'.
Bankers want a halt to interest rate hikes
Amid a steep slowdown in credit off-take and an unexpected spike in deposits, bankers on Monday urged Reserve Bank of India to hold the policy rates at the current levels, and sought a clearer picture on the future interest rates and inflation at the policy review next week
Bajaj skids in entry-level motorcycle battle
Bajaj Auto's ambition to zoom ahead of market leader Hero Honda in the entry-level motorcycle segment (75-125 cc) has taken a hard knock.
PHOTOS: 8 most popular sedans in India
National and international automakers have introduced newsedan versions.
Decoding India's corruption wars
As Indian democracy deepens, power shifts will continue to happen and the middle class needs to accept that all such power shifts may not be in their favour, says .
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| July 18, 2011 | | Indian consumer confidence declines in Q2
Though Indian consumers continue to remain the most optimistic globally, their confidence level slipped by 5 points to 126 index points.
IMAGES: World's highest railway bridges
These railway bridges are truly engineering marvels.
SPECIAL: Crazy traffic jams? Mumbai has an answer
The Rs 72-crore World Bank-supported Area Traffic Control system is helping Mumbai cut down on commuting time.
Meet the man behind Kolkata's first luxury mall
CESC Properties, a subsidiary of the group's power utility, CESC Ltd, is building the city's first luxury mall, Spencer's Galleria. It will house 20 luxury brands, a first for Kolkata.
Focus on smaller towns can reduce poverty
Urban India accounted for 26 per cent of the poor in 2004-05.
Rs 18,86,000 crore taken out of India in 10 yrs!
According to a first of its kind report on 'Ascertaining size of corruption in India with respect to money laundering', an individual spent over Rs 2,000 as a cost of corruption in 2009, which is 260 per cent higher than the amount borne by a citizen ten years back.
Swiss banks owe Indians only $2.5 billion
The Swiss Central Bank has estimated the total liabilities of Swiss banks toward Indian account holders at about $2.5 billion in 2010 as against the $1.5 trillion figure projected by some political parties and non-governmental organisations.
Why diamonds aren't forever!
Earth's hardest naturally occurring material can evaporate when exposed to intense ultraviolet rays, a new study reveals.
Why 3G mobile TV is a distant dream
Irregular billing, poor network coverage and lack of relevant content makes mobile TV a distant dream for 3G services in India.
Why Indian Railways must be commercialised
Struggling to make ends meet, the railways have demanded a doubling of gross budgetary support from the government.
Why Maruti continues to remain No. 1 in India
Maruti Suzuki, with a half a dozen models ranging from the best-selling car Alto to WagonR, Swift and Estilo accounts for around 57 per cent of the small car market in India. In the premium hatchback segment, the company's market share stands at a robust 48 per cent.
How he made low-cost computing a success in India
A serial entrepreneur's vision to drive PC adoption in India promises to bring computing power to every household through the innovative use of cloud computing.
Coming soon: Super batteries for mobile phones
The scientists are, in fact, working with a material called graphene which may form the basis of the next generation of ultrafast energy storage systems.
REVEALED: The all new Chevrolet Beat diesel
This car is touted to be Chevrolet's next big thing in India.
New rail minister won't hike fare for turnaround
Lalu Prasad, who became the railway minister in May 2004, surprised the world in 2008 with the 'magic' turnaround he effected for the near-bankrupt railways, claiming to have created a surplus of Rs 25,000 crore (Rs 250 billion.
Trai speeds up 4G auction process
Identifies spectrum for 4G services; eight companies to be accommodated; discussion paper to be out by August and recommendations by October.
IMAGES: World's 20 most expensive cities
The survey covered 214 cities across five continents and measures the comparative cost of over 200 items in each location, including housing, transport, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment.
PHOTOS: 4 closest rivals of the NEW Ford Fiesta
The New Ford Fiesta is here with a fuel efficiency of 17 km/L (petrol) and 23.5 km/L (diesel).
A house for Rs 32,000! Tata plan for rural market
The houses will be made in pre-fabricated format, under which the company will provide a kit consisting of roofs, doors, windows, etc, which can be erected or assembled.
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| July 15, 2011 | | Get Rupee symbol on computers for free
Like the American dollar and British pound sterling, the new symbol of Indian rupee will also be available in the computers by merely downloading a software provided free by the government.
Black money: Stung govt wants recall of SC order
The Centre on Friday approached the Supreme Court seeking review and recall of its order for setting up a Special Investigation Team comprising its retired judges to take over the probe of all black money cases, including that of Pune stud farm owner Hassan Ali Khan.
Prez Patil's recipe to fight black money menace
The President, while addressing the concluding ceremony of celebrations for 150 years of the Income Tax Department, also made a strong case for tightening laws to book tax evaders.
SPECIAL: Why Nilekanis donated Rs 50 crore to IIHS
Nandan Nilekani and his wife Rohini donated Rs 50 crroe to the Indian Institute for Human Settlements, which plans to transform hordes into urban practitioners and may save our cities by doing so.
As sales DIP, realtors go after the super rich
Real estate companies in South India are increasing the focus on premium launches to offset any fall in the operating margins as sales volumes drop due to the hardening interest rate regime.
PHOTOS: The 10 safest airlines in the world
However, air accidents are not too uncommon and even the tiniest and least fatal of them don't escape the media glare ever.
Finnair to fly its first biofuel flight soon
Nordic air carrier Finnair on Thursday said it plans to operate its first bio-fuel flight fromAmsterdam to Helsinki next week.
Meet the man with the midas touch
VG Siddhartha, chairman of Coffee Day Holdings, has proved to be a canny investor and a serial entrepreneur.
TCS stock hits lifetime high after stellar results
Shares of India's largest information technology services company Tata Consultancy Services spurted by 20 per cent to touch an all-time high in early trade on the BSE on Friday, boosted by smart growth in net profit for the first quarter of FY2011-12, which analysts termed as above market expectations.
RPG empire: Sanjiv Goenka carves a new identity
The split of the Rs 19,000-crore (Rs 190 billion) RPG empire is now complete, with Rama Prasad Goenka's younger son, Sanjiv Goenka, on Wednesday stepping out of the shadow of the umbrella brand that traces its history to 1820.
New food bill may not ensure food security
Earlier this week, the Empowered Group of Ministers approved the draft of the Food Security Bill, which will entitle 75 per cent of rural households and 50 per cent of urban households to subsidised foodgrain.
How Tech Mahindra turned around Satyam
Real turnaround started from November 2010, when Mahindra Satyam announced its financial numbers for the first time after the scandal.
PHOTOS: The new Ford Fiesta at Rs 823,500
The kinetically designed all New Ford Fiesta was launched in Mumbai.
Terror fear driving diamond traders to new bourse
Zaveri Bazar alone clocks an estimated annual turnover of Rs 5 lakh crore (Rs 5 trillion), estimates the Bombay Bullion Association.
A cheaper Scorpio to attract the young!
M&M wants to attract those 18-25 year olds who are buying mid-sized sedans, but fancy an SUV for its rugged image.
SPECIAL: What all states must learn from Gujarat
Let's dig a little deeper into the reasons behind Gujarat's stellar agrarian success, especially as it comes after the decade of the nineties when growth averaged less than 5.0 per cent.
13 global cities top in luxury home prices
The gap between the performance of Europe and Asia's top cities has narrowed.
Time to consign the Org Chart to the waste basket?
Authority and prestige in network industries no longer rest on your ability to control people 'below you'; they depend on your capacity to add value to the network, says .
Blasts: Diamond merchants want special security
Surat Diamond Association, the apex body of diamond industry in Ahmedabad, has said there should be a special force for the security of diamond industry in the wake of serial blasts in Mumbai.
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| July 14, 2011 | | G Noida buyers to get back their money: Builders
Private real estate developers whose projects at Greater Noida have been thrown into limbo by the Supreme Court's decision to quash the acquisition of land from farmers assured investors today that their money would be returned with interest if they want.
Cracks in telecom JVs after 2G scam
Foreign companies miffed at Indian partners for irregularities, rising debt.
Blasts an attack on India's economic growth: Patel
Terming the Mumbai blasts as an attack on India's economic growth, Union Minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel on Thursday said the Centre and state governments should set up a specialised force to deal with such situations in big cities.
Indians suffer as inflation continues to rise
Headline inflation rose to 9.44 per cent in June on the back of rising prices of fuel and manufactured products, which may prompt the Reserve Bank to raise key rates again in its quarterly policy review later this month.
Celebs hail Mamata's London plan
Celebrities like veteran Bengali actor and chairman of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute Ranjit Mullick and percussionist Tanmoy Bose want Mamata's promise to be viewed not in its face value but in its spirit.
Decline in job scheme workdays worrying
The scheme guarantees 100 days work per household in a year and had been providing a major chunk by June each year.
Creating a sustainable environment for growth
The IIP growth number of 5.6 per cent in May 2011 over May last year is the lowest in nine months. A downward trend in IIP has been seen since December 2010, with brief interludes of good news.
Weather forecast: Why has the Met dept failed
The drought of 2009 still haunts the India Meteorological Department.
Here's how to prepare for extra housing expenses
Keep additional cash to meet costs such as brokerage fee, society charges and parking fees.
Posco project hit people should get justice: Rahul
Giving a patient hearing to woes of tribals in Jharsuguda in Orissa, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday asserted that people affected by the Posco steel project must get justice, proper compensation and rehabilitation.
Computers to help understand neurons
This may help neuroscientists understand one of the deepest mysteries of our brain - how neuronal networks communicate and work together.
Now, a language test for computers!
One test might be whether the computer could analyse and follow a set of instructions for an unfamiliar task.
Terror strike: Markets show 'care a damn' attitude
The BSE benchmark Sensex opened 145 points lower on Thursday after investors' confidence was shaken by Wednesday's serial bomb blasts in the country's financial capital, amid a weakening overseas trend.
Now, tablet PCs from Indian companies
Bangalore-based EAFT Technologies is set to launch the 'Marathon' tablet PC on Thursday.
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| July 13, 2011 | | Public ire forces Murdoch to withdraw BSkyB bid
In what is seen as the first humiliation suffered by Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul on Wednesday dramatically withdrew the bid to takeover broadcaster BSkyB in the face of public revulsion about illegal news-gathering practices of titles owned by his company in Britain.
Telecom: With fresh ideas, Deora takes charge
A two-time Congress Member of Parliament from South Mumbai, the 34-year old Deora said there was scope for improvement in the ministry, while emphasising on maximising telecom penetration in the country.
BAD NEWS! Inflation may go up; rate hike likely
Economists said the full cascading impact of the sharp raise in diesel, LPG and kerosene prices announced on May 24, would be visible from July onwards when inflation could touch the double digit mark.
India wants access to Google, Skype, Twitter data
Amid a raging controversy over BlackBerry posing security concerns, security agencies have now asked the Union telecom ministry to provide real-time monitoring of various social networking sites like Google, Skype and Twitter, among others.
First Boeing 787 Dreamliner lands in Delhi
The first ultra long-haul passenger jet with a capacity to fly about 250 passengers non-stop up to 16,000 km touched down at the IGI airport in New Delhi on Wednesday.
DEBATE: Will SIT on black money solve the problem?
No, curbing it requires a radical overhaul of our political structure, but since the executive has failed to act in public interest the court had no other choice but to take matters into its own hands.
2G scam: HC rejects plea against Tata, Ambani
"It is a rubbish petition. If I find that we you (petitioner) have tried to interfere with the investigation then you may be in bigger trouble," Justice Ajit Bharihoke said.
China's GDP growth slows, but beats expectations
China's economy slowed down amid inflation concerns as its GDP growth rate slid to 9.5 per cent in the second quarter from 9.7 per cent in the first, while the economy in general expanded by 9.6 per cent in the first half of this year.
Now, watch live concerts on mobile phones
Handset major Nokia, along with digital content provider Hungama.com, is readying a mobile application (app) that will bring music concerts to users' mobile devices.
How to prepare for a new tax regime
There are many questions investors are asking their financial advisors at the moment.
12 nations that are BURSTING with opportunity
The rankings have changed significantly over the last year based on their recovery after the global recession.
SPECIAL: Here's why Singur is important
The question that many observers of Bengal politics may be asking today is whether Singur will also mark the beginning of Banerjee's political downfall.
Why corporates don't rely on gut feelings anymore
As technology has progressed, the new generation technology has compressed the time to analyse data from a few days to a few minutes, thus providing access to information to business leaders on real-time basis.
Coming soon: Cars that TALK to each other!
Coming soon: 'Talking' cars! That's what Italian scientists, who claim to have developed a software that lets vehicles 'communicate' with one another on the road, say.
How to file TAX returns: A do-it-yourself guide
Believe it or not, it's really not all that tough. All you need to do is to get a bit proactive and collect some important documents, something you would need to do anyway, even if you use the services of a professional.
Agricultural growth: India's TOP 5 states
Gujarat has registered the highest agricultural growth in real terms during the past decade leaving other states far behind, states a study conducted by Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Assocham).
IMAGES: World's tallest residential buildings
Dubai reigns supreme in residential skyscrapers.
How you can become a great boss
The ambitious ones stretch themselves to understand the challenges and deliver good results.
PHOTOS: India's 8 most fuel-efficient diesel cars
Generally, there is a price difference of around Rs 100,000 between petrol and diesel cars.
Now, mobile balance, recharge alert on the move
If one's balance is low or sometimes negative, it would intimate the person about the balance and also about the nearest recharge centre.
Why India ranks low in INNOVATION
India, ranked 62 on the Global Innovation Index, spares just Rs 1.5 cr a year for the National Innovation Foundation.
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| July 12, 2011 | | Trivedi, the pilot, to put Railways on track
A trained pilot, Dinesh Trivedi has a challenging task ahead in putting the Railways on track after his boss and Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee often came under attack for alleged neglect of this key ministry hit by train accidents in the recent days.
'Sensex to touch 22,000 in 12 months'
Switzerland-based bank Credit Suisse said on Tuesday it expects the Bombay Stock Exchange's 30-stock barometer Sensex to touch the 22,000 mark in 12 months.
Infosys to hire 45,000 this fiscal
"We are looking at a gross addition of about 12,000 in our workforce and we are continuing with yearly target at 45,000 people," Infosys CEO and Managing Director S Gopalakrishnan said.
The man who gave teeth to environment ministry
A no-nonsense high profile minister, Ramesh, an IIT alumnus and an environmentalist, was perhaps the country's first independent thinking environment minister
Pranab on why austerity drive is necessary
Justifying the government's austerity drive, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Tuesday the restrictions on foreign visits and other expenses are aimed at curbing wasteful expenditure and containing fiscal deficit.
No big-ticket changes in economic ministries
Without making big-ticket changes in the economic ministries, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday shifted Law Minister M Veerappa Moily to the ministry of corporate affairs and inducted young Milind Deora in his council of ministers.
SPECIAL: Dark clouds hover over Sun
Mounting bad news takes a toll on Sun TV's stock, but analysts say company's fundamentals still remain strong
When your employer defaults on TDS payment
In case the company defaulted on depositing the TDS collected, it shall be liable to pay interest at the prescribed rate on the tax amount.
ALERT: Don't fall prey to SMS fraud
Watch out for spams, scams and advertisers targeting you through mobile phones.
IMAGES: The world's biggest and busiest projects
Tallest, longest, busiest the world has a number of record breaking projects.
What Indian Railways needs to do for revival
The Indian Railways needs the return of the influential and well-heeled customer for its revival, if not survival.
Secrets M F Husain shared with the DLF chief
The artist made a range of paintings for DLF from the mid-1960s to the late 80s.
Infosys Q1 net up 15.72% at Rs 1,722 crore
The country's second largest software firm Infosys on Tuesday reported a 15.72 per cent jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 1,722 crore (Rs 17.22 billion) for the first quarter ended June 30, 2011.
PHOTOS: 10 awesome SUVs coming soon to India
Want to know which SUVs are coming in the next few months?
A ferry to the Maldives in 30 hours
Travelling to the Maldives might just get a little more exciting with the government now considering starting a sea route facility to the smallest Asian country.
Users give Google+ the thumbs up!
With 60 per cent of India's online audience logging on to social networks, according to online audience measurement and analytics platform ViziSense, the introduction of Google's latest social networking site, Google+, has made Facebook and Orkut users sit up and take notice.
The leading budget airlines in the world
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents the majority of airlines operating in the $598 billion industry, the demand for LCCs is expected to rise 4.4 percent over the next year with the Asia-Pacific region growing faster at 6.4 percent.
Murdoch media empire faces its worst ever threat
The working practices and ways adopted by his journalists, notably those of his flagship News of the World, have led to the demise of the 168-year-old paper that once reported in its time the demise of East India Company and India becoming part of the British Empire.
The PM is an honest man and a brilliant economist
As questions arise on the prime minister's understanding of economics, his media managers probably need to attempt one more: the prime minister is a brilliant economist too!
PHOTOS: 8 Indian firms among the world's largest
Out of the eight, five are state-run entities.
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| July 11, 2011 | | SC rejects plea against Kapil Sibal
The Supreme Court on Monday refrained from passing any order on a PIL filed against Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal accusing him of reducing a penalty amount favouring Anil Ambani-headed Reliance Communications, saying persons aggrieved can avail remedy under the law.
'Kerala has advantages that benefit the IT sector'
In an interview with in Kochi, G-Tec chief executive officer Binu Sankar says the prosopsals are expected to be included in the new IT investment policy.
India's first unique solar plant
For the first time in the country, Tata BP Solar India Ltd, a joint venture of Tata Power and BP Solar, has installed and commissioned a megawatt-scale solar power plant under the rooftop and other small solar power generation plant scheme as part of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM).
How Idea Cellular won the MNP game
To become the most favoured operator in the MNP stakes, Idea has worked hard to spruce up its network and quality of service.
Son-rise at DLF; from daughter side
Rahul, son of K P Singh's elder daughter Renuka, has joined DLF India Ltd as a 'senior management trainee' with a pay package of Rs 57,725 per month, besides other benefits.
Power failure cripples China's bullet trains
China's newly launched high-speed bullet train faced flak after the service between Beijing and Shangahai was paralysed for nearly 90 minutes following a power breakdown due to thunderstorms.
Now, Dell enters the smartphone, tablet PC segment
Dell simultaneously is building a new distribution channel for smartphones and partnering with telecom service providers to promote its products.
It's raining luxury brands in regional films
Regional film producers have started echoing what their Bollywood counterparts have been saying for a while: If there is a movie, there will be products placed in it, mostly those that have paid big money to be in the frame.
Some states may block retail FDI
The move to open multi-brand retail to foreign direct investment may run into rough weather, with key Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states, as well as some constituent parties of the ruling United Progressive Alliance, rejecting or being ambivalent towards the proposed policy.
Ambanis lost $15 billion in a yr; so did investors
For every Rs 5 lost by the Ambanis in the past one year, approximately Rs 4 have been eroded from the coffers of their public investors also on an average, according to an analysis.
When Ambani lost his cool and Tata was embarrassed
It's mostly fun and games at annual general meetings of companies, but sometimes it is also a bit ugly. . .
BIG brands in fray to bond with Khadi
Fabindia, Shoppers Stop and four others have shown interest in a public-private partnership with Khadi Bhawans to manage 8 outlets.
This, not corruption, is biggest threat to growth
Corruption in public life is not as much of a threat to economic growth as political instability. Cross-sectional and time-series evidence would show this.
Bihar booms, but here's what needs to be done more
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has done well to rinse Bihar of many ills. Going ahead the challenge for the state is to grow beyond soft reforms!
Now, CAG blasts ministry for Air India mess
The civil aviation ministry initiated and then made a mess of the merger of the erstwhile Indian Airlines with Air India, according to a Comptroller and Auditor General report.
PHOTOS: World's 13 most expensive cars
Some of these biggies are already in India while the rest are likely to be launched sometime soon.
SPECIAL: How Nano factory has transformed Sanand!
We find out how the Nano factory has changed Sanand, from a sleepy village to a town bustling with activity and development.
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| July 08, 2011 | | ED slaps Rs 7,000 crore fine on Etisalat DB
The Enforcement Directorate on Friday slapped Rs 7,000 crore (Rs 70 billion) penalty on telecom firm Etisalat DB on various charges of FEMA violations in the 2G spectrum allocation scam.
IMAGES: Biggest deal for China's bullet trains
China's bullet train is set to go abroad for the first time as the country plans to export 228 bullet trains to Malaysia to develop intercity transportation for Kuala Lumpur.
Did not favour RCom, says a rattled Sibal
Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal tried to put up a brave front over the allegations levelled against him of causing loss to the government by favouring an Anil Ambani-led company.
Mumbai, Delhi among 5 CHEAPEST places in the world
The 10 cheapest cities in the world have a strong presence in the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East and North Africa.
Maran joins list of big guns felled by 2G scam
A well-known amateur radio operator, Dayanidhi Maran, has joined a growing list of top politicians and corporate honchos to be felled by the 2G spectrum scam in which DMK was further dealt a body blow with its two leaders already behind bars.
How chips help to understand human brain
Chips based on ARM processor technology would be linked together to simulate the highly-complex workings of the brain, whose functionality derives from networks of billions of interacting, highly-connected neurons.
Indian handset makers eye new shores
Karbonn Mobiles, Intex, Lava, Micromax and Maxx Mobile are among the brands that have entered markets in Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, West Asia and Africa.
India to see huge drop in poverty: UN
India has contributed to a large reduction in global poverty, according to the UN annual report on the Millennium Development Goals, which also pointed out that despite progress, the most vulnerable sections of society were being left out.
Can India's beverage majors break the Rs 5 jinx?
The going hasn't been that easy for beverage majors. For most part, these firms have struggled to make a profitable product at Rs 5.
Take your car on the Scotia Prince to Lanka!
This drive-in, drive-out facility will be on offer for passengers on board Scotia Prince.
Mid-sized IT firms go for experienced hires
In many cases, clients also prefer experienced employees for niche projects, which is only adding to the woes of the IT services providers.
Trading is injurious to investors' wealth
Retail investors are particularly wary right now as stocks are generally beaten down; it's time to use common sense and wait out the bad times.
This is how your money earns the promised returns
It can be generalised the money would be used to build an asset portfolio that would generate returns, which, in turn, will pass on to the investor, based on the terms of contract with the investor.
SPECIAL: Can the Dreamliner save Air India?
This new plane has become AI's javelin with which it hopes to outfly competition and repair its financial mess.
Should India explore hydro-power for energy needs?
Jairam Ramesh has set off a growth-versus-sustainability debate.
PIX: Check out these awesome undersea structures!
Poseidon Undersea Resort is the world's first seafloor resort in Fiji.
PHOTOS: New Maruti Swift to be more fuel-efficient
The new Swift, which the country's biggest car maker -- Maruti Suzuki India Ltd -- plans to launch next month, is more fuel-efficient. It will come with 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel variants.
STUNNING images of a plane that can fly and float!
The two-seater ICON A5 is being developed by California-based Icon Aircraft. Its wings can be folded easily from the cockpit in under five minutes while on water or land.
Mumbai's real estate market drying up
Low registration also seen in last six months.
2G scam: Did Kapil Sibal favour Anil Ambani?
The charge against Sibal is that, in February 2011, he reduced the penalty on RCom for violation of the United Access Service Licences agreement from Rs 50 crore to Rs 5 crore (Rs 50 million) per telecom circle.
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| July 07, 2011 | | New Discovery 4, Range Rover at Rs 27 lakh
Tatas' owned Land Rover on Thursday said it will introduce two new variants of sports utility vehicles Discovery 4 and Range Rover Sport in October this year in the UK, the on-road prices of which will start from 37,995 pounds (about Rs 27 lakh).
All about the draft micro finance bill
The government has released the draft Micro Financial Sector (Development and Regulation) Bill, 2011, which seeks to make it mandatory for all microfinance institutions to be registered with the Reserve Bank of India, making it the sector regulator.
Montek may join Cabinet, get Commerce ministry
Yojana Bhawan is working overtime to complete the crucial Approach paper to the 12th Plan amidst a buzz that Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia may get a Cabinet berth in the reshuffle expected soon.
Rounding off prices: Small change, big turnover!
Millions of such transactions take place every day all over the country. The finance ministry had recommended that pricing of products/services/taxes should be rounded-off to 50 paise or a whole rupee, but that is yet to be achieved.
2G scam claims one more: Dayanidhi Maran quits
Union Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran, who has been implicated by the Central Bureau of Investigation in the 2G scam probe, resigned from his post on Thursday, just hours after attending a meeting of the Union Cabinet.
Food inflation at 7-week low of 7.61%
As per data released by the government on Thursday, pulses became over 9 per cent cheaper year-on-year during the period under review.
PHOTOS: $7.8 bn for the STUNNING Dubai airport
Dubai Airports has given the green signal for a $7.8 billion (28.8 billion Arab Emirates dirham) airport and airspace expansion programme, which will boost capacity at Dubai International from 60 million to 90 million passengers per year by 2018.
IMAGES: Skoda plans five NEW models for India
While a refurbished Laura would hit the roads some time next month, a premium mid-sized sedan, Rapid, would arrive by the end of the year.
SC orders to hit Rs 40,000 cr Noida projects
Sahberi village ruling to hit sentiment in Noida Extension, where projects worth Rs 40,000 crore are being executed.
Zuckerberg announces the big Facebook 'surprise'
Facebook launches video chat powered by Skype.
Why Gujarat can be India's biggest automobile hub
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi dreams of making Gujarat an automobile hub.
IMAGES: India's top 20 brands: Amul is No. 1
Amul owned and marketed by Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), has beaten all other Indian brands to notch the 89th position in a 'Top 1000 Brands of Asia' survey conducted by Campaign magazine.
PHOTOS: The 8 closest rivals of Etios Liva petrol
Toyota makes an entry into the small-car space.
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| July 06, 2011 | | Now Maran, Essar too under CBI scanner in 2G scam
Union Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran has come under the scanner in the 2G scam probe, with the Central Bureau of Investigation telling the Supreme Court on Wednesday that he had misused his office and forced C Sivasankran, the promoter of Chennai-based Aircel, to sell his firm to Malaysia-based Maxis Communications in 2006.
PHOTOS: The NEW BMW X3 in India this Diwali
The bonnet of this luxury barge is powerful to assure great safety to the car engine with the rear designed in a distinctive manner.
The story of the first couple of the Birla empire
For the time being, however, Sehgal's book has to be required reading for anyone wanting to know not just about BK and Sarala Birla but the saga of the entire Birla family.
TDL-4: The Virus that escapes scrutiny
TDL-4 uses a rootkit attack technique to infect a machine's boot sector when a user is starting his computer (known as booting). Hence, it avoids detection by some security tools.
Satyam all set for big-ticket F1 deal
F1 is the highest class of single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the Federation Internationale deRs Automobile.
Black money: SC's no confidence in government
Perhaps never in the history of independent India has one pillar of the Constitution implicitly castigated another pillar -- the executive, in this case -- as heavily as the Supreme Court has done this time.
More Indians buying homes on hill stations!
With family income on the rise, hill stations in India are increasingly becoming attractive real estate destinations for more and more Indians, according to a survey.
How this MIT grad aims to light up rural India!
Harish Hande had a strong belief in the potential of solar energy for solving energy utility issues, and decided to take the challenge head on.
PHOTOS: The STUNNING Boeing 787 soon in India
One of world's largest aircraft in terms of seating capacity, will make its solo debut in India next week.
Dubai property set to boom again
The Dubai property market is showing good signs of a recovery, with many neighbourhoods reporting the first increases in value since 2008, a new industry report has revealed.
IMAGES: The 10 luxury brands in the world
Considered as opulence marquees, these brands display superior design and fine craftsmanship. They are sported by the rich and famous.
SPECIAL: Meet India's first television moghul
Subhash Chandra is not happy with the way television, a business he pioneered in India, looks today. He thinks an independent regulator would do the business a lot of good.
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| July 05, 2011 | | Iran payment row: Govt sure about finding solution
More than six months after a Reserve Bank of India order threw out a mechanism to pay for Iranian oil, Oil Minister S Jaipal Reddy on Tuesday said India is trying to ensure uninterrupted supplies of crude from the Persian Gulf nation.
Lalu: Expose Indians with black money abroad
Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad on Tuesday said the government should disclose names of all Indians who have stashed black money in foreign banks and demanded that these money be brought back to the country and 'redistributed' among the poor.
India to see stable growth, inflation to ease: UBS
The need to raise policy rates one more time still exists.
Strauss-Kahn to sue French writer over rape charge
Former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn facing sexual assault charges in New York will sue a French writer, who has accused him of attempted rape, for 'slanderous denunciation'.
R-Infra to pay a hefty fine over sea link pact
Reliance Sea Link One Pvt Ltd (RSOPL), an arm of Reliance Infrastructure (RInfra) which has bagged the Worli-Haji Ali sea link project in Mumbai, will have to pay a daily penalty of Rs 10 lakh for not complying with the provisions of a concession agreement with Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).
Want to invest in your child's future? Read on
As certified financial planner Gaurav Mashruwala says, "As a thumb rule, for the maximum growth, investments for goals which are more than 10-15 years away should be made in equities. Two-three years prior to the goal, the corpus should be shifted to debt instruments."
World's most innovative nations; India slips to 62
From being ranked at 56 last year, India now stands at 62, according to INSEAD and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and global business school INSEAD.
Below normal rains not to hit foodgrain output
His comments assume significance as this is the first time that a senior government official has spoken on the possible impact of below normal rains on agriculture production.
IIM and Corporate Social Irresponsibility
Here is why the course at IIM-A, investigating Corporate Social Irresponsibility, is both necessary and well-timed.
PHOTOS: Hero scooters to race against Honda
While Hero Honda is ramping up capacity by 50 per cent, HMSI is readying itself to launch a fourth product.
IIM-A, XLRI put Hyderabad entry on hold
IIM-A and XLRI were invited in 2008 by late chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.
PHOTOS: The STUNNING Maruti RIII at Rs 700,000
Maruti to debut in MPV segment with R3.
I-T dept goes after big fish, salaried to escape
The salaried will not face regular income tax scrutiny this year.
FDI shoots up 111% at $4.66 bn in May
In May 2010 the foreign direct investment was $2.21 billion.
IMAGES: Check out India's 13 super expressways
India has a road network of over 3.314 million kilometres, making it the third largest road network in the world.
The INCREDIBLE 2 months that changed India!
From the brink of defaulting on international payments to a Budget that changed the face of India - takes us through the twists and turns.
Pressed by debt, hoteliers scout for contracts
The three companies, after witnessing the increased presence of international hotel companies over the last few years, are making very little or no fresh investments in building hotels under their own brands.
7 Indian cities where property price have dropped
Property prices in seven cities across India dropped by 2.63 per cent to 17.6 per cent during the January to March quarter, according to the latest data released by the National Housing Bank.
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| July 04, 2011 | | Riders get rewarding for life insurers
Since last September, when the Irda capped distribution costs of Ulips, the number of policies with riders being sold had risen from 5% of the total to 20%.
States told to draft code of ethics for ministers
States have been advised to appoint financial advisors or set up an empowered committee with financial experts to oversee major spending decisions.
Now, Gujarat bets big on tourism
After wooing industries, the Gujarat government is now focusing on tourism promotion and plans to invest around Rs 635 crore (Rs 6.35 billion) in the next three years.
A tortoise named Duranto trains
Our poor railway network is a reflection of how we, as a nation, wait for things to happen unlike China that makes things happen.
30 MEGA projects: China's pride, world's envy!
Some of the world's biggest and most expensive infrastructure projects are in China.
Pesky calls, SMSes: Sibal to meet mobile users
Amid growing consumer dissatisfaction, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal will hold the first round table with consumer user groups to look into their grievances in issues like pesky calls, hidden costs in tariffs and ineffective redressal system, among others.
No tax blow for final leave encashment
Court rulings interpret 'retirement' and 'resignation' as similar events, thereby allowing tax exemption.
PHOTOS: 3 NEW cars to hit Indian roads this July
While the New Fiesta sedan is a retouched version of Ford's best selling car in India, there would be Mercedes engine powered Force One SUV and the last but no the least, the Chevrolet Beat Diesel.
Maid in Strauss-Kahn case lied under oath?
The Guinean maid, who accused former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn of sexual assault, may face perjury charges and she can also be deported from the United States following claims that she lied under oath, a news report said.
Bollywood, insurers: No love lost
Unlike most Indian movies that have a happily-lived-ever-after theme, there is no love lost between the Indian film industry and insurance companies.
Amazing journey of a 70-yr-old social entrepreneur
In 2002, Mukundan started manufacturing Venus kerosene burners that reduce fuel usage by 30 per cednt. From 2,000 burners in the first month, today Servals sells 120,000 such burners every month.
The truth behind IMF's ideological bias
The question is whether this would mean any change in IMF's policies, particularly on the question of what to forgo out of the impossible trinity of an independent monetary policy, managed exchange rates and a liberal capital account.
Black money: SC appoints special probe team
Former apex court judge M B Shah will also be member of the SIT.
It's not jobless growth, show official data
According to principal advisor with the Planning Commission and former chief statistician, Pronob Sen, there were 40-45 million more people in the age group of 15-59 between 2004-05 and 2009-10. The unemployment rate has correspondingly fallen from 2.3 per cent to 2 per cent of the labour force.
Is there a 'right business strategy' for India?
Does it depend on the company's context - and a true understanding of its core competences?
Here's how you can jazz up your laptop
To get the most out of your notebook and use its intended functions, particularly portability, it is important that you have the right choice of accessories.
How RIM plans to knock out competition in India
After focusing relentlessly on the enterprise customer, Research in Motion is going all guns blazing for the individual consumer.
IT majors raise temp hiring for skilled jobs
A dearth of skilled staff, especially for high-end technologies, coupled with difficulty in obtaining H1-B visas, is prompting Indian IT companies to hire more people on a temporary basis overseas.
How Facebook is helping individual entrepreneurs
With 30 million Facebook users in India, it makes perfect sense for neighbourhood businesses to use the medium to endorse their work.
How India's oil sector is mired in controversies
GX Technology case led to police cases against Sibal.
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| July 01, 2011 | | PHOTOS: Cars and bikes: How they fared in June
Maruti Suzuki India and Tata Motors reported decline in sales during June this year.
PHOTOS: World's 20 COSTLIEST transport projects!
A well-developed transport system is crucial to a country's economic growth and stability.
$100 billion! Tata market cap tops historic mark
The country's top corporate house Tata Group's market capitalisation on Friday crossed the $100-billion mark, as some of its companies including IT giant TCS gained value despite an overall weak market.
Left sabotaging efforts to rebuild economy: Mamata
Speaking at a function to observe the birth anniversary of state's second chief minister Bidhan Chandra Roy, the chief minister said, "We are trying to rebuild the state from a scratch. We believe in construction and not in destruction and we will rebuild Bengal."
GSM is 20! Transcript of world's first such call
It was today, 20 years ago -- July 1, 1991 -- that the world's first GSM call on a commercial network was made between Finland's former prime minister Harri Holkeri and vice mayor of the city of Tampere Kaarina Suonio.
Petrol pump strike in Mumbai called off
All petrol, diesel and CNG pumps will remain shut on July 2 and 3.
IMAGES: The world's longest cross-sea bridge
The bridge, connecting urban Qingdao with the city's less-developed district of Huangdao, cost about 14.8 billion yuan ($2.3 billion).
World's largest steel producers; India 4th
According to figures released by World Steel Association (WSA), which lists the top 65 steel-making nations that account for 98 per cent of the world's steel production, the global steel output in 2010 was 1413.5 mmt, up from 1230.9 mmt in 2009.
IMD's track record clouds 2011 monsoon forecast
The India Meteorological Department's (IMD's) earlier forecast for southwest monsoon has surprised many, as from a relatively comfortable situation in April, the performance of monsoon this year looks slightly shaky now.
US Treasury Secretary may quit in Aug: Reports
Geithner, who this week headed the US delegation for the second India-US Economic and Financial Partnership, has been in the administration since its beginning.
Obama on what makes America a great nation
The US is facing tough competition for "good jobs" from emerging economies like India and China, President Barack Obama said.
Unused property: AI loses Rs 80 crore annually
Air India's indecision comes at a time when the government carrier has a working capital debt of Rs 18,000 crore (Rs 180 billion) and growing interest and operating costs have put strain on the airline.
Wanna quit smoking? E-cigarettes are now in India
Gurgaon-based firm launches e-cigarettes.
IIT-Bombay to sell games
The premier institute of technology has, for the first time, decided to auction board games created by its students in the market.
PHOTOS: Check out these 14 STUNNING luxury cars
The luxury car segment in India starts at Rs 20 lakh.
The high and low of India's retail sector
In the first flush of liberalisation, foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail was allowed in India, a tempting proposition that had led one of Britain's oldest retailer, Littlewoods, to set up shop here.
What India must do to keep its economy booming
India and China need to embark on structural reform to sustain the momentum of economic growth.
Does your spouse know?
Married couples must take an additional vow of taking all monetary decisions together for a happy life.
'95% rains as good as 100% in Indian context'
IMD director general Ajit Tyagi says even in the worst case scenario, there won't be a drought this year or a throwback to 2009.
How to choose the right health insurance cover
Without adequate cover, you may have to dip into savings or borrow, in case of emergencies.
New Olympus mirrorless camera at Rs 44,900
It has world's fastest auto focus and an improved image sensor.
Images: Top 10 mobile handset companies
Revenues of the Indian mobile handset market grew by 15 per cent to touch Rs 33,171 crore (Rs 331.71 billion) in 2010-11 from Rs 28,897 crore (Rs 288.97 billion) a year back.
COLUMN: How mature is Mamata as chief minister?
Ms Banerjee must settle down to hard work of governance.
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| June 30, 2011 | | Buying jewellery worth Rs 5 lakh? PAN card a must
Be ready to mandatorily flash your PAN card, for any purchase of jewellery worth Rs 5 lakh (Rs 500,000) or more from Friday -- a move that would help the tax department keep an eye on such high value transactions.
Petrol, diesel prices hiked again
The government on Thursday hiked petrol and diesel prices by a marginal Rs 0.27 a litre and Rs 0.15 per litre respectively following increase in the commission paid to petrol pump dealers.
Chinese company to check spy software for India!
After banning telecom equipment from Chinese manufacturers like Huawei suspecting spy software embedded in the gadgets, India has now appointed Huawei to filter imported equipment for malicious software.
India giving: Rich open hearts and wallets
Reports suggest wealthy Indians increased their philanthropic spending last year and were likely to continue doing so in future.
PIX: China flags off Beijing-Shanghai bullet train
The $33 billion Beijing-Shanghai high-speed train will start commercial operations today.
Now get advice on shares from stock exchanges
India's stock exchanges are no longer standalone trading engines. They provide solutions to everything related to the stock market business.
IT freshers' salary remains at pre-recession level
Remunerations of senior executives have, however, increased considerably.
Food inflation falls to 7.78%
Food inflation, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index, stood at 9.13 per cent during the previous week.
Singur farmers want land back, as legal battle on
On the day the Supreme Court, in an interim arrangement, directed the West Bengal government not to return Singur land taken away for the Tata Nano factory to the farmers who never wanted to let it go, the latter say they aren't willing to wait.
What is a Post Office Monthly Income Scheme?
The account can be opened singly or jointly, with a minimum investment of Rs 1,500.
Facebook founder Zuckerberg now worth $18 billion
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's personal fortunes have soared, thanks to investment fund GSV Capital's recent stake in the social networking site which has put the Harvard dropout at a worth higher than Google founder Sergey Brin and Larry Page.
Cash-rich promoters unlock share pledges
In June alone, Rs 13,000 crore (Rs 130 billion) worth shares were released.
I have no magic wand, says PM
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is worried by the 'permissive' mood that has been created in the country, in which the government is unable to implement its agenda because of a constant barrage of criticism in which facts are mixed with opinion, with the media playing the role of 'accuser, prosecutor and judge'.
How the states deal with land acquisition
One of the most prickly nettles for governments in India today is land acquisition for industry.
PHOTOS: Etios Liva versus Maruti, Hyundai, Ford!
Let's see if Liva can live up to the expectations of the hatchback buyers and what will woo them to buy it as compared to Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20, Ford Figo, and others.
India ranks third in snooping through Google
Google, a favourite place to search information on internet, has also emerged as a favoured snooping ground for the government agencies and globally India ranks third in seeking user details from the global internet major.
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| June 29, 2011 | | High-speed AC trains from Delhi to nearby towns
To facilitate faster movement of commuters between the national capital and its adjoining towns, a corporation will be set up to run high-speed AC trains as part of the Regional Rapid Transit System for the National Capital Region.
Foreign funds to India drying up
Foreign fund flows into India have reduced significantly as the country witnessed inflows of just $40 million in the last three months, the weakest among its emerging market peers, says a report.
India to create 20 mn jobs in electronics sector
The government has proposed to give a Rs 1 lakh crore (Rs 1 trillion) investment subsidy to the country's electronics industry over a period of next 10 years, to give a boost to the sector, a key official said on Wednesday.
India begins to count its poor
A nationwide socio-economic and caste census to identify people living below poverty line (BPL) was on Wednesday flagged off from Shankhola, a remote tribal hamlet in Tripura West district.
Fuel price hike will help curb inflation: Montek
Defending the government's decision to raise prices of petroleum products, the Plan panel said on Wednesday it would suck money from the system and ease inflationary pressure in the long run.
Salman Khan's Being Human apparel to go global
Bollywood actor Salman Khan's social initiative Being Human Foundation plans to launch its range of apparels in international markets like Europe and Middle East by next year.
Fuel price hike not to impact deficit, says FM
Exuding confidence that the economy will grow by 8.5 per cent in 2011-12, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday said the recent hike in prices of petroleum products will not have much impact on the fiscal deficit.
Rise of India, China, the next big story: US
The next big story after the Industrial Revolution is going to be the rising clout of India and China in the global arena, according to Lawrence Summers, Director of the White House National Economic Council.
Can the Hyundai Verna continue its dream run?
The premium midsize segment (Rs 6.5-10 lakh) has always been a tricky one for all car manufacturers.
Pink gold? Indians will soon be able to buy it
After yellow and white, pink gold is set to hit Indian jewellery retail stores by the end of this year.
Airlines go mobile to sell tickets
A recent survey indicates that mobile phones are set to become a significant sales channel for airlines. According to transport communications and IT solution provider SITA's airline IT trends survey released last week, almost nine out of 10 airlines are selling or planning to sell tickets through the mobile phone network by 2014.
India safe place to invest: Swraj Paul
Speaking at the Anglo-Indian Summit on 'Investing In India', Swraj Paul said every foreign investment decision was a comparative judgement -- an evaluation of geo-risk.
Gujarat to host Asia's largest solar energy park
Gujarat would house the largest solar energy park in Asia in two years, with a power production capacity of 500 Mw.
Don't return Singur land just yet: SC tells Bengal
The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the West Bengal government not to return land to farmers in Singur, that was earlier leased to the Tatas, for now.
No rollback of petro price hike: Pranab
The hike in prices of petroleum goods led to protests in several parts of the country and many state governments announced the withdrawal of value added tax on petroleum products to lessen the impact of the hike on the common man.
PHOTOS: 4 new small cars coming soon to India!
With Maruti deciding to phase out M800, there would be a dearth of entry level small cars in India.
SPECIAL: Who tilled my land and ate my pie?
States' land acquisition policies need rethinking.
Close to retirement? Getting a loan won't be easy
Banks need to be convinced about regular income for such loans.
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| June 28, 2011 | | Christine Lagarde appointed new IMF chief
French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde on Tuesday became the first woman to head the International Monetary Fund after its executive board chose her over Mexican central bank governor Agustin Carstens.
Inflation cost Indians Rs 58,00,00,00,00,000 extra
Indian households incurred an additional expenditure of whopping Rs 5.8 lakh crore (Rs 5.8 trillion) in the last three years, due to spiralling inflation and dearer food items, says a research report.
FIIs have sold Rs 3,000-crore shares in 2011
Foreign institutional investors have offloaded shares worth nearly Rs 3,000 crore (Rs 30 billion) in 23 Indian companies, such as mortgage lender HDFC and Bombay Dyeing, among others, so far in 2011.
India committed to speedy reforms: FM tells US
Trying to hardsell India, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday assured the United States business community that the country's growth story was intact and it was committed to expediting reforms and further liberalisation of the foreign investment regime.
'India's per capita income may be $10,000 by 2039'
Addressing economists, investors and academicians in Washington, Basu said the fundamentals of the Indian economy are strong enough in the medium and long term to sustain a healthy growth rate of over 8 per cent.
Looking for new investment options? Consider Art
Value deals are available at Rs 2-10 lakh, giving investors an opportunity to make some good buys.
All you want to know about tax refund
Taxpayers can claim a refund when their income tax (I-T) liability is less than the tax they have paid in a financial year. Refund can be claimed only by the person to whom it is due.
Now, Motorola Xooms into Indian tablet market
After the launch of PlayBook and Flyer this month, Motorola Mobility India has entered the burgeoning "tablet" space in India with the introduction of its "Xoom" device, priced at Rs 32,990 onward.
Why demand for home loans is set to dip
The growth in housing loans had fallen from a high of 31.2 per cent in December 2006 to 4.1 per cent in March 2009.
PHOTOS: Welcome to the troubled Posco country
Work at the proposed Posco site in Jagatsinghpur district was stalled for the third consecutive day on Tuesday as locals staged a road blockade at a key junction demanding that their demands be fulfilled including enhanced compensation to land losers.
No let up in economic reforms: Pranab
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday strongly refuted observations by US think-tanks, the government and industry that India has gone slow on economic reforms and insisted that a series of reforms are in the process, which will lead to the next round of growth.
'India a role model for balanced growth'
India over the years has emerged as a role model for balanced economic growth for countries across the world, US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said on Tuesday.
IMAGES: India's 30 best companies to work for
A great workplace ensures that employees have freedom to execute their ideas and enjoy the work they do.
Nandan Nilekani donates Rs 50 crore to IIHS
Nandan Nilekani -- a former chief executive officer of Infosys and architect of Aadhar scheme under UIDAI -- and his wife Rohini have made a gift of Rs 50 crore ($11 million) to the Indian Institute for Human Settlements to fund establishment of its School of Environment and Sustainability.
'Boring jobs can lead to burn-out'
The researchers at the University of Zaragoza in Spain believe that there is a distinct category of 'underchallenged' employees who end up finding they simply cannot take any more of the 'monotonous and unstimulating' tasks that they are expected to perform.
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| June 27, 2011 | | Gina Rinehart set to be world's richest person
Rinehart, 57, head of Perth-based Hancock Prospecting is on course to overtake Carlos Slim, the Mexican magnate worth 46 billion pounds ($73.44 billion), and Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, who is worth 35 billion pounds ($55.80 billion), Citigroup has estimated.
Coming next from China: Cheaper loans!
After cheap toys, consumer goods and other manufactured products, cheaper loans could be the next major Chinese import into India, and the credit may go to a potential FCCB crisis looming large over Indian corporates.
Poverty? Indians spend most on expensive products
Despite high inflation and interest rates, number of Indians wanting to buy expensive products within the same category, called trading up in retail parlance, is among the highest in the world, says a new study.
Toyota aims to make it big with its small car
The Etios sedan, which made its global debut in the country in December 2010, has sold over 20,000 units till date. This gives Toyota the hope that the new small car will catapult it among the top manufacturers in the second fastest growing automobile market globally.
'Nano plant would've changed Singur's complexion'
Mother plant apart, the project involved 54 ancillary units, which meant enormous employment potential. People would have had the experience of seeing a modern industry.
Europe! That's where Indians are buying homes now
European countries like Spain, Greece and Italy are among the latest property buying destinations for Indians in the holiday home segment after prices have crashed there, according to industry analysts and consultants.
'Inflation to top 10% in July'
The whole price index, used to measure rise in prices of a range of products in a consumer basket, stood at 9.06 per cent in May.
Noel Tata outlines his vision on retail
Responsible for many foreign tie-ups, strategic rollouts and acquisitions, Noel Tata is now giving Tata International, the trading arm of the conglomerate, a retail twist.
How to get back Indian black money in Swiss banks
For starters, as Subramanian Swamy suggested, how about putting pressure on Parliament to pass a resolution concerning all PEPs to retrieve our wealth through the RIAA?
Which tablet PC to buy? Take a look
There are at least five big brands in the market that are selling tablet PCs. Here's what you should keep in mind while on tablet shopping.
NEW hatchback in town! Toyota Liva at Rs 3.99 lakh
The auto major has also invested Rs 3,200 crore to set up its second manufacturing facility in Bangalore.
What the world economy really needs?
Easy dollar liquidity created by the Fed has helped push global commodity prices, setting off a global inflationary spiral and rising inflation expectations in the US.
The big blue sky, cloud computing and You
The application is fast catching on with internet users in India.
Another telecom scam? 1994 policy files go missing
The documents include the Cabinet note on the policy prepared by DoT and papers related to the decision to clear the policy by the then Congress Cabinet.
Fuel duty cuts to upset govt's tax calculations
Petroleum Minister Jaipal Reddy said these measures would cost the government Rs 49,000 crore in the current financial year.
From a Mumbai chawl to the Forbes rich list!
At a dinner banquet last year at the Taj Mahal rooftop - after successfully concluding a merger between Aircel's towers and group company GTL Infrastructure - Tirodkar was hailed as sagacious, humble and hands-on by a motley bunch of suave bankers, analysts and media persons.
New airline fuel is here: Used cooking oil!
High airline turbine fuel prices and pressure to cut down carbon emissions have forced airlines to look at renewable sources of energy to power their jets.
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| June 24, 2011 | | Diesel costlier by Rs 3/litre; LPG Rs 50/cylinder!
This is the tenth hike in the price of petrol in just over a year. With this hike, inflation is likely to rise sharply once again.
India now has 153,000 millionaires!
The number of dollar-millionaires in India surged to a record high of 1.53 lakh (153,000) in 2010, making the country's high net worth individual (HNI) population 12th largest across the globe, as per a global study.
Mukesh meets PM; RIL gets copy of CAG report
Days after a CAG draft report said his firm got out of turn favours from the oil ministry and its technical arm DGH, Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani on Friday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Namaste Tower: A symbol of India's economic boom!
More than 85 skyscrapers are set to adorn the Mumbai skyline in a few years.
FTC may start antitrust probe against Google
The Wall Street Journal has reported the civil probe, which has the potential to reshape how companies compete on the Internet, is the most serious legal threat yet to the 12-year-old company.
Abolish social security tax for pros: India to US
India on Friday asked the United States to move ahead with an agreement which would exempt professionals from payment of security taxes to mitigate the impact of a visa fee hike last year.
ICICI's 'devil may care' stand lands it in trouble
Irked by ICICI Bank's 'callous and devil-may-care attitude', a district consumer court has directed it to pay a compensation of Rs 125,000 to one of its customers against whom it had lodged a criminal case for non-payment of a car loan which he never took.
When a bank becomes too cooperative
The rift between the Congress Party and Nationalist Congress Party seems to have found a new battleground Maharashtra State Cooperative (MSC) Bank.
IMAGES: The top 20 'thought leaders' in India
The BRIC Index of Thought Leaders 2011 highlights the most successful BRIC Thought Leaders, according to Indian opinion formers.
Why is IT industry in a wage trap
Skill improvement has failed to keep pace with salary hikes.
PHOTOS: Our most-loved advertising icons
Here is a look at the most loved advertising icons starting from the more recent Zoo Zoo to the age-old Murphy Baby and also the globally popular Ronald McDonald.
Before a mortgage, take some advice
Liability managers help structure loans to reduce interest burden and improve cash management.
Electric Beat unveiled. More green cars to follow
The launch, however, would take some more time.
IMAGES: World's 20 most spectacular buildings
These are the modern wonders of the world.
Identity theft: How not to become a victim
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your information to commit fraud or other crimes.
Small cars to SUVs: 8 NEW cars soon in India
Almost every car maker has planned a launch later in the year.
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| June 23, 2011 | | No I-T returns on income up to Rs 5 lakh
The scheme would cover those salaried persons whose interest income per annum is up to Rs 10,000, Central Board of Direct Taxes said.
No small car from GM for India more . . .
American car maker General Motors on Thursday said it has shelved plans to launch small car in India that was planned to take on Tata Motors' 'Nano', citing viability issues.
Another fuel price hike? Decision tomorrow
The empowered group of ministers headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee is being convened soon to discuss a combination of a price hike and a reduction in government duties.
The qualities that make Ratan Tata a born leader
In the midst of an ongoing search process to find Ratan Tata's successor to head the country's biggest corporate house, top leaders from the group have heaped lavish praise on his leadership style.
High inflation not acceptable, says Pranab
Attributing the latest jump in food inflation mainly to rising prices of protein-based items, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said the high inflationary regime was not acceptable and efforts would be made to bring it down.
Premji's son moves up another level at Wipro
He is understood to have been promoted as a vice president,while he would continue in his present role as chief strategy officer.
Why India mustn't ape China's manufacturing policy
China's emergence as a manufacturing hub is due to a combination of favourable circumstances and astute policies; India should adopt a strategy that is in consonance with its own realities.
4 Indians in Asian Heroes of Philanthropy list
Forbes Asia on Thursday announced its 'Heroes of Philanthropy' list for the fourth year running, with four Indians among the top 48 philanthropists.
Food inflation rises to 9.13%
It was almost 23 per cent during the second week of June, 2010.
RIM launches PlayBook at Rs 27,990
After the success of BlackBerry phone, Research in Motion (RIM) has forayed into fast growing tablet PC market here with its 'PlayBook' to compete with the likes of Apple's iPad and Samsung's Galaxy Tab.
IMAGES: India's 15 most amazing bridges
India has an impressive network of bridges.
Free for all: Tata factory at Singur vandalised
The boundary wall has been brought down and makeshift entrances to the unit have come up overnight.
India, US to fast track bilateral trade talk
India and the United States on Wednesday agreed to fast-track technical negotiations for early conclusion of a Bilateral Investment Agreement during a meeting between Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and US Trade Representative Ron Kirk.
PHOTOS: World's top 10 supercomputers!
Supercomputer is a machine that is at the frontline of current processing capacity.
IMAGES: The 3 closest rivals of Maruti SX4 diesel
Equipped with super turbo DDiS engine the SX4 diesel is now a 90PS car.
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| June 22, 2011 | | Etios Liva set to hit roads, may start price war
The Etios Liva would mark Toyota's entry into the highly popular premium hatchback segment.
Special: Leaning towers of GTL Infrastructure
It is a tale of two deals: One completed and the other, announced and later aborted.
IMAGES: World's 13 amazing architectural marvels
Thirteen buildings have received the RIBA International Awards for architectural excellence.
Ford may park plant next to Nano in Gujarat
If all goes well, Ford India will park its second manufacturing unit right next to Tata Motors' Nano factory at Sanand.
Unusual businesses: An online library for toys
The enthusiasm and excitement of the kids in front of the toys was infectious. I have never seen anyone so happy. That was when I knew what I wanted to do as an entrepreneur.
Why the property market is in BIG trouble
After correcting somewhat from the sharp setback suffered in 2008, with some sectors managing to exceed previous peak prices in 2010, the sector entered 2011 with cautious optimism.
Expats, tourists may also get right to privacy
Surveillance for security purposes to be exempted.
Why are Indians silent on bribe givers?
Corruption has two sides - demand and supply.
S Arabia:Buffett ice cream chain has largest store
The company has unveiled a two-storey, 7,500 square foot restaurant in Riyadh, one of three locations that opened in the city this month to mark the start of aggressive expansion plans.
Paris Air Show: BIGGEST planes on earth are here!
The Paris Air Show has been the world's leading aviation and space event for over 100 years.
VOTE NOW! Which is the best smartphone in India?
India has nearly 800 million mobile-phone subscribers and the penetration level is expected to touch 100 per cent by 2015.
Singur Bill: Tatas told to serve notice on govt
The Tata Motors notice, dated June 18, which was pasted on the gate of its erstwhile Nano factory at Singur, was aimed at intimating that no Tata Motors official was based at the site and any unannounced visit should not be made at odd hours since the factory housed valuable items.
MUST READ! The flaw in our fight against poverty!
Various experts have opined that the Planning Commission has reduced the calorie intake from 2,100 per day in urban areas (2,400 in rural areas) to about 1,800 per adult Indian.
IMAGES: Nokia launches N9 and three other phones
Mobile phone-maker Nokia on Tuesday announced the beginning of a new era.
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| June 21, 2011 | | UID: Nilekani has miles to go to achieve goal
Going by the current pace, UIDAI seems unlikely to meet the target of issuing a million Aadhaar numbers a day to cover half the country by 2013.
It may not be end of the road for SKS Microfin
SKS was listed on the local bourses in August 2010 at a 5.6 per cent premium on its issue price of Rs 985. It appeared a bet that could hardly go wrong. Broking firms like Edelweiss Capital, Angel Broking, HDFC Securities and India Infoline had recommended to their clients to buy shares of SKS.
Cash or food? A great transition for India
Cash or food, which will better benefit the poor? This deceptively simple looking question is currently at the centre of a sharply bitter dispute.
Is it time to revisit tax deal with Mauritius?
Company analysts and tax experts say neither the foreign direct investment nor the portfolio investment by large institutions will be affected.
Here's how you can sync your phone and computer
A new system designed by Tsung-Hsiang Chang, a graduate student in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, and Google's Yang Li makes it much easier to transfer computing operations between devices.
Here's how to keep your email safe!
There are millions of people on the Internet that would like nothing more than to gain access to your computer and steal your vital information.
15% rise in expats returning to India
Monster.com says their logged number of non-resident Indians seeking jobs back in India has grown 65 per cent in the past year.
PHOTOS: India food chain in deep change!
A growing urban middle-class is consuming more higher-value, high protein foods, which is stoking food price inflation and changing business and farm models in rural India.
PHOTOS: India's hottest selling cars in May
As a general trend, the shift this year is towards diesel and that is why car companies are coming up with more models and soon the customers will be flooded with a variety of cars to choose from. Any and everything in diesel, LPG and CNG seems to be in demand.
Will Posco's Orissa project ever see daylight?
Six years on, Posco's Orissa steel project remains on paper.
Lessons India should learn from the Greek crisis
World economy may not be teetering on the edge, as yet.
What India should do to stop brain drain
2010 saw as many as 60,000 Indian professionals returning to India from the US.
PHOTOS: Stunning planes at the Paris Air Show
The Paris Air Show has been one of the best aviation events for over 100 years.
Incredible! Fly Paris to Tokyo in just 2.5 hours
This supersonic plane can fly from Paris to Tokyo in just 2.5 hours.
Market wealth: Tatas beat Ambanis
Changing market dynamics have led to the Tata group overtaking the combined market wealth of the two Ambani groups put together.
Will Bengaluru lose the IT hub status?
With mounting fears that the city is in danger of losing the tag of leading IT-hub, the software industry-- led by bellwether Infosys - called for development of world class infrastructure and continued government support to maintain its credentials.
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| June 17, 2011 | | There's no magic wand to bring down inflation: RBI
After having raised its key policy rates 10 times in a year-and-a-half to check inflation which remains stubborn, the Reserve Bank of India said on Friday it has no magic wand to bring down the rate of price rise.
Why Tata is worried about Fiat in India
At the heart of the problem is Fiat's failure to bring in more models to India -- a fact the Tata Group chairman didn't forget to mention.
Snake trade: How China mints money
Thousands of tonnes of snakes are sold in restaurants across China.
PHOTOS: Chatwal's swanky new hotel rocks New York
Located between two of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in New York, Chelsea and the Meat Packing District, the avant-garde, lifestyle hotel offers 316 guestrooms, multiple innovative dining venues, an expansive rooftop lounge, a beach club and extensive fitness facilities with spa services.
Corruption: India loses $16 bn every year!
She says out of every Rs 100 meant for infrastructure development, only Rs 16 is used.
Why Singur was on the boil in 1969
While Tata Motors had to shift its Rs 100,000-car project in 2008, JK Organisation had move all its businesses from the state way back in 1969.
Stunning images of the world's biggest cruise ship
Luxury knows no bounds in the world's biggest cruise ship, Allure of the Seas.
Ad age: Some catchy jingles from recent times
In the second part, we showcase some new jingles that ride on the 'original music and lyrics' format. We also believe these new age commercials have managed to entertain us just the old ones.
India Inc hopes this is the last rate increase
Some companies say they will pass on the cost to customers.
'The Singur Bill will mess up things in Bengal'
Housing minister in the previous West Bengal government, Gautam Deb discusses the reasons behind the party's rout and the policies of the new government led by Mamata Banerjee.
Subhash Ghai to enter multiplex business
Mukta Arts Ltd is set to foray into the exhibition business.
Murthy sad over how UPA handled corruption issue
Infosys founder, N R Narayana Murthy, otherwise an admirer of the government, says he's unhappy at the way Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh have handled the Lok Pal Bill issue.
'I see mistrust deepening between India and China'
Dr John Lee, author of Will China Fail, discusses the reasons for the country's failure and predicts that India and China are headed for a stormy relationship going ahead as they compete for mineral assets and influence in Asia and Africa.
IBM turns 100! Here are its icons of progress
IBM has played a leading role in transforming business, science and society in these 100 years.
It's raining superbikes in India
The sales of superbikes are happening fast, even with the eye-popping prices that they sport. The bikes are moving off the shelves faster than perhaps the bikes themselves.
Maruti strike called off
Sources close to Maruti management said the company has agreed to reinstate the 11 workers whose services were terminated for instigating the strike.
Why financial planning is important for women
Women need to handle their finances differently from men. This is largely due to factors like differences in earning patterns and priorities, which are very specific to women.
What the IMF chief does & why the job is coveted
International Monetary Fund and World Bank are top global financial institutions.
If Tatas don't invest in WB, others will: Congress
The Tatas are welcome to invest in West Bengal, but if they did not there were others who would, Congress, the alliance partner of the Mamata Banerjee government.
GoAir to buy 72 Airbus-320s for Rs 32,400 crore
With this order for 72 A-320 NEO (New Engine Option) planes worth $7.2 billion, GoAir has a total order book of 92 aircraft worth Rs 43,200 crore ($9.6 billion).
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| June 16, 2011 | | Housing prices may rise by up to 10%
Housing prices may rise by 5-10 per cent in the next 3-6 months as the cost of funds for developers is expected to increase following the Reserve Bank of India's decision to raise key policy rates by 25 basis points.
Law minister takes black money battle to FinMin
Amid the growing chorus against black money and the government's efforts to pull the plug, Union Law Minster M Veerappa Moily has suggested Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to completely overhaul the tax administration.
IMAGES: Onboard India's most expensive train
The Royale Indian Rail Tours offers one of the most luxurious train journeys across India's most beautiful locales.
Special: The politics behind the strike at Maruti
The clout of Aituc and other unions in Haryana's automobile heartland will depend crucially on whether they manage to get a foothold in the country's largest car company.
RBI hikes rates: Home, auto loans to be costlier
Be prepared to pay more every month on your home, auto and other loans.
IMAGES: A grand plan unfolds for Bihar makeover
With the Nitish Kumar government giving its nod to the new Industrial Promotion Policy, 2011, the decks have been cleared for big ticket investments even as the fate of investment proposals worth around Rs 1 lakh crore hangs fire due to alleged non-cooperation from the Centre.
360,000 cards hacked in May cyber attack: Citi
In a statement issued late on Wednesday night, Citigroup said, "A total of 360,083 North America Citi-branded credit cards were affected. Only accounts issued in the US were impacted."
Day 13: Maruti crippled by strike at Manesar plant
The crippling strike at the country's largest car-maker Maruti Suzuki India's Manesar plant entered its 13th day on Thursday, with production completely shut down.
'Job market in India promising'
As per the report, the hottest industries in India include sectors like manufacturing, construction, pharma and healthcare, BFSI, education, information technology (IT) and IT-enabled service, and real estate and construction.
IMAGES: The amazing Rs 24 lakh Audi Q3
Audi Q3 in India in Jan-Feb 2012.
IMAGES: The highest advance tax payers in India
Advance tax pay-up by India Inc presents a rosy picture, despite a massive fall in April IIP numbers and a likely fall in the remaining months of Q1; with the largest lender SBI leading the pack with Rs 1,100 crore (Rs 11 billion) against Rs 850 crore (Rs 8.50 billion) in the year-ago period.
Enough is enough, India Inc tells Reserve Bank
Most expect a 25 bps rate hike today, but want pause.
PHOTOS: China's bullet trains power its economy!
China's high-speed rail project is the biggest transportation infrastructure plan in human history and it is transforming the Chinese landscape and its economy.
Credit cards: How many are too many?
Credit card companies come up with tempting offers.
Salaried? Here's how to save on TAX
Those on regular employment have limited scope for saving taxes. So it becomes all the more important to take full benefits.
Residential solar units: Google to invest $280 mn
In a joint statement, SolarCity and Google 'announced the creation of a new $280 million fund to finance residential solar projects'.
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| June 15, 2011 | | RBI likely to hike key interest rates by 0.25%
With inflation hovering much above the comfort zone, the Reserve Bank of India may raise key policy rates by 25 basis points in its first mid-quarterly review of the credit policy for financial year 2012 on Thursday.
NIIT's big plan: Teach one billion students!
NIIT Chairman Rajendra Pawar on why he's building a new university in hot, dry Rajasthan.
Disney's grand designs to entertain India
After Do Dooni Chaar, the first Hindi live-action movie distributed by The Walt Disney Company (Disney) in India, won a National Award, the Hollywood studio tied up with UTV Motion Pictures (UTV) for more.
This is how your loan repayment works
An equated monthly installment (EMI) is the amount of money that is paid back to the lender on a monthly basis.
The STUNNING Rs 15-lakh BMW 1 Series soon in India
Developed on the same platform as the 3 Series, the new 1 series has been codenamed as F20.
The truth behind finance ministry's fiscal mess
A quick assessment of the ground reality will tell you that it is a reflection of the finance ministry's mistaken faith in factors beyond its control.
PIX: India building world's highest railway bridge
When completed in 2016, the 1.3-km railway bridge over the Chenab will soar 359 meters above the river bed, 19 meters higher than France's Tarn River bridge.
IndiGo to touch down on international destinations
Daily flights to Bangkok and Dubai from Mumbai will start from October 2.
What lies ahead for Jawaharlal Nehru Port?
Tenders called for the construction of the fourth container terminal were put on hold when one of the applicants approached the Supreme Court because they were not allowed to bid for the project.
How Deveshwar turned ITC around
ITC board has given Deveshwar a five-year extension after a 15-year term as executive chairman.
Hacktivism causing mayhem on web
Even as the chorus against black money and corruption is getting louder in India, hacktivism, a coinage created of activism and hacking, is creating mayhem in the virtual world.
Amazing attractions in malls: Snow, sharks...more!
Check out fantastic images of two of world's most spectacular malls in Dubai.
Young India is making it big in corporate sector
With India remaining a potential growth market, global banks are hiring young turks in order to ensure that no stone is left unturned in their bid to reach the top.
The past, present and future of Tata Nano
Nano was launched in Sri Lanka late last month as the first foreign destination for Tata's smallest car.
IMAGES: World's 20 most spectacular bridges
It has taken years of hard work and millions of dollars to build these architectural marvels.
Recall why we left Singur: Tata Motors
The legislation revokes the original lease agreement signed between Tata Motors, the country's biggest automobile maker, and the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation.
A GREAT guide to buying 2nd hand cars
While it is difficult to attribute any one single reason to this, low cost, less depreciation, easier loans, and ready availability of good models are some of the reasons behind this boom.
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| June 14, 2011 | | India handling corruption in a mature way: Mukesh
Ambani's comments have come at a time when various cases of corruptions are coming to light, including those involving some big corporate houses and some politicians.
Know more about loan against fixed deposits
Certain banks, such as Punjab National Bank, allow loans from the very next day of making the deposit. Some like HDFC may even offer one after six months. You need to check with your bank on the same.
'Congress has always fought corruption'
Congress is confident that its efforts will see the return of a large part of black money stashed abroad, says , the party's mouthpiece.
Honda slashes City prices by Rs 66,000
The car will now be available between Rs 7.49 lakh (Rs 749,000) and Rs 9.89 lakh (Rs 989,000) -- ex-showroom, Delhi, a statement from Honda Siel Cars India said.
Inflation numbers disturbing: Rangarajan
Rangarajan's reaction came after the release of the latest data, which showed headline inflation going up to 9.06 per cent in May from 8.66 per cent in April on the back of rising prices of manufactured products and petrol.
Want to file returns online? Here's help
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has also has been encouraging people to do so. Sudhir Chandra, chairman, CBDT, recently said, "Filing electronic income tax returns will help you verify your deduction of tax at source on screen and it will also help process your refund speedily, in less than one month."
Hiring: Indian employers most bullish
According to Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, India's net employment outlook -- an indicator of recruitment intentions -- stood at 46 per cent on a seasonally adjusted basis for the three-month period starting July, the most optimistic hiring environment across the world.
Inflation tops 9%, RBI may hike interest rates
Inflation, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index, stood at 8.66 per cent in April.
Lagarde, Carstens shortlisted for top IMF post
"The Executive Board will meet with the candidates in Washington and, thereafter, meet to discuss the strengths of the candidates and make a selection," the official IMF statement said.
Stunning images of a fully transparent Airbus!
Come 2050, and you can fly in a fully transparent plane enjoying the panoramic views of the sky.
PM panel pegs India's growth at 8.5%
In his Budget speech, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had pegged economic growth for 2011-12 at 9 per cent.
Voodoo economics: FDI in retail to curb inflation!
Those who have been following developments in the past few years know that Wal-Mart alone must have spent millions of dollars in India for lobbying with our government to open up retail sector for FDI.
Guru Gary reveals success mantras to India Inc
"We created a sense of a team, not individuals. We designed team measurable and not individual measurable. At the end of the day, we created a happy environment," said Gary Kirsten, coach of the World Cup-winning Indian cricket team.
PIX: Scotia Prince, India's 1st super luxury ferry
In its inaugural cruise, Scotia Prince sailed from Tuticorin in Chennai to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka on Monday.
Infosys pips TCS to clinch postal contract
India Post is embarking on a massive IT modernisation programme.
Visa woes end for IBM, TCS
Both companies, along with three others, were suspended in 2010 on grounds of irregularities.
Mauritius may shed tax haven tag
Treaty shopping by investors to be over if island nation budges on capital gains tax.
Pix: These 5 small cars will hit Indian roads SOON
Indian and international brands are now all focused on small cars.
Inflation: What will the RBI do?
The central bank will appear vacuous if it holds fire next week following its ultra hawkish guidance at the last monetary policy review.
China, India are grabbing future jobs: Obama
Travelling to Durham in North Carolina, Obama said companies in the US are having a tough time in finding right candidates in the field of science and technology, which he argued is not a good sign for the future of the country.
PHOTOS: Bill Gates' secrets revealed!
Bill Gates has revealed some personal details for the first time.
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| June 13, 2011 | | 75,000 acres acquired for mega city near Ahmedabad
Spread over 940 square km, a new city would be developed at Dholera by the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC) as a part of its $90 billion project spread across six states.
Can the new IMF chief change its policies?
The US' influence on a European CEO-headed multilateral institution is out of sync.
2G scam: Where has Rs 200 crore gone, asks SC
A bench of justices B S Chauhan and Swatanter Kumar, while terming 'corruption as the worst form of human rights violation,' asked CBI to come out with a status report on the loss to the state exchequer because of the award of 13 licences to one of the telecom operators and trial proceedings in the CBI special court.
Slash import duty on cars, spares: Ratan Tata
At a time when the Indian automobile industry is strongly opposing lowering of import duty in the proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata has favoured cutting tariff on vehicles and components coming from overseas.
Have toolbox to deal with reticent tax havens: FM
Under pressure from civil society to take concrete action on black money, the government said on Monday it has enough tools to deal with transactions arising from non-cooperative jurisdictions and would take action as and when necessary.
Is it time to move beyond Singur?
More importantly, Ms Banerjee should develop a vision beyond Singur that encompasses the whole of West Bengal and the developmental challenge it faces.
Sick PSU land to ease govt burden
Land resources belonging to ailing companies being pitched to pvt players for new initiatives.
It was Murthy's day at Infy AGM
Shareholders bid adieu to the co-founder and chairman who will retire in August.
Rs 4.57 lakh Ninja 650R motorcycle now in India
Bajaj and India Kawasaki Motors have launched Ninja 650R in the Indian market.
Power deficit for 2011-12 pegged at 10.3 per cent
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has projected an energy shortfall of 10.3 per cent and a peak shortage of 12.9 per cent in the country during the current financial year (2011-12).
Why Homestay is the latest buzz in tourism market
Homestay refers to accommodation provided in a private home run like a small business by the home owner.
How to play piano, guitar on smartphones, iPad
Touchscreens have changed the way we interact with handheld devices.
Hit by slowdown, realtors look abroad for help
Hit by sluggish sales at home, realtors are wooing non-resident Indians (NRIs). A slew of property exhibitions have been lined up at Dubai, Singapore, London, Durban and New York over the next three-four months.
Why should taxpayers' money keep sick PSUs alive?
Even in the protected world of India's sick public sector units, it takes a special kind of government company to lose Rs 8 crore (Rs 80 million) a day, while earning just Rs 10 crore (Rs 100 million) as revenue - and that in the booming field of telecommunications.
Cyber criminals now stalk you through your phone
McAfee Q1 threats report also reveals that in the first quarter of 2011, spam remained at its lowest levels since 2007.
How, why Indian firms are knocking out MNCs
Foreign-origin companies may still hold sway over consumer product and electronics companies but, in several areas, be it tractors, liquor or specialised financial products, it is the Indians who are the kings.
Maruti fine with new union
However, it has added some stiff riders -- the union cannot be affiliated to any political party or have outsiders as members.
Asia's costliest cities for expats, 7 from India
Japanese cities continue to dominate the most expensive cities' list for expatriates.
Why investors have not lost faith in Indian eco
Despite misgivings about India's economic performance, investors have not lost faith in the country's long-term growth trajectory.
Slowdown clouds darken over India Inc
Indian companies are already facing a margin squeeze, with operating profit margins and net profit margins in the fourth quarter of the last financial year shrinking by 44 basis points each year-on-year.
20 astonishing facts about the Indian economy
India could emerge as the world's third largest economy by 2030.
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| June 11, 2011 | | Bengal backtracks on Singur ordinance
A day after the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government issued an ordinance to take back the entire land lying with Tata Motors and its vendors at Singur, it has decided not to notify it.
Mukesh Ambani forays into insurance
Reliance Industries Ltd buys Bharti stake in Axa joint ventures.
Act against Lavasa, Maharashtra govt told
In a major setback to Ajit Gulabchand's ambitious hill city project, the Union environment ministry has asked the Maharashtra government to initiate action against Lavasa Corporation for violation of green norms.
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| June 10, 2011 | | IMF chief's nominations close; no consensus yet
Apart from Lagarde, Mexican central bank governor Agustin Carstens and Kazakhstan's central bank governor Grigory Marchenkois are in the fray for the IMF managing director's post which fell vacant after the ignominious exit of Dominique Strauss-Kahn last month.
Customers can access Mercedes site via mobile
New mobile-optimized website can be readily accessed through multiple mobile devices.
SBI breaches RBI norms on loans to Reliance
State Bank of India, the country's largest bank, has breached the Reserve Bank of India's credit exposure norms during three consecutive years with regard to its loans provided to Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries.
'We will be happy if diesel is deregulated'
State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) - a Fortune 500 company - dominates the Indian market with a 49.6 per cent market share.
Want to win Rs 25,000? Try solving this case
How will a group of minnows manage to save the future of the gentleman's game in their own backyard?
'India set to be a success story of our time'
Noting that the country was on track to have the largest economy by 2050, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake said, "India is a rising giant whose influence is being felt not only in the Indian Ocean, but in the Americas, in Africa, West Asia, and in Central Asia."
Public sector banks seen safe bets despite blips
While the environment is not conducive, most of the concerns are factored in and valuations have entered an attractive zone.
PHOTOS: Apple's amazing 'spaceship' office
Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, wants to build a 'spaceship'-type campus in Cupertino, California, to house his ever-growing staff.
Why Cloud computing is not big in India, yet
Globally, the music industry will now have to deal with content's privacy on cloud services such as iCloud. But Indian companies are putting up a brave face.
It's 997 acres, or nothing for Tata Motors
Tata Motors is unlikely to scale down its plans and go back to Singur for a smaller plant.
Realty firms see better results in small towns
Real estate companies betting big on tier II and tier III markets sold more stock than firms focused on metros.
In Pics: A peek into the STUNNING Audi A7 and RS 5
Lat month, German car manufacturer Audi AG launched two of its premium products in India.
How Bharti Airtel plans to make it big in Africa
The man: Manoj Kohli, the affable CEO of Bharti Airtel's international business. The challenge: Replicate Bharti's low-cost operational model so successful in India across 16 diverse African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Congo.
Want cheaper holidays? Read this . . .
While most of the group deals websites in India are now offering holiday packages either directly or in collaboration with online travel agents (OTAs), Vamoose.in is a group deals site focused solely on travel.
Brand Husain creates legacy value
In his death, M F Husain has left behind a rich fount of art and artmanship
Mamata fulfils promise, takes back Singur land
Govt passes ordinance, possibility of Tatas mounting a legal challenge
PHOTOS: World's top gambling hubs!
Full-fledged on-shore casino, the first of its kind in India, is spread over 48 acres of five-star property and the casino will have an almost entire gamut of games.
PHOTOS: World's 10 happiest countries
A wealthy and powerful country like the United States fails to make it to the top 10.
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| June 09, 2011 | | Maurti strike may spread; loss at Rs 270 crore
The strike at Maruti Suzuki India's plant in Manesar is threatening to spread to Gurgaon-Manesar belt, with a panel of workers of various firms in the region warning that a similar stir could hit others unless demands of their agitating colleagues' at India's largest carmaker are met.
Inside the amazing Airbus A380: Don't miss it!
The interiors of the world's biggest passenger airline, the Airbus A 380 resemble a luxury hotel.
Land bill changes to hurt Bengal industrialisation
Stated position of the West Bengal government is that no land should be acquired for private projects.
Best ways to manage a joint account
Deposit accounts can be opened by an individual in his own name (single account) or by two or more individuals jointly (joint account).
Food inflation goes up to 9.01%
The latest numbers are the highest level of food inflation since the week ended March 26 when it had stood at 9.18 per cent.
Where are India Inc's colourful personalities?
Has liberalisation squeezed the personality out of India Inc's leaders?
Here's how India's richest people spend and invest
According to a study released by Kotak Wealth and Crisil Research, ultra high net worth households as those with a minimum net worth of Rs 25 crore or $5 million, as the benchmark for qualifying into the UHNI segment.
Asia's oldest exchange gets cheaper
Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) shares have lost more than a third of their value in the last six months, as a lacklustre market has hurt volumes in the exchange's cash segment and several efforts to revive its derivatives segment are yet to show results.
Hacked! Thousands of Citi card customers' data
Computer hackers have breached Citigroup's computer network and have accessed data related to hundreds of thousands of its card customers, the Financial Times said.
Now, neighbourhood shops to sell insurance
An Irda official said the idea was to improve the penetration levels of insurance and deepen financial inclusion.
Chinese economy to grow at 9.3% in '11: World Bank
The government should use interest rates for more than administrative measures to handle economic growth in the long term.
Flexible work hours?Get a job in Finland or Sweden
According to a study by Grant Thornton International, 92 per cent of companies surveyed around the world rated Finland as the country which provides the maximum flexibility at work.
Bad news! World food prices to remain high
Consumers are unlikely to get relief from high food prices till December 2012, despite a modest increase in global foodgrain production.
Do you know what your ATM can do for you?
ATMs are on their way to becoming a one-stop shop for most banking services. Here's what your ATM can do for you.
IMAGES: India's 20 amazing green corporate offices
A green building movement was initiated in India in 2001 by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), a part of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to promote eco friendly buildings.
China to have 800 skyscrapers by 2016
Five of world's 10 tallest buildings are in China, the Shanghai-based Skyscrapers Magazine said.
Meet Ramdev the marketing guru
Consumerism blended with spiritualism, courtesy religious gurus and organisations, is giving companies a run for their money.
Credit card bill is confusing? Then read on. . .
Many of us have the tendency to just pay the amount due, without caring to give the bill a proper reading.
How he managed to make his Manza clock 46.33 km/lt
The Tata Manza (Quadrajet Aura ABS) has clocked a mileage of 46.33 km per litre.
How BEST to manage your portfolio
Investing in the stock market is an art that you need to learn.
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| June 08, 2011 | | New manufacturing policy to create 100 mn jobs
In a major initiative, the government is set to approve on Thursday a new policy to boost manufacturing by reducing compliance cost for the industry and making the labour laws flexible.
PSUs may hike petrol price on June 16
State-owned oil firms may hike petrol price by about Rs 0.50 per litre from June 16 as last month's steep increase in rates is not enough to cover the cost of raw material (crude oil).
Inflation to cut India growth to 8%: World Bank
Elaborating on the reasons behind the expected slowdown in the country's economic growth, the multilateral lending agency said it 'stems from a moderation in domestic demand, as elevated inflationary pressures have cut into disposable incomes and household spending'.
PHOTOS: Madoff items' auction fetches $500,000!
The auction of personal possessions seized from Ponzi schemer Bernard Madoff's Palm Beach mansion, held during the weekend, generated as much as $500,000, according to the US Marshals Service which conducted the auction.
Decision-making at policy level very slow: Citi
A report titled 'Bright Side of the Gloom', released by Citi Investment & Analysis, a division of Citi Global Market Inc, predicts that the Indian stock market bellwether index -- Sensex -- will reach 21,500 by December 2011, which is an upside of 15 to 16 per cent from the current levels.
Jet Airways to expand network in Europe
"We are considering operating to Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, some places in Germany and other parts of continental Europe. Shanghai and Beijing are also being looked at. We have applied to the Civil Aviation Ministry for traffic rights (to these destinations). We are hopeful of getting approvals soon", Jet Chairman Naresh Goyal said.
Herbal drug cos to swallow bitter European pills
Domestic majors, such as Himalaya and Baidyanath, are in a dilemma after the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency made traditional herbal registration mandatory for herbal medicines.
Speakasia: What's the controversy all about?
1.9 million Indians have invested in Speakasia.
Social networks latest windows for cyber attacks
With the growing popularity of social networking in India, perpetrators are increasingly using easy mediums such Facebook and Twitter for conducting illicit activities.
Will NRI businessman's charges sink Maran?
Sivasankran alleges Maran had forced him to sell Aircel.
Beer makers look to save environment
PET bottles can be recycled and so reduce the amount of waste going into landfills.
Regulators are at peace with the govt
RBI unveiled a few weeks ago its discussion paper on the proposed holding company structure for financial conglomerates, there were no murmurs of protest from any of the other regulators.
Maruti not to accept any demands; strike continues
As the strike at its Manesar plant entered the fifth day on Wednesday, the country's largest car-maker Maruti Suzuki India said there was no question of accepting the demands of the workers.
Will new tax code help bring back black money?
Taxable assets have been defined to include deposits in banks outside India.
SBI to hire over 5,000 officers
While a total of 4,987 officers would be recruited for associate banks of SBI, as many as 206 officers would be hired for State Bank of India itself.
Future of robots: RJ can catch balls, make coffee
RJ has been designed with the ability to catch a ball thrown at it with 80 per cent accuracy.
Lagarde to get India's support for IMF top job
While maintaining that merit and not nationality should guide selection of the new International Monetary Fund chief, India will in all likelihood support French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde for the job.
Seize tax evaders' assets, India to foreign govts
Caught in a political storm over the black money issue, the government is writing to some countries to freeze the assets of Indians that have not been declared in India and repatriate the money.
Amul ads in 2011: Must-see hits!
Amul's advertisement campaigns just get better every time.
3 superb cars to scorch Indian roads in July
With disposable incomes rising and more and more people aspiring to own cars, global auto majors want to grab a share of the market.
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| June 07, 2011 | | Sales to be hurt if strike lingers, says Maruti
The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India on Tuesday said its sales may be hit if strike at its Manesar plant prolongs, while it has already incurred production loss of about 3,000 units till the 4th day of stir by workers.
World's biggest Internet test on Wednesday
Hundreds of companies plan to test next version of Internet Protocol.
Gaddafi fund invests in ICICI Bank; gains $10 mn
ICICI Bank has emerged as the single Indian entity considered worth investing by Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi and the investment has given an impressive return of over 25 per cent in past one year alone.
India can benefit from Afghan mining projects
New Great Game for the rights to mine Afghanistan's enormous mineral wealth is gathering momentum.
What's wrong with Ramdev being a businessman?
A lot of such babas have directly/indirectly played a part in politics at the national level as well. And that's what Baba Ramdev also seems to be keen to do.
More panels on black money? No, say experts
Delays in action against black money by way of committees and studies will give time to corrupt politicians, businessmen and bureaucrats to divert their ill-gotten funds into shell companies, an eminent Jawharlal Nehru University professor has said.
Setbacks make Mukesh Ambani's journey rough
Mukesh Ambani's AGM speeches indicate a trail of forgotten promises and projects that have not ended up as envisaged.
'It is a good time to accumulate banking stocks'
Despite inflation being a near-term concern, we feel its impact on economic growth is likely to be limited. The structural growth drivers remain intact and bode well for equities in the medium to long term.
Apple unveils iCloud; what is it all about?
With iCloud and wireless computing, a user can use iOS devices - the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - without having to depend upon a personal computer.
Get complaints tracked, settled online
The system is a centralised database of all complaints, wherein the investor is to be enabled to view the current status and action taken.
PHOTOS: The world's 25 richest cities by 2025
New cities -- mostly from India, China and Latin America will either be added to the list or will improve their rankings.
Ramesh's views on faculty: What IIM says
IIM Ahmedabad Director Samir K Barua says, a straight comparison of IITs and IIMs with global institutes, without accounting for the impact of the ownership on performance would be unfair.
Bring back black money, end tax havens. But how?
Tax Information Exchange Agreements between countries are one way to prevent, or at least curb, the flow of illicit funds.
2G scam: All about Maran's alleged 'role'
Maran was instrumental in changing the spectrum pricing while he was the Telecom Minister.
Meet the man who gave Tata Chemicals a new look
Mukundan is a quintessential Tata manager, working for its many varied businesses - shoe salesman, auto component marketer and executive with its hotel chain, Taj.
Fifth of top 100 firms do not declare Q4 results
Investor associations and some senior auditors said companies were being less transparent and putting investors to inconvenience by denying them the complete picture of their financials.
India gets its first live casino! In Gangtok
A full-fledged on-shore casino, the first of its kind in India, is coming up at Mayfair-Gangtok -- a five-star deluxe property spread over 48 acres and owned by Orissa-based Mayfair Hotels
How to ensure your motor claim is not rejected
Ensure the car is used for the purpose stated in the policy. For instance, a car meant for private use cannot be used for providing taxi services, without making the required changes in the policy document.
Airline industry profits to fall 78%
The forecast represents a 54 per cent fall compared to estimates put out by the trade body in March, and is 78 per cent lower than the $18-billion profit that the industry recorded in 2010.
How India Inc funds primary education in India
Corporate leaders are making large philanthropic investments in the area of primary education.
These entities are shaping and reshaping Internet
Some organization and countries have changed the online world for better or worse.
Super luxury homes anyone? Starting at Rs 7 crore!
We check out a few super-luxury homes on offer in metros that come with a garden and a swimming pool.
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| June 06, 2011 | | 2G scam: CBI records Sivasankaran's statement
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday recorded statement of former Aircel chief C Sivasankaran in connection with its ongoing investigations in the second generation spectrum allocation scam during UPA-I regime.
India to be 3rd largest banking market by 2050
Banking assets of emerging nations are likely to overtake that of G7 economies by the year 2050, with India likely to emerge as the third largest domestic banking market in the world in the next three decades, says PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Villgro for rural social entrepreneurs!
What we need now is professionals, people from the industry with ideas. We want to tell them to help the poor people get richer by working on these business models, says Paul Basil, founder, Villgro.
Mumbai, Delhi may produce next Google: E&Y
Despite regulatory hurdles, India continues to be among the preferred destinations for FDI due to the country's high economic growth, with both Mumbai and Delhi being touted as among the cities likely to produce the next Microsoft or Google, a survey said.
Maruti strike: 11 workers axed, production halted
The country's largest car-maker Maruti Suzuki India on Monday said its Manesar plant has stopped functioning, resulting in a production loss of about 1,200 units so far as a workers' strike entered the third day.
Air ticket tax: India put on IATA 'Wall of Shame'!
The government was put on the Wall of Shame at the annual general meeting of the International Air Transport Association in Singapore, along with the European Union Parliament and the governments of the UK, Germany and Austria, for imposing high taxes on air travel.
Black money abroad: 'Pay 20% tax to bring it back'
According to an expert, if the government seriously pursues the matter then it should take about a year to bring back the black money stashed abroad.
Cartoon channels shift focus as kids move online
Children are surfing websites of their favourite cartoons rather than watching them on TV.
Average age of Infosys staff now stands at 29
The Bangalore-based company has said in a filing to Nasdaq 'additional information for 2010-11' that the average age of its employees in 2011 stood at 27 years.
Handset makers target gamers to boost sales
Gamers are being increasingly targeted by mobile handset makers.
25 facts on Singapore's amazing success
Singapore has scripted Asia's most successful growth story.
Made-in-India Renault hatchback by early 2012?
Company officials said it would not be possible to share details, as the study had just begun.
Hacked! A word of caution
It is extremely important to keep your eyes open and ensure you are not a victim
All you need to know about NBFC home loans
By lowering interest rates Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) are slowly positioning themselves to become viable alternatives to traditional banks for procuring loans.
PHOTOS: These 9 steps can make Earth better place
While governments and corporations are taking steps to reduce greenhouse gases, individuals, too, can pitch in to make this world a better place for present and future generations.
PIX: Stunning views of India's greenest building
This is India's greenest building and one of the most eco-friendly buildings in the world.
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| June 03, 2011 | | Flying Air India? Do check the schedule
AI rejigged about 30 flights on its domestic and international sectors.
India to boom at 9.5% for next few years: Moody's
Terming inflation as the biggest challenge before the Indian economy, Moody's said the Reserve Bank should focus on controlling the price rise and added that maintaining the balance between growth and inflation would a test for policymakers.
PHOTOS: The top selling cars in India
Automakers in India posted their worst growth in recent times in May 2011.
Woman to be family head in Food Security Bill
If Minister of State for Food K V Thomas has his say in the proposed Food Security Bill, the eldest woman in the family -- and not the patriarch -- will be designated the head of family in the ration card.
India to be $30-trillion economy by 2030: Ambani
India is poised to become a $30 trillion economy by the year 2030 from the current $1.4 trillion, industrialist Mukesh Ambani said on Friday.
What's Infosys 3.0 and how it will compete
Infosys managing director and chief executive officer S Gopalakrishnan speaks about Infosys, version 3.0, the IT major's culture, what it implies and how it will tackle the competition.
Five things to do before you travel abroad
Foreign travel insurance is an absolute must for most travellers abroad. This is not applicable for those who are going to work abroad.
Investing in commodities? Stick to gold, silver
Retail investors are turning to the commodities market as an investment option. Rising commodity prices have resulted in these giving better returns than equity markets.
15 nations with highest number of millionaires
Global wealth rose by $9 trillion to a record high of $121.8 trillion.
Here are some of India's leading 'green' companies
Though most companies fall under categories that have more to do with reducing emissions or saving power, there are brands that have nothing to do with power and energy, who are working towards developing a greener environment.
Success story! From Rs 40,000 to Rs 1,866 crore!
It took a good 18 years for Luminous Power Technologies to make its first Rs. 100 crore.
What Ambani has in store for Reliance
Announcing a bullish stance on the company's financial position, the chairman and managing director said that RIL would become debt-free on a net basis in the current 2011-12 fiscal.
Before you go for a second loan. . .
Bankers are often not comfortable when customers already have a sizeable amount of debt on their balance sheets and are looking for more
REVEALED: Ratan Tata's post-retirement plan
Tata plans to do what he has always been passionate about -- set up a design centre of international standards and scale.
Under heavy debt? Don't despair, try this!
Ramkumar is under extremely heavy debt. Can he survive it?
Rahul Bajaj on 2 most important things in business
Rahul Bajaj, chairman Bajaj Auto, speaks about what business is, corporate governance, and corruption.
Is emergency fund part of budget?
Not many make provisions for an emergency situation.
Credit score: Why it matters, how to get it
You will now be able to access your credit score. All about what the score is and how it matters to you as a borrower.
The world's top wealth creators; India 4th
India has emerged among the four fastest wealth creator countries in the world and its growth momentum is expected to gather further steam going forward, a global study has said.
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| June 02, 2011 | | Baba Ramdev: A school dropout turned millionaire!
Ramdev, who shot into the limelight as a Yoga guru, now has a cult status with millions of followers across the country.
Beware! 15 mn viruses will be on prowl by 2012
Symantec's latest Internet Security Threat Report XVI reveals that a majority of malware samples observed in India spread through removable drives.
2G scam: CBI gives clean chit to Tata
The anti-corruption branch of the Central Bureau Investigation has given a clean chit to Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata in the 2G spectrum scam.
Food inflation falls to 8.06%
The latest numbers likely to be seen by the government as a silver lining after the slowdown in economic growth during the first quarter.
Economy may grow by 8.5% in FY12: Rangarajan
C Rangarajan, chairman of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, on Thursday said he expects the Indian economy to grow by 8.5 per cent in FY'12 on the back of services sector and industry expansion, though he hinted that agriculture might not be a big contributor.
PIX: Interesting facts on China's infrastructure
China spends about 40-50 per cent of its GDP on infrastructure.
IndiGo ready to make its international debut
In August, IndiGo makes its international debut with a nine-aircraft fleet to fly to destinations in Southeast Asia and West Asia.
Play safe with commercial property
High returns are a lure for investment in office space, but both loan-to-value and tenures are lower.
WATCH! The BEST ad jingles of yesteryear
Jingles certainly makes the world of advertising go round. Well, it most certainly plays an important role in brand association whether the jingle is good, bad or annoying, if it has a catchy tune, you have a winner.
University of Toronto honours Nandan Nilekani
University called Nilekani 'more than a business leader'.
SPECIAL: The true story behind the GM mess
Not only is illegal herbicide-tolerant cotton spreading across the country, biosafety regulations are being openly flouted by private crop developers acting in collusion with public research institutions.
India facing unprecedented food crisis
"Despite the doubling of the size of its economy since 1990, the number of hungry people in India has increased by 65 million because economic development excluded the rural poor and social protection schemes failed to reach them," Oxfam National Humanitarian Hub Manager Zubin Zaman told reporters in Guwahati.
Reliance Cap to hire 3,500 managers, 50,000 agents
Having witnessed a dip of over 4,500 staff from its headcount in last fiscal, Anil Ambani group's financial services arm Reliance Capital will hire over 3,500 managers for its various businesses this year.
Big deal! P&G keen to gobble up Unilever for $62bn
In what could be one of the biggest deals in the global FMCG sector, consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble is rumoured to be lining up a 38 billion pounds ($ 62 billion) bid for its biggest rival Unilever.
US secrets on the line! Chinese hackers hit Gmail
Google said it has uncovered a phishing campaign, which appears to originate from Jinan, China.
PHOTOS: The greenest cities in India
Some cities in India are taking very positive steps to maintain the eco-system.
Centre's subsidy reforms to start from South
LPG cash transfer to begin with Mysore, Hyderabad.
PHOTOS: World's 16 strongest banks
Bloomberg recently came up with a list of 16 strongest banks of the world.
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| June 01, 2011 | | Ramdev threat! Govt talks big on black money
Amid the threat of yoga guru Baba Ramdev to go on a hunger strike on the issue of black money from June 4, the government on Wednesday said the series of steps taken by it to unearth unaccounted-for wealth have started yielding results.
What ADAG is doing to rule health insurance sector
ADAG's rivals are lobbying overtime to ensure that a company affiliated to the group, Mediassist India TPA Private Limited, is considered ineligible.
A look at Subbarao's years as RBI Governor
The criticism of the RBI governor's handling of inflation is fraught with an oversimplification of the current inflation dynamics.
I screwed up, admits former Google CEO
Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt, who recently stepped down as the search giant's chief executive officer, admitted at the All Things Digital conference that the Internet giant's inability to cash in on the social networking wave was his fault.
Can Fluence help Renault heat up Indian market?
A year after French auto major Renault terminated its joint venture with homegrown automobile manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), the company is back to prove its mettle in the world's second fastest growing automobile market with its premium mid-size sedan Fluence.
9% growth possible if industrial sector booms
Optimists would say that even a new normal of around 8.0 per cent GDP growth is good, considering global trends.
Why speculation in silver is down
The reason, say market players, is heavy losses suffered by traders in south India and Ahmedabad dabbling in the white metal.
How to raise cash through paper gold
With gold prices on the rise, financial institutions are trying different ways to attract the customer.
PMO tightens grip on railways
On Monday, Railway Board, the apex body in the ministry, issued a circular that the Prime Minister's Office would handle all projects worth Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion) and above.
Mercedes unveils new version of supercar!
Mercedes Benz plans to launch a new open top version of its SLS AMG super car.
IMAGES: 12 stunning solar cars from students
Hans Tholstrup and Larry Perkins were the first solar car racers to successfully travel from Perth to Sydney in 1983 in a solar car.
PHOTOS: World's 10 greenest cities
While widespread use of green technology has a long way to go in India, there are some cities in the world that have already become role models in efficient use of resources.
Soaring petrol? Here are some great diesel cars!
Let's see what the Indian car market has to offer in the diesel car section.
The BIG threat to China's growth story
With the twin burden of a severe power crisis and drought, economic growth will slow down.
PIX: Himalayan glaciers continue to melt rapidly
Noted environmentalist R K Pachauri said the Himalayan glaciers are melting at a "very rapid speed", but did not refer to his earlier assertion that the glaciers could disappear by 2035, for which he had come under sharp attack from the government and others.
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| June 0, 2011 | | PIX: Himalayan glaciers continue to melt rapidly
Noted environmentalist R K Pachauri said the Himalayan glaciers are melting at a "very rapid speed", but did not refer to his earlier assertion that the glaciers could disappear by 2035, for which he had come under sharp attack from the government and others.
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| May 31, 2011 | | Maruti may invest up to Rs 18,000 crore in Gujarat
The country's largest car maker, Maruti Suzuki India, on Tuesday said it, along with vendors, could invest up to Rs 18,000 crore (Rs 180 billion) in Gujarat as it looks to produce about 20 lakh (2 million) units in the long run in the state.
India's IT capital: Bengaluru may lose crown!
Bengaluru may not remain India's 'Silicon Valley' for too long owing to its crumbling infrastructure and associated woes, says an Assocham study.
Will tablets take over PCs in India?
Tablet personal computers (PCs), such as Apple's iPad might have taken the global consumer PC market by storm, but the effect might not entirely be the same in India.
FAQ: Just what are NEFT and RTGS?
These facilities can only be used for transferring money within the country.
India's FY11 GDP at 8.5%; Q4 growth slips to 7.8%
India's GDP growth has slowed down to 7.8 per cent for January-March quarter from 9.4 per cent in corresponding period of the previous year.
Why it pays to promote CEOs from within
In the international study, 36 companies with CEOs promoted within the company outperformed others across seven measurable metrics: return on assets, equity and investment, revenue and earnings growth, earnings per share growth and stock-price appreciation, according to management consultancy AT Kearney.
This is what Mr Mukherjee must focus on now
India's macroeconomic authorities must focus on fiscal stabilisation and Mukherjee has to provide the leadership as finance minister.
I-T dept plans to accept refunds at ATMs
The department plans to give taxpayers the facility of applying for tax refunds and tax credits through ATMs.
Singur on the boil; Mamata's promise not enough
Farmers are gettong ready for another agitation.
PIX: A sneak peek into the new Merc C Class
The revised C-Class is expected to arrive in India somewhere in July 2011.
Why your money is NOT safe in Ponzi schemes
Ponzi scheme, as I had explained earlier, is essentially a fraudulent investment scheme where money brought in by the newer investors is used to pay off the older investors. This creates an impression of a successful investment scheme.
Jayalalithaa means business, goes by manifesto
On the first day at her office, J Jayalalithaa cleared seven files.
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| May 30, 2011 | | Worst drought in China in 50 years may hit its GDP
The drought in China that is impacting more than five per cent of the country's farmlands and is being described as the worst in 50 years, may affect its GDP this year and push up inflation, economists have said.
'Higher oil prices, inflation may hurt economy'
Noting that the country could 'well experience the effects of an oil-price shock,' Deloitte said that political instability in West Asia and a payment crisis with Iran are causes for concern.
A director who builds malls and hospitals
It all started in 2004, when Nitish Kumar replaced Rabri Devi as chief minister. Prakash Jha, along with his long-term associate Manmohan Shetty, founded P&M Infrastructure.
I-T dept to publish names of tax defaulters
The problem has been further compounded with several of the tax defaulters having created 'benami' assets to escape the dragnet.
Market cap: India's top gainers and losers
The combined market capitalisation (m-cap) of five of the country's top10 firms grew by Rs 35,237.57 crore (Rs 352.37 billion) during last week, with Coal India emerging as the second most valued company after Reliance Industries.
Mahindra Satyam to give second break to women pros
Msat said on Monday it is stepping up efforts to attract the talent across Asia-Pacific and India, two of its fastest growing markets.
Amit Mitra, Tarun Das leave a long legacy
Ficci stood for the voice of a defensive, traditional Indian business class.
For the first time Tihar jail has many biz execs!
There's an undercurrent of fear in business circles these days
Quizzing: A new mantra to create brand loyalty
Brandandme.com uses quizzing and social conversation to increase brand familiarity.
Godrej's new fridge comes with FM, MP3 player
Godrej Appliances has launched a music-enabled refrigerator, Godrej Edge SX MuziPlay, with FM radio and MP3 player. The refrigerator has additional facilities such as a mobile charging point with USB port.
Should the top boss be from the family or outside?
Are Indian promoters ready to give up control and hand over the company to their professional managers?
Indian CEOs who get Rs 1 crore-plus salary
Mukesh Ambani has got company of at least 29 fellow corporate executives, including four from his own group Reliance Industries, in terms of annual salaries running into crores of rupees for the latest fiscal.
India rising: Where is it on the global stage?
A lot of people talk about India rising," Barack Obama declared in November when in Mumbai. "But, in our view, India has already risen."
Smartphones can keep you off the laptops? Well. .
LG, Samsung and Apple have launched flagship models.
FinMin arms fight over tax refunds
The Income-Tax Department has turned down a proposal by the Department of Economic Affairs to go slow on refunds to taxpayers.
Don't ignore your debt portfolio
As a debt fund investor, it is important to know that bond prices move inversely to interest rates.
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| May 27, 2011 | | Maruti looking at Gujarat to set up new plant
The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India is understood to be scouting for location to set up a manufacturing unit in Gujarat, which could be its first plant outside Haryana where it has been based since its inception in 1983.
PIX: Boeing's stunning 787 to fly in Japan soon
The Boeing 787-8, which costs $185.2 million is a long-range, mid-size wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner.
Failed ATM transaction: Bank must repay in 7 days
The Reserve Bank of India on Friday directed banks to reimburse customers for amounts wrongfully debited from their accounts in failed ATM transactions within seven days of an account holder's complaint or else pay a Rs 100 per day compensation.
Pay cash or no fuel: Oil cos to Air India
Oil companies last week sent a notice for stopping aviation turbine fuel supplies to Air India at some airports like Calicut and Jaipur, officials said in New Delhi.
Why business houses left Bengal
Industry was the most obvious casualty of the Left's excesses. Now what lies ahead for the state?
What 'didn't' Ratan Tata say?
When his comments on the work ethic of British workers and their unwillingness to work out of hours were widely reported, Ratan Tata quickly distanced himself from the row caused by his remarks.
Photos: How Internet is creating jobs worldwide
Internet has a sweeping impact on growth, prosperity and has created 2.4 jobs for every job that it has destroyed.
Crash exposes chinks in air ambulance services
The size of the industry in India is rather small but growing at 20 per cent a year. Unlike in the West, India does not have any dedicated air ambulances. Around 15 aircraft are so used when required.
Mumbai among world's 26 'Cities of Opportunity'
Mumbai is the lone Indian city to feature among 26 'Cities of Opportunity' list compiled by PwC.
Indian market key to Microsoft's future: Ballmer
Microsoft CEO Steven A Ballmer made a passionate presentation, introducing India to the Microsoft Cloud concept.
How Hollywood uses Indian brands to promote films
Production houses tie up with local brands to promote movies with a '360-degree approach'.
Soon, visit Bengaluru on Google
The search engine company said on Thursday it would capture the city's street view and make it available on Google Maps.
A must-read guide for home buyers
You should also get the maximum tax benefit from your home loan. See if you can make your spouse a co-applicant and avail the tax benefits. You will simply double the tax benefits if there are two co-applicants.
All about the war over IMF chief's post
The scramble for International Monetary Fund managing director's chair has escalated into a war of sorts with developing nations calling for a change in the power equation.
India 4th most entrepreneur-friendly nation
India, along with the United States, Canada and Australia, has been ranked among the nations with the best cultures in the world for people to start a new business, a new global poll has showed.
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| May 26, 2011 | | Ferrari enters India, price starts at Rs 2.2 crore
Italian luxury sports car Ferrari on Thursday officially entered the Indian market with popular models such as the California, 458 Italia, 599GTB Fiorano and the latest FF at prices starting from Rs 2.2 crore (Rs 22 million) onward.
Next IMF chief: India tries to build consensus
While most European countries are backing Lagarde, the developing countries are trying to build a consensus on nominating a person from the emerging nations as the next IMF chief.
What are unit-linked pension plans?
These are market-linked pension products offered by life insurance companies. These plans are for those looking for long-term retirement plans or investment options.
Faculty remark: Jairam says he has ample support
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, who has triggered a fresh controversy over the calibre of the faculty of India's premier higher education institutes, on Thursday claimed he had ample support at home as well as abroad.
No escape! Diesel, LPG to cost more from June
Price of diesel, LPG and kerosene will have to go up.
Follow these 5 steps to enjoy retirement
There is more to retirement planning than money.
The secret behind Cognizant's amazing success
It was in 2008 that the company entered in the Fortune 1000 ranking at 859th position. In three years, it has ascended 375 places to find a place in the prestigious Fortune 500 ranking.
How to remit money abroad
"While you can approach money transfer agencies apart from banks to receive money, only a bank can help you send outward remittances," says Ravi Menon, head of foreign exchange at Cox and Kings.
With Buddha out, Mamata is the new Brand Bengal
The Left regime has helped conjure perceptions about industrialists' proximity to a particular party, but that may not be the reality.
SPECIAL: China betrays BRICS on IMF top job
According to the IMF sources, the 27-member European Union bloc had asked the Chinese for support for Lagarde.
How UPA govt plans to promote India Inc abroad
To help consolidate India as a major global power, the Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government will unveil a new policy to promote Indian companies in international markets.
Role India can play to ease food, fuel crisis
G20 needs to leverage its clout to play a more proactive role in stabilising food and fuel prices.
Why Speak Asia seems to be like a Ponzi scheme
Of late Speak Asia (www.speakasiaonline.com) has been in the news and is being investigated by various regulatory agencies of the government, including the ministry of corporate affairs.
Food inflation rises to 8.55%
Food inflation, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index, was on a declining trajectory for the previous three weeks.
Internet gives more to India's GDP than China's
Growth is driven more by Internet services exports than the local consumption.
Charitable trusts under I-T scanner
Enhanced scrutiny, modified auditors' report and new return form part of exercise to curb misuse of tax exemption.
India, China leading global economic recovery: UN
While weaknesses in major developed economies continue to drag the global recovery.
IMAGES: India's most expensive official residence
It is the largest residence of any chief of the state in the world.
PHOTOS: World's longest-serving CEOs
Sometimes there are CEOs who are able to stay at the top for decades.
Gold inches steadily towards record high
Standard gold continued its rising momentum 6th straight day on Wednesday recording a staggering Rs 620 or Rs 2.83 per cent rise since May 19.
India: World's 3rd largest economy by 2030?
India is likely to grow faster, on average, than China over the next two decades.
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| May 25, 2011 | | IMF chief's post: India unhappy over selection
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has expressed disappointment at developing countries being ignored in the selection of the president of world's key financial body, the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Facebook plans ambassadors around the world
Facebook, which has more than 600 million users, is planning to assemble a new team that will have a network of ambassadors placed around the globe.
iPhone 4 to be launched in India on May 27
Telecom operators Bharti airtel and Aircel today said they will start selling Apple's iPhone 4 in India from May 27.
PHOTOS: Renault Fluence and its 3 closest rivals
No one ever expected that it would so soon re-enter the Indian car market.
Misquoted? Majority agree with Tata's comments
Ratan Tata appears to be unusually prone to the misfortune of being "misquoted" or "quoted out of context", from being pressured to bribe a minister to British managers and Mukesh Ambani's display of opulence.
Take control: don't let inflation erode returns
"Consumers can strategise on the non-core consumption basket front by downtrading, that is, purchasing non-premium versions of products that effectively deliver the same utility," says Ritika Mankar, economist, Ambit Capital.
Future Group's appetite for food is set to grow
The Kishore Biyani-led group is scaling up operations with Foodhall, its latest venture in the food retail space, which would offer a different format to cater to the growing aspirations of consumers.
IMAGES: World's 10 abandoned cities
World is full of abandoned cities.
From Ambani's Antilla to Golibar slums
Indeed there is an extraordinarily stark contrast between the mansion in South Mumbai and the reality of Golibar -- with its fragile, tiny one room homes set amid open sewage channels in narrow lanes.
Countries with the least virus threat!
Threat of computer viruses is increasing everyday.
US court tells Infosys to provide info on B1 visas
Amid controversies over its use of the United States business visas, Infosys on Tuesday said an American court has sought documents and records related to the company's sponsorships and utilisation of B1 business visas.
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| May 24, 2011 | | BJP proud of IITs, IIMs; blasts Ramesh's comment
The BJP went on to add that India actually required 'world-class ministers'.
The No. 1 concern for Indians: Rising food prices
The Reserve Bank of India, in its monetary policy for 2011-12 released earlier this month, had said that international commodity prices are a major area of concern.
Soaring burial costs deepen China's grave crisis
The skyrocketing price of cemetery plots and funeral services has come has a shocker to millions of ordinary people.
You know who I am, former IMF chief told maid
"Tests matched a DNA sample submitted by Strauss-Kahn and semen found on the shirt of the hotel maid," the Wall Street Journal reported quoting law-enforcement officials.
Law catches up with DMK, but what about others?
The 2G scam is a perfect occasion for us to travel a bit further and punish all those who could have prevented the fraud and yet chose to remain silent. Should we fail, we would have learned no lesson from the 2G scam, says .
Don't worry about the law anymore!
You can now find a lawyer online and take care of simple legal issues without leaving home.
Ficci head wants to turn it into a global brand
Whenever people think of India, they will think of Ficci as a place they could go to facilitate investment, says Rajiv Kumar.
TUTORIAL: Technical terms in mutual fund factsheet
While equity funds can charge an expense ratio up to 2.5 per cent, debt funds can charge up to 2.25 per cent.
How Mahindra Satyam is shaping its success story
In just two years after taking over Mahindra Satyam (the brand identity of Hyderabad-based information technology outsourcing company Satyam Computer Services), its parent company Tech Mahindra is looking at inorganic growth to take Satyam, which it had nursed back to health, to do a marathon.
Builders and developers cannot dictate policies
Government has sent a clear signal that builders and developers cannot dictate policies.
Why insurance riders make claims easier
Though they come at a cost, buying them with the insurance policy can make a lot of sense.
PIX: Skoda plans sub-Rs 10 lakh SUV
This is the first time a global company is looking to introduce an SUV in this price segment.
How to profit from capital gains account scheme
It will shield you from paying capital gains tax on profits accrued from the sale of property while earning an interest on it.
Singur: Bengal govt wants to expedite land return
"We will not let Mamata Banerjee's 26-day fast for Singur go waste. I have asked for the lease agreement and all correspondence with Tata Motors by Tuesday," Partha Chatterjee, who took charge as West Bengal commerce and industry minister, said.
IMAGES: A journey through the amazing Audi museum
Audi's impressive museum at Ingolstadt, Germany houses 120 exhibits tracing over 100 years of automotive history.
Column: I paid a bribe . . .
An initiative of a Bengaluru-based organisation Janagraha, www.ipaid abribe.com is an interactive website where people, who've had to resort to bribery and corruption to sort out matters, can tell their stories anonymously.
Special: Here's what is wrong with most B-schools!
Apart from the top few, most business schools are struggling to survive.
Pampered IITians make a start in helping the poor
Pampered by subsidised education, IITians make a small start in helping the underprivileged. But is it enough?
Special: Amar Singh is also a powerful businessman
Singh, by his own admission, is a 'frequent' investor. "I am a shareholder in many companies. Being a shareholder is not a crime. I don't remember in how many companies I have invested."
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| May 23, 2011 | | BJP slams PM over 'Rs 85,000-crore coal scam'
Just a day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh celebrated two years of the UPA-II rule, the Bhartiya Janata Party slapped a Rs 85,000-crore (Rs 850 billion) coal scam on him, claiming his direct culpability in the 'loot' as he held the portfolio between 2006 and 2009 since after coal minister Shibu Soren had resigned.
Faculty of IITs, IIMs 'not world class': Ramesh
The institutes are excellent because of the quality of students.
Brand value: Why India Inc is warming up to it
Even old fashioned brick and mortar manufacturing companies are waking up to measure their brand equity.
IMAGES: ITC's unique brand building experience
Late entrant ITC is making competition count in the Rs 29,000-crore (Rs 290 billion) personal care industry.
Is this the 'new normal' rate of growth for India?
When considering the economy's potential for rapid growth, most people's mind-sets are influenced by the fact that India did better than 9 per cent in each of the three years of 2005-08.
How social networking lends a helping hand
Realising that the concept has caught the fancy of the Indian consumer, the company decided to market its stock of Apple iPhones and iPads on the Facebook page.
Why the Sensex dipped below 18K
The markets had skid earlier in the day on the back of a dismal set of cues from the Asian front.
How Acer aims to make it big in India
Acer is eyeing a bigger share of the Indian market with five tablet PCs and five smartphones in its portfolio.
Big hike in diesel, LPG prices on the anvil
A week after the steep hike in petrol prices by Rs 5 a litre, the government on Monday said a ministerial panel is likely to meet in the next few days to take a decision on raising diesel, LPG and kerosene rates.
Tata clarifies comments on Ambani's billion-$ home
"The report is out of context and factually incorrect. Tata's comments on wealth are in the larger context of the growing disparity in the society. The comments seem to have been deliberately sensationalised," a statement from Tata Sons said.
Former IMF chief made advances on 3 other women
Moments before he was taken off a France-bound flight last week, Strauss-Kahn reportedly told the flight attendant, 'what a nice a**' or in French, 'Quel beau cul!', The New York Post reported.
The world's most famous brand wars
This modern-day guerrilla warfare leaves us wondering that there is nothing as clear as black and white.
PHOTOS: The Rs 14 lakh Renault Fluence launched
Renault is back in India on its own, and the Fluence sedan is its first offering.
Infy to invest $150 mn to build campus in China
Company to invest $125-150 million to open a development centre in Shanghai.
Top 10 web virus hosting countries
Report shows Internet viruses remain a problem.
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| May 20, 2011 | | 7 next-gen cities planned between Delhi, Mumbai
India is finally set to give shape to its futuristic smart cities - world-class, self-sustainable habitats with minimal pollution levels, maximum recycling, optimised energy supplies and efficient public transportation.
Delhi's per capita income reaches Rs 95,943
Gross state domestic product of the city went up by 10.53 per cent.
Are the claims on health foods true?
Government scientists and industry experts have joined hands to evolve guidelines for advertisements claiming health benefits for what is called health foods in India and functional foods in the US.
2G scam: After Kanimozhi, will it be Ambani, Tata?
The answer to this million-dollar question may lie behind certain recent developments. Shahid Usman Balwa, Swan Telecom promoter and an accused in the 2G scam case, on May 18
PHOTOS: What rocked the world of business
Check out the current week's best photos from the world of global business, economics and trade.
IMAGES: Recession grips Japan's economy
Japan's economy has derailed again.
Shut down 23 non-working PSUs in Maharashtra: CAG
Describing these as non-working companies, the CAG in its latest report on the state tabled in the Maharashtra Assembly stated that since no purpose may be served by keeping these units in existence, the state government needs to expedite closing down of these non-working PSUs.
Want to cut petrol bill? Check out these tips!
If drivers apply some common sense approaches, fuel bills can come down considerably.
Strauss-Kahn gets bail, indicted on sex charges
Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn was granted bail by a New York court shortly after he was formally indicted on all sexual assault charges.
India Inc tops Mamata's guest list
Trinamool sources indicated that invitations had been extended to Tata Sons Chairman Ratan Tata and several senior executives of the Tata group.
Five reasons why banks can reject loan
Applying for a home loan requires preparation on various fronts.
Want to save money? Read these tips
Exercise a bit of restraint in a number of small-yet-effective ways.
Need counselling on your loan? Read on
The Banking Codes and Services Board of India offers a free of cost credit counselling service to individuals who have taken home loans, personal loans, vehicle loan or incurred credit card debt up to a maximum limit of Rs 50 lakhs.
D.light launches solar lantern for $8
Priced at $8, this lamp is designed for millions of people in emerging markets like India.
Drive 333 km per charge in this electric car!
The prototype has successfully run 333 kilometres on a single charge.
IMAGES: China's modern ghost town
About 30 km north of Dongsheng is the Kangbashi district of Ordos, which means 'palaces' in the Mongolian language, an area filled with thousands of residential apartments and duplex-style homes, built to house mainly workers for the nearby coal mines just outside the town.
India among 6 nations set to rule global economy!
Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, South Korea and Russia will account for more than half of all global growth.
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| May 19, 2011 | | Give offs, annual leave to domestic workers: Sonia
NAC Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh suggesting that the proposed national policy for domestic workers should ensure a daily minimum wage without sex discrimination, weekly offs and paid annual leave.
Govt creates elite unit to probe financial crimes
The specialised wing -- Directorate of Criminal Investigation (Income Tax) -- will be manned by hand-picked officers who are experts in financial and forensic investigations.
Now, design your bank deposit as per your needs
Banks have several deposit schemes, which can be customised for people with varying needs. Deposit accounts can be opened by an individual in his own name (single account) or by two or more individuals jointly (joint account).
What to do if your debit card fails you
Debit cards may have made it easy for us to forgo carrying any cash. Only, these cards have transactional hazards and are known to have let down their users on occasions.
With profits down, SBI readies for a clean-up act
SBI sources said the other reason to clean up the balance sheet was to avoid any embarrassment at a later stage, when stressed assets would be thrown up by technology.
All you want to know about recurring deposit
You have to apply for a recurring deposit account and ask the bank to deduct the stipulated amount from your savings or current account every month.
Survey claims India short of talent!
India's results are well above the global average.
It took 50 trips to Delhi to import a PC: Murthy
Outgoing Infosys co-founder and chairman N R Narayana Murthy on Wednesday said the sacrifices made by his colleagues in the initial days of the company was unparalleled.
India's consumerism boom!Market to double in 5 yrs
The Indian consumer market for high-end food products is set to double to 200 million people in the coming five years, given the ambitiously driven entrepreneurship of Indian businessmen in developing new food-based opportunities.
Buying a health cover? Read the fine print
Insurance advisors say it is imperative to compare the features on offer before buying a policy. A careful perusal of wordings will highlight the policy clauses unfavourable for you.
Photos: Who among these will head the IMF now?
Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the head of the International Monetary Fund, who has been charged with a criminal sex act and is under arrest in the United States, has resigned from his position, leaving the global financial body to hunt for a new chief.
$16 mn retention award for Citi's Vikram Pandit
Pandit has been taking home a token one dollar salary from Citigroup since 2009.
A $300 home for poor? A $375-billion opportunity!
Prof Vijay Govindarajan is confident that an affordable, environmentally friendly home can be built for just $300 creating a $375-billion opportunity for corporations the world over.
CBI shielding Tatas, Balwa tells court
The "CBI's heart beats for the Tatas", 2G scam accused Shahid Usman Balwa alleged in court today, questioning the agency's portrayal of the group as a "victim" of A. Raja's spectrum allocations.
Global R&D service providers: Wipro leads
Wipro has emerged as the leader followed by HCL , Patni, Infosys , Mahindra Satyam and MindTree in the rating of global R&D service providers across various countries like India, China, Russia and Eastern Europe, according to a study.
Tata successor list has a few group employees
Ratan Tata will step down in December next year after he turns 75.
Why oil pricing is muddled in politics & populism
Oil pricing freedom as an idea can succeed only if the ownership of the key oil refiners (read the public sector oil companies) ceases to be government-dominated.
They earn Rs 5.75 & the tea sells for Rs 25K
Simmering discontent over tea.
PHOTOS: World's 20 most competitive nations
Recovery of financial markets pushed the US and Hong Kong to first place.
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| May 18, 2011 | | Who will be the new Railway Minister?
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee would resign as Railway Minister on Thursday, a day ahead of being sworn in as West Bengal Chief Minister.
Special: Here's Murthy's emotional farewell letter
Having nurtured Infosys for the last three decades, Narayana Murthy would be succeeded by eminent banker K V Kamath as Infosys' Chairman with effect from August 21.
How Micro housing is becoming big in India
After micro finance, micro housing is becoming a buzz word. The sector is not only attracting domestic companies, but also luring foreign financial service firms and institutional players.
IMF chief on suicide watch in jail: report
International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who is facing damaging allegations of sexually assaulting a hotel maid, has been put on suicide watch by prison authorities who fear he may try to kill himself.
Taxmen recover Rs 30,000-crore black money
The CBDT is in the process of creating a Directorate of Criminal Investigation after getting approval from Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee last week.
With Left routed, trade unions face tough times
With political equations changing in bastions of Left unionism, stiff challenges await the soldiers of strikes and bandhs.
$1-trn for infra: RBI, Plan panel at loggerheads
What the industry and observers have been saying for quite some time -- that there is a lot of regulatory confusion on developing a corporate debt market -- has come out in the open with the RBI Governor and the Plan panel head speaking on the same topic in different languages.
Images: India's best-managed companies
Information technology giant Tata Consultancy Services and financial services major HDFC have been named as India's two best managed companies in an annual poll conducted by Finance Asia magazine.
Why LG bets big on 3D
LG extends the technology to a range of devices like laptops and mobile phones.
Financial dos and don'ts when shifting jobs
If you switch jobs midway through the year and do not declare the earlier deductions to your new employer, he will use the same calculation to compute your tax liability.
Infosys has given ESOPs worth Rs 50,000 crore!
Since its inception in July 1981 with a capital of Rs 10,000 that the current chairman, N R Narayana Murthy, borrowed from his wife, Infosys has given stock options worth Rs 50,000 crore (Rs 500 billion) to employees.
World moans the 'death' of typewriters
Soon after the article came out on the last 500 office typewriters in the world of Godrej Prima brand, these became the favourite buzzword for the global media.
So you think you are better than your boss?
If indeed you are better than your boss, you will definitely reach that coveted position. You just need to focus on your own performance and showcase it succinctly.
IMAGES: The stunning NEW Hyundai Verna
The new Verna bears Hyundai's new design philosophy of 'Fluidic Sculpture'.
Ratan Tata's successor? No final decision yet
Amid speculation over Tata Sons chairman Ratan Tata's successor, the group has said that the selection committee has interviewed several candidates, both internal and external, but no final decision has been taken.
5 months for Tata to save Singur lease deal
According to the lease agreement between Tata Motors and the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation, the lessor will have the option to terminate the lease if the land has not been used for three years or more, which will kick-in from October 2011. Tata Motors had pulled out of the Nano project in October 2008.
Why the rupee could depreciate by 20% in 2 years
According to a report by financial and business research firm Evalueserve, there will be pressure on the Rupee unless steps are taken to fix certain structural issues like high current account deficit and dwindling investments.
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| May 17, 2011 | | Ambani gets more BofA shares worth Rs 72 lakh
Within weeks of granting shares worth about Rs 11 lakh (Rs 1.1 million), Bank of America has given fresh shares worth over Rs 72 lakh (Rs 7.2 million) to Mukesh Ambani as part of his annual fee for being a director of the United States banking major.
47% Indians say corruption got worse in 5 years
Support for Anna Hazare and anti-graft protests shows Indians recognise the problem is endemic.
Indian govt spends only $32 per capita on health!
An abysmally low government spending on health -- at $32 per capita -- characterises the poor state of healthcare in India which is facing a 'double burden' of diseases afflicting both the poor and rich classes, a new WHO report has warned.
IMF not to pay for Kahn's infamous hotel stay
It was during his stay at this Sofitel hotel that Kahn, who was appointed IMF managing director in 2007 with a salary in excess of $5,00,000 per year, was accused of indulging in sexual assault on a chambermaid.
Should investors buy into LinkedIn's IPO hype?
It is looking to price its offering of 7.8 million shares between $32 and $35 a share, which will give it a valuation between $3 billion and $3.3 billion.
Cybercriminals turn local, attack with Hindi spam
Spammers target unsuspecting victims with e-mails in Hindi.
Foreign funds to NGOs: Why more scrutiny is needed
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha in 2010, whilst moving certain amendments to the FCRA, Home Minister P Chidambaram said that the government would like to ensure "that the foreign money does not dominate social and political discourse in India. There is enough money within India."
Petrol consumption dropped in 2010-11
Last year witnessed a growth rate of 10.8 per cent against a 13.9 per cent rise in 2009-10.
Corporate spying in India: The tools they use
Private detective agencies receive more than 10 requests a day by companies to spy on their rivals.
Visas to Indian IT experts: Why UK is concerned
Many Indian IT companies use this route to transfer staff to offices in Britain.
Will the new I-T return form make life simple?
Only salaried individuals, pensioners or those earning interest income can use the new form.
IMAGES: It's raining millionaires in Shanghai!
In the bustling Chinese city of Shanghai, around 132,000 people have a personal wealth of 10 million yuan ($1.54 million).
Indian EVMs get mandate abroad
The country has got its first firm order to export these machines to Namibia, while it is in talks with others, including Egypt and Saarc nations.
How Skype will change Microsoft
What's next for the free-telephony service, en route from Luxembourg to Redmond. Building IP telephony into phones is cool, but the real impact would be in Miscrosoft's business software.
PHOTOS: America's 20 most reputable companies
The reputation of corporate America after the economic crisis has turned positive.
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| May 16, 2011 | | Petro price hike: Govt distances itself amid stir
Amid protests from political parties over the hike in petrol prices, the government on Monday said the product was deregulated and the revision in the fuel rate was done by the oil marketing companies.
Petrol price hike: What should be done about it?
So what do you think of this increase in the price of petrol? What do you think can be done to register a protest against such huge hikes? How do you plan to tackle or beat this increase? Tell us.
After Hajmola's success, Dabur forays into mints
Dabur is piggybacking on the equity of its digestive brand Hajmola to enter a new segment in confectionery - mints.
More pain! Diesel, LPG prices set to soar
The fall in global oil prices has trimmed the losses of state-owned oil companies, but it may not be enough to prevent a Rs 4 per litre increase in diesel prices and a Rs 20-25 per cylinder hike in LPG rates later this month.
UP farmers get justice at cost of city flat buyers
Friday's Allahabad high court order quashing the acquisition of land by the Greater Noida Authority in Sahberi village of Gautam Budh Nagar district could affect several people who had booked apartments in projects located there.
Narayana Murthy's VC fund can exit SKS now
Catamaran Management Services, the venture capital fund promoted by Infosys Technologies Chairman N R Narayana Murthy, is free to exit SKS Microfinance.
Wipro gets serious about financial services arena
Wipro is trying to strengthen its presence in the banking, financial services and insurance segment by increasing its revenue share on par with other leading Indian information technology service companies.
'American CEOs' packages jump 28% in 2010'
After two consecutive years of decline, the pay package for top American executives saw a growth of 28 per cent in 2010, with the bonus payout component witnessing the maximum growth, says executive compensation research firm Equilar.
SEWA promotes work-from-home option
SEWA has the advantage of having been around for the last four decades and the top brands are willing to introduce it to their suppliers in Delhi to get orders.
H-1B visa demand falls as software scene changes
This April, visa applications to be issued for the US financial year beginning October saw a 50 per cent drop over last April.
Here's how to plan for a secure future
While positive deviations are always welcome, it is important to be aware of the assumptions in the plan beforehand to prevent any dangerous outcomes.
Sex case: Maid picks out IMF chief in line-up
Strauss-Kahn allegedly sexually assaulted the 32-year-old maid, who happened to be in his $3,000 a night suite at the Hotel Sofitel in Times Square on Saturday afternoon, thinking it was empty.
How Infosys plans to rev up consulting biz
The company plans to strengthen consulting capability in addressing the needs for the next phase of growth.
Sebi chairman says manipulators will not be spared
U K Sinha says he has a three-pronged strategy for handling the securities market.
PHOTOS: World's 15 most unique bus stops
While in India, most bus stops and terminals are dirty and still lack basic amenities, here's how other nations have built superb bus stops creatively.
Buzz around apps just got louder
Apps are no more restricted to smartphones and tablet PCs.
Ratan Tata's 2nd innings in Bengal begins
Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata was in Kolkata on May 18, 2006, the day Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee started his second innings as chief minister of West Bengal, to announce the Nano small car project.
Soon, a tablet PC for JUST Rs 10,000!
Apple's iconic iPad2 and Samsung's Galaxy Tab are set to face a local challenge.
Now, it's cheaper to fuel planes than cars
The increase in petrol prices from Saturday midnight has made the fuel more expensive than aircraft turbine fuel, used to power planes.
IMAGES: Nations with highest gold reserves
Gold prices in India have been escalating very fast of late and in the last week of April, it scaled a new peak by adding Rs 50 to a record price of Rs 22,520 per 10 grams.
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| May 13, 2011 | | Muhammad Yunus resigns from Grameen Bank
Yunus, 70, said he was relinquishing his post to prevent undue disruption of the bank's work.
Why the Left lost West Bengal
The practitioners of all that Karl Marx had professed were vouching for the principles of Adam Smith by beating up farmers to forcibly acquire land for industrialists.
Honda plans diesel City to beat competition
In response to challenge from new diesel models in India's premium mid-size sedan car segment, Honda is developing a diesel engine for Honda City.
Wipro keen to sell diaper, vanaspati brands
Revamp zeroes on consumer brands facing stiff competition, slower growth.
Harshad's assets may fetch Rs 1,000 crore!
The government on Thursday said it expected Rs 800-1,000 crore (Rs 80-100 billion) to be recovered from liquidation of the assets of late stock broker Harshad Mehta who was convicted in the stock market scam of 1990s.
Need cash? Get a loan against your car
It's not widely advertised, but a few banks and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) provide loans against used cars.
How a pilot paid a bribe of Rs 50K for a licence!
One more pilot was arrested for allegedly using forged marksheets to procure commercial flying licences, taking the total number of people arrested in such cases to 19.
Why engineers, docs are joining Civil Services
In the present times of job uncertainties and layoffs, the lure of bureaucracy is clear.
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| May 12, 2011 | | Bank row: NCP eager to teach Congress a lesson
As a fallout of the dissolution of the administrative board of Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank by the Reserve Bank of India, the Nationalist Congress Party is eager to teach its ally, Congress, a lesson.
What and how to teach teenagers about money?
Teenagers should be taught the importance of money.
PHOTOS: World's most expensive wines
Charm of these expensive bottles of wine is in the joy of collecting, not consuming.
4G battle heating up: It's Ambani versus Mittal
As Ambani plumped for the CDMA technology to carry his data-driven business plan, he found himself going eyeball-to-eyeball with Sunil Mittal, the leader of the GSM pack.
Loans: Rights of banks and customers
Banks have the right to file a suit with the debt recovery tribunal and possess the security.
Infosys blames AP govt for delay in SEZ
Nasdaq-listed Infosys has said it was the failure of the state government in fulfilling the agreed conditions that led to the delay in executing its 448-acre IT Special Economic Zone project in Hyderabad.
Your car may soon run on oil from food waste!
British fuel supplier Greenergy International announced that it has developed a new technology to extract cooking oil from food waste and blend them with diesel to produce an environmentally-friendly fuel.
SC pulls up ED in Hassan Ali case
Court criticised ED for not mentioning the filing of a charge sheet in its status report.
Is gold a good mortgage asset?
In a high interest rate regime when all banks are offering loans at a lofty price, rates for loans against gold continues to be cheaper.
A flying robot may soon replace CCTV camera
Users simply need to point to a place on Google Maps on its touch-screen controller and the robot flies there at 30mph to record high quality video that can be beamed to an iPhone in real-time.
The TOP 5: India-based IT services firms boom
The top five India-based IT services providers grew by $4.5 billion in 2010, according to a study by IT consulting major Gartner.
Why India must stabilise its ties with Iran
The arrangement will allow Iran to buy Indian products, but not invest in India. The list of items that Iran can import is still being worked out to ensure that there are no items classified as "dual use".
How will the car loan scenario impact you?
Base rate as of now stands at 8.5 per cent for SBI.
PHOTOS: Check out these fabulous floating homes!
IMFS has tasted success with innovative technology in buildings residential communities.
Find doctors just a click away!
Now, you can select a doctor (specialist), upload medical reports and also seek consultation from global specialists through just a click.
How is the area of a flat calculated?
Difference between the useable and saleable areas is a result of the space included in the calculation.
PHOTOS: Amazing office buildings in India
India prides to have some of the most contemporary designs for offices.
Recurring Deposits: Why they can be a boon
Many a time, we let go of our aspirations because it seems difficult to achieve them at one go.
Binayak Sen named on Plan panel board
The Plan panel on Wednesday said it has appointed civil rights activist Binayak Sen, convicted for sedition, on the board of one of its steering committees to give input for 12th Plan (2012-17) on health related issues.
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| May 11, 2011 | | Rajaratnam found guilty, faces 25-yr jail term
Raj Rajaratnam, the main accused in the largest hedge fund insider trading case in the United States history was on Wednesday found guilty on all 14 counts of securities fraud and conspiracy.
Is the government killing Air India?
State of Air India reveals one of the sorriest aspects of Indian public life.
What makes Enfield a success in India
Now, with the demand far outstretching their production due to capacity constraints, the Chennai-based company is going full throttle to roll out its expansion plans to address the rising demand for the past 18 months.
IMAGES: 5 fine sedans coming your way!
Here is a look at five sedans that are likely to make it to Indian showrooms this year.
Here's a financial checklist for home-bound NRIs
"The first step is getting your residential status changed in all documents, including Permanent Account Number (PAN) card for taxation, ration card, etc, which takes months and endless rounds to offices," says an exasperated Mehta, adding that getting oriented with the laws and regulations comes much later.
Why US fears crippling cyber attack from China
One subject of the third round of the US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue will be cybersecurity.
Short-term options from mutual funds? Here's help
Mutual funds offer liquid funds and ultra short-term funds in the debt category, which are suitable for short investment periods. Ultra short-term funds were earlier known as liquid plus funds.
Why TCS, Cognizant surged ahead of Infosys, Wipro
Change of guard and strategy has rejigged the financials and order of top IT companies.
Google to make smart bulbs, dishwashers!
According to Google, the new range of 'almost anything electrical' household devices would be launched by the end of this year, and wireless technology will help these devices to communicate with tablets, The Daily Telegraph reported.
'Facebook users' details inadvertently leaked'
Hundreds of thousands of Facebook users account details could have been 'inadvertently' leaked to third parties, in particular advertisers, over the years, according to data security solutions provider Symantec.
Meet the billionaire who bought Warner Music
The conglomerate controlled by Len Blavatnik, the Russian-born billionaire, has been declared the winner of an auction for Warner Music Group.
B-school grads dump PSUs, eye big pay in pvt firms
PSUs say with the economy back on track, the students are preferring private sector companies due to fatter pay packets.
IMAGES: 8 cars that have been in the news lately
The sedan segment in the country has seen a lot of action lately.
HSBC bank under US taxman's scanner
The move has raised several questions.
PHOTOS: The world's 25 biggest power plants
The United States, China and Japan are the largest producers of electricity.
Now turn your wall or table into a computer!
Husain, along with his partner Mohammed Azharudin, has created a surface computing mechanism whereby large surfaces like table tops, walls or large LCD screen can be turned in to touch screens that are capable of performing various computing tasks.
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| May 10, 2011 | | Sebi warns bourses on money from Iran, North Korea
Fearing possible black money flow and terror financing risks from Iran and North Korea into the Indian stock market, the Securities and Exchange Board of India has asked bourses to be cautious in dealings with funds and entities from those countries.
Nooyi, Jha among America's highest paid CEOs
PepsiCo's India-born chief Indra Nooyi and Motorola Mobility's Sanjay Jha are among the highest paid chief executive officers in the United States, according to new estimates that say salaries and bonuses for chief executives running 350 major companies surged 11 per cent to $9.3 million in 2010.
Petrol price may be hiked by Rs 3
A hike in diesel and domestic LPG prices has been deferred for now, but an increase in petrol prices later this week looks imminent.
IMAGES: The new Maruti Swift and its six rivals
The Maruti Swift 2011 was recently voted the safest supermini in the UK.
Is India trying to control how you use Internet?
In April 2011, the Indian government's Department of Information Technology issued new regulations, Information Technology Rules, 2011, under which any content deemed 'disparaging', 'harassing', 'blasphemous' or 'hateful' can be banned.
Of social enterprise & how banks start food crisis
At present analysis like this tends to remain in a separate domain from the realm where there is an upbeat excitement about the power of social enterprises to change millions of lives for the better.
Hope of divestment floats, again
The government has fixed a target of generating Rs 40,000 crore (Rs 400 billion) through sale of stake in public sector undertakings (PSUs) this financial year.
Cheaper cars will hurt environment, says book
The race among Indian automobile manufacturers to make cheap cars, initiated by Tata's Nano will further create pollution, road congestion, global warming and health problems, says a new book.
How to tackle rising interest rates?
"Any payment above EMIs is considered as payments towards the principal and would result in shorter tenure. This, in turn, will lower the total interest amount you pay on your home loan."
The world's top 20 brands; ICICI at no. 53
A software giant has emerged as the world's most valuable brand.
Meet the world's richest royals
A look at the world's richest surviving royal families, who still command significant power and resources.
After Sai Baba, can Puttaparthi's economy survive?
travels to Puttaparthi to find out the fate of an economy now bereft of the man it was centered on.
PHOTOS: World's stunning railway stations - II
Take a look at some of the most stunning railway stations.
Why buying a home has nothing to do with high EMIs
Hence, at the end of the day the reason why people are not buying real estate is because real estate, especially in the larger cities, is terribly expensive.
ICICI CEO to get Rs 7 lakh per month as allowance
ICICI Bank, the country's largest private sector lender, has revised allowances paid to its executive directors, including that of its managing director and CEO Chanda Kochhar.
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| May 09, 2011 | | Mukesh Ambani forgoes Rs 24 crore paycheque
Company's remuneration for top management personnel has declined.
Get ready to order to from a virtual menu
Leading players like Intercontinental, Taj and Four Seasons, among others, have integrated tablet PCs across restaurants, lobbies and for guests checking into their hotels.
How divestment in 1998 could have saved Air India
The present turmoil in Air India has thrown up many alternatives including privatisation. Memories are short. Recalling the past may be relevant.
RIL sacks 700; Mukesh Ambani on growth plans
The company's staff strength fell by 704 workers during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, and stood at 22,661 employees.
Pawan Hans grounding halts work near China border
With Pawan Hans' helicopters no longer available to ferry bulldozers and materials to road building sites in remote areas, this crucial programme is experiencing further delay.
Is RBI fighting the wrong war?
Still, in a week when the Reserve Bank of India has said that combating inflation is now its primary focus, it is important to ask: is RBI fighting yesterday's war, instead of peering into the future to glean what might be coming -- as monetary policy is supposed to do?
Tata Motors starts sending Nano overseas
According to figures released by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers on Monday, Tata Motors exported 498 units last month as compared to just a single unit in the corresponding month last year.
Will Coke Studio work for the cola major?
Given that teens as a segment forms a critical part of Coca Cola's spend, a significant part of the annual budget will be spent on Coke Studio.
Financial tips for young adults
Many think managing money is about learning the concepts, terminology and processes. Developing the right attitude towards money is perhaps precious at a young age, when people begin to deal with money they can call their own.
IMAGES: Get ready! 4 new hatchbacks are coming
There are no official confirmed dates available but here's a look at what they have to offer.
Now, a super premium soap at Rs 630!
Karnataka Soaps and Detergents will launch a super premium brand in June.
Seagram finds innovative way to promote whisky
With the government imposing a ban on direct, indirect and surrogate advertising of tobacco and alcohol products in India, such brands have found innovative ways to build visibility.
Inflation hits 45% of household saving rates
Majority of the respondents said that they have been falling behind financially and their standard of living has deteriorated.
Education loans: From India or US?
According to data from the Open Door Report published by the Institute of International Education, US was the preferred destination for Indian students, with 104,897 of them opting for courses in 2010.
Which services should not be taxed? Your views
In order to broaden the tax net, the government has sought public opinion on possibility of a negative list for service tax meaning that all services which are not mentioned in it would be taxed under the proposed GST regime.
SPECIAL: Should you be queuing up for the iPad2?
With a host of new features, the device is definitely worth a buy.
PHOTOS: World's 10 most amazing railway stations
Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Central Station) is the largest crossing station in Europe.
How to invest wisely in midcap segment
In the last one year, the Sensex has fallen 2.17 per cent, while the BSE midcap index has risen 2.08 per cent. And, there is scope for value picking that can yield good returns.
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| May 06, 2011 | | How corruption threatens India's security
It is only a matter of time before a numbered account of a prominent Indian in a tax haven finds its way to the hands of Chinese, American or Pakistani intelligence.
I have been forced to compromise: Jairam
Opposing 'regularisation of illegality' which he described as 'a peculiar Indian characteristic', Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh on Friday said that many times he too has been forced to compromise in cases of violations of green norms.
Is it time to clean up Indian health care system?
Emergence of malpractice in the delivery system is the biggest threat.
EduVARTA: Using SMS to educate rural youth!
Ghate plans to charge the students a nominal fee of Rs 33 annually for this service.
BPL launches LED lantern for rural market
Product has been launched in Uttar Pradesh due to its large geography and rural household base.
AI remains crippled; 3rd round of talks today
With the strike still on, the airline has grounded up to 90 per cent of its operations and has been operating about 30 flights a day besides some charter flights from Kingfisher and Air Arabia.
What are close-ended schemes?
These are schemes launched by mutual fund houses, wherein, one can invest only during the new fund offer period.
Gopalakrishnan on challenges facing Infosys
In a discussion with Bibhu Ranjan Mishra and Pradeesh Chandran, executive co-chairman designate S Gopalakrishnan talks about the challenges Infosys faces.
Meet India's chief economic advisor, Kaushik Basu
North Block hasn't made a bureaucrat out of the chief economic advisor yet
IMAGES: SUVs under Rs 10 lakh in India
Force Motor planning to launch a Sports Utility Vehicle in the country.
US to push China to let yuan strengthen faster
The US will also try to persuade Beijing to make it easier for foreigners to make portfolio investments in China.
Idea takes 3G bets on rural market
Idea Cellular has gone off the beaten track in its 3G growth strategy.
US Labour Secretary denies plan to kill H-1B visa
H-1B visa programme has over the years brought hundreds of thousands of Indian skilled professionals to the United States.
India to remain an economic superpower in Asia
India and China will remain the fastest growing economies in Asia-Pacific by expanding at respective rates of 8.7 per cent and 9.5 per cent in 2011, much above the average of the region, UN agency ESCAP said.
IMAGES: India's most competitive states
Competitiveness helps states catch up with each other.
Nestle: Once bitten, but not shy
The foods major has moved to higher price points even though a similar strategy flopped last year. Will it be second time lucky?
Global CEOs rate India, US, China, Germany, Brazil
PricewaterhouseCoopers surveyed 1,201 chief executives in 69 countries.
Cognizant joins the Fortune 500 club
Adding another feather to its cap, IT major Cognizant has joined the prestigious league of Fortune 500 companies.
Osama hunt: This is what US taxpayers paid
While America quoted $5 million for anyone who captures Osama in 1998, little did it realize that the price it would pay to nab him could run into billions of dollars.
'Indian aviation to need $30 billion in 15 years'
The aviation sector needs $30 billion worth of investment over the next 15 years to keep up with booming passenger and cargo traffic, Secretary Nasim Zaidi said on Friday.
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| May 05, 2011 | | IMAGES: How Samsung is making it big in India
"We have the potential to reach the No.1 position in numerous categories in a country like India where markets are maturing and the potential for growth is unlimited," said JS Shin, president of Samsung Electronics Southwest Asia, while unveiling its new mobile devices at the company's recent Southwest Asia regional forum.
Noel Tata to head Tata Group's logistic arm
"Noel Tata has taken over as chairman of Drive India Enterprise Solutions Limited (DIESL), signifying the growing importance that the Tata group has placed on logistics," the group's supply chain provider said on Wednesday.
Ranbaxy may pay $1 bn to settle FDA fine
Ranbaxy Laboratories and the US health regulator are reportedly negotiating a settlement.
Now, get a 'Pure Room' at a luxury hotel
With luxury hospitality chains competing to offer intangibles like the best sleep in town and the purest air to breathe, a 'pure room' is one of the latest innovations to be marketed - as one enabling guests to sleep better and breathe fresher, by keeping allergens at bay!
Why silver prices are rising and will keep rising
While there are a number of fundamental reasons behind the rally, the immediate reasons behind the price of silver going up are pretty different.
PHOTOS: World's most expensive yachts!
Yacht is one of the ultimate toys of the rich.
The 25 best employers in India
Aon Hewitt, the global human resource consulting and outsourcing business of Aon Corporation, has announced the results of its 7th Best Employers in India 2011 study.
How Mercedes manages to hold its ground in India
German luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz witnessed the best-ever first quarter this year since it started operations in India 15 years ago.
IMAGES: World's biggest arms-producing companies
Every year over $1.5 trillion are spent on military expenditures worldwide.
Ladakh: The new hot tourist spot this summer
Bookings rise by 20 per cent.
Taxman saved Rs 4,000 crore due to quick refunds
"In the month of April, we have issued more than 20 lakh (Rs 2 billion) refunds all over the country which is a record number of refunds issued in April," Central Board of Direct Taxes chairman, Sudhir Chandra, told reporters in Mumbai.
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| May 04, 2011 | | IMAGES: A peek into the stunning BMW Vision
The crowd gathered at Prabhadevi in Mumbai witnessed the shooting of Mission Impossible 4 with a futuristic looking BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car, second generation Indian BMW 650ci and a BMW 5 series with a modified front to fit and rear bumpers for cameras.
Air India pilots may call off strike
Air India's domestic operations remained crippled on Wednesday, with the pilots continuing their strike for the eighth day, as informal efforts were mounted to initiate talks with the agitators.
Why politicians don't want to fight corruption
Corruption, it is often said, flourishes in weak states. Therefore, those who are the beneficiaries of corruption, seek to ensure that the Indian state remains weak.
Breaking down Ulip charges for you
Not all life insurance policies disclose their charges to policyholders.
Mobile number portability: Vodafone leads
Nine million subscribers opt for mobile number portability in first three months of its launch.
Tata Nano for Pakistan? Industrialist hopes so
The Tata Nano, the world's cheapest car, could be cruising on Pakistani roads if the governments of India and Pakistan remove bottlenecks standing in the way of joint ventures and investments between the two countries.
Jet asked to pay Rs 478-crore dues to Sahara
Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud, however, rejected the petition filed by Sahara claiming Rs 2,000 crore (Rs 20 billion) as the total sum for the take over instead of the renegotiated amount of Rs 1,450 crore (Rs 14.5 billion) agreed between Jet and Sahara.
India's challenge is to make growth inclusive: ADB
Challenge before Indian policy makers was to make growth inclusive and manage infrastructure investments better.
Petrol, diesel may cost Rs 3-4/litre more soon!
A Rs 3-4 a litre hike in the price of petrol, which had been freed from government control last June, is also on the cards immediately after polling in the last phase of Assembly elections is completed on May 10.
Mercedes plans Rs 15-20 lakh cars for India!
German premium car maker Mercedes-Benz is looking at expanding its portfolio by introducing A and B Class cars in the country within two to three years, to take on competition.
Banks admit they will pass on cost to customers
Savings rate and returns from debt funds will be nullified by high borrowing rates.
Why 50% US green card holders want to return home
Survey participants included permanent residents, US citizens and work visa holders.
America vs China: Which is the real superpower?
Using purchasing power parity estimates narrows the differences between the two economies.
7 Asian nations = 45% global GDP by 2050
The engines of Asia's re-emergence - India, China and five other economies -- will account for 45 per cent of the global GDP by 2050, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
What China can buy with $3-trillion forex reserves
China keeps most of its foreign reserves in the United States Government securities.
Amazing Pics: The world's 25 unusual buildings
The Krzywy Domek (Crooked House) is an irregularly-shaped building in Sopot, Poland.
Kamath reveals his plans for Infosys
K V Kamath says he can never step into Narayana Murthy's rather large shoes, but would do his best to ensure Infosys continues to adhere to the highest standards of corporate governance.
Apple workers forced to sign 'no suicide' pledge
Workers in China's Apple iPad and iPhone factories were forced to sign pledges that they would not attempt to kill themselves, an investigation has revealed.
RBI on why rate hike is 'good' for India
While the common citizen will benefit from the central bank's action, the policy stance is consistent with sustaining high growth in the medium term.
2nd Green Revolution to happen in Bihar: Kalam
Farmers in Paliganj are 'immensely contributing' towards optimising foodgrain productivity, former President A P J Abdul Kalam said on Tuesday.
RBI to set bank executives' pay from 2012
Salaries of top management executives at private and foreign banks will have to be as per the Reserve Bank of India's guidelines from next fiscal, central bank said on Tuesday, while asking the lenders to start preparing for the new wage rules.
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| May 03, 2011 | | It's okay to give and accept bribes: Young India
Around 53 per cent of youngsters believe it is okay to offer bribes and 39 per cent said that it is fine to accept one.
Why RBI should have freed the savings rate
Such a move would have allowed different banks to pay different rates of interest on their savings accounts, like is the case with fixed deposits currently.
IPR violations: India, China, Pak under US scanner
Twelve countries - India, Pakistan, China, Russia, Algeria, Argentina, Canada, Chile, Indonesia, Israel, Thailand and Venezuela - are on the Priority Watch List.
Corruption: How it corrodes Brand India
Contrary to popular belief that liberalisation of the economy would prevent corruption, the deepening of the reforms process since the early 1990s is seen as having increased the opportunities for corruption.
Strike still on: AI declares no work, no pay
Air India on Tuesday announced that no work, no pay principle will be implemented to counter the pilots' strike that continued to disrupt its flights for the seventh day, as the Delhi High Court rapped both sides for their adamant attitude and failure to resolve the crisis.
The man behind NIIT's success
Considered a visionary, Rajendra S Pawar was years ahead of his time in realising the importance of IT (information technology) education in India.
Air India strike: HC pulls up management, pilots
With the strike by Air India pilots entering the seventh day, Delhi high court on Tuesday rapped the airline management and the pilots' association for their rigid attitude and appointed a counsel to assist it in resolving the stand off.
As rural India goes hi-tech
FMCG and retail giants are making good use of technology to reach out to rural India.
Home, auto loans to be dearer as RBI raises rates
The RBI has also increased the saving bank rate by 50 basis points to 4 per cent to give higher returns to depositors in the wake of high inflation.
Insurance policies will be held in demat account
Like dematerialisation of securities, it will offer dual benefits of cost-effectiveness and convenience.
What are policy rates and how do they affect you?
The rate of interest at which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lends money to other banks is called repo rate. At present, it stands at 6.75 per cent.
Sports stars asking for crores for endorsement
While most Commonwealth Games winners are asking for 20-35 per cent more, the young stars of India's world cup win have doubled their rates.
Why fixed deposits are better than debentures
Issuing debentures is one way by which companies raise loans.
How TCS became a global company
Indian information technology software and services industry is truly the lighthouse of modern India.
Should you invest in Ulips?
These products do not suit everyone even though they are flexible and facilitate investments in debt and equities.
Amar Bose of Bose Corp donates majority of stock
Amar Bose has given his alma mater MIT a majority of the stock of his audio equipment maker company.
Narayana Murthy on life post Infosys
Its longest-serving CEO (he held the position from 1981 to 2002), he leaves Infosys when the gap between it and the number one information technology services company (TCS) is growing wider.
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| May 02, 2011 | | Home, car, personal loans may rise
Ahead of its annual credit policy, the RBI also said the government's inability to raise oil prices in line with increase in the international prices poses a 'significant medium-term risk' to the economy.
How freeing the savings bank rate will help
The case for deregulation of the savings bank deposit rate by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is becoming stronger day by day. It is time India returned to a system favoured by most modern economies around the world.
India's fighter plane deal: All about business!
It might be a good idea to look beyond American disappointment (understandable) and pique (avoidable).
Trusts, NGOs brought under income tax radar
CBDT sets up committee to detect leakages in tax-exempt sectors.
Rating south India's 3 capitals: Bengaluru worst
A whistle-stop five-day tour of three south Indian state capitals (Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad) yielded a variety of impressions but here is my overall verdict: Bengaluru is the worst-managed of the three and Hyderabad by far the best.
India to be the world's largest economy by 2050
India's share in the world gross domestic product (GDP) has increased from around three per cent in 1990 (at purchasing power parity-adjusted exchange rates) to around five per cent now, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world in recent years.
Airlines asked not to charge exorbitant fares
The directive came at a meeting DGCA chief E K Bharat Bhushan held with senior officials of private airlines, following complaints that exorbitant spot-fares being charged by the carriers in the wake of cancellation of Air India flights because of the ongoing pilots' strike.
Pilots' strike will not see another day: HC
The Delhi high court on Monday asked striking Air India pilots to take a decision to resume work.
India on a roll, auto sales soar
Automobile companies put in an impressive show in April.
A 40 km per litre diesel Tata Nano soon!
Tata Motors is planning to launch a Nano model that will run 40 kilometres on a litre of diesel, matching the mileage of a typical 180cc motorcycle.
Wipro variable pay now linked to staff's accounts
Also, dedicated resources for top 60 clients, in a set of moves to encourage growth.
China has the key to restore global imbalances
The G24 did not agree with the proposed IMF framework for staff advice to member countries on managing capital flows and its inclusion in fund surveillance.
How rich Indians can help the poor
Would more Indians be better off if rich Indians were more austere?
Can Kamath solve Infosys' midlife crisis?
India's premier software services company, Infosys Limited, has reached out to its banker, the non-executive chairman of ICICI Bank, K V Kamath, to step into the shoes of its founder N R Narayana Murthy.
PHOTOS: The art of the automobile!
The exhibition -- The Art of the Automobile, Masterpieces from the Ralph Lauren Collection -- at Les Arts Decoratifs Museum in Paris will be on till August 28.
How to pay when travelling abroad
Carry a judicious mix of cash, travellers' cheques, debit/credit cards and prepaid cards.
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| April 30, 2011 | | K V Kamath is Infosys chairman; Shibulal to be CEO
In a major top-level management restructuring, India's second largest software firm Infosys on Saturday named veteran banker K V Kamath as the new chairman to succeed founder N R Narayana Murthy, who retires in August.
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| April 29, 2011 | | IMAGES: The royal couple turn into 'products'
Businesses have cashed in on the royal wedding with a wide variety of merchandise.
All you want to know about endosulfan controversy
India managed to secure a phase-out period of 11 years to implement the ban on production and use of the toxic pesticide.
Why India does not need Air India
The airline has been bleeding continuously for a long time and pilots are anyway paid a lot of money.
IMAGES: The world's 12 most expensive weddings
Prince Charles and Lady Diana's wedding was the most expensive wedding
Indian poor pay Rs 470 crore bribe for services
Rural households in the country could have paid a whopping Rs. 471.8 crore last year as bribe.
PHOTOS: How bamboo was liberated!
Environment minister warns of legal action if forest officials refuse transit passes.
Gold scales new peak of Rs 22,520
The yellow metal remained in demand ahead of the upcoming 'Akshya Tritya' festival, considered to be an auspicious day for purchasing gold and the beginning of marriage season.
PHOTOS: The shape of cars to come!
Here are some great cars that were showcased at the Geneva, Shanghai and New York auto shows recently.
Scotch whisky makers expand Indian cocktail
Rising income has allowed consumers to upgrade not just from country liquor to Indian-made foreign liquor, but also to better brands.
Will $9.6 bn Vedanta-Cairn deal ever get approved?
There are no guesses on how many times the group of ministers will meet before any clarity emerges on the $9.6-billion deal.
How Rao is building low-cost, high-quality homes
The fundamental reason I chose to venture into this area is rather straightforward -- there is a significant market for high-quality, low-price residences in this country.
AI serves 'ultimatum' to striking pilots
"Under the contingency plan, we are operating 50 flights across the network today," an Air India official said. From Delhi, the national carrier will be operating just 10 flights and almost an equal number from Mumbai to metro cities.
25 most powerful Asian execs; 6 Indians in list
Akio Toyoda tops the list of 25 most powerful people in the business world.
Google, Apple to testify on privacy issues
The two major American companies agreed to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on May 10.
Pay off your loans first, invest later
Maintain a tab on your expenses, keeping them low while starting out.
After Mohali, India Pak bat for trade
In what looks like a game-changer in ties between India and Pakistan, the two countries on Thursday vowed to take their $2-billion bilateral trade to the next level.
Soon-to-be-launched Skoda Rapid & its 4 rivals
The Rapid will not have all the features present in the Vento and might retail at a price below the Vento.
India can be economically developed by 2020: Kalam
India can become economically developed by 2020 if it maintains a GDP of 10-11 per cent as there are nine more years to achieve 'Vision 2020' goals, former President A P J Abdul Kalam said.
Economic indicators: How India, China, Pak compare
China is racing ahead to overtake the United States in the economic race, while India and Pakistan are bogged down by problems.
This is India: 24 years on, still awaiting jobs
The lands of some 174 families of Barsingsar village had in 1987 been acquired by the Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited for establishing a power project.
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| April 28, 2011 | | 150,000 entrepreneurs in US have returned to India
More and more skilled people from countries like India and China are increasingly returning home from the US, which has led to an 'entrepreneurship boom' in the two Asian countries, a new report said on Thursday.
Modi's formula to curb black money
Jantri rates act as benchmark for deciding stamp duty rates for registering property deals.
Premji on how corruption in India could be ended
Infotech czar Azim Premji on Thursday expressed concern over various scandals that have surfaced in the country during the last one year and said good leadership in politics, bureaucracy, business and society would help end corruption in India.
Talks fail! AI to suspend bookings for 5 days
A fresh round of talks between agitating Air India pilots and the management convened by the Chief Labour Commissioner failed on Thursday as the strike entered the second day leading to cancellation of around 60 flights including several international ones.
Gold hits new high at Rs 22,470
The white metal had hit a record level of Rs 74,300 on April 25.
What was the real outcome of the G20 meet?
The world's 20 most important finance ministers and 20 most important central bankers travelled to Washington in April from every part of the globe to accomplish, predictably, exactly nothing.
Want to know about 'switches' in Ulips? Read on...
Switches are options given to policyholders of unit-linked insurance plans (Ulips) to move their investments from one fund to another, within one plan.
Indian highways: What is the future?
C P Joshi, who moved from the rural development ministry to take charge of the transport ministry in the Cabinet reshuffle on January 19, is living up to his long-standing reputation as being meticulous, thorough and transparent.
How Wipro plans to make profit
As Wipro enters the new financial year, fresh after the organisational restructuring, it has given a muted revenue guidance for the next quarter, which has not gone in well with the market.
PIX: What a 3-km taxi ride costs around the world
There is a huge difference between taxi prices in developed and developing countries.
How to combine your gains in volatile times
The strategy will work in the cash segment only if you are holding either of the stocks. In the options segment, while the pair strategy is possible, it is quite complicated and requires a large transactional amount, carried out via algorithmic-based trading.
How to make Indian banking viable
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has just allowed banks to go a bit easy on provisioning norms for non-performing assets (NPA) in response to their urgent supplications.
Why global oil demand has surged
The Fed's interpretation of the increase in gas prices is the economist's basic mantra of supply and demand.
What Manmohan Singh can do about corruption
Reform in economic governance and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's unimpeachable integrity could be the answer.
IMAGES: World's most expensive mobile phones
India has become the second-largest mobile handset market in the world after China.
Air India pilots' strike: 60 flights cancelled
Unavailability of cockpit crew forced the national carrier to cancel around 19 flights, including two international ones, out of Mumbai.
Please buy insurance cover for your loans
Most people taking a loan are not aware about what they would do in case they are unable to make the monthly payments towards the loan.
Buy or take a house on rent: Which is better?
Every Mumbaikar's grouse is that he/she missed a chance of becoming a millionaire.
India's 4 hottest investment bankers
Trailblazing careers apart, today's hottest investment bankers have a lot in common. They are below 40, represent big finance and have been either colleagues or classmates.
Your savings account likely to earn more
At a time when rising prices are fast depleting the value of money, there may be some good news for millions of savers.
Looking for a personal loan? A checklist!
By virtue of it being an unsecured loan, personal loans have a very high rate of interest attached to them.
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| April 27, 2011 | | Cancel 2G licences given by Raja, says PAC report
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's offer to present himself for questioning appeared to have weighed in on the Parliament's Public Accounts Committee with the PAC giving him a clean chit in its draft report, while indicting arrested former telecom minister A Raja and seeking re-tendering of the 2G licences he had given for a song, causing a loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore (Rs 1.76 trillion) to the exchequer.
Nokia revamp to hit 7,000 jobs; 300 in India too
World's largest cell phone maker Nokia on Wednesday said up to 300 jobs would be cut in India by end of 2012, as the company embarks on restructuring that would affect 7,000 employees worldwide.
Corruption: Heavy punishment needed, not Lok Pal
Simply put, the fight against corruption in India cannot be left to an institution manned by a handful of officers from the government despite a Lok Pal of impeachable integrity.
Which stocks should you invest in?
Invest 10 per cent of investment portfolio in consumer-based, largecap stocks, say analysts.
Hacker may have stolen credit card info: Sony
In one of the biggest internet security breaches, a hacker broke into Sony's PlayStation video game online network and may have obtained access to personal data of about 77 million users.
Reforms have changed India's outlook: US
Robert Blake says the United States wants to partner India on a range of global issues.
Outsourcing continues to haunt US lawmakers
Outsourcing could be one of the campaign issues.
Wipro Q4 net up 14 pc at Rs 1,375 crore
IT services, which contributed 76 per cent to the company's revenues in FY'11, stood at $1,400 million.
Rich-poor gap: World's 16 most unequal nations
The rich-poor divide has been growing despite the economic boom in several countries.
Diesel prices may go up by Rs 2 in May
After being left unchanged for more than 10 months, diesel prices may see an increase of around Rs 2 per litre next month, providing marginal relief to the oil marketing companies (OMCs) that incur a loss of Rs 16.10 on selling every litre.
AI sacks six ICPA leaders, declares strike illegal
The ICPA offices in Delhi and Mumbai have been sealed early this morning.
After Pai, Infosys sees another high-profile exit
In a development considered an offshoot of the ongoing restructuring at Infosys, Aditya Nath Jha, a company veteran heading branding and corporate marketing, has resigned.
Why are NRIs so touchy about a country they left?
It's baffling that highly trained professionals who have migrated in search of better incomes and creature comforts, and whose number includes some 200,000 millionaires, should still feel so vehemently about the landscape they have abandoned.
This is the BIG, truly exciting story in India
Amidst the anguish about corruption -- and, one might add, the dirty tricks unleashed against those campaigning on the issue -- people have tended to forget that the big story in India, the truly exciting story, remains rapid economic growth.
Rs 400-crore bungalows: Where billionaires live!
A home in Lutyens' Delhi is the surest sign of having arrived . . .
Why employees hate HR and may continue to do so
Moral of the story: Caveat emptor, when you are talking to HR.
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| April 26, 2011 | | 'High food prices to make 30mn Indians dirt poor'
Titled as 'Global Food Price Inflation and Developing Asia', the report claimed that a 10 per cent rise in domestic food prices could push 64 million Asians to subsist below the poverty line level of $1.25 a day.
Royal wedding: UK economy to lose $50 billion
It has emerged that, Prince Williams and his fiancee Kate Middleton's royal wedding could lead to potential loss of Britain's economy by $50 billion.
Investing in stocks? Luck alone won't help
For your wealth to grow and take care of you, use the right strategy.
Is this the right time to buy gold?
Akshay Tritiya could be a good reason to invest. Purchase jewellery only for immediate consumption.
SBI's new management takes centre stage
With a new management in place, State Bank of India (SBI), the country's largest lender, is planning to focus on non-performing assets.
Black money: WikiLeaks may reveal Indian names
In a shocking revelation, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said black money mainly comes from India.
Here's why your food bill will continue to go up
There are some fundamental reasons which will ensure that prices of vegetables and other food stuff will continue to go up in the near future, despite the politicians saying otherwise.
Credit score? Loans' sanctions don't depend on it
Lenders use these scores only as a preliminary filter.
The challenges and plans of I-Venture
From succeeding an iconic CEO to convincing sceptical investors, the head of one of India's largest PE funds discusses her early challenges and plans.
How CNN harnesses the power of internet
CNN is one of the handful of global media brands that have managed to harness the power of the internet. Just like The Guardian, The Economist or BBC, it started by investing time, effort and people into the business as early as the mid-1990s.
Are we ready to fight corruption in everyday life?
Yes, corruption in high places must be fought. But real victory will depend on how deeply we are all willing to grapple with, and resist, the insidious corruption in everyday life.
All you wanted to know about LTA and tax
Defining Leave Travel Allowance: Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) is granted by the employers to the employees as part of the remuneration to provide for travel expenses incurred during the year.
Doing business: Why Gujarat is among the best
A reality check of the state administration puts it among the most conducive places to do business in India.
How TCS plans to strike it big
For N Chandrasekaran, managing director and chief executive officer of India's largest information technology services provider, Tata Consultancy Services, the fourth quarter and 2010-11 numbers were one of the best since the industry was hit by the recession.
Sahara takes co-op route to beat Sebi, RBI bans
Terms it financial inclusion, says top execs not members.
PHOTOS: India ranks 14th in Internet freedom
According to report, the internet is only "partly free" in India.
This village thanks Aamir, Kareena but. . .
Weavers like Tikaram Koli, who quit sari weaving due to rising silk prices and progressing myopia, find themselves isolated.
After Sai Baba, Puttaparthi's future is uncertain
Puttaparthi was always bustling with activity every time when Sai Baba was there.
How to build personal assets beyond your business
With the business environment subject to rapid innovation, it has become necessary for owners to maintain their own balance sheets, in addition to their business one. Growth in personal net worth is equally important to growth in business.
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| April 25, 2011 | | Air India plans major hub in Dubai
Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi said the government was considering extending financial support to Air India.
Chinese slowdown could impact Indian exports:Fitch
Slowing economic activities in China would result in excess capacities that could hit the overall demand-supply balance.
Rivals reap harvest as Honda, Toyota hit
"That there is an impact on (auto component) supplies is a given, we will have to adjust our production accordingly," said Jnaneswar Sen, vice-president (marketing), Honda Siel Cars India.
Tihar's high profile inmates get Rs 2k per week
During their twice-a-week meetings (interview in jail parlance) with family and visitors, these executives are also permitted to get home-cooked food. That's about all as far as luxury goes.
PHOTOS: World's most expensive hotel suites
Things are a bit different at the world's most extravagant hotels.
Land Rover wins war with China's Geely
British car maker won its law suite against Chinese automaker Geely over using trade mark name "luhu".
Britannia: Bumpy road ahead
With an array of new products, Britannia Industries is going through its most challenging phase.
India: Key hub for financial BPO services
Global business process outsourcing in the financial services sector has the potential to reach a market size of $250 billion, with India playing a key role, says a study by global consulting and research firm Everest Group.
Can higher taxes mean higher earnings?
Every portfolio, irrespective of how aggressive the investor is, should contain a fixed income portion. It is possible to optimally operate this fixed income allocation in one's portfolio.
REVEALED: India's 15 most customer friendly banks
A first-ever study conducted jointly by Outlook Money and TNS.
Users dump CDs, move to digital music
Users like Shefali A Rastogi, a Pune-based homemaker, do not remember when they had last bought a music CD.
SPECIAL: Will Indo-Pak trade ties normalise?
First meeting in 3 years, with agenda of stalled items needing political push.
Shopping for insurance? Contact your bank
Banks are increasingly offering a range of tailor-made financial products; however, there are some downsides.
Now, quote PAN to buy gold in cash
PAN may also be required for cash payment of Rs 100,000 or more as life insurance premium, amid concerns that insurgents may be parking funds in high-value insurance policies.
How to calculate mutual funds' costs
Mutual funds entails several costs, payable at different stages.
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| April 22, 2011 | | How to plan your investments to be rich
Construction on non-agricultural land is legal and works as an investment strategy.
Obama recognises India, China as new powers
Earlier this week, Obama created controversy by targeting 'cheap healthcare' in countries like India and Mexico arguing that Americans should avail of 'high quality' treatment available in the US.
How much blackmoney is there in Swiss banks?
The ministry also said that certain 'references' have been received on the black money issue but declined to make the information public since it will 'impede the process of investigation' as the case is being heard in the apex court.
SPECIAL: Tata Nano's road to recovery
The smallness of the car is perfectly suited for the hills, some owners said, because it is easy to park, convenient to negotiate bends, economical to run and fun to race on narrow roads.
Will Force Motors works its magic in SUV space?
The still-unnamed sports utility vehicle (SUV), slated for launch this June, will be in line with its heritage, says Force Motors managing director Prasan Firodia.
Why India has warmed up to BRICS
Sanya was a way station, the real summit is G-20 where India must have a voice of its own.
How to win $100,000 from Microsoft
Stating that India is a strategic market for the company, Microsoft announced a $100,000 grant to promote innovation among domestic start-up companies.
The 2 closest rivals of the NEW Ford Fiesta
The new Fiesta is driven by a 1.6 litre Ti-VCT petrol engine.
Apple iPhone secretly tracking user's privacy
Apple has been accused of putting customers' privacy at risk after security researchers found that their iPhones were tracking users' locations and saving every detail to a secret file.
'Was govt sleeping all these years on blackmoney?'
"Was the government sleeping all these years on the issue of blackmoney," the Supreme Court on Thursday said while criticising Centre's probe restricting to an individual and being evasive about the idea of an investigation by the Special Investigating Team.
IMAGES: World's top tourist destinations
China has overtaken Spain to become the world's third-most popular tourist destination in the world.
Japanese economy to grow just 0.8% in 2011
Economic activities in Japan were expected to get a boost in 2012 due to extensive reconstruction works.
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| April 21, 2011 | | Microsoft sees cloud computing as the new wave
Microsoft sees significant adoption in industries such as banking and financial services.
Silver hits another record at Rs 68,600
Gold, on the other hand, held steady at prevailing level of Rs 22,060 per 10 grams in restricted activity, despite it soaring to record highs in global market.
Obama 'pokes' fun at Facebook founder
With 19 million Facebook friends, US President Barack Obama is amongst the most followed people on the social media web site.
IMAGES: The 10 costliest cars in India
The super rich in the country now have the option of buying unique cars.
Now, Starwood, Marriott join IPL frenzy
While Marriott India Hotels Resorts has entered into a sponsorship agreement with the inaugural season winner Rajasthan Royals, Starwood Hotel & Resorts has chosen Virender Sehwag-led team Delhi Daredevils.
Indian CEOs are getting pink slips in six months!
Average tenure of CEOs and MDs has come down to 1-3 years.
5 great investing lessons from Warren Buffett
Legendary investor Warren Buffett's recent letter to the shareholders of his company contains five home truths that you can use to secure your investments..
TCS Q4 net up 31.1% at Rs 2,623 crore
Excellent execution and a constant focus on the customer has helped TCS.
Tata Nano to be produced overseas soon
Tata Motors is 'at a very high stage' in finalising a production site for its small car Nano at an overseas location, which could be either in Latin America, South East Asia or Africa.
What to do when a fund house merges schemes
"Fund houses look at merging schemes where there is a duplicity of content or if the scheme has been underperforming historically," says Aashish Somaiya, head (retail business), ICICI Prudential AMC.
Is this the right time to buy gold?
With the West Asian/North African crisis not likely to end soon and investors' appetite increasing for gold, it is expected to touch $1,600 an oz by the year-end.
PIX: New Delhi, Mumbai in top global cities index
This year's survey reveals 14 cities sliding down the rankings and 16 moving up.
'Inflation can eat into the India growth story'
The FIIs, after being bearish on India since November 2010, turned positive post the Union Budget presentation, which largely addressed the challenges relating to growth and liquidity despite surging inflation.
Is Infosys like a family dominated-business?
TV Mohandas Pai's comment on Infosys co-founders has sparked murmurs over whether the company is like family-dominated businesses.
PM on why persistent inflation is a concern
Admitting that persistent inflation, especially in the food sector, is a cause of concern, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday emphasised on increasing the country's agricultural production to enhance food security.
All about the new income tax return form
Income Tax Return forms in India are like the Golmaal series of movies. Every two years there is a new one.
Cyber crime gets more personalised
According to security experts, cyber criminals with an intention of stealing money and other personal information of netizens are becoming increasingly active.
PIX: This amazing plane flies ONLY on solar power
The project eventually hopes to succeed in the first circling of the earth with a piloted fixed-wing aircraft using only solar power.
How many poor people live in India? No one knows!
The government is undecided on the criteria to be used to identify families living below poverty line in India.
I-T dept seizes Rs 27.72 cr from poll-bound states
The money is seized when the person concerned fails to furnish any evidence of it being part of the disclosed money.
Case of the money doctor: Solve and win Rs 25,000!
All you have to do is read the case, see the question you have to answer on the last slide, click on The Smart Manager logo below, and post your solutions by March 11, 2011. All the best!
When windows turn into power plants!
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are working on a new system through which the entire surface area of a building's windows could be used to generate electricity, without interfering with the ability to see through them.
Why Mohandas Pai quit Infosys
In 17 years, Infosys has lost three generations of leaders, Mohandas Pai said.
India offers cheap electricity to Pakistan
At a time when Pakistan is facing acute shortage of electricity , India has offered to sell power at cheap rates to its energy-starved neighbour, Commerce Secretary Zafar Mehmood said.
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| April 20, 2011 | | SBI withdraws teaser home loan scheme
Amid concerns expressed by the Reserve Bank of India, the country's largest lender State Bank of India on Wednesday announced withdrawal of special home loan schemes, or teaser rates, with effect from May 1.
Zoozoos: India's most adorable ad icons
The small Zoozoos have turned into big celebrities.
There can't be two Indias, SC tells govt
Expressing serious concern over the growing instances of starvation deaths in the country, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said there cannot be "two Indias" divided between the elite and the poor.
19 reasons that can spark off a global food crisis
What is going to happen to our world when hundreds of millions more people cannot afford to feed themselves?
2G scam: Bail pleas of 5 corporate heads dismissed
The five were not arrested during the probe into the case.
IPL-4: The highest spending brands
The joint presenting sponsors Vodafone and Videocon have allocated up to Rs 60 crore each in media spends for 180 seconds of commercials per match.
How to invest in stock markets, MF to your benefit
Only a small percentage of investors in our country are invested in equity and equity-related funds at any given point in time.
What you MUST look for in stock portfolios
Choosing whether to opt for fixed or variable cost structure depends on several factors.
Now, video chats under govt scanner
After BlackBerry, the government has included a whole host of services, including video chats offered by telecom players, Nokia's push email service and Skype, into the ambit of security issues.
Black money highest in diamond trade: I-T
In a rather candid disclosure, a top Income Tax official has admitted that the diamond trade has one of the highest prevalence of black money, with investigations revealing that books in the sector are "completely manufactured".
Air India plans to slash fares by up to 15%
The battle in the domestic skies is set to become more fierce.
PIX: Only 17% Indians thriving; Europeans happiest
High wellbeing eludes the masses in most countries worldwide.
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| April 19, 2011 | | Mukesh in 4G push; eyes hi-tech security biz
Next-generation security and disaster management business seems to be next on the radar of Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries, which will utilise its 4G telecom services for this new initiative.
Challenges facing India's coal sector
Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal is credited with fast-tracking many issues that are caught in red-tape. The minister says the environment ministry's controversial policy barring mining in forest areas has left him troubled.
The man behind Leela Hotels shares his story
For 89-year-old Capt C P Krishnan Nair, it has been a long diverse journey from his days in the Army to a textile business and hotels.
Indian firms make profit of Rs 6 lakh per employee
According to the study, Measuring Human Capital: Driving Business Results, organisations in India pay an average remuneration of Rs 4.8 lakh and earn Rs 6 lakh of profit per employee, which makes the human capital return ratio on investment to 1.79 for organisations in the country.
Most companies 'maintain' MPs to influence govt
A former bureaucrat has said that most business houses "maintain" MPs to influence government policies or decision making in their favour.
Sovereign funds can now buy 20% in Indian firms
In a move that will enable foreign governments to make more investments in Indian stocks, capital market regulator Sebi has allowed them to buy to a maximum of 20 per cent stake in any listed company without any additional obligations.
Europe's sub-prime quagmire
Banks in Ireland and Spain are discovering that their customers are losing their jobs and income as the construction bust hits the national economies.
Walmart to buy Indian duo's social media site
Social networking and mobile applications are increasingly becoming a part of Walmart customers' day-to-day lives globally.
Haven't got an iPad? Try Creative's ZiiO
If you are ready to look beyond Apple's iPad, Creative's ZiiO available in both white (7-inch) and black (10-inch) with a choice of 8GB or 16GB of storage could be your pick.
Why diamonds are NOT a girl's best friend
But are diamonds really worth the price they are made out to be for? Or for that matter does it really make sense to buy diamonds at all? What is it that makes them so expensive?
IMAGES: World's 10 best cities to live in
European cities continue to lead in terms of quality of life.
Volkswagen to drive into used car market
Sources say Volkswagen may foray into this venture by May.
Decoding India's corruption wars
As Indian democracy deepens, power shifts will continue to happen and the middle class needs to accept that all such power shifts may not be in their favour, says .
Lifting the veil on high priests of globalization
Bilderberg, which has been called the high priests of glabalization, is accused of running a shadowy global government.
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| April 18, 2011 | | Go digital for good brand building
Currently, India has roughly 81 million active internet users (6.9 per cent penetration), who spend approximately 15.7 hours per week online.
Google's doodles set to get more interactive
Google's doodle has been famous for recreating the search giant's logo to mark an important event or artiste.
How will Chawla panel save the nation's wealth?
The first sign that shows a government is serious about an issue is when it appoints a high-powered committee to look into matters.
Controversy brews over who will head UTI AMC
T Row Price, the largest stakeholder in the UTI AMC, has threatened to pull out alleging that the ministry of finance is thrusting its own candidate as the CMD of the company.
How Nokia is preparing for a bitter battle
Behind a facade of calm Nokia is preparing for a bitter battle for market shares.
What India MUST do to reduce corruption
India needs to revisit governance if it wishes to reduce corruption.
Worldhotels sees big opportunities in India
Worldhotels sees significant opportunities in the Asia-Pacific market.
IMF's 'Yes, Minister' approach
One wonders when the authorities would be equally candid in respect of the other price of money, namely its exchange rate.
Is GenNext at Infosys ready for the challenge?
Infosys Technologies appears to have set out on a journey of generational change which will unravel over the next few years.
Post acquisitions, Godrej redraws future plans
It has set in motion an integration exercise that will see it transfer its category knowledge and expertise in hair colour and household insecticides to the acquired units.
Why Doha round of trade talks is facing death
The Doha round of global trade talks is facing a slow death and if trade negotiators from all the 153 member countries fail to reach a deal by the end of this year, the consequences can be disastrous for the multilateral trading system, says Jean-Pierre Lehmann, professor of International Political Economy.
Nooyi's recipe to create jobs boom in US
US needs blue print like China to bring back jobs: Indra Nooyi
Optimism drives Planning Commission's target
Prodded by Prime Minister, the Planning Commission is likely to come out with a target of 10 per cent average annual growth in the 12th Five Year Plan.
Build a hotel in an old building to save tax!
The Uttarakhand government has announced exemption in luxury tax for five years on all those old buildings which would be converted into hotels with an investment of 50 per cent of the current market value.
Problem with IIMs? 'They have no stakeholders'
R C Bhargava, chairman of Maruti Suzuki India and author of the report on the restructuring of B-schools, says a reason why IIMs have not progressed the way they should have is because there are no real stakeholders.
Now, fee-based outsourcing of CEO's job!
Indian CEOs are to be now offered the choice of outsourcing all or part of their managerial responsibilities for a specified period.
Air India staff asked not to fly on weekends
The reason for the directive, the first of its kind by the airline, is that Air India does not want its own staff to occupy seats that can be sold to fare-paying passengers.
Tatas plan Rs 1.2-lakh-cr investments in India
The current turnover of the group is nearly $68 billion.
Sebi moves apex court on Sahara
A Sebi counsel said the caveat, filed on Saturday, aims to prevent any ex parte decisions.
SBI to make loans dearer, others to follow suit
Set to increase its base rate by 25 basis points
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| April 15, 2011 | | Cost cutting: Obama to tax rich Americans
In a path breaking move, US President Barack Obama said he will not extend tax cuts for rich Americans.
PHOTOS: Aston Matin is here at Rs 20 crore a piece
Aston Martin will offer as many as 10 models in India.
Black money abroad: Why govt can't disclose names
The Centre on Friday declined before the Supreme Court to make public names of the people who have stashed black money in foreign banks, saying it is not possible to disclose information received from foreign governments under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.
Probe Infy for 'flouting visa norms': US lawmaker
Senator Chuck Grassley on Thursday wrote to the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano, seeking investigation into B-1 visa programme, used by companies to hire foreign workers, not subject to the cap and the prevailing wage requirements of the H1-B programme.
Reprieve for those seeking H-1B visa extension
The ruling came following an argument in an amicus brief by American Immigration Council.
2G scam: CBI seeks detention of 5 corporate execs
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday sought the 'detention' of five corporate executives chargesheeted by it for their alleged role in the 2G scam, saying that they might 'abscond' and impede the trial.
Why silver prices are going through the roof
The price of silver has been on a run for a while now. On Tuesday, silver closed at a price of Rs 62,500 per kg.
Satyam told to give bank guarantee in tax dispute
Mahindra Satyam said it will withdraw the petition filed against the Tax Department challenging its direction to pay tax.
Amul's cool advertisements: Don't miss these!
The longest running advertisement campaign has also found a place in the Guiness Book of world records.
Infosys to recruit 45,000 in 2012
During the quarter, Infosys and its subsidiaries added 8,930 employees.
Radia's claims are an absolute lie: Pawar
Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Thursday rejected corporate lobbyst Niira Radia's claim that he lobbied with A Raja.
PHOTOS: World's biggest casinos
With the economic upturn, casinos are back in business, especially in Macau.
City planning: It's about people, not roads
Indian cities need hard infrastructure but ultimately they are not about buildings, roads and sewage drains but about people and their varied social and economic interactions, says .
Mohandas Pai, Dinesh quit Infosys; Q4 net up 17%
In a major setback to Infosys Technologies, the company announced that Mohandas Pai, the member of board of the company has decided to resign. Meanwhile, Infosys -- India's second largest software services exports firm -- posted a net profit rise of 17.1% y-o-y to Rs 1,818 crore (Rs 18.18 billion) in its net profit for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2011 as compared to Rs 1,600 crore (Rs 16 billion) in the corresponding quarter a year ago.
Baba Ramdev takes on MNCs in his own style
In the United States, the yoga guru has also acquired an Ayurvedic medicine company in the name of Herbo Ved, for an undisclosed sum to sell the new products abroad.
PIX: 5 closest rivals of the new Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen recently launched the seventh-generation Passat in the country with fuel efficient Bluemotion technology.
Indians world's 13th hardest workers; Mexicans top
Indians work for 8.1 hours every day, more than the average figure for the entire developed world and individual countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Italy and Germany.
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| April 14, 2011 | | Citi fraud: He used HNIs' Rs 236 crore & lost all!
Mastermind of Citibank fraud Shivraj Puri took an exposure of whopping Rs 1.13 lakh crore (Rs 1.13 trillion) in the equity market using Rs 236 crore (Rs 2.36 billion) of 51 high net-worth individuals and corporates and lost everything following decline in stock markets, says a Sebi report.
How Indian BPO could lose out to other nations
India's Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector is facing stiff competition from the likes of Mexico, Malaysia, Philippines, China, Canada and Ireland that are posing a grave threat to the growth of India's BPO sector, said the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India.
Mercedes-Benz's must-see architectural marvel
The Mercedes-Benz Museum at Stuttgart, Germany traces the remarkable history of the 125-year old Mercedes-Benz brand.
Overseas hotels: Indians 6th biggest spenders
Indian travellers have emerged as the sixth biggest spenders on hotels globally while traveling overseas in 2010 with an average spend of Rs 6,722 per night.
BRICS to use own currencies for credit, grants
Rediff.com's , who is travelling with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the BRICS Summit in the Chinese town of Sanya, reports that the next BRICS Summit will be held in India in 2012 even as the five BRICS nations pledged to jointly work towards peaceful transformation of the world order.
80% land in India prone to catastrophes
Pricing for catastrophe risks are low in India.
Why experts feel stock markets may tumble
Recent rally in Indian shares may not last long.
Pawar controls DB realty, Niira Radia tells CBI
In a statement to the CBI, which has been filed as part of the chargesheet in the 2G scam, Radia is also said to have alleged that Pawar could have had a major role in helping Swan Telecom obtain the licence and also get 2G spectrum.
IMAGES: BRICS, by the signposts
The third BRIC summit in Sanya, China, on Thursday will have a new member: South Africa.
Cities with the highest and lowest carbon emission
Many European cities have less than half the emissions per person of many cities in North America.
Noel in contention for top job: Ratan Tata
Ratan Tata says his successor would be in place by middle of the year.
Ratan Tata reveals why he did not get married
Revealing one of the best kept secrets of his personal life, the bachelor industrialist Ratan Tata has said that he had fallen in love and had come seriously close to getting married as many as four times.
IMAGES: World's top 20 network ready nations
This year's coverage includes a record number of 138 economies from both the developing and developed world.
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| April 13, 2011 | | Doha trade negotiations on the verge of collapse
WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy said his meetings with the US, China, India, and Brazil over the last fortnight revealed that the gaps in positions among members are too wide
2G scam: CBI opposes bail plea of corporate bosses
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday opposed the bail plea of five corporate honchos, who appeared as accused after being named in the chargesheet in the 2G spectrum scam case, in a Delhi court saying that from being 'suspects' they have become 'accused'.
IMAGES: The world's top 10 business hubs
Rich and powerful see New York and London as the leading business hubs over the next 10 years, but emerging nation centres are catching up.
The BRICS vow: Fight trade protectionism
Five fastest growing economies, including India, on Wednesday vowed to oppose trade protectionism as they agreed to coordinate their positions in the multilateral fora, including the G-20 and climate change negotiations, to uphold the interests of developing countries.
IMAGES: The Ambassador goes for a major facelift
Hindustan Motors' iconic car is set to get a radical makeover, but is it too late in the day?
Should the Indian cricket team get a tax break?
A tax break should not become a means of avoiding taxation, but a voluntary tax exemption is not such a bad idea.
PHOTOS: Kolkata iconic trams are slowly fading out
Kolkata witnesses the last days of a non-polluting and once-efficient mode of transport, while trams make a comeback in cities around the world. Sayantan Bera reports.
Devise the greenest mobile app and win $10,000
The United Nations telecommunications agency has launched a contest that will reward the winner with $10,000 for devising the most innovative 'app', or mobile telephone application, that tackles the subject of climate change.
Wild goose chase at biggest tax evader's farm
After more than four years of probe, substantive evidence against Hasan Ali continues to elude investigating agencies.
Bengal vs Tamil Nadu: Which state ranks better?
Here's a comparison of the two states on the socio-economic front.
How to customise your insurance solution
Insurance is the most ignored aspect of our financial plan. While investments are the kings of our financial plan, insurance is often overlooked by both the investor and financial planner.
Here's how to use your credit card effectively
Credit cards that tell you "buy now, pay later" are a great convenience when your cash is stretched for purchases. However wise use of credit cards is very important for your financial health.
IMAGES: The world's 10 most popular carmakers
Here is a list of 10 popular carmakers who have left their mark on the roads of many nations.
Want to buy a fort? Hundreds on sale in India!
Hundreds of forts and havelis across the country are up for sale, but there are few takers.
EuroAble: A call centre with a human face
In a unique initiative, Eureka Forbes has opened a call centre managed by handicapped employees.
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| April 12, 2011 | | DGCA slams 4 airlines for 'blind landings' in Goa
Some flights of Kingfisher, GoAir, JetLite and Jet Airways operated during the 'curfew hours' from April 4 to April 30 -- from 9 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM till 7 PM--in the past few days when the vital ground navigational aids were switched off for repair and maintenance.
India concerned: Trade deficit with China balloons
has been discussed at the highest level when the Prime Minister met Chinese President in Hanoi in October last.
Rising crude prices to worsen global poverty: IMF
The multilateral body has also asked the policymakers to take action to reduce risks arising from increased scarcity of oil resources.
Ambani may get Rs 1 crore as compensation from BoA
Bank of America has given shares worth nearly Rs 11 lakh (Rs 1.1 million) to Mukesh Ambani as part of annual retainer fee to the billionaire industrialist, who joined the United States banking giant's board last month.
Small cities creating 60% of the jobs in India!
Medium and small cities like Pune, Agra and Meerut rather than top metros have emerged as hot destinations for job aspirants by clinching a lion's share -- 60 per cent of the total jobs created in the country last fiscal, an Assocham study said.
A biography of Steve Jobs to hit the stores soon!
'iSteve: The Book Of Jobs will hit bookshops early next year, written by Walter Isaacson, who is rumoured to have been penning the biography since 2009 after interviewing the computer genius, members of his family, colleagues at Apple and competitors.
SPECIAL: 'We want peace. We want Posco'
Sayantan Bera travels to Jagatsinghpur in Odisha to find that villagers labeled 'pro' POSCO do not have a choice otherwise.
Resurrecting the brain for a better afterlife
A cognitive neuroscientist wants to put a specific mind into a robot.
What to expect in Volkswagen's NEW Passat
With a host of goodies on offer, the new Passat aims to please.
BRICS meet: What the PM plans to do
Cautioning that the traditional sources of economic growth are under stress coupled with fresh uncertainties around the globe, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said that it would be to the advantage of five-nation BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) grouping to coordinate in key areas of development.
Start-up turns cars into moving billboards
Carpaisa.com claims to be the first company in the South to offer advertisement services on cars.
25 paise coins to be history, exchange them now!
It's time to bid farewell to 25 paise coins and those below 25 paise denomination.
Petrol: The most expensive and cheapest nations
Although petrol prices are high in India, they are nowhere as high as in some countries in Europe.
Why cola majors are focusing on non-fizzy drinks
Riding on a strong health trend, both Coca-Cola and Pepsi have been strengthening their non-carbonated offerings in India for some years now.
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| April 11, 2011 | | Coming soon: Biometric PAN cards!
The government has decided to issue biometric PAN (Permanent Account Number) cards to taxpayers across the country to weed out the problem of duplicate and fake ones.
All about the proposed New Telecom Policy
Amidst the controversy over the allocation of spectrum and grant of telecom licences, the government on Monday said all licences are proposed to be renewed after 10 years instead of the 20-year period earlier.
What the future of our democracy depends on
A striving for deeper and truly more representative democracy is a far more ambitious undertaking than fighting corruption -- be it theft from the public exchequer or a kickback culture in the private sector.
Women bosses can wreck other females chances
Women managers are more likely to mentor and support their male colleagues.
How firms are tackling leadership woes
A recent survey by Harvard Business Publishing, where 24 companies have been interviewed, says gaps in an organisation's leadership pipeline have emerged as the biggest human resource (HR) challenge.
IMAGES: 5 best 'time-saving inventions' ever
A watch that freezes time was voted the ultimate time-saver of the future.
Tax breaks should be for all sports people: Kapil
Former Indian cricket team captain Kapil Dev, who led India's win in the 1983 World Cup, said tax breaks considered by the Central government for members of the 2011 World Cup winning team, must be extended to all other sports as well.
India's new age serial entrepreneurs
A serial entrepreneur, according to the Wikipedia definition, is one who continuously comes up with new ideas and invests in new businesses. While there is no data on serial entrepreneurs in India, industry experts say the trend is on the rise.
Why Nano is a hot favourite in rural markets
The company expects first-time buyers to account for over 80 per cent of the sales of the small car in the coming months.
PHOTOS: A look at best smartphones money can buy
Indians are going to invest in 12 million smartphones this year.
Why PF is the safest form of investment
For professionals, new pension scheme gives an equity booster but does not guarantee returns, comes at a cost.
PIX: 20 facts on the biggest risks the world faces
As the world grows together, it is also growing apart, states the World Economic Forum's new Global Risks Report.
Use as you want, these rupee notes won't tear
Banana fibre can be used to make currency notes that last for about a century.
FinMin rejects debt relief plea of 3 states
Finance Ministry has rejected the requests of Punjab, Kerala and West Bengal for relief on their mounting debt.
Have Rs 13 crore? Here come branded homes for you!
Global hotel firms and domestic realty firms come together to market the latest in high living in the country.
For Mickey Mouse, mobile is serious business
Walt Disney Company is keen to capitalise on the subcontinents' burgeoning mobile space to reach new audiences.
Govt eases rules for bank top jobs
The government has relaxed the norms for appointment to top jobs at public sector banks.
Tatas in record deal to upgrade 30 Air Force bases
The Rs 1,094-crore contract with Tata Power SED involves upgrading 30 airbases to handle next generation fighter aircraft.
Delhi T3 world's first to get LEED gold rating
Terminal 3 of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has become the world's first and also the largest terminal building to be conferred the prestigious 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design New Construction' (LEED NC) gold rating.
PHOTOS: India's 20 most popular hatchbacks
Just narrow down your search based on your budget and specific requirements.
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| April 08, 2011 | | How Sudan has brought India, China together
Africa's oil map is on the verge of dramatic transformation with the emergence of the breakaway Republic of South Sudan as the world's newest nation on July 9, but India's ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) seems to have successfully managed the geostrategic transition in surprising cooperation with its chief rival, the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).
India to get info on Swiss accounts from Jan 2011
India can get information on secret bank accounts from Swiss authorities for cases dating from January 2011, once the revised taxation treaty between the two countries is ratified by the Switzerland Parliament.
Corruption hits IPL, brand value falls to $3.67 bn
Corruption and controversies have eroded the brand value one of India's fastest growing global brands, the Indian Premier League (IPL).
What is US govt shutdown? How does it hit people?
In the United States, when the government stops providing what are loosely termed as 'non-essential' services a shutdown is said to have occurred.
'Shanghai has more hotel rooms than entire India'
Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), the world's biggest hotel chain operator, has put an ambitious target of opening 150 hotels over the next nine years.
Markets: India to lag behind its peers
Popularity of the sport in India keeps the multi-year outlook positive, but an intra-day swing forecast was like an astro forecast for me.
Govt sets aside Rs 617 crore tax demand on Satyam
The government on Friday informed the Supreme Court that it will set aside its order directing scam-hit information technology firm Satyam Computer to pay Rs 617 crore (Rs 6.17 billion) as income tax and will give a fresh hearing to the firm's plea challenging the tax demand.
All is not well for Unitech and Chandra
Sanjay Chandra is also the chairman of mobile telephony operator Unitech Wireless, which is one of the companies that are said to have made a windfall in the allocation of 2G spectrum.
Here's how to secure your child's future
A child turning major is a big event in her/his financial life.
IMAGES: The world's 15 biggest metropolitan areas
Some of the world's richest cities are also the most populous.
Corporate espionage turns digital spying
Planting a mole in a rival company to get sensitive data or hiring a detective firm to get access to company secrets is pass
Now a computer that your thoughts can control
In tests, reported in the Journal of Neural Engineering, volunteers were found to be able to move a cursor on a screen simply by 'saying' words in their heads.
How to profit from debt recast
Companies that have announced CDR plans during the last year include Kingfisher Airlines, Wockhardt, Vishal Retail and the unlisted Air India.
India world's 4th most holiday-deprived nation!
India's Generation Y has emerged as the fourth most vacation deprived lot in the world as they are able to take an average of only 22 leave days annually, a survey has found.
Bonanza! IPL to yield Rs 350-cr tax to govt
The revenue will accrue to the government as the organisations will be required to deduct tax at source while making payments to players, umpires, coaches, commentators and others involved with the tournament.
India among top 10: Clean energy investment
With more than 90 per cent of worldwide investment, the G-20 members continue to dominate the clean energy landscape.
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| April 07, 2011 | | The rise of Brand Yuvraj
After he smashed India to World Cup victory, Yuvraj Singh has moved to a new orbit in the endorsement circuit.
PHOTOS: Ford launches Fiesta Classic in India
New Fiesta introduced on Thursday is available in both petrol and diesel versions.
PIX: World's leading cities: Mumbai to be No. 7!
Though New York and London are seen by high net worth individuals as the world's leading hubs over the next 10 years, emerging nation centres are fast catching up.
Global food prices down, but situation shaky: FAO
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, global food prices fell for the first time after eighth consecutive months of price spikes in March this year in the wake of a decline in international prices of oil, sugar and cereals.
Citi barred from giving wealth management services
Citigroup has been barred from selling wealth management services to new clients in Indonesia.
Rs 2-crore cars hit India! Now new Bentley is here
Heating up the competition in the super premium segment, British car-maker Bentley on Thursday introduced its Continental GT luxury sedan in India with a price tag of Rs 1.9 crore (Rs 19 million) -- ex-showroom, Delhi.
How to plan investments that go beyond tax savings
Aurangabad-based financial planner Anirudha Hatwalne laments that youngsters do not plan their finances. And, their only worry is about saving taxes at the end of the year.
Investors to get shares in 5 PSUs at discount
Finance Ministry is planning to dilute its stake in seven or eight government companies.
PHOTOS: Richard Branson's flying submarine!
Virgin Group chairman, adventurer and billionaire Sir Richard Branson, after having set his sights on commercial space travel through his Virgin Galactic, is now targeting the oceans' depths.
Dubai properties 60% cheaper than Mumbai
A growing number of investors from India are showing interest in Dubai as they look to capitalise on 60 per cent savings per square foot in the Dubai property market, a Dubai-based real estate company has said.
IMAGES: New Volkswagen Beetle soon in India
While car models have come and gone the Volkswagen Beetle holds its ground firmly.
Mahindra to ride Ssangyong into premium segment
Mahindra & Mahindra, India's largest utility vehicle maker, is planning to foray into the premium car segment by bringing out a product from the Ssangyong stable.
IMAGES: The world's 10 cheapest cars
India, a booming market for passenger cars, manufactures 4 of the world's cheapest cars.
Have money? Own a piece of World Cup history
The ball used in the final over of the ICC World Cup is on the stands for a whopping $47,800 (Rs 21.3 lakh).
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| April 06, 2011 | | Rise in cyber threats to smartphones
India, which is expected to be home to four million smartphones in the next two years, is already on the cyber criminal map.
Maruti to recall 13,157 diesel cars in India
If the 'connecting rod bolt' is found defective, the company will replace the component free of cost.
Here's how to profit from rising inflation!
Rising inflation might just provide investors the opportunity to earn some extra money! Check out how. . .
India not to sell sodium thiopental to US jails
Navneet Verma, managing director and CEO, Kayem Pharmaceuticals, has assured Reprieve, a United Kingdom-based provider of legal assistance to prisoners who cannot fend for themselves, that no Indian manufacturer will sell thiopental sodium -- an ingredient used in lethal injections by US Correctional Services -- to jails in the United States that use it for lethal purposes.
Maserati launched in India at Rs 1.2 crore
Italian luxury sports car maker Maserati on Wednesday announced its foray into the Indian market with its complete range of cars. The price ranges from Rs 1.2 crore (Rs 12 million) and Rs 1.43 crore (Rs 14.3 million) [ex-showroom, New Delhi].
India has a bumper harvest in 2010-11: Pawar
The country is estimated to have harvested a record 235.88 million tonnes (MT) of foodgrains.
Time to book profits for cheaper bets
Market experts predict that the equity markets are likely to remain volatile for the rest of the year.
PHOTOS: Man who gave India's first electric car
Government has announced a slew of measures to give impetus to electric cars.
Happiest Minds: Ashok Soota on his new venture
Ashok Soota, founder chairman of MindTree, who recently left the company he co-founded in 1999, is preparing the grounds for his new venture.
Are high net-worth Indians getting sillier?
Imagine giving money to a wealth management firm, or signing contract documents on verbal assurances from relationship managers that they would earn one-two per cent returns each month on their investment.
The 'reality' of realty sector isn't so bad
According to some foreign brokerages, reality isn't so bad. While high inflation and interest rates coupled with corporate governance issues may act as a negative overhang for the sector, valuations look attractive now.
Earn money while you drive!
Companies such as Cashurdrive, Carpaisa and Adometre give you a chance to earn by selling space on your cars for advertisements.
PHOTOS: India's 25 most popular SUVs
Starting with a price tag of Rs 525,000 ex-showroom the range crosses Rs 1 crore for some models.
GST set to roll out in April 2012
Revenue Secretary Sunil Mitra admits tax collection target for 2011-12 is ambitious but achievable.
Bharti Airtel bets big on mobile gaming
The country's largest telecom player Bharti Airtel sees 3G as a major growth propeller and says the journey of 3G to 4G and to LTE (long-term evolution) would take place much faster in India.
Will De Beers' Forevermark make it big in India?
After a successful two months since its Bangalore launch, De Beers, the world's premier diamond mining company, introduced its iconic jewellery brand, Forevermark, in Mumbai this Monday.
Work long on PCs? These glasses can save your eyes
Gunnar Optiks is targeting people in the 18 to 40 age group in the gaming, technology and creative communities.
IMAGES: A tour through BMW's beautiful museum
The BMW Museum near the Olympiapark in Munich depicts the illustrious history of the automobile manufacturer BMW.
Campus hiring gives prisoners a new life
Tihar jail is planning to go for a second round of campus placement interview of its eligible inmates by the end of this year.
Is PepsiCo taking a lesson from Baba Ramdev?
PepsiCo has taken up the cause of anger management with gusto and is using its clear lemon drink, 7UP.
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| April 05, 2011 | | Larry spends $900 mn on his 1st day as Google CEO
Google has admitted that it is lagging behind other industry players such as Apple and Microsoft in terms of the number of patents it holds.
8 management lessons from Dhoni for UPA
Management lessons from Dhoni have universal appeal and can be used by corporates and even the UPA, to reflect on existing structures and strategies, says .
Harley Davidson Forty-Eight at Rs 8.5 lakh
This model will be available across all the Harley- Davidson dealerships, in addition to the existing model line- up of 14 bikes for 2011, Harley Davidson India said.
Is the US relinquishing its superpower status?
One sign of this is the loss of dollar's status as a safe haven currency.
Former Sebi chief shares his experience
"The main reason I took up the Sebi job was my training as a public servant. When the PM or the FM asks you to take up a challenge, it is your duty to point out the difficulties but you simply can't say no," he says.
2G: Swan, Zebra, Tiger & Reliance ADAG's trick!
A CBI chargesheet bares the extent to which companies associated with Reliance ADAG allegedly indulged in financial subterfuge through a complex maze of transactions.
PHOTOS: Balancing growth and inflation
High level of inflation in the last two years has raised certain questions about the relationship between inflation and growth.
If India's richest donate, can we progress?
Philanthropic activities tend to be confined by the limitations of a corporation's location and capabilities.
Why tax breaks and cash awards for cricketers?
India's cricket players are the richest among the country's sportspersons, given the money in the sport, the sponsorships and the advertisement budgets.
PHOTOS: Of gold plated car, a 'Big Baby' and more!
It took five artisans over four months to make a gold-plated Infiniti G37.
MFs expect more sympathy from new Sebi chairman
U K Sinha, new Sebi chairman had, in an interaction with its MF division, made his view clear on the need for some moves to spur overall development for the sector, persons familiar with the development said.
Auto dealers fear signs of low demand
Auto analysts believe that while auto sales will continue to grow in FY12, some deceleration seems inevitable, as the cost of ownership continues to increase.
Now, create personal knowledge vault online
"Advertisements, as used by websites like Facebook, when the advertiser pays the developer (Bibkosh) every time the user clicks on the advertisement or provides the advertiser with some information."
IMAGES: 10 countries with highest inflation rate
Rising inflation rate is putting pressure on governments around the world.
'Candid' Tata says he's a victim of telecom policy
Appears before PAC, admits voice in Radia tapes his, but denies influence over Cabinet formation.
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| April 04, 2011 | | 2g scam: Ratan Tata, Niira Radia quizzed
Radia, whose tapped phone conversations with politicians, corporates, bureaucrats, and journalists form a key part of the investigations into the 2G spectrum scam.
Digital woes: Made in heaven, unmade on the Web
With social networking sites becoming an integral part of our lives, experts believe using digital traces for legal purposes will only rise in future.
IMAGES: Check out these 4 'dream' SUVs
There is no dearth of players in the high end sports utility vehicle segment in the Indian market anymore.
PHOTOS: Finally, IIMs to get autonomy
This includes the power to select own directors and chairmen and pay the faculty as desired.
IMAGES: CEO Dhoni bowls over India Inc
Battling back spasms and forgettable batting form, he led fellow warriors to do a miracle in the middle.
IMAGES: Tax waivers likely for Team India
The Centre is likely to give a 100 per cent income tax relief on the prize money, the players and the support staff earned from their World Cup victory.
Five mistakes to avoid this financial year
Ideally, tax-saving should not be looked at in isolation. It should be linked to a financial goal.
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| April 01, 2011 | | Exports cross $200 billion mark in Feb
Imports also increased by 21.2 per cent in the month.
Good news! India to see 1.6 million new jobs
The organised sector in India is set to create about 1.6 million new jobs in the year 2011.
Russian buys most expensive home in US
Yuri Milner purchased the 25,500 square foot property in Los Altos, California.
Public investors gain Re 1 per minute
An average of one rupee was added to the stock market wealth of each public investor in every minute of trade during the last fiscal - a period that saw the total market wealth grow by over Rs 6.73 lakh crore.
How India can solve its energy crisis
Energy efficiency has a big role to play in estimates of current and future usage.
India among top 10 exporters to UAE in November
India features in the list of top 10 exporters to the UAE in November, 2010, with a total value of $6.9 billion (25.4 billion dirhams), or 63 per cent of UAE imports, the country's Federal Customs Authority (FCA) has said.
US to go on a hiring spree
According to a study by job portal CareerBuilder, nearly three-in-10 employers surveyed are planning to hire employees in the April-June quarter of 2011.
World Cup: Positive impact on Indo-Pak trade
Both India and Pakistan can benefit if they leverage the goodwill generated by the World Cup to strengthen trade ties
'Indo-US relation is beneficial for both nations'
The lawmakers, speaking at a Capitol Hill event hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry to release its new study about Indian companies investing heavily in the US and both saving and creating jobs, hoped that this message will alleviate the concerns over outsourcing and loss of American jobs among their constituents.
Hackers targeting business secrets
Some hackers are starting to specialise in data stolen from corporate networks, according to research compiled by security firm McAfee.
IMAGES: 8 stunning cars that will make you drool
The Bangkok International Motor Show is the biggest annual auto show in Southeast Asia.
Start saving early for downpayment
Savings for a home purchase can be started at any time.
What is loan against property? Find out
Loan against property can be taken to tide over financial need.
IMAGES: A peek into Porsche's mind blowing museum
An architectural wonder, the Porsche Museum is a car enthusiast's delight.
IMAGES: Check out the world's highest hotel!
The world's highest hotel is open in Hong Kong.
PHOTOS: World's top 10 retail giants
With the Indian Government mulling over whether to allow foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail sector, here is a look at world's top 10 retail giants.
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| March 31, 2011 | | Can Nooyi bring back the fizz in Pepsi?
Coca-Cola Classic became the No.1 drink in the US with a sales of more than 1.6 billion cases sold in 2010.
Indian cos saved thousands of jobs in US: CII
The study titled, 'Indian Roots, American Soil: A Look at Indian Companies in the US Economy,' was released at Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Wednesday at a ceremony attended by several US lawmakers from both the Senate and House.
$1.4 trillion in Swiss banks? Official junks claim
Ambassador to India says there is a prescribed procedure in a treaty with India to get information on illegal stashes in Swiss bank accounts, which hasn't been used.
Diesel prices may be freed next fiscal: Rangarajan
The proposed move would lead to dismantling of the administered price mechanism.
Language barriers will now be a thing of the past
Former President APJ Abdul Kalam on Wednesday launched the Machine translation (MT) systems, also called content multiplier tools, developed with funding from TDIL (Technology Development for Indian Languages) programme at the 20th International World Wide Web conference in Hyderabad.
How to tackle property frauds with titling
In the next five years, buying property could become a much less arduous task. A property titling law, which is in the final stages of making for Delhi, is going to reduce the headache for home buyers significantly.
PHOTOS: Why Metro is unwelcome in Hyderabad
As Hyderabad prepares the road map for its Metro rail, the city's oldest markets face survival threat.
Now, China accuses Google of tax fraud
American search engine Google, which recently accused the Chinese government of blocking its services, has been charged with tax evasion along with three of its affiliate companies.
Fake pilots: Panel to probe insiders' role
The committee, which will submit its report in six weeks, will also recommend ways to make the examination for accrediting commanders in airlines foolproof.
Tata's e-Indica to hit UK streets soon
Tata Motors, India's biggest automotive company, is readying the launch of an electric version of Indica Vista, its most popular hatchback, in the United Kingdom.
A lawyer-turned-farmer's inspiring story
Hemchandra Dagaji Patil is a role model for the farming community.
IMAGES: Rs 12.5-crore Koenigsegg Agera is here!
The hyper-car market in India got yet another player.
Chicago is building up an appetite for Indian food
While Italian and Chinese food are also well-liked, Indian food is becoming a favourite in the city that has many popular and top-notch restaurants.
Few takers for pet insurance
While pet insurance is hugely popular in the western countries, it is still relatively unknown in India, as insurance companies do not advertise about it and a large number of people do not get their pets registered.
IT employees set to return to Japan
Shortly after the twin earthquake-tsunami that hit Japan, Indian IT firms had started calling back employees.
World's top 10 technology driven nations
Finland is most technologically-oriented country in the world.
All's not well with Bihar's finances
The report was tabled by deputy chief minister S K Modi in the state assembly.
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| March 30, 2011 | | Is pre-approved home loan the best option?
Usually buyers get bogged down by details. How wonderful it will be if someone can assure us with finances and all we have to focus on is to find a nice home.
Maharashtra's UIDAI fail to meet the hype
Last September, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government chose Tembhli, a small village in the predominantly tribal Nandurbar district, to launch its ambitious Unique Identification (UID) project - now known as Aadhaar - giving it a special mention in history.
IMAGES: Aston Martin's Rs 2.9 cr car soon in India
Aston Martin plans launch on April 15, Ferrari to follow suit.
Orissa coffee growers demand subsidy
Non-traditional coffee growers say the subsidies they get is a lot less than what traditional growers get.
Imminent market correction expected
After record foreign inflows of $29 billion in 2010, foreign institutional investors have hit pause.
IMAGES: High prices fail to dim diamonds' sparkle
Though retailers are trying not to pass on the price increase to consumers by cutting their margins, according to industry experts, the price rise has also reinstated the investment value proposition of diamonds.
Japan quakes hits China's supply chain
Japan's total trade with China rose by 30 per cent year-on-year to $301.9 billion last year, exceeding $300 billion.
Cricket stifles Chandigarh airport
Officials of Chandigarh airport, primarily a military airfield, which shares its runways with the Indian Air Force, say it is a mad scramble for parking space of private planes.
High GDP growth? Save water
For villages in Sambalpur, revisiting old ponds has meant a return to prosperity.
Hotels go all out to recreate Mohali magic
Offices have changed timings to make sure the employees don't miss Wednesday's action and a number of theatres -- starved of film releases since the world cup began -- plan to screen the match.
From Jalgaon to Harvard: A farmer's success story
It has been an incredible journey for Rajendra Hari Patil and Hemchandra Dagaji Patil who traveled from Jalgaon to the Harvard Business School to talk about their success.
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| March 29, 2011 | | Note! Timings of special flights to Chandigarh
Jet Airways and Kingfisher will operate an additional flight each from Delhi and Mumbai to Chandigarh, which is adjacent to Mohali.
How an artificial leaf can solve power crisis!
Scientists have created the world's first practical artificial leaf that can turn sunlight and water into energy, which they claim could pave the way for a cheaper source of power in developing countries like India.
India one of most corrupt countries
Sixteen countries in the Asia Pacific were studied by the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy Ltd.
How to deal with the financial impact of a divorce
Divorce lawyer Mrunalini Deshmukh explains the need, "It would be practical to maintain a clear division of assets right from the start. But nobody marries with an intention to divorce. So, sorting out finances becomes a major issue."
World's top financial institutions
From World Bank to APEC, there are many financial institutions charged with keeping the global economy chugging.
What are tax-saving infrastructure bonds?
In financial year 2010-11, the likes of Larsen & Toubro, India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited, Power Finance Corporation and IDFC issued these in tranches.
Once bitten, Air India shies away from Europe
After the costly Frankfurt experiment , says Dublin hub idea not worth it.
Home entertainment: Check these media players!
These little set-top boxes are the one-stop answer to view data.
Looking for a locker? Banks aren't only option
Though private players have fewer branches, their costs are competitive
Why PM thinks this budget meets all the challenges
"You can't please all people. And the finance minister has done as good a job as was possible," said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in an interview with T N Ninan, editorial director and chairman of Business Standard Ltd, on Monday after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announced the Budget proposals in Parliament.
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| March 28, 2011 | | Audi launches Q5 2.0 TDI quattro
Deliveries will begin in April.
Want to bring out the philanthropist in you?
This act of promoting the welfare of society is called philanthropy. However, you don't have to be a billionaire to start your philanthropic activities. And there is more than one way to go about it.
How will global economy survive multiple crises?
The Japanese triple tragedy earthquake, tsunami and the very dangerous situation in the nuclear power plants has also brought into sharp focus how the effectiveness of complex supply chains, which are at the heart of globalisation of output, is crippled if there is a crisis in a large manufacturing or high-technology economy.
No hike in petro prices soon, says minister
State-run Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum currently sell petrol, a commodity which the government freed from its control in June last year, at a discount of about Rs 4.50 a litre to its imported cost.
How Tamil Nadu's freebies are killing its economy!
The Dravidian model of politics seems to depend on freebies, feeds on corruption and brazenly encourages crony capitalism, says .
This is the costliest hotel ever built in India!
Capt Nair's detractors will give you good reasons why his premium gamble will not work -- his lowest tariff of Rs 20,000 a night is above rivals like The Oberoi (Rs 18,500) and ITC Maurya (Rs 18,000), though it is lower than the Aman (Rs 27,000).
India may become BlackBerry's export hub
As part of RIM's strategy in India, the company has been building its resources in order to support the growing opportunities.
'Mom and pop stores are not simply going away'
Companies are trying to absorb the rising costs by investing in consistent supplies. One of the biggest priorities is to make the supply chain more efficient and resilient.
10 steps to drive the 'Decade of Innovation'
If various technical universities continue to take interest as evident now, it won't be difficult to imagine that such a platform may have more than a million projects and ideas in a few years time.
A look at investment plans for children
Insurance plans for children are available in both traditional and unit-linked insurance product categories.
In Infy, Kris may fill Nilekani's boots
The curtains are set to come down on one of India Inc's most celebrated succession dramas.
How India can ban plastic bags
Many countries are doing it successfully, India also can.
Budget forces Harley-Davidson off-road
The problem is the Budget change to the earlier rule of a concessional 10 per cent duty on CKD assembly.
How Maaza is wooing consumers this summer
To have a bigger slice of the estimated Rs 2,698-crore market growing at 25 per cent, Coca-Cola India has unveiled the summer campaign for its mango drink, Maaza.
Tips for last minute filing of tax returns
Here's a checklist, meant as a handy last-minute reference, that can help you.
How PM promises to usher in a season of change
We did not disappoint India in the summer of 1991. We will grasp the nettle once again, in the summer of 2011, the prime minister said.
L&T to sell stake in some less-than-equal JVs
The Rs 45,000-crore (Rs 450-billion) engineering & construction company is reviewing the future of some of its manufacturing JVs.
Modi's woes: Will PM offer relief?
In his representation to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi submitted a memorandum on long pending issues of the state.
What Dr Singh wants from the IIM grads
Deliver with that upmarket MBA tag, says Manmohan Singh.
Once more, Mukesh treads into Anil's territory
Sets up joint venture with D E Shaw.
Should you invest in SIPs? Read on to find out
Systematic investment plan is a scheme which allows investors to invest in a mutual fund a certain amount of money over a period.
8 shocks that await India, global economy
A Citi strategist, Guillermo Felices, in a study has enumerated eight shocks that are hitting, or are soon going to hit, the global economy.
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| March 25, 2011 | | China imported highest amount of grain in history!
China, which had built up a huge network of silos to store foodgrains, imported the largest quantities of grains in its history last year to beef up reserves to avoid a food shortage this year.
Innovation: 1 lakh projects for low-cost solutions
A black box for automobiles, low-cost solar water heater, power generation from biogas using bike, an improved apparatus for ultrasonography are part of a treasure trove of projects done by college students.
Tata Motors: First Indian firm to make 100,000 CVs
Leading automobile company Tata Motors on Friday said it has become the first Indian company producing 1 lakh (100,000) commercial vehicles in a financial year.
Are you eligible for a loan? Check it out
Credit Appraisal is the process followed by banks to determine the borrower's ability to repay his loan as well as his trust worthiness.
Currency options are for speculation, not goals
In the last four months, the daily average turnover of currency options has increased from Rs 600 crore to Rs 3,000 crore.
IMAGES: World's 20 most innovative companies
Fast Company lists Apple as the world's most innovative company.
Is Wipro planning a massive lay-off?
Wipro, the country's third-largest information technology (IT) services company, is asking non-billable employees unwilling to work on any project they have been assigned to leave immediately.
PHOTOS: Maserati, Gran Turismo for India!
Both Maserati and Ferrari are owned by Fiat and also have a lot in common.
We are definitely against capitalists: Kerala FM
Thomas Isaac, Kerala finance minister, says the Leftist government in the state wants to develop an egalitarian society where there are no capitalists.
GM Rao: The man who donated Rs 1,540 cr
GM Rao has been quite active in philanthropic activities for quite some time through GMR Varalakshmi Foundation.
Bengal polls: This is what the aam aadmi wants
As far as West Bengal is concerned, aam aadmi is seething with discontent as loads of improvements in various sectors are what they need.
China's gross national income rank at 125!
China's gross domestic product (GDP) accounted for 9.5 per cent of the world's total in 2010, ranking second in the world, but its per capita gross national income (GNI) lagged behind 124 countries.
Premji against law on mandatory CSR spending
Wipro Chairman Azim Premji on Thursday came out strongly against the idea of formulating laws on mandatory spending by industry on corporate social responsibility.
No storage! Govt admits to rotting foodgrains
Amidst a warning that the country is sitting on a "grain bomb" due to prospects of record wheat output, the government on Thursday admitted to cases of foodgrains rotting and said enough storage facility must be created.
Engg, B-school campuses lap up boom-time lollies
Salary hike isn't enough anymore, it's time for stock options, promise of deferred entrepreneurship and much more.
Interest-free loans for 1st-time home buyers in UK
The British government on Wednesday said that first-time house buyers in the United Kingdom will be offered interest free loans to help them get a foot on the housing ladder.
PHOTOS: The world's 10 cleanest cities
The consulting firm Mercer recently came up with a list of world's cleanest cities. Mercer took into account air quality for the upkeep of streets and squares to produce the 2011 ranking.
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| March 24, 2011 | | GM threatens to fire 250 Gujarat plant employees
General Motors India officials on Thursday met Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to discuss further investments in the state, amid continuing 9-day-long labour unrest at the car maker's Halol facility that has resulted in production loss of over 700 cars so far.
Chatwal Hotels ties up with Wyndham Group
The announcement was made at a press conference at The Chatwal New York on March 23 by Sant Singh Chatwal, chairman and chief executive officer of the Chatwal Hotels and Eric Danziger, president and chief executive officer of the New Jersey-based Wyndham group.
Donate money, Gates, Buffett tell rich Indians
Gates said it was his Microsoft experience which prepared him well for work being done by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.
Buying a house? 5 points you MUST note
The asset also has emotional value and therefore families should perform meticulous research before buying the same.
Harley Davidson will not hike bike prices in India
US cult bike maker Harley Davidson on Thursday said it will not hike prices of its two models to be assembled in India despite an increase in import duty for completely knocked down (CKD) parts.
Food prices continue to rise; inflation at 10.05%
Food inflation crept back into double digits at 10.05 per cent for the week ended March 12, breaking a three-week long downward spiral, as prices of vegetables, fruits and protein-based items increased.
How Rajaratnam case highlights fund managers' role
The Raj Rajaratnam case may seem like an important case of insider trading involving a hedge fund in the US, but it is more important when it comes to illustrating how market participants comprehend their place.
Singur still a hot bed of industrial possibilities
What exactly is going to be Singur's fate?
Meet Sindhuja Rajamaran, the world's youngest CEO!
Sindhuja's journey from an ordinary school girl to the CEO of a company started when she was around 10.
'We want first-hand feel of market'
Ajit Jain, who been mentioned as a possible successor to Warren Buffett, shares his thoughts.
The stunning new Volkswagen Passat at Rs 23 lakh
The car is pitted against the might of Honda Accord that enjoys immense trust in the country.
Per capita income: Mumbai richer than Delhi
Mumbai, the financial capital of India is richer than the capital city, New Delhi.
Oracle of Omaha's success mantra
I have been enjoying what I have been doing for the past many years and not a single day has passed when I haven't had fun, says Buffett.
25 facts about Japan's $300 billion disaster
Japan is estimated to suffer a whopping loss of $200-$300 billion, according to Risk Management Solutions Inc.
Luxury cars may be dearer by Rs 6 lakh
Top-end luxury cars may become more expensive by up to Rs 6 lakh when the duty cut on completely knocked down (CKD) kits passed by the Lok Sabha gets implemented. CKD kits comprise pre-assembled engines, transmissions and gearboxes.
The world's 16 largest IPOs ever
A look at companies that have launched some of the biggest IPOs.
Lack of development in states? Blame the Centre
Bimal Jalan says the Centre should make policies and reimburse the expenses of states but not prescribe how the money is spent or how the policy is implemented.
Sebi scans chat forums, blogs for market rumours
Many of the established websites too, have sections on their portals wherein visitors can just login and upload any piece of information that can be accessed by all other members.
Why the BSNL-MTNL merger has been stuck
While MTNL offers services in the lucrative Delhi and Mumbai circles, BSNL operates in the rest of the country.
DoT mulls interception of Google, Skype
The move, if implemented, will mean that the government will be able to track emails sent through Gmail as well as intercept voice calls made through Skype.
9 Indian brands amongst world's 500 best
The most recent Global 500 report by Brand Finance shows that despite the controversies, Tata Group's brand value has soared to $15.08 billion.
Buffett interested in acquisitions in India
Famed billionaire investor Warren Buffett on Wednesday said his conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway would look at possible acquisitions in India as and when there were opportunities.
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| March 23, 2011 | | How Buddha plans to improve Bengal's economy
The West Bengal chief minister dished out a prescription to improve the economic condition of the state.
FIIs bullish on India once again
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs), bearish till recently on the Indian equity market, seem to be having a change of heart.
Automakers bet big on electric, hybrid vehicles
With Budget concessions in place to propel the Indian automobile industry on a green drive, manufacturers are planning electric and hybrid variants of cars and two-wheelers.
What Bill Gates plans to do in India
Software czar Bill Gates and wife Melinda will meet government health officials and community workers in Bihar today.
Insurance cos to create nuclear insurance pool
According to sources, the government has convened a meeting involving the Nuclear Power Corporation and General Insurance Corporation (GIC), the only domestic re-insurer in the country, to take stock of the progress.
Credit cards: How balance transfer is a BIG help
Banks provide incentive for customers who use balance transfer by providing a low interest or interest free period.
IMAGES: India's most favourite mobile phones
India is the second largest mobile handset market in the world after China.
Amit Mitra's recipe to revive Bengal's economy
Trinamool Congress candidate Amit Mitra, who is an economist by training and is pitted against West Bengal Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta in the Assembly polls, has said the state's financial condition can be improved with a flow of investments and expansion of existing industrial units.
First PHOTOS: Warren Buffett in India
'They treat me much better in India than they do in the United States.'
Keep tab on firms pledging shares
A recent report by Morgan Stanley Asia Pacific points that 774 listed companies have pledged shares with banks.
I tipped Rajaratnam, says ex-Intel exec Rajiv Goel
Rajiv Goel, a former Indian American Intel executive, has said that he passed secret tips to his 'friend' Raj Rajaratnam, the main accused in the largest insider trading case to hit American courts in decades.
'Premiums needed for catastrophes'
First, we need to have premiums for catastrophe events, like what they have in the developed countries. Although fire insurance covers accidents and floods, earthquake cover is optional.
IMAGES: 15 most valuable brands in the world
Five of the top ten largest growers are technology-related companies.
World's 20 largest producers of cars; India 6th!
With an annual production of about 2,632,694 cars in 2009, India is now the seventh largest vehicle producing nation in the world. It is a milestone the country achieved six years ahead of the set target.
Carmakers face challenges from Japan crisis
While they could pass on the burden of increased input costs to customers, a shortage of components, compounded by the March 11 tsunami and quake in Japan and the Reserve Bank's latest rate hike -- which could affect car financing -- have made them jittery over their prospects in the short-to-medium term.
Why companies are bullish on Bihar
With a growth rate of above 10 per cent, today major national and international companies are making a beeline to enter Bihar.
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| March 22, 2011 | | 'Indian-Americans helped Rajaratnam make millions'
Raj Rajaratnam made $4 million on Hilton stock in a single day after allegedly getting tips.
Jet airways seeks $5.5-bn insurance cover
With its current cover set to expire on April 16, Jet Airways is seeking a cover of around $5.5 billion from the government-owned Oriental Insurance.
The 4 best ways to invest in gold
You can do so through physical gold (coins and bars), gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs), feeder funds and the e-series (popularly called, e-gold) launched by the National Spot Exchange.
FB's virtual currency may become real for Indians
Beam, a mobile-commerce company, has sought the Reserve Bank of India's permission to make Facebook Credits available in India.
PHOTOS: The world's 20 best airports
Three airports from India are among the world's best airports.
3G's maiden run leaves users stranded
Users face a lot of hiccups after the launch of 3G.
China to produce 'human milk' from GM cows!
Chinese scientists claimed to have created a herd of more than 200 cows that is capable of producing milk similar to that of humans.
Pranab withdraws service tax levy on healthcare
The finance minister also provided some relief to readymade garment manufacturers by raising the abatement available for levy of taxes on retail price of some branded garments and textile made-ups.
Why commerce ministry was upset with the Budget
According to a senior commerce ministry official, the Budget sought to withdraw some significant stimulus measures "in a clandestine manner", which would affect exports and lead to impediments in efforts to achieve $450 billion worth of exports by 2013-14, from around $250 billion at present.
India's highest paid IT company CEOs; Kurien leads
With a target to get the IT business back on growth, Kurien will get a salary in the range of Rs 3 crore (Rs 30 million) to Rs 10 crore (Rs 100 million) per annum.
How Praful Patel will play out his new role
From a high-profile civil aviation ministry to a relatively low-key Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Praful Patel is currently busy in launching a multi-pronged strategy for making public sector enterprises globally competitive.
ELECTION: What Mamata has in store for Bengal
Mamata Banerjee led TMC has released its election manifesto on Monday promising to bring all round development in West Bengal with special emphasis on industry and agriculture.
How they adapted technology for human need
MIT's Technology Review India has selected 18 innovations from a nominee list of 200.
Fake pilots! How licenses can be forged
Pilots fake certificates to fly. Aviation schools cut corners. As a result, the licences of 4,500 pilots are under the scanner. Business Standard looks into the mess in the skies.
Why India needs to spend more on its defence
India's per capita expenditure on defence is less than $10, while the average expenditure of the top ten spenders in Asia is $800 approximately.
Why the phenomenal Tata Nano has wowed US!
'The Nano becomes a tool and a metaphor for the future. It will be a tool in the sense that any first car purchase in a country like India opens its owner to imagining their own mobility in and through the mobility of the car. This is a feature and a potential of all first cars in India,' says NYU Prof Arjun Appadurai.
Japan disaster: A wake-up call for other nations
A realignment of the global energy mix is now almost guaranteed.
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| March 21, 2011 | | Indian IT cos recall staff from Bahrain
Indian IT giants like TCS, Infosys and Wipro have decided to call back their employees from Bahrain.
10,000 commercial pilot licenses under DGCA lens
Aviation regulator DGCA plans to bring under the scanner over 10,000 commercial pilot license (CPL) holders and conduct third-party audit of all flying schools in the country in the wake of cases of forgery behind securing of licences coming to light.
Trains @ 350 kmph! 6 high-speed routes identified
Aiming at connecting Patna with high speed train, the Railways will undertake a pre-feasibility study of Delhi-Patna rail route, which would be conducted by a British firm.
Private hospitals alarmed at govt plan to fix fees
Expressing apprehension over the Centre's move to regulate fees at their hospitals, private healthcare chains on Monday said such a step will not be 'plausible' and even if it were to be initiated, the government must not do it unilaterally.
First PHOTOS: The stunning Boeing 747-8
The 747-8 Intercontinental's first flight marks the beginning of a flight test program that will finish in the fourth quarter.
Buffett to ask Indian billionaires to open wallets
Buffett is not coming to only talk foreign direct investment in insurance and invest his billions in Indian equities.
AT&T to buy T-Mobile USA for $39 bn
The deal, which was approved by the boards of both companies, includes $25 billion in cash and the rest in AT&T stock.
Why Volvo S60 T6 is causing a flutter!
Importantly, Volvo has even addressed the steering that weighs up very nicely and adds to the surefootedness, whether you've selected Sport or Advanced on the C-Chassis system.
The secret behind China's economic success
China's economic success is due less to its authoritarian system and more to Deng Xiaoping's leadership, its Far Eastern location and investments by its diaspora.
Save on travel via group deals
Group buying sites take on travel portals with affordable packages.
IMAGES: The world's 20 largest buildings
The Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport spread across an area of 12.76 million sq ft is the world's largest building in terms of floor space.
Provident Fund: An answer to a secure future
Fulfill the formalities before extending the term, else it is a dead investment.
Which to buy? Toyota Etios or Tata Manza
Here's how the Etios stands when pitted against the Tata Manza, one of its close competitiors.
Domestic airlines hike fares by over 100%
Airlines are also said to be cashing in on the Jat agitation which has virtually disconnected Delhi-Lucknow with many trains being cancelled.
FY11 may bring dividend bonanza for shareholders
India Inc is poised for a dividend payout increase in 2010-11, due to an expected 18 per cent growth in net profit.
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| March 18, 2011 | | Robots that perform 'humane' tasks and are social
With robots gaining a more human-like appearance and becoming more social over the past 50 years, it is possible.
Recession? US CEOs earned $126 million in bonuses
Top executives collect a lot of different types of pay, including salaries, long-term equity awards and bonuses tied to company's performance.
Airfares zoom as people flee Japan
The earthquake and Tsunami in Japan has led to a shocking spike in airfares from Tokyo to other parts of the world including India, while inbound fares have dropped.
How Indo-US business can enter boom time
American business believes the best way the United States and India can share high technology with one another is by cooperating in the defence sector, says Ron Somers, president of the US-India Business Council.
Pesky calls? They aren't going to end soon
Pesky calls from telemarketers may continue to nag customers for some more time as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is likely to extend its March 21 deadline again.
TAX: Nations with highest and lowest rates
For companies, the challenge is dealing with the loss of public trust and increased scrutiny over how much tax they pay.
How to invest smartly for your child's future
Several parents, who had been happy spenders, seriously consider saving and investing. As the old dictum goes, starting early is the best thing. Most, however, are confounded with the choice of products when it comes to saving for the child's education.
World's 110 most ethical cos: Only HDFC from India
110 companies made it to the The Ethisphere Institute's list including Adidas, eBay, Microsoft, Colgate-Palmolive and 30 other newcomers.
Made in India! GE's low-cost medical devices
GE Healthcare on Thursday unveiled two advanced cardiac care solutions, designed and developed in India, with an aim to help provide better, affordable early cardiac diagnosis for more people.
1 in 2 Indians victim of mobile phone loss
Almost 77 per cent of the victims considered the loss of contact information the worst part of the experience, said the survey.
Transparency watchdog lauds ONGC's openness
Reporting on anti-corruption programmes shows what companies are doing to fight corruption and helps prevent individuals from misappropriating revenues and bribing foreign officials.
Five biggest nuclear reactors in the world
there are more than 440 commercial nuclear power reactors operating in 30 countries, with 377,000 MWe of total capacity, providing about 14 per cent of the world's electricity.
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| March 17, 2011 | | Economic effect of Japanese quake on India, globe
Japan's nuclear crisis and the devastations caused by last Friday's earthquake and tsunami are unlikely to trigger a global recession as happened in the aftermath of the collapse of the US investment bank Lehman Brothers three years ago, according to leading economists.
SC cancels Hassan Ali Khan's bail
The court also granted four-day custody of Khan to the Enforcement Directorate.
Handset makers to ride on low-cost 3G phone wave
Mobile consumers can now expect a sharp decline in the prices of mobile handsets as manufacturers slash prices to get their hands on the expanding 3G user pie.
Japan crisis: Honda, Toyota delay India launch
The heart breaking Japanese catastrophe and huge booking orders of Etios saloon being the respective reasons.
Yogurt is now positioned as the new health food
Big players are repositioning packaged yogurt as stand-alone breakfast option or health dessert.
Post Budget, luxury car sales rise by 25%
The new definition for completely knocked down (CKD) units of vehicles introduced in the Budget for 2011-12 has pushed up sales figures of luxury cars.
Japan quake may cost insurers $35 billion
The catastrophe is one of the costliest ever for the insurance industry.
CIL staff wants to buy Gandhi's house in S Africa
Navratna public sector unit Coal India Ltd has received a proposal to acquire 'The Kraal' -- Mahatma Gandhi's house in Johannesburg where he had lived a century ago -- and convert it into a memorial, the government has said.
RBI raised interest rates; how this impacts you!
The Reserve Bank of India in its quarterly monetary policy review has hiked rates.
World's 10 most expensive streets
According to FN, Hong Kong's Severn Road stands out to be the most expensive street in the world.
Which drugs will be costlier, cheaper now
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) on Thursday said it has increased prices of 62 drugs, which are mainly based on indigenously manufactured insulin, giving a filip to domestic firms.
IMAGES: The Rs 80-lakh BMW 6-Series soon in India
There will be two petrol engine options offered with a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox in the 640i and 650i.
TVS plans India's cheapest motorcycle
With this new product, TVS Motors intends to bridge the price gap between the company's range of mopeds and motorcycles.
How to lower your motor insurance premium
Use no-claim bonus, online discounts or negotiate hard to get it reduced.
Hyderabad: The convention hub of India
Hyderabad has emerged as the convention capital of the country and a one-stop destination for business tourists.
Scams, controversies: Why are scientists quiet?
The task to build scientific literacy will not happen without their engagement and their tolerance for dissent.
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| March 16, 2011 | | Japan: Factories remain shut, price hike likely
The aftershocks of the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan will be felt in industries in other parts of Asia and Europe.
India, China to show strongest GDP growth in 2011
We expect the region to record another year of solid growth in 2011, the survey said.
Economic recovery: US sounds upbeat
The apex bank's observation on Tuesday comes at a time when global markets remain uncertain about the overall impact of the tsunami and the subsequently unravelling nuclear crisis in Japan.
The AOL India story: 90% staff fired!
From 1,000 employees a year ago to barely a 100 now: that is the gut-wrenching story of the Indian operations of online media major AOL.
PHOTOS: The world's most expensive cars
From Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, the fastest car in the world, to Hennessey Venom GT, whose production is as low as 10 units a year, supercars are indeed in a league of their own.
TCS, Infy, Wipro recalling Indian staff from Japan
As Japan makes frantic efforts to deal with the nuclear radiation leaks from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in the aftermath of earthquake and tsunami, Indian information technology firms have begun relocating the families of their Indian employees in the country.
Vibrant Gujarat MoUs under I-T scanner
Dept seeks details of companies that signed Rs 1,000-cr MoUs.
IMAGES: India's 55 wealthiest people
The combined wealth of India's 55 richest is $246.5 billion, much higher than last year's total of $222.1 billion.
'We can't have high inflation & low interest rate'
KC Chakrabarty, deputy governor of RBI, speaks to Business Standard on inflation and a host of other issues.
Economic Freedom: India's top 20 states
The report on the Economic Freedom of the States of India is the latest in a series of annual surveys on the economic freedom of Indian states, which started in 2004. The latest report takes 2009 as the period under review.
24 amazing innovations from rural India
India's rural innovators have proved that ordinary people are indeed capable of extraordinary inventions.
Advance tax: This is what the big companies paid
Advance tax payment is a staggered system of paying taxes and is generally seen as a barometer of a particular company's performance as the tax payments are made in line with profit expectations.
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| March 15, 2011 | | Advance tax: E-filing may come to your rescue
Advance tax needs to be paid by all - individuals, consultants, businessmen and salaried.
Prepaying your loan? Remember this
Try prepaying annually as foreclosing your loan comes at a cost.
Flexible working hours at 80% Indian firms!
Four-fifths of companies in India are now offering their staff flexible working and a majority of these companies are finding that it is bringing them major benefits such as reduced overheads, a research report from Regus said.
'Gold industry should look into branded segment'
Some of the leading, most cutting-edge, designs in India take inspiration from Indian culture and history.
History made! Maruti rolls out 10 millionth car
The historic 10 millionth car is a Metallic Breeze Blue WagonR VXi, with chassis No 243899 and was rolled out from the company's Gurgaon plant.
Yunus on why he was sacked as Grameen Bank MD
Nobel peace prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who has been ousted as Grameen Bank managing director, tells Business Standard he hopes the bank continues to be run by the poor of Bangladesh.
The man who made home loans possible in India!
HTP founded the Housing Development and Finance Corporation (HDFC), back in 1977, and for the first time made it possible for salary-earning, middle-class Indians to become home owners long before retirement.
New twist in Wall Street insider trading case
The central question of this insider trading case is whether the Sri Lankan born billionaire earned $45 million by using leaked confidential information.
Why India will never see a 2nd Green Revolution
Today, public policy projects itself as pro-farmer but it does it half-heartedly, complains Swaminathan.
Have an idea? Find an investor and get a US visa!
The StartUp Visa Act of 2011 will allow an immigrant entrepreneur to receive a two-year visa if he or she can show that a qualified US investor is willing to invest in the immigrant's start-up venture.
Cybercrime sets sail on tsunami sympathy
With the Japanese still under shock after the quake-cum-tsunami, people around the globe are working to provide help.
Japan's ripple effect may reach India
Rebuilding the country will push the prices of commodities and also result in a pull-back of capital.
Sensex sheds 272 points on global concerns
The 30-share barometer, which gained 265.39 points in the previous session, tanked 486.88 points, or 2.64 per cent, to below the psychological 18,000 points level at 17,952.60, with all sectoral indices trading in the negative zone with losses up to 2.73 per cent.
How earthquake, tsunami have hit Japan's economy
As Japan faces the biggest crisis since World War II, initial estimates peg the country's economic loss at a whopping $170 billion
The 'Kraft' of wooing India
The $50-bn foods major will ride piggyback on Cadbury's strong brand equity.
IMAGES: India's 7 most corrupt industries
The KPMG report said, strict enforcement of existing provisions under law, both for the taker and giver, is believed to be the need of the hour to prevent further erosion of trust and credibility of India's economic success.
World's top 10 exporters and importers of food
Food inflation is rampant the world over. In Tunisia -- and to some extent in Egypt -- it actually led to the toppling of the government following riots over high food prices. West Asia and North Africa too have seen similar -- and huge -- protests over the hardships people are faced with due to runway inflation.
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| March 14, 2011 | | PIX: $287 billion lost as Tokyo market crashes!
Japan's financial woes mount as the Tokyo Stock Exchange saw one of the worst crashes on Monday.
New Nokia E7 at Rs 29,999
The company is already in the market with its flagship smartphone Nokia N8.
Buffett in India on March 25, to meet investors
Warren Buffett will meet with individuals that have bought insurance policies through his Indian venture Berkshireinsurance.com.
With less corruption, India can grow over 9%
99 per cent of respondents believed that the biggest impact of corruption business was its tendency to skew the level playing field and attract organisations with lesser capacity to execute projects.
How to address India's healthcare disaster
The real healthcare issue in India is that there is so little that is publicly funded. India is almost unique in that public funding of healthcare is only a fourth or fifth of the total; the rest comes from private resources.
How Microsoft took on the gaming industry
Software giant Microsoft took on the challenge to begin work on its own game machine, extending its tremendous technological shadow further in a quest for a home entertainment centre.
Difficult road ahead for Honda
While the Hero Group is working out a new brand strategy, Honda Motor Corporation is preparing to step on the gas and corner a larger share in what is ranked as the second largest two-wheeler market in the world.
This is India's biggest real estate boom town!
Statistics from PropEquity, a firm that compiles and analyses real estate data across India, show that by 2014, Noida will have 190,123 new houses and apartments -- almost 40,000 more than what Gurgaon, Navi Mumbai, Gachibowli (Hyderabad) and Hinjewadi (Pune) collectively offer.
Wary about using credit cards, try cash cards
While cash cards are not a new concept and the user need not have a bank account, they are yet to gather steam in India. Most cash-card companies are taking the next big step with mobile wallets.
How Dell has changed lives for rural Indians!
When Dell decided to start its operations in Tamil Nadu, the state government wanted the company to operate from a rural area.
Don't let inflation play havoc. Invest smartly
Invest in gold and realty that move in tandem with inflation.
IMAGES: Japan can tide over economic crisis
The massive earthquake that logged 8.9 on the Richter scale, and the tsunami that struck northeastern Japan, have wrecked enormous havoc on Japan taking a huge toll in terms of life and property.
Return in shortest time not the best goal
One needs a more practical approach to investing or managing finances. By running behind the highest returns, other important factors get ignored.
Think before investing in insurance schemes
Investments in such products are due to either of the following reasons: Surplus money, getting maturity proceeds from another policy or last-minute investments for tax exemption.
Inflation rises marginally to 8.31% in February
The rise in inflation was mainly on account of higher milk, edible oil, vegetable and fruit prices.
Is Internet Explorer wary of Chrome?
According to Juxt, users' loyalty with Chrome is the highest, at 64 per cent, followed by Firefox, at 36 per cent, and IE at 29 per cent.
Apple to bite into the e-reader market with iPad
The Cupertino-based Apple unveiled its latest version of iPad in the US earlier this month.
Failure of Indian cities? Blame state govts
Urban reform cannot be imposed from Delhi, state governments have to step in.
India's 'misery index' shoots up: What this means
The index, a formulation of economist Arthur Okun and got by adding the proportion of unemployment to the inflation rate, is a popular measure in the developed world to judge economic well-being.
CAG: From account checker to conscience keeper
CAG has come a long way from an institution created to set the British finances right after the 1857 revolt.
12 Indians among WEF's Young Global Leaders
Drawn from a pool of almost 5,000 candidates, the Young Global Leaders 2011 were chosen by a selection committee chaired by Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan.
PHOTOS: Volkswagen's awesome CarTowers!
Volkswagen's Car Towers -- at the theme park Autostadt next to the carmaker's plant in Wolfsburg in Germany -- are transparent cylindrical buildings that rise 150 feet to 490 feet above the ground.
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| March 11, 2011 | | IMAGES: Quake jolts crisis-hit Japanese economy
Today's devastating quake has dealt another blow to the ailing Japanese economy, already faced with mounting debts and falling exports.
Meet India Inc's best performers
Asian Paints Managing Director & CEO P M Murty is the Business Standard CEO of the Year for 2009-10.
Pesticides banned abroad used in India, admits Min
Nicotin Sulfate and Captafol have been banned for use in the country but their manufacture is allowed for export, he said adding four pesticide formulations have been banned for import, manufacture and use while seven others have been withdrawn.
At 80, Murdoch is still ace dealmaker
If all goes according to Rupert's plans, he will remain chairman and CEO of News for some time to come.
Now, a bullet proof Tata Safari for Rs 60 lakh
India's largest vehicle maker, Tata Motors has introduced an armoured variant of its Safari, which can even resist an assault of an AK-47 rifle.
Now, a credit card that talks to you!
Dynamics Inc is developing such cards - due to be introduced in the US later this year - which will have wafer-thin microprocessors and would run on batteries that can last up to three years.
World's 10 most admired companies
Apple, Google and Berkshire Hathaway are among the most admired companies in the world.
Pay more for third-party motor insurance
The premiums for third-party motor insurance may rise by 50-80 per cent this year.
Nippon Life may buy 26% in Reliance Insurance
Japan's largest life-insurer, Nippon Life is eyeing 26 per cent stake in Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Life Insurance Co.
High food prices unacceptable, says FM
Mukherjee said the high inflationary pressure, specially in food and some non-food articles, existed in other emerging economies also.
Industrial growth slows down to 3.7 pc
However, growth in factory output in January, as measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production, was better than the 2.53 per cent expansion (revised upward from 1.6 per cent) witnessed in the previous month.
REVEALED: 12 cars Indians are most satisfied with
Market research firm TNS global recently did a survey on the cars that satisfy Indian consumers.
18 hottest technology innovators from India
Their exceptional technical contributions hold great promise to shape our future.
How smartphone companies are wooing customers
Global and domestic manufacturers woo consumers with low-priced, feature-rich handsets.
EXPLAINED: How Budget helps turn black money white
What is worrying analysts is that such money that flows into India seems to be the money of Indians, sent abroad first through the hawala route and then subsequently laundered abroad, especially in tax havens.
PHOTOS: The world's 20 poorest nations
These nations have faced adversities like consequence of poverty, genocide, years of war, lack of natural resources, poor farm management, and limited access to clean water and health care.
Drunken flying: 57 pilots caught!
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken action against 57 pilots for drunken flying in the past one year, terminating the service of 10 of them, Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.
Are you a collector? Look out for the taxman
Precious metal coins may attract capital gains tax.
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| March 10, 2011 | | What do the 'super-rich' worry about
They may have the moolah, and millions of it, but that does not necessarily make them happy, according to a new study that finds that super-wealthy people feel isolated and worry the most about love, work and future of their children.
Tata's Divo to compete with Volvo, Mercedes
Tata Motors will launch Divo, a luxury AC coach meant for intercity long-distance operations, in the first quarter of the next financial year.
LAUNCHED! The stunning Volvo S60 at Rs 27 lakh
Volvo S60 is all set to re-define the driving dynamics for the discerning car buyers.
Oil prices, deficit to keep rupee weak
High crude oil prices, widening current account gap and political uncertainty may keep the rupee weak in the near term.
IMAGES: The world's 16 richest people
Total number of billionaires, this year, has increased to a record 1,210 from 1,011 last year. Though America has the 33 per cent of the mega-rich, Asia-Pacific region has surged forward and overtook Europe for the first time.
Good news! Indian cos on hiring spree
A leading job portal on Thursday said that sectors such as retail witnessed a good recruitment trend on the back of rising domestic demand.
Govt blames the poor for price rise, says Left
Participating in the resumed discussion on the General Budget in the Rajya Sabha, Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Brinda Karat said the government is linking food inflation to higher purchasing power among the poor resulting from employment programmes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
Ferrari in India soon, price begins at Rs 2.2 cr
The company has appointed the Shreyans Group as its official importer in India.
Two faces of China: 20 facts on rich-poor divide
China has grown extraordinarily to become the world's second largest economy.
Budget jolt: Major auto firms rethink India plans
Budget proposal on CKD tax jolts Audi, Harley-Davidson plans.
How best to manage your money: 4 GOLDEN tips
The options, in terms of instruments, are many.
Premji's dream university from July
The Azim Premji Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation under whose aegis it is being set up, said on Wednesday the university would launch three courses in the first year of operation, to begin this July.
Is ISRO involved in Devas' meteoric rise?
The inquiry into Devas Multimedia's deal with Antrix, the commercial wing of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has found that when the Indian arm of the company was founded in 2004, it had just two shareholders and a paid-up capital of Rs 100,000.
IIM duo to intern with Trinamool Congress
The IIM-C finalists Hariharan Sriram and Mansha Tandon wrote to Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee about four months ago, expressing their eagerness to do the internship with the party from April 11 to May 13.
Govt may roll back some Budget taxes
Bowing to pressure, the finance ministry may give industry relief from some of the new levies proposed in the Budget.
Raju's 'social' orphan learns to manage on its own
Byrraju Foundation, the non-governmental organisation set up by Satyam Computer Services founder B Ramalinga Raju and his family, was left orphaned in January 2009.
IMAGES: The 26 most popular cars in India!
Total sales of vehicles across categories registered 21.32 per cent growth to 13,70,932 units in February, 2011.
IIMK grad bags starting salary of Rs 32 lakh
The highest international package of $150,000 was offered by a commodities trading company while the highest domestic compensation of Rs 32 lakh (Rs 3.2 million) was offered by a Europe-based investment bank, according to an IIMK press statement.
Hassan Ali: I-T demand raised to Rs 60,000 cr
The IT department, which earlier had raised a total tax demand of Rs 71,845 crore (Rs 718.45 billion) on Khan and his associates, has now included a 24 per cent penalty on this amount as the assessment on them was made in 2008, according to department sources on Wednesday.
Air India earns Rs 36 cr a day, spends Rs 57 cr!
Explaining the precarious financial health of India's flag carrier, the government on Wednesday said Air India earns Rs 36 crore (Rs 360 million) a day from its operations while it spends about Rs 57 crore (Rs 570 million).
Loop offers to auction its 2G licence
Loop is one of the operators which have been named along with others in the entire case as it was awarded licence in 2008 by former Telecom Minister A Raja.
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| March 09, 2011 | | New record! Indians bought 189,008 cars in Feb
Domestic passenger car sales touched a record 189,008 units in February this year, a growth of 22.63 per cent vis-a-vis the figure for the same month of 2010, as customers advanced their purchases fearing a possible excise duty hike in the Budget.
This couple globe-trotted without flying!
The founder of bookfinder.com and his wife travel across the world for a year without flying to fight climate change.
The TRUE impact of Budget on your tax, money!
In the following analysis, RelaxwithTax has tried to squeeze out the useful information -- from the Budget Speech delivered by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee -- that is relevant to you in terms of personal taxation and finance.
Why FDI in India plunged 48% in January
With economic recovery in the rich countries, especially European nations, remaining fragile, FDI inflows to India plunged by 48 per cent to $1.04 billion in January over the same period last year.
MNP requests cross 38 lakhs in Feb
As per the data reported by the service providers to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, by the end of February 2011, about 38.33 lakh (3.83 million) subscribers have submitted their requests to different service providers for porting (shifting) their mobile number.
India roads get ready for premium bikes
Honda, Bajaj, Yamaha and Mahindra are revving launch plans for the 200cc and above motorcycle segment.
Mamata's insult to the aam aadmi
The benefit the ordinary person gets from unchanged fares is more than neutralised by the lack of service quality like the trains running on time.
Free local train travel for school, college girls
In a Women's Day gift, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday announced free monthly seasonal tickets -- for local travel -- to girls till their college level education.
Budget: How good is it for senior citizens?
Bringing down the Income Tax slab is a boon for them, but anomalies regarding health insurance benefits remain.
West Asian crisis means gold's glitter is to stay
Thomson Reuters Proprietary Research study pointed to a strong momentum for gold over the medium term, identifying strong global liquidity and low interest rates as support for a continued rally.
Why top Indian IT gurus are changing jobs
Blame it on improved business climate, restructuring within companies or just the basic need to pursue better opportunities -- the Indian information technology industry is seeing heavy churn at the top.
Wall Street's biggest insider trading trial begins
The much-awaited trial of Raj Rajaratnam, founder of erstwhile Galleon Group, who has been indicted by Federal authorities in the biggest insider trading case on the Wall Street, began on Tuesday in Manhattan Federal Court.
Should Air India have sacked COO Baldauf?
Being given the soft option of resigning suggests he was being sheltered by top management but the government got rid of him for the wrong reasons.
He crafts miniature machines, enters Guinness Book
A Nagpur-based engineer has earned a name for himself in the Guinness Book of Records for developing and designing miniature machines, steam engines and models of luxury motor cars, including world-class Mercedes Benz.
IMAGES: All about Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe
The Chakan based manufacturer believes the E-Coupe has set new standards in its segment with its design and technology.
These will be the 10 richest nations by 2050!
According to a study -- Global Growth Generators: Moving beyond 'Emerging Markets' and 'BRIC' -- conducted by global financial giant Citi, India will emerge as the world's number one economy and have a per capita GDP of $40,000 by the year 2050.
Petrol price may rise in India
The recent issues dogging West Asia have become a major cause for concern due to the spike in the crude oil prices.
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| March 08, 2011 | | Conflict of interest in defence ministry, says L&T
L&T chairman and managing director A M naik has written a letter to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan ingh saying there is a conflict of interest in the way the defence ministry is organised.
Bonanza for the salaried! 12.9% hike seen
Led by engineering services sector, the projected jump of 12.9 per cent in salaries for this year is higher than the actual increase of 11.7 per cent seen in 2010.
$1.5 trillion stashed away! What India plans to do
Experts feel that this exercise would not be of much help as many facts are already known.
Just who is Hassan Ali Khan?
Hassan Ali Khan is a Pune-based stud farm owner, but says that he is a scrap dealer with an annual income of Rs 30 lakh (Rs 3 million).
SC for invoking terror charges against Hassan Ali
The Supreme Court on Tuesday mulled invoking terror and other stringent penal charges against Pune stud owner Hassan Ali Khan, accused of massive money laundering and tax evasion, for his alleged links with arm dealers and people linked to terror activities.
How to invest wisely in real estate
Since, most banks are unlikely to approve the amount, you could be sanctioned the desired loan on a higher tenure of may be 22 or 25 years. This would result in a lower instalment, which would not strain you monthly outgo.
How to get back to work after a career break
According to an Accenture report - 'Reinvent Opportunity: Looking Through a New Lens' - in India women employees were more prone to seek work-life balance (45 per cent).
Meet the man behind Lavasa and Mumbai sea link
The man behind the Bandra-Worli sea link and Lavasa is far from triumphant despite the brightening prospects for the controversial hill city.
PHOTOs: Here comes the mind-controlled car!
Raul Rojas, an artificial intelligence professor at the Freie Universitat Berlin, and his team are working on a project called BrainDriver and recently demonstrated how a driver can use a brain interface to steer a car that the researchers named 'MadeInGermany'.
Anil Ambani plans expansion in Middle East
Dubai Reliance Capital, the financial services arm of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, plans to expand its operations in the Middle East, chief executive Sam Ghosh has said.
This is the most dishonest govt ever: Jaitley
Arun Jaitley, the leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Bharatiya Janata Party stalwart, in an interview with Business Standard pokes holes in the Budget 2011 and says that the current government is the most corrupt ever . . .
Insurance firms launch new plans
Term insurance policy provides a stated benefit only upon the holder's death, provided the death occurs within the policy period. There will be no stated benefits if the policy holder outlives the policy period.
Success story of a brilliant social entrepreneur
Meet 64-year-old Dr Sekhar Raghavan, an extraordinary social entrepreneur who has made 'saving water' the mission of his life.
IMAGES: Check out these 16 show-stoppers!
Carmakers from across the world have displayed some of the best concept and production models and the ongoing Geneva Motor Show.
India not as corrupt as China and Russia: Fitch
The country, however, suffers from excessive regulation and tax laws, which is concern for foreign investors, Fitch group managing director for corporate rating Richard Hunter told PTI in an interview.
This is what stops India from being global leader!
If you stop siphoning off this money and instead use it to provide food security, to provide education for our youth, then, India's true potential can be achieved, says .
How Steve Jobs changed the world
How he made the brand a modern day cult.
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| March 07, 2011 | | Petrol, diesel price hike inevitable, if . . .
Amid the crisis in Libya, increase in fuel prices would become 'inevitable' if crude oil remains at $100 per barrel, Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council chairman C Rangarajan said on Monday.
Silver at 31-yr high; gold touches Rs 21,420/10 gm
While gold surged Rs 200 to Rs 21,420 per 10 gm on rising seasonal demand, silver rose by Rs 1,250 to Rs 54,450 per kg on heavy buying by stockists and industrial units, amid firm global cues.
How MakeMyTrip aims to get bigger and better
India's largest travel portal, MakeMyTrip, is in a hurry to go places. Seven months after a listing on New York's NASDAQ, the firm now plans to raise additional funds from the market.
India set to become a $2-trillion economy!
India's impressive growth has to be more socially inclusive.
Why Rajat Gupta must step down from Indian boards
Can there be one norm for the US and another for India?
25% rise in health cover premiums
With the Union Budget introducing service tax on hospitals and health check-ups, your medical bills are likely to get higher.
How India could be transformed into a tax haven
The key question is whether the finance minister can aim for this by saying 'No' to all or most of the special interests, many of them very vocal.
Dos and don'ts of post-Budget investment
Overhauling portfolios or making hasty investment decisions based on the budget will only hurt you.
Get ready for Android apps mania
The battle between Microsoft and Google in the tablet and mobile space is heating up.
Infy may have to hire a million, says report
It needs to revamp the growth strategy.
MNP not a game changer for dual-SIM mobiles
The group of home-grown handset manufacturers, who had tasted success with dual-SIM phones, had initially put up an opposition to the introduction of number portability, wary of losing out on business under the new regime.
Yamaha building scooter for India market in Japan
India Yamaha Motors India is gearing up to foray into the fast growing scooter segment in the country with an all-new product that parent Yamaha Motor Corporation is developing specifically for the Indian market.
IMAGES: Stunning beauties at the Geneva Motor Show
The Geneva Motor Show highlights the green vision of the world's biggest automibile companies.
IMAGES: 6 swanky cars that may soon be in India
Companies like Volkswagen, Renault, Jaguar, Mercedes et al are planning models against some successful existing ones.
Tablet war: Meet iPad's 12 biggest rivals
Media tablets are expected to displace around 10 per cent of PC units by 2014, according to Gartner.
Inflows may fall to a third of 2010, say FIIs
While inflows into Asia, including India, were expected to continue in 2011, there would be moderation.
Diesel price rise not likely till state polls
Rising crude oil prices have become a headache for the government, as they put pressure on inflation and fiscal deficit.
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| March 04, 2011 | | Card fraud costs Citibank Rs 1.89 crore
Citibank saw 92 cases of cloning of debit/credit cards or use of fake cards.
Govt must give Air India billions at times: Panel
The government should occasionally grant thousands of crores of rupees to Air India for its functioning as withdrawal of flights from profitable routes and unresolved issues relating to its merger do not augur well for the carrier, a parliamentary committee has said.
More opportunities for Kashmiri youth: PM
The government is aiming to reach out to nearly 1.50 lakh youth in Jammu and Kashmir based on a plan submitted by an expert panel highlighting the vast untapped potential for employment generation in the state, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said.
US Inc funded charity run by Bobby Jindal's wife
A charitable foundation headed by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal's wife Supriya Jindal, has accepted around USD 790,000 from nine companies that funded the election campaign of her husband, a Washington-based non-partisan watch dog has said.
GM India to drive in premium segment with Cadillac
Operating in India for the last 14 years, automobile major GM India is eyeing the premium car segment with the possible launch of Cadillac in the years to come, a top company official said.
Here's why Indians are switching jobs
According to global technology and consultancy giant Accenture, about 37 per cent of employees surveyed by it are looking for job opportunities outside the company.
The Indian IT industry is coming of age
The Union budget marks a watershed in the life of the Indian information technology services industry, akin to a family's coming of age rites of passage!
It's raining job offers at the IIMs
The recently-concluded lateral placement process at IIM-B saw the emergence of management consultants as the preferred choice for more than 55 per cent offers.
Here's how to invest smartly in art
For many, art as an investment avenue does not work. All asset classes, such as property, stocks and bonds, help a person earn through rentals, dividends and interest, respectively. Art does not generate any such income. In fact, it incurs negative income in the form of storage and associated costs.
Charges against Rajat Gupta: The inside story!
Last week the reputation of Gupta, one of the most revered business and management icons for the Indian American community, came under a cloud after the Federal Security and Exchange Commission charged him with insider trading.
How to add more power to Google
Quick ways to enhance your online search results.
Why the Budget needs more clarity
Clarity of planning and conceptualisation needs to be hallmark of policy planning.
What the Budget means for the social sector
According to Human Development Report (HDR) 2010, the Human Development Index (HDI) for India was 0.519 in 2010 with an overall global ranking of 119 (out of the 169 countries).
Why the Air India Maharaja is in a mess
Air India's appointment and removal of three senior officers was a circus all the way.
If the Union Budget were a human being...
If the union Budget were a human being it would score high on body language.
IMAGES: World's 16 smartest computers
Today's supercomputers eventually turn into tomorrow's ordinary computers.
Why Yunus was sacked as Grameen Bank MD
Bangladesh Central Bank in an order on March 2 removed Dr Muhammad Yunus as head of the bank, which he founded, citing that he had violated country's retirement age.
IMAGES: World's 10 worst cities to live in
A recent study by the Economist Intelligence Unit stated that the worst cities in the world are scattered around Africa and Asia.
Budget opens back door for black money: Experts
Tax experts said many would use this to bring black money and cash stashed in tax havens into the country.
Cybercriminals target mobile apps
Mobile attackers' main attraction is the personal information stored in the contact list
IMAGES: 110 years of automobiles!
To mark the 110th anniversary of the Salon de l'auto, the Grand Palais is staging an exhibition of vintage cars.
The world's 15 most hardworking nations
Believe it or not, but India has been ranked as one of the most hardworking nations in the world in a survey conducted by Ipsos Global and Reuters late last month.
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| March 03, 2011 | | Budget could bring good tidings, but . . .
There was an acknowledgement from the highest quarters that there was a need to "boost the delivery system".
What Porsche has in mind for India
German luxury car-maker Porsche aims to sell 500 cars in India this year and will introduce its Panamera Hybrid super car in the country within the next few months, a top company official said on Thursday.
TRIUMPH: Beating disabilities to be entrepreneurs!
Twins Sundar Ram and Sri Ram suffer from cerebral palsy and learning disability and are also spastic. But their venture Twin Twigs has set them free, making them independent!
Chevrolet Beat plans a diesel version
The LPG model was launched a fortnight ago. Chevrolet is now hoping to rev up the car's sales with a diesel option in June.
10 cars that are among the world's best
The winners for these categories will be announced at the upcoming New York International Auto Show on April 21, 2011.
How Indian trio won $5 mn from BMW for mobile app!
BMW has partnered with three Indians who have created a mobile phone application called MyCityWay, which helps people find everything from a place to eat to the closest park to relax in.
Indians paying real cash for virtual kisses now
mig-33, which offers a social entertainment platform for mobile phones, claims to have registered 100 per cent growth in India last year and most of this growth came from tier-2 and tier-3 cities of the country.
FM fails to provide defence details
This is a rather cavalier treatment of one of the most important items of the government's expenditure statement.
PSU staff pay increased by 100% in 4 years
A public sector unit employee on an average received an annual salary of Rs 6.09 lakh (Rs 609,000) in 2009-10, with total emoluments increasing more than 100 per cent in the last four years.
Buffett takes insurance route to India
The Sage of Omaha has finally arrived in India, just two days after the finance minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to further liberalise the insurance sector.
Investors turn to commodities
Among agriculture commodities, cash crops like cotton and castor are now emerging as asset classes.
Budget: This is the real benefit for you & me!
PwC analyses the impact of Budget proposals for 2011-12 on individuals and industry.
UNVEILED: The stunning iPad2!
The cheapest wi-fi only 16GB version costs $499. The most expensive version featuring wi-fi and 3G, and 64GB costs $829.
When two of the world's most powerful men met
Ambani played the role of a quintessential and successful Indian businessmen - confident, yet very meek.
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| March 2, 2011 | | Why PM thinks this budget meets all the challenges
"You can't please all people. And the finance minister has done as good a job as was possible," said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in an interview with T N Ninan, editorial director and chairman of Business Standard Ltd, on Monday after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announced the Budget proposals in Parliament.
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| March 02, 2011 | | The 6 most preferred Indian cities for jobs!
Seven out of every 10 engineering students in India prefer Bengaluru as their 'first job' city, ahead of the capital Delhi or financial centre Mumbai, reveals a survey.
'India is more transparent than China'
Matthew M Smith, managing director, Abbott Capital, says that Indian general partners (GPs) are more willing to talk portfolios, both good and bad, in the initial meetings.
Indians have Rs 500 lakh crore black money: Ramdev
Claiming that black money to the tune of Rs 500 lakh crore (Rs 500 trillion) was stashed by Indians in foreign banks, yoga guru Baba Ramdev has advocated for bringing that money back home.
Budget '11 is an item number. By Sheila for Munni!
Budget 2011 merely reflects the drift in the central government. Perhaps never in the history of independent India, with the sole exception of the period during Emergency, has the central government suffered from such a credibility crisis.
Fiscal deficit: It's time to end stimulus
The truth about the deficit is that it is designed to serve political objectives, not economic ones.
Get cheaper loans for affordable houses
Sushil Munhot, executive director & head-personal banking, IDBI Bank, says, "Any housing loan of up to Rs 25 lakh will come under priority sector lending, as it is to provide affordable housing. But we do no know when will it come into effect."
IMAGES: Tata's stunning new concept car, Pixel
Based on the Tata Nano, the TataPixel - at just over three metres in length - is the most package efficient four-seater in the world.
Car sales soar in Feb as well
Last month, nine leading vehicle manufacturers sold 213,633 units, 25.8 per cent more than last year.
Budget: The math looks dodgy
The FM puts a positive spin on the Budget but the math looks dodgy.
FM's 'return' gift to cover all taxpayers
The proposal was announced in the Union Budget on Monday.
Is the Budget's fiscal strategy credible?
Premised on the 'best-case scenario' in terms of growth and revenue, the Budget seems unprepared for a possible slowdown.
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| March 01, 2011 | | Focus on socio-economic factors
Percentage of liberalization is yet to be seen, but this for sure will open inroads for significant developments in the industry.
Budget fever: Investors richer by Rs 2.3 lakh cr!
Stock market on Tuesday cheered the Union Budget for the second consecutive day with a record- breaking rally, taking the total addition to investors' wealth to over Rs 2,33,500 crore (Rs 2,335 billion) in just two trading sessions.
'Pranab is India Inc's Sachin Tendulkar!'
India Inc on Tuesday described Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee as industry's Sachin Tendulkar saying the veteran leader was steering the economy "with ease of a seasoned player" in difficult times.
Prices may rise further, warns Pranab
Grappling with a high rate of price rise, the government on Tuesday expressed concern that increasing prices of crude and other commodities in global markets could add to inflationary pressure in the country.
Mixed bag of colours for the textile industry
Textiles: Slaps mandatory excise duty on RMG and apparels with 40% abatement on MRP
Onions may not be a good investment in 2011, if .
Oops, no, onions don't look tempting enough to be part of our investment portfolio for this year! Nor drumsticks!
How the Budget affects various industries
The finance minister's Budget Speech has come as a surprising blessing as he has maintained the rates as they were last year.
Refineries: No reduction in custom duty
Despite deregulation of petrol prices and a hike in retail prices of other regulated fuels in June 2010, oil marketing companies continue to incur.
Why markets are on fire post-Budget
After a strong opening this morning, following a fairly satisfactory Budget on Monday, and positive response from industry, the bourses clocked in gains, with the Auto index leading the gains, mostly.
How Infy, ICICI, Birla rate the Budget
India Inc believes that the FM has done a terrific job, but consumers may not have got their due.
Budget has no good news for pharma sector
Excise duty on formulations has increased from 4 per cent to 5 per cent.
IMAGES: Foreign cars cheap, Indian cars costlier!
While coveted brands like BMW, Volkswagen, Toyota, are going in for aggressive pricing, country's successful value-for-money trio Tata, Maruti and Hyundai are going horribly wrong.
Budget has little for pharma industry
While the strategic focus of the budget on various matters is explicit, the process by which it will translate into a tangible outcome is still to be made unequivocal.
2G scam: CEOs of 10 telcos under scanner
The central government, which is also party to the case, informed a bench of justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly that it is in favour of setting up a special court to try the accused in the 2G case and the law minister has written a letter to the Delhi high court chief justice asking him to constitute a court and identify a judge for this purpose.
Budget fails to satisfy everyone
Overall the Budget seems to be neutral and shows a similar trend as shown in the previous year Budget.
Budget fails to address some issues
Some of the initiatives are aimed specifically at the poorer sections of the society.
Oil drilling: Industry glossed over by the Budget
Amidst sweeping changes expected in the customs and excise duties, the entire industry was glossed over by the Union Budget 2011-12.
DON'T MISS! All about the new tax proposals
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's Budget had quite a few tax-related proposals, although initially they did not appear to be too significant. However, read on to find out what are the proposals related to Direct and Indirect taxes that he has made and how the two affect you!
Hotels: Service tax levy spoils the party
The levy will be 10%, with an abatement of 50%, effectively bringing down the service tax levy to 5% on the tariff.
Best and worst thing about the Budget
Budget has a direct connection with worry, not happiness, says Jaspal Bhatti, Actor-Satirist.
A mixed bag for the FMCG sector
FMCG: Cut in excise duty on baby, clinical diapers, adult diapers and sanitary napkins.
Explained: Why it is the right time to buy cars!
Car and two-wheeler manufacturers have heaved a sigh of relief after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee proposed to maintain the excise duty at present levels while inviting companies to step up investments in the sector.
Budget has been positive for the auto industry
Auto: Retained excise duty at 10% on all automobiles except large cars.
How the finance minister defended his Budget
The forward process is on, the Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee tells NDTV 24x7.
Corporate America goes ga-ga over India Budget
Corporate America has showered kudos on Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee for his latest Budget, describing it as a 'very forward-looking confident budget'.
It's a growth oriented Budget: Industry leaders
The Budget is commendable, as without making any major tax changes it has targeted a 4.6 per cent fiscal deficit for 2011-12 by focusing on achieving 9 per cent growth.
Budget 2011 and the dilemmas of a taxpayer
I strongly believe that if the government does indeed have the mindset and launches the machinery to severely punish white collar criminals, my life will be easier albeit in a convoluted manner.
In GRAPHICS: Budget numbers, simplified
Here are the Budget numbers crystallised into graphics.
EXCLUSIVE! 'UPA has abandoned the aam aadmi!'
In an exclusive column to Rediff.com, CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat explains what is wrong with the Union Budget 2011-12 that Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presented in Parliament on Monday.
Why PM thinks this budget meets all the challenges
"You can't please all people. And the finance minister has done as good a job as was possible," said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in an interview with T N Ninan, editorial director and chairman of Business Standard Ltd, on Monday after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announced the Budget proposals in Parliament.
How the FM plans to curb rising prices
The finance minister has shown a pre-occupation with controlling prices.
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| March 0, 2011 | | Why PM thinks this budget meets all the challenges
"You can't please all people. And the finance minister has done as good a job as was possible," said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in an interview with T N Ninan, editorial director and chairman of Business Standard Ltd, on Monday after Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announced the Budget proposals in Parliament.
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| February 28, 2011 | | Mixed reaction to the Budget
While some have praised the Budget, others have expressed their displeasure.
Budget: Of Pranab's quips and Rahul's absence
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's Budget presentation on Monday was in sharp contrast to his colleague Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee's disorderly and oft-disrupted performance.
Experts' view on what Pranab's Budget means
What does the Budget attempts to do?
India Inc gives thumbs up to the Budget
Overall the Union Budget 2011-12 has been a balanced budget. The government is moving in right direction with regard to reforms.
Budget: Is the industry happy?
While the budget is positive for the equity markets, crude oil price and the global scenario will largely decide the market direction.
Air travel, hotel stays will now be costlier!
Air travel and hotel stays will be expensive as the government raised service tax air travel in economy class by up to Rs 250 and brought hotel accommodation, among others, under the tax net in the Budget unveiled on Monday.
Defence fund: Incapable of meeting growing threats
The increase in defence budget from Rs.147,344 crore (Rs 1,473.44 billion) in fiscal 2010-11 to 164,415 crore (Rs 1,644.15 billion) in fiscal 2011-12, reflects a gain of 11.59%.
Here's how the govt earns and spends its rupee
In a good sign, the government will depend less on borrowing to finance budgetary proposals in 2011-12 than in the ongoing 2010-11 financial year.
How the Budget hits the salaried class
an hour-long chat on Monday, Mahesh Padmanabhan from RelaxwithTax replied to many tax-related questions.
12 Budget measures that affect you!
By far the most attractive thing in the Budget 2010 for individuals is the increase in the income tax slab limits. Though the entry level slab for income tax has not been changed from Rs 1.6 lakh (Rs 160,000), there is a considerable jump in the other slabs.
Roaring markets end on a modest note
The Sensex, which had soared by around 600 points in the aftermath of the FM's speech, surrendered more than 400 points from intra-day highs and slipped below the 18k mark to end up a mere 122 points at 17823 and the Nifty ended up 30 points at 5333.
No filing of tax returns if salary is only income
In a big relief from cumbersome tax filing process for the salaried class, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday proposed to exempt them from filing tax returns unless they have other sources of income.
Why petrol, diesel are likely to cost more
Excise duty on petrol will remain at Rs 14.35 a litre and diesel at Rs 4.60 per litre.
Budget: Who flayed the FM, who praised him
Opposition parties on Monday came down heavily on General Budget 2011-12 dismissing the exercise as "very disappointing and directionless" and said it has failed to address the problems of unemployment and price rise affecting the common man.
Budget: Is there enough in it for farmers?
The finance minister has increased the quantum of rural credit, with particular emphasis on short-term crop loans for small farmers and focussed heavily on improving food storage and processing infrastructure as well as supply chain management.
MAT up at 18.5%; SEZs too under umbrella
The government on Monday proposed to levy Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) of 18.5 per cent on the book profits of Special Economic Zone developers and units, which was termed as a 'setback' by the players.
5-fold strategy to deal with black money menace
Expressing "serious concern" over the generation and circulation of black money, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said the government has adopted a five-fold strategy to deal with the menace.
Coins with new Rupee symbol soon: FM
A new series of coins will be unveiled soon carrying the Rupee symbol, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announced in the Budget.
Why stock market soared by 600 pts on FM's speech!
The bellwether Sensex rose by over 500 points after the finance minister tabled the Budget in Parliament today.
Now, air travel to cost more
The hike in service tax on air travel would be effective from April one. From then on, the tax on economy class domestic travel would stand at Rs 150 instead of the current Rs 100 and Rs 750, as against Rs 500, for international travel.
Budget 2011: What's cheaper, what's costlier!
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presented the Union Budget 2011-12 in Parliament on Monday. While the finance minister made the tax payers slightly happy by raising the exemption limit to Rs 180,000, he made many others unhappy.
Indian economy to boom, FM pegs growth at 9%
India's economy will revert to the pre-crisis growth level of 9 per cent in the next financial year.
Budget 2011-12: All about corporate tax
Bringing some cheer to the industry, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday lowered the surcharge tax limit on corporate tax to 5 per cent from 7.5 per cent, even while marginally raising the Minimum Alternate Tax.
New measures to boost infrastructure invest: FM
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday announced a slew of measures to boost investment in the infrastructure sector with a view to propel the economy on an over 9 per cent growth trajectory in the coming years.
FM forecasts deficit to go down
Revenues from 3G and Broadband Wireless Access spectrum auction has helped government reduce the deficit.
Good news for farmers, loans at 4%
In a bonanza to the farming community, the government on Monday announced loans at interest rate of four per cent -- three per cent less than market rate.
Income-tax: What the finance minister has in store
In a relief to individual tax payers, the government on Friday changed the slabs cutting the rate to 10 per cent for income up to Rs five lakh, while leaving the threshold limit for tax-free income unchanged at Rs 1.6 lakh.
Housing loans of Rs 15 lakh to get 1% interest sop
The government on Monday said low-cost housing loans of Rs 15 lakh (Rs 1.5 million) will be eligible for one per cent interest subsidy, which will help in increasing the demand for such housing.
Highlights of Union Budget 2011-12
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presented the Union Budget 2010-11 in parliament on Friday. A look into the hihghlights.
Will the FM present a 'historic' Budget?
The finance minister's legacy will be determined by this year's Union budget.
Rupee trading soars in Dubai
Futures contracts of the rupee against the dollar listed on the Dubai Gold
FM's mission: A people friendly Budget
Rising food prices are pinching everybody and he would like to do his bit to increase purchasing power.
Budget: Prescriptions and wishlists
Bold reform measures to sustain high growth trajectory figure high.
TAX: FM to raise I-T exemption to Rs 2 lakh?
Tax experts are hopeful Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will increase the income tax exemption limit to Rs 2 lakh (Rs 200,000) per annum from Rs 1.6 lakh (Rs 160,000) to bring the rates in line with the Direct Taxes Code.
CAG to conduct spectrum audit
Artificial scarcity and lack of clarity on available bandwidth blamed for scam.
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| February 25, 2011 | | Vote: What's the best thing about Railway Budget?
We have here a list of a dozen of her proposals in random order. Please take the poll at the end of the slide show to select the one which you feel is the best thing about this year's Railway Budget.
My budget is pro-people, says Mamata
Countering Communist Party of India-Marxist's allegations that she had made Railways bankrupt, she said, "Their government (in West Bengal) is bankrupt. It has Rs 2 lakh crore (Rs 2 trillion) debt. Charity begins at home."
IN NUMBERS: Rail Budget and Economic Survey
How India performed in 2010-2011 and what Mamata has in store for 2011-12.
FIIs invested Rs 1.12 lakh cr in 2010
"The year 2010 has been one of strong growth for the Indian capital markets. Bulls tossed off the markets in the year 2010... following global recovery and with FIIs pumping money into the market," the Economic Survey said.
Food inflation high in India? Well, not really
India's food inflation was the second lowest among all emerging economies in the 2010.
Indian American to guide US manufacturing policy
Secunderabad-born and raised Dr Sridhar Kota, 52, professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, has become American President Barack Obama's point man for developing policy on manufacturing in the White House.
Rail Budget: Who praised Mamata, who slammed her
Though a host of pro-public announcements made by her in the last Railway Budget (2010-11) has been implemented, Indian Railways' finances have gone from bad to worse.
No hike in passenger fares; freight rates
Presenting her third budget in UPA-II in the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a slew of
Mamata's gift for you: 56 new trains
The Indian Railways will launch 56 new trains, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said.
This is what Mamata's rail has in store for you
Stating that the Budget is passenger friendly, Mamata Banerjee said the annual plan for 2011-12 is Rs 57,630 crore.
Indian economy: A tale of robust growth
The growth rate has been 8.6 per cent in 2010-11 and is expected to be around 9 per cent in the next fiscal year.
This is what the Economic Survey 2010-11 says!
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presented the Economic Survey for 2010-11 in the Lok Sabha.
FY12 Budget: The math gets tougher
The government's FY11 fiscal deficit should be comfortably lower than its estimate (4.7% vs the budgeted 5.5%), but we suspect the quality of improvement would be weak, given one-off revenue items and a significantly higher base of nominal GDP.
Toy train travails: N Bengal pins hopes on Didi
For the last eight months, the toy train service between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling is partially suspended, following a landslide and the authorities are unsure of when the narrow gauge route would be revived.
How Mamata's agenda has ruined Railway's party
While a host of pro-public announcements made by her in the last Railway Budget (2010-11) have been implemented, Indian Railways' finances have gone from bad to worse.
What India Inc wants FM to do
The FY2011 budget rightly targeted a resumption of fiscal consolidation as the economic recovery was on track. As the fiscal year progressed, tax revenues proved more buoyant than budgeted due to stronger growth and progress on tax administration.
PHOTOS: How the giant Airbus is made!
A peep into Airbus 320 manufacturing unit.
IMAGES: Libya crisis wreaks havoc on oil prices!
Oil prices hit two-and-a-half-year highs in Asian trade on Friday as violence continued to wrack the Middle East and threatened to spread to other bigger oil producers in the region, analysts said.
Personal tax: This is what the common man wants!
The Budget day is generally awaited by the aam aadmi in the hope that the amendments will mean more money for him.
Will the Budget make you happy? Check this out
Can Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee save the day for his coalition government?
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| February 24, 2011 | | Sensex sheds 546 points to close below 18K
Sensex and Nifty lost about 3.0 per cent to end the day at nearly 2-week lows.
Budget: What are the govt's priorities
Combating inflation, protecting the common man from the impact of rising food prices and sustaining the momentum of economic growth while ensuring the poor get a fair share of the "fruits of growth" are among the government's "foremost priorities" in 2011-12, President Pratibha Patil said in her address to Parliament this week.
Budget 2011: What these 10 experts want
Will the finance minister deliver?
Implementation of telecom policy may be faulty: PM
Citing statistics of teledensity which has gone up from seven per cent in March 2004 to 66 per cent in December, 2010, Singh said the policy has paid 'rich dividends'.
Prices rise: Food inflation at 11.49%
Food inflation rose marginally to 11.49 per cent for the week ended February 12 from 11.05 per cent in the previous week, driven by rising prices of milk, egg, meat and vegetables.
Rail: Mamata may favour Bengal, not hike fares
The Railways are unlikely to carry out any major changes in passenger fares in the Rail Budget for the eighth year in succession, even as more than 100 new trains could be announced, including a dozen non-stop Durontos.
Antrix deal, scams, inflation: PM has bold retorts
In the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, the ISRO-Devas deal came up for discussion. Bharatiya Janata Party's Venkiah Naidu wanted a discussion on the deal, but Singh said he did not know enough on the issue.
Why next few days are vital for the stock market
Going by the trends in the past, the stock market has always been highly volatile during the budget season. This is primarily due to the fact that there are high positive/negative expectations prior to the Budget.
Budget: A tightrope walk for the FM
The Street will await positive signals towards maintaining growth, boosting infra spending and reforms in the forthcoming Union Budget, but mounting inflation and political compulsions leave little room to manoeuvre.
Budget: What the govt promised and what it did
Budget 2010 gave a lot of hope to people in the country. There were many new schemes introduced by the government aiming at the growth and development of the country.
Micra Diesel vs Indica Vista Quad! Who wins?
We pitch Micra Diesel against the latest iteration of the car that kick-started the diesel hatch wars, the Indica Vista Quadrajet Aura+!
The world's 10 most liveable cities
While cities from Canada and Australia hogged the limelight, there was not a single city from either the US or Asia among the top 10.
10 futuristic cars you must see
Futuristic cars are set to take the world by storm.
Mumbai 6th most expensive office location
Key office markets around the world have seen sharp increases in rents, according to Cushman & Wakefield's Office Space Across the World 2011 report.
Why India will be world's No. 1 economy by 2050!
The 10 largest economies by 2050 (in trillion 2010 PPP dollars) will be very different from what they are now. Read on to find out which are these nations and why India will be the largest economy. . .
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| February 23, 2011 | | Allow export of wheat, rice and sugar, says Pawar
Making a strong case for bringing down the $600 per tonne export benchmark price for Indian onions which has made them uncompetitive, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said the Minimum Export Price is double the prevailing rate in international markets.
Plastics industry to launch courses
Plastics industry has tied-up with Mumbai-based University Department of Chemical Technology to launch diploma and certificate courses.
UK looks for JV with Indian N-industry
UK's civil nuclear energy companies are looking for tie-ups with Indian counterparts.
Hyundai i20 Automatic: How good is it?
This i20 automatic promised the prowess of the original with a more comfortable transmission. Did it match up? I find out.
What the Economic Survey is likely to say
The robust performance of the Indian economy during the ongoing fiscal is likely to prompt the government to peg GDP growth in the 2011-12 fiscal at 9 per cent, as well as withdraw stimulus measures in the forthcoming Budget.
The economics behind the Congress Budget
Stability and efficiently meeting equity should be the objectives of the forthcoming Budget.
Hurry! You can still claim more tax deductions
There is more to tax planning than just Section 80C and infrastructure bonds.
Apple likely to unveil new iPad on March 2
The next-generation iPad, which is unofficially termed the 'iPad 2', is expected to be 'thinner and lighter'.
Check out these 5 stunning sedans
Big names in the Indian car market are strengthening their sedan segment.
Budget: What to expect, what not to expect
Amid speculation that taxes and duties might be raised as part of a partial rollback of the economic stimulus, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will present the Budget for 2010-11 on Friday.
DoT draws up ambitious blueprint for sector
Several of the proposals may be part of New Telecom Policy.
What the IT industry wants from the Budget
Small and medium IT companies seek extension of benefits under STPI, increased spending on education, e-governance and more transparency.
Mamata calls on UPA brass to clear pet rail plans
Banerjee wants the two top leaders of the United Progressive Alliance to nudge the Planning Commission into including some of her most important initiatives in the Railway Budget.
25 nations where high food price could crush govts
The world over, food inflation is rampant. In Tunisia, it actually led to the toppling of the government following riots over high food prices
How to become a great leader
Defining the future fosters commitment within your team by imbuing its work with purpose.
Can Budget bridge the rich-poor divide?
More than one fourth of all spending is on interest alone, which is actually regressive and not redistributive at all.
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| February 22, 2011 | | 2G: CBI unaware of threat to national security
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday said it was not aware of the threat to national security posed by allocation of 2G spectrum to some telecom firms which subsequently offloaded their shares to global firms with links to Pakistan, an issue raised by Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy.
Rs 150 coin to be out soon!
For the first time in the country's minting history, government will issue coins of Rs 150 denomination.
Some inflationary pressure to remain: FM
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday urged the states to strengthen PDS to enable the government insulate the poor from the adverse impact of inflation.
How BP deal gives Reliance a push to expand abroad
Reliance Industries Ltd's $7.2 billion asset sale to BP PLC has given it the firepower to expand more aggressively overseas, potentially pitching it into competition with Asian rivals for big oil and gas deals.
Budget: Preventive healthcare needs incentive
Through this Budget, we look forward to various incentives whereby good high-end medical technology reaches the remote areas of our country.
Ask FDIs entering retail to meet conditions
While no major overhaul of taxes are expected, fiscal deficits for FY11 and FY12 may bring in positive surprises.
The 20 challenges that the finance minister faces!
The Union Budget 2011-12 is just round the corner. On February 28, even as Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announces his Budget proposals there are a lot of challenges that face him.
How investors can benefit from Budget
A market index rises when people with deeper pockets (not necessarily a larger number of people) bet that shares will rise in value.
Budget must focus on agri reforms & infrastructure
Restore macro economic stability
Budget: A heavy burden on Pranab Mukherjee
Economic growth should be accompanied by social and political stability.
Why govt borrowings may remain high in FY12
In our view, the overall fiscal consolidation could impart a negative fiscal impulse after 3 years of positive impulse.
Meet the key people behind the Budget
A look at the key members who make the country's biggest fiscal package.
How Budget may affect income tax, industry sectors
The Union Budget for 2011-12 comes at a critical juncture for the economy -- high inflation, tight liquidity, elevated fiscal and current account deficits, and a slowdown in the reform process have taken away the sheen from the India growth story.
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| February 21, 2011 | | 2G scam: CBI questions Videocon's Dhoot
The duo was called to the CBI headquarters Monday afternoon and questioned for over seven hours.
RIL sells 30% pie in oil blocks to BP for $7.2 bn
In one of the country's biggest energy deals, Reliance Industries on Monday announced sale of 30 per cent stake in its 23 blocks including the giant KG-D6 gas fields to the United Kingdom's BP Plc for $7.2 billion.
Secret bank a/cs: Germany, Mauritius to share info
The assurance came at a bilateral meeting between Mukherjee and German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble on the sidelines of the meeting of the G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors that concluded in Paris on Saturday.
Here's why PM's advisors are gung-ho on economy
The Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council on Monday projected the economic growth in the country at 8.6 per cent for the current fiscal on the back of rebound in farm output and inflation to come down to 7 per cent by March-end due to declining food prices.
Here's what our MPs will decide in Budget Session
Parliament met on Monday for the Budget Session, starting with the President's address. This session will likely focus on financial issues, other debates on important national issues, and legislative Bills.
What's an iPad without its apps
The Apple iPad can be hammered into a content creation device - but not without hitches like it cannot open multiple windows while working - but where it really shines is as a content consumption device.
Meet the Indian inventor who has 42 patents
In 2005, when Rediff.com met Arvind Thiagarajan, he was 25-year-old young inventor with a couple of patents to his credit. Today, he has more than 40 patents to his credit.
2 new super bikes soon in India
The motorcycle segment in the country grew by 24 per cent to 7.4 million between April 2010 and January 2011.
An easy-to-understand guide on Budget jargon
Budget is the annual fiscal exercise that attracts a lot interest, as it is a plan that sets goals, outlines resources to meet these goals, provides details of the government's receipts and payments, and frames the taxation policies for the country.
Ambani needs fresh SEZ approval
This is required after Maharashtra de-notified 16,000 acres of land earmarked for the Maha Mumbai Special Economic Zone in Raigad district.
Tata to increase Aria's production
Aria has a 14 per cent share in the UV segment, clocking in sales of 225-250 units a month.
Kingfisher may cancel A380 and A350 orders
The UB Group-controlled Kingfisher Airlines may cancel its orders for Airbus A380s and A350s or swap these planes for smaller planes like A320s and A330s.
Consumers unhappy with brodband's usage policies
Most users are unhappy with the cap on 'unlimited' access plans. Broadband internet service providers need to make their networks more capable, feel most Indian subscribers.
Fighting price rise is top priority: President
Combating inflation and sustaining growth momentum may be the top priority, but the government on Monday said it would strive to push economic reforms to encourage foreign and private sector investments in the economy.
Digital classrooms: The future of young India
Keeping pace with students who are becoming more tech-savvy, schools in India are taking to the concept of digital classrooms.
Traders fear higher import duties on gold, silver
Industry representatives say the government may be tempted to raise the duty on gold and silver by Rs 100 per 10 gram and Rs 500 per kg, respectively, to earn extra revenue at a time the economy is facing several challenges.
Of Harshad Mehta and how UPA can regain trust
The public's faith in the processes of government would be restored if the prime minister is as good as his word, and goes with determination after all the guilty in the telecom scam and the many Commonwealth Games rackets.
India's trade pact with Japan: What it means
The far-reaching Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement serves a number of national interests on both sides.
Budget: Everything you wanted to know about it
The Budget still remains a very important event for India.
Ever considered hiring through Facebook?
An increasing number of IT companies find the idea of using social media making a lot of sense.
Bengal uses half of rural water funds, rest less
There is one area in which West Bengal has come out on top: Utilisation of funds under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme, or NRDWP.
Sugar worth Rs 8,400 crore rots in Maharashtra
It is lying in the godowns of the state's sugar mills, according to the Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories in Maharashtra.
India's top cities with highest household income
Urbanisation is a core component to the process of city formation and building out India's competitive strength in the global markets.
Govt may settle for one excise, service tax rate
Move a step towards goods and services tax.
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| February 18, 2011 | | Cisco launches virtual meeting solution
Cisco's pervasive strategy aims at making video available on any device of one's choice.
Scams, high prices, pro-rich policy could maim UPA
As the crucial Budget session of Parliament begins, the UPA has a major chance to correct course. If it wastes it, it risks disaster, says .
Swan Telecom's Shahid Balwa sent to Tihar jail
DB Reality and Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Usman Balwa was on Friday sent to Tihar Jail by court and remain in under judicial custody till March 3.
'India story continues unabated'
We also expect undertaking policy reforms to support growth like addressing the challenges to land acquisition, infrastructure bottlenecks and infrastructure financing, among others.
JLR to hire 2,000 in 2 years
The company plans to induct 400 people during this year in UK alone and has already started the process to recruit 280 graduates in different verticals.
Salaries unlimited! India's top earning CEOs
Executive take-homes touched a new peak, fuelled by companies' hunt for star talent.
Likely rollback of stimulus package
Vivek Mahajan expects a populist Budget and says there could be a rollback of economic stimulus package.
New consumer price indices peg inflation at 6%
The figure was arrived based on a comparison with the annual all-India CPI index average for the whole of 2010.
Road test: The superb Rs 5.99-lakh Mahindra Thar
The Thar is based on the classic MM540/550 design which was derived from the CJ-5 series.
Budget: Why the nation needs it
With people reposing faith in the UPA and voting for stability, this is the government's chance to fulfill its promises, ensure growth and development of the country, check runaway prices, and offer succour to the aam aadmi.
Record surge in Indian gold demand
Up 37% in December quarter, nearly 70 per cent over the year, a fourth of entire global intake.
The secret behind Titan's success
The Tata Group company, among the top five in market capitalisation, is set to further strengthen its presence in the gold retailing and watches segment.
Jobs from US are outsourced to India? Bah!
Indo-US trade and economic relationship is a two-way process and not heavily tilted towards any one.
Lenovo tablet launch in next two quarters
Lenovo is set to introduce tablet computers in the Indian market within the next two quarters, Amar Babu, managing director, Lenovo India, said on Friday.
6 Indians among 111 charged in US health scam
The 111 people charged across nine cities are accused of various healthcare fraud-related crimes, including conspiracy to defraud Medicare, criminal false claims, money laundering and aggravated identify theft.
How to choose the right mutual fund
A little time spent in choosing the right fund can go a long way in deciding the final corpus from the scheme.
PHOTOs: Here's what India's billionaires drive!
Click NEXT to check out the vehicles Indian billionaires drive . . .
IMAGES: Mercedes C200, passport to elite club
Mercedes-Benz' C200 CGI is a phenomenal engineering work.
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| February 17, 2011 | | HCL says no to $35 laptop project
HCL Infosystems has denied its association with Sakshat project of the ministry of human resource development to manufacture access and computing device to be priced $35 a piece.
The UPA's failures, according to Yashwant Sinha
'Stringent measures needed on government expenditure'
9 foreign airlines cleared of cartelisation charge
The investigation wing of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has cleared nine foreign airlines of cartelisation and abuse of dominant position charges, pressed by the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI).
5 young guns who will take over top Indian firms
A new generation is being groomed to take over some of the top companies in India.
Rail Budget: What do people expect from Mamata?
The forthcoming Railway Budget is, perhaps, going to be the toughest one for Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Herbal products will be outlawed from EU
From May 1, a Brussels diktat known as the herbal directive, will effectively outlaw ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) from the 27-member countries of the European Union.
Some brickbats, some bouquets for ex-Sebi boss
An electrical engineer by education and an IAS officer of 1975 batch, Bhave engineered and administered numerous changes in Indian markets ever since taking charge as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India on February 17, 2008.
Steve Jobs may have just 6 weeks to live!
Apple chief Steve Jobs who is suffering from pancreatic cancer may have just six weeks to live, a United States-based online publication has said.
Food inflation will be down to single digit:Pranab
Driven by high vegetable prices, the food inflation is in double digit for the past two months and even crossed 18 per cent in the last week of December 25.
Geithner for expansion of H-1B visa
US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has said that he is in favour of expansion of H-1B visa programme, offered to highly skilled professionals and students to live and work in the country.
Govt scraps controversial Devas-Antrix deal
The decision to annul the deal was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the basis of a recommendation from the Space Commission.
Honda recalls 57,853 City sedans in India!
The company, which runs operations in India through a joint venture with the Siel Group -- Honda Siel Cars India -- said the recall will cover only the third-generation City models that were manufactured between November 2008, and December 2009.
Food inflation at 9-week low of 11.05 %
Food inflation fell for the second straight week to a nine-week low of 11.05 per cent for the week ended February 5 as pulses, wheat and potato prices declined.
IMAGES: The stunning new Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
The car uses Cayenne's hybrid system and is driven by an electric motor.
Does India need the new accounting norm?
How rhetoric smuggles IFRS into India.
Traders go mobile with smartphones
Business-focused applications contribute 27 per cent to the total downloads in India and are the third-most popular apps downloaded.
Mumbai, Hyderabad, New Delhi fly high
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport has been rated the second-best airport worldwide for airports in the 15-25-million passengers category.
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| February 16, 2011 | | Why Anil Ambani met CBI officials in Delhi
ADAG, however, issued a statement saying that he visited the CBI as part of his weekly visit to Delhi.
Food prices rising to dangerous levels: World Bank
Spiralling prices of wheat, maize, sugar and oils apart from food items such as vegetables turning costlier, are pushing food inflation higher, according to World Bank.
IMAGES: The 20 richest people in India
There were 106 additions to the super-rich list in 2010.
Why pre-payment penalty should go
Banks in India have to live by the quality of their service, not anti-competitive practices
Infosys plans 5-fold rise in BPO workers
To tap the domestic market, the country's second-largest information technology company set up a separate unit within its BPO arm in 2009.
The iconic Mercedes G 55 AMG at Rs 1.1 crore!
The car is powered by a supercharged 5.5-litre V8-engine
This IT czar has his heart in the right place
Dreams certainly did become a reality in the case of this son of a district judge in Tamil Nadu.
Have a short-term goal? Here's how to invest
Stick to debt instruments as the duration is short, and as you cannot take a punt on equities. If the market turns volatile and you make losses, there isn't sufficient time to recoup these.
What made former Sebi chief successful?
Chandrasekhar Bhaskar Bhave has always tried to avoid controversy, but that's something that has followed him like a shadow in the last three years of his professional career.
IMAGES: The world's top 25 debt-ridden nations
External debt (or foreign debt) is the total amount of private and public foreign debt (capital plus interest) that a country owes to its creditors outside the country.
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| February 15, 2011 | | Black money: Swiss relax rules to share info
In a move that could help India track black money, Switzerland on Tuesday relaxed norms for sharing information on secret bank accounts of overseas tax offenders by allowing varied modes of identification.
No rise in petro prices soon: Minister
The government has no plans to increase petrol and diesel prices even though international crude rates have touched $100 per barrel, Oil Minister S Jaipal Reddy said in Panipat on Tuesday.
You may soon get 9.5% interest on your PF deposits
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will soon give the green signal to the payment of 9.5 per cent interest rate on provident fund deposits during 2010-11, a senior government official said on Tuesday.
Takeover talk just a rumour, says Twitter CEO
Twitter chief executive officer Dick Costolo has dismissed as rumour reports that Google and Facebook were in talks of acquiring the micro-blogging site for $10 billion.
Costs, interest rate can hurt JLR profits
Thanks to the turnaround in JLR's performance, the stock has been the best performer in the large cap auto segment.
Waste turns into lifestyle products
What was thrown out as waste and burnt as firewood is now being converted into a substitute for wood.
Mamata's warning & list of powers ministers enjoy
Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, it appears, is peeved with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Home Minister P Chidambaram over the punishment being meted out to government servants on charges of corruption.
A look at Mahindra Satyam's new growth strategy
Back on track under the new management of Tech Mahindra, Mahindra Satyam (the new identity of information technology outsourcing company Satyam Computer Services Limited) is bullish on joining the league of its peers through its predefined three-year turnaround plan.
Major concerns for India? Corruption, inflation
Corruption and inflation were major concerns among Indian investors, according to a survey done by ValueNotes on behalf of JP Morgan Asset Management in December.
Revealed after 125 yrs! Coca-Cola's secret recipe
The prototype Coca-Cola recipe was formulated at the Eagle Drug and Chemical Company, a drugstore in Columbus, Georgia by John Pemberton.
Grief to joy: Inspiring tale of an entrepreneur!
Dr Sunil Shroff of Sri Ramachandra Medical College, recently won the TiECON Chennai's Social Entrepreneur of the Year award. This is his story. . .
Should India's super-rich pay more taxes?
India has a very low tax/GDP ratio by world standards.
Asia's 22 greenest cities: Delhi ahead of Mumbai!
The Asian Green City Index examines the environmental performance of 22 major Asian cities in eight categories: energy and CO2, land use and buildings, transport, waste, water, sanitation, air quality and environmental governance.
PIX: The 20 hottest selling cars in India
Led by the country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki, Ford India, General Motors and Toyota Kirloskar logged overall growth in sales volumes.
Of Posco, responsible investing and reality
What is urgently needed are transparent and highly credible mechanisms for mapping actual impacts on the ground -- and sifting the truth from claims made by different sides of the dispute, says .
FIIs to keep selling Indian stocks till mid-2011!
Indian equities to invest in the more profitable north-east Asian markets till mid-2011, Australian investment bank Macquarie said.
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| February 14, 2011 | | Tata slams RCom as dual tech fracas hots up
Tata Teleservices said on Monday that it is unfair and incorrect to compare the company with dual technology operators like RCom and others as they had applied and got the approval even before the policy came into effect.
Nilekani to head team on kerosene, LPG subsidy
The government on Monday constituted an inter-ministerial task force under UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilekani for evolving mechanisms to provide direct subsidies on kerosene, cooking gas and fertilisers to intended beneficiaries.
DRDO unleashes latest weapon: Mosquito repellent!
It has been developing missiles and other state-of-the-art equipment for the armed forces, but the Defence Research and Development Organisation is now ready to take on the oldest human enemy -- mosquitoes -- that are vectors of diseases like malaria, and dengue with a new insect repellent cream.
New diesel variant of Chevrolet Beat by June
"Beat with a one-litre diesel engine will also be coming in June this year," General Motors India Vice-President P Balendran said after unveiling the LPG variant of the compact car here.
Home loan pre-payment penalty may be slashed
RBI in talks with banks to fix charges at 0.5-1%.
I told PM loot is happening in his name: Shourie
Former telecom minister Arun Shourie responds to the Shivraj Patil committee's findings on the 2G spectrum scam, in this interview with Karan Thapar on CNN-IBN programme 'Devil's Advocate'. Excerpts:
Inflation dips to 8.23%, but food still costly
Inflation declined marginally to 8.23 per cent in January from 8.43 per cent in the previous month, as prices of certain commodities like wheat, pulses and sugar eased, although essential items like onion and other vegetables continue to remain dearer.
12 global cities that will see a mega-boom by 2025
Cities, the world over, are bursting at the seams. With urbanisation on the rise, urban populations have now outnumbered rural populations in many nations, and the 'exodus' shows no signs of abating.
Now, Chinese cars all set to drive into India
With the automobile marking booming in India, vehicle makers are likely to set base here.
Buying property in small city? Beware of taxman!
Buying property valued considerably less than even Rs 30 lakh (Rs 3 million) in small cities may soon draw the attention of income-tax officials, if the transaction does not match payment of income tax.
Rs 1-lakh crore fraud by 'old 2G operators': RCom
Reliance Communications has accused "old 2G operators" of causing over Rs 1 lakh crore (Rs 1 trillion) in losses to the exchequer through "fraudulent means".
Pay Rs 90 lakh and buy a ticket to space
The world's first private commercial flight to space is set to take off in 2012.
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| February 11, 2011 | | Exclusive! DoT had opposed ISRO-Devas deal
In his letter dated July 6, 2010, Thomas had also advocated a discussion on use of the scarce S-band spectrum with Indian Space Research Organisation in a special meeting attended by representatives of DoT, Department of Space, Information and Broadcasting Ministry, and Indian Meteorological Department.
Iconic Cadillac to be in India in 2 years
Riding high on the Indian success story of its Chevrolet brand, multi-national auto major General Motors is looking at launching its premium and iconic Cadillac in the country in the next two years, a top company official said.
Kalam thrilled by Gujarat's high growth
"Gujarat registered a sustained agricultural growth of 7 to 9 per cent over the past six years which was far ahead of the country's national average growth of just about 2.5 to 3 per cent."
PHOTOs: Chevrolet Beat LPG is here at Rs 410,000!
The Beat LPG has been priced at between Rs 4.10 lakh (Rs 410,000) and Rs 4.53 lakh (Rs 453,000) -- ex-showroom Mumbai.
Nokia, Microsoft in JV to boost smartphone biz
The two entities would form a "broad strategic partnership that would use their complementary strengths and expertise to create a new global mobile ecosystem."
Black money abroad? It's returning via FDI!
The expos of Swiss bank account holders has rekindled a controversy regarding the amount of illegal money stashed abroad by Indians.
Can Anil Ambani pull his cos back from the brink?
Litigation, business setbacks, corporate governance issues and a massive funding shortage have left Anil Ambani's companies reeling.
Now you can switch your health insurance firm
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority on Thursday allowed portability of health insurance products. It will be applicable for all existing and new contracts from July.
Why is Kingfisher losing its sheen to IndiGo!
"On-time performance is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. On-time service, too, is said to have helped IndiGo become the second-biggest airline. People fly to be on time and for point-to-point travel. IndiGo seems to have got its fundamentals right," says Amber Dubey, director (aerospace & defence) at global consultancy firm KPMG.
Facebook mulls $1-bn staff share sale
Facebook mulls allowing employees sell up to $1 billion of their shares to institutional investors, valuing the social networking firm at $60 billion.
Monthly IIP numbers don't tell the true story: FM
Industrial production, measured by the index of industrial production, slowed to a 20 month low of 1.6 per cent in December, from 2.7 per cent in November 2010.
Ambani identifies rogue brokers, seeks Sebi action
The Anil Ambani group on Friday said that it has identified the stockbrokers behind the spread of malicious rumours and 'baseless sensational charges' against it and sought immediate action by the Securities and Exchange Board of India against the perpetrators.
Indian economy slowing down? IIP sinks to 1.6%
India's Index of Industrial Production -- which measures industrial growth -- plunged to a dismal 1.6 per cent in December 2010 from 18 per cent in the same period a year ago due to the poor performance of the manufacturing sector.
Sensex plummeting? No reason to panic
We're likely to see Sensex earnings of 1,200-1,225 per share for the year ending March 2012.
Give farmers loans at low rates, Sonia tells banks
Seeking to insulate small and marginal farmers from exploitation by moneylenders, United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi has asked banks to provide credit to farming community at lower rates of interest.
Want quick promotions? Join the banking sector!
Banks rearrange human resource priorities.
I want to be remembered as a clean bizman: Tata
Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata has said that power and wealth are not his two main stakes and ruled out joining politics after his retirement in 2012.
Reclamation finds place in Mamata's lexicon
The Trinamool Congress leader was all praise for the Rs 5,000-crore (Rs 50-billion) Sagar Port project by the Kolkata Port Trust, which will be the first project in the country to come up through the reclamation of riverbed.
2G scam: 'Ministers, bureaucrats hand-in-glove'
The one-member Shivraj Patil committee report, which was made public in its entirety on Thursday, has put in the dock communications ministers and key bureaucrats in the department of telecom since 2001.
Indian stock markets losing Rs 100 crore a minute!
In total, the stock market wealth has come down by a whopping over Rs 11 lakh crore (Rs 11 trillion) since the beginning of 2011, as the benchmark Sensex plummeted by over 3,000 points.
The story beyond India's growth story
That India is a growth story is old hat. It is time to talk about the story beyond that story, was the message at this year's India Business Conference at the Kellogg School of Management.
PM on why India needs to modernise agri marketing
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Thursday the government will focus on modernising the agricultural marketing system and brining in private players to this sector in the 12th Five Year Plan beginning 2012.
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| February 10, 2011 | | Set up special court on 2G scam, SC tells govt
The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the government to constitute a special court to exclusively deal with the 2G spectrum scam that has caused a loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore (Rs 1.76 trillion) to the exchequer.
Environment under attack: Why India to pay dearly!
Posco was cleared because it is India's largest FDI project and the South Korean government lobbied for it. Such things don't happen in democracies which respect the rule of law, says .
BCCI insures World Cup for Rs 246 crore
The cricket body has taken a separate cover for terror-related cancellation.
A luxury Toyota Innova, MKrafted with passion!
MKraft developed the concept of 'Stretchback' and the concept sets the benchmark of luxury to an entirely different platform.
The amazing ups-and-downs story of DB Realty
Shahid Balwa and Vinod Goenka, the promoters of DB Realty, have a common background -- both are college drop-outs and came from families that, directly or indirectly, dealt in real estate.
Facebook, Google talk acquisition with Twitter
"Executives at both Facebook and Google, among other companies, have held low-level talks with those at Twitter Inc in recent months to explore the prospect of an acquisition of the messaging service," The Wall Street Journal reported, citing a person familiar with the matter.
Davos to install statue of Mahatma Gandhi
Spurred by the popularity of Mahatma Gandhi at the recent World Economic Forum, which displayed statues of the Indian leader at various venues, the Davos city council has approved setting up a permanent Gandhi monument there.
Anil Ambani: Bears caused Rs 3 lakh crore loss!
Hit by a massive sell-off in stocks of various group companies, Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group today said it is a victim of a bear cartel that has caused a market value loss of over Rs 3 lakh crore (Rs 3 trillion) across the infrastructure sector in the past two weeks.
Black money: Govt to name offenders, SC told
The UPA government, under severe pressure from the Supreme Court and the Opposition parties over the issue of billions of dollars of Indian wealth parked in tax havens, on Thursday assured the Apex Court that it will make public the names of persons who have stashed money in foreign banks, after a case is registered against them.
Food inflation: Govt clueless on how to tackle it
Food inflation continues to run amok, and very clearly, the government does not seem to have any clue on how to rein it in.
Mamata may not hike rail fare despite fund crunch
Political repercussions are not the only reason why the Trinamool Congress chief would leave the sensitive issue of fares untouched before the West Bengal assembly elections in April.
Budget may hike tax exemption to Rs 1.75 lakh
Tax incentives to software companies under Sections 10A and 10B are also set to continue next year, with a change in the basis of benefits from profit-linked to investment-linked.
Indian economy opening up slow, US frustrated
The US was 'extraordinarily' frustrated with the slow pace of opening up of Indian economy, despite the issue being raised at the highest level, a top Obama Administration has said.
What housewives, farmers, students want in Budget
Come February and all eyes and ears are on the finance minister and his budget for the coming year.
Who's better? Merc E-Class versus Skoda Superb V6
The new Mercedes Benz E-Class (W212) is here - an aggressively styled German luxury sedan worth approximately half a crore (Rs 5 million).
Black money to be taxable under DTC: Govt
The government also informed the apex court that it has completed negotiations for Tax Informations Exchange Agreement with 10 countries where the money is believed to have been stashed.
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| February 09, 2011 | | Indian growth engine to slow down, says HSBC
India's economic growth may slow down to a little over 8 per cent while inflation is likely to be above the comfort level at 6.6 per cent with an upward bias next fiscal, a senior economist from global banking major HSBC said on Wednesday.
World Cup ad rate can touch Rs 24 lakh per 10 sec!
It could be a windfall for cricket World Cup broadcaster ESPN Star Sports if India reaches the knockout stages, as the spot rate for advertisements could then touch up to Rs 24 lakh (Rs 2.4 million) per 10 seconds.
Anil Ambani stocks plummet; 2G probe widens
Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group stocks plummeted on Wednesday after ADAG chairman Anil Ambani reportedly met Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal.
Do we need a black money amnesty scheme?
Sukumar Mukhopadhyay, former member, Central Board of Excise and Customs, and Govindrao Adik, MP and General Secretary, NCP, debate the pros and cons of offering amnesty to tax evaders.
Mahindra culture curry has biz flavour
"In business, personal passion should not be an indulgence, but a promise of excellence," said Mahindra, the vice-chairman & managing director of India's leading farm equipment-to-software group.
Budget: Here's what the common man wants
The Budget refers to the 'Annual Financial Statement', laid before both the Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
Maruti Kizashi versus the other beauties!
With the kind of powertrain and output potential Kizashi comes in direct competition with the likes of Honda Accord, Volkswagen Jetta, Chevrolet Cruze, Skoda Laura and Toyota Camry.
Trai moots huge hike in start-up 2G spectrum price
In a development that has huge financial implications for existing as well as new operators, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has recommended fixing the price for 6.2 Mhz of pan-India start-up 2G spectrum at Rs 10,972.45 crore (Rs 109.724 billion), more than six times the present cost of Rs 1,658 crore (Rs 16.58 billion).
2G spectrum scam: CBI arrests DB group's Balwa
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday night arrested Dynamix Balwas group managing director Shahid Usman Balwa in connection with the 2G spectrum allocation scam.
GDP: Interesting facts you must know
The gross domestic product (GDP) or gross domestic income (GDI) is the market value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a given period of time.
Vote: Who has been India's best finance minister?
Finance Ministers play a key role in shaping the economy of a country.
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| February 08, 2011 | | End ISRO deal, urged law officer; govt waited
Even as the ISRO spectrum deal snowballs into a major issue, with the Opposition parties gunning for the United Progressive Alliance government, the head of the Indian Space Research Organisation Dr K. Radhakrishnan said that the Antrix-Devas S-band spectrum deal was recommended to be annulled in 2010 and the Department of Space is going through the process of reviewing the agreement.
ISRO spectrum deal had Cabinet nod?
Hyperactive Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal -- busy trying to 'rescue' the UPA government in the 2G scam ever since he took over after Andimuthu Raja resigned in November -- finds himself caught up in another spectrum scam of the Indian Space Research Organisation's gift of 70Mhz at throwaway prices to its former officer in 2005 that is now turning out to be a Rs 2-lakh crore (Rs 2 trillion) scandal.
IT firms to see rise in H-1B, L-1 visa holders
Despite the rise in visa application fee and increasing pressure from the US to hire more locally, the number of H-1B and L-1 visa holders at most of the top Indian information technology firms are expected to increase further.
IT-BPO exports to hit $175 billion by 2020
Having touched export revenues of $59 billion last year, the industry is estimated to have grown by 19 per cent in this financial year, aggregating revenues worth $76 billion.
BSE, NSE at war again; brokers gain
Taking its price war with main rival National Stock Exchange (NSE) up a notch, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has announced the waiver of all transaction charges for brokers from semi-urban areas with effect from next month.
Sibal is lying, says Shourie; slams 2G scam report
Trashing the report on 2G scam by Justice Shivraj Patil, former telecom minister Arun Shourie on Tuesday accused Union Minister Kapil Sibal of trying to save former telecom minister A Raja by functioning as his advocate.
Want to ease your home loan burden? Here's help!
Pay EMI for the entire sum, even if it is disbursed in tranches.
Bonanza for techies: 400,000 jobs coming your way!
Hiring may exceed 400,000 in 2011-12; but laterals more sought after, as companies augment bench strength.
Wipro reorganises IT business structure
Customers can expect nimbler, more pro-active delivery, says the Wipro CEO.
This is what the Budget may do for you
As the finance ministry gives the final touches to the country's biggest financial planning exercise, there is widespread criticism over the government's inability to tackle inflation, bring back black money stashed overseas and keep fiscal deficit in check.
Great car launches and upgrades in February
It's just the second month of the New Year and already there have been a number of car launches and upgrades.
PF money in stocks? FinMin wants EPFO to decide
The finance ministry wants the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation to bypass the central board of trustees when deciding how to invest a portion of the Rs 5-lakh crore (Rs 5 trillion) provident fund corpus in the capital market.
Want to win Rs 25,000? Just solve this case!
The Tata Consultancy Services-Smart Manager Case Contest is the oldest and most prestigious competition of its kind in India.
The man behind IndiGo's amazing success
Rahul Bhatia set up IndiGo and the Ibis hotels in India.
New pill offers relief from fever, pain for 12 hrs
Ahmedabad-based Lincoln Pharma on Monday launched the long acting paracetamol pill of 1,000 mg 'Pa12' for sustained relief from fever and pain for 12 hours.
Aussie cyclone batters India's steel producers
Steel producers have already increased prices by 3-5 per cent, which will consequently hit the construction and automobile industries.
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| February 07, 2011 | | India's per capita income at Rs 54,527 in FY'11!
India's per capita income is projected to grow by 17.3 per cent to Rs 54,527 in 2010-11 from Rs 46,492 in the year-ago period, according to the official data released on Monday.
Chairmen come and go, but Sebi remains: Bhave
C B Bhave, the outgoing chief of market regulator Sebi, on Monday said it was the institution that was supreme and not the person heading it.
Another huge scam in spectrum allocation: Left
Terming as 'very serious' reports alleging that ISRO benefited a private firm through allocation of scarce S-band spectrum without a bidding process, Left parties on Monday demanded a thorough probe into the 'new scam'.
Excellence, key to success in global market: PM
While several multi-national enterprises have set up R&D facilities in India, the country has a "far way to go in institutionalising the culture of excellence embedded into the working processes of Indian enterprises," said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
All you wanted to know about EPF and PPF
PPF is a typical savings tool but one has to invest for the long term. This means there is an asset-class mismatch.
This is how companies sell in Naxal areas
While there is every sign of grinding poverty in the villages, the towns of Bastar and Jagdalpur have big and bustling markets.
'Coal India will be Gold India in 10 years'
Partha S Bhattacharyya, the outgoing chairman of Coal India, is probably best described as the man who led the company's transition from the world's largest coal miner to the country's fourth largest company in terms of market capitalisation.
Why India needs to move beyond jugaad
Jugaad is not the best solution that one could arrive at -- it is sub-optimal. India needs to have a systematic approach to innovation.
World's top 20 outsourcing hotspots; India is king
India remains the favourite backoffice of the world thanks to its 'first-mover advantage' and deep skill base, as per global management consulting firm AT Kearney's ranking of the best outsourcing destinations.
Egypt crisis: Petrol, diesel prices may rise more
The winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize for Economics says recovery could be difficult if the crisis in Egypt spreads to the entire region.
Harley-Davidson: Going the whole hog
Harley-Davidson takes the tempo a notch up in India.
Govt pegs GDP growth at 8.6%
Agriculture and allied activities are likely to grow at 5.4 per cent in 2010-11, compared to just 0.4 per cent in 2009-10, according to Advance Estimates released by the Central Statistical Organisation on Monday.
Builders club charges, buyers save on taxes
There's an interesting change sweeping through some real estate markets around Delhi.
Debt trap! Why builders are in a state of panic
With equity market down and liquidity drying; listed realty companies are sell landing or trying refinance, while unlisted ones are biting their nails.
Air India to freeze employees' pay, promotions
Clouds of uncertainty continue to hover over the salaries of Air India employees.
I am against forcible acquisition of land: Mamata
Countering the CPI-M's charge that she was anti-industry, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday asserted she was only against forcible acquisition of land and never opposed setting up of any factory.
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| February 04, 2011 | | Black money in Europe: Tehelka reveals 16 names
Tehelka magazine said two years ago the German government had passed on the names and bank account details of 18 Indians who had invested their wealth in the LGT bank in Liechtenstein, a well-known tax haven.
Rs 1,220,000,000,000 lost in a day in stock market
The downslide on bourses on wiped off over Rs 1,22,000 crore from the market wealth, including that of company promoters and public investors, as huge losses were seen in blue-chip stocks like RIL, ITC and TCS.
Now, Sibal blasts NDA govt over telecom policy
Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government over the 2G spectrum allocation
Wipro CFO sells shares worth Rs 3.6 crore
Executive director and chief financial officer of Wipro Suresh C Senapaty has sold 85,000 shares of the company.
US trade team to learn Mumbai dabbawallahs' secret
US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke's robust meetings in Mumbai, includes a bilateral with the Governor of the RBIndia Dr D Subbarao and senior officials at the Department of Atomic Energy and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India, in addition to speeches to the Federation of the Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the National Association of Software and Service Companies, will also be punctuated with an interaction with the dabbawallahs or tiffin caterers.
Want to be the next Indian Idol? Here's help
Singchana.com is the dream project of brothers Hitesh and Vikram Mehta who are working very hard to acquire a big pie of the lucrative online karaoke space in India.
How entrepreneurs can make India a superpower
Prof Bala V Balachandran talks about his plans for Great Lakes, on entrepreneurship and many other issues.
PM on how to fight inflation, corruption
Admitting that inflation posed a serious threat to the growth momentum affecting the poor and vulnerable sections, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday favoured waiving mandi, octroi and local taxes, which impede the smooth movement of essential commodities.
Govt guarantee on loans brings relief to Air India
In October, Air India had approached the government to raise $2.3 billion through external commercial borrowings as part of a plan to restructure its high-cost working capital debt of Rs 21,000 crore (Rs 210 billion).
MNP: 11 lakh subscribers switch to new operators
Customers will have to pay a maximum of Rs 19 to an operator to change their network.
Relax norms on dropping women home: BPOs
Facing problems in implementing the order on dropping women employees home, the BPO industry has asked Delhi Police to define night shifts, relax norms on door-step dropping and allow installation of GPS on call centre vehicles in a phased manner.
India is discriminatory; must open up economy: US
The Obama administration, responding to India's angst over the sharp hike in H-1B and L1 visa fees as discriminatory and anti-trade in services, has argued that India is equally discriminatory.
India set to get its first Islamic bank
he Kerala High Court on Thursday cleared the way for setting up the country's first Islamic bank in this state.
Mumbai, Delhi housing prices may drop 15%
Rising interest rates may see customers postpone purchases.
20 interesting facts about the Budget
India has had 28 finance ministers since independence.
India Inc on hiring drive at Tihar jail
The potential employees are prisoners in Tihar jail, who have received vocational and professional training while serving their terms.
Live in small cities? No need to travel to pay tax
The ministry, in its notification of January 31, has said a large number of taxpayers have told it that the existing limits of the Income Tax Officers -- the nodal officers and the first interface of the I-T department for I-T filing -- was causing hardship to the taxpayers.
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| February 03, 2011 | | Taxpayers can adjust loss with less liability
One very important aspect of filing returns is the adjustment of losses. The Income Tax (I-T) Act allows taxpayers, under certain conditions, to set-off loss against income or gains, reducing the net tax liability.
Food is now costlier! Food inflation at 17.05%
Food inflation soared to 17.05 per cent for the week ended January 22, rising for the second straight week, on the back of costlier vegetables, fruits and milk.
Artificial petrol that may cost Rs 14 a litre!
British scientists have developed low-cost and environment-friendly "artificial petrol" which may cost around Rs 14 a litre and could be available at pumps in as early as three years.
US hi-tech trade team comes calling to woo India
The trade mission, comprising 24 companies from 13 states, is the first visit by an American Cabinet Secretary to India since US President Barack Obama came calling in November, 2010.
Why Premji's dual CEO model for Wipro failed
Many analysts say the management structure was faulty, as the model can work at best as a stop-gap arrangement.
G R Gopinath on his new venture, Deccan 360
After some initial take off turbulence, Gopinath is now actively steering the air cargo business steadily with equity infusion from Reliance Industries.
India's rural jobs scheme wants more cash
Government managers are asking for a 60 per cent rise in allocation for the scheme in the next financial year. Rs 20,854 crore (Rs 208.54 billion) had been spent on the scheme until December 2010. Rs 64,000 crore (Rs 640 billion) has been sought for the coming financial year.
Want to kick the butt? Help is at hand!
Along with urging smokers to kick the butt, Johnson & Johnson's Nicorette is drawing consumers' attention to this little-known category.
Everything is costlier now! Budget to give relief?
There is no end to rising food prices in India.
The superb Maruti Kizashi is here at Rs 16.5 lakh
Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the country's largest car manufacturer, on Wednesday unveiled its luxurious and sporty sedan, Kizashi, at an introductory price of up to Rs 17.5 lakh (Rs 1.75 million).
Kochi Smart City cleared; to create 100,000 jobs
Realising a dream project, the Kerala government on Wednesday signed an agreement with its Dubai-based promoters for setting up the Smart City IT project at a 246-acre plot in Kochi.
New phase of mobile advertising in India
"Mobiles have the potential to be more effective than TV, PC, outdoor or digital displays, as it has the ability to influence the consumer at the last mile of transaction. It is observed that a person on a single day remains exposed to one screen more as compared to any other, and that is their mobile phones," says Vishwanath Alluri, Founder, Chairman and CEO, IMImobile.
FII sales caused Sensex fall; economy is fine: FM
Attributing the fall in stock markets in the past few days to selling by FIIs, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee asserted on Wednesday that the fundamentals are strong and the economy will clock 8.5 per cent growth in the current financial year.
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| February 02, 2011 | | Budget: Anil Ambani, Birla keen to set up banks
India is considering allowing new private sector banks, including by industrial houses, and a roadmap for the same could be announced in the annual Union Budget to be presented later this month.
India's 20 hottest e-commerce startups
Group buying sites, discounted fashion brand retailers and specialised online stores dominate the list of 20 hottest e-commerce start-ups.
Marhaura,Madhepura projects not abandoned:Railways
Railway Board on Wednesday denied reports that its diesel locomotive manufacturing factory at Marhaura and electric locomotive manufacturing unit at Madhepura in Bihar were being abandoned and said they would be completed on public-private partnerships in Railways basis.
FinMin confident of pushing reforms in Budget
This is despite expectations of a stormy session, given the unresolved standoff on the Opposition's insistence on a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the telecom spectrum controversy.
Budget to begin funding for Delhi Metro Phase III
The first tranche of central government funding for the third phase of the Delhi Metro commuter rail project is likely to come in the coming 2011-12 Budget.
What govt can do with the Budget round the corner
The actions points are: ease bottlenecks, promote growth, reap higher revenues and with them conduct another round of tackling bottlenecks.
Govt watching crude prices, will manage: Pranab
Concerned over a spike in crude oil prices in international markets due to turmoil in West Asia, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Wednesday the government is monitoring the situation and will manage it.
Black money funds political parties: Rahul Bajaj
Industrialist and MP Rahul Bajaj on Wednesday added a new dimension to the debate over black money, saying it funds political parties.
Why Indian car sales are going through the roof
Most of the auto major put in a commendable show except for Hyundai which saw its net dipping 17.7 per cent.
Bharti Airtel Q3 profit plunges 41% to Rs 1,303 cr
Bharti Airtel's net profit plunged by 41 per cent to Rs 1,303.3 crore (Rs 13.033 billion) in the third quarter of current fiscal, compared to Rs 2,194.9 crore (Rs 21.949 billion) in the same quarter a year ago.
How 5 employees became successful employers
Here is how five people from milieus as different as their locations and businesses have made successful shifts from employee to employer.
PM draws up 20-point agenda on corruption
Top government sources told Business Standard a 20-point agenda to bring about procedural improvements to achieve this goal was on the anvil.
Budget: Govt may hike tax exemption limit
Tax payers can expect some relief from high inflation in Budget 2011-12 as the government may raise the income tax exemption limit for individuals.
Now, smaller cities to offer most job openings
India Inc is upbeat about the business outlook for the January-March quarter but will play it safe when it comes to hiring new staff, with most job openings likely to be at entry and junior levels in smaller cities, according to a new study.
This is what India needs for 10% growth rate
For the last few years, the assumption in much of the economic discourse has been that India is on an assured path of rapid growth.
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| February 01, 2011 | | Why Internet freedom is under threat
As the people of Egypt are finding out, the Net is about freedom -- to share creative ideas, to express dissent and oppose repression, says .
Top 25 nations with the highest per capita income
India scores a pitiable rank at 127 in terms of per capita income.
China's wealthy building 'great walls' for safety
The legacy of China's Great Wall, built in the 5th century to prevent intrusions from nomads, has become an inspiration for the country's new rich, who now are building similar structures around their wealthy enclaves to ensure safety and to prevent thefts.
Getting to know Pranab's Budget dream team
Sushama Nath, IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre (1974 batch), at present expenditure secretary in the ministry of finance will take over as finance secretary, the first woman to do so.
From Premier Padmini to the lovely SB1100!
Look at this car carefully. If I was to tell you that this fanatical piece here, in actuality, is a Fiat Premier Padmini, would you believe it?
Can FM tackle the threat to India's growth rate?
Given the new policy challenges, the Budget will have a difficult time restoring people's confidence in the economy.
Get ready for globally connected classrooms
Harnessing the potential of internet, an Indian American family has embarked on an ambitious project of connecting classrooms across the world to bring in virtual real time interaction among school students.
Indian Railways is NOT bankrupt, says top official
In an interview with Business Standard, days before the announcement of the Railway Budget for 2011-12, Financial Commissioner Samar Jha hopes that the railways would tide over the crisis soon, as the impact of the Sixth Pay Commission recomendations dissipates and earnings improve. Edited excerpts:
How India's top firms by m-cap changed in 20 years
Strategic sectors may offer manufacturing firms opportunity to return to the top of Indian industry, says .
Whose Budget is it, anyway?
The posts of finance secretary and secretary, economic affairs department generate ambiguities over ownership of the finance ministry's most important annual exercise.
Check out the stunning Toyota Land Cruiser LC200
Toyota Land Cruiser LC200 VX (Premium) 2 comes at a price of about Rs 88,30,000, ex-showroom Delhi.
Homeless billionaire bets big on India!
Sitting in the Congress Centre, the venue of the World Economic Forum meeting, Berggruen says he has invested $200 million in various businesses in India, including hotels under the Keys brand, car rental, real estate and education.
MNP: Idea gets advantage, RCom, BSNL lose
Idea, the country's sixth-largest mobile operator was the biggest gainer in the first eight days of mobile number portability (MNP) being launched across the country.
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| January 31, 2011 | | End to pesky calls, SMSes? Now wait till March 1
Mobile subscribers looking for respite from unsolicited marketing calls and SMSes will now have to wait for another month, as telecom regulator Trai has extended the date for implementation of guidelines to check the pesky calls to March 1.
Budget on Feb 28, but will Parliament function?
The Budget session of Parliament will begin on February 21 and the General Budget will be presented to Lok Sabha on February 28.
Court slams ICICI Bank, fines it Rs 2 lakh
ICICI Bank, India's largest private sector bank, has been fined Rs 2 lakh (Rs 200,000) for knocking at the judiciary's door on false pretext by a Delhi court which asked it to have a sense of responsibility matching its size.
Now pay for groceries, etc via Airtel mobile
Telecom major Bharti Airtel on Monday launched its 'Airtel Money' service, which will allow its subscribers to pay for groceries, bills and other dues through their mobile phones.
Rs 8,000-crore subsidy for oil companies okayed
The government on Monday approved Rs 8,000 crore (Rs 80 billion) in cash subsidy to state-owned fuel retailers to make up for half of the revenues they lost on selling diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene below cost in the third quarter.
Indians richer! Per capita income at Rs 46,492
Per capita income of Indians grew by 14.5 per cent to Rs 46,492 in 2009-10 from Rs 40,605 in the year-ago period, as per the revised data released by the government on Monday.
Posco gets a conditional green clearance
After putting the project on hold last year, Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh on Monday granted conditional clearance for South Korean major Posco's $12 billion steel mill project in Orissa.
Number portability: How you can gain
Operators play a wait-and-watch game, as users take well-informed decisions while moving between networks.
Why Pakistan is South Asia's sick man
As they struggle to pull the economy from the edge of a precipice, policy makers in Islamabad would do well to learn from India and Bangladesh.
Upbeat govt revises GDP growth to 8%
The government on Monday revised the GDP growth rate for the 2009-10 financial year upward to 8 per cent from the earlier estimate of 7.4 per cent.
Panel on 2G spectrum gives report, names officials
The one-man panel that went into the procedures for giving 2G licences between 2001 and 2009 on Monday submitted its report and is understood to have held some officials responsible for improper spectrum allotment.
Infosys halts loan schemes for employees
Infosys Technologies, India's second largest information technology services firm, has discontinued some of its loan schemes for employees.
Why did govt buy 111 planes for Air India: CAG
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is understood to have questioned the government's reasoning to order 111 planes for Air India for almost Rs 50,000 crore (Rs 500 billion) in 2006.
Poverty: 20 alarming facts you must know
More than 25,000 people die every day of hunger or hunger-related causes, according to the United Nations.
Egypt crisis takes toll on market; Sensex plunges!
The Bombay Stock Exchange's benchmark index -- Sensex -- plummeted by over 300 points in opening trade on Monday as panicky fund managers and retail investors gave into selling pressure for the fourth consecutive session, prompted by weak global cues amid concerns over the unrest in Egypt.
PF war! This will decide interest on your savings
Labour secretary dismisses finance secretary's doubts, says there is enough in the account to pay 9.5%.
Gujarat is growing fast, and for a good reason
Gujarat is growing fast. The rest of India has to trust, verify, but as Maulana Vastanvi pointed out, grow up as well.
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| January 28, 2011 | | India to beat US to become No.1 in ACs: LG
Korean consumer durables major LG on Friday said it will invest Rs 800 crore (Rs 8 billion) in 2011 to add capacity and for other purposes in India, which it expects will become its largest air-conditioner market in the world by next year ahead of the current leader US.
Mercedes may develop small car for India
On the back of a thriving domestic economy fuelled by an increasing appetite for consumption, global auto giant Mercedes-Benz is looking at developing a small car for the Indian market, a senior company executive said.
Investors lose Rs 11,000,000,000,000 since Diwali
The stock market on Friday plunged to its lowest level in nearly five months after three consecutive days of fall -- a period during which the benchmark Sensex plummetted by about 755 points, including a 288-point dip witnessed on Friday.
Corruption? Biggest culprit is the Indian state
India is now wrestling with how to deal a decisive blow against corruption. The answer is plain: Deal a decisive blow against state interference in the economy.
Do politicians want to bring black money back?
Innocent anchors in the media, especially electronic, are guilty of raising expectations of a gullible nation without realizing how these accounts operate.
Why India was Obama's first stop on Asia trip
United States Commerce Secretary Gary Locke speaks to in an exclusive interview.
Nations with the world's largest oil reserves
Although the world has enough oil to last it for some more years, it is not an unlimited resource. So which nations have the largest oil reserves in the world? Check this out . . .
Corruption rising: 20 facts you must know
India continues to be among the world's most corrupt nations.
Why PetroMin remedy may not beat the oil mafia
The petroleum minister's three-pronged approach does little to address the real issues of fuel diversion and adulteration, say experts.
WalMart says it can help India fight inflation
WalMart International President and CEO Doug McMillon said in Davios that the Indian government's concerns over allowing foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail were misplaced.
H-1B visa reaches mandated cap of 65,000
In a statement, US Customs and Immigration Services announced that it has received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap for fiscal year 2011.
Why iPad launch will shake up tablet market
The Apple iPad, the iconic touchscreen tablet PC, finally makes it to Indian stores on Friday, after it was first unveiled in the United States nearly nine months ago.
Why Railways is incurring losses under Mamata
If the current revenue figures are any yardstick to go by, Railways could just about miss their target for the present fiscal ahead of the Rail Budget.
World's most over-regulated nations; India tops
India has topped a list of the most 'over-regulated countries in the world' in a survey on Asian business and politics by Hong Kong-based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy Ltd.
Tourism: One of India's most neglected sectors
Over the years, a type of caste system has also made its way into the way the political (and bureaucratic) leadership looks at different sectors of the Indian economy and then allocates its attention.
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| January 27, 2011 | | PetroMin rules out decontrolling diesel prices
With food inflation ruling at uncomfortable level, Petroleum Minister S Jaipal Reddy on Thursday ruled out freeing of diesel prices from government control, saying the move was not politically and practically feasible.
2G scam is linked to Dawood, alleges Jayalalithaa
AIADMK chief and former Tamil Nadu chief minister on Thursday demanded that the telecom ministry immediately cancel all the 2G licences, alleging that the spectrum money trail had close links with mafia don Dawood Ibrahim.
Taj staff on 26/11, a case study at Harvard
The heroic response by employees of Mumbai's landmark Taj Hotel during the 26/11 terror attacks is now a case study at Harvard Business School that focusses on the staff's selfless service for its customers and how they went beyond their call of duty to save lives.
New hypercar from Pagani at $1.5 million!
For those who love hypercars and like to stay updated about what's coming up, here is some news. Italian carmaker Pagani has come up with a replacement of its supercar Zonda.
Indian ITs eye global automobile market
In-car connectivity demands and technology for interaction open various possibilities.
Black money: What have you done so far, SC to govt
The Supreme Court on Thursday slammed the government again over the issue of illicit wealth parked in foreign banks, asking it to file a report on the action taken by it against people and firms that have stashed black money in tax havens abroad.
Food is now costlier! Food inflation at 15.57%
Snapping the downward trend of two consecutive weeks, food inflation inched up marginally to 15.57 per cent for the period ended January 15, on account of escalating vegetable prices, particularly, onions.
We are fed up with the West lecturing us: Premji
He particularly expressed his disappointment with the US seeking more market for its goods in the developing economies, while putting restrictions on its import of services.
China to build world's biggest mega city
In six years, China is set to build world's biggest mega city developing nine cities around the Pearl River Delta.
Mobike race: Mahindra & Mahindra off course
Competition in the two-wheeler market is fiercer than ever before and Mahindra's only motorcycle, Stallio, is bearing the brunt of it.
6 ultra-futuristic buildings that define new Asia!
Some of the weirdest, ultra-futuristic urban space ideas are being tried out in Asia for the first time.
The whens and hows of Budget preparation
Preparations for Budget 2011-12 are in full swing. Intelligence Bureau sleuths in plain clothes are watching each and every movement of the team which prepares the Budget documents.
Enough is enough, says Premji on corruption
Noted industrialist Azim Premji, who was named for the coveted Padma Vibhushan this year, has said he is 'extremely disappointed' with the performance of the government at the Centre.
The decade's biggest cyber crime attacks
Cybercrime has flourished over the last decade, growing by double digits year after year, and costing consumers hundreds of millions of dollars every year.
Key workers prone to highest stress
The study of 2,737 workers by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Canada found that 18 per cent of them reported that their job was 'highly stressful'.
NREGS: 60% rise in funding possible
The forthcoming Budget is likely to make a provision of Rs 64,000 crore (Rs 640 billion) for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in 2011-12, against Rs 40,100 crore (Rs 401 billion) in the current fiscal.
All-new Manza and diesel SX4 set to arrive
While the market awaits the new sedan Maruti Kizashi, there is some more interesting information floating in from the Maruti and Tata stables regarding a diesel SX4 and a face-lifted Tata Manza.
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| January 25, 2011 | | 'India is doing nothing to get back black money!'
Distinguished lawyer Anil Divan who is arguing the case related to black money stashed overseas discusses the legal details of the case and is optimistic that the illicit wealth can be brought back to India.
'We now know how to avoid a Great Depression'
An interview with Liaquat Ahamed, the 57-year-old author of Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke The World.
Will Railways suffer a loss this time?
If the current revenue figures are any indication, Railways could just about miss their target for the present fiscal ahead of the coming Rail Budget.
India faces money laundering, terror-funding risk
India, which has witnessed numerous terror attacks and still remains a potential target for such strikes, faces significant money laundering and terrorist financing risk, the IMF has warned.
Black money: Can't reveal names, says Pranab
Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Tuesday that there are no reliable estimates of black money generated by Indians within and outside the country, but it is estimated at being between Rs 500 billion and Rs 1,400 billion.
Why RBI raised rates; how this impacts you!
The Reserve Bank of India in its quarterly monetary policy review has hiked rates.
Ferrari FF: The 1st 4-wheel drive Ferrari unveiled
For all the Ferrari fans out there, here comes the new Ferrari FF two-plus-two coupe: the first production four-wheel drive Ferrari!
Volkswagen Vento vs Honda City! Which is better?
Which car is better? Honda City Automatic or Volkswagen Vento Automatic? Honda City has been the favourite of the lot so far, but will the build quality and ride and handling capabilities of the German car manufacturer overthrow the current champion? Let us find out.
Will mobile number portability help? Users speak
Mobile number portability is a dream come true for over 680 million cell phone users in India.
Why rail budget, ministry must be done away with
The time is opportune for doing away with the practice of a separate rail budget, and for replacing the railway ministry with an umbrella ministry of transport.
Swiss info on black money: India may have to wait
India may have to wait till at least next year for information from Switzerland on possible black money trail to Swiss banks, as a treaty for the same might come into force only by the end of 2011.
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| January 24, 2011 | | RBI may hike key rates as govt can't curb prices
Indicating another hike in key policy rates in its quarterly review on Tuesday, the Reserve Bank of India on Monday said that containing inflation would be the top priority as high rate of price rise could hurt the economic growth.
Mahindra picks up stake in East India Company
Mahindra Group has acquired a minority stake in the East India Company, the global luxury brand owned by Indian-origin entrepreneur Sanjiv Mehta who relaunched the company here in August 2010.
Why the new minister may not be good for Air India
But if the minister signals that he is on the side of the unions on key staff issues, he reduces the management's scope of action as well as the likelihood of better service.
Why people from N-E excel in the services sector
Ronald Laloo, 51, who is from Meghalaya but whose work history runs from accounting in Pune to piano teaching in Delhi, explains that "There's no man's job or woman's job in our culture."
How to unearth Indian black money in Switzerland
The government of India took note about the money kept by the Indian tax eva-ders in Swiss Banks, which is estimated at around $462 billion.
How light combat aircraft Tejas was made
India's first light combat aircraft is the effort of 40 laboratories, 25 academic institutions and 300 companies.
Wipro CEOs on why they quit
"Three-five years is the ideal time frame for a CEO to continue in the same position in a company," says Girish Paranjpe.
How to build your world on the world wide web
Creating a website on your own may sound complex, but it isn't. There are hundreds of free programmes that let you choose templates (like a blog) to get going.
Indigo to launch Rs 10-crore Agera supercar!
Swedish super sports car maker Koenigsegg Automotive AB has joined hands with Rahul Bhatia-promoted InterGlobe Enterprises to launch a range of high-end, high-performance models in India.
Dear Mr FM, 7 suggestions for infrastructure
The Budget, by itself, has a limited ability to finance the country's infrastructure needs. However, its ability to create an enabling environment for raising capital and project development is increasing.
Jobs are back! IT, auto, others to hire thousands
Jobs are back with a bang in India, proving it to be the most optimistic nation in terms of hiring plans.
Now UK company sells samosas to Indians
Farsan, an Indian food company based in the east Midlands town of Leicester, has opened a new factory in Gujarat to produce snacks such as samosas and bhajis.
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| January 21, 2011 | | Who will bell the big banking cats?
This is the third and last part of a series on exotic financial derivatives, how they wreaked havoc globally, and why global financial institutions seem to resemble rigged casinos.
Planning to buy a car? Pay more now
Cars have just got dearer with major automobile firms, including Maruti Suzuki India, Hyundai and General Motors, increasing prices this month in order to offset rising input costs.
RIL Q3 net up 28.14% to Rs 5,136 cr
The Mukesh Ambani-led company had a net profit of Rs 4,008 crore (Rs 40.08 billion) in the same period last year.
Trillions of dollars hidden in these tax havens!
The total amount of money stashed away in tax havens has been estimated at a whopping $11.5 trillion.
Images: Stunning cars at the Mumbai Auto Show!
The Mumbai International Auto Show kick-started has with a bang.
How Ravi plans to restore Air India's lost glory
The state-run airline is reeling under major financial losses and a plan of action has already been put in place to revive its lost status.
GoM on corruption meets today to fast-track cases
The meeting of the GoM, according to sources, will be attended by several senior ministers, including Home Minister P Chidambaram, Defence Minister A K Antony, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee and Telecommunication Minister Kapil Sibal.
How Infosys plans to keep employees from quitting
Move is also aimed at increasing billing rate and margins.
SC slams Sibal, asks him to behave responsibly
The Supreme Court on Friday severely criticised Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal for making statements undermining the Comptroller and Auditor General of India's report on the 2G spectrum scam and asked him to behave with some sense of responsibility.
Govt works on money stashed abroad
The department is identifying tax evasion cases from the information it has got from various countries under the normal exchange route.
The story of Satyam's stunning turnaround
Two years after the scam broke, Satyam is almost back on track. Here is the story of the impressive turnaround.
Of reshuffle and the Indian economy
PM's new Council can have a macro-economic impact.
Larry Page to replace Schmidt as Google CEO
Schmidt who has been the CEO for a decade will continue on as executive chairman.
Wipro IT chiefs quit; Q3 net up 10%
IT major Wipro on Friday reported 9.75 per cent increase in consolidated net profit at Rs 1,284.9 crore for the second quarter ended September 30.
Number portability: Telcos offer special plans!
The new policy would force the operators to shift focus from acquiring new subscribers to retaining the existing ones.
Apple neglecting workers' health: Chinese groups
Dozens of environmental groups in China have accused Apple Inc for neglecting safety standards, indulging in labour abuses and polluting the environment as a result of which about 200 workers fell sick.
Disclose names of Swiss bank account holders: CPI
With a Swiss bank staffer handing over details of 2,000 secret Swiss bank accounts to whistle-blowing site Wikileaks, CPI demanded that names of Indian account holders be disclosed and their funds confiscated.
Road test: Toyota Etios passes with flying colours
So, how impressive is the Toyota Etios? We find out as we drive one.
IMAGES: Driving the fantastic Audi A8L!
The Audi A8L's pricing is yet to be disclosed, but we believe it will be close to Rs 80 lakh.
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| January 20, 2011 | | Obama calls for healthy competition with China
US President Barack Obama has called for a spirit of constructive cooperation and healthy competition with China, as differences with Beijing on key global and bilateral issues remained even after his meeting with President Hu Jintao at the White House.
Amazing success story of an Indian chip designer!
The story of Dasaradha Gude, better known as 'GD', is almost like a fairytale. Read on . . .
No proposal to hike diesel prices: Minister
There is no proposal on the anvil for an increase in prices of diesel, Reddy told reporters after taking charge of the new ministry.
'We expect India's sustained growth to continue'
We expect the Indian equity market to continue attracting interest from local as well as foreign investors. This is because India's economy is expected to continue to record sustained economic growth.
Mahindra's big plans to transform the company
Rise, the new branding initiative, is in tune with the group's growing global footprint, but experts say the real work has just begun.
Images: Watch out for great car upgrades this year
The overwhelming response to Toyota's recently launched sedan Etios hints at the rising buyer interest in sedans. In the wake of that a lot of carmakers have either updated their models or are planning to do so.
Malegam panel caps MFI interest at 24%
The committee said that to qualify as an NBFC-MFI, an NBFC should provide financial services predominantly to low-income borrowers.
No quick fix solution to tackle black money: PM
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said there is "no instant solution" to bring back blackmoney stashed in foreign banks and that information with government cannot be made public due to treaty obligations.
MNP effect: Service providers alter gameplans
With over 600 million mobile subscribers set to get a choice to change their operators while retaining their numbers from Thursday by availing mobile mumber portability, service providers are using every trick in the marketing trade to retain their customers and woo new ones.
Illicit money outflows: Top 10 nations
India is Asia's fourth largest exporter of illicit capital with an estimated outflow of a whopping $104 billion between 2000 and 2008.
India's fab 20! Hidden engines of global economy
As many as 20 Indian companies have been identified, in a list of 100 firms from emerging markets in a report of 'BCG Global Challengers 2011', as businesses that can challenge existing Fortune 500 firms over the next five years.
IMAGES: India's 50 most trusted brands!
The research report titled, 'The Brand Trust Report, India Study, 2011', ranks India's leading brands on the areas of capacity to trust; perception of positive intention; and relevant competence.
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| January 19, 2011 | | Industrialists must act as whistle blowers: Jairam
Jairam Ramesh denied that he was going after the big fish to get into limelight.
Swiss par panel nods new tax treaty with India
The amendments to the treaty will now be placed before the Swiss Parliament for final approval.
FAQ: What are Swiss bank accounts?
This article aims at shattering some myths surrounding Swiss bank accounts by answering some very basic questions.
India's 20 highest dividend paying companies
As companies make robust gains, they hand out a share of their profits to shareholders.
Black money abroad: SC calls it theft; blasts govt
The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed displeasure over the government's reluctance in coming forward with full information on the black money stashed by Indians in foreign banks, saying it as a theft of national wealth and amounted to 'plunder' of the nation.
Images: India's 6 most popular airlines!
India's domestic air traffic continued on its robust growth path this winter recording the highest number of passengers carried between October and December last year.
How Munjals fell prey to the Citibank fraud
"The modus operandi was simple: Divert the money to the stock markets. It seems it was a structured product, which most people don't understand, as it could be a pure equity or blended product."
Is UPA govt a flop? Here's what the aam aadmi says
Be it inflation, petrol price, corruption or scams, the UPA's progress report has been dismal.
Honda hatchbacks for India in 2011-12
The year 2011 too has a number of hatchbacks ready to be launched.
Climate 2020: India to be hardest hit
The Earth will be 2.4 degree Celsius warmer by 2020 if the world continues with the business-as-usual approach to climate change.
Salaried taxpayers may be spared filing returns
Salaried taxpayers with no other income could get a respite from filing tax returns.
TCS to hire 37,000 freshers next fiscal
IT major Tata Consultancy Services plans to hire 37,000 professionals for its domestic and overseas markets through campus placements in the next fiscal.
Digvijay blames price rise on state governments
Speaking to mediapersons in Lucknow, he said, "There is no mechanism with the central government to curb the rising price of vegetables including onion; that can be done by the state governments."
Taxpayers may get refund within a month!
Delay in receiving income tax refunds has been a major complaint of taxpayers and the department is hoping to address the issue on priority basis.
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| January 18, 2011 | | TCS to hire 37,000 freshers next fiscal
IT major Tata Consultancy Services plans to hire 37,000 professionals for its domestic and overseas markets through campus placements in the next fiscal.
Why currency derivatives are like rigged casinos!
This is the second part of a 3-part series on exotic financial derivatives, how they wreaked havoc globally, and why global financial institutions seem to resemble rigged casinos.
Rail Budget: Mamata not likely to hike fares
The Indian Railways has called a two-day meeting of all zonal railway managers in New Delhi this month to review ongoing projects and discuss measures to improve the financial position in wake of a stiff rise in running cost and fears of the PSU missing earning targets.
Steve Jobs on illness, and death!
Jobs is again unwell and has taken 'medical leave' to deal with the problem.
Wanted: More information on public projects
With public has access to such info, it would become much harder for entrepreneurs, bureaucrats and political leaders to break the rules for their own gain, says .
IMAGES: The world's 15 tallest buildings
A look at world's 10 tallest towers.
The secret behind BMW's success in India
Within two years of entering the Indian passenger car market in 2007, BMW toppled rival Mercedes-Benz to become the numero uno luxury car maker of the country.
Reveal Swiss bank account holders' names: BJP
Claiming that about Rs 21 lakh crore (Rs 21 trillion) had been deposited in Swiss banks, the BJP said instead of trying to suppress fact, the government should publicise the names particularly after WikiLeaks report on the matter.
Meet Indian pharma's generation next
At a time when the Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association (IDMA) is also celebrating its 50th year of inception, many mid-cap pharma companies like Indoco are seeing the baton being passed down to the next generation.
Cyber war? Not possible, says a study
Heavy lobbying, lurid language and poor analysis are inhibiting government planning for cyber protection, according to the new report on Systemic Cyber Security published by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Silver may outshine gold this year
The past year saw some spectacular rallies in silver with prices rising 80 per cent on perception of it being a store of value, continuing shrinkage of above-ground refined silver and demand staying ahead of supply.
An open letter to our leaders on corruption
A group of prominent personalities, including industrialists Azim Premji, Keshub Mahindra and Deepak Parekh, have expressed concern over a series of scams leading to 'governance deficit'.
How Europe is learning to live with offshoring
Europe learning to live with offshoring, but Indian firms slow in riding the shift.
A bumpy ride ahead for Bajaj's low-cost car
Bajaj Auto's ultra low-cost car project may have a bumpy ride ahead, with partner Renault India still to take a final call on branding and marketing the vehicle.
IMAGES: The stunning Audi R8 at Rs 1.33 crore!
BMW and Mercedes now have a worthy opponent in the A8 for their models in the 7 series and S class respectively. Let's take a look at the various aspects of the new Audi A8:
Inflation woes: Desperate RBI may hike rates
Bonds slide on fears of sharper-than-expected policy rate hike.
Sibal's zero-loss claim carries zero credibility!
Maintaining the zero-loss claim, therefore, involves justifying the failure to do proper price discovery, as through the spectrum auction in 2010 for 3G services.
How to curb corruption? Scrap Rs 500/1,000 notes!
The government needs to announce a cut-off date (say March 31, 2011) about 2-3 months in advance for scrapping the big bills. In this 2- to 3-month period, people can go to banks (authorised for this purpose) with their existing bills of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500, and exchange them for the bills of Rs 100 denomination.
Why India needs to be afraid, very afraid
Beneath the feel-good is an environment that breeds bubbles.
How UPA policies have hurt farmers, agriculture
The farmer continues to be burdened by debts, both from banks and other institutions, says .
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| January 17, 2011 | | Swiss banker gives info on super rich to WikiLeaks
A former Swiss banker on Monday handed over documents of 2,000 high net worth people from the United States, Britain and Asia to WikiLeaks that he claims would expose attempts by these business leaders and lawmakers to evade tax payments.
Cameras to suit your style and pocket
The SH-100 is equipped with a 3-inch touchscreen that shows camera functions in "app-style" icons. It's very easy to control multiple camera functions by dragging and clicking the icons on the touchscreen display.
The mysterious case of missing $500 billion!
Here is the first part of a 3-part series on exotic financial derivatives, how they wreaked havoc globally, and why global financial institutions seem to resemble rigged casions.
IMAGES: These cars will steal your heart!
Check out the stunning beauties at the North American International Auto show.
Does Mamata have a useful business plan?
The Trinamool would do well to adopt policies that encourage economic regeneration.
'Metro Man' Sreedharan blasts private contractors
Known for implementing projects with precision, Sreedharan is critical of private developers and warns against their raising claims on the government in future.
Pesky calls: Stricter norms, a boon in disguise?
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's decision to enforce stricter norms on unsolicited calls and text messages may well be a boon in disguise, feel organised mobile marketing companies.
Taxman plans super sleuth to monitor cash trails!
Under a blueprint currently being vetted by the I-T department, the directorate will house a centralised repository of data culled from telephone and Internet intercepts, banking and market transactions, cross-border deals and even your friendly neighbourhood ATM.
Why the worst may not be over for Indian stocks
Further downside seen amid high commodity prices, tight liquidity.
2G scam loss: Montek too says CAG was wrong
In an interview with Karan Thapar on the CNN-IBN channel's Devil's Advocate programme, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia explains why he faults the controversial report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on 2G telecom spectrum allocation. Edited excerpts:
Managing finance: Indians beat Americans
Majority of Indian consumers have better skills in managing their household financial budget.
Petrol rates soar, but IOC wants bigger hike
Facing criticism for increasing the retail price of petrol, government-owned Indian Oil Corporation has said the desired increase was actually Rs 3.72 a litre but it chose to "soften the impact on customer" by increasing the price by only Rs 2.50 a litre.
Here come the upgraded Altis, Dzire and Civic
A few days into the New Year and news about more car updates is doing the rounds.
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| January 14, 2011 | | Anil Ambani, 2 firms barred from markets till 2012
Market regulator Sebi on Friday barred Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infra and RNRL from investing in secondary market till 2012, besides imposing a charge of Rs 50 crore (Rs 500 million) for settling a probe into alleged unfair market dealings by the two firms.
Most popular banks: HDFC Bank tops; SBI 4th
Private sector lender HDFC Bank has emerged as the country's most popular bank for the year 2010 in terms of online visits, says a BankingOnly.com report.
Black money abroad: Govt has info, but won't share
The court's remarks came after the government contended that it has got the information from the German government pertaining to the bank accounts of Indian citizens in Liechtenstein Bank there.
Maruti Kizashi to hit the roads soon
These cars are priced between Rs 12 lakhs (Rs 1.2 million) and Rs 20 lakhs (Rs 2 million).
'There's an incredible excitement about Mumbai'
As London gears up to host the 2012 Summer Olympics, Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, tells what Mumbai can take away from London's plans for renewal and expansion.
World's most inventive companies: IBM tops
Global IT giant IBM said it received 5,896 patents in the US in 2010, topping the list of world's most inventive companies for the 18th consecutive year.
What the world envies about China
China could become the world's largest economy (by nominal GDP) by 2020.
Inflation shoots up to 8.43%; RBI may hike rates
Inflation shot up to 8.43 per cent in December, from 7.48 per cent in the previous month, as prices of certain food and non-food items continued to show an upward trend.
Govt plan to curb price? Set up another committee!
Measures announced in the past such as an export ban on onions, pulses, edible oil and non-basmati rice will continue. Restriction on the export of more commodities would be imposed, if required.
India, China must raise wages: US
"When wages rise in China, India, Brazil and elsewhere it helps relieve downward pressure on American wages," Labour Secretary Hilda Solis said.
Starbucks comes to India, courtesy Tata Coffee
Agreement includes opening cafes, bean sourcing and roasting.
Gujarat attracts Rs 20.83 lakh cr investment
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said the state has been able to attract investments to the tune of Rs 20.83 lakh crore during the two-day long Vibrant Gujarat Summit.
The 27 highest paid executives in India
The salaries of some of the best paid CEOs rival earnings of top movie stars.
Good news! Housing prices to fall in Mumbai
Residential property prices in Mumbai are likely to fall by 10 per cent this year.
British royal wedding: China to mint money!
Chinese manufacturers are cashing in on the British royal wedding craze as they churn out tens of thousands of replica royal engagement rings for the world.
UPA has miserably failed to check prices: CPI-M
Indicating a scam in the export and import of onions and some other essential items, CPI(M) on Thursday said the prices of these commodities were rising even when there was more than enough supply in the market.
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| January 13, 2011 | | Ambanis seek settlement on separate probes
In what could be a coincidence, the two Ambani groups have separately approached the Securities and Exchange Board of India for settlement of probes by the regulator in two separate cases of alleged violation of trading regulations.
What's in a name? Bajaj Auto's mega change
In just three months from now, 'Hamara Bajaj' could become 'Hamara Pulsar' or 'Hamara Discover'.
10 riskiest and least risky nations to invest in!
India ranks as the 22nd riskiest sovereign country, seen as most likely to default on debt and unable to honour its debt obligations.
Patel on how Air India will regain its lost glory
The civil aviation ministry recently held a series of meetings to review the restructuring exercise of Air India, besides related issues.
Images: A day in an Indian farmer's life
Despite toiling hard for long hours, they hardly get the right price for the produce nor do they get timely assistance from the government.
Premium housing: Growth may be slow
The real estate industry will witness new launches in the premium residential segment in 2011, on the back of demand revival and good prospects in the economy, albeit at a slower pace.
20 exciting cars coming your way in 2011!
If 2010 saw a flurry of new cars, 2011 will only see more. Here are some that should matter, or just be eye candy:
Infosys hires 5,311 in Q3
The company reported consolidated net profit at Rs 1,780 crore (Rs 17.8 billion) as against Rs 1,737 crore (Rs 17.37 billion) in previous quarter, a growth of 2.48 per cent (based on IFRS - International Financial Reporting Standards).
What Montek told the Indian diaspora
At the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, organised by the government ostensibly to celebrate the country's connection with the 27-million-strong Indian diaspora living in 150 countries, Mr Ahluwalia said last Sunday that India was reaching out to NRIs not for their money, but because it valued the long, socio-cultural footprint all Indians living in India and abroad shared.
Food inflation falls, vegetable prices still high
Snapping the five week rising trend, food inflation softened to 16.91 per cent for the week ended January 1, 2011.
Dealivores love online deals!
Satish Madhira, managing director of the Hyderabad-headquartered Dealivore.com, says that although online deals and coupon sales are nothing new outside India, his start-up is a new concept in India.
Five investment products to suit your needs
It is important to set your goals from your investment so that your investment can work accurately for you. For example, one must know the time and amount of money that he / she will need in the future.
How to choose a car loan that's best for you
Most of the banks and NBFCs lure consumers with interest rate discount of 0.25 to 1 per cent on car loans. The dealers also offer good cash discounts and freebies at this time. However, you need to sift through the offers and bag the deal that ideally suits you.
Do you overspend? Here's how to save!
Planning your budget has nothing to do with conforming to set patterns. It merely makes you aware of your financial situation and helps you create a contingency fund to tap into, when in need.
Selling the Nano: Tata Motors gets into high gear
Company officials hope that a slew of recent measures will help revive sagging volumes.
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| January 12, 2011 | | IndiGo to buy 180 A320s; largest planes order ever
In the single-largest aircraft deal in global aviation history, no-frills carrier IndiGo will acquire 180 A-320s worth an estimated $15.6 billion from European plane manufacturer Airbus.
GM to launch 6 new cars; invest $100 mn in Gujarat
The company, which plans to launch three light commercial vehicles from the stable of its Chinese partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation during the same time period, also said it has lined up to introduce 14 new variants of its existing car models.
Price rise: Pawar's NCP, BJP hit back at Rahul
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Wednesday hit back at Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi for holding coalition politics responsible for price rise, saying it was an injustice to blame Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar alone for the issue.
Big guns pledge over Rs 160,000 crore for Gujarat!
Heaping praises on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for not only driving industrial growth but also boosting rural development, Ratan Tata on Wednesday said the Tata Group will partner the state in providing transportation into the hinterlands.
Punish elite, white-collar crooks heavily: Murthy
Software icon N R Narayana Murthy has bemoaned that the 'elite' are going unpunished though they commit 'huge crimes' in the country and saw it as 'problem with this society'.
'Respected my elder brother, Shri Mukesh Ambani'
Anil Ambani on Wednesday produced much mirth at an investment meet here when he greeted his elder brother Mukhesh Ambani.
Sibal's 2G scam defence: Is the PM his target?
Whether Sibal has effectively defended Raja or not as a counsel is unclear, but his target seems to be the prime minister, feels .
Anil Ambani pledges Rs 50,000 crore for Gujarat
Anil Ambani said on Wednesday his Reliance Group will invest Rs 50,000 crore (Rs 500 billion) in Gujarat in the next 5-7 years on various projects as the firm looks to tap opportunities in the state.
AI to hire 700 to meet its shortage of cabin crew
In one of its largest hiring programmes since the Indian Airlines-Air India merger, the airline is increasing cabin crew by 700 to tide over the current shortage. New hires will be a mix of trainees and experienced staff.
Market falling: What investors must do
If 2011 is going to be a bearish year, traders could seek alternative investment and trading options.
FM not in the mood to cut income tax rates
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee is not in a mood to cut taxes but may continue with stimulus in the budget for 2011-12, feel industry representatives who met him for Pre-Budget interactions.
20 stunning cars at the Detroit Auto Show
The North American International Auto show in Detroit completes 23 years in 2011.
Sebi warns of Iran money in stock market
In order to safeguard Indian markets from money laundering and terror financing risks from Iran, watchdog Sebi has asked market players to be cautious in dealing with entities and funds from that country.
What are the rights of a loan defaulter?
Defaulting on a loan is an associated risk that comes from borrowing and sometimes circumstances beyond your control can cause you to be dragged into a spiral of debt. n
Images: Sleekest, most stylish gadgets for 2011
The annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas showcased smartphones, tablets, 3D- and Internet-enabled TVs that are expected to make the biggest splash in 2011.
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| January 11, 2011 | | Indian investors can now trade in global indices
Indian stock market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, on Tuesday paved the way for Indian investors to trade in large indices of 24 global exchanges, including that of the United States, Europe and Asia.
Market crash: India's 10 most valuable firms now
The market capitalisation (m-cap) of nine of the country's top-10 firms diminished by Rs 67,964.18 crore during the week, with oil and gas major ONGC bearing the maximum brunt.
Here come the car, SUV, mobike of the year!
Honda's economy motorcycle Twister was chosen Bike of the Year.
Phaneesh Murthy: On Patni and what lies ahead
In a discussion with Business Standard, Murthy shares the roadmap ahead.
Must read! How to manage credit card debt
Unfortunately not everyone is aware of the pitfalls of owning a credit card.
Once again, consumers lead the way
Tracking of consumers has helped shape many moves of Shoppers Stop - from merchandising and increasing the ticket size of purchases to opening of new stores.
How India can change its 'job taker' tag in the US
India's top IT companies need to open new facilities in the United States to create more employment opportunities for locals and to change the perception that they were job-takers, a leading US business forum representative has said.
Why Sahara paid Rs 3,300 crore for a London hotel
visits Grosvenor House to see why Sahara paid pounds 470 million for this pre-World War II hotel.
Why food is costlier and TVs cost less
Twenty years ago, a branded 1.5-tonne window air-conditioner cost about Rs 30,000; today, you can get a split AC unit for that price. Why has that not happened with vegetables?
Why BMW is king of India's luxury car market
In an effort to bring a new set of consumers on board, luxury car maker BMW recently launched its least expensive name-plate - the BMW X1.
It's all about 3D in 2011
It appears that 2011 will be the year of 3D again for the consumer electronics industry. While 2010 CES "was certainly defined by 3D" (included 3D content, hardware and services), 2011 CES will again play home to the entire 3D ecosystem, according to Shawn Dubravac, CFA, chief economist and director of research, Consumer Electronics Association.
Soaring housing prices: Demand to slow down
Housing demand is likely to slow down due to higher prices and increased home loan rates in the current year, rating agency Fitch said on Monday.
Images: India's hottest selling passenger cars!
The Indian passenger car market is booming like never before. With almost every car major already present in the Indian car market with various models, India is one of the hottest automobile markets in the world.
Secret behind successful firms? It's innovation
Companies with a continuous product development pipeline have been able to deliver sustained profitability and growth.
Sensex fall: Rs 500,000 crore lost in 5 days!
Investors' stock market wealth has plunged by nearly Rs 500,000 crore (Rs 5 trillion) in five straight days of trading, as the market continued its downslide on Monday with a 468-point plunge in the benchmark Sensex.
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| January 10, 2011 | | Rs 1.76 lakh crore loss: CAG stands by its report!
Amidst the controversy over its figures of revenue loss on account of allocation of 2G spectrum, government auditor, the Comptroller and Auditor General, on Monday said it stood by the report submitted to Parliament late last year.
Investment options for 2011
Even as investors may get worried over periods of uncertainty, one can expect volatility to give ample opportunities to maximise profits in 2011.
iGate seals Patni deal for $1.22 billion
US-based iGate on Monday said it has acquired nearly 63 per cent stake in country's sixth largest IT firm Patni Computer Systems for $1. 22 billion.
WB chief minister sells car dream at Singur again
The West Bengal chief minister did not have anything new to offer to Singur and its people, except that the site would be used for an industrial project.
IMAGES: Cars that will set your pulses racing
Here are some fantastic cars that will make you drool...
Growing economy: What's India's missing link?
No great economy is generated without innovation and invention, and embedding them in the growth process. This is India's missing link.
Onion prices to rise, I-T raids continue
In a move that could further push up Onion prices, traders in Nashik and adjoining areas today went on two-day strike against tax raids and disrupted supply to contracting traders from other states who are being forced to sell the vegetable at 'below the cost price'.
2G scam: Who's correct CAG or Sibal?
There is nothing sinister or diabolic about Union minister Kapil Sibal's latest argument regarding the findings of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India pertaining to the loss to the exchequer from 2G telecom licences in 2007.
2G licence cancellation: SC notice to govt, telcos
The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the central government on the plea seeking cancellation of 2G spectrum licenses allocated during the tenure of former telecom minister A Raja.
Why the Sensex crashed again
The indices had recovered from its lowest in four-weeks after investors took to bargain hunting in select sectors in mid-morning trades but dropped following weakness in banking space.
How Gujarat's urban push is attracting big bucks
From residential townships to solid waste management, urban development in Gujarat is set to attract big money during Vibrant Gujarat 2011 Summit this year.
Citi fraud: Puri played big bull, finds probe
Both the Securities and Exchange Board of India and the Reserve Bank of India were trying to find if Puri was also involved in front-running and used his information on positions taken by Citi for placing bets, said an official with one of the regulators.
Home loan rates to remain firm for now
The central bank last year had raised key policy rates which resulted in tightening of liquidity, a step aimed towards addressing inflation concerns.
Budget: Will the govt tinker with income tax?
Currently, income between Rs 1.6-5 lakh (Rs 160,000-500,000)attracts 10 per cent tax; Rs 5-8 lakh (Rs 500,000-800,000)20 per cent and beyond Rs 8 lakh 30 per cent.
Votes are in! These are India's best brands
Please take the poll at the end of the slide show to select the one which you feel is India's top brand.
18 technology marvels that floored us in 2010
In this slide show, we present 18 breathtaking technological marvels.
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| January 07, 2011 | | 2050: India to beat US as second largest economy
India has the potential to supersede China to the top spot, says a report published by PwC.
Audi e-tron Spyder and the hottest gizmos!
The Audi e-tron Spyder is the centre of attraction at the Consumer Electronic Show at Las Vegas.
2G scam: No loss to the country, says Sibal
"The figure of Rs 1.76 lakh crore (Rs 1.76 trillion) arrived at by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India is utterly erroneous," Union Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said on Friday while addressing a press conference in New Delhi.
I-T dept swoops down on onion hoarders
Though the surveys were still going, the IT sleuths said they are investigating the records and books of accounts of these traders to ascertain the mismatch between physical stocks of goods and stocks maintained in account books.
Karnataka, Gujarat best for investment: US
Gujarat and Karnataka are the "role models" of a competent and transparent government and a progressive leadership that can attract investors in the coming years, according to a leading US business forum representative.
Sensex crashes by 550 points; inflation to blame
The Bombay Stock Exchange's benchmark 30-stocks index -- the Sensex -- tumbled by over 500 points on Friday on fears that the Reserve Bank of India will increase interest rates to curb surging inflation.
Oil imports from Iran stop as SBI refuses payment
Afraid of US sanctions, State Bank declines payment facilitation for oil imports from Iran.
Meet the man behind India's Genome Valley
This is the amazing story of Dr Krishna M Ella, a scientist who turned into a serial entrepreneur.
Air India advised no hike, promotions for 3 years
The airline has an annual wage bill of Rs 3,100 crore (Rs 31 billion) and the report has said as many as 2,600 employees will retire during the period of freeze.
Interception solution: BlackBerry wants 2 years
Blackberry has asked for 18-24 months to provide a complete solution for interception of its Enterprise Mail, but with a condition that its services would not be banned, a guarantee that the government declined to give.
The 6 outstanding winners of the Infosys Prize
The Infosys Science Foundation on Thursday awarded winners of Infosys Prize 2010 recognising their outstanding achievements in scientific research.
World's 15 most valuable companies
After beating Microsoft to become the world's most valuable technology stock last year, Apple is now the world's second most valuable company.
Millions of cars, but where are the roads?
When the world's cheapest car was launched to global fanfare at the 2008 Delhi Auto Expo, a Singaporean journalist asked Ratan Tata whether he had considered the traffic implications once the Nano hit the roads.
Global IT spending to grow 5.1 pc in 2011
According to the latest outlook by IT research and advisory firm Gartner Inc global IT spending is forecast to a total of USD 3.6 trillion in 2011, a 5.1 per cent increase from the previous calendar year.
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| January 06, 2011 | | Govt can't control food prices: FinMin adviser
As food inflation surged to 18.32 per cent, a top adviser in the finance ministry on Thursday agreed with Home Minister P Chidambaram that the government does not have all the tools to control food prices since it is an enabling body.
Meet the man who lost Rs 32 cr in Citibank fraud
"I believe it is important for an investor to not put all their eggs in one basket, and also diversify in terms of asset class," says Sanjeev Aggarwal.
India to keep booming, but inflation a worry: IMF
The multilateral lending agency, however, expressed concern over rising prices and underlined the need
Pakistan bans export of onions to India
Pakistan has imposed a complete ban on the export of onion to India via Wagah-Attari land route, a development which may hit Indian government's efforts in rein in skyrocketing prices of bulb in the country.
The hottest gadgets at the top electronics show
With 2,700 exhibitors, this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) showcases some of the world's hottest gadgets.
Prices just keep rising! Food inflation at 18.32%
The rise in food inflation has been mainly on account of 58.58 per cent rise in prices of vegetables in the wholesale market.
Citibank fraud: Who is to be blamed?
In a startling development in the multi-crore financial scam in Gurgaon, investigators have now trained their guns on more local Citibank executives, and have decided to ask them to appear for questioning.
Sensex may hit 24,000 this year
The stock market is looking forward to a record-breaking year ahead in 2011, with hopes that the Sensex may trade above the 24,000-mark, given the economy is roaring, foreign investors are pouring money and scamsters will be kept at bay.
'Further rise in petrol prices likely'
With the government expressing its reluctance in raising prices of diesel and domestic LPG, the oil marketing companies may be forced to go for another round of increase in petrol price.
Vote: Which is India's best brand?
Please take the poll at the end of the slide show to select the one which you feel is India's top brand.
Graphics: What China will look like in 2015
China's rapid economic growth will continue to support its people to accumulate wealth.
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| January 05, 2011 | | Read this! New rules for using ATMs
Next time you go to a bank ATM, be ready to re-enter your PIN afresh for every transaction you wish to conduct, such as money withdrawal, balance enquiry and checking account details.
Fraud: Cops not to question Citibank CEO Pandit
The Gurgaon police on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of questioning Citibank's global CEO Vikram Pandit and other top honchos in connection with the Rs 300 crore (Rs 3 billion) fraud at a bank branch in Gurgaon, near Delhi.
In 3 years, India to be 4th largest car market!
India will become the world's fourth largest passenger vehicle market in the next three years, but will require an investment of about $20 billion to build up to nine new plants to meet the demand by then, according to global consultant Booz&Co.
Alarming levels of lead found in all paint brands
Officially-backed survey finds unacceptable levels of lead in paint brands.
IMAGES: Sedans to watch out for in 2011
If the year 2010 was the year of the hatchbacks, it appears that the year 2011 is all set to be big on sedan launches.
What to expect from the Budget
Ashok Chawla outlined the key thrust areas of Budget 2011.
Gujarat not an investment hotspot, says Congress
Modi's claims of Gujarat as an attractive investment have now been questioned by the Congress party.
How you can calculate your tax, plan investments
Here's a ready reckoner on how to calculate your tax dues so that you can plan your investments accordingly.
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| January 04, 2011 | | It's poor farmers vs Gujarat government and Nirma!
The story of land allotment in Mahuva in Saurashtra, Gujarat, is sensational even in this season of scams because here the government allotted its land to a private party, Nirma, and the place allotted was actually a reservoir!
NREGA employed 4 crore people in 2010
Nearing the four crore (40 million) mark in providing jobs under MGNREGA, re-launching the Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas scheme and reinforcing social audit in programmes on complaints of irregularities were the foremost tasks of the rural development ministry in 2010.
Now cars, consumer durables to cost more
With a 4-5 per cent rise in steel prices on January 1, cars and consumer durables are set to get dearer.
The riches that Shirdi Sai temple owns
The famous pilgrimage centre of Saibaba temple in Shirdi, one of the richest temples in Maharashtra, has ornaments and jewellery worth over Rs 32 crore (Rs 320 million) and investments running into Rs 427,17,02,929 (Rs 420.17 crore), according to official documents.
Singur wants Tata Nano plant back, offers help
The local people of Singur in West Bengal have assured Indian automobile major Tata Motors of full cooperation for setting up a plant, prompting the industrial giant to consider meeting the representatives in this regard.
India's fiscal worries: No change in 20 years
The finance minister today grapples with the same fiscal worries of two decades ago
Here's how you can avoid a double tax trap
The result is often sub-optimal, neither benefiting the taxpayer nor the chartered accountant preparing the tax returns - in fact, due to the sheer paucity of time, often one may end up underpaying or actually paying more tax than what was actually due.
Cars, bikes that you can look forward to in 2011
A glipse of what carmakers have in store for you.
How Wikileaks will change the online world
The total amount of data on the world's computers is thought to have crossed 1 zettabyte - a trillion gigabytes.
Here are some great tax-saving schemes!
Section 80c has plenty products for those wanting to invest and save taxes. A quick look.
Ramesh reveals how India pleaded at Cancun
Union Environment Minister wrote a letter to Members of Parliament on the Cancun climate conference outcome, explaining how the Indian delegation pleaded with the international body and why it was not a 'sell out' as was alleged by the opposition political parties to describe his stance.
Noise pollution! How it can harm the economy
India needs campaign against noise pollution with rising audible assertion of upwardly mobile, says .
Resolution for 2011: Get rich
This is not about the merits of financial prudence and abstinence. Rather, this is about just simple tips, whereby you can end 2011 a bit richer than what you were at the end of 2010.
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| January 03, 2011 | | The inspiring story of India's 'start-up guy'
Vijay Anand, vice president (new ventures), Rural Technology and Business Incubator, at IIT-Madras, is the man behind incubating new ideas for rural India.
Prime Minister: Rishyashringa or Dhritarashtra?
The prime minister's silence is not a virtue when his integrity is being questioned, says .
India to soon have navratna universities
In his keynote address at the 98th Indian Science Congress at SRM University near Chennai, Sibal said that this would be achieved by measures including generous financial support and access to external funding.
Good news! India rejects Abbot's HIV drug patent
India has rejected a drug patent application of a United States multinational pharma company, paving the way for easy access to an important life-saving medication for HIV patients across the globe.
A low-profile successor to Ratan Tata?
He has the reputation of being a stable performer, more comfortable with details than the big vision. looks at what could work for Noel Tata in the race to succeed his half-brother, Ratan Tata.
Citi case: Hero staff sent to 5-day police custody
The fraud is said to be the handiwork of Shivraj Puri.
How to start a business for less than Rs 50,000!
Two Delhi-based young women show how entrepreneurship can be unleashed even with as less as Rs 50,000.
Buying a car? Pay more this year
Due to rising input costs, Tata Motors on Saturday raised prices of its passenger and commercial vehicles by Rs 3,000-30,000 with immediate effect.
Jet rolls back salary cut, perks to be restored
Jet Airways, India's biggest airline in terms of the number of passengers carried, has decided to roll back the salary cut of its over 10,000 employees completely from this month.
Nano: It has been a topsy-turvy ride
Nano's sales have been sliding. How does Tata Motors plan to bring the excitement back?
Markets: Expect 10-12% returns in 2011
Focus will shift to midcaps/smallcaps and firms with lower leverage, believe analysts.
Infotech in 2020: The $300 billion question
A National Association of Software and Services Companies study done by McKinsey suggests that the industry has quadrupled its gross domestic product contribution to four per cent, contributed to 45 per cent of all incremental urban employment created in the last 10 years, employed over two million people and gave impetus to new entrepreneurs, and increased the number of tertiary education institutions in the country.
IMAGES: The closest rivals of Toyota Etios
With the sedan, Toyota has evoked concern in a number of existing players.
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| December 31, 2010 | | How Citibank fraudster duped rich investors
Shiv Raj Puri, the alleged mastermind behind the multi-crore Citibank fraud, displayed his credibility to his potential customers, but never pushed them.
A look at the world's most talked about nations
Rediff.com has captured the glimpse of this story and how some of the leading nations in the world, including India have bagged their place as the most preferred destinations in the year 2010.
How high prices spoilt common man's party in 2010
The inflation devil returned to haunt the government struggling to steer the country towards a high growth trajectory, but most of all higher prices of edibles ranging from egg to milk and fruits to onions in 2010 ruined even the most unrefined palate.
Scams notwithstanding, India heads for 9% growth
The year saw reform legislations stuck in the logjam between the government and the Opposition over constitution of a Joint Parliamentary Committee to look into the Rs 1.76- lakh crore (Rs 1.76 trillion) 2G scam.
How courts protected consumers in 2010
With unrelenting consumerism throwing up varied schemes aimed at fleecing citizens, 2010 saw consumer courts enhancing their proactive role to protect people, often by even enlarging the ambit of consumer protection law.
The 20 most popular business slideshows
A glimpse of what happened in the world of business in 2010.
Chinese doubt superpower status for China
Majority of Chinese doubt China's status as a superpower, according to an annual survey which also showed declining trend even among those who believed their country to be the most promising among BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) nations.
2010 offered a mixed bag for tourism sector
With a double-digit growth in the foreign tourist arrivals, 2010 was otherwise a good year for the ministry.
Radia tapes: What must the House of Tatas do now?
In corporate or military warfare, the rules of the game are the same. An opponent could attack the General first in the hope that if he falls then the army gets demoralised.
Rs 3,300 cr gives Sahara keys to Grosvenor House
The deal, struck by group firm Aamby Valley for 470 million pounds (about Rs 3,300 crore), makes it one of the largest acquisitions in the hospitality space by an Indian company.
Realty back to pre-crisis peak in 2010
The property party would have been perfect had it not been for the service tax slapped on under-construction buildings and as expected, the burden was passed on to the buyer.
Gadgets get sleeker avatar in 2010
Slim is in, not only in the fashion world, but also in the tech world, with gadgets ranging from smartphones to personal computers adopting a sleeker avatar in 2010.
Digital revolution: India comes of age
India's digital world has witnessed tremendous growth in the past decade.
'India is net job creator for US companies'
The US has emerged as a preferred destination for Indian investment. In fact, India now ranks second, behind the UAE, in the list of fastest-growing foreign investors in the US, he argued in his article.
Will the political troubles impact the Budget?
As 2010 comes to an end, the mood in North Block is not that sanguine.
New Mercedes C Class to hit Indian roads in 2011
The battle in the high-end luxury segment is all set to get more intense.
How technology will beat poverty in a decade
The year 2010 has been good for India in terms of technology and 2011 holds the promise of taking the country one step forward in harnessing technology to make a dent in some of the problems that continue to challenge it.
IMAGES: A year in business, 2010!
Here are some pictures that defined the world of business in 2010.
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| December 30, 2010 | | Best advertising campaigns of the year
Here are some broad trends and communication themes that emerged this year.
What led to the onion shortage?
Diseases caused by unseasonal rains have ruined almost 70 per cent of the kharif onion crop in Maharashtra this year, which is responsible for the nationwide shortage of the commodity, a senior ICAR official said on Thursday.
2/3 of the cos listed trading in red: BSE survey
An analysis of the BSE-listed companies shows that as many as 44 out of the 69 stocks are trading below their issue prices fixed after their initial public offers.
India's global trade set to cross $500 billion
The value of India's inbound and outbound trade in goods is set to touch $550 billion in the 2010-11 fiscal, with imports expected to touch $350 billion, as against $288 billion in the 2009-10 fiscal.
Food now costs even more! Inflation at 14.44%
Food inflation surged to a 10-week high of 14.44 per cent for the week ended December 18 as prices of vegetables, particularly onions, fruits, cereals and protein-based products, continued to escalate.
IMAGES: Maruti Kizashi to hit Indian roads in 2011
there will be several new launches in the year 2011 from the Maruti stable.
Long-term measures for depositors, borrowers
While rising inflation eroded the real returns for retail depositors this year, there were a number of positive moves that will help you in the long run.
Europe's snowfall sends tourists Down Under
Countries like Australia and New Zealand are literally making hay while the sun shines, with a 40-45 per cent rise in bookings from India.
Silver outshines gold, Sensex in 2010
Prices registering a whopping 65 per cent growth in domestic markets and a 75 per cent jump in the US.
10 lessons from the stock market
Whether it was scams or the threat of recession, the market survived everything with aplomb.
Beware! The 9 top cyber threats for 2011
Google's Android, Apple's iPhone, foursquare, Google TV and the Mac OS X platform are all expected to become major targets for cybercriminals.
India's biggest scams; worth Rs 80 lakh crore!
Here is a check-list of some of the major corruption scandals and corporate frauds that hit the headlines and the estimated amounts alleged to have been involved
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| December 29, 2010 | | 2010: Of Supreme Court, and Tata, Ambani, Radia
Legal battles involving corporate czars like the Ambanis and Tatas figured prominently in the Supreme Court in 2010, but it was the Niira Radia controversy that threw the light on the corporate prowess in certain quarters of the government, already under fire over a telecom scam.
2010: Phone tap exposes telecom scam
All hell broke loose after the publication of the tapes, recorded by the Revenue Intelligence department between 2008-09, and the Opposition brought Parliament to a grinding halt demanding a certain probe.
Banning pesky calls: What the aam aadmi says
Telecom subscribers who were waiting to the results of the telecom regulator's crackdown on telemarketing companies from making unsolicited calls/SMSes will have to wait longer.
Sneak peek: Porsche Cajun, the Rs 25 lakh SUV
Manufacturers across the world are laying emphasis on developing models that appeal to the younger generation.
Politics v/s biz: The growing difference
From environmental clearance to regulatory approval, from land acquisition for greenfield projects to displacement of tribals, it's been a season of scams, deep mistrust and hostility among companies, bureaucrats, regulators and politicians.
2010 kept banks busy with interest, deposit rates
While the loans seekers may have to pay higher equated monthly instalments the depositors can hope for better returns on their savings in the coming year.
Votes are in! These are India's best banks
Indian banks have successfully weathered the mayhem that shook the financial world in 2008.
Want to be an entrepreneur? Don't miss this!
At the Gurukul session, Vijay spoke about 'managing your psycho-dynamics' (a phrase Vijay claims ownership to), various ways of managing it, and why managing it plays a crucial role in an enterprise's success.
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| December 28, 2010 | | BSE launches Islamic index; what is it?
The Bombay Stock Exchange, in collaboration with the Taqwaa Advisory and Shariah Investment Solutions -- Tasis -- has launched an Islamic index in a bid to woo more investors from India and overseas.
Hyundai may set up new plant in Gujarat
The company officials that visited Dholera will submit their recommendations to the company board for a final investment decision in this regard.
Jaya Desai, leader of 'strikers in saris', dies
Desai led a walkout of the Grunwick Film Processing Laboratories in the summer of 1976 in an attempt to convince managers to recognise a unionised workforce.
The top 10 mobile marketing trends for 2011
As 2010 comes to a close, MMA provides a guide to new and existing technologies that will dominate the market in the coming year.
Images: The conviction of an oil billionaire
The United States has slammed Russia over conviction of jailed tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky and his associate, saying "selective application" of the law to them will have a "negative impact" on Moscow's reputation.
Investing in stocks? 4 GOLDEN tips
Avoid these mistakes, and your money will be safe.
Sanjay Sachdev: Tata's new asset
Peers describe Sanjay Sachdev, new chief executive officer of Tata Asset Management Company, as a man who can form alliances with ease.
Can Bangladesh sand save Maldives from sinking?
The island nation faces a real threat of being inundated if the sea level rises by even one metre.
Stock exchanges: Why Jalan report is being bashed
The ban on listing and other roadblocks on ownership have tainted the Jalan Committee report.
The stunning Volvo XC60 at Rs 39.5 lakh
All Volvos carry a 2 year / 60,000kms free service.
Many good reasons why diesel price must be hiked
The empowered group of ministers on fuel pricing is to meet this week to take a view on the price of diesel.
Highs and lows mark 2010 India
If the economy revived with steady growth, inflation remained a concern and reforms were sluggish.
How momentum helps you trade profitably
Momentum indicators are the building blocks of a trading system as they help us firm up trading strategies and entry and exit points from a trade.
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| December 27, 2010 | | Air India likely to get Rs 2,000 crore
The Civil Aviation Ministry has recommended an equity infusion of Rs 2,000 crore (Rs 20 billion) in Air India in the next financial year after the beleaguered national carrier gets Rs 1,200 crore soon.
Indian IT-BPO sector: What to expect in 2011
The level of the opportunity in hand can be gauged from the fact that India (domestic + exports) accounted for approximately 5 per cent of worldwide technology products and services related spend of $1.5 trillion in 2009.
Jobs are here! But fix a speed limit on hiring
India Inc has big recruitment plans in the New Year, but there are already signs of irrational exuberance
The inspiring, rags-to-riches story of a farmer
Dnyaneshwar Nivrutti Bodke is a farmer who hates subsidies and loan waivers. He also helps other farmers turn into businessmen and earn good income from their own farms.
Sombre market outlook for early part of 2011
Inflation, rate pressure and scams dampen mood, though demand remains strong.
Smartphones: The hottest gizmo in 2010
The field of technology in the year 2010 was quite exciting and eventful especially in the segment of mobile phones, which returned as status symbols in India in its latest avatar - the smartphones.
Images: The world's most hazardous jobs
This is by no means an exhaustive list of hazardous jobs, but it merely scrapes the surface of such risky jobs. Many other jobs -- like children engaged in dangerous jobs, soldiers and policemen who face injury to life and limb everyday -- have not been featured here.
IMAGES: The closest rivals of BMW X1
The Indian version of X1 is slightly different.
How old consumer brands are making it big
Iconic consumer brands are much in demand today.
Looking for an ideal portfolio? Read this
Stick to asset allocation, use tax-efficient instruments and invest in line with risk profile.
Pesky calls, SMSes will continue to disturb you
Operators to miss January 1 deadline, express inability to upgrade system before 4-6 months.
IMAGES: All about the Rs 38.70 lakh Audi Q5
As long as you don't take it for a serious off-roader, you're in great and safe hands with Audi's Q5.
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| December 24, 2010 | | Images: World's riskiest nations to do business in
The Global Risks Index by Maplecroft in 2010 measured a combination of strategic risks that are having an increasing impact on the global operations, supply chains and distribution networks of corporations.
Here's how retail store trials rooms are changing
Once they were just a hole in the background shabby, small and unimpressive. It was more like some leftover space was converted into trial rooms. But, as the Indian retail industry is undergoing a huge change, so are the trial rooms.
The rise and rise of mobile gaming in India
In October, Indian mobile users downloaded around three million games from the site. This growth has been largely due to strong localisation of games in this market.
Goldman may buy Bengaluru-Mysore expressway pie
May take 10-15% in Phase II of Bengaluru-Mysore road for Rs 500 crore.
Who'll rule? China, India or the West?
A great, new book suggests that history favours China's future over India's.
SUVs and MUVs that rocked India in 2010!
So, let's take a look at the 10 most popular SUVs and MUVs in the country, according to data assembled by Cardekho.com throughout the year.
Rs 2,000,000,000,000! That's what India mopped up
The capital raised by Indian companies in the 2010 calendar year was over one-third more than the Rs 1,50,000-crore (Rs 1,500-billion) mop-up in the previous year and was a beacon of hope in a global economy that has been witnessing turbulence on account of the poor health of Western economies.
Airbus @ 40: A success story
As the European airplane manufacturer Airbus completes 40 years, few will doubt that it will continue to have its regular share of controversy.
IMAGES: 9 most popular sedans of 2010
Some newer names caught the buyers' fancy while some older ones held their ground firmly.
Why banks are against corporates in banking
"Banks were not in favour of the proposal due to the unsavoury past experience in India and abroad and that large capital buffer that would be available to the banks sponsored by industrial/business houses would create an uneven playing field with the existing banks," the Reserve Bank said in a statement.
Now, no big home loans over 80% of property value!
Concerned over excessive flow of banking funds to the real estate sector, the Reserve Bank of India on Thursday said lenders will provide loans only up to 80 per cent of the cost of property.
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| December 23, 2010 | | Zachariah freed of insider trading charges
Thiruvananthapuram-born Dr Zachariah P Zachariah, a prominent cardiologist in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been exonerated of all charges in a long-standing US Securities and Exchange Commission insider trading case.
Why Indian entrepreneurs are stressed-out
The stress levels of Indian entrepreneurs have risen markedly in the last two years, but are still less than their global peers, a recent survey has revealed.
Onion saga: Of X'mas gift, imports and promises
A trader in Jharkand is offering free onions on purchase of tyres while a noted humourist in Punjab plans to give this essential kitchen ingredient as gifts to housewives during Christmas as a way to flag people's mounting concern on skyrocketing onion prices.
Tata Nano shines! Wins global design award
The award is conferred annually by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design together with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
The onion sting: Here's what the common man says
We asked around people from every walk of life and culled their reactions on the present price rise.
Insatiable! India sealed $55-bn M&A deals in 2010
As the year 2010 comes to a close, a look back at India Inc's deal activity shows a splendid year, with the total deal value surpassing the previous record set in 2007 and big-ticket deals making a comeback as corporate India regained its deal-making appetite with nine billion-dollar-plus deals -- the highest-ever in a single year.
Bribery, corruption hit Indian manufacturing
Over 25 per cent of Indian manufacturing sector respondents have been victims of economic crime.
Crisis? Inform 3,000 people in just a minute!
ERCC is an inexpensive emergency alert system that can be installed in offices.
Mahindra launches 4X4 off-roader the Thar
The Thar CRDe 4x4 BS IV variant priced at Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and Thar DI BS III variant priced at Rs 4.47 lakh (ex-showroom Jaipur).
IMAGES: The world's 20 busiest airports
The world's busiest airports are ranked here by the number of total passengers, data for which is provided by the Airports Council International.
NREGA can't curb distress migration in Rajasthan
The government's flagship programme NREGA has created a source of additional income for families living below the poverty line in tribal areas of Rajasthan, but has failed to check distress migrations minimum 100 days of employment assured under the Act is not provided to all workers.
Commexes 2010 turnover will be at Rs 105trillion
It has been a year to remember for commodity exchanges in the country, with their cumulative turnover set to cross the Rs 100 trillion-mark in 2010 and the government also introducing a Bill in the Lok Sabha that aims to expand the futures market.
2010: A year of rebirth for India's IT
According to industry body National Association of Software and Service Companies, the Indian IT-BPO industry is well-poised to reach the $70-billion mark by the end of the current fiscal.
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| December 22, 2010 | | Onion prices could remain high till next Diwali
If you think that the government's steps to import onions and ban their export will lead to any significant drop in onion prices, then you might be mistaken.
Should diesel prices be hiked?
The increase in prices will impact prices of food and other essential commodities, but it is important if the oil marketing companies are to progress so that the country can meet its ever-growing energy needs
We aren't building roads for the future. . .: Nath
India and Malaysia have decided to work on a "price discovery mechanism," a new concept where both sides will arrive at an agreeable cost while undertaking road building projects, Roads and Highways minister Kamal Nath said.
Onions: Take hoarders to task, govt tells states
In a bid to cool the skyrocketing retail prices, government has abolished import duties on onion and banned its exports for an indefinite period even as wholesale prices started showing signs of decline.
How Kolkata Metro has suffered due to Railways
The country's first underground mass transit system has suffered by being part of Indian Railways.
10 most searched Indian cars of 2010
Apart from brochures and advice from friends, the Internet has become a fine source of information on cars.
India's most preferred investment destinations
India is set to become a potential goldmine on the back of investment announcements in the 20 major states that surged during April-September (H1) 2010 to Rs 10,097,472 crore.
Budget 2011: This time by two finance secretaries?
The government is not keen to give extension to Finance Secretary Ashok Chawla, a Gujarat-cadre IAS officer, on his superannuation on January 31.
VOTE: The 20 best banks in India
Indian banks have successfully weathered the mayhem that shook the financial world in 2008.
Tata tests markets for Nano export
The rising prospect of the Nano doing well in international markets has prompted India's largest vehicle maker to hold customer clinics in several countries.
The world's fastest growing economies
Asia and Africa account for the world's fastest growing economies, says Economy Watch.
Working for rural India from IIT research park
Uniphore Software Systems is one of the companies incubated by Rural Technology and Business Incubator (RTBI) of the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras.
India's 5 employers with the best image
More than half of fresh MBAs graduating from India's leading management schools in 2011 would like to work in the FMCG sector as it offers attractive growth prospects, according to a latest study by the Nielsen Company.
India still world's No. 1 BPO destination!
India is still the world's favourite destination for offshore outsourcing, but attractive cost structures in the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia and the rapid growth of the business in China are posing tough competition, according to a new study by Gartner Inc.
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| December 21, 2010 | | Thousands stranded, but flights to Heathrow resume
Thousands of frustrated travellers remained stranded at airports across Europe on Tuesday, even as authorities warned that disruption could last until after Christmas, following the heaviest snowfalls in decades.
2010: Hospitality sector bids adieu to hard times
An over 10 per cent increase in tourist arrivals and rising hotel occupancies consigned the memories of the economic downturn and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to the far corner of the industry's mind.
Why onion prices will remain high
The government on Tuesday said prices of onions are likely to remain high for the next three weeks, but the situation is likely to improve thereafter in the wake of its move to ban exports of the commodity.
Soaring airfares? Airlines see record traffic
Despite rising airfares, the domestic aviation sector saw an impressive rise in passenger traffic.
12th Plan: Panel to set ambitious growth targets
Clouded by the global economic meltdown that began in 2008, the current Plan (2007-12) needed a lot of scaling down of the targets and the mid-term review was quite straight about it.
Can only GM crops ensure India's food security?
explains why a mobilisation like the Kisan Swaraj Yatra is significant and why it is opposed to GM crop.
IT: Will purse strings be loosened in 2011?
However, the biggest question for the Indian information technology sector is whether purse strings will be loosened for discretionary spending in 2011 or not.
Here are some options in tax-saving investments
PPF fits all portfolios, except those earning basic pay of over Rs 8.3 lakh yearly.
E-shopping sites: Get the best of online bargains
The festival season is here and it's a good time for bargain hunting on shopping websites. Whether you want to pamper yourself or buy gifts, these websites are a great place to avail good discounts on a range of products.
IMAGES: The 11 hatchbacks launched in 2010
It was not only a treat for car manufacturers as their sales figures rose, but also for the car buyers who were spoilt for choice.
A comeback year for India's retail sector
The debate over whether to relax FDI norms in the Indian retail sector gained momentum in 2010.
New editions of VW Jetta, Passat in India in 2011
"We will launch the new Jetta and new Passat in the Indian market in 2011," Volkswagen Group's Head of Marketing and PR (Passenger Cars) Lutz Kothe said.
Why indian aviation is missing the Asian boom
India, the second fastest-growing economy in the world, does not figure in the brighter side of the aviation picture, because Indian civil aviation industry has been hugely loss-making (a $1.75 billion loss in 2009-10) and showing no signs of consolidation.
India's FDI inflows dip in 2010
India received less foreign direct investment in 2010 than the previous year, courtesy a modest recovery in the global economy which reduced the risk and expansion appetite of corporates across the world.
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| December 17, 2010 | | Tatas dub Chandrasekhar's attack a 'cheap gimmick'
Dubbing the debate triggered by Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar with Ratan Tata on 2G spectrum as 'futile', a Tata Group firm on Friday said his attack on a former telecom regulator was a 'cheap gimmick'.
This is what threatens the Indian economy
Amid projections of up to over 9 per cent growth in Indian economy this fiscal, ratings firm Moody's has cautioned against overheating that can result in probable asset bubbles.
Get a health cover and have a relaxed holiday
A travel policy is not enough as most domestic ones do not provide health cover. On the other hand, only overseas travel plans cover hospitalisation, apart from travel-related risks.
Real estate prices soar before planes
With the environment ministry nod to Navi Mumbai airport, money is flying into projects in its precincts.
Mobile advtg to go beyond SMSes and flash messages
A recent study revealed that over 72 per cent of Indian consumers were at ease with mobile advertising and over 50 per cent were ready for personalised advertisements.
Jobs bonanza: 20% jump in hiring, fatter pay
Led by fast-growing sectors such as telecom, consumer durables and real estate, HR experts feel that hiring is most likely to jump.
Win Rs 25,000! Just solve this case
All you have to do is read the case, see the question you have to answer on the last slide, click on The Smart Manager logo below, and post your solutions by January 10, 2011.
Jobs in a jiffy: A startup for startups
Khinvasara decided that he wanted to educate people about the benefits of working in startups and in the process build a business.
Patent war: Nokia files 13 suits against Apple
Accusing Apple for using its technology in devices like iPod, iPhone and iPod Touch, the world's No.1 cellphone company, Nokia has filed 13 patent infringement suits in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.
PIX: Move over MNCs, Made in India phones are here
Most India brands have started offering 3G-enabled phones with a starting price of about Rs 4,000.
New Google browser to map human body!
After its controversial Street View programme , Internet search giant Google is all set to unveil a new browser that can map out the entire human body.
Stats don't lie! China way ahead of India
The rise of the fastest growing economies of China and India has taken the world by surprise . . .
Failed joint ventures are normal in India
India has seen multiple instances of termination of agreements in joint venture contracts, most of which were formed in the early 1980's.
The secrets of loss-proof investing
During a stock market top, everyone thinks they can tolerate huge allocations to stocks and see no problem being invested 100 per cent in equity.
PIX: Despite Jairam's rap, SUVs become big hits
SUVs are increasingly becoming a rage amongst buyers.
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| December 16, 2010 | | Rajeev Chandrasekhar hits back at Tata
The MP asked authorities to keep focus of investigation on scam to weed out the lobbyists from the telecom sector.
Hero Honda splits; Hero to buy Honda's 26% stake
Breaking its 26-year-old joint venture -- Hero Honda, Munjals-promoted Hero Group on Thursday said it will buy the entire 26 per cent stake of its Japanese partner Honda in the company for an undisclosed amount.
Why petrol prices were hiked by Rs 3 a litre
The hike in petrol price was necessitated because of increase in prices of crude oil in the international market, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said.
Cities, sectors that created most jobs in India
The organised sector in India generated 1.13 million jobs in 2010, says the Ma Foi Randstad Employment Trends Survey.
IMAGES: Ford Figo is Indian Car of the Year
The Ford Figo is a celebration of the best-in-class features, style, comfort and ownership.
RBI to infuse Rs 480 bn; raps govt for cash crunch
With the declining trend in inflation and amid reports of liquidity crunch, the Reserve Bank on Thursday announced pumping in Rs 48,000 crore (Rs 480 billion) into the system while keeping the key policy rates unchanged.
Sneak peek: The stunning Rs 22 lakh BMW X1
A number of carmakers have launched new products in the SUV/MUV segment within a span of few months.
'We can be a superpower if every Indian is happy'
D Udaya Kumar made history when his design was selected as the symbol for the Rupee. Manu A B profiles the brilliant creator.
Meet the man behind a Rs 4,500-crore empire
N Sankar, the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award at the TiE Chennai Entrepreneur awards 2010, is the Chairman of The Sanmar Group. The turnover of the group is estimated to be around Rs. 4,500 crores. Sankar talks about how he built the empire.
Ratan Tata's cup of woes spills over
Questions raised on discrepancies in land rates in West Bengal.
Advance tax: This is what the big companies paid
India Inc seems to be leveraging well on the country's growth story and is poised to post better earnings if the corporate advance tax payments made in the December quarter are any indication.
Kolhapur bizmen book 180 Mercedes cars at one go!
Professionals, including doctors, engineers, farmers and industrialists, from various sections of Kolhapur, Sangli and Belgaum in Karnataka have made primary bookings for 180 Mercedes Benz cars from a Pune dealer, B U Bhandari, who was also responsible for the Aurangabad deal.
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| December 15, 2010 | | The Dragon is here! Deals worth $16 billion signed
Wen said, China is ready to work with India to increase the scale, and expand the scope of bilateral business cooperation.
IMAGES: Ducati to launch Diavel in India by April
It would also be launching two more models of its super bike series by Jan.
Radia is an economic terrorist, says Praful Patel
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, who was at the receiving end in the tapped conversations of corporate lobbyist Niira Radia, on Wednesday wondered how she came to prominence and what was her claim to fame.
The zaniest, most jaw-dropping quotes of 2010
India, the year 2010, saw many an upheaval in the often mysterious, at times murky, and occasionally bright world of business, money and economy.
Private companies sitting on Rs 150,000-cr cash
Uncertainty on demand growth seems to be crimping investment.
The most loved advertisements of 2010
These advertisments struck a chord with people because of their creativity and innovation.
20 facts you must know about India's growth
The economy of India is the eleventh largest in the world by nominal GDP and the fourth largest by purchasing power parity (PPP).
Chinese auto makers bet big on India story
China's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, Beiqi Foton, is understood to be considering setting up a greenfield facility in India shortly.
This Chinese invasion = Deals worth $20 billion
PM isn't expected to shy away from airing political differences.
India vs China: How the 2 giant economies compare
Wen is leading a high level delegation to India for a two-day trip, starting on December 16.
What's happiness? Earning more than your friends!
Money can buy you happiness, only if you earn more of it than your friends, scientists say.
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| December 14, 2010 | | Petrol price hiked by Rs 2.96
Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) on Tuesday hiked petrol prices by about Rs 2.96 a litre effective midnight tonight, and other state-owned oil companies IOC and HPCL will follow suit on Wednesday.
India Inc's 'lack of ethics' concerns PM
Amid charges for flouting environment laws by some influential business houses, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said there was a perceived 'ethical deficit' among some corporates which need to follow fair means in their pursuit.
Move over Visa, MasterCard. IndiaPay is here
The National Payments Corporation of India, the owner of IndiaPay, will fire the first salvo by charging only half what MasterCard and Visa levy on merchant establishments.
Booked a Toyota Etios? Delivery from Jan 2011
Japanese car maker Toyota on Tuesday said it will begin production of its entry-level sedan Etios in third week of December from its second manufacturing facility in India at Bidadi in Bengaluru.
Images: The great Indian consumer boom!
According to estimates, there are about 404 million consuming or aspiring consumers in India.
World's top 20 BPO hotspots
Bengaluru remains the top outsourcing hotspot for fourth successive year.
When personal loans outshine loans against gold
A personal loan can score over a loan against gold in some cases, if you compare the interest rate, tenure and charges for the two products.
Here are some special car deals for Christmas
Almost all car makers are trying to catch consumers' eyeballs by offering cash discounts, free insurance and paying registration charges of the car, distributing gift cheques, silver and gold coins and free accessories.
How Rao is building low-cost homes profitably!
Former Citibanker and MphasiS founder wants to provide affordable housing to low-income buyers. What's his business model?
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| December 13, 2010 | | Lower airfares further, govt tells airlines
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What Chinese PM's visit means for Indian business
China has emerged as India's largest trade partner.
The world's 20 most admired firms
Four Indian companies have been named amongst the world's 20 most admired knowledge enterprises by the MAKE research programme established by Teleos, in association with The KNOW Network.
MF investments by politicians under Sebi lens
Come January 1, 2011, all the new as also existing MF investors would need to disclose if they are or have been a head of state.
World's 5 most influential tech tycoons
When one thinks of technology, the first name that strikes us is that of Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
Defect in newly bought car? Here's what to do
Newly bought cars often show defects which need to be attended. Here's how.
Tata vs Chandrasekhar: What corporates say
Business Standard got in touch with CEOs and corporate promoters around the countr. Is India Inc shocked? Surprised at the tone and tenor of the letters? Most shied away from a comment, some were diplomatic and only a few were ready for plainspeak.
How to get high returns from stocks
Highly priced stocks may be expensive but provide better returns.
More money in cyber crime than in drug trade now!
Symantec Corp, a global data security provider, has said that cyber attacks against critical infrastructure providers in India were becoming more frequent and effective in the recent past.
No laws for poor contract workers!
A new law for contract labourers intends to remove the illusion that they are cheaper and exploitable.
'Jewellery tops online product sales'
The Indian e-commerce sector is getting a good response from rural and Tier-III cities, Sharat Digumarti, head (operations), eBay India said at the launch of the eBay India census 2010 at Hyderabad.
IMAGES: What do Indians search for on the Web?
What 81 million Indian netizens have been searching for on the web?
Stock mkt probe:Sebi to snoop on Facebook, Twitter
Recently, a number of blogs have cropped up where members discuss stock market trends.
IMAGES: Check out the stunning Audi A7 Sportback
The luxury car segment of the country is likely to get a new car soon.
Plan for your tomorrow, today!
The average fund at the time of retirement is just Rs 52,000 per individual, people are still keen on contributing to a retirement fund, because traditional structures, such as the joint family, or children supporting parents, are changing.
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| December 10, 2010 | | More billionaires agree to give away wealth
Giving People asks its signatories to commit publicly to give away majority of their wealth.
IMAGES: Mahindra launches REVAi at Rs 310,000
The company plans to launch a slew of models in the domestic as well as overseas markets in the coming year.
Yamaha launches 998cc FZ1 at Rs 8.7 lakh
The wholly-owned subsidiary of the firm - India Yamaha Motor - also introduced a 153cc motorcycle -- SZ-R, carrying a price tag of Rs 55,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The 20 largest companies in India
Indian companies have become bigger and stronger in the last ten years with the average revenue of a company on the Fortune India 500 list standing at Rs 7,632.5 crore (Rs 76.32 billion).
IMAGES: The world's largest solar boat
The marvellous boat is covered in 5,300 square feet of photovoltaic solar panels consisting of 38,000 next-generation cells by SunPower.
Ramesh sold out India on climate issue: BJP, Left
Under attack from opposition parties and NGOs back home, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh on Friday admitted to 'nuancing' of the Indian position that it will not accept internationally legally binding emission cuts.
IMAGES: Rs 5.6-lakh Nissan Micra diesel is here!
With an overall length of 3780mm and overall width of 1665mm the car easily tackles traffic.
3 hot hatchbacks to look forward to
With the rapid growth of the Indian market many new carmakers are going to enter the country and the existing ones are going to come up with newer models.
GRAPHICS: The booming Indian economy!
Here's a graphical representation of the Indian economy. . .
IMAGES: World's 15 biggest malls
Malls have become an inevitable part of the retail boom all over the world.
Fiscal deficit in states:Maharashtra tops the list
Fiscal deficit is essentially the difference between what the government spends and what it earns. It is expressed as a percentage of GDP.
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| December 09, 2010 | | 2G spectrum: Govt to probe allocation since 2001
The government on Thursday appointed a one-man committee of retired Supreme Court justice Shivaraj V Patil to probe the alleged irregularities in the allocation of 2G spectrum since 2001, a period involving the NDA regime.
Why Ratan Tata hired Niira Radia's PR agency
Stating that Tatas did not have a 'captive' connection to counter a media campaign against it by an unholy nexus between certain corporates and journalists, Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata on Thursday said that this necessitated engagement of external PR service provider Niira Radia.
Why the Sensex fell over 400 points
Several factors, like fear of FII withdrawals, high inflation numbers, telecom scam, RBI warning, etc, saw the markets plummet on Thursday.
3G tech vulnerable to cyber crime
As 3G mobile services are set to be rolled out soon in the country, cyber experts sound a word of caution about the high tech enabled mobile phones, which they say are more vulnerable in the world of technology related crimes.
The world's most corrupt institutions
As many as 74 per cent Indians believe that corruption levels have increased in the past three years. Globally, 60 per cent people hold the same view, and one in four people report paying bribes in the last year.
A 7-point plan to improve the govt's performance
Here are some ways the government's performance can be fine-tuned for better marks:
India says NO to legally binding emission cuts
The United States, India and China are not in favor of accepting a legally binding agreement.
Trade secret? How to protect it
Violations of business and intellectual property rights are on the rise and pose a huge challenge to corporations and innovators.
IMAGES: All about 4 stunning SUVs
How powerful are the four recently launched SUVs/MUVs.
Orissa: 10,991 villages lost over 50% crop
Mayurbhanj district has been the worst hit where a total of 2442 villages under 18 blocks have reported a crop loss of more than 50 per cent. Next is Sundergarh district where 1656 villages under 17 blocks have suffered a crop loss of more than 50 per cent.
Many telecom flip flops during BJP regime: Tata
Tata group chairman Ratan Tata has blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party for many telecom flip flops that took place during its regime.
Special: Dollar's gain = Sensex's loss?
While the dollar's appreciation could influence the markets in the near term, experts suggest a look at the fundamentals and other macro indicators before taking an investment call.
India can grow faster than China: Roubini
Roubini said countries like India, Indonesia, Brazil and Turkey, with their increasing reliance on domestic markets, have a "distinct edge" over China which is still dependent on trade and a weak currency to spur its growth story.
China's fastest train aims to speed at 575 km/hr!
Aiming to break the 574.8 km/h speed record set by France, China has signed agreements with Thailand and Laos to build high-speed railways.
Images: India's 25 most competitive cities
According to the City Competitiveness report by the Institute for Competitiveness, Delhi is the most competitive.
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| December 08, 2010 | | Now, a common entrance test for bank jobs!
Aimed at reducing recruitment-time and the hassles associated with recruitment -- for both banks and candidates -- there will now be a common all-India entrance test from next year onwards for those seeking to join public sector banks.
China building super-cities, but what about jobs?
China's secondary cities are building infrastructure on a massive scale, but the factories that will generate jobs for the poor are still nowhere in sight.
Petrol, diesel prices to be hiked soon
State-owned oil companies may raise petrol prices by Rs 1.50-Rs 2 per litre early next week, while a Rs 2 a litre hike in diesel rates is under the government consideration, a senior official said.
Intel threatened Russia with sending jobs to India
Intel, the American chip giant, won a key concession from Russian government after threatening to shift research and development (R&D) work from the country to India or China, according to a United States Department of State cable leaked by the whistle-blower WikiLeaks.
Why Bengal is the most indebted state in India
Revenue deficit of the state is the highest among Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.
Philippines, not India, is the world's BPO capital
The Philippines has become the BPO capital of the world, overtaking India as the number one player in the global business outsourcing market.
IMAGES: Inspired by Nano, TVS plans cheaper bikes
low-cost plans dovetail perfectly with the company's decision to make affordable new models.
Airtel: Spend on customer service or brand revamp?
Bharti Airtel says the makeover is in tune with the paradigm change the industry is about to witness.
Images: Toyota's stunning Rs 5-lakh Etios sedan
The Etios sedan will be available in four variants.
How to identify an operator-driven stock
Stay away from small companies that are easily manipulated.
Why we should take the Internet seriously
Is it time to consider the Internet as mass media? Maybe.
Is Indian basmati under threat?
The old farming practices will have to be changed to save the basmati export business.
2011: Could it be worse than 2010?
The year 2010 failed to deliver on the promises that it's first few months held. It might not have been quite the annus horribilis that 2008 was, but the last few months have shown some rather ominous trends. Let's just hope that these trends reverse in 2011. It certainly doesn't have the makings of a good year.
GST: A bullock cart stuck in the mud
The GST reform has virtually come to a standstill.
World's highest remittances: India is No.1
With a rising population of more than 215 million international migrants in the world, remittances received by developing countries, is estimated to be $325 billion in 2010, states a World Bank study.
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| December 07, 2010 | | Gold, silver at all-time high
Brisk buying for the ongoing marriage season and rising demand from industrial units resulted in this rise.
Jobless Indian ragpickers heat up climate meet
Vatsala Gaikwad and Supriya Bhadakwad from Maharashtra hopped on a plane for the first time to protest about the loss of their jobs to rubbish-guzzling incinerators.
Anil is building a mansion, but not for himself
Multiple residential units are being developed for housing senior executives of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani group at a plot in Pali Hill of Bandra.
Europe crisis could hurt India, warns Pranab
The government on Tuesday attributed higher economic growth projected in the mid-year economic analysis for this fiscal than the Economic Survey to robust economic expansion in the first half.
Indian economic engine roars; growth to cross 9%
In its mid-year analysis of Indian economy, the government said high inflation, which was a major concern, has started declining and hoped that it may fall to 6 per cent by March, 2011 from over 8 per cent now.
Act, before we are all dead: Ramesh to US
Ramesh expressed deep concern about the US offer to reduce carbon emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels.
Spectrum scam: An MP's open letter to Ratan Tata
Chandrasekhar's letter seeks to convey the impression that the Tata Group kept quiet when it stood to benefit from violations of norms.
Top 10 IT predictions for 2011
2011 will be about the consolidation of disruptive technologies and customer segments.
How Nitish plans to make Bihar an economic power
After sweeping the Bihar elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar says that the main task before him is to tackle corruption and ensure fast economic growth.
Images: The world's largest employers
here is a list of 23 giant enterprises which are the world's largest employers.
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| December 06, 2010 | | Media: Of burying the 'paid news' report
It is time for all us, as citizens, to assert that newspapers and television new channels are fundamentally social institutions, says .
Govt must not dictate air fares: Mallya
Protesting against the government efforts to reduce high prices charged by airlines on tickets booked at short-term notice, Kingfisher Airlines promoter Vijay Mallya on Monday said that airfares should not be capped by the regulatory authorities, whether it is in upper or lower band.
SBI hikes deposit rates by up to 150 bps
The new rates will become effective from Tuesday.
IMAGES: This is Huaxi, China's richest village!
In this village of Huaxi, a booming market town of 36,000 in the affluent eastern province of Jiangsu, every family has at least one house or villa, two cars and $250,000 in the bank.
Do this first, then ask people for higher airfares
Whatever post-reform Indian capitalism is, one thing it isn't - and that is an untrammelled 'free market' system, says .
5 most important house facts, you must know
You need to evaluate aspects related to your house carefully and bring them under the scanner to identify loopholes. This is especially true of the agreement you need to sign with the builder.
10 things that can prevent future scams
The only permanent way for us to stop scams is to work on both prevention and deterrence.
Can Dell XCD win the smartphone race?
After taking leadership in the personal computer space in India, Dell now wants a piece of the market for smart phones.
IMAGES: 6 mega carmakers and their plans for 2011
Talks of new car launches and model upgrades kept car lovers enthralled throughout 2010.
After 26 years, Honda to part ways with Hero
To sell its 26 per cent stake to the Munjals for $1.2 billion.
Renting a house? Here is your legal checklist!
The verification of certain documents are critical, though commercial establishments that take office premises have a legal team to handle the formalities, often the lone individual in search of a comfy apartment does not often realise the significance of such things nor do they actually get a chance to verify any details.
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| December 03, 2010 | | Govt rejects massive fare hike plan by airlines
Asserting that the government can't remain a mute spectator to the move by the air carriers, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said there can be 'no justification' for airlines to hike fares in an 'arbitrary manner'.
IMAGES: The world's top 25 luxury trains
Luxury knows no bounds in these magnificent trains that take you on an unforgettable trip across some of the world's most beautiful destinations.
How economic reforms have transformed India!
, University Professor, Economics and Law, Columbia University, delivered the Third Hiren Mukerjee Memorial Annual Parliamentary Lecture in the Central Hall of Parliament House on December 2, 2010. Here are the edited excerpts of his excellent analysis of how the economic reforms have benefited India:
The Honda Brio: Here's a sneak preview
Pictures from the Bangkok Motor Show where the car has been displayed show a well designed car by Honda that resembles nothing anyone has ever seem in a Honda stable.
Smart ways to save and still have fun!
With the economy of the US currently in a tailspin, the effects are far-reaching, so it's especially wise, at this point, to take a good look at how you spend, and where your hard-earned money is going.
Want to buy a villa in Gurgaon? Price Rs 8.5 crore
Realty major Emaar MGF said it would develop 200 luxury villas in Gurgaon , which would generate a revenue of at least Rs 900 crore (Rs 9 billion) to the company.
2010 hottest year ever recorded
Over the 10 years from 2001 to 2010, global temperatures have averaged 0.46 C (0.82 F) above the 1961-1990 average.
China has 670,000 dollar millionaires!
China has the third largest number of dollar millionaires in the world, after the United States and Japan, with the number touching 6.70 lakh (670,000) in 2009, an increase of 60 per cent compared to the previous year.
How Tata plans to rescue the Nano
Stung by dwindling sales of the Nano, the world's cheapest car, Tata Motors has embarked on a nationwide campaign to promote and market it.
Some great Bluetooth devices; how to choose them!
Not long back, talking on the phone meant you could do just that. Not any more. Explore multi-tasking!
Meet Ashish Goyal, world's first blind trader
Ashish Goyal breaks new ground by becoming the first blind student in foremost finance school and first blind trader in the world.
5 COOL stocks in a hot market!
Even with the market on fire, here are a handful of stocks that could give investors good returns in the longer term.
India's brain gain & how UID will curb corruption
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Thursday that India has overcome the problem of 'brain drain' and is drawing on the global 'brain bank' of people of Indian origin.
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| December 02, 2010 | | Local airlines want upto Rs 40,000 one-way fare!
Air travellers may have to shell out hefty amounts if the fare bands proposed by airlines -- which will also take into account the distance factor -- are approved by the civil aviation regulator DGCA.
Photos: The world's 50 greatest thinkers!
It talks of people who has big dreams to change the world, and change it for better.
Montek Singh may be in race for IMF chief's post
International Monetary Fund managing director Dominique Strauss-Kahn on Thursday said he favoured new heads of the World Bank and the Fund to be from countries other than Europe and the United States.
The grand new Audi A6 is round the corner
The car is scheduled to be in showrooms next year and it will be tough competition for all the fellow sedans in its segment like the BMW 5 series and Mercedes E class.
Corruption hurting Brand India? Aam aadmi's view
While some accuse the government of taking a soft stance, others want it to come up with punitive measures against the offenders at the earliest.
Fake gold scam hammers Hong Kong jewellers
The gold-mad city has woken up to a massive scam as investigators discovered that at least 200 ounces of fake bullion, worth about $250,000 have been traded at the island`s fabled jewellery souks so far this year, Financial Times reported.
Photos: 215 million children work as labourers!
The economic exploitation of children is an insult to humanity, says the World Bank.
Auto sales skid, Nano sales drop by 85%
The much hyped 'world's cheapest' car Nano has failed to live up to the expectations as it witnessed a massive decline in sales to 509 units in November this year compared to 3,065 units sold in the previous month.
How to decide when to sell a share
When trouble strikes a company, it's best to sell its shares and reassess the situation.
How to use market volatility to your advantage
Retail investors should park only a small portion of money in arbitrage funds.
Crude oil may test $100/bbl level by 2011
The Opec output has fallen slightly in November at around 29 million barrels a day since last August.
Meet one of India's topmost admen
Every brand deals with different challenges and strategies at different points in time and communication needs to change accordingly.
10 golden keys to a RICH financial future
Ace financial advisor shares insights on how the next generation can build positive financial habits that may benefit them for years to come.
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| December 01, 2010 | | Indians are the biggest apartment buyers in Burj!
Indians top the list of buyers in the world's tallest tower having acquired space worth $7.9 million in the first seven months of the skyscrapers opening.
Nobel laureate Yunus stashed away $100 million?
Bangladeshi Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been accused of stashing some $100 million originally for microcredit operations of his Grameen Bank to his another venture in 1996, breaching agreements with donors and violating the country's financial rules.
Pesky SMSs/calls: Major relief to users from Jan 1
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Wednesday imposed a hefty penalty of up to Rs 2.50 lakh (Rs 250,000) on erring telemarketing companies which also face the prospect of getting blacklisted.
Gold @ Rs 21,000 per 10 gm! Why are prices rising?
Gold price surged to all-time high of Rs 21,000 per ten grams; while silver rate sets a new record of Rs 44,000 per kg in the Delhi bullion market on Wednesday on hectic buying from stockists triggered by sharp rise in the global market.
Government housing gets makeover
"The new project will bring down some pressure on the general pool residential accommodation," says Vishnu P Das, chairman and managing director of the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), an arm of the Urban Development Ministry, which is executing the project.
How to make customised travelling cheaper
Group travellers get discounts at almost every stage. While airlines give up to 15 per cent discount on bulk bookings, discounts by hotels can be 30-40 per cent.
Toyota Etios is here! Price begins at Rs 496,000
The Etios sedan is powered by a 1.5-litre motor with twin cams and four valves per cylinder.
Economic boom? India's GDP per capita rank at 127!
India with a per capita GDP of $3,015 has one of the lowest ranks at 127, according to the IMF.
Now, insurance agents can't mis-sell to you
A look at some terms used in these policies and what they mean.
IMAGES: 16 super cars that will make you drool
Carmakers like Porsche, Rolls Royce, Bentley, etc have a number of products to offer in this segment.
Top 8 IT forecasts for 2011; cyber attacks to boom
The world's leading IT research and advisory firm Gartner has forecast that by 2015, online sabotages will become multi-modal and very damaging and that even a G-20 nation's critical infrastructure will be disrupted and damaged by such cyber attacks.
Hi-tech manufacturing: India, China marching ahead
In less than 15 years, China has moved from 14th place to second place in published research articles.
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| November 30, 2010 | | WikiLeaks threatens to take down a big US bank
Without disclosing specific details, he said the leaked documents would be hosted on the WikiLeaks website early next year.
42 years on, Star of India returns home
'It is not merely a luxury car or just a treasured heirloom. It is much more than that. It is an embodiment of art, culture and heritage. It is also a piece of history.'
Take Ratan Tata's remark seriously: Pawar
Amid the tape controversy, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Tuesday said the government should take note of Ratan Tata's statement that India risked turning into a 'banana republic'.
Ambani chopper sabotage: 2 accused acquitted
A Mumbai court on Tuesday acquitted two persons -- Uday Wanekar and Balraj Thewar -- accused of sabotaging Anil Ambani's helicopter in April last year, due to lack of evidence.
Honda's small car Brio at under Rs 5 lakh in 2011
The company said it will use the vendor base of its two-wheeler business in India to make the car price competitive.
India may be Suzuki's small car export hub
Japanese auto giant Suzuki Motor Corporation on Tuesday said it plans to make India an export hub for its small cars, mainly for European and African markets.
NRI bizman is Asian of the Year 2010
Cherie Blair, wife of former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair presented the award to John Athwal at a gala function.
Inspiring story of a next gen education company
EdServ founder S Giridharan speaks about how he became an entrepreneur and chose the field of education to work in.
Get richer by curbing expenses!
Unless watched, rising expenses could undermine your wealth creation.
Indian economy grew by 8.9% in Q2
The growth rate for the first quarter was revised upwards to 8.9 per cent from 8.8 per cent.
It pays to understand investing!
Investing is thought to be a job for a highly qualified, trained and veteran professional who has seen the ups and downs of markets, and has come out of the downs in green. Complex valuations, insider news, contacts with large investors, high value trading, etc. are some thought-to-be pre-requisites for one to make money in the markets. If you are the one who has links to the latest buzz in the market before anyone else, then you are gifted with profitability and success.
How HP's DreamScreen plans to take centre stage
While HP claims that it provides a PC-like experience, the company for the first time is also providing content.
At IIT, students expected to be spoilt for choice
The final placement process, which kicks off on December 1, is expected to be a season of bonanza, with recruiting companies queuing up once again after a two-year lull.
MP3s that can give iPods a run for the money
Before you head out to buy another iPod, maybe you should take a moment to look at the Creative Zen X-Fi Style. Simply because it might work better for you as a cheaper yet compact alternative to the iPod Nano.
Now, transfer money by sending an SMS!
Banks have launched services that will allow account holders to transfer Rs 50,000 a day.
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| November 29, 2010 | | 2G scam: Govt threatens to cancel telcos' licenses
The government will send notices to 85 companies asking why their licences should not be cancelled for suppressing facts, said Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal on Monday.
Unwanted calls: Trai set to impose hefty fines
In a move that will give major relief to millions of subscribers, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India will on Tuesday announce new guidelines to curb the menace of unsolicited calls by imposing hefty penalties on errant telemarketing firms and operators.
Rs 6 crore! That's what this ad costs
Maruti Suzuki India has launched its latest campaign, Come Alive, to create a buzz in the A2 segment for its tall-boy hatchback, the Zen Estilo.
Political instability dents Brand Bengaluru
The political instability and poor governance in the state has dealt a blow to brand Bengaluru and has affected it as an investment destination.
What G20 did not learn
On the issue of exchange rates, the summit reiterated the wording agreed in the meeting of the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors a few weeks earlier - a commitment to "moving toward more market-determined exchange rate systems, enhancing exchange rate flexibility to reflect underlying economic fundamentals, and refraining from competitive devaluation of currencies.
IMAGES: Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf set for Dec launch
Both cars finally got their fuel economy ratings from the Environment Protection Agency.
Airfare game - Will the passengers benefit?
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA's) attempts to curb soaring air fares is well-meaning but misdirected and, probably, ineffective as previous such attempts have demonstrated.
Corruption menace: 4 ways to tackle it
Something can be done, provided we are willing to tackle the problem at its source rather than deal only with outrageous cases of corruption that are brought to the surface by the media, says .
Selling youth a roaring biz
Launched in India earlier this month, Nivea's line-up will feature three primary sub-brands Q10 (day cream, night cream and eye cream), DNA Age (day and night cream) and Aqua Sensation (face wash, day and night cream).
Corruption booms in India as we depend on 'fixers'
Policy decisions should be undertaken after they have been thrashed out in public space by professionals, not by civil servants and politicians, says .
Can Air India overcome the crisis?
In the 18 months that Arvind Jadhav has been the chairman of state-owned Air India, he has faced more than one crisis.
HRA deduction and how to calculate it
It depends on the city and the rental being paid.
Jet Lite vs Jet Konnect: Which is better?
Jet had been operating two similar, low cost services under two different brand names, Jet Airways Konnect & Jet Lite for quite some time now.
Scam blues for LIC housing staff after CEO arrest
Some called it 'sheer bad luck' for Nair, others talked of a conspiracy.
Why a separate Rail Budget isn't necessary
Rarely do the orders of the Central Administrative Tribunal go beyond redressing the grievances brought before it by employees of the government or other state-controlled organisations.
Manish Chokhani: The perfect insider
From equity research to sales and asset management, he worked on all the verticals.
How to locate a lost iPhone, iPad
Apple Inc has released an application that helps users locate and lock missing devices.
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| November 26, 2010 | | Chennai may become India's Detroit soon
With investments of $3 billion and a new national testing-R&D facility, the city is putting India on the global auto map.
Make sure investor money is safe, FM tells banks
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday asked banks and financial institutions, which have exposure to companies involved in the multi-crore rupee housing finance racket, to ensure that investor money is safe.
Photographs: The making of an aircraft
A Bombardier q400 airplane is being assembled at the Bombardier aircraft manufacturing facility in Toronto.
20 facts you must know about China's growth
China has surpassed Japan in the second quarter to become the world's second-largest economy behind the United States.
Tata taps MIT to light up low-income houses
The Tata Group is investing millions of dollars in Sun Catalytix -- an energy storage and renewable fuels company -- founded by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor, Daniel Nocera.
Money Matters aided builders raise Rs 5,000 crore!
Money Matters Financial Services, whose managing director and two top executives were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation in relation to real estate scam, did a debt syndication for at least four real estate companies to the tune of Rs 5,300 crore (Rs 53 billion) since April 2008, an analyst report said.
Maruti to hire 3,000 for expanded service network
Maruti Suzuki India will set up 200 new company-owned service centres across the country by the end of the financial year, after which it will have over 3,040 such centres.
Home sales dip in Mumbai, rise in NCR
Difference due to pricing; up by a third in Mumbai since Jan, almost stationary in Delhi.
IMAGES: World's top 10 airlines
The survey measured over 38 items of airline product and service standards.
New Nissan sedan, Kizashi-like SX4 & Micra diesel
The new diesel engine powered Nissan Micra will get the same motor that powers Mahindra Logan. The 1.5-litre DCI motor is capable of generating top power of 63bhp and 16.3kgm of max torque. The trims for the diesel version of the Micra will be XV and XV Premium.
He set up India's first 'Green Garage'
A story of how Raghav Rangarajan chased his dream and became an entrepreneur.
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| November 24, 2010 | | A huge housing scam now! LICHF chief arrested
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday arrested eight people, including the chief executive officer of LIC Housing Finance, for allegedly giving corporate loans for monetary considerations.
India 'cements' Bhutan's gross national happiness
In yet another instance of proactive economic diplomacy with Bhutan, a consortium of Indian banks led by the country's biggest lender SBI has come forward to take the lead role to finance efforts of industrialisation in the mountain kingdom.
2G scam has put all other scams to shame: SC
Corporate lobbyist Nira Radia was on Wednesday questioned by the Enforcement Directorate for her firm's alleged role in the 2G spectrum allocation case.
Top 7 things to do with your credit report
You will be able to access your credit scores in December 2010. The score will range from 300 to 900, indicating the levels of default. It will be available to consumers for a sum not exceeding Rs.100 as prescribed by the RBI. CIBIL, which already has a huge database of credit reports - which are currently consulted by banks before sanctioning a loan is putting up the infrastructure to be ready to service consumers who wish to access their credit reports.
He paid Rs 3.22 crore and brought back the Rolls
The scion of a royal family in Rajkot paid a whopping sum of Rs 3.22 crore (Rs 32.2 million) to an auction house in Canada, to bring back the sold-off vintage Rolls Royce car, customised to order of his grandfather 76 years ago.
India not to ban BlackBerry services: RIM
The Canadian smartphone maker has over 1.5 million customers in India.
'Delhi worried about growth, RBI about stability'
Despite ideological differences, the former RBI governor gives credit to political management by Delhi for protecting India from the full impact of the trans-Atlantic financial crisis.
The world's biggest shoplifters; India No. 1!
India has topped the retail 'shrinkage' rate -- which is a reduction or loss in inventory due to shoplifting, theft and process failures -- in 42 countries surveyed across the world, for the third year in a row.
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| November 23, 2010 | | IMAGES: Why the mighty Airbus A380 is in trouble
The world's largest passenger airline, Airbus A380 is in trouble again five years after its maiden flight in 2005.
'China may be a threat to Indian acquisitions'
India's growing hunger for coal to fuel its power plants is having a major impact on global coal demand and price movements. "In such a scenario India needs to keep a close watch on coal-fired capacity addition by China," James O'Connell, managing editor, Platts.
Navi Mumbai airport: A saga of controversies
It took 13 years to get environmental clearance for the greenfield international airport at Navi Mumbai.
What led to the huge Sensex fall
The broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty also lost 180.75 points to 5,820.25 level.
India to need 7,400 km of metros, subways by 2030
The issue of urbanization, if not addressed immediately, might lead to serious repercussions for major Indian cities and potential deterioration in quality of life, strain on resources and reduced investments in India's urban centres, according to a 21-month-long study conducted by the McKinsey Global Institute.
India's economic boom is unparalleled: PM
A developing economy like India needs resources and revenues to be able to distribute them equitably.
The success story of micro-finance in Andhra
The Andhra ordinance and SKS IPO have abruptly changed the industry's prospects
Photos: Why Ireland is on the verge of collapse
Just when you thought that the world was slowly slipping away from the crippling recession that had it in its vice-like grip since 2008, here comes the Irish economic crisis.
PIX: Govt fuels electric cars with Rs 1 lakh sop
Under the scheme, the government will provide financial incentives for each electric vehicle sold in India during the remaining part of the 11th Plan.
Raja's share investments shot up by 170%
Former Telecom Minister A Raja's investment in shares and fixed deposits have increased by nearly 170 per cent from Rs 8.52 lakh to a little over Rs 23 lakh during one year.
PIX: All about the stunning Mercedes-Benz GL 350
The GL hasn't been inspired by the boxy looks of the G-Class but Mercedes-Benz picked up the ML's design for the GL-Class.
What is wrong with Air India management
The induction of four representatives from the private sector as independent directors to oversee the national carrier's turnaround was supposed to leaven the weaknesses associated with political control with wise and disinterested counsel.
Beware of the Stuxnet worm!
Stuxnet has wrecked havoc across the world.
Surfing at workplace rises despite curbs
From shopping online to doodling on social networking sites, surfing at workplace is on the rise.
Sale of spectrum and money for every Indian!
Imagine if the sale of telecom spectrum resulted in a cash payment directly into the hand of every Indian citizen. Absurd? Well, there is a place where petroleum reserves were treated as a 'commons' and their sale now earns every local resident an annual revenue.
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| November 22, 2010 | | Decks finally cleared for Mumbai's 2nd airport
The understanding was reached on Monday.
World's 20 largest producers of cars; India 7th!
With an annual production of about 2,632,694 cars in 2009, India is now the seventh largest vehicle producing nation in the world. It is a milestone the country achieved six years ahead of the set target.
Infosys CEO: The gizmo enthusiast
S Gopalakrishnan's passion for gizmos goes beyond BlackBerrys and iPods. The Infosys head says, he likes to "play around with new technology".
Special: What investors can learn from gamblers
Here is some sparkling advice from the Red Joker, the gambler par excellence, to the investor.
Airlines slammed by DGCA for overcharging
In a blow to airlines overcharging travelers during peak season, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has mad eit mandatory to publish details of all-inclusive fares on the first day of every calendar month.
How an all-India mobility card will help you
Travelling on various modes of public transport like Metro, bus and train may soon become hassle-free.
E-mail to die, says Facebook founder
E-mail will follow the destiny of postal letters, which paved the way for e-mails, says Mark Zuckerberg, founder of social networking giant Facebook.
IMAGES: Five auto giants rev up for India
India will beat China, North America and Europe to become the fastest growing automobile market.
Beware! Cyber criminals are on the prowl
Hackers are armed with new web threats to trap gullible Internet users.
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| November 19, 2010 | | If I was PM, there'd have been no 2G scam: Modi
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the 2G spectrum scam would not have taken place had he been the prime minister.
Think of RIL when you fly or drive: Mukesh Ambani
"We process about 2 per cent of the world's transportation fuels. So, whenever you fly or drive a car or things move in a truck, think about Reliance," Ambani said delving into evolution of the petrochemicals major at an award function in New York.
Images: The stunning Merc M Class Grand is here
All you want to know about Mercedes M Class Grand.
In Pix: Story of 13 superb cars and a bike
The 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show will be held from November 19 through November 28, 2010.
Now, a basmati rice export scam!
Admitting to irregularities in the export of non-basmati rice to some African countries during UPA-I tenure, the government on Friday said it has referred the matter to the CVC after slapping show-cause notices on officials of PSUs, involved in the transactions.
Rs 4.25 lakh Versace mobile phone in India!
As global luxury brands continue to rush to tap the Indian market, Italian fashion house Versace's high-end mobile phones entered into the country with a price tag of up to Rs 4.25 lakh.
Pesticide content: SC quashes action against Pepsi
The Supreme Court on Friday quashed the prosecution of soft drink giant PepsiCo by the Kerala government over the pesticide content found in its bottles picked at random from the market.
Now a matrimonial site that lets you play Cupid
Started by Ruchika Abbi and Akash Saxena, who are a couple themselves, this web site helps singles find matches through their friends.
Images: Obama hails GM's return to Wall Street
US President Barack Obama on Thursday hailed the return of General Motors to the US stock exchanges, saying that one of the toughest tales of the global economic recession had taken a big step towards becoming a success story.
Using 'Made in China' stuff? Hope it's not fake
About 64 per cent of pirated goods seized in Europe last year came from China.
Don't let home loan tax you
When Jabalpur resident Mahavir Ojha received Rs 80 lakhs (Rs 8 million) from selling an ancestral property, he decided to part-pay his housing loan of Rs 50 lakhs (Rs 5 million).
GM India to launch 6 new models, pump in $500 mn
The company will launch six new vehicles -- a pick-up van, multi-seater van, hatchback, notchback, sports utility vehicle and multi-purpose vehicle.
How much is Air India's loss now?
National carrier Air India on Thursday said its loss has come down by 23 per cent to Rs 5,551 crore (Rs 55.51 billion) in 2009-10 from Rs 7,189 crore (Rs 71.89 billion) in the previous financial year.
Death now stalks Indian microfinance institutions!
The current crisis for MFIs is far worse than what they faced in 2006 when farmers' suicides resulted in a conflict with the state and MFIs had responded by reducing interest rates.
The fastest trains in the world!
When it comes to the world's fastest trains, China is the undisputed global champion currently.
India lost $462 billion in illicit money flows
These illicit financial flows were generally the product of: tax evasion, corruption, bribery and kickbacks, and criminal activities.
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| November 18, 2010 | | Cancel licences of 5 new telecom firms, says Trai!
With the heat over the 2G telecom spectrum scam rising, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Thursday recommended the cancellation of 34 telecom licences of companies, including Etisalat, Uninor, Loop Telecom and Siestema, due to non-compliance of roll-out obligations.
Indian American executive sentenced in $34mn fraud
A former Indian-American executive of Koss Corporation was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Thursday for embezzling $34 million from the Milwaukee headphones maker.
Jaguar unveils electric concept car C-X75
Christened C-X75, it has been created to celebrate 75 years of the company, says Ian Callum, design director of Jaguar Cars.
India's hottest FDI destinations; Maharashtra tops
Maharashtra received the lion's share of the foreign direct investment inflows into India during April-August this fiscal, according to industry ministry's latest data.
Nooyi, 5 other Indians among FT's 50 top biz women
The FT said the top 50 was selected by an expert jury, whose choice was based on information on the executives' performance and durability. Much of the information was supplied by Egon Zehnder International, an executive recruitment group.
'Anti-iPhone': The simplest mobile phone!
Amid the clutter of hi-tech and fancy mobile phones, here's a sleek and simple phone, which only allows you to make and receive calls.
Images: Mitsubishi Evo X and new Montero in India
The craze over SUVs has just started in India.
In Pix: China's C919 to take on Airbus, Boeing
Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China is set to take on American airliners Airbus and Boeing Co.
Top country brands: India slips to 23
Concerns over health and safety were reasons cited by 3,400 business and leisure travellers surveyed from 14 countries across the globe for their preference of nations other than India.
Obama visit: Why it has been good for India
It is not unknown for politicians to enter office with one set of assumptions, or worldview, and adopt an altogether different one shortly after assuming office.
How they lit up the lives of 2 million people
wo million people around the world today enjoy the benefits of affordable solar-powered lighting products, thanks to D.light design.
US, China battle already underway in cyberspace
A global conflict between the United States and China is already underway in the virtual world of cyberspace, a noted American think-tank has said.
Mamata calls LF govt 'land scam-tainted'
She turned down the renewed proposal by Industry Minister Nirupam Sen that she might accept Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's offer to return 100 acres of land to unwilling farmers in Singur.
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| November 16, 2010 | | Scary! Droughts, extreme heat await India!
India's key sectors like agriculture, water, forest and health will be affected in a major way due to the increase in net temperature by 1.7-2.2 degree Celsius in another 20 years in the four climate hotspots.
I did no wrong, am ready for probe: Raja
"I want to reiterate that I went as per the telecom policy of 1999, as per recommendations of Telecom and Regulatory Authority of India and vision contemplated by the government. If there have been any procedural lapses. Let it be investigated. No problem at all," Raja told reporters here two days after he unceremoniously put in his papers.
Why the Sensex fell by about 450 points
According to PTI, the Sensex fell below the psychological 20,000 points level on Tuesday on frenzied profit -booking amid a weak trend in Asia, which also pushed the NSE's broad-based Nifty index below the magic 6,000-marker.
Yeti, Aria and Santa Fe. Which is the best buy?
Let's take a cursory glance at each of the brawny beauties we are soon going to see dominating the roads.
Here's how CAG report on 2G scam blasts Raja!
The government on Tuesday tabled in Parliament the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report on 2G spectrum allocation, whose reported extracts have created a political storm and led to the resignation of Telecom Minister A Raja.
IMAGES: A day in the life of an Indian worker
India has a large pool of over 80 crore (800 million) unorganised workers.
20 facts on the fall of America
Post-recession, the economy is in doldrums, with huge public and private debt as well as fundamental weaknesses in the financial systems.
If oil demand rises, India will be hit hard
Even a marginal hike in global demand for petroleum could trigger price jumps and impact the Indian economy.
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| November 15, 2010 | | A minister had asked for Rs 15 cr bribe, says Tata
'I wanted my life back. I want to enjoy the things that I wanted to do.'
Google offers 30% pay hike to top execs
Internet search giant Google Inc has approved a handsome pay hike of 30 per cent and bonuses of 250 per cent of the base salary for its top executives starting next year.
What's behind India's spectacular economic growth
Rediff.com spoke to Raghuram Rajan about his book, what enthuses him about the Indian economy, and what are the concerns he has with India's chaotic progress . . .
Harley-Davidson: On the fast track
While all other manufacturers are currently importing these mean machines into the country, Harley-Davidson, the American cult bike maker, has announced plans to make operational an assembly unit at Bawal, Haryana, early next year to make more accessible its range of products to consumers.
Skoda Yeti is here! A complete overview
As the company announces the launch of the Yeti, let us take a look what the crossover has on offer. . .
Battle of the hatches: i10, Wagon R and Beat
The hatchback segment is the fastest growing in the Indian car market.
Boom time for IITs: Job offers continue to pour
IIT Madras has bagged 15 PPOs across departments but still expects over 10 offers. "Pre-placement offers from sectors like FMCG, IT and oil & gas have already been made.
How to make your own financial plan
Embarking on a do-it-yourself strategy requires initiative, discipline and knowledge.
Noel Tata puts his best foot forward
Footwear brand Tashi creates a buzz with teaser ads.
20 nations with largest foreign exchange reserves
India is among the top 10 nations in terms of foreign exchange reserves.
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| November 12, 2010 | | Jubilant PM hails Seoul G-20 Summit
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, "I do not claim victory. These are ideas which are under discussion in various fora. The sherpas have been discussing these ideas and it is a process of give and take. But I do claim some credit that in my speech, I brought the development issue into the very forefront of sustainable, manageable growth process."
He cheated others and made billions!
One of American's biggest fraudsters, Bernard Madoff was sentenced to 150 years for his massive $65 billion scam.
China seeks more foreign investment
China would strive to build a fair market system to attract more overseas investment, vice premier Zhang Dejiang told a gathering of CEOs in Beijing.
Why Bharti Airtel is in trouble
Bharti Airtel reported a 47 per cent year-on-year rise in consolidated revenues at Rs 15,215 crore (Rs 152.15 billion) in the September quarter.
When will India see a better tomorrow?
India's battle for a better lot for its people is barely half done.
I won't resign, says Raja
Undeterred by the mounting opposition attack on his role in 2G spectrum allocation, Telecom Minister A Raja on Friday ruled out resignation over the issue, saying he will prove that everything has been done according to the law.
How to pep up the Doha talks
A high-level expert group will provide recommendations on boosting global business through trade liberalisation.
IMAGES: How money makes a difference
While one half of the world's population is amassing wealth, the other half lives in penury.
This diamond ring is likely to fetch $38 million!
A rare pink diamond is set to hit a new world record for a jewel sold at auction next week at Sotheby's.
IMAGES: The highest selling cars in India
The month of October saw the sales graphs of carmakers go through the roof.
G-20: India cautions against protectionism
India also spoke against talk of putting a cap on current account balance.
Competitiveness is key to growth: PM
In his keenly addressed speech at the Seoul G20 plenary, Dr Singh emphasised that the world's most developed nations should 'leverage imbalances of one kind to redress imbalances of the other kind.'
Nations with the largest gold reserves: India @11
India owns over 18,000 tonnes of above ground gold stocks worth approximately $800 billion and representing at least 11 per cent of global stock, according to estimates of World Gold Council.
Sensex likely to hit 23,500 by 2011
The Bombay Stock Exchange's benchmark Sensex is likely to hit the record level of 23,500 by end of next year.
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| November 11, 2010 | | India Post: The past, present and future
The Indian postal network is the largest in the world with 155,015 post offices in the country, 90 per cent of which, that is 139,144, are in the rural areas.
He is the architect of India's telecom tariff war
The disruptive innovator is not the typical Tata exec.
Risks in riding the commodity cycle
The planner's argument is that recent international events, such as China's good growth numbers and quantitative easing by the US Federal Reserve, will result in more fund flows in commodities.
Stunning pics: The grand Falaknuma Palace hotel!
This palace hotel is tipped to be the grandest of all palace hotels in India.
Bill Gates to fund 2 Indian ideas
Sujoy Guha of the Indian Institute of Technology will test a new transcervical contraceptive made from a polymer compound for its ability to incapacitate both sperm and ovum.
The new middle class will rise from slums
We need to change the way we think of slums and small towns - this is where the new middle class is being created.
Tata plans bigger Nano, smaller Jag
Tata Motors managing director & CEO Carl-Peter Forster told Business Standard that the company would not be doing the Nano justice if it remains just the 'world's cheapest car' and, hence, will look at all the 'natural evolutions' of the Nano, including upgrades.
Check out these 6 stunning SUVs
The SUV market in India is heating up like never before.
7 leadership skills to become successful CIOs
IT executives who have the best relationships with employees and business partner make the best CIOs.
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| November 10, 2010 | | Land acquisition? Take lessons from Mayawati
A masterstroke by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati has paved the way for fulfillment of Jaypee Group's dream to develop a hi-tech township along the much sought after Yamuna Expressway connecting Delhi to Agra on the fast track.
Google to give 10% hike to staff worldwide
The pay hike comes as Google ramps up its battle with competitors, especially neighbouring Facebook Inc, in a fight to secure talented staff.
In October, auto sales crossed 14 lakh units!
Thi is the best-ever monthly sales achieved in passenger cars, motorcycles and total two-wheelers segments.
Rs 170,000 crore 2G scam: CAG nails Raja
Telecom Minister A Raja has been indicted by the CAG in the 2G spectrum scam, which resulted in a loss of about Rs 1,70,000 crore.
Why it makes sense to invest more in your PF
EPFO's suggestion to hike interest on EPF is with Finance Ministry. What it means for you...
A cheaper Mercedes on the cards?
What we are talking about here is not a per-owned Mercedes but a brand new one.
How I-slate will help children in Indian villages
Students in an Indian village have been selected to test a new low-cost electronic notepad being built around a new class of green, power-stingy microchips that use a fraction of the electricity of today's computer chips.
PM's could be the voice of reason in G20 cacophony
The PM could as well face the first test of his government's multilateral policies.
5 Indians donate millions to US universities
In October, the chairman of Tata Sons, Ratan Tata, gifted $50 million to his alma mater, the Harvard Business School, to give back to the school - in his words - a little bit of what it had given him.
Google offers servants for staffers!
Google ranked as the world's best employer is now offering servants to its employees.
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| November 09, 2010 | | Bad highways? Kamal Nath blames heavy rains!
Under attack from Members of the Parliament, Surface Transport Minister Kamal Nath on Tuesday sought to blame the excess rains this year for bad condition of roads in some parts of the country.
Doing business? India lags behind Pakistan!
The Indian economy may be booming but when it comes to ease of doing business, it ranks way down at 134th position among 183 countries.
Despite crisis,remittances to India at record high
According to the World Bank's latest Migration and Remittances Factbook 2011, remittance flows to developing countries is expected to reach $325 billion by the end of this year, up from $307 billion in 2009.
Stock basics: All you want to know about PE ratio
investors sometimes fail to understand the factors that determine it.
Create jobs, we'll take care of outsourcing: US
Ron Somers, president, United States-India Business Council speaks his mind about Indo-US tiff over outsourcing.
Check out the 10 most popular cars in India
Here is a low down on the most searched cars in the A and A2 segments in the month of October.
Upbeat Geithner stresses on reforms
Reforms are key to India sustaining the pre-economic crisis growth rate of 9 per cent, United States Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said in New Delhi on Monday.
What is the future of money?
As the Andhra crisis continues to deepen, proponents of financial inclusion might find both unexpected challenges and inspiration in a short film called 'The Future of Money'.
Return of the taxman
The former advisor to P Chidambaram explains why he is substituting the urban delights of London for the maddening drawbacks of Delhi.
Why India's aviation sector needs drastic reforms
India has the opportunity today to do in aviation what it did in the automobile industry in the eighties and nineties. In those two decades, a whole new industrial sector at a much higher level of technology was created.
Equities remain attractive, caution on gold
Real estate continues to look good, commercial more than residential, say observers.
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| November 04, 2010 | | Human development: India at a dismal 119!
The robust economic growth notwithstanding, India has garnered a lowly 119th rank in the United Nation's Human Development Index due to poor social infrastructure, mainly in areas of education and healthcare.
3 Indian CEOs among world's most powerful people
Three Indian business tycoons figure in the list of the 'Forbes World's Most Powerful People.'
'We must not be retreating into protectionism'
Ron Somers, president, US-India Business Council, discusses American business and industry's expectations and responsibilities from the Obama's visit.
Obama's Visit: What India Inc expects
'You have to explain to them about Indian investments in the US creating jobs this reverse outsourcing'
India's top 20 companies
From automobiles, cement, infrastructure to oil and gas and banking, Indian companies have established themselves as one of the most successful in the world.
Carly Fiorina, Meg Whitman lose US elections
The California election results have ended their dream to become politicians.
Check out the Rs 577,255 Tata Vista 90
The eagerness to own a compact fast car has gone up and manufacturers have their hands full keeping pace with these demands.
Playing teen patti, rummy the e-way
The teen patti game on social network portal Ibibo is being played by thousands of users daily.
Indians have highest Smartphone security concerns
Brazil and Russia (88 per cent each), Germany (86 per cent) and China and Italy (both at 85 per cent) were the other countries with high level of security concerns while respondents in Hong Kong (70 per cent), Belgium/Netherlands (74 per cent) and the US and Japan (77 per cent each) were the least concerned by comparison.
World worries about Republicans' economic strategy
The new challenges are worrying trading partners of the United States, The New York Times reported.
Low-cost Harley-Davidson bike soon in India!
Harley-Davidson, which reported a two per cent drop in global revenues from motorcycles at $1.09 billion for the September quarter, is betting big on India and China.
Have to protect American jobs: Obama
Obama, who has recently spoken against outsourcing of American jobs to countries like India and offered tax breaks for those creating jobs in the US, was asked whether he would address concerns in India where this is seen as a restrictive policy.
How medical tourism can benefit India and US
India offering health-care tourism amounts to services exports which is currently politically anathema in the US because it is seen as leading to job losses.
India, a hotspot for American cos
There are a number of such companies which have been doing business in our country successfully over the years. We present here some popular companies in India.
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| November 03, 2010 | | The other face of UPA's PSU policy
The UPA-II may not talk about this, but it continues to implement its programme to revive ailing PSUs by investing fresh capital.
IMAGES: James Bond's car that fetched $4.6 mn!
It is 10 times the price of a normal DB5.
ONGC is Asia's no. 1 oil co, pips China's Cnooc
Under the stewardship of R S Sharma, ONGC climbed three places to take the top slot in the 2010 rankings released by Platts, one of the most respected global provider of energy and metals information, on Tuesday evening.
World's most prosperous nations: India at 88
India has slipped 10 places to the 88th spot, way below China, in the World Prosperity Index due to poor healthcare and education systems coupled with a weak entrepreneurial infrastructure.
How RBI plans to tame inflation
In an interview with Business Standard, RBI Governor justifies action against the real estate sector, saying home prices in most metros have crossed pre-crisis levels.
Good news! Home prices may fall soon
The measures announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are expected to hit home sales and prices are expected to correct by 15-20 per cent in the next two to three months, say real estate consultants and analysts.
Check out these 5 cars from the Maruti stable
Maruti would conceptualise a car that would be totally developed in India.
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| November 02, 2010 | | The world needs to look out for India-China-US
'China, India and the US will compete and they will collaborate. This is the most important three-way relationship that the world will see,' says TCS Asia head Girija Pande.
Images: World's largest indoor theme park
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is Ferrari's first and the world's largest indoor theme park.
Mercedes cars the world awaits with bated breath
Two cars by one of the world's finest luxury carmaker, Mercedes Benz, have drawn the attention of enthusiasts across the world.
How the RBI rate hike will impact you
The RBI has, however, left the cash reserve ratio or bank rate, which is the amount of cash that banks have to park with the central bank to maintain prudential norms, unchanged at 6 per cent.
A new chapter in Satyam saga starts today
The legal noose has been tightening around the disgraced founder of Satyam Computers, B Ramalinga Raju, for nearly 22 months since he admitted in January last year to fudging the company's accounts to the tune of Rs 7,200 crore (Rs 72 billion).
Huge scam in the H2B visa programme
Details of massive fraud and abuse of the popular H-2B work visa programme have been made public by a government report, which shows that in one of such cases more than 87 Indian nationals paid at least $20,000 each to enter the US illegally.
Why wait for refund? Avoid tax at source
Use forms 15G and 15H to avoid tax at source.
Planning to buy a car? 21 sedans to choose from
Dhanteras is just around the corner and if you are planning to book a new sedan this is the time.
Now, virtual classroom on your mobile
Service providers to stream content through 3G platform.
Ford Endeavour @ Rs 18 lakh: It's worth buying
Ford, which has been known for its research capabilities, have found out the large untapped potential of this segment in India.
The story of an American beggar
Story of an American beggar who lost his job to the Chinese.
From Rs 1 lakh to Rs 400 crore, via green homes!
Chandrasekhar Hariharan, CEO of Bio-diversity Conservation India (Pvt) Ltd, started the company in 1993 with borrowed money, with the sole intention of building eco-sensitive homes.
Obama visit: How trained are Indian policymakers?
India's policy-makers and commentariat need education on foreign policy,
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| November 01, 2010 | | Indian economy on a roll: Auto sales soar
Automobile companies are all smiles prior to Diwali, the festival of lights with almost all of them registering a healthy growth in sales.
India to see 2.3 lakh new jobs in Q4
Six sectors, including healthcare and realty , are expected to create a whopping 2.3 lakh jobs in India in the last three months of 2010, according to global consultancy Ernst & Young .
How to stay RICH all your life
Life cycle investing theory proposes different portfolios for different stages of one's life in order to stay rich all life long.
India readies for the 3G experience
Tata DOCOMO has announced its intention to launch 3G services around Diwali. Vodafone Essar plans to roll out 3G services by the first quarter of next year.
Food security to cost Rs 72,000 crore
The foodgrain guarantee is part of the proposed National Food Security Bill.
Complain about getting Shanghaied, not Bangalored!
President Obama is, therefore, coming to India with the economic agenda as his main focus; and at the core of that is the promise to open up the Indian market in order to create more jobs for Americans.
Can Bharat Berry intercept Blackberry services?
To provide a concrete solution for interception of data sent using Blackberry messenger, a Jaipur-based IT company has claimed to have developed a mobile communication service for all users that will work under the orbit of Indian law.
How to get the BEST car loan
Here's what you need to look at to get the best deal from the zillions in the market.
15 SUVs to choose from this Diwali
The segment is doing well and many new products are being developed for this space.
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| October 27, 2010 | | How India plans to fight poverty
The prime minister said that India needs to fully depend on itself.
Join IT to work in India, not in the US: Murthy
Youngsters looking to settle abroad, especially the US, by working in the IT industry should opt for career growth within India, which offers larger growth opportunities than anywhere else in the world, Infosys mentor N R Narayana Murthy said.
Why diesel is not being deregulated
The government had, on June 25, freed petrol price from its control resulting in a hike of Rs 3.50 per litre.
Wristwatch may be next 'casualty' of modern times
The study by consumer analysts Mintel has revealed that one in seven people says mobile phones and computers have made traditional watches obsolete; it found 86 per cent still own a wristwatch -- even if they no longer rely on it to know the correct time, the Daily Express reported.
World large enough for India, China: PM
The prime minister said that both the Asian giants are very fast growing economies, and Beijing is New Delhi's largest trading partner.
Obama's Mumbai stay asserts India's economic power
Beginning with Dwight D Eisenhower, Obama would be the sixth US President to visit India but the first one to start the tour from Mumbai.
Gujarat plans first-of-its-kind sea dam
Gurajat is planning to build an over the sea dam in the northern portion of the Gulf of Khambat (Cambay).
Surging Sensex: Why you need to be cautious
As FIIs propel it beyond 20,000, caution is critical.
Should you prepay your home loan?
While most households take a long-term loan, they are keen to de-leverage and pay off the loan before the completion of the term.
5 tips for taking an apartment on rent
For whatever reason you are looking to move to an accommodation, do make a note of all your requirements before you make your final choice.
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| October 26, 2010 | | India among the world's most corrupt nations!
India continues to be among the world's most corrupt nations.
Pranab confident, India will grow at 9%
For India, the ideal inflation rate would be 4-5 per cent although it may be difficult to attain, the minister said while inaugurating the Economic Editors' Conference in New Delhi.
Murthy on how to counter outsourcing threats
India will have to recruit local people at the front end of its operations to mitigate the discomfort and outsourcing fears, Infosys mentor N R Narayana Murthy said in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Naxals make RBI take to the skies
With Naxals watching the highways, cash to Bastar banks comes via copter.
Microfinance in India. How skewed is the system?
Do these events call for serious introspection about these buzz terms?
India's top 10 brands
The Tata Motors-Jaguar-Land Rover combine, with a valuation of $8.45 billion now reigns supreme among the most valuable corporate brands in India.
TCS' secrets of success
N Chandrasekaran, managing director & CEO, and S Mahalingam, chief financial officer, spoke to Business Standard on how they intend to sustain this growth in an uncertain environment.
Skoda Fabia 1.6 @ Rs 610,000. Should you buy?
With competition hotting up, Skoda had to drop the prices of the Fabia.
Protectionism to hurt Indo-US ties: Ron Somers
In an interview with Business Standard, USIBC president Ron Somers explains the significance of the the US-India partnership.
Obama vs outsourcing: Murthy's advice to India Inc
Infosys mentor N R Narayana Murthy said on Monday there was no need for Indian IT industry to be apolgetic or shy about US outsourcing curbs during President Barack Obama's visit to the country next month.
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| October 25, 2010 | | PM urges Japan to be part of India's growth story
The prime minister addressed a business luncheon hosted by Nippon Keidanren in Tokyo on Monday.
Exports highest in 2 years at $18.02 bn
The country is on track to surpass the export target of $200 billion for the current fiscal, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said in New Delhi on Monday.
Asleep while driving? A device can wake you up!
It may sound too good to be true, but scientists claim to have developed an eye tracking device which keeps drowsy drivers alert.
Meet the 6 winners of Infosys Prize
The Infosys Science Foundation on Monday announced the winners of the Infosys Prize 2010 recognizing outstanding contributions to scientific research that have impacted India.
Go digital this Diwali!
A Bluetooth headset that comes with a self-charging case, a camera that doubles up as a projector -- just some of the gadgets that truly stand out amid the modern electronics crowd.
Pawar blasts green lobby for opposing projects
Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar hit out at the green lobby for opposing every new project under the garb of environment protection.
Delhi's new terminal still not ready
Five months after the world's sixth-largest airport terminal (Terminal 3 or T3) at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport was inaugurated, it is all set to miss its deadline to host domestic carriers for the third time.
How Big Mac plans to change Indian food habits
After trial runs in a few Mumbai and Delhi restaurants, McDonald's has taken over two years to formally launch the breakfast category, which both the chain and analysts call a challenging segment to be in, given the Indian habit of having breakfast at home.
17 hatchbacks to choose from this Diwali
This Diwali the Indian car buyer has ample choices to decide what they want to drive home.
India's 10 most valuable companies
Coal India IPO has become a runaway success, beating all records to become the largest public issue in India.
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| October 22, 2010 | | 8 cars that will hit Indian roads by Dec
India's auto segment is booming like never before.
14 college dropouts who became great entrepreneurs
Meet some of the world's most remarkable and inspiring entrepreneurs.
Gold may hit $1,850 by Dec 2011
Gold will first slide to $1,310-1,325 early next year on profit booking. But, the precious metal will get good buying support from central banks in Asia and West Asia regions, who are looking for opportunities to increase their gold portfolio.
From goons to boom, Bihar is coming of age
In Bihar, there is a boom across segments from real estate to tourism.
Understanding EMI and your income
In the current scenario of rising interest rates it is vital that you understand important elements in the loan taking process, helping you make an informed decision when it comes to balancing your monthly budget and your loan repayment.
Wipro Q2 net up 10% at Rs 1,285 cr
IT major Wipro on Friday reported 9.75 per cent increase in consolidated net profit at Rs 1,284.9 crore for the second quarter ended September 30.
Solve this case and win Rs 25,000!
After gifting the world a whole new means of becoming a smaller place, Thomas Arnold, the first man to sell travel as a profitable business, now faces the risk of a shrinking business.
Images: Germany to boast of new high-speed trains
This high-speed train is expected to offer a direct service from London to Frankfurt from 2013.
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| October 20, 2010 | | Amazing story of how Ratan Tata built an empire!
Ratan Tata created India's first truly multinational business group. As he prepares to step down, the bar's been raised sky-high for his successor.
How a PSU in India enjoys special privileges
If the markets regulator has not yet sent an advisory note to Coal India on its chief executive's frequent announcements in the media, it is probably because it is a public sector enterprise.
India innovates: 'Deep Bahan' for rickshaw pullers
Rickshaw-puller Haripada Das is a happy man these days driving his own specially-designed rickshaw which is lighter and spacious and also covers his head enabling him to drive under scorching sun or in rain.
How this startup simplifies law for common man!
Ankur Singla's Akosha is an Internet-based company that helps people tackle consumer complaints, draft rental agreements and wills, etc.. all from the comfort of their homes.
Realty: Some light at the end of the tunnel
There are early signs of demand pick-up in the sector, but a lot depends on pricing and the demand for housing during the festival season.
200 mega cities in China in 15 years!
China's urban population is expected to swell up to a billion by 2025.
How he plans to build a $100-million company!
If you are looking for specific information on a topic, here's a platform that can offer you expert views.
He is successful as he dreamt big
Subendhu Panigrahi, hailing from Sambalpur, a small town in Orissa, is just the epitome of these virtues which enable people to break free from the clutter and choose the path less trodden.
Planning to buy a house? Read this first!
The asset also has emotional value and therefore families should perform meticulous research before buying the same. The following is a set of must-dos before buying a house.
Images: Where electronics go to die!
India is gradually becoming a dumping ground for electronic waste (e-waste). Many non-governmental organisations believe that India annually generates $3 billion worth of e-waste.
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| October 19, 2010 | | The Hyundai Santa Fe: Here's what it is like!
Hyundai Motors finally launched their much anticipated Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) Santa Fe in the Indian market just as the festive season kick started.
Volt, Leaf: How green are these electric cars?
Electric cars in general are battling issues like range anxiety and high price tags.
Story of missed opportunities as PM goes to Japan
The centerpiece of the PM's visit is a long-awaited Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement that has been through several fits and starts, including bureaucratic obduracy in Delhi.
MGM, Lavasa planning to set up amusement park
The project carries an investment tag of over $100 million (Rs 440 crore).
The 10/90 scheme! Builders plan easier EMIs
Premium property developers plan easier EMIs to cast net wider.
Anybody with a good idea can prosper in US: Obama
The United States is a country where anybody with a good idea can prosper and anyone with talent can succeed, President Barack Obama has said.
The amazing success story of redBus
Phanindra Sama, the chief executive officer of redBus.in, is yet another engineer who chucked his lucrative job to start an enterprise of his own.
How to make your child money clever
Just like we inculcate good habits in a child, shouldn't we make our children money clever from a young age?
Rising pay: For many Indians, every day is Diwali!
Young Indians across cities, with more money in their pockets than their parents earned and access to a range of goodies from across the world, no longer wait for Diwali (or Durga Puja/Ganesh Chaturthi/Onam-Pongal) to make their purchases -- big or small.
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| October 18, 2010 | | 600 tonnes of toxic waste lying at Indian ports!
There are over 600 tonnes of hazardous substances in seven of India's 12 major ports.
Fastest growing IT corridor: Bengaluru's ORR
Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road spanning from Hebbal to the Silk Board Junction has been recognised as one of India's fastest growing IT/ITeS growth corridors, according to a report by Vestian Global Workplace Services.
Why India must NOT host the Olympics
In a country where poverty and corruption rule, it is be unthinkable to spend Rs 50,000 crore on a two-week sports spectacle, says .
Images: French say 'Get lost' to new pension plan
The French government plans to raise the minimum retirement age to 62 from 60.
Onida's desi innovations
MIRC, which was struggling to survive just two years back, is on an overdrive to shed its image of just another TV company.
These sedans, hatchbacks will soon come to India!
With the Indian car market growing at the rate of 30 per cent no car maker wants to miss the opportunity.
How Indian cities can become world class!
A McKinsey report on urbanisation is a wake-up call for India.
'Protectionism a threat to world economy'
Lawrence Summers, assistant to the US President Barak Obama for economic policy, on Friday said protectionism was a rising threat to the global economy and helped no one in the end.
Why Dhirubhai is the biggest role model for youth
His journey from rags to untold riches has fired millions of dreams. The common man thinks of him as 'one of us' -- a homegrown genius who became a legend in his own lifetime.
Why there's huge interest in India's largest IPO
Coal India Ltd's Rs 15,000 crore (Rs 150 billion) mega issue, which opens on Monday for public subscription, has garnered a bullish endorsement from most of the market experts who believe it would be the star attraction of this week for all, including retail investors.
The most expensive supercars in India!
Move over BMW, Mercedes and Audi. . . It's time for your richer cousin Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport to steal the lime light.
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| October 15, 2010 | | Konkan Railway completes 20 years!
One of India's biggest engineering marvels, the Konkan Railway completes 20 years today.
Images: Inside the fantastic Google offices!
Check out these pictures to get a sense of the fun offices of Google.
Medsynaptic: From Rs 1 lakh to Rs 50 crore!
Medsynaptic, a teleradiology company, was born in 2004 when two doctors decided to turn into entrepreneurs with an investment of just Rs 1 lakh (Rs 100,000).
India to take up BPO ban issue during Obama visit
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will raise with President Barack Obama next month concerns over the recent decisions by the United States on visa rules and outsourcing amid hopes that these would not affect the rapidly growing bilateral ties.
India's chief statistician on wrong GDP data
In a conversation with Business Standard, he talks in detail about the areas he has identified to stop the perceived deterioration in official statistics.
The State as real estate agent for Corporate India
Even a cursory look at some recent land deals -- even in states like Uttar Pradesh or Haryana, which have so-called model land acquisition policies -- shows that the compensation package for land losers is usually a tiny fraction of the entire project cost.
Images: Pranab seeks Ma Durga's blessings!
Union Minister Pranab Mukherjee worshipped Goddess Durga on Thursday at his ancestral home in Mirati village on 'Mahasaptami', the first day of the four-day long puja.
Tatas gift $50 million to Harvard Business School!
In the largest gift from an international donor in Harvard Business School's 102-year-old history, Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group, announced a $50 million gift to fund a new academic and residential building on the HBS campus in Boston.
Three superb new SUVs coming to India
This year has been a year of some great car launches. From hatchbacks to Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), every segment has seen the entry of a new model.
Infosys Q2 net up; to pay spl dividend at Rs 30
The consolidated revenue of the country's second largest software exporter rose to Rs 6,198 crore
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| October 14, 2010 | | PF money in stocks? Only after govt guarantee!
The Union labour ministry has said that it can invest part of the Rs 5 lakh crore (Rs 5 trillion) provident fund corpus in the stock market provided the finance ministry guarantees safety of the workers' money.
From tech whizkids to top restaurateurs
Gaurav Jain and Pallavi Gupta were techies working in Bengaluru before they turned entrepreneurs.
Getting lost in airports, malls? Here's a solution
A number of start-up companies in the United States are charting the interiors of shopping malls, convention centres and airports to keep mobile phone users from getting lost as they walk around.
AOL, 2 PE firms keen to buy out Yahoo
Media giant AOL, along with some private equity firms, is 'exploring' making an offer to buy Yahoo Inc, as the Internet company deals with poor financial performance and an exodus of senior executives, a media report said.
The world's fastest growing cities
Three Indian cities have been named in the list of emerging powerhouses.
Sensex at 20K: How long will the bull run last?
Investors have a reason to cheer as the Sensex continues to stay above the psychologically significant 20,000 mark.
Don't confuse life insurance with wealth-building
Life insurance protects the income generator, and only when income generation is secured can one build wealth.
30 suicides rock Andhra! Micro lenders under lens
As many as 30 rural borrowers have committed suicide in Andhra Pradesh in the last few months following their inability to pay back loans taken from microfinance institutions at exorbitant interest rates.
India turns a country of job-hoppers!
Indians are the most ambitious lot in the world with eight out of ten employees in the country likely to move to another organisation that promises them faster and better development, says a survey.
Is stock market boom linked to cricket victory?
India on Wednesday completed their first ever series whitewash against Australia, with Sachin Tendulkar leading them to a comprehensive seven-wicket victory in the second and final Test match in Bengaluru.
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| October 13, 2010 | | From 'greed is good' to finance for global good
The Transforming Finance initiative seeks to address these problems by including all stakeholders in a process of democratizing finance through a deep re-structuring of its mechanisms.
Global warming to rise, soil dries up
The soils in large swaths of the world including vast areas of central India, Australia, Africa and South America have been drying up, a new study has found, warning that this could intensify global warming and reduce vegetation growth.
How slumbering babus cost the country
The departments of income tax, sales tax and excise were named by two Supreme Court judges as the most corrupt ones anywhere in the country.
How a small reform can transform India!
We need a fundamental change in the way common citizens are informed about the laws, rules and regulations that they are expected to follow, says .
Mukesh Ambani set to move into his $2 bn home!
The world's most expensive home, Antilia is ready to welcome its occupants.
Most 2G licences given in 2008 were illegal: CAG
Nine companies were given new licences in January 2008.
Images: Virgin SpaceShip2 makes first test flight!
The Virgin Galactic SpaceShip2 (VSS Enterprise) glides toward Earth on its first test flight after being released from its WhiteKnight2 (VMS Eve) mothership over Mojave, California, on October 10, 2010.
How he is helping every Indian get a bank a/c
Eko helps anyone who owns a cellphone to do banking transactions in just a few seconds.
Vikram Akula: An accidental tycoon
One of India's most successful bottom-of-the-pyramid entrepreneurs parries questions on several issues that have arisen around his venture.
The magnificent Tata Aria: Here's what it is like
The car would be in direct competition with existing players, including Ford Endeavour, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Innova, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Captiva, Toyota Fortuner and upcoming Skoda Yeti.
World's longest railway tunnel is getting ready
The new Gotthard Base Tunnel - at 57 kilometres the longest railway tunnel in the world - will achieve breakthrough on October 15, 2010.
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| October 12, 2010 | | No varying pay if employees are in same posts: HC
The court dismissed an appeal filed by the Centre against the order of the Central Administrative Tribunal which had held that there cannot be discrimination among persons holding same posts vis-a-vis their pay scale while allowing a batch of petitions filed a group of Prasar Bharati employees.
Gender equality: World's top nations; India 112th!
The Global Gender Gap Review reveals India's dismal position. Out of 134 countries surveyed, India is among the lowest ranked countries at the 112th position, with a score of 0.6155.
A peek into the new Audi Quattro concept
The concept showcased by Audi had glimpses of RS5's platform but in a shortened version.
How desi mobile makers are winning over India
Solar-powered phones, triple SIMs - tech-savvy citizens in rural India want it all, and are receiving it, too, from domestic brands.
Will Delhi Metro turn into a white elephant?
Dismal ridership figures and eroding profitability could turn this showcase transit project into a white elephant.
Meet the world's youngest CEO
When 14-year-old Suhas Gopinath started Globals Inc ten years ago from a cyber cafe in Bengaluru, he didn't know that he had become the youngest CEO in the world.
Mamata plans a surprise gift for Obama
Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, say sources, plans to close deals, which would create jobs either in Erie, Pennsylvania or in LaGrange in Obama's home state of Illinois.
Why India is going 'private'
There is no large economy in the world where the bulk of the physical infrastructure has been built by the private sector; it has almost always been done by the government.
Largest small car hub: India to overtake Japan
While Japan produced 3.4 million small cars between January and December in 2009, India manufactured 1.48 million units in the same period.
Mamata dumps Cambridge after agreeing to lecture
Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee has again displayed a mercurial mind. Months after keeping the University of Cambridge, UK, waiting for an answer to its invitation to deliver a lecture and then saying she'd come, she's decided not to go.
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| October 11, 2010 | | India may get $41 bn private funds for roads: Nath
India's highways development project, the largest public private partnership programme in the world, is likely to attract a whopping investment of $41 billion, including FDI, from the private sector, Highways Minister Kamal Nath said.
Sensex firms likely to see 20% earnings growth
During the September quarter, performance of India Inc is expected to be robust on the sales front.
What you may not know about Facebook founder
With the Facebook India office opening and The Social Network creating Oscar buzz, BS Weekend thinks it's time to tell you more about Mark Zuckerberg.
Hunger index: India ranks below China, Pak
The index, released on Monday, rated 84 countries on the basis of three leading indicators -- prevalence of child malnutrition, rate of child mortality, and the proportion of people who are calorie deficient.
The story behind China's growth numbers
The most significant aspect of China's growth is that it has percolated down to the basic roti, kapda aur makaan.
FM on why Congress can't boost economic reforms
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee also asserted there's been no pressure by the United States for India to enact financial sector reforms, particularly in the banking and insurance sectors, on the eve of President Obama's visit.
The closest rivals of the new Hyundai i10
It is quite interesting to look at the cars closest rivals and how they stand against this much trusted model.
Images: Cars that can take your breath away!
The Paris Auto Show will be open to the public till October 17.
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| October 08, 2010 | | Rs 70,000-crore 2G scam: SC tells govt to respond
The Supreme Court on Friday asked the government to respond to the CAG report that points towards large-scale irregularities and favouritism allegedly by Telecom Minister A Raja in the Rs 70,000-crore (Rs 700 billion) 2G spectrum allocation scam in 2008.
India's wealth to double to $6.4 trillion in 5 yrs
According to the Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report published for the first time, the total wealth of India has trebled in a decade to $3.5 trillion. By 2015, the country's wealth could nearly double to $6.4 trillion.
India faces a shortage of 70 million homes
The South Asia region has about 30 million middle and lower class households willing to pay but are unable to have access to mortgages.
No plans to curb foreign capital flows: Pranab
'The inflow of FII or FDI has not distorted the market sentiments and therefore there is no question of putting any curbs.'
The interesting story behind how GST evolved
The much-vaunted GST will reform India's complex indirect tax system, while maintaining the balance of power between the Centre and states. We bring you the key figures in its evolution. . .
Small investors are cashing out of stocks
Some of the money pulled out of mutual funds and the secondary market is coming back via public issues.
Yes, you can withdraw from your PF, PPF account
While it is suggested that withdrawals and loans against long-term instruments are not the wisest steps, if you really need to do so, here are a few options. . .
RBI must protect depositors' interests too
Most banks, particularly the public sector ones, have told the Reserve Bank of India they don't want the savings bank interest rate freed, the last one to remain regulated.
Nations with highest per capita income
India's per capita income grew by 10.5 per cent to Rs 44,345 in 2009-10 against Rs 40,141 in the year-ago period, according to government data.
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| October 06, 2010 | | Railways to hire 200,000 in 6 months
Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday that her ministry would clear the backlog of two lakh vacancies countrywide within six months and the process was already on for class III posts.
IMF sees India booming at 9.7% in 2010
Advanced economies are projected to grow by just 2.7 per cent in 2010 and 2.2 per cent in 2011, the IMF report said.
Innovative India: At 14, he made a folding bicycle
Despite being physically challenged, Sandeep Kumar built a folding bicycle.
How housewives are turning into financial experts
With a focus on financial literacy for women, Millennium Mams is an 18-year-old initiative started by Kolkata-based industrialist B K Dhanuka.
Rs 5-lakh Honda small car soon in India
Will Honda name its small car Brio?
Swiss banks to bare names once India okays treaty!
The government of Switzerland would be ready to reveal the names and bank account details of Indians who have stashed away billions of dollars of black money in Swiss banks once the Indian Parliament ratifies the revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement that was recently signed between the two countries.
Rs 500,000,000,000! What Indian IPOs have raised
2010 is likely to be remembered as the year in which India Inc raised record funds through initial public offers.
Is the rupee really uncompetitive?
The fact that the trade and current account deficit seem to be alarmingly large (the July trade deficit was about $13 billion) adds a sense of urgency to these concerns.
Indian pharma market on steroid-like growth
This unprecedented rate could attract more global companies to enter the domestic drug market, thus triggering more buyouts of Indian companies by multinational drug makers, said industry experts.
How the rising rupee is hurting Indian exporters
No consensus on what, when and how much to do.
15 SUVs that are setting Indian roads ablaze!
Which are the most popular SUVs on Indian roads? Let's take a dip into the current trend of road.
China a tech powerhouse; why India must catch up
China has suddenly emerged as a technological power by fair means and foul; India also needs to adopt a holistic technology upgradation policy.
How to select a profitable sector to invest in
To find the right stocks to invest in, it's not enough to simply start looking for specific companies that are doing well.
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| October 05, 2010 | | Huge losses at Satyam? Employees not worried
Employees of Mahindra Satyam, the erstwhile Satyam Computer Services, say they are not worried about the financials of the company. Last week, Mahindra Satyam reported an aggregate loss of Rs 8,300 crore (Rs 83 billion) for 2008-09 and 2009-10.
CWG may add $5 bn to economy, create 2.5 mn jobs
Inviting the business community of Commonwealth nations to invest in India, Minister of State for Agriculture and Consumer Affairs K V Thomas said opportunities for business during sports events are very large.
CEOs keen to make Bengaluru a super metropolis
Top executives working on improving Bengaluru include Infosys CEO K Gopalakrishnan, Infosys VP-HR Mohandas Pai, and Harman India head Lakshminarayan.
BMW X1: All about the Rs 30-lakh beauty!
BMWs lowest priced car the X1 was seen testing near Chennai.
Why India must export food grains
Blame stubborn procurement policy as the root of all evil.
Mr Sibal, please make higher education stress-free
The stress levels across the country just refuse to die down even with multiple counselling sessions, says Sanjiv Kataria.
Cars that cost under Rs 5 lakh in India
The Rs 1-lakh to Rs 5-lakh (Rs 100,000 to Rs 500,000) category sees the most amount of enquires and sales in the Indian car market.
Why metro rail may not solve India's traffic woes
Metros only work well in cities that have large concentrations of jobs in central business districts.
'Banning BlackBerry will be counterproductive'
In a letter to Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar, Canada-based Research In Motion, makers of BlackBerry, virtually refused to provide an intercepting technology for its BlackBerry Enterprise Server and said it had provided options to Law Enforcement Agencies within India's existing techno-legal framework.
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| October 01, 2010 | | How India is reshaping global film industry
Endhiran cleverly blends Eastern talent with Western expertise to co-create a seamless viewing experience that no single region could have concocted on its own, says Dr .
The 10 fastest job-creating cities in India
An Assocham study shows that the four major metros in India recorded a share of 57.22 per cent in total job creation out of the total sample size.
Maverick Mani slams UPA for bowing before US
on Mani Shankar Aiyar's belief that India should secure its energy supplies by engaging with neighbours in Asia.
K V Kamath's mantra for great success
When the fire drills of the day begin to sap your time, focus on the 80:20 rule.
Flights over US, EU killing people in India, China
The study led by a team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology says airplanes flying at a cruise altitude of around 35,000 feet emit pollutants that contribute to about 8,000 deaths per year globally.
Meet 5 amazing innovators from rural India
Uddhab Bharali is a serial innovator who has designed and prototyped around 85 devices for different purposes.
Mukesh Ambani to write the Reliance story
The book, expected to hit the shelves early next fiscal, would be the first by Ambani and is likely to be published by global publishing major Penguin, sources in the know said.
Check out the 8 most popular gadgets
Though the Blackberry has hit the headlines for the security concerns raised by several governments including India, it continues to be the most preferred personal digital assistant.
Obama fears losing future jobs to India
The US has expressed concerns about the decline in college graduations of American youth, saying the nation is "losing" its competitive position and "future jobs" to countries like India, which is spending heavily in education sector.
The 5 richest women in India
As many as five women have made it to Forbes India magazine's list of the 100 richest Indians this year, including O P Jindal Group chairperson Savitri Jindal, who surpassed billionaire Anil Ambani to attain fifth position in the list.
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| September 30, 2010 | | 5 Indians among most powerful businesswomen
Nooyi has been named as the most powerful woman in corporate America for the fifth year running.
Next Bengal govt to inherit huge debt
The state's debt burden increased to Rs 1,92,000 crore (Rs 1,920 billion), against Rs 1,48,110 crore (Rs 1,481.1 billion) in 2008-09 -- a rise of about 29 per cent -- state Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta told the Assembly recently.
The 25 richest Indians
The 100 richest Indians have a combined wealth of $300 billion, an all-time high and more than the combined GDPs of all the other nations in South Asia put together.
Anti-BPO bill fails, Indian IT cos relieved
The Indian information technology industry is relieved at the US Senate's decision to block the proposed 'Creating American Jobs and Ending Offshoring Act', that sought to offer a tax holiday for employers moving jobs to the US from abroad.
World's 20 most popular employers
According to Universum's -- The world's most attractive employers 2010 -- index, Google retains its number one position for the second consecutive year.
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| September 29, 2010 | | Number of wealthiest people: India 4th in Asia
Emerging Asia - China, India, Indonesia and Thailand - is fast becoming the main engine of growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
Help our industry like we help you: India to China
After creating a 'level-playing field' for Chinese telecom companies doing business in India, New Delhi has asked Beijing to reciprocate by creating opportunities for its IT and pharma industry.
India's fast growth does not mean a strong economy
India's present growth is not a sign of economic prowess; it is a choice most countries do not make because the concurrent high inflation typically targets the poor, says Derek Scissors.
Blow to Obama! Senate blocks visa, anti-BPO bills
In a move that augured well for India, Senate Republicans successfully blocked the passage of an anti-outsourcing bill that denied tax breaks to American companies which move jobs overseas, dealing a blow for President Barack Obama.
Think you know a lot about cars? Take this quiz
Commonly, three types of car logos are used.
How to kick-start your own venture, successfully
"Entrepreneurship is not a career. It is a way of life," insists Sramana Mitra, Silicon Valley-based technology entrepreneur, strategy consultant and author of the series, Entrepreneur Journeys, which offers deep insights into the individual journeys of a cross-section of entrepreneurs.
Govt plans to redefine Budget format
At present, the Budget documents, apart from the finance minister's speech, includes Budget at a Glance, the Finance Bill, its explanatory memorandum, detailed Demand for Grants, and booklets on expenditure and receipts.
Unique ID number: How it will help you!
If a billion numbers get issued, with real-time features and applications, Nilekani will have notched up a transformational project.
Reasons behind the talent crunch in media
It will be many years before the trial and error ends to produce a basic quality of media practitioners.
The bad boy of Indian advertising
Serial entrepreneur and Dentsu India's group chairman is happy to be the bad boy of Indian advertising
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| September 28, 2010 | | Anil Ambani outlines growth blueprint
In a slew of announcements one after another, Anil Ambani on Tuesday outlined investments of nearly Rs 1,25,000 crore (Rs 1,250 billion) and also fund-raising to the tune of over Rs 65,000 crore (Rs 650 billion) for expanding businesses and entering new areas.
'Split in Reliance has benefited India'
The book is McDonald's second on the Ambani family, whose rise to the top of India Inc has been meteoric.
Citi to raise Pandit's pay in 2011
Citigroup is planning to give a huge raise in the salary of CEO Vikram Pandit.
India's top 5 mobile handset players
The shipments of mobile handsets in India grew by 6.3 per cent (QoQ) in the second quarter of 2010, ending June 30, to touch an all-time high of 38.63 million units in a single quarter.
The stunning BlackBerry PlayBook launched!
RIM set out to engineer the best professional-grade tablet in the industry with cutting-edge hardware features and one of the world's most robust and flexible operating systems.
How to make banking accessible to all
Large-scale financial inclusion will need joint work by banks and telecom companies.
Anil Ambani plans to set up a world class bank
With the Reserve Bank of India throwing open a discussion on granting new banking licences, the Anil Ambani Group on Tuesday said it plans to enter the banking business through group firm Reliance Capital.
The 10 top tech czars of the world
The global economy is still coming out of recession. Although the economic pain continues to be felt across the world, the fortunes of the 10 richest US technology giants rose a combined $13.6 billion in 2010 compared with their net worth in the 2009 Forbes 400 list. For them, the opportunities seem endless.
China: 60,000 iPhone 4 sold already!
Some would-be buyers waited all night during the weekend to get a chance to buy the equipment.
Burning money on CWG won't make us a superpower
The 2-billion-pounds cost of the Games could have assured millions of deprived Indians of a new life.
Ramesh trashes academies' report on Bt brinjal
Ramesh said it does not give a larger scientific view and focused only on findings of one scientist.
FM opposes govt move to access your bank accounts
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has opposed the government move to snoop on the personal savings bank and other accounts in the name of anti-terror measures.
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| September 27, 2010 | | Google @ 12: What makes it a success
The world's No.1 search engine, Google is 12 years old.
Of Kisan Swaraj and farmer suicides
Kisan Swaraj Yatra's revival of 'Jai Kisan' is loaded with challenges because it must contend with a tangled coil.
Beware! The honey sold in India is highly toxic
CSE has found a cocktail of mostly banned and severely prohibited antibiotics in honey.
Toyota Etios to hit Indian roads soon
Toyota will step into the mass market with the Etios by the end of the year. Has it done its homework?
How your money can become cashless
Mobile money will be mainstream in the coming years
How India can be a superpower? Experts' views
Here are some important quotes by personalities, that adorned the event, on how India could become an economic powerhouse.
With Rs 30,000 crore debt, RCom in trouble
After its deal with GTL failed to go through, it's back to square one for RCom. With nearly Rs 30,000 crore (Rs 300 billion) of debt in its books, finding an investor is fundamental to its survival.
Mumbai airport a nightmare, says Jet ED
If the capacity and efficiency of Mumbai's airport is not increased urgently, airlines would be forced to drop Mumbai from their destination list, warned S K Datta, executive director, Jet Airways.
Vote: Which PSU banks have the best employees?
Corporation Bank's employee productivity is the highest among nationalised banks.
Will these fuels power cars in the future?
A while back the dung-powered Volkswagen Beetle being tested in the United Kingdom was in the news everywhere and was being hailed as a solution to the world's transport fuel problems.
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| September 23, 2010 | | Meet the 10 richest Americans!
It's again raining billionaires in America!
IIT-ians' boon for kids with cerebral palsy
Ajit Narayan and his IIT-Madras colleagues at Invention Labs have created a device that lends voice to children with cerebral palsy!
4 Indian-Americans among the richest in the US
Four Indian-Americans, including Sun Microsystems co-founder Vinod Khosla, are among Forbes 400 Richest People in America, a list topped by Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
Top IT bosses now working with UIDAI!
Silently, resolutely, 'Aadhaar' -- as the UID project has now been christened -- and Nilekani have succeeded in attracting some of the best and brightest that the IT world can offer, both from within India and from overseas.
China, India spur rise of the South
The report, Perspectives on Global Development 2010 -- Shifting Wealth, is the centerpiece of a Global Policy Dialogue co-hosted by the OECD Development Center and Global Development Network -- a platform for economic research institutes from developing countries.
Recession is over: These are the biggest winners
The National Bureau of Economic Research has declared the recession that started in December 2007 ended in June 2009.
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| September 20, 2010 | | 2nd Mumbai airport may get nod by Oct
The greenfield airport project at Navi Mumbai is likely to get the final environmental nod by October and the bidding process expected to begin by the year-end, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said on Monday.
Key lessons from the Satyam crisis
"After Ramalinga Raju made his confession, we encouraged our leaders to meet with their teams hourly and then several times a day," says Ed Cohen.
India's 10 most valuable companies
The country's top private sector lender, ICICI Bank, made its entry into the list of the top 10 most valuable companies by market capitalisation this week, helped by a sharp rise in banking stocks.
Economic marvel Shanghai is China's 'sexiest' city
China's eastern metropolis of Shanghai, the economic hub of Hong Kong and the sprawling city of Chongqing have been named the 'sexiest cities' in the country because of their economic prosperity, urban development, charming buildings and beautiful girls, according to a new survey.
Some smart ways to save and still have fun
Recession is an ugly word. And one of the fallouts of globalisation is the ripple effect that the state of one economy has on multiple others, whether they are directly or indirectly connected. With the economy of the US currently in a tailspin, the effects are far-reaching, so it's especially wise, at this point, to take a good look at how you spend, and where your hard-earned money is going.
5 fine new sedans set to hit Indian roads
Many new car launches, offers and discounts await consumers this season. Among the various cars scheduled to be launched here is a list of five sedans that have been quite eagerly awaited.
Sahara wants to buy Hollywood studio MGM for $2 bn
Sahara India Pariwar has made a $2-billion bid to buy the debt of struggling Hollywood studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Inc.
Interest rate hike: What the aam aadmi says
Rediff.com interviewed people from several walks of life to know their opinions on the rise in rates by RBI.
How could West Bengal's economy be revived?
Economists and analysts are losing sleep over what would be the financial future of the state.
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| September 17, 2010 | | Delhi, Mumbai among world's costliest cities!
The survey noted that the highest growth rates for gross domestic product were recorded by China (10.7 per cent) and Taiwan (9.1 per cent).
India, China have very talented people: Obama
Reminding Americans that they are facing a highly competitive global environment, US President Barack Obama has said that India and China have got "some very talented" people and are moving up the ladder.
Touching story of Rai Singh, top Indian innovator
You can light up your house, use the water pumps, run saw mills, flour mills using Rai Singh's bio-mass gassifier.
The top 9 nations for real estate investment
India is ranked as the fifth most attractive destination for future real estate investments, according to a latest report of FCCI and Ernst and Young.
World's top 15 electricity producers, India 5th
The total electricity production in the world in 2008 stood at 19,950,3917,395,212 kWh, while the total power consumption was 17,109,665,000 gigawatt hours.
India is home to 50% of the world's hungry!
925 million people will suffer chronic hunger this year.
Gold: An all-season asset
Gold is considered as a sign of prosperity in India. This yellow metal is an important part of any occasion among the Indian families.
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| September 16, 2010 | | Now, IPR tag for Paithani saree, Bikaneri bhujia!
Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh share registration of three items each by the Registrar of Geographical Indications this year to provide recognition of the intellectual right of producers and artisans on them.
Another bonanza for govt staff: DA up at 45%
The decision to provide higher DA to employees will cost the exchequer an additional Rs 9,303.2 crore (Rs 93.03 billion) per annum, an official spokesperson said after a meeting of the Union Cabinet, where it was decided to raise the allowance.
Now, desperate US clears 'Made in America' bill
The Bill requires the Congress to buy goods and services made in America for the first time in nearly seven decades.
How the RBI rate hike will impact you
Housing loan, car loans, personal loans and education loan will get costlier in the months to come.
Vote: Which is the top bank in India
In the following pages is a list of some of the top banks that have a successful track record in India (not all banks have been featured in this list because of space constraints).
TCS, Infy, 14 other Indian cos in Asia top 50 list
India and China together account for 32 of the 50 companies in Forbes' sixth annual 'Asia's Fabulous 50 listed companies'.
RBI hikes rates, loans to be expensive
The Reserve Bank has raised short-term borrowing rate (reverse repo) by 0.50 percentage points and lending rate (repo) by 0.25 percentage points.
2G scam: Why I filed a PIL against Minister Raja
On September 13, the Supreme Court issued notices to Telecom Minister A Raja and the CBI following a petition filed by two activist groups and senior journalist which alleges that the 2G spectrum allocation cost the exchequer a loss of Rs 70,000 crore. Guha Thakurta explains why he filed the petition.
Boeing plans to fly tourists to space
The seats would be on board its CST-100 spacecraft, which it is developing under NASAs push for commercial crew spacecraft. The CST-100 could carry seven people and fly on multiple launch vehicles.
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai: Top employment generators
Healthcare, hospitality lead in job creation.
Low-cost ATMs: Vortex's gift to rural India
Vortex Engineering has launched one of India's greatest initiatives to extend banking services to several parts of rural India.
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| September 15, 2010 | | Interest rates may rise, RBI out to curb inflation
The Reserve Bank of India is likely to raise policy rates by up to 25 basis points in its mid quarterly policy review on Thursday to tame inflation, which is still ruling near the double-digit mark, said experts.
Bonanza for the salaried: PF rates hiked to 9.5%
The steep one percentage points increase has taken the interest on PF deposits of 4.71 crore organised sector workers to a five-year high.
Gold at Rs 19,500; silver at all-time high!
Gold continued with its record-breaking rise in the national capital on Wednesday, surging by Rs 300 to Rs 19,500 per 10 grams, while silver also hit an all-time high after gaining Rs 370 to Rs 32,400 per kg.
Once penniless in Mumbai, now a crorepati!
Ganapathy turned his misfortune into the biggest opportunity of his life.
Markets: Will it be bulls or bears?
The main reasons for this latest rally include strong foreign institutional investor flows, healthy Indian and Chinese manufacturing data as well as less than severe Basel-III norms.
TCS to set up Rs 1,000-crore mega campus in Kerala
Construction will commence in 2011-12 and be completed in three years. TCS is the second IT firm to set up such a facility after Bengaluru-based Infosys Technologies inaugurated its campus in Mysore last year.
Two years later, Lehman still haunts Wall Street
Investors ask if the hugely successful investment banking model can be fully repaired.
India may be poor, but Indians are rich!
The Asian Development Bank lavishes middle class status on anyone who earns between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000 a month. Anything more is wealth, says Sunanda K Datta-Ray.
Distribution of rupee notes is pro-rich in India!
This skew is a reflection of the highly unequal distribution of income, wealth and economic transactions and needs to be corrected, says A Seshan.
Hyundai's Santa Fe and its 5 rivals in India
Hyundai is all set to launch its Sports Utility Vehicle Santa Fe in the Indian market this festive season.
Buying a home? Groffr can get you a BIG discount!
Built around the concept of collective buying, Groffr.com aggregates demand for real estate projects and then approaches the builder for a discount for the group that a single buyer cannot negotiate.
Politicians favour the winners while the poor lose
Politicians show generosity when it comes to the well-heeled, parsimoniousness when it is the poor who ask for more, says T N Ninan.
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| September 14, 2010 | | 2G scam:CBI probe politically motivated, says Raja
A day after the Supreme Court sought his response to a prayer for tracking the progress of the CBI probe into the alleged spectrum scam, Telecom Minister A Raja on Tuesday termed the move as "politically motivated."
Sensex to cross the 20,000-mark soon
With the BSE benchmark Sensex breaching the 19,000-level and still going strong, analysts believe that Indian markets have entered a bull phase and persistent FII inflows may push the index past the 20,000-mark in the coming days.
All about the new inflation index
Inflation for the month of August stood at 8.51 per cent, according to the new Wholesale Price Inflation (WPI) series.
From Rs 25,000 to Rs 100-crore! The Hidesign story
Dilip Kapur, founder-president of Hidesign, an international brand, started designing leather bags as a hobby. Today, his business is worth over Rs 100 crore.
Votes are in! India's most reliable cars
August 2010 proved to be a good month for most auto manufacturers.
US has the best workers, economy: Obama
Despite other countries and the regions fast catching up, the United States still has a huge competitive edge over the rest, President Barack Obama has said.
Surplus food, yet lakhs of Indians go hungry
The problem of distribution of foodgrain to the needy will persist.
Corruption: India lost over $125 bn in outflows
The growth of corruption and India's underground economy contributes significantly to illicit financial flows from the country.
'Photocopy Phokat mein' is their mantra!
The mission of this students' start up, is to make photocopying a profitable exercise!
Black money abroad: How it hurts the economy
Allowing the elite to escape tax and regulation curbs economic growth, accelerates capital flight from poor countries and promotes corruption and crime around the world, says .
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| September 13, 2010 | | India Inc backs Sonia's views on land acquisition
Several industry leaders on Monday supported United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi's proposal of giving annuity to farmers in addition to compensation for land acquired for industrial purposes.
Mukesh Ambani to be richest man in world in 2014
Forbes has listed a number of events that could happen over the next 10 years in the field of politics, energy, medicine, finance, society and technology.
If UPA govt tackles inflation, it will collapse!
M R Venkatesh on why the reason why food prices in India are going through the roof.
How mobile number portability will benefit users
MNP is a service that enables mobile telephone users to retain their mobile telephone numbers when changing from one mobile network operator to another.
At over Rs 1,500 crore, festivals are big business
How big is the business of festivals? We look behind the scenes to find that God is very much in the numbers.
Spectrum scam: SC notice to Raja, CBI, DoT
The Apex Court has asked the minister and the two agencies to respond to the notice within the next ten days.
The amazing rise of IndiGo
IndiGo will complete five years of operations in August 2011, which makes it eligible to fly overseas routes.
Markets have a big-bang rally; Sensex above 19k
The Sensex crossed the 19K on September 13 morning -- touching its highest since January 2008.
Yamuna Expressway: Land prices up 50 times!
Real estate developers are making a killing on projects along the corridor.
Orissa: A jinxed state for mega projects?
It is raining mega investment in Orissa, but none of the big ticket projects have made any headway.
How he built a successful company with Rs 30,000!
The company has today grown into a full fledged advertising and marketing solutions company with revenues of over Rs 28 crore (Rs 280 million).
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| September 10, 2010 | | India has only a few businessmen with a 'heart'
If all goes well, the money spent by companies for corporate social responsibility may increase in the days to come.
Ohio BPO ban: Legally, India can't do anything
Officials in the government, however, said India could only lodge a protest and not take legal action against the US.
Best nations for business: India 77th, beats China
India may be second fastest growing economy in the world, but it fails when it comes to the best places to do business.
This is the only solution to India's traffic woes
More and more Asian govts are focusing on public transport that's both mass-scale and rapid, and, generally, subsurface for better connectivity.
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| September 09, 2010 | | World's largest value creators; Reliance 2nd
Reliance Industries has been ranked second in the list of world's 10 biggest 'sustainable value creators'.
Vote: India's most reliable cars!
August 2010 proved to be a good month for most auto manufacturers.
World's most competitive nations; India 51st
Even as the Indian economy booms seemingly on steroids, in the area of global competitiveness it has slipped two positions from 49th to 51st this year, despite a small improvement in its score.
Murthy on why India faces major problems
Software icon N R Narayana Murthy has blamed poor public governance for major ills faced by the country such as illiteracy, malnourishment, lack of sanitation facilities and dismal food and power management.
Too busy to attend phone?Hire a virtual assistant!
From preparing your business presentations, taking up your calls when you are busy to directing you when you get stuck in an unknown area, virtual assistants are plugging the gaps in people's daily lives these days.
Despite storage shortages,FCI sticks to buy target
Despite criticism for procuring foodgrain without creating adequate storage, Food Corporation of India plans normal procurement this kharif season.
Create jobs in US to get tax sops: Obama
President Barack Obama has underlined his determination to end tax loopholes that encourages incentives for investment in overseas jobs, saying he will provide a generous tax credit to companies that create more jobs in the US.
Diesel vs. petrol: Who rules the road?
Diesel cars are giving their petrol counterparts a hard time on the Indian roads. A while back the Indian media space was filled with stories of petrol cars closing in the sales gap between them and diesel cars.
Bharti Airtel: The making of a media giant
Is Bharti Airtel India's fourth-largest media company? If estimates are right, then its revenues from music downloads, DTH services, IPTV and digital media outsourcing were over Rs 2,900 crore in March 2010.
Meet Pranav Mistry, digital SixthSense inventor!
The young inventor of the 'SixthSense' device has foreign governments and film-makers interested in his technology that binds the digital and the physical worlds.
How to build a super productive workforce in India
The youngest nation on the planet continues to be plagued with a severe job-talent mismatch.
'Poverty in India dipped not due to globalisation'
Pranab Bardhan, professor of economics, University of California, Berkeley, says that poverty alleviation in India happened because of domestic factors.
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| September 08, 2010 | | CVC may scuttle mega 2G scam probe, says BJP
Alleging that the chief task of the new Central Vigilance Commissioner, P J Thomas, is to scuttle the Central Bureau of Investigation probe that his predecessor had ordered into the 2G spectrum allocation scam, the Bharatiya Janata Party has coined a slogan: 2G is maha Bofors ghotala.
How Indian animation can be a global success
If India has to compete on the global animation arena, we need to create compelling and creative animation while upholding our long-cherished mythology.
India to outpace China by 2013-15! Here's why
A Morgan Stanley report says that India would match China's GDP growth of around 8.5-9.5 per cent over the next two years.
US at it again! Ohio bans outsourcing to India
The spectre of protectionism has reared its head again in the United States, with Ohio Governor Ted Strickland enforcing a ban on outsourcing of all IT and back-office projects to India by government departments, says a ComputerWorld report.
How he mints money from flowers
After establishing itself in the global floriculture business, Bangalore-based Karuturi Global is embarking on a planned Rs 1,600-crore (Rs 16 billion) expansion drive.
The man who is building India's highways
IRB Infrastructure, which executed the country's first build-operate-transfer road project, is one of the largest operators of such ventures.
Are you a habitual defaulter? A MUST read
Look out for the telltale signs...
Vedanta mess: The role these people played
Given the serious allegations against the firm, did these members of the board fail in their duty to safeguard the interests of stakeholders?
What ails Railways under Mamata
A K Bhattacharya says that the Indian Railways has a lot to worry about these days.
Why India may not become an economic superpower
India's present growth is not a sign of economic prowess; it is a choice most countries do not make because the concurrent high inflation typically targets the poor, believes Derek Scissors.
3 invaluable lessons from top CEOs
Successful second acts are rare in business. Here are three big ideas that can help you beat the odds.
Left plans Saffron makeover to build brand Bengal!
The Left Front government has roped in UK-based Saffron Brand Consultants, headed by image artist Wally Olins, to rebuild the image of brand Bengal.
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| September 07, 2010 | | India's highest paid CEOs: Naveen Jindal leads
At a time when the Members of Parliament (MPs) bagged a 300 per cent salary hike, India Inc has taken a pay hike between 50-90 per cent.
Why the poor in India need free foodgrains
Just as millions starve to death in our country, we hear, to our utter dismay that Food Corporation of India sits on 60 million tonnes wheat and rice and Food and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, who s made a proposal to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to decontrol the sugar sector, will be in Brazil soon to study how the idea was successfully implemented in the world's top producer of the sweetener!
Pitroda to bring digital credit card to mobiles!
For the last 15 years, Pitroda and Desai's team is working on the technology to pay through mobile phones. Pitroda already has 11 patents with him and some 20 patents related to this technology are pending for registration.
Votes are in! India's best cities for business
Gujarat, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have been more proactive in providing the ideal environment for the growth of small business.
PM seeks to bridge two Indias
Cannot solve problems by perpetuating poverty in the name of environment, the prime minister said.
Who are the biggest tax evaders in India?
NCAER says that in 2009-10, there should have been 3.8 million families with annual income of over Rs 10 lakh, a figure that is more than five times the 715,000 people who report income over Rs 8 lakh.
Images: Bandh hits industry, airlines, commerce
On September 7, the trade unions have called a dawn to dusk bandh to protest against rise in price of daily commodities and, once again, fuel price hikes.
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| September 06, 2010 | | India gets 'ready' for another bandh
On September 7, the trade unions have called a dawn to dusk bandh to protest against rise in price of daily commodities and, once again, fuel price hikes.
Was it right to stop Vedanta?
The mining ban has implications beyond just protecting the environment and tribal rights.
11 IPOs to hit market in Sept; some dos and don'ts
People planning to invest money in primary market would have a number of choices to park their savings this month, as about a dozen of companies are expected to bring out their IPOs in September.
7 common investing mistakes you MUST avoid
Here's a list of the seven common investing mistakes that you should avoid at any cost.
Free grains to poor:SC can't dictate terms,says PM
An estimated 37 per cent of the population lives below poverty line; how can free food be given to such a large number of people, the prime minister said.
This is how Infosys grooms its future leaders
The process is long-drawn, meticulous, and in consonance with the company's stated vision: 'To be a globally respected corporation that provides best-of-breed business solutions, leveraging technology, delivered by best-in-class people.'
Honda to launch diesel cars in India by 2012
Recently there has been a flood of new launches that have posed a serious threat to the almost monopolistic models by Honda.
Even the rich favour Tata Nano
The small car proves very useful and convenient for city driving.
How to save tax when selling property
You can invest the proceeds in capital gains bond or reinvest in another residential property.
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| September 03, 2010 | | The new India: Big projects, bad quality!
Even as the country reels from the extended rains and the imminent Commonwealth Games, there are unmistakable signs in Delhi's environs of an unprecedented transformation.
Indians as global CEOs: Is it a real triumph?
India Inc loves to applaud every time any businessman or executive of Indian origin makes it to the top in the developed world.
UP frames 'India's best' land acquisition policy
With a view to containing the crisis arising due to the on-going farmers' agitation in western Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Mayawati on Friday chalked out a new farmer-friendly course.
Maharashtra to probe irregularities in Lavasa
The Maharashtra government has found "some irregularities" in Lavasa, the country's first planned hill city project, and would take action if its probe proved any wrongdoing, a senior state minister said.
93 million Indians to live in urban slums by 2011
There has been a growth of 17.8 million in urban slum population of India in the last decade, according to a government committee formed to create a 'reliable statistical model' of enumerating people living in such areas.
How technology can help beat traffic woes!
Traffic is not just a line of cars: It is a web of connections. A real solution will look at relationships across the entire road network, says Puneet Gupta.
Super bus gets Chinese nod; will ease traffic jams
Chinese officials has found that the monster 'straddle bus', a newly developed design of a vehicle which can ply over the road leaving enough space for a two-lane traffic underneath, has proved to be workable, its designer said.
Want to recharge your mobile for free? Try this!
For any amount you recharge, Freecharge.in offers free coupons from retailers.
60,000 NRIs back! India lures talent away from US
This year, for the first time, NRIs returning from the US are expected to outnumber those coming to this country from India.
Bengaluru, H'bad airport cities ready to take wing
GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited plans to develop an aerotropolis on 1,000 acres, which will promote education, healthcare, entertainment, hospitality, commercial and logistics ports around the airport.
New tax code: Penalty for evasion lightens!
While the tax burden for an average taxpayer will lighten marginally, for tax evaders the Direct Taxes Code proposes to reduce penalties substantially.
The best automatic hatchback cars in India
So let us take a look at the three automatic transmission hatchbacks that are available in the Indian market today.
Infy, Wipro to have organic veggies for staff
Both companies are in talks with a Bengaluru-based non-governmental organisation, International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture, for the supply of organically-grown vegetables to their canteens.
Why gambling, betting should be legalised in India
If the gambling is legalised in a controlled manner in India, thousands of crores (billions) of rupees in black money involved in the illegal gambling activity currently could be made available to the legal economy.
Low-cost housing? Here come new lenders!
A new crop of lending agencies like Dewan Housing Finance, Gruh Finance, Micro House Finance Corporation, SEWA and Mahindra Rural Housing Finance have entered the market.
By 2015, these nations will have most Net users!
In a study titled Internet's New Billion, the Boston Consulting Group said Brazil, Russia, India, China and Indonesia will have more than 1.2 billion Internet users by 2015 -- well over three times the number of Internet users in Japan and the US combined. In 2009, the BRICI countries had some 610 million Internet users.
Vote! India's most trusted airlines, telcos, cars!
Companies spend billions of dollars on building brands as it gives a strategic direction and competitive advantage.
How PDS overhaul can make India hunger-free
Universalisation of the public distribution system can help the needy get low-priced but nutritious food and cover most of the Indian population at a very low cost to the exchequer, argues Gopal Krishna.
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| September 02, 2010 | | Another US recession? 30% chance, says Greenspan!
"I see a third to fourth of a chance of a double dip (in the US economy)," noted American economist and former chairman of the Federal Reserve of the United States, Alan Greenspan, said while addressing an audience through video-conferencing during an award function in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Small town India is now clad in Armani, Gucci!
Fashion aspirations of Indians have helped spawn a new business and some online shopping sites have now brought luxury brands within reach of people even in small towns at throwaway prices.
237,000,000 Internet users in India by 2015!
In a study titled Internet's New Billion, the Boston Consulting Group said Brazil, Russia, India, China and Indonesia will have more than 1.2 billion Internet users by 2015 -- well over three times the number of Internet users in Japan and the US combined. In 2009, the BRICI countries had some 610 million Internet users.
Votes are in! India's most admired business leader
Here is a list those great men and women who, in the past 20 years, have shaped the course of India Inc.
From a rickshaw puller to a successful innovator!
From being a rickshaw puller in New Delhi to becoming an organic farming expert and an innovator, it has been an amazing journey for this farmer from Damla village in Haryana.
Tax code: Why you must opt for higher basic salary
If the Direct Taxes Code Bill does not undergo further changes, employees in the lower tax bracket will get more retirement benefits, provided they opt for a higher basic salary.
Indian economy on wings: Everything's looking up!
From Dalal Street to the high street, India shrugs off global concerns with robust demand.
Shakeout coming in auto market, warns Tata
Ratan Tata's comments come after another Indian automotive company, Mahindra & Mahindra, is in the process of taking over South Korean auto maker Ssangyong Motor Company, expected to be done by November.
10 great new cars coming to India!
With more and more Indians buying automobiles on the back of a rise in income and easy loans, car majors too are launching newer models to offer a wide choice to prospective customers.
Govt corrects the GDP figures!
Facing embarrassment after throwing forward sharply different economic growth figures based on two different methodologies, the government will soon set the record straight on the pace of economic expansion.
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| September 01, 2010 | | Why Vedanta verdict is just new wine in old bottle
The recent Vedanta verdict is an aberration, not a trend, feels .
How CWG can drive up taxes, property prices!
Several nations have in the past borne the brunt of mounting debt arising from organising mega events like the Olympics.
India's auto sales go through the roof
Automobile companies have reported the highest ever monthly sales in India.
From studying under streetlamps to CEO of US firm!
Here is the rags-to-riches story of Kal Raman, who is from a small village in Tamil Nadu and has risen to be the CEO of a company in Seattle, USA that helps educate the children of the world.
SC order: Will take steps, says Pawar
The apex court ruled on August 12 that the Centre give away foodgrain to the hungry and poor, instead of allowing it to rot in Food Corporation of India godowns.
Next Infosys chairman to be from within
Infosys Technologies, India's second-largest IT services firm, appears set on having an insider as its chairman when N R Narayana Murthy retires in August next year.
Ambanis face-to-face again; eye K'taka power plant
For the first time after settling their family dispute, brothers Mukesh and Anil Ambani are again competing face-to-face, in a bid for the Rs 7,500-crore, 1,320-Mw thermal power project at Gulbarga in north Karnataka.
Can India surpass China? What the aam aadmi says!
Will India really beat China in future or if not beat, can it at least catch up with it? We asked common people to speak on the issue and came across some interesting viewpoints.
Want to splurge on gadgets? Check this out!
The market is now flooded with colourful laptops and netbooks, glossy handsets, and accessories such as headphones that can be customised to suit your attitude.
Vote! India's best cities to do business in
Gujarat, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have been more proactive in providing the ideal environment for the growth of small business.
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| August 31, 2010 | | This could end up killing Maruti Suzuki!
Maruti's hike in royalty to its parent Suzuki, at a time when competition is speeding up, makes it a decidedly uncool stock.
It's an order, not a suggestion, SC raps Pawar
A bench of Justices Dalveer Bhandari and Dipak Verma referring to newspaper reports that the Union Minister had claimed there was no such order, clarified that it did pass such an order.
How Pak could overcome its economic crisis
With its economy battered by the devastating floods, Pakistan must make peace with India and normalise its economic ties if it wants to overcome the crisis, a noted American scholar has said.
CWG: Bribes may drop due to traffic discipline
Traffic discipline during the Games will hopefully lead to an automatic solution to the perennial chaos on Delhi's roads, feels Shubhashis Gangopadhyay.
MPs' salary and some serious monkey business
Instead of linking MPs' salary to the cost of living index, it should be anchored to the growth rate so long as India boasts the world's second-highest growth, feels Sunanda K Datta-Ray.
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| August 26, 2010 | | BlackBerry may face ban in next 5 days
The government on Thursday made it clear that BlackBerry services may be banned if its maker, Research-in-Motion, fails to provide a monitoring solution in the next five days.
Get desi education with NRI loan!
Educational institutions in India have a quota system for non resident Indians (NRIs). But the catch is that the fees are higher than what resident students pay.
How to protect your investments from asset bubbles
An asset bubble occurs when the prices of assets are over-inflated due to an excess of demand.
What must Ratan Tata's successor be like
The successor to the legendary Ratan Tata should have a keen understanding of the group's core values, foresight, strength of character, good grasp of Indian-ness, among other qualities, says .
These hot cars cost more than Rs 2 crore each
Bugatti, Aston Martin and Ferrari will be launched in the country by the year-end.
Maharatnas, Navratnas: India's best PSUs!
The title 'Navratna' was given originally to nine Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs), identified by the Government of India in 1997, which allowed them greater autonomy to compete in the global market.
Pollution woes? Here's a low-cost Indian solution!
Virendra Kumar Sinha's pollution control device can be attached to generators or other diesel engines, to bring down noise and air pollution.
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| August 25, 2010 | | Vedanta issue: A few disturbing questions!
Permission should be denied before the start of the refinery. To do so now is unfair and damaging to the government's reputation, says .
China becomes the hydro superpower
Further boosting it's ranking as the world's largest producer of hydro electric power, China on Wednesday commissioned a new 700,000 kw unit at Xiaowan, built at a whopping cost of $5.86 billion.
Has UPA rule been an economic success for India?
This government only needs to provide stability and create the wherewithal to survive future shocks, says Arvind Subramanian.
Vedanta: For Niyamgiri tribals, half battle is won
Even though Vedanta Resource's proposal to mine bauxite at the sacred mountain in Orissa's Kalahandi district is rejected, for thousands of tribals like Laksa Majhi, who for countless generations have lived in the shadow of Niyamgiri, the insecurities persist.
Nothing wrong in MPs' pay hike, but . . .
A pay commission for MPs should also be able to resolve an associated controversy over the compensation package for parliamentarians.
How rural jobs have left Gods in the lurch
The successful implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in parts of West Bengal has meant that fewer hands are available today to craft mud and straw into the idols that are central to goddess Durga's homecoming every autumn.
World's 11 most expensive homes
Herein, we present facts about 10 most expensive houses of the world.
Vote! Who is India's most admired business leader?
Here is a list those great men and women who, in the past 20 years, have shaped the course of India Inc.
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| August 24, 2010 | | China plans 'super bus' to ease traffic jams
China is gearing up to road test an eco-friendly "straddle" super bus, which is high enough to allow a two-lane tunnel beneath it for cars to pass through.
Mukesh Ambani a socialite, Anil an ascetic: Book
Hamish McDonald, whose book on the saga of Reliance was banned in 1998 in India after the corporate house moved court, has come out with the poser in his book -- Mahabharata in Polyester: The Making of World's Richest Brothers and Their Feud -- to be released on September 1 in Australia.
Poor nations guinea pigs for US drug trials
The Duke Clinical Research Institute study found that majority of the paediatric trials enrolled patients in at least one country outside the US.
World's top 10 FDI hotspots; India 9th!
The UN Conference on Trade and Development study -- World Investment Report 2010 -- ranks India as the 9th most attractive destination for foreign direct investment, up from 13th last year. It received $35 billion in FDI in 2009.
The 100 glorious years of ITC
What started off as a small tobacco company in a rented place, is today one of India's best known conglomerates.
Why govt rejected clearance to Vedanta project
In a big blow to Vedanta Resources, the government on Tuesday rejected environment clearance to its $1.7-billion bauxite mining project in Orissa after accepting recommendations of its key panel clearing such ventures.
Sanand now a home to crorepati farmers
At the rate of around Rs 40 lakh (Rs 4 million) for a bigha (0.62 acre), selling a couple of bighas can fetch one Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million).
All that is wrong with Mumbai's 2nd airport
It is likely that politicians, or their benamis, have bought a fair amount of land before the decision to build an airport in Navi Mumbai was announced.
Beware! Mobile viruses are on the prowl
High-end devices become target of virus and malware writers.
Destination US: Indian students way behind Chinese
The US, which has always been an attractive destination for Indian students, has seen only 1 per cent increase in the number of applications in 2010 for the academic year beginning September 2010, against China's 20 per cent increase.
An 'app' a day to keep the doctor away
The smartphone you carry in your pocket can now inspire you to lead a fit life with a wide range of apps.
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| August 23, 2010 | | Another bloodbath in the US markets predicted!
The crash prediction was made after Hindenburg Omen -- named after an ill-fated German plane that crashed in 1937 -- was sighted on the technical charts by Jin Miekka, who is credited with making several accurate market-linked forecasts before.
Install server or shut mail: India to BlackBerry
Toughening its stand, the Indian government has conveyed to the BlackBerry makers to install its server in India for tracking its messenger and enterprise mail service as the offer made by it to provide data from its Canada-based server could be detrimental to national security.
4 NRIs among US's coolest young entrepreneurs
Naveen Selvadurai, 28, co-founder of social networking app 'Foursquare', 26-year old Vikas Reddy who co-founded technology start-up 'Occipital', Sachin Agarwal, 30 of San Francisco-based start up 'Posterous' and 22-year old Stanford graduate Ooshma Garg have been named in the '30 under 30' 2010 list of 'America's Coolest Young Entrepreneurs' by the New York based magazine.
How China plans to sustain its economic triumph
With China emerging as the second largest economy after overtaking Japan, the ruling Chinese Communist Party made a surprise promise to loosen its firm grip on power structure saying that the gains made out of the economic reform would be lost without political reforms.
Why India must dump 'crore' & move to 'million'
Now that the rupee has a symbol that is on its way to global recognition, the time has come for the government to take the next logical step: globalise the way money is counted in India.
1st microfinance IPO turns staff into millionaires
A week after SKS Microfinance was listed on BSE, many of the employees are finding themselves in the league of millionaires.
Your verdict! The best airports in India!
The World Airport Awards are based on the results from 9.8 million questionnaires completed by 100 different nationality of airline passengers in 2009/2010.
Gift your sister a good financial habit
As individuals get smarter about financial planning, financial services companies have started promoting and packaging products to address the demand.
Energy drinks: Coca-Cola, 2 others in eye of storm
Caffeine levels in energy drinks cause of new discord.
Mamata's grand plans for Railways only on paper?
The railway minister's indifference to her portfolio, the hesitation to install anti-collision devices that cost Rs 250,000 per km and the debate over the efficiency of home-grown technology are leading to more accidents.
Glimpses of Bill Gates's palatial home
The earth-sheltered mansion is noted for its design and the technology it incorporates.
Anil Agarwal set to be richest Indian; pips Ambani
The proposed takeover of Cairn Energy's India business could see Non-Resident Indian billionaire Anil Agarwal emerging as the richest promoter of a corporate house in India ahead of Mukesh Ambani, who has ruled the list for long.
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| August 20, 2010 | | When will we get freedom from babudom?
The point is that whenever things go wrong, our systems are skilfully structured to instantly protect our bureaucrats.
How Tatas plan to turn around Fiat in India
Until recently, the JV, Fiat India Automobile, was languishing with heavy losses.
Emerging nations' growth to be stronger
The growth in emerging economies like India, China and Brazil, is expected to be much stronger than the industrial economies', an independent bi-partisan US Congressional report has said.
No shock for people! Only 18% IT grads employable
As per the study of over 40,000 technical graduates by assessment technology company Aspiring Minds, a majority of fresh engineering graduates require additional training to be eligible for any job in the IT/ITeS sector.
Ford may soon launch Fiesta hatchback in India
Fiesta hatchback was launched in the US a while back and the car has been getting good reviews.
How your credit card affects your credit rating
Reckless spending on credit cards will lead you into a maze of spiralling debt before you realise what hit you!
How new banking licences could benefit consumers
The apex bank has come out with a discussion paper on entry of new private banks to broaden the reach of banking in the country.
Shiv Sena wants Mumbai to stop soaring for a while
The trigger is the state government's recent approval for a floor space index of 1.33 for Mumbai city and an FSI of one for the suburbs.
US denies linking Bhopal with India's loan request
His statement came against the backdrop of a controversy kicked off by his email to Ahluwalia.
The world's best nations to live in: India at 78!
Among the 100 countries surveyed by Newsweek magazine, India is way behind Singapore (rank 20), Malaysia (37) and Sri Lanka at 66, with a score of 55 on different parameters.
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| August 19, 2010 | | Pix: Bengaluru airport Terminal-1 expansion plan
Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) on Thursday unveiled its Rs 1,000 crore (Rs 10 billion) expansion plan for Terminal One to cater to the increasing passenger traffic which is expected to touch the 17 million mark by 2014-15.
India's 5 most sought after SUVs
The SUV segment is showing good momentum, enough to attract new players.
Nobody's running after H-1B visas anymore
According to the latest figures released by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, just 29,700 people had applied for H-1B visas till August 13.
Mani Shankar Aiyar blasts govt over rural jobs
Former Union panchayat raj minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, lately in the news for denouncing the Commonwealth Games, is aiming his guns much closer to the United Progressive Alliance government's heart, at the way it is implementing the flagship National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
Taj Hotel's grand plans to be India's best
Indian Hotels hardly has any other option as even domestic competitors such as ITC, the Oberoi group, The Lalit Group etc are fast catching up.
Vote! Who will be the next Tata chairman?
The $70-billion Tata Group has embarked on a global search for a successor to Ratan Tata who will retire in 2012.
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| August 18, 2010 | | Man who invented Bullet Santi, a boon for farmers!
Mansukhbhai Jagani has won patents for his innovation in India and the United States.
Only 18% Indian tech grads fit for a job: Survey
As per the study of over 40,000 technical graduates by assessment technology company Aspiring Minds, a majority of fresh engineering graduates require additional training to be eligible for any job in the IT/ITeS sector.
Why India needs to reset the National Compass
No nation has achieved greatness when governed by a self-centred, self-absorbed and grasping elite, says Shyam Saran.
Raju gets bail on health issue, docs say he's fine
Satyam Computer's tainted founder B Ramalinga Raju on Wednesday secured bail from the Andhra Pradesh high court, over 17 months after his arrest on charges of allegedly fudging the IT company's accounts.
Tata: From fighting fiefdoms to a global giant
After he took the reins of the group in 1991 amid stiff resistance from within, his task was to stop the breaking down of systems established by his predecessor J R D Tata.
E-choupals: Deveshwar's dream gets hazy
Launched in 2000 with six installations, the number of e-choupals grew to 6,500 in 2007, and at one point of time, ITC was opening six such choupals a day.
7 rules to become a great investor
Generally, savvy investors have certain traits in common and have learned how to handle markets in all their variety. Check out what it takes to be a great investor...
How they converted a comma into big business!
It is difficult to bracket Cactus Communications into any industry. Founded by a Wharton graduate in Computer Science, Finance and Accounting and his Mumbai-educated brother with a degree in Commerce, Cactus is rather an industry unto itself.
Best global cities: No Indian city in top 40!
Even as five of the world's 10 most global cities are in Asia and the Pacific - Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney, and Seoul - none of the Indian cities are among the top 40 cities of the World.
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| August 17, 2010 | | Skoda to launch small car at Rs 3-5 lakh
The company, a part of the Volkswagen Group, will also introduce its sports utility vehicle, Yeti, and a stripped-down version of its premium hatchback, Fabia, in India by the end of this year.
Rs 786,27,00,000! Total black money seized in FY10
The government has seized over Rs 1,764 crore (Rs 17.64 billion) of unaccounted income in the last three financial years, with sectors like real estate, manufacturing and mining generating the most of it, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.
Gold bubble may burst at $2,000!
While India remains the largest consumer of gold ahead of China, our citizens unlike the Chinese are yet to start any meaningful diversion of their assets in the bullion to protect themselves against inflation
Visa fee hike: India may drag US to WTO
India may drag US to the World Trade Organisation for its new "protectionist" move in hiking professional visa fees, a step that will make Indian IT companies less competitive in the American market.
Pix: Jaguar turns 75!
The brand from the Tata stable has turned around after its bad economic phase.
From Rs 2 a day to Rs 500,000 a month!
P Muthulingam is a successful young entrepreneur who began working at age seven at Rs 2 a day. . .
Panel blasts Sterlite; dubs mining project illegal
After one stop-work order on the Rs 54,000-crore Posco project, a four-member panel appointed by the Union ministry of environment and forests has dealt a body blow to yet another big-ticket investor in Orissa, the London-based Vedanta Resources Ltd.
Meet India's minister for non-clearances
In the last 10 days, at least two high-profile companies joined the long list of those whose mega projects have come under the ministry's scanner.
Wipro plans second pay rise in October
Sources in the company said the company had already started appraisals to give the hike from October. The Azim Premji-owned company -- which also has interests in consumer care, lighting and engineering equipment -- usually gives salary hikes to its offshore employees in October and onsite employees in January.
Crack this case and win Rs 25,000!
All you have to do is read the case, click on the Smart Manager logo below, and post your solutions by September 9, 2010.
Why tablet PCs will be a hit
Around 10 million users are expected to buy tablet PCs this year.
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| August 16, 2010 | | 10 most searched-for cars on the Internet in India
Here is a list of most searched-for cars on the Internet in the month of July 2010.
The secret behind AirAsia's success
Last week, AirAsia launched a daily Airbus A-330 flight from Delhi to Kuala Lumpur at a basic fare of, hold your breadth, just Re 1 for two days.
H-1B visas: Corporate America backs Indian Inc
In a latest report on immigration, US Chamber of Commerce, which is world's largest chamber with more than 3 million members, asserted that such an allegation against Indian companies is 'hyperbole'.
Why every business MUST care about social media!
Here are some learnings and points of view on why should a business pay attention to and invest in social media.
What rules are you talking about, Mr Obama?
Doesn't matter if Enron or Lehman didn't tell the truth - they aren't Indians, says Sunanda K Datta-Ray.
How people have been duped by builders: Your voice
Despite the inflated rates, bad management, and several issues that have affected thousands of consumers, builders just get away.
India's 5 most-valued business groups; Tatas lead
Coinciding with the beginning of a search for chairman Ratan Tata's successor, the Tata Group has become the country's wealthiest, with a market value of about Rs 371,000 crore (Rs 3,710 billion) -- higher than that of the business houses led by the two Ambani siblings.
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| August 13, 2010 | | From a candle-seller to a multi-millionaire!
Naresh Gulati learnt invaluable lessons of entrepreneurship from each of his failed endeavours.
Nations where office-goers face worst traffic
Long-distance commuting is still the norm despite progress in flexible working practices with 20 per cent of commuters globally and 26 per cent in India travelling over 90 minutes everyday, a survey revealed.
Challenges Ratan Tata braved; what successor faces
The job of Tata Sons chairman might be the most prestigious in India Inc, but it comes loaded with challenges.
How he is putting Lifestyle back on track
The closely-held company, which runs 22 Lifestyle departmental stores, 11 Home Centre furniture and household accessory stores and six value format Splash stores, had totted up losses of Rs 46.5 crore (Rs 465 million) in the first nine months of 2008-09, up sharply from Rs 18.9 crore (Rs 189 million) in the whole of 2007-08.
3 cars that pose a serious threat to Alto K10
The car has been launched in two variants.
Now, HR lessons for corporates through theatre
11slide-show-1-now-corporates-to-get-hr-lessons-from-theatre
A new journey begins for MakeMyTrip
At $14 a share, MakeMyTrip would be valued at $478 million (Rs 2,236 crore), or five times recent sales.
Home buyers, pay attention to paperwork!
A home is on everyone's wishlist. Obtaining home finance is however not an easy task and involves several steps to be completed in tandem. One such step is gathering all the critical documentation needs without which a bank or lender may not sanction a loan. This article attempts to provide a detailed account of the different documents that need to be in place before you can avail a loan.
GVK Power's strategy for success
GVK's 65-year-old patriarch has shed some of his conservatism and is stepping on the gas.
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| August 12, 2010 | | Mumbai's Taj reopens, shrugs off terror attack
The 287-room flagship hotel has been undergoing extensive renovation post the terror attacks.
Despite curbs, UK cos lap up Indian techies
Between April and June, 186,000 people started work in Britain, of which 145,000 were foreigners and 41,000 were British.
BlackBerry users, you are safe for now
Meanwhile, a top official of RIM paid a courtesy visit to Home Minister P Chidambaram.
Too many TV channels? Here's how to see best shows
Modelled on TV guidance channels worldwide, What's On India launched India's first consumer TV guidance channel in December 2009.
H1-B visa row: US officials start damage control
But there is no unanimity within the Obama Administration on this issue that has the potential to jeopardise the Indo-US business ties.
Here's how even flop films make tons of money now!
Here's how even flop films make tons of money now!
Vote for the best airport in India!
The World Airport Awards are based on the results from 9.8 million questionnaires completed by 100 different nationality of airline passengers in 2009/2010.
China woos BPOs with sops, blow for India
In a bid to end India's dominance in the outsourcing industry, China has announced that it will not levy operating taxes on offshore service outsourcing business in 21 of its key cities till 2013 to promote growth of the industry.
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| August 11, 2010 | | American Inc flays move to raise fee for IT pros
The American corporate sector has flayed the US government's move to increase visa fees for IT professionals, saying the bill is "discriminatory" against foreign companies and would undermine investment relations with India.
Bye, bye, malaria? Solar mosquito trapper is here!
His mission is to create a mosquito-free environment in the most innovative and cost-effective manner.
Booked a Sahara housing project flat? Read this!
Much-delayed housing projects and a lack of transparency in group dealings mar Sahara's attempts to raise money from the public.
Tata's successor must be from family: Mody
Mody, 92, held important positions in Tata group and led Tata Steel till he retired in the early 1990s.
Obama's India opportunity in higher education
A major 'deliverable' for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit last fall to the United States was the launching of the Obama-Singh 21st Century Knowledge Initiative.
America Inc outraged at chop shop slur on Infosys
The Washington-based USIBC represents some 350 American companies, including many in Fortune 500 list, like Boeing, Wal Mart, PepsiCo and General Motors and Lockheed Martin that do business in India.
Pesky calls/SMSes? Here's what the aam aadmi says
Many MPs have complained that unsolicited calls have become a regular feature on their phones and sought a ban on these telemarketing calls.
World's 10 costliest cities
A recently published Cost of Living Survey from Mercer is full of surprises.
10 worst oil spills that cost trillions in losses
One of the biggest maritime disasters in India, the collision between MSC Chitra with MV Khalijia-III on Saturday about five kilometres from Mumbai island has brought maritime activities to a grinding halt.
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| August 10, 2010 | | 250,000 Nanos from Sanand this year: Tata
Tata Motors on Tuesday said it will ramp-up capacity at its Sanand (in Gujarat) facility that manufactures its low-cost car, Nano, to over 20,000 units per month and 2.5-lakh units annually by this fiscal.
US visa fee hike to cost Indian firms $200 mn more
Terming an American proposal to increase visa fees as discriminatory, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma on Tuesday said the increase would cost Indian firms $200 million extra a year and make them less competitive.
Despite grand plans, Air India losing passengers
In just the last quarter, the airline's market share has fallen from 17.8 per cent to 16.9 per cent.
Infosys will get new chief before I retire: Murthy
Infosys chief mentor and chairman N R Narayana Murthy on Tuesday said the company co-founded by him will get his suitable successor well in time before his retirement in August 2011.
US jobs will not go to India, China: Obama
US President Barack Obama has said that America had returned to robust competitiveness and the danger of jobs and industries fleeing to countries like China, India or Germany was over.
Who will be the king of India's markets?
The real battle is between NSE's Ravi Narain and FT's Jignesh Shah.
How a school dropout empowers rural women
His innovation to churn out low-cost sanitary napkins is a double boon to poor women of rural India - they are hygienic and help them earn their living.
World's 10 most inexpensive cities
Interestingly, the only Indian city to figure in the list is Kolkata, capital of West Bengal.
How India can become a manufacturing powerhouse
Enclaves are always a second-best solution to achieving system-wide efficiencies, but it would seem that that is the only practical option left for India to become a manufacturing major.
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| August 09, 2010 | | Infy distressed at 'chop shop' slur by US senator
Software giant Infosys on Monday took strong objection to a United States senator describing it as a 'chop shop' and asserted that the company was a responsible corporate that creates jobs and provides high quality services across the world
My successor won't be anti- or pro-Parsi: Tata
Dismissing all suggestions that only a Parsi with a Tata name would succeed him, Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata on Monday said that the new incumbent would neither be a pro-Parsi nor an anti-Parsi, but the 'right person'.
UPA has ensured food security for rats, says Left
In a scathing attack on the United Progressive Alliance government, CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat said that the government had failed in all its economic policies and that is why the aam aadmi in the country is suffering. Exceprts from his speech:
The 10 top telecom companies in India
The telecommunications industry in India is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world. The booming telecom industry has been attracting large amount of investments in the country.
Why is India wasting its time chasing BlackBerry?
A terrorist would not choose to use a BlackBerry that can be linked to his identity, says Prasanto K. Roy.
The dream of a Hardoi weaver
Livelihood and skilling programmes focus on new skills while traditional skills wait for a messiah.
If India became world's 3rd largest economy. . .
With minimum fuss and hardly any noise or bragging, China informed the globe that it is now the world's second largest economy. Now imagine, if India became the world's third largest economy what would happen.
6 GOLDEN tips to help you create wealth
Investing in the stock market and deciding to buy a particular stock are two different decisions. The latter requires proper analysis.
Time for mobile users to ring in recycling
Mobile phone and PC makers gobble up three per cent of the world's entire gold and silver supply each year, not to mention 13 per cent of palladium, 15 per cent of cobalt, and plenty of copper, steel, nickel and aluminum.
How BlackBerry ban will hit the common user!
India is estimated to have over 11 lakh (1.1 million) BlackBerry users.
Narayana Murthy's son to wed TVS's Lakshmi Venu
Rohan Murthy, the only son of his parents, has found his life partner in Lakshmi Venu, the 26-year-old daughter of TVS Motor co-chairman Venu Srinivasan. In no time after confirmation from the bride and the groom, the two families sealed the merger of souls with their engagement in Chennai on Friday evening.
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| August 07, 2010 | | Ratan Tata is 'Businessman of the Decade'
The Federation of the Indo-Israeli Chambers of Commerce (FIICC), on August 6, bestowed the 'Businessman of the Decade' honour upon Ratan Tata, who heads the $71-billion Tata empire.
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| August 06, 2010 | | These billionaires will donate half their wealth!
40 American billionaires have pledged to eat into their wealth and give half of it away in an unprecedented act of philanthropy.
Is Altis GL Diesel worth the price? Find out
The Toyota Corolla Altis sold in other Asian markets, is also powered by the same 1.4-litre D4-D engine that churns out similar power.
The 10 top entrepreneurs from Gujarat
Gujarat accounts for 15.14 per cent ($114.52 billion) of the total investments in India, highest amongst all states in India, according to the Vibrant Gujarat web site.
7 big investment risks and how to tackle them
Investment risk implies the possibility of receiving lower than expected return, or not receiving any return at all, or even not getting your principal amount back.
Petrol price may be hiked again
With inflation at peak levels, a further rise in petrol prices would again lead to higher prices.
The cool Nissan Micra, test driven!
The new Micra looks stunning compared to the earlier versions. The front and the rear views are appealing and the colours offered by Nissan are also very captivating.
How she became an entrepreneur, against all odds!
Revathi Roy, founder-promoter of For-She, an avid rally driver has been driving cars for the last three decades.
How India and China can help each other
India and China have the opportunity to develop strategic commercial interests that are mutually beneficial.
Why rural BPOs are successful businesses
Setting up of rural BPOs is no longer being perceived as just corporate social responsibility. These are viable businesses.
The story behind the amazing marketing of 3 idiots
3 Idiots happens to be the biggest grosser of all times in Bollywood. Sample this: the film has so far made Rs 335 crore (Rs 3.35 billion); overseas, it has grossed $16 million (Rs 71 crore).
India planning cyber war against hackers!
The Indian government is set to launch a counter offensive after it faced several attacks on its computer systems especially from the Chinese.
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| August 04, 2010 | | Bellary: What led to rampant mining of iron ore
Huge demand due to the Beijing Olympics and high profits from the rich Bellary ore led to unbridled mining in Karnataka.
Delhi-Agra, Lucknow-Patna bullet trains soon?
At present, the ministry is studying the feasibility report about development of a high-speed corridor between Pune and Ahmedabad via Mumbai.
India's highest paid CEOs
Vaidyanathan, former managing director and CEO of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, as a sign-on bonus got 20 lakh (2 million) warrants worth Rs 47.40 crore (Rs 474 million), <I>DNA</I> said.
Aston Martin to hit Indian roads soon
Britain's luxury car brand Aston Martin is planning to launch its Rapide in India most probably by the end of this year.
Why Gujarat is home to India's wealth-creators
Gujarat's investor-friendly policies have spawned a thousand wealth-creators.
Food price rise? Here's Pawar's prescription
While the progress of the monsoon has brightened the prospects of foodgrain production, the fall in sown area is a matter of concern, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar tells .
Govt to gobble up 3G cash; wants Rs 50,000 cr more
The spending will erode the surplus generated through the sale of spectrum and could put pressure on fiscal deficit management.
'Govt should be an enabler, not an inept provider'
Economist Jessica Seddon Wallack says many opportunities exist outside the government, but the government must make sure people are ready and able to seize these opportunities.
Home loan: Fixed, floating or hybrid?
One of the major decisions revolving around purchasing a home is the type of home loan you should take. Primarily, you have to make a choice between two basic types of loans -- fixed rate home loans and floating rate home loans.
What if you missed your tax filing deadline?
The last date of filing returns for the FY 20009-10 has just passed us. It is quite possible that some of us may not have been able to file returns before the last date. What happens then? Is there any way out?
Loan on your credit card: Should you opt for it?
Loan on credit card is similar to personal loans, but this is pre-approved, and it comes without the need for any documentation.
Here's how to control soaring prices: FM's formula
Responding to the price rise debate in Lok Sabha, Mukherjee said that it should be tackled by leaders across all the political parties.
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| August 03, 2010 | | Innovators' woe! Amphibious cycle makers in penury
You can move on land and water with ease thanks to these bicycles designed by Dwarka Prasad Chaurasiya and Mohammed Saidullah about three decades back.
UPA-II: Debate moves to infrastructure
A K Bhattacharya on the deliberations in the government that have moved beyond fiscal policy to infrastructure, land rights for tribals, and so on.
Where is the much-hyped second green revolution?
Given the anticipated overall GDP growth of over 8 per cent, the poor acceleration in the farm sector that still supports nearly 65 per cent of the population is an indictment of the strategy of 'inclusive growth'.
Will this man be the next Tata Group boss?
What strengthens this view further is that he is also the son-in-law of Pallonji Mistry, the largest single shareholder in Tata Sons, the controlling arm of the diversified Tata Group, with an 18 per cent stake.
Toyota Yaris, Vios not for India, yet
While Yaris is a hatchback, Vios is its sedan version.
Obama isn't letting jobs go to India, China
US President Barack Obama has said that the new economic plan of his government focused on making the middle class more secure and the country more competitive so that the jobs and industries of the future were not outsourced to China and India.
'In 15 years, India will be what China is today'
Noted economist Arvind Panagariya says India is an emerging power. With liberalisation, Indian entrepreneurs have emerged and they are top class.
A dummy's guide to G-Secs investment
The RBI issues these securities via an auction mechanism through out the year on a calendar schedule.
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| August 02, 2010 | | Yours truly, a farmer
on why eco-friendly farming while indispensable cannot immediately ensure self-sufficiency in food production for the entire nation.
Non-Cong states implementing UPA schemes better!
The statistics (compiled till May), presented and analysed by the Performance Review Committee of the ministry last week, show that states run by UPA governments have not made much advance in implementing its signature rural development schemes.
Internet users: The top 20 countries
The top 20 countries on the Internet together have 1.47 billion users.
Here's why Mumbai's infrastructure is pathetic
The revenues of Mumbai are controlled by politicians, whose constituencies lie deep in the Maharashtra hinterland. Using that money to improve living conditions in Mumbai would do nothing to help them win re-election.
New portal for rail tickets to hit IRCTC
Come October and Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will receive another setback, when the alternative portal being developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) according to the ministry's directions goes on air.
More rich households in India than low income ones
The growing economy has spun a wheel of fortune for Indians, with high income households outnumbering those in the low category for the first time at the end of 2009-10, according to estimates made by think-tank NCAER.
Old they may be, but sell like hot cakes
Here is a list of a few cars that are still top of their segment after years.
Biyani sees a Rs 8,500-cr NBFC giant
'Anything you buy from any Future outlet should have financing options by us'
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| July 30, 2010 | | Maruti to launch 5 CNG cars in Aug
It will be the first company to come out with factory-fitted CNG cars.
World's 10 most valuable brands
"This (Apple) is a company that has faced setbacks before and bounced back to become the world's most valuable brand -- worth $57.4 billion," Forbes said, explaining the company's number 1 position in its Top 50 world's most valuable brands 2010 list.
Price rise: Why an arrogant Congress can get away
The next time you wonder about how the Congress party can get away with arrogance, just look at the BJP.
India's 20 largest BPO companies
Unfazed by the global economic slowdown, the top 20 Indian BPO firms grew their exports earnings by 15% in 2009-10 to touch revenues of $6.1 billion.
Low-cost PCs fail to boot up fast in India
The government's $35 device gives a sense of deja vu. Will low-cost computing gather steam this time?
Indian infrastructure? Bah! There's no planning!
Each ministry has got their mantra: build and improve infrastructure. So, each ministry is doing it.
Want to surprise your loved ones? Contact ASAP
Within a month of this incident, with Rs 50,000 at her disposal, Ruchi Chopra left her job and launched ASAP, or Any Surprise Any Place.
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| July 23, 2010 | | This is the $30-laptop developed in India!
India has unveiled a $30 'laptop' which makes it the world's cheapest computing device of this kind.
Where is the economy headed? Top panel's view
It forecast a growth of 9 per cent for 2011-12.
Tax filing for self-employed professionals
The income tax act states, 'Profession implies apparent achievement in special knowledge as distinguished from mere skill, special knowledge has to be acquired only after study and application.'
Push your career, don't 'poke' it
Update, tweet and share all you want, but be mindful of how it can affect your life and career.
The credit card statement demystified!
Do you tend to procrastinate or ignore reading the bill because you do not understand it. The terminology used is confusing? Read on to understand your credit card statement better.
China, the hungry giant, on a shopping spree!
China is using the crisis in the West to secure natural resources around the globe.
Winning ways of unique start-ups
From bus search on mobile, free photocopying services to preserving rare Indian art forms, these start-ups are already tasting success.
Wipro records 31% YoY growth in PAT
Total income has increased from Rs 6,345.7 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 to Rs 7,371.5 crore.
How GST can make India a $2-trillion economy
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said that the successful implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) can give a trillion-dollar boost to the economy, taking the total output to $2 trillion in a short span of time.
India's first 3G tablet is here!
Designed as a multi functional device, Olive Pad operates on an Android Operating System and supports 3.5G High-Speed Uplink Packet Access, Wi-fi, and Bluetooth.
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| July 20, 2010 | | Mukesh ups ante against oil min; junks its orders
Reliance Industries has refused to give natural gas to new customers by cutting supplies to power and fertiliser plants.
Cars that we have drooled over in the movies
Let's recall some cars used in movies that made us drool all over them
What is Mamata's thinking on economic matters?
The Trinamool will be as vulnerable to traders' blandishments as the CPI(M) is.
He sells more than one book per minute
Chief executive officer Sachin Bansal of Flipkart.com quit his high-paying job at Amazon and along with fellow IITian, Binny Bansal, decided to launch a business of his own.
Satyam: Raju's brother, four others get bail
The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday granted bail to B Rama Raju, former managing director and brother of B Ramalinga Raju (the disgraced founder of Satyam Computer), and three others accused in the over Rs 7,600-crore (Rs 76 billion) Satyam scam.
The hospital with a heart
Naresh Trehan is confident the world-class medical care offered at his new hospital facility in Gurgaon will make it profitable in a year.
Railways cool to Montek critique
Freight corridor project slipping, needs supervision revamp, says Plan panel.
No more cashless mediclaim? Common man suffers
One can no longer get these facilities at high-end hospitals in Delhi, National Capital Region and in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai.
BMW-X3 crossover to come to India
BMW X3 is a true blue Sports Utility Vehicle and a trendsetter in its class.
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| July 13, 2010 | | Want to buy Nissan Micra? Read the review
Nissan Micra is an Indian A2 hatchback with a difference.
BSE chief on Sensex and the bourse's bold plans
'We have a lot of hope from mobile, algorithmic trading and the small and medium enterprise segment. The journey has just begun.'
Meet the man who 'powers' Kolkata
RPG Enterprises' vice-chairman is upbeat about retail firm Spencer's and talks of a pan-India growth plan for power company CESC.
That's innovation! 'Selling' weather for a living!
He is a man who sells weather. Kolkata-based businessman Angshujyoti Das is the owner of Express Weather, a firm that sells weather forecast to farmers, corporates, agri-input-based industries and even film production companies.
Chinese textile cos may go bankrupt if yuan is up
A yuan stress test conducted by the government in March this year, showed profit margins of labour-intensive textile companies would drop by one percentage points if the it appreciates by one per cent.
Rural tours! Super holiday packages for aam aadmi
Rural tourism in the country is still evolving and The Rural Tourism Network Enterprise is here to make life simple, yet attractive.
The rise and fall of Dubai
Even though a huge number of buildings lie empty, rents are down and few people are interested in buying real estate, the old homely feel is back in Dubai.
Infosys Q1 net down 2% at Rs 1,488 cr
The consolidated revenue of the country's second largest software exporter rose to Rs 6,198 crore
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| July 12, 2010 | | More poor in 8 Indian states than in all of Africa
Acute poverty prevails in eight Indian states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, together accounting for more poor people than in the 26 poorest African nations combined, a new 'multidimensional' measure of global poverty has said.
Here's how salaried people can save taxes!
Finding the right way to save taxes requires a great deal of planning. Here's a helping hand.
Make your PC run as fast as new. 7 tips
All you need to do is tweaking some settings to breathe new life into your PC.
Don't withdraw cashless mediclaim: Fortis, Ficci
Chains such as Fortis generate a significant portion of their revenue through health insurance policy reimbursements.
Rising milk prices: Common man suffers again
Between January 2007 and March 2010 the price of milk rose seven times in Delhi. The story is similar elsewhere in the nation too. In the last one year, prices increased from Rs 17 to Rs 22 a litre. In some cities, like Mumbai, the rise has been steeper.
Nike makes football jerseys from recycled bottles!
This season the football extravaganza was not all about great football, but about a green revolution that has taken the world of sports by storm.
World Cup keeps India Inc awake
It's been a challenge, especially being glued to the TV set for the late night matches.
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| July 09, 2010 | | How unique ID can help aam aadmi, build nation
With the first phase of Unique Identification Authority of India aiming to enrol 600 million residents of the country into its database in next four years and its possible use in improving the Public Distribution System, UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilekani on Friday said the journey will be 'long' and 'tough'.
School-dropout's amazing machines beat power cuts!
While industrial units in Jalgaon, like most parts of rural Maharashtra, comes to a grinding halt due to load shedding, Jahangir's miraculous innovations have helped him move ahead in life.
India 'blacklists' Chinese telcos; Beijing upset
Voicing its concern over reports that its telecom companies have been blacklisted by India, China on Friday asked New Delhi to treat its firms fairly and called for an open and transparent system for them to operate in.
Images: The factory of the world!
China's consumer price inflation will probably pick up in the coming months as resource prices rise and consumption gathers steam, a government think-tank said in a report recently.
Of Rolls-Royce and Indian royal families
The obsession of the royal families for expensive things and their crazy spending habits are funny stories for the present generation. Their fancy for cars is well-known. These are some stories
China plans Asia's biggest IT manufacturing hub
Chongqing, a populous economic hub in south-western China, is hoping to become Asia's largest manufacturing base for information technology products.
Forests in Madhya Pradesh go hi tech
In Kanha and Satpura Tiger Reserve, the entire forest staff has been equipped with the PDA phones not just only to report sighting of wildlife, but also illegal felling of trees deep inside the forests.
India less affected by economic crisis: US
Due to India's limited dependence on external demand and strong fiscal and monetary stimulus measures, the global economic and financial crisis had a relatively muted effect on the country, the Obama Administration told the US Congress on Thursday.
US economy is going in the right direction: Obama
A year-and-a-half ago, he said, the American economy was shrinking by six per cent a year and now it is growing.
Yet another SEZ controversy
And this time it is not just a question of taxes foregone.
Setting up business: India scores over China
It takes 166 days for foreign companies to set up shop in Brazil and 99 days in China.
Graphics: India's per capita power consumption
Indian economic activity in graphics.
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| July 08, 2010 | | Petrol prices may change every 15 days
Those in favour of a 15-day cycle for price adjustment argue that oil firms already have a mechanism of calculating the desired fuel prices on 1st and 16th of every month.
Mashelkar to lead Mukesh Ambani's PE initiative
The association of Mashelkar and Mukesh Ambani is not new.
Indians grab maximum number of H-1B visas
Until May 14, the USCIS had received 19,000 petitions in the general category and 8,100 in the advanced degree category.
11 credit card fees that you must know about
There are various charges that come with a credit card usage let on alone the annual charges.
India's never ending power crisis
The problem lies in the fact that unlike in telecom, centre- and state-owned public utilities continue to dominate the power business.
Why you MUST file tax returns
It is essential to file returns when your income crosses/exceeds the basic exemption limit even if it means that on account of you investment planning, your tax obligation may be nil.
India's largest IPO: CIL to hit market in Oct
State-run Coal India Ltd is likely to hit the market by the third week of October with India's largest ever public offer to raise up to Rs 15,000 crore (Rs 150 billion).
Lessons Kamal Nath should take
His outburst has to rank among the most bizarre episodes of two arms of the government fighting in public.
More Indians to buy cars this year
Coming out with its first ever such forecast, SIAM said rising commodity prices, supply constraints from components makers and a declining low-base effect will be the major factors that will impact the sales growth.
Employment woes: What Indian states can do
Without adequate growth of employment opportunities, the labour supply bulge could spawn major problems of unemployment, underemployment and low incomes.
8 top ideas to make India an innovation powerhouse
The central problem haunting our nation is that of employment, one can almost reason all the issues the country is facing to that of employment and hence employability of our citizens.
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| July 05, 2010 | | Rs 130,000,000,000! The cost of Bharat bandh
How effective are these strikes to solve an issue as vexing as this? Aren't strikes a bane for a nation already reeling under a heavy dose of inflation? Don't strikes put more pressure on an inflationary economic structure like India's?
India to create 570 million new jobs in 5 years
The United Progressive Alliance government has announced an estimated 2.5 per cent annual growth in employment and a possibility of creating 570 million (5.7 crore) jobs over the next five years, if an economic growth rate of 9 per cent is maintained.
Nath blasts Plan panel, dubs it armchair advisor
Road Transport Minister Kamal Nath said on Monday he was forewarned that the Plan panel would not allow him to achieve a 20 km-a-day road-building target.
India's biz groups: Who's the fairest of them all?
The point is that the Ambanis are not in a business league of their own; they have plenty of company. Other leading business houses have done well, often better, says T N Ninan.
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| July 03, 2010 | | Delhi has a new airport
India's services sector income is on the rise, but what of the quality of people, asks Sanjaya Baru.
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| July 02, 2010 | | Why China's bullet trains may turn out to be duds
The high-speed rail service linking Shanghai and Nanjing, one of China's most developed economic zones was opened to passengers on Thursday.
US to welcome best and brightest: Obama
In his first major policy speech on the thorny issue of immigration, Obama revealed the broad contours of his vision of reform, which if implemented would be helpful to hundreds and thousands of people from countries like India, who are professionals and law abiding and add value to the American society.
Flying car is here! Here's what it looks like
If you are dreaming of a car that can also fly in case of traffic jams, it could soon come true as the United States aviation authority has given its green signal for the commercial production of such a vehicle.
Price rise: Bharat Bandh no solution, say people
How effective are strikes to solve an issue as vexing as this? Aren't strikes a bane for a nation already reeling under a heavy dose of inflation?
Now, Tatas plan to do a Nano with power!
From micro wind turbines to rice husk, low-cost solutions are being tested to drive the huge market hunger for energy.
Traffic jams: Delhi world's 5th worst city
Cities like Beijing, Mexico City and Johannesburg top the global poll of the worst driving commutes in the world.
India Inc high on healthcare opportunity
India Inc's love affair with the health care business has just begun to blossom.
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| July 01, 2010 | | Trains at 4,000 kmph? It's possible with ETT!
Evacuated Tube Transport, or ETT, works like this: Pressurised passenger capsules hurtle through maglev tracks enclosed in parallel tubes without any resistance at a speed of 4,000 kmph.
What is base rate; how it hits home loan borrowers
Floating rate home loan borrowers, stuck on higher interest rates, can expect some relief from today (July 1).
Tatas' Croma plans to make it big
The retail chain, which opened just 50 stores in the last four years, is launching three stores every month in the current financial year.
Over 100,000 amazing innovations from rural India!
A cycle that runs on water and land, a scooter powered-flour mill, solar mosquito killer, a cycle powered washing machine - these are a few of the over one lakh outstanding innovations that have come from school dropouts and poor people who belong to rural India.
Infosys to give stocks to staff on its 30th b'day
All employees of India's second largest information technology services company, Infosys, will get a stock bonanza on its 30th birthday on July 2.
How ICICI Prudential became profitable
Some smart moves and course corrections have helped ICICI Prudential turn profitable.
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| June 30, 2010 | | A big family? Try these great cars
While hatchbacks maybe easy to drive around and park and sedans might radiate class but it is ultimately the bigger and spacious beauties that can carry a big clan together.
Fuel price hike justified, says Deora; slams Oppn
With Opposition parties calling for a nationwide strike against the hike in fuel prices, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora on Wednesday justified the decision, saying the increase translated to less than Re 1 per day on domestic LPG and 26-27 paisa a day on kerosene.
Slum development? UPA to try 'de Soto model'
This is the first time the Union government will be taking the help of foreign experts for slum development, according to sources in the ministry of housing and urban poverty alleviation.
Chennai, the Detroit of Asia?
Chennai is home to global and Indian auto majors like BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Ashok Leyland, TVS Group, et cetera. It also has almost 35 per cent of India's share of auto ancillary units.
No holds barred: Wrestlers get corporate identity
He is not alone, but one of the many wrestlers and boxers, lured to the corporate world to sort out disputes between the employer and the employee -- often as bullies who ensure workers obey the diktats of the management.
'The respect India commands today is fantastic'
The world has changed from G7 to G8 to G20, where India plays a key role.
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| June 28, 2010 | |
Price rise: 'I don't see any progress in India'
With the deregulation of petrol prices, the future looks grim for the Indian consumers.
Prices will rise more for a while, says FM
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said the hike in prices of petroleum products will have some inflationary impact in the short-term but price pressures will moderate from the middle of July.
India then and now: What has changed?
Effective action to tackle systemic and other problems should be taken when the country has a stable government rather than when it is in the midst of a crisis, says Bimal Jalan.
Great airport, yes, but India needs more than that
India's services sector income is on the rise, but what of the quality of people, asks Sanjaya Baru.
How developed is Bihar, really?
Some economists argue that reports of Bihar's economic miracle are driven by newspaper headlines which, in turn, are predicated on state government advertising in these periodicals.
Per capita income: Kerala is actually no. 1!
The southern Indian state's per capita income for 2009 stands at Rs 63,000 -- the highest in the country.
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| June 25, 2010 | | Why govt nixed Congress MP Jindal's power project
The fact that one Congress minister and MP nixed a project being promoted by another MP belonging to the same political party is not the only unusual aspect of this episode. This is also a rare instance of the central government acting on the basis of complaints made by a civil society organisation against a large industrial group.
Readers' view: 'Govt attacked us with petro hike'
The petrol price hike has added to the woes of the common man.
Petro price hike: What the leaders say
Petrol will cost Rs 3.73 per litre more from today (Friday), while diesel prices have been increased by Rs 2 a litre. Also, your cooking gas cylinder will now cost Rs 35 more, while kerosene will be priced Rs 3 per litre more.
Libretto W100:World's 1st dual-touch-screen laptop
It can mimic both 'traditional media', opening like a book, or 'high-tech' media, like lifting the lid of a laptop.
10 best companies to work for in India
The best companies to work for are more productive and profitable.
Petrol, diesel, LPG, kerosene prices shoot up
The government on Friday decontrolled petroleum prices to bring fuel costs in line with global oil rates after an Empowered Group of Ministers, headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, met for the second time in less than three weeks to decide on raising fuel prices. Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee was absent again.
7 great growth stock bargains
These stocks have strong fundamentals and good prospects. A look at firms worth buying into today.
How Ford builds its cars at the Chennai plant
A step-by-step look at how Ford Figo is built.
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| June 23, 2010 | | Over 126,700 super rich people in India!
According to the 2010 Merrill Lynch-Capgemini World Wealth Report, in India, the number of high net worth individuals (HNWIs) with minimum investable assets of $1 million (around Rs 5 crore) rose to 126,700 by the end of 2009 compared to just 84,000 in 2008.
Infrastructure: India expects $300 billion from US
India will set up a high-level committee to identify areas for expanding economic ties with the United States, from where it expects an estimated investment of $250-300 billion in infrastructure space.
India creates thousands of jobs in the US: Hillary
The United States has said enhancing economic ties with India will create thousands of jobs for Americans, as against the general impression about the US jobs being outsourced to the South Asian country.
Why India may beat China in sustaining high growth
India has progressed further than China in financial liberalisation and its private sector-led model has fostered indigenous entrepreneurship, whereas China is still dominated by highly profitable state monopolies.
Together, we can reach for stars, Pranab tells US
Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee stresses on stronger Indo-US ties at the CEO meet in Washington, DC.
How to be a leader? Lessons from Jack Welch
"Managers must walk around with a can of fertiliser in one hand and a watering can in the other."
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| June 22, 2010 | | Ketan Parekh still active in over a dozen stocks!
The government has received reports that tainted stock broker Ketan Parekh, barred from the capital markets till 2017 over a securities scam, is still active and has taken positions in oil PSUs like ONGC and HPCL.
Over 60 million child labourers in India!
Child labour is a dagger through India's soul. The country has the dubious distinction of being home to the largest child labour force in the world, with an estimated 30 per cent of the world's working kids living here.
They started companies with Rs 1-5 lakh!
Check out how these young companies are making a mark in the start-up world.
Why China keeps its currency undervalued
Equity markets across the world made handsome gains after China announced plans to make its currency, the yuan, more flexible against the dollar. China on Saturday said it would allow its currency to appreciate against the US dollar.
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| June 18, 2010 | | China's growth may slow down: World Bank
A World Bank reports says the country has shown signs of "some softening" that could slow down the pace of growth slightly in 2011.
High time India raises a toast to wine
Despite rosy projections the fact remains that wine in India is not seen as an approachable beverage.
Drive this car into a train!
Swiss automobile and concept powerhouse Rinspeed is creating not just a car but a entire mobility concept.
7 stunning bridges of China
The bridges in China are truly architectural wonders.
Steve Jobs on life, love and death
Steve Jobs' Commencement address speaks about the highs and lows of life, how to counter challenges and how to fight the odds to come out victorious. Jobs delivered this speech on June 12, 2005.
Will the Ambani brothers tango for synergy?
A coming together of the brothers will combine their separate, complementary and equally formidable strengths: Mukesh can execute mega projects in record time and derive value from scale; Anil is deft with finance and all things related to consumers and brands.
These 5 start-ups are making waves
From designing web applications, brand building, online recruitment to starting tele-classrooms, they have made it click!
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| June 08, 2010 | | Volvo XC60 will scorch Indian roads soon
Just like the Swedish landscape, where rock emerges from a bed of grass, here's where the hard-looking surface rises up from the softer background', says Jonathan Disley, programme chief designer, interior, as he runs his hands over the XC60's interiors.
Auto majors flock to Karnataka
The Bosch group has expressed interest to set up a plant to manufacture auto components in Bidadi over an area of 100 acres.
Infy @ 30: Kris on the incredible journey
Having his feet on the ground, Infosys chief talks of the industry's challenges, his company's changing focus and the new business model that will use a lot more of cloud computing.
From 50 paise, she now earns Rs 200,000 a day
The story of Patricia Narayan, winner of this year's 'Ficci Woman Entrepreneur of the Year' award is amazing.
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| June 07, 2010 | | Golden tips to save more tax
Afterall a rupee saved is rupee earned...
Will India be the world's fastest growing economy?
India is expected to be the world's fastest growing economy by 2018.
KFC has a Krush on India
Last year, Yum! Restaurants, the company that owns the brand that retails a range of fast foods, decided to extend the KFC brand concept to beverages, with Krushers, a range of chilled drinks. India was one of two test markets selected for this exercise, Australia being the other.
Red tape, corruption hit businesses in India
Red tape and corruption continue to affect businesses in India.
Narayana Murthy on Infosys, politics, and his son
He also talks on the US challenge and on India's relations with China.
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| June 04, 2010 | | What China can learn from India
"China must have a sense of urgency as well as a sense of crisis from today and Chinese enterprises must try their best to learn as much as possible from the experiences of their Indian counterparts," Pan Song says.
The skewed story of China's cheap labour
Labour unrest -- regarded for over two decades as a non-issue by foreign investors because of tight controls wielded by the government -- suddenly flared up highlighting poor conditions the workers faced across the country.
Water shortage: Grim future for Indian cities
Half of the world's population will face acute water shortage by 2030.
Quiz: Top billionaires of the world
There are 1,011 billionaires in the world this year.
Save the planet, save money!
You can do small things and bring about big changes to make your planet live longer...
World's 10 best companies to work for
Happy employees are motivated employees and a huge contributing factor to any company's success. No wonder then, the top 10 great companies to work for -- as listed by Fortune magazine and the Great Place to Work Institute -- also do well when it comes to profitability.
How she makes wealth from waste
Poonam Kasturiwants ordinary Indians to feel empowered, make a difference to the waste surrounding them, convert waste into useful compost in a simple and cost effective manner.
The economy at a glance
How India fared this week.
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| June 03, 2010 | | Say goodbye to kerosene lamps, here's Kiran!
Sam Goldman's mission is to bring light to millions of households who do not have access to electricity.
Most eco-friendly nations: India at 123!
Iceland leads the world as the most eco-friendly nation while India is ranked at a dismal 123.
All about the World Environment Day
It is a day that reminds everyone on the planet to get involved in environment-friendly activities.
Nooyi bids farewell to USIBC
Indra Nooyi, the outgoing chairman of the US-India Business Council, said that the two of the major achievements during her tenure were the signing of the US-India civilian nuclear deal - where the USIBC played a catalytic role in garnering support on Capitol Hill - and the univocal support extended by the members following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Dhirubhai Ambani's words of wisdom
His was the ideal rags-to-riches story. He rose from humble beginnings to found India's largest industrial empire, and, in the process, became one of the world's richest men. He rewrote India's corporate history.
Tax sops on home loans
The Income Tax Act, 1961 provides tax benefits for assessees that have home loans. Typically a home loan is repaid to the bank/lender in monthly installments.
India is a global hub for innovation: Krishna
'In today's economically integrated world, economic relationships constitute the bedrock on which social, cultural and political relationships are built,' the minister tells the US-India Business Council in Washington, DC.
Top 10 supercomputers: None in India
In a major setback to India's supercomputing capabilities, its fastest supercomputer, EKA slipped from being ninth fastest supercomputer in the world to be ranked at 33.
USIBC launches new education initiative
Looking ahead to global economy of the future, the US-India Business Council (USIBC) has announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at strengthening institutional linkages between academia, industry and NGOs focusing on the elementary, vocational and higher education sectors in both countries.
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| June 02, 2010 | | Sanand all set to roll out Tata Nano
Inaugurating the facility, spread over about 1,100 acres, Narendra Modi said it cost him Re 1 to have the plant in the state.
15 best cities to live in India
While Delhi turns out be the safest and best city to live in India, Jamshedpur and Patna are rated as the worst cities.
'India is a good news story with so much hope'
'When you look at the United States-India partnership and the relationship, this is a good news story.'
Want to buy gold? Read on!
As for the new investors, they must be thinking whether to invest in gold to gain from upside or should wait for a correction.
Tips to buy low cost homes
Having a home you can call your own is a dream every individual has dreamt. However, it is one that not all are able to fulfill. The reason - property rates are extremely high and out of reach for the common man.
6 hatchbacks that will soon scorch Indian roads
India is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for global auto giants.
Foxconn is not a sweatshop: Steve Jobs
After a series of suicides at Foxconn, Apple Inc's chief executive Steve Jobs said that Foxconn, the global contract manufacturer that assembles iPhones and iPads in China, "is not a sweatshop."
How monsoon impacts the Indian economy
While a normal rainfall signals growth and prosperity, a below normal rainfall could spell disaster making food more expensive, aggravating the power, water shortage, hitting industrial production which in turn will put more pressure on the government's kitty.
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| June 01, 2010 | | Pressure on prices a major problem, says PM
India recorded 7.4 per cent growth in 2009-10, which was more than the 7.2 per cent projected earlier.
Now, a mobile that offers 24x7 'badalta' discount
Uninor announced on Tuesday the launch of its global GSM service in Kolkata. Along with Kolkata and West Bengal, the service was simultaneously launched in Maharashtra and Goa, Mumbai and Gujarat circles.
Gold zooms to new record high of Rs 19,050
Bullion in the Asian region gained as much as 0.5 per cent to $1,222.47 an ounce, its highest level since May 19, as the euro extended its 2.4 per cent decline against the dollar last week.
Pricey hatchback? Go for a pre-owned luxury car
At last count there were 13 options in the market for a new hatchback for around Rs 5 lakh.
Welcome to the world of 3G wireless technology
Telecom players are set to use 3G technology to woo the ever-expanding mobile user base with value-added services and much higher speeds.
Car, bike sales jump in May
Sales for the same month last year were at 79,872 units.
Buying a car? Make the most of auto loans
As compared to the same period last year, the sales figures for April, 2010 have shown a positive growth for most car companies.
Buying resale property? The pros and cons
Buying a house from the secondary property market has it's pros and cons. A lowdown.
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| May 31, 2010 | | British Queen seeks a pay rise!
The British Queen is seeking a multi-million-pound "pay rise" for the first time in 20 years to carry out her public role.
Check out the best compact printers!
Compact printers are in, what with digital cameras and people working out of home.
Cyber-savvy post offices to push growth
Adoption of information and communication technology by post offices in different countries has contributed to inclusive growth and more responsive governance besides giving the postal sector a competitive edge, according to a study by the International Telecommunication Union and the Universal Postal Union.
The ugly side of land acquisition in India
Controversies, protests and violence have marred land acquisition for projects in India.
Sovereign wealth fund: India least favourable
According to the Sovereign Brands Survey, conducted by research and communications strategy consultants Hill & Knowlton and Penn Schoen Berland, Egypt, Germany, Brazil and China are among the most familiar and the most favourable.
A trip to Ford India's Chennai plant
Ford India has created waves in the Indian hatchback market with its latest offering the Ford Figo.
Handsets for surfing at 3G speeds
A look into some handsets that allow you to surf at 3G speeds.
Personal loans - 5 things you should know
Opt for personal loans only to meet your essential needs which cannot wait.
Facebook faces digital suicides today
In India, though, hardly any of the estimated 16 million Facebook users appear perturbed over the development.
Here's how to select the right credit card
Of late, card-issuing banks have started charging even for entry-level credit cards. So, how do you select a card? A ready reckoner.
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| May 27, 2010 | | India's biggest land deals
A property in Mumbai has always been a real estate developer's prized catch.
'Making money is a fun game to Warren Buffett'
Prem Jain's 25 years of research is his latest book -- Buffett Beyond Value -- in which he describes the difference between Warren Buffett's attitude towards investing and the academic approach.
10 profitable day trading tips
Evaluating a profitable trading day strategy is easier than you think. Here we discuss the 10 principles of successful day trading developed and refined over the years.
Why Foxconn workers are killing themselves
An employee of Foxconn, which makes iPhones for Apple apart from electronic goods for some of the world's biggest companies, jumped to his death, the 11th suspected suicide this year at the firm's production base in China, even as its chief apologised for a string of deaths and announced a series of measures to stem them.
Cellphone vendors look to catch 'em young
Handset vendors like Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, Spice and now Microsoft too have launched phones targeted solely at young users of social networking sites.
UPA-II and economy: What common people say
Common people's views about the economic policies of the United Progressive Alliance government.
Radio cabs: Passenger comfort + big business!
Travelling has become a hassle-free and safe experience in India thanks to radio cabs.
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| May 26, 2010 | | Air India employees' strike called off
Taking exception to the 'illegal and irresponsible' strike by a section of Air India staffers, the government on Wednesday gave a free hand to the airline to take firm measures to restore normalcy in its operations, the disruption of which has caused harassment to travellers.
Patel for strong action against striking IA staff
Taking a serious view of the strike by a section of Air India employees, the government on Wednesday asked the management to take 'strong' and 'decisive' action against them as they have indulged in an 'irresponsible' behaviour causing inconvenience to travellers.
Rs 10,000 crore from road toll in 4 years: Nath
Toll collection is a key instrument for the government to attract private investment.
Bengaluru best Indian city for expats
According to the Worldwide Quality of Living survey 2010 for 221 cities globally, Bengaluru remains the best placed among Indian cities in the global list at 140th rank this year, an improvement from its 142nd rank in last year's list.
Urban tsunami: India's big challenge
The existing urban space is rapidly declining, the quality of life in Indian cities is among the worst in the world.
M&M to buy 55.2% stake in Reva
While the value of the deal could not be ascertained, it is estimated that it could be around $100 million (Rs 450 crore approximately).
India Inc's Operation Desert Storm
The global Indian company has hit gold in the Emirates of the Gulf.
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| May 25, 2010 | | M&M close to buying Reva?
It is estimated that the deal could be around USD100 million.
Delayed pay: AI staff on flash strike
Air India's operations were severely affected on Tuesday with at least 16 flights, including five international services, being cancelled as over 16,000 staffers went on a flash strike across the country to protest delay in payment of salaries.
What about infrastructure, Mr Prime Minister?
Prime Minister is conspicuously silent on critical issues relating to infrastructure in his press conference.
Sports + innovation = Booming business venture
EduSports, a unique venture launched by an IIT, IIM alumnus, aims to get 1 million kids get healthier through the magic of sport. With a turnover of Rs 3.6 crore in just a year, it makes eminent business sense too.
Mukesh Ambani caps own pay at Rs 15 crore
The remuneration for 2009-10 fiscal to Mukesh Ambani, the country's richest person with a net worth of $29 billion and fourth wealthiest in the world as per Forbes magazine, is still higher than any other director of Reliance Industries.
Sensex dips below 16K
The markets had a weak start on the back of cues from Asian markets. It fell to its lowest level in three months. European markets opened in the red, dragging the Indian bourses further.
Volkswagen Beetle vs Fiat 500
It seems that the Indian car buyers prefer the original German 'people's car' more than the original Italian 'people's car'
Meet the young guns who will lead top Indian firms
A new generation is being groomed to take over some of the top companies in India. They are savvy, well-educated, and their induction reflects the new complexities of business.
How to manage change. 10 lessons from Azim Premji
'Change descends on everyone equally; it is just that some realise it faster.'
Will Google TV become a success?
Google TV follows Apple and Microsoft whose attempts have not been a roaring success.
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| May 24, 2010 | | Does Mukesh Ambani plan to start a bank?
The broker close to Ambani family, said that one of the biggest reasons for the truce to come about so swiftly was that it opens up new areas -- like financial services, telecommunications, media, among others -- for Mukesh Ambani to enter into. He said that the elder Ambani has ambitions to establish a major bank on the lines of private sector giants like ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank.
Which small Maruti should you buy?
With seven models to choose from, it can get quite confusing.
World's largest holders of US treasury bonds
China sits on a mountain of United States treasury debt, reinforcing its position as the world's number one holder of US treasury securities with a total of $895.2 billion. China's foreign exchange reserves too stood at a mammoth $2.45 trillion at the end of March 2010.
Can Microsoft regain ground lost to rivals?
Microsoft is promising a whole new user experience with its retooled and re-engineered offerings.
Indian economy: What the PM plans to do
Govt keen on reservation in private sector jobs
Ambani ceasefire: Competition or collaboration?
No one quite sure, but many do believe pragmatism likely, for now, to show a way forward.
The mother who brought the brothers together
Three weeks after the Supreme Court judgement, the brothers Ambani have formally decided to create an overall environment of harmony, co-operation and collaboration.
Why Posco is in trouble in India
Billed as India's biggest foreign direct investment, the Posco has been delayed by more than five years due to protests by farmers who are agitating against giving up their fertile agricultural land.
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| May 21, 2010 | | Jet-setters of India Inc
Though the Indian aviation sector is finding it tough to glide smoothly due to the rise in operating cost, Indian Inc seems to be flying high with new aircraft buys
3G spectrum: What MTNL, BSNL offer
In the new world of 3G mobile telephony, you are face-to-face with your friends or business partners even when you are miles apart.
How affordable housing can avert urban disaster
More recently, there has been a revival in this segment too, but this has been accompanied by a decline in activity in the affordable segment. Thus the housing scenario may be going back to what it always was with the affordable segment losing its brief moment in the sun as a result of waning interest of both buyer and seller.
Invest in gold, but via ETFs
Analysts see steady long-term gains, say volatility to last for a short while.
Meet J S Sarma, the Trai chief in the hot seat
The telecom regulator has been in the hot seat for many decisions that have fundamentally changed the country's telecom business.
Britannia's crunchy growth plan
Vinita Bali, managing director of Britannia Industries, believes innovation will drive growth.
India has 12GW power in all; China adds 12GW a yr!
Suzlon chairman Tulsi Tanti spoke to Business Standard at a recent World Economic Forum conference in Brussels about his view on a post-Copenhagen environment for wind and why green growth and development are complementary rather than contradictory.
Good, bad and clever: 3G bidding strategies
Industry experts have mixed reactions on the results: While some are happy that no company has spent around Rs 16,750 crore (Rs 167.50 billion) for a pan-India licence, some lament that lack of coverage will result in long-term competitive disadvantage.
Delhi's Bengali power forms a Bong Connection
The idea is not to form a Bengali lobby group but simply to get to know each other better.
Naxal extortion economy: Rs 2,000 crore a year!
Estimates of what the Maoists extract from their nationwide extortion vary from Rs 1,200 crore a year to Rs 2,000 crore.
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| May 20, 2010 | | Petrol to cost Rs 6 a litre more?
After natural gas prices, the government looks set to bite the bullet on auto fuel prices, with a panel of ministers scheduled to meet on June 7 to decide on freeing petrol and diesel prices.
Consumers flood cyber forums with bad service woes
Service providers, handset vendors add millions of consumers every month, but don't tackle consumer complaints at the same pace.
How Bihar, UP can be economic powerhouses
Reform of education and urban management, and priority for growth in the Gangetic belt are the key, says Nitin Desai.
Lufthansa to fly Airbus A380 on India route
Lufthansa received its first Airbus 380 on Wednesday.
New Porsche 911 GT2 at Rs 1.5 crore!
Indian auto market is not only attracting economy models or luxury car makers, the country has also become a launch pad for ultra-luxury and super cars.
Electricity, piped gas, cab/auto fares to soar!
You will now have to pay more for electricity, piped cooking gas, and taxi, autorickshaw and bus fares because of the hike in gas prices.
India's 3G auction: The biggest gainers
The Indian government has emerged as the biggest winner.
Laila brings industrial activity to a halt
Heavy rain in coastal Andhra Pradesh in the wake of Cyclone Laila has paralysed industrial activity in the state, including closure of oil rigs in the Krishna-Godavari Basin. Cargo handling at ports also suffered due to the incessant rain.
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| May 19, 2010 | | The world's best nations to do business in
India ranks low in the index at 84 with a score of 3.81.
PwC moots more toll tax, congestion fee for India
But the PwC report also added that India would not be able to bridge the gaps in infrastructure by 2030 even after spending heavily in transport and logistics.
Volcanic ash, Bangkok unrest foul holiday mood
According to travel agencies, at least 15 per cent of those who booked for travel over the next few weeks have cancelled their trips to Europe. For Bangkok, the cancellation rate is as high as 30 per cent.
Why the rupee can be alternative global currency
The RBI, however, asked the government to carefully assess the pros and cons of such action.
The rise of special economic zones in India
Is the time ripe for taking a fresh look at the SEZ policy, making sure that it has no adverse consequences for farmers and preventing industry from grabbing land?
Mahindra Satyam: The successes and challenges
'One year on, it's worked reasonably well. It's been a rewarding journey but the journey has no finish line.'
Builders in trouble! Rs 25,000-crore payment looms
Declining cash flows, difficult IPO environment are substantial complications.
Bajaj-KTM bikes to cost over Rs 1 lakh
The first of these bikes would be launched in the European market by the end of this year, followed by the India launch during the first half of next year.
New UK govt may cut outsourcing to India
A 600-million-pound contract won by Tata Consultancy Services from Britain's Personal Accounts Delivery Authority has come under renewed media scrutiny.
Use your family to save income tax. 3 smart tips
One of the most effective methods of lowering the incidence of income tax is by means of legal transfer of your sources of income among as many family members as possible, so that each family member enjoys the basic personal income tax exemption limits.
Quiz: Which is the world's widest car?
Take the rediff business and find out how much you know about cars.
Meet India's change leaders!
'Swach', the low-cost water purifier from Tatas has received the New Product Innovation award and Tata Steel has won the award for the game Tata Steel-Corus from LeapVault.
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| May 18, 2010 | | Indian equities 2nd best in returns
The report, however, warned of challenges arising from large capital inflows.
Tony Fernandes, pioneer of low-cost flying in Asia
AirAsia's irreverent chief talks about his India connections and how he dodged the medical and auditing professions before he built his budget airline.
'Indians will soon buy 3 million cars a year'
As the production of Micra, the first car from Nissan-Renault, starts at the plant by the end of May, Kiminobu Tokuyama, managing director and chief executive of Nissan Motor India Pvt Ltd, talks to rediff.com about the company's strategy for India, the recession and the auto sector in general.
Kerala to woo tourists with serviced villas
The serviced villas will be independent, furnished homes preferably built in Kerala architecture style.
Builders may be forced to cut prices
Debt overhang, unsold inventory and lacklustre investor interest could force developers to cut prices.
Baby Fiat fails to cheer car enthusiasts
Fiat 500 has sold only 68 units in two years, since its launch in July 2008.
Reva car promoters to sell company?
Bangalore-based Reva Electric Car Company, one of the world's most recognised electric car manufacturing companies, may see a change of ownership, with its current promoters holding talks with an international automotive investor for a sell-out.
Volkswagen Polo or Skoda Fabia? Check it out
Which of the two should you buy?
Subroto Bagchi on the essence of success
'It is not about what you create for yourself, it is what you leave behind that defines success.'
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| May 14, 2010 | | Infographics: The rising Indian economy
Infographics: The rising Indian economy.
Passenger complaints: Jet Airways is No.1
While Jet Airways continues to fly high with a dominating presence among airlines in India, it also leads in the number of passenger complaints.
Hyderabad, Delhi among world's best airports
India's airports are making a mark in the international aviation map. Two airports from India have bagged the top honours from the Airport Council International.
5 Indian oil cos may face US sanctions
OVL, IOC and OIL explored for oil and gas in Farsi block.
Narayana Murthy on the lessons he learnt from life
Murthy shares some of the key life events that influenced him.
Shocker! Govt may cut income tax relief
People with more than Rs 10 lakh (Rs 1 million) annual income may not get the tax relief originally proposed in the Direct Taxes Code, as the finance ministry is for tweaking slabs across the board to offset concessions elsewhere.
The art of selling your house
Want to sell your old house? Here's how to make the deal profitable and hassle-free.
Get gold bars,coins from this ATM!
The world's first gold vending machine unveiled at Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace hotel, began attracting customers minutes after it was opened.
'The mobile will change the Internet'
Unlike the US or Europe, which were fully satiated mass media markets when the Web happened in 1995, India has just begun discovering the joys of private television, radio and lots of newspapers.
Why the Pak economy is sinking
As IMF meets to give Pakistan another loan, the country's economy remains in deep trouble.
New Bentley supercar to woo India at Rs 2.25 crore
The Supersports is also the first Bentley capable of running on both petrol and biofuel.
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| May 10, 2010 | | Maruti's 2009-10 profit double of parent Suzuki's
Maruti Suzuki has outperformed Suzuki Motor Corp in terms of profitability, with the Japanese parent today posting a consolidated net profit of 28.91 billion yen (about Rs 1,395 crore) for the fiscal 2009-10, almost half of that of the India's largest carmaker.
BP may stem oil spill with golf balls, tyres
Meanwhile, in a statement, BP also said that the huge oil spill had so far cost the company $350 million.
The best hatchbacks in India
There are reasons behind the popularity of hatchbacks in India. They are the least expensive to buy, economical to maintain, easy to drive on crowded Indian roads, and take less space to park due to their size.
Meet the Indian-American deans of US B-schools
Meet the Indian-American deans, who have established their leadership and managerial skills taking up high-profile jobs at prestigious institutes.
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| May 07, 2010 | | Mumbai among top 10 costliest office markets
London's West End remains the world's most expensive office market.
Blow to Anil, order favours Mukesh: Ambani gas war
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected division of gas under the Ambani family MoU and said that it was government's right to decide the price and utilisation of the fuel, which is a national asset.
What guides Harvard B-school dean Nitin Nohria
For several decades Nitin Nohria, the newly appointed dean of Harvard Business School, has known that without generosity life is greatly diminished. "If you are generous life gives you more than you can imagine," he tells rediff.com as he discusses some of the values that have made him a renowned academic and much loved business teacher.
RIL, RNRL gas dispute: What's it all about
In what could seal the fortunes of the gas and power businesses of the two Ambani brothers, the Supreme Court is to deliver a judgment tomorrow on the bitterly fought dispute over gas from the Krishna-Godavari basin's D6 block.
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| April 29, 2010 | | A friend's tribute to C K Prahalad
Dr Alan G Merten, president of George Mason University, who had a 30-year-old friendship with C K Prahalad pays tribute to the management guru.
Bihar's business baazigar rocks at Obama's summit
If India's queen of herbal beauty products Shahnaz Husain was the most conspicuous at the Presidential Entrepreneurial Summit hosted by President Barack Obama, Irfan Alam, popularly known as the 'rickshaw man from Bihar' and 'Business Baazigar' for his innovative idea of empowering rickshaw pullers all across India and transforming it into a business model, was the most garrulous.
The Rs 1,777,665,600,000 question
The Sebi-Irda tussle will change Ulips forever. What it means for millions of investors.
Maruti: Bumpy ride ahead
Stiff competition and rising input costs have affected margins and earnings outlook.
Most influential women tech entrepreneurs in US
Meet women entrepreneurs who scripted success stories in the technology domain.
How Volkswagen is making it big in India
The world's third largest car maker is all set to make a splash in India with a slew of launches.
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| April 23, 2010 | | GDP: The top 10 cities in India
Here are India's top 10 urban centres in terms of their respective gross domestic product in 2009 based on purchasing power parity, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers study. . .
Sneak peek: New WagonR at Rs 328,000
India's leading auto maker, Maruti Suzuki, launched a new WagonR on Friday.
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| April 22, 2010 | | Queen's Necklace gets her jewel back!
Mumbai's famed Oberoi Hotel reopens April 24 after nearly 18 months of reconstruction, following November 2008 terror attacks
56 Indian firms in Forbes Global 2000 list
56 Indian companies have found a place in the exclusive club of 'The Forbes Global 2000' - 'the biggest, most powerful listed companies in the world'.
This IIT-ian uses theatre to promote leadership
For Kharagpur IITian Amitava Bhattacharya, entrepreneurship was an irresistible dream that he thought of chasing hard.
Economy: Why China scores over India
"In the next five years both India and China will continue to grow very fast. Both will struggle to gain influence in global decision making that is commensurate with the size of their economies," says Arthur Kroeber.
Efficiency turbocharged with Microsoft products
Windows 7 Enterprise is the most advanced Windows operating system for business PCs, designed to meet the evolving needs of the users and IT professionals in your organization -- both in and out of the office.
Top five car colours in India
As the global car makers are concentrating more on India, they design cars keeping in mind the requirements of the Indian customers. They are also paying attention to the variety of colours they offer with their cars.
Check out these cool, affordable Indian handsets!
Indian handset makers are making strong inroads in the booming mobile market.
Have India's reforms been a success story?
The biggest gain has been the new structures that have been created which are for the better. In terms of direct material gains, the results have been exemplary as they were definitely not visible before the reforms period.
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| April 21, 2010 | | How poverty is calculated in India
National estimates of the percentage of the population falling below the poverty line are based on surveys of sub-groups, with the results weighted by the number of people in each group.
6 HR lessons from the economic downturn
Thoughtful talent management during a downturn separates good performers from the ordinary, says Kanika Datta.
The amazing story of Godrej's growth
Godrej is on an acquisition drive to expand its hair care, home care and personal wash business in Asia, Africa and South America.
Why central banks target x% inflation and not 0%
The first reason is that prices are bound to rise because there will always be several demand-supply mismatches in the economy.
Fine 3G handsets to choose from
There were close to 20 million 3G-enabled handsets in use last year. With the handset replacement market expected to reach 70 per cent this year (According to BCG research), device manufacturers are expected to introduce affordable 3G handsets.
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| April 20, 2010 | | Volcano: Which biz sectors are worst hit
A volcano named 'Eyjafjallajoekull' has spread havoc across Europe hitting businesses across the world.
Bharti, RCom among world's top 10 telcos
Indian telecommunications companies are ringing louder. Bharti Airtel and Reliance Communications are among the big league of gloal telecom companies.
How RBI rate hike hits the common man
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) is the amount of funds that the banks have to keep with the Reserve Bank of India. If RBI decides to increase the percent of this, the available amount with the banks comes down. RBI is using this method (increase of CRR rate), to drain out the excessive money from the banks.
Indians are hungry for more
With India's gross domestic product growing at about seven per cent yearly in the past 10 years, its per capita income has grown by 9.11 per cent annually from $439 per person in 1999 to $1,050 per person in 2009.
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| April 19, 2010 | | 10 great cars India can look forward to in 2010!
Here is a look at all those brand new cars that will soon set Indian roads ablaze.
Why 2 Tata Nanos caught fire
"The rear engine does not have a proper cooling system as a result of which the engine heats up leading to such an incident. The summer season will be the toughest test for the Tata Nano," says Mahendra Dhruva, national president, The Institute of Insurance Surveyors and Adjusters (IISA).
Bengal's economy has a bleak future? No way!
A recent study conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India indicates that the state's business confidence index is at 6.5 on a scale of 10.
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| April 15, 2010 | | Infosys employees vent anger on HR issues in blogs
The company's effort to tame the disgruntled employees, who were earlier venting their anger in public forums and some social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, by giving them a blogging platform on its intranet, seems to have back-fired.
Solar power: India Inc's Rs 100,000-crore plans
After the announcement of the Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Mission -- which aims at a quantum leap in solar power installation in the country -- at least 25 companies have come forward, with investment proposals totalling over Rs 100,000 crore (Rs 1 trillion) over the next three to 10 years.
What Prime Minister Singh will do in Brazil
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived in Brazil on Thursday on a two-day visit during which he will attend the Brazil-Russia-India-China (BRIC) and India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Summits and hold bilateral meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
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| April 09, 2010 | | Top 10 3G phones in India
A look at the 10 best 3G phones available in India.
How 3G will benefit mobile users
3G technology is the latest in mobile communications. 3G stands for 'third generation'. It is the next big revolution in the Indian telecom arena, with all big mobile firms -- Airtel, Vodafone, Idea, Reliance Communications -- in the fray to get a portion of the lucrative pie.
The US healthcare opportunity for India
The US healthcare reform bill with its focus on cutting costs is likely to be beneficial for generic and CRAMS players.
All about the 3G spectrum
Faster connectivity, a host of value added services like internet TV, video-on-demand, audio-video calls and high-speed data exchange will soon be a reality in India as one of the biggest auctions begins today for 3G spectrum.
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| April 08, 2010 | | Meet India's highest individual taxpayers
Based on the advance tax collections for the four quarters of 2009-10, The Economic Times listed some of India's highest individual taxpayers. Check them out.
SUVs for off-road adventures
Driving a sport utility vehicle to your destination ahead will definitely gives you both adventure and relaxation that deserve a mention.
Solar airplane completes maiden flight
Solar Impulse, a prototype of an airplane designed to fly around the world using only solar power, made its first real flight on Wednesday.
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| April 07, 2010 | | Check out India's luxury trains
India's luxury trains attract tourists from across the world.
10 mean machines you should not miss
The New York Auto Show 2010 which opened at the Jacob Javits Center on April 2 has some of the hottest cars and trucks ever seen under one roof.
World's 20 self-made billionaires
This slide show speaks of 20 millionaires of the world who were not born with silver spoons in their mouths but made it big themselves.
What made JRD Tata, Dhirubhai Ambani great leaders
Willingness to bet on your team is perhaps the simplest way to win the lifelong loyalty of your people, and let the world know that you possess one of the rarest of all leadership qualities -- the ability to inspire unshakeable loyalty, a precious asset in today's dog-eat-dog world.
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| April 05, 2010 | | Is India moving toward urban disaster?
With 130-140 million Indians likely to move to cities in the next decade and an equal number in the one after that, the development of urban India represents the biggest challenge you can think of -- in the next two decades, India will have to create as many new cities as it created in the last several hundred years.
What do these car logos mean?
Some of these logos have a history and tell a story in their own special way.
Now, PCs get a 3D vision
Jump-out-of-the-screen 'stereoscopic 3D' is the technology that has caught everybody's attention.
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| April 02, 2010 | | Check out the Apple iPad!
Priced at $499, the iPad lets users browse the web, send emails, share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks using iPad's multi-touch user interface.
Premarital probe: Big biz for detectives in India
Premarital investigations have turned out to be a lucrative business with increasing instances of people trying to cover up many personal, family and official details.
Technology: 3 robots and a soccer team
'Android FC,' is a three-robot team, consisting of a two-foot-high striker, defender and goalkeeper.
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| April 01, 2010 | | India's first AC double-decker train!
The Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala rolled out the country's first air conditioned double-decker coach for oscillation trials on the Delhi-Muradabad section.
How to be safe from credit card fraud
Credit cards have made our lives easier in more ways than one. But they also leave us susceptible to frauds. Here's how to protect yourself.
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| March 26, 2010 | | Now, India is more network ready than ever
Even though Europe remains one of the most networked regions of the world, with 12 economies ranked among the top 20 best performers, China and India leapfrogged another 9 and 11 places to 37th and 43rd, respectively.
300 million Indians go hungry everyday!
According to the Global Hunger Index dated November 2009, India ranks 65th out of 88 countries, with a hunger rate of 23.9.
India Inc's 10 biggest deals
Corporate India's merger and acquisition deal activity in February stood at $2.3 billion taking the total M
World's 10 best airports
The Skytrax World Airport Awards were announced on March 23 at a ceremony in Brussels, Belgium, as part of the Passenger Terminal Expo. According to results released on March 24, the world's best airport in 2010 was Changi in Singapore, followed by Incheon in Seoul and Hong Kong International Airport. The rest of Skytrax's top 10 list included Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Auckland and Bangkok from the Asia-Pacific region, and Munich, Zurich and Amsterdam from Europe.
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| March 23, 2010 | | India to face skills gap due to low employability
A World Economic Forum report on Tuesday said that India will face huge skills gaps in some job categories due to low employability over the next 20 years and also warned of a looming global labour crisis.
Three new cars that will sizzle this summer
The summer has set in with a vengeance. And even as the mercury heads north, carmakers in India plan to heat up the automobile sector further with the launch of some cool cars by June this year.
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| March 11, 2010 | | The 23 richest Indians!
The world has 1,011 billionaires, up from 793 a year ago. And that was despite the global economic slowdown, according to the Forbes annual list of the world's richest people. Among the top 10 richest persons across the world, there are two Indians.
Maruti, Tata plan hybrid models
India's two big car manufacturers, Maruti and Tata, hinted that they plan to manufacture hybrids in the coming future.
Carlos Slim is world's richest , Mukesh is fourth
Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim has emerged as the richest person in the world with $53.5 billion in assets in the US magazine Forbes annual list of world's top billionaires.
15 best cities to live in India
While Delhi turns out be the safest and best city to live in India, Jamshedpur and Patna are rated as the worst cities.
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| March 08, 2010 | | A miracle called Tirupur!
Welcome to Tirupur (occasionally also spelled Tiruppur), a city of a 600,000 people in Tamil Nadu. It has a population of over a million in the urban agglomeration, and has been registering an annual growth of 30 per cent since 1998.
Explore browsers beyond 'e'
For all those who never thought internet was more than clicking on that 'e', here are some browsers that you might have never heard of but millions of net surfers swear by: Flock
Surfing the Net? Beware of security threats
As spamming becomes more sophisticated, netizens need to be more careful.
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| March 05, 2010 | | Top Indian philanthropists are all women!
It's truly women on top as all four Indian corporate leaders featuring in Forbes' list of Asia Pacific's most generous business personalities this year are women.
Innovation? India ranks 56th in the world
India remains very far behind China not just in terms of the old-style physical infrastructure of roads and power output, the difference is very stark when it comes to the information and communications technology sector.
India's hottest IT destinations
There is no denying the fact that thanks to its treasure-trove of skilled manpower and high growth of software export, India has gradually developed to be an IT powerhouse.
10 things NOT to do with your money
Here are some tips on what you must NOT do with your hard earned money.
World's 10 greatest investors
The greatest investors not only make a fortune off their success but they also help millions achieve similar returns.
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| March 02, 2010 | | Buying a SUV? Check this!
Among the many SUVs trying to grab a piece of the Indian market Mahindra Scorpio, Tata Safari and Mahindra Xylo are neck to neck.
How Bt brinjal can kill Indian agriculture
Dr Shiv Chopra, the 75-year-old, Canada-based microbiologist and well known human rights activist, was in India recently in connection with the release of his latest book, Corrupt To The Core - Memoirs Of A Health Canada Whistleblower, which is about how corruption in government endangers public food supply.
Indian economy on a roll: Auto sales soar
A recent Outlook Money report stated that in the first two quarters of the current fiscal year, Indian companies successfully cut down costs. As a result, they managed to grow net profits. This positive change got reflected directly in the automobile sector with most of the auto majors registering positive sales figures in February.
How Chinese hacked Google; why India must worry
Shishir Nagaraja, currently associated with the Information Trust Institute of the University of Illinois (US), tells rediff.com, not only about the Google episode, but also his experience with the Office of the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala and the world of hackers, in general.
Budget to have a mixed impact on corporate sector
Now that the Union Budget is in, a look at its sector-wise impact on the corporate sector, after checking with the views of brokerage firms.
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| February 26, 2010 | | Budget in graphics
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presented his 5th Budget in Parliament on Friday.
Budget: 12 measures that affect you!
By far the most attractive thing in the Budget 2010 for individuals is the increase in the income tax slab limits. Though the entry level slab for income tax has not been changed from Rs 1.6 lakh (Rs 160,000), there is a considerable jump in the other slabs.
What's costlier and what's cheaper
What effect is the Budget going to have on your daily life? Find out how what's cheaper and what's costlier after the Budget.
Budget: Who praised FM, who blasted him
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has done the right mix of moderation on the price front, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said.
FM cuts I-T rates, relief for consumers
In a relief to individual tax payers, the government on Friday changed the slabs cutting the rate to 10 per cent for income up to Rs five lakh, while leaving the threshold limit for tax-free income unchanged at Rs 1.6 lakh.
Highlights of Union Budget 2010-11
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presented the Union Budget 2010-11 in parliament on Friday.
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| February 25, 2010 | | Budget: What to expect, what not to expect
Amid speculation that taxes and duties might be raised as part of a partial rollback of the economic stimulus, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will present the Budget for 2010-11 on Friday.
This is what the Economic Survey 2009-10 says!
A day before the Budget, the Economic Survey on Thursday predicted up to 8.75 per cent growth in 2010-11 while recommending a gradual roll back of stimulus -- a move that could entail hike in excise duty and service tax.This is what the Economic Survey 2009-10 says!
Budget may bring some cheer to taxpayers!
Higher basic exemption, 80C limit likely.
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| February 24, 2010 | | This is what Mamata's rail has in store for you
Presenting the Rail Budget for 2010-11 in Parliament on Wednesday, Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said that there will be no increase in the passenger fares of any class or category of trains.
Who praised Mamata, who slammed her
Opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Communist Party of India, on Wednesday slammed the Rail Budget terming it a mockery while the Congress said the budget is futuristic and reflects the concerns of the 'aam admi'.
Highlights of Railway Budget 2010-11
Mamata appealed to business houses to join hands for building partnership with the Railways.
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| February 22, 2010 | | Budget mumbo jumbo, simplified!
Budget is the annual fiscal exercise that attracts a lot interest, as it is a plan that sets goals, outlines resources to meet these goals, provides details of the government's receipts and payments, and frames the taxation policies for the country.
Just what is the Budget
The Budget still remains a very important event for India.
Why the nation needs a Budget
With people reposing faith in the UPA and voting for stability, this is the government's chance to fulfill its promises, ensure growth and development of the country, check runaway prices, and offer succour to the aam aadmi.
How Indian Railways was renewed!
In 2000, the Indian Railways -- the world's second largest railway network under a single management -- was nearly bankrupt. Over the next eight years, however, there was a dramatic improvement in its performance.
What key sectors expect from the Budget
Maintaining a balance between growth and fiscal discipline will be the Finance Minister's key challenge. Will he deliver?
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| February 19, 2010 | | What the sugar industry expects
Sugar sector is buoyed by high sugar prices, and seeks policies to promote ethanol as green fuel in the ensuing Union Budget 2010-11.
Budget 2010: What India Inc wants
Here's what India Inc expects from the Finance Minister.
'This will be the world's cheapest Honda'
Honda has decided to price the small car below Rs 500,000 to be able to compete with Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i20.
Rs 44-lakh Audi Q5 will be assembled in India
The Audi Q5 SUV comes in 2.0 TFSI (petrol) and 3.0 TDI (diesel) engines.
Google takes fizz out of Coke
Brand Finance, headquartered in London, first issued its global report into the relative equity of the 250 top global brands back in 2007.
Taxpayers! Budget may not make you happy
Expectations are running high for the Budget 2010 to do many things -- maintain growth, provide employment, reduce fiscal deficit, take steps to shift to the new Direct Taxes Code, take measures to implement Goods and Services Tax, reduce inflation and increase revenue for the government.
Leadership: The world's top 10 companies
Infosys Technologies has been ranked as the tenth best company in terms of leadership.
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| February 18, 2010 | | Mamata may not increase passenger fares
Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to present a populist Railway Budget on February 24, leaving passenger fares untouched but rationalising the freight rates keeping the essential commodities aside.
The world's cheapest mobile at $15!
The V150 has most of the basic features like voice, SMS and support for mobile payment services.
Budget: What the common man wants
The Union Budget is in the wings. While economists, analysts and political pundits are busy making predictions about the biggest annual financial event in the country, common people are no less interested either.
Hyderabad airport ranked 5th best in the world!
The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad has been rated world's number one airport in the category of airports handling 5 to 15 million passengers by the Airport Council International.
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| February 10, 2010 | | Swift, i20 or Punto: Which one is better?
To help you get over the confusion here is a comparison of three hatchback models.
Thousands protest price rise; BJP hints at 'scam'
Chanting anti-government slogans, thousands of BJP workers on Wednesday hit the streets of Delhi to protest against price rise with party chief Nitin Gadkari accusing the UPA of presiding over a Rs 2.8 lakh crore (Rs 2.8 trillion) 'big scandal' by allowing futures trading in commodities.
How to read companies' quarterly results
Here, we take a look at a few items on the income statement that are often ignored, but are among the most important factors in shaping earnings expectations.
Patents: China 5th, India nowhere in top 10
The data for 2009 reveals that Indian firms and scientists filed one-tenth of patent applications filed by their Chinese counterparts during the same period.
The best ways to save tax smartly
It is that time of year again, when we have to make tax saving investments. But how do we go about choosing the right tax saving instruments that will give you the optimal returns while saving you tax?
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| February 08, 2010 | | All about Cadbury's silk route
A dominant leader in the volume segment, the company's latest move is designed to strengthen its presence in the value market as well.
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| February 02, 2010 | | Transgenders find dignity through microfinance
TAI has undertaken some extraordinary work to help rehabilitate sex workers and transgenders so that they can live a life of dignity and honour.
The chaos called Bt brinjal!
Even though the supporters of GM foods have ample arguments to counter the robust opposition to Bt brinjal, Jairam Ramesh's current tour shows that the seed companies who are eyeing the Indian market may not find the going very easy.
Nokia makes Netbook entry with a splash
Nokia, the dominant force in the handset industry, has spent the major part of 2009 guarding its turf against resurgent rivals like Samsung, LG, Sony Ericsson and Motorola, and also tech powerhouses like Research in Motion, Apple and HTC.
How Audi India plans to beat Merc and BMW
Audi India managing director Benoit Tiers has his task cut out.
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| February 01, 2010 | | Some interesting Budget snippets for you
Budget is an annual exercise undertaken by the government that keeps everyone, whether rich or poor, on their toes.
Income tax: What to expect in the Budget
Here are some of the things that we could expect form the Budget 2010 on personal income tax. . .
Check out these last-minute tax tips
It is that time of the year when you have to declare your investments to claim deductions. Take well-considered decisions.
New tax code will kill most tax benefits
The Direct Taxes Code Bill, 2009, could soon set the tone for all our future wealth-creation decisions. If enacted, the bill will not only change the amount of tax you pay, but also transform how you invest, borrow and spend your money.
Shocker! Pay tax on perks, now
Your tax burden has just gone up, with the government issuing the new guidelines for taxation of perquisites. Valuation of cars goes through a revision.
Ford to launch Figo @ Rs 3.5 lakh
Riding on the success of Ford Ikon and Ford Fiesta, in the mid-size sedan segment, Ford plans to roll out the new car by March.
How to make money in the markets. Some golden tips
Each occasion in the market teaches new lessons, which will empower you to achieve your ultimate goal of building wealth.
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| January 28, 2010 | | Mumbai boasts of the country's 1st monorail
The Rs 2,460-crore project, an initiative of the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority, is a modern urban transport where cars move on a single beam in an elevated corridor.
Broadband speed: Kerala is No.1
While Internet speed in the country continue to grow, India's global rank for average connection speed stands only at 97 (of 226 countries) at 895 kbps.
India, China will soon surpass US, warns Obama
'As hard as it may be, as uncomfortable and contentious as the debates may be, it's time to get serious about fixing the problems that are hampering our growth.'
The world has 212 million jobless people!
The number of unemployed youth worldwide increased by 10.2 million in 2009 compared to 2007, the largest hike since 1991.
Great cars to look forward to in 2010!
Car makers Volkswagen, BMW, Nissan, Ford, Fiat, Skoda, Maruti, Tata, and Toyota are all set to make 2010 a delightful year for car lovers.
'All big retailers regard India as their future'
At the moment, big retailers are concentrating on China because the retail sector there is more advanced, especially in terms of infrastructure, says Kim Culley, COO, Express Avenue.
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| January 27, 2010 | | The success of LG, Samsung in India
A story on how the Korean consumer durable majors LG and Samsung knocked out rivals in the fight for market share and brand recall.
Bt brinjal, the new face of disaster?
Bacillus Thuringiensis Brinjal, popularly known as Bt brinjal, is at the centre of a major controversy in India. Bt brinjal, a genetically modified strain created by India's number one seeds company Mahyco in collaboration with American multinational Monsanto, claims to improve yields and help the agriculture sector.
New tax code will kill most tax benefits
The Direct Taxes Code Bill, 2009, could soon set the tone for all our future wealth-creation decisions. If enacted, the bill will not only change the amount of tax you pay, but also transform how you invest, borrow and spend your money.
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| January 25, 2010 | | H-1B visa-holders deported from port of landing!
Several Indians who arrived with an H-1B visa at Newark and John F Kennedy airports were deported based on a new rule, immigration attorneys and activists have reported. The new rule stipulates that those who arrive on a work visa should 'arrive at the place of work'.
The long wade to Windows 7
While Microsoft's latest retails better than Vista, it still has a long way to go to completely dethrone older OSes in India.
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| January 19, 2010 | | Jaguar, Land Rover design gurus on Ratan Tata
Those who run Jaguar and Land Rover and their top designers talk about leaping cats, concept Landies and Ratan Tata.
Kraft to buy Cadbury for $18.9 billion
Kraft, the American food giant, said in a statement on Tuesday that Cadbury's board had unanimously endorsed the offer worth 840 pence per share. The revised offer is for 500 pence cash and 0.1874 new Kraft shares for each Cadbury share.
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| January 18, 2010 | | Budget 2010: What to expect
Here is a snapshot of some of the expected decisions in the forthcoming Budget.
How villagers built a tourist resort
visits a resort at the edge of the Rann of Kutch and is pleasantly surprised Sham-e-Sarhad (Sunset at the Border), an eco-resort at the edge of the Rann of Kutch built and run by the village community of Hodka.
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| January 15, 2010 | | What the Singur landowners are doing now
With an industry at the abandoned site of Tata's Nano car project at Singur yet to come up, most of the landowners who had willingly parted with their fields are now back to what they had been doing - cultivation.
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| January 13, 2010 | | Budget 2010: What the aam aadmi wants
Citizens of the country are hoping that the FM pays heed to their wishlist during this Budget session.
Google's battle in China
Three years after Google stepped into China, it is on the verge of closing operations.
Why 2010 may be great to buy your dream home
What should you expect in the coming year if you have still not bought a house for yourself? More importantly, once you arrive at the 'buy' decision, what should you keep in mind while striking a deal? Read on. . .
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| January 12, 2010 | | How to lighten your debt burden
Here is how to deal with rising interest rates and a more scientific credit appraisal process in 2010.
Quality of life? India beats China, Russia
In 2009, India was the fourth best country in South Asia after Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Nano stops over near Chicago on way to Detroit
The world's cheapest car, Tata Nano, made a two-hour stop over near here before heading off to Detroit, where it would be on display for the US audience for the first time this week.
NRIs want right to protect their property in India
Vivek Gogia, Additional Commissioner of Police, economic offences wing, Delhi Police, agreed that NRIs usually came with two complaints -- tenants who refuse to vacate their premises, and builders who do not deliver on time -- both of which are criminal offences.
This car will cost you just 4 paisa per km!
Chetan Maini names the company Reva, after his mother. Over the next seven years, Maini and his men research electric cars, register five patents and try to develop insights into the consumer's mind.
Infosys Q3 PAT at Rs 1,582 crore
The company's total income stood at Rs 5,821 crore, showing an over six per cent rise, at the end of the September quarter of the current fiscal.
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| January 11, 2010 | | India-specific beauties that wowed Auto Expo
India-specific hatchbacks took centrestage at the 10th Auto Expo, in New Delhi. Check them out!
'There's more to India than Slumdog Millionaire'
Two young students of Indian origin from Chile and the United States of America, who attended the 8th Bharatiya Pravasi Divas as part of Know India Program, reveal how their current tour of India has helped them cleanse themselves of their prejudices spurned by Bollywood movies and how they wish to further strengthen their relationship with India by working with the country's underprivileged.
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| January 08, 2010 | | Bollywood stars add glitz to Auto Expo
After small cars hogged the limelight, it was the turn of celebrities, including Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgan and cricketer Sourav Ganguly, to add glitz to the ongoing 10th Auto Expo.
Entry-level bikes wear a new look
The application and exploitation of form over function is by no means a recent phenomenon, but using this principle to sell entry-level motorcycles in India has only been observed of late.
Bikes and babes at the 10th Auto Show
Check out these mean machines on wheels.
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| January 06, 2010 | | The stunning Twizy from Renault!
French auto major Renault has said it is looking at launching zero-emission electric vehicles in India by the middle of this decade.
One year after the Satyam scandal...
On January 7, 2009, B Ramalinga Raju confessed to orchestrating India Inc's biggest fraud.
Top 10 tech predictions for 2010
The combined India domestic IT-ITeS market will grow by 15 per cent in 2010 to hit revenues to the tune of Rs 1,20,666 crore.
Rs 1-cr designer Nano to hit the roads soon!
The Rs 1-lakh wonder Nano will soon enter the elite league thanks to auto design firm DC, which on Wednesday said it will unveil redesigned version of the world's cheapest car within the next two months with premium price tag of Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million).
3 golden rules for lifetime investment profits
It is typical of investors, particularly those who are salaried employees, to presume that they will earn a salary until they are around 60; and thereafter, the interest on their savings would be adequate to cover living expenses during their golden years. Such dreams can easily turn into nightmares due to the following factors if you haven't drawn up a well thought-out financial plan for yourself...
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| January 05, 2010 | | Check out the hot wheels at the Auto Expo!
The 2010 Auto Expo will also play host to over two lakh visitors and promises to be bigger and better than before.
What the Airtel game plan is
Airtel DTH has high hopes from a market that offers scope for exponential growth but is already packed tight like a can of sardines. Can the telecom major pull it off?
Dazzling fireworks light up world's tallest tower
Burj Dubai, the world's tallest tower that stands at 828 metres high, was on Monday inaugurated by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammad, who sprang a surpise by renaming the skyscraper 'Burj Khalifa', after the United Arab Emirates president Sheikh Khalifa.
PM's daughter among Infosys Prize winners
The Infosys Prize comprises a special gold medallion, a citation expounding the laureate's work and Rs 50 lakh (Rs 5 million) as prize money.
5 money promises you MUST keep in 2010
Managing money should be at the core of every financial planning. Check out the five things you must do well this year.
Markets: 6 things to expect in 2010
A year on, the outlook is much more positive. In 2010, public sector players, which have done a bulk of the lending over the last 15 months, are going to strengthened with the government set to start the Rs 15,000-crore recapitalisation programme.
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| January 01, 2010 | | India orders 250,000 XO laptops
The '10-dollar, world's cheapest laptop', developed in India has been given a quiet burial with the government placing an order for 250,000 XO laptops from the Nicholas Negroponte-led One Laptop Per Child Foundation.
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| December 30, 2009 | | A turbulent year for India Inc
The year saw India's biggest corporate fraud, falling earnings, stock market crash, job losses and soaring food prices which hit the common man
2009: The year that was for HDFC Bank
We started with a series on how some of the top banks in India performed during the Year 2009 and how they are positioned for the coming year. Next in the series in HDFC Bank.
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| December 29, 2009 | | What 2009 was like for ICICI Bank
We bring you a series on how some of the top banks in India performed in the Year 2009 and how they are positioned for the coming year.
Star attractions at the Delhi auto expo
India, one of the world's fastest growing auto markets, will see the launch of over ten vehicles, including small cars during the 10th Auto Expo.
Warning! You are being watched
CIBIL has started providing individuals with their credit information reports. Here's why it makes sense for you to know what it's all about.
How to face performance appraisal
Performance appraisal is not something to get worked up about; rather, it's a window of opportunity, says Divakar Kaza.
What you did not know about Wipro
What is not so well-known, possibly because of the scale and size of its information technology business, is that Wipro is the third-largest Indian-owned fast-moving consumer goods company after Nirma and Dabur -- Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting, the FMCG and lighting products arm of the company, will likely end 2009-10 with sales revenue of Rs 2,500 crore (Rs 25 billion).
A peek at Maruti's dazzling cars
Maruti Suzuki will showcase 17 vehicles at the forthcoming Auto Expo in January 2010.
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| December 24, 2009 | | From poverty to good jobs: EGMM makes it possible!
The Employment Generation and Marketing Mission (EGMM), a unique public private partnership venture that trains poor rural youth take up jobs, helping them earn anywhere between Rs 3000-Rs 10,000.
Kolkata has enough water, yet there's a problem!
Domestic water supply isn't billed in Kolkata. The Hooghly river is the primary source and there's no supply crisis looming. But most of Kolkata's water connections have no apparatus for volumetric measurement.
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| December 23, 2009 | | Say goodbye to kerosene lamps, here's Kiran!
Sam Goldman's mission is to bring light to millions of households who do not have access to electricity.
The latest buzzwords? Solar products!
Rising electricity bills and the need to save power have prompted an increasing number of consumers all over the country to go in for solar products.
Water! Delhiites guzzle the most, face crisis
Delhi gets more water than Paris, according to a report of the Planning Commission. If the national average water supply for cities is 140 litres per capita, Delhiites guzzle 240 litres per capita. But Delhi, which empties the river Yamuna as it enters the city to fulfill its water needs, says it is facing a water shortage of the intensity of a crisis.
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| December 22, 2009 | | How IBM is going 'desi'!
The IT major is working with a host of Indian companies in emerging sectors to enable them to improve efficiency and cut costs - spelling both good business and sound investment for the future.
Mumbai has only 200 days of water supply!
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has introduced a 15 per cent cut in supply, which is expected to be increased to 30 per cent.
What Tata, Murthy want from politicians
In an interesting session at the TiE Summit i Mumbai, Ratan Tata and Narayana Murthy shared their views on each other, entrepreneurship, trust, politicians and their experience of being at the helm of India's most reputed companies.
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| December 21, 2009 | | Now, MNS wants post office jobs for locals
Pressing his party's demand for employment to 'sons of soil', Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray has warned the post master general to give priority to locals for the post office jobs or else cancel the recruitment procedure.
Base metal stocks: Should you invest?
The run up in non-ferrous metal prices on the back of investor money and re-stocking is unlikely to sustain as actual demand continues to be weak.
India's metros see a major water scarcity!
This is the first in a Business Standard series on water woes faced by the country's biggest cities and the lack of strategy to deal with the crisis that bothers every household.
Avoid gifting a burden! Here's how
With Some exceptions, tax has to be paid on getting a gift; check out the rules before taking or giving one.
Shocker! Pay tax on perks, now
Your tax burden has just gone up, with the government issuing the new guidelines for taxation of perquisites. Valuation of cars goes through a revision.
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| December 18, 2009 | | Climate talks must be based on Kyoto Protocol: PM
Amid no signs of a breakthrough, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said the outcome of the Copenhagen climate summit may fall short of expectations and warned against any dilution of the principles of UNFCCC, particularly of 'common but differentiated' responsibilities.
Mukesh Ambani amongst world's best CEOs
Mukesh Ambani, who heads Reliance Industries, has been ranked among top five best performing CEOs in the world by the prestigious Harvard Business Review.
Top 10 companies that bagged H1-B visas
In the wake of the economic crisis, there has been a sharp drop in H-1B work visa applications from major Indian IT companies.
2010: Pay packets could be fatter!
Experts at various HR consultancies feel New Year 2010, would be considerably better in terms of salary hikes and hiring, although firms will continue to tread cautiously.
Rahul Bedi goes green, dumps SUV for bicycle
A resident of New Delhi's Neeti Baug colony, Khelgaon Marg, the road in front of his house, is never silent. Buses, trucks, cars, three-wheelers and two-wheelers buzz past throughout the day. However, these days, no matter how busy his schedule, Rahul rarely uses his sports utility vehicle in which he has travelled the length and breadth of the city
Countries with highest per capita GDP
Per capita gross domestic product is an approximation of the value of goods produced per person in the country, equal to the country's GDP divided by the total number of people in the country.
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| December 17, 2009 | | Climate: India willing to do more, if. . .
Seeking a constructive approach to move forward in the global efforts to combat climate change, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Thursday that India is willing to do more provided there are 'credible' arrangements from rich nations on financial support and technology transfers.
India, top economic superpower by 2030: Survey
More than half of the respondents (53 per cent) of a survey commissioned by London-based independent think-tank Legatum Institute said India is likely to be the world's most important economic power by 2030.
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| December 16, 2009 | | Copenhagen: Protestors bashed up; talks may fail
Negotiations to hammer out an 'equitable and fair' deal on climate change were deadlocked on Wednesday, even as hundreds of climate activists were tear-gassed, beaten up and detained for trying to break into the UN-sponsored Climate Summit in Copenhagen and establish a 'people's assembly', accusing the 193 participating countries of not trying to reach a new deal to combat the menace.
Air India to get 1st Boeing Dreamliner in 2011
Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, a project which was marred by repeated delays and obstacles, is an instance of the most advanced aviation technology available. Its aerodynamic design, engines, flight controls and avionics are almost part of the aviation folklore.
The Satyam people: Where are they now?
A year has gone by since the fateful day when founder and former chairman of Satyam Computer Services (rebranded Mahindra Satyam), Ramalinga Raju, admitted to a multi-crore accounting fraud.
Waterless Mumbai! Why the government is to blame
The fact is that Indian cities could manage better with the available water if there were efficient management, and less waste. The problem of inadequate supply is compounded by waste because public taps are perennially leaky.
Scooters ride ahead on the fast track
Hamara Bajaj may have walked into the sunset, but the sun is shining bright for other scooter manufacturers in the country.
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| December 11, 2009 | | World getting warmer; 2010 to be the hottest
Hitting hard at global warming sceptics, powerful United States lawmakers have accused them of 'engaging in a policy of distraction' by promoting hacked e-mails which claimed that scientists had exaggerated the crisis and asserted that the world is getting hotter faster.
Water scare! Most Indian cities may run dry soon
Indian water scenario is a matter of grave concern, as 85 per cent of water was used for agriculture, 10 per cent for industry and five per cent for domestic use, according to a paper recently presented at a national symposium in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
Tax alert! Don't invest your allowances
However, it is often observed that many employees make investments out of such tax-free allowances. A question now arises whether the investments made by an employee out of the tax free allowances will cause any problem with the income tax authorities. The answer is yes.
A peek into Bajaj Auto's illustrious journey
The Bajaj scooter with the 'Hamara Bajaj' advertisement struck the right chord with millions of Indians.
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| December 09, 2009 | | Climate change to displace 1 billion people
Climate change and environmental degradation will force as many as one billion people to migrate over the next four decades to southeast Asia, central America and parts of west Africa.
'The US is in a hangover mode'
Prof Nirvikar Singh discusses rediscovering India, the country's progress so far and the global economy in general in his interview with rediff.com.
In pictures: Copenhagen climate summit
A few interesting and offbeat moments culled from the climate change summit.
Why Bengal's economy is in ruins
Is it the intermittent strikes or the never-ending political turmoil, is it the 32-year-old Left Front 'mis'-rule or the laid-back work culture of the state -- it is difficult to ascertain what plagues the West Bengal economy that is not really showing much sign of improvement.
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| December 07, 2009 | | The world's 10 biggest polluters
China is the world's worst polluting nation with the highest overall annual emission of greenhouse gases.
Copenhagen Summit: Who wants what
Even if the leaders can't negotiate a binding agreement, many countries hope to work out commitments to reduce their greenhouse-gas emissions and provide assistance to poorer countries likely to be hardest hit by the effects of global warming.
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| December 04, 2009 | | A budget Rolls Royce, at Rs 2.5 crore!
British car maker Rolls Royce unveiled the super luxury saloon, Ghost, in Mumbai on Friday. The magnificent automobile is smaller, but more dynamic, than the previous models, and comes at a price tag of Rs 2.5 crore (Rs 25 million). The Ghost is also the most technologically advanced offering from Rolls Royce, which is now part of German auto major BMW.
Why gold prices are rising
Gold touched a all-time high of at Rs 18,550 per 10 gm in the bullion market on Thursday, then slipped a tad to end at Rs 18,210. Pure gold (99.9 purity), however, closed unchanged at at Rs 18,310 per 10 gm.
2 Indian-run firms among WEF Tech Pioneers
Two Indian-origin companies -- Gurgaon-based Vihaan Networks Ltd and Sunnyvae, California-based Bloom Energy -- along with Twitter, are among the 26 companies selected as Technology Pioneers in 2010 by the World Economic Forum on Thursday.
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| December 03, 2009 | | 'Indians are born conspiracy theorists'
Indians are born conspiracy theorists, okay? We live on conspiracy theories and we die as conspiracy theorists. Conspiring of theories is our karma! The fact of the matter is that climate change is an important issue with a larger development impact. It is also a strategic issue. For us, India's interest is paramount. Nothing else matters.
Why it might be a good time to buy a home now
If you have the fund resources to tap into, then go in for that dream home now, as putting it off for later could mean parting with more money.
They designed child-friendly syringes!
Meet the young and enterprising Samarth Mungali who joined hands with classmate Bhavna Bahri to start a design firm called No Formulae.
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| December 01, 2009 | | How India can be prosperous without polluting
Jairam Ramesh discusses issues related to the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference which will be kicked off on December 7. He also talks about all there is to know about India's official position on the hottest issue on the planet this season: climate change.
Women CEOs who broke the glass ceiling in India
Women do not have a proportionate representation in companies, but they are better off than women in other parts of the world when it comes to top positions.
How the Bengal CM lost the plot
As Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee steps into his 10th year as Bengal chief minister, here is a low down on his track record at the helm.
Dubai-bashers on a feeding frenzy
The world press seems to be suffering withdrawal symptoms due to the recent absence / paucity of strong negative financial news. What else would explain the panicky histrionics following Dubai's announcement that it is seeking to restructure payment on $59 billion in debt?
What the Copenhagen climate summit is all about
One hundred-and-ninety-two countries have signed the climate change convention.
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| November 30, 2009 | | Climate change may kill 400,000 children per year
Global warming could cause the death of a quarter of a million children next year as a result of natural disasters causing an increase in injuries, water-borne diseases and starvation.
Dubai shock hits Indian workforce hard!
Perception could prove to be another blow for Indian workers, for whom the UAE was the most important destination last year. Indians such as Venkat constituted 42.3 per cent of the UAE's labour force in 2008.
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| November 27, 2009 | | World's 10 best nations for expats
Canada is the world's best country for expats while United Kingdown is among the worst.
Dubai shock! Why it happened, how it hits India
Dubai government's announcement seeking a six-month reprieve on debt repayments has raised doubts over the Gulf emirate's ability to meet its financial obligations, but experts says this will not affect India much.
World's 10 most outrageous CEOs
It's one Forbes list where none would want to figure, but Ramalinga Raju, founder-chairman Satyam Computers (now Mahindra Satyam), has managed the feat of being among the world's 10 most outrageous CEOs.
Hunger: India worse off than Zimbabwe!
There are now one billion hungry people on the globe, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said recently.
The world's largest economies
The Indian economy is currently the 12th largest in the world. Read on to find out the world's largest economies...
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| November 25, 2009 | | Beware of these 14 cyber threats!
Cyber threats continue to haunt internet users across the world.
Meet the expats who guide Indian firms
Expatriate talent is the need of the hour as more and more companies have international clients and a major chunk of revenue comes from the overseas.
Quiz: Test your basic loan quotient!
Do you know what to keep in mind while opting for a loan? Take the Rediff Biz Quiz and find how much you know about loans.
How Indians made Silicon Valley world's tech hub
'When the Bay Area's innovation infrastructure -- research institutions, technology companies, and capital and risk-taking culture -- comes in contact with India's talent and entrepreneurial energy, the combination has been explosive, unleashing powerful business and wealth creation,' the report says.
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| November 24, 2009 | | PM charms US biz, seeks investment, assures reform
As it becomes ever-apparent that partnerships like the United States and India will help provide a roadmap out of the current global recession, influence the economic destiny of the 21st century, and create jobs around the world, over 500 America's business leaders converged on the US Chamber of Commerce to greet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his first major address in Washington DC on November 23.
It is raining small cars in India!
Small cars account for 80 per cent of the domestic market and exports are growing at a fast pace.
India's 10 fastest growing tech companies
Despite competitive conditions all round for industry players across India, the 50 companies on our list have managed to achieve an average revenue growth rate of 372 percent over the last three years.
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| November 19, 2009 | | Why IMEI code is a must for your mobile
The telecom ministry has asked mobile operators to disconnect mobile phones without the IMEI number from December 1.
With tons of cash, China's buying the world
For China, recession was like an oppurtunity that comes after hundreds of years, and with its piggy bank overflowing money the country went on a wild shopping spree...
India's 10 richest people
The nation is now home to 52 billionaires, up from 27 last year and only two short of what India had at the peak of its stock market boom in 2007.
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| November 17, 2009 | | Land acquisition: How it fuels the Naxal movement
At the local level, resentment has risen over the rampant corruption in payment of money for tribal land, acquisition of arable land (half the land sought to be acquired for industry in Orissa, for instance, happens to be farmland) and lack of any support for resettlement of the displaced.
Recovery! Check out which sectors will thrive
The global economic recovery augurs well for domestic companies having a large exposure to overseas markets.
US may let China buy into small American banks
China and the United States are said to be on the verge of signing a landmark agreement to allow Chinese lenders to buy stakes into small and medium-sized American banks. The deal, said a South China Morning Post report quoting major Chinese bankers, is likely to be completed during US President Barack Obama's current visit to China.
Turning the underprivileged into entrepreneurs!
The idea behind Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST) is to support 'disadvantaged, young micro-entrepreneurs from the underprivileged background, with mentors, training, networking, marketing and loans'.
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| November 16, 2009 | | Atop the world's tallest man-made structure!
Developed by Emaar Properties, one of the world's leading real estate companies, the 818-metre tower is expected to be unveiled in January coinciding with the fourth anniversary of Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid taking over as the ruler of Dubai.
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| November 13, 2009 | | India's BPO market to grow to $6.82 bn by 2013
Tier-II and Tier-III cities to emerge as new BPO hubs to offer services in Indian languages for telecom, aviation sectors.
'Don't assume the 21st century belongs to India'
Aseem Prakash, author of the book Midnight Economy: The New Business Order Emerging from the Shadows, argued in a recent BusinessWeek article that economic power is shifting towards the East and that many in business do not need the American dream anymore.
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| November 12, 2009 | | Looking for a job? They are hiring!
Companies are back with their hiring plans as the economy shows signs of recovery with a boost in domestic demand.
Delhi Metro enters Noida, thousands to benefit
Delhi Metro on Thursday achieved another milestone when a brand-new train chugged into the satellite city of Noida for the first time paving the way for thousands of commuters in east Delhi and adjoining areas to enjoy the new age transport system.
3 Indian businessmen in Forbes' world power list
Only three Indian businessmen feature in Forbes magazine's first-ever World's Most Powerful People list: Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, ArcelorMittal chairman Lakshmi N Mittal, and Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata.
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| November 11, 2009 | | 'Nano fiasco had no impact on people of Bengal'
Sarkar, a professor of Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, analyses Left Front rout in the Lok Sabha elections in May as also in the more recent by-elections against the state's economic perspective.
Bajaj-Nissan low-cost car by 2012
After months of delays following differences Bajaj Auto, Renault and Nissan on Tuesday signed an agreement formalizing roll-out plans for 2012 - a year behind schedule.
He became an entrepreneur with just Rs 5,000
Reach Tax will operate from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chandigarh and Calcutta by November 2010.
How Mumbai can be a world-class city
For Mumbai to become the city of the future, all this and more needs to be done, lest the megapolis continues to teeter on the brink of collapse under the pressure of its rising population, inadequate infrastructure, lack of coordination amongst its governing bodies, worsening climate conditions, ineffective security systems, etc.
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| November 10, 2009 | | How Bharti Walmart runs its business
The Bharti Group, promoted by the Mittal family, had searched high and low for a foreign partner when it wanted to start its cash
PepsiCo India: Youngistaan in cyberspace
Its 'MyCan, MyWay' campaign was kick-started by a commercial featuring Indian cricketers and a group of boys, reminiscent of today's teens with attitude, in Kerala. Since then it has spread out through non-mass media such as the Internet and radio, asking the youth 'What's Your Way'.
Global brands in India Inc's kitty
Making strong inroads in the global acquisition arena, Indian companies have won many big ticket deals and acquisitions.
Shoplifting? India No 1 in retail theft
The country topped the retail 'shrinkage' rate -- a term that bunches shoplifting, employee theft and process failures -- in 41 countries surveyed across the world, for the second year in a row.
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| November 03, 2009 | | Avenues 2009: Of people, planet and profit
Avenues 2009, the annual two-day business festival of the Shailesh J Mehta, School of Management, IIT Bombay, based on the theme 'People, planet and profit' reflected the creative and intellectual spirit of the management students.
Why India bought IMF gold
Many analysts were surprised at the speed with which India bought the IMF gold. However, they believe that it is a very smart move as by buying IMF gold, New Delhi is shoring up its bullion reserves and slowly trying to hedge its bets on the US dollar which has been losing value against other currencies.
'Our average student outperforms the American'
Karuna Jain, head of the Shailesh J Mehta School of Management at IIT-Bombay, believes India is competitive in terms of imparting quality education.
The world's most attractive employers
Students from the US, Japan, China, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Russia, Spain, Canada and India's top academic institutions took part in the survey.
Buying a mobile phone? Things to consider
Picking the right phone can certainly be a daunting task. So here are some elementary things to consider before you buy a mobile phone. Read on. . .
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| October 30, 2009 | | India is more prosperous than China, says survey
India ranks 45th in the Legatum Prosperity Index, well ahead of China which is at the 75th position.
A professor's multi-million-dollar bread biz
Fifty-four-year-old M Mahadevan is today known not only in India, but overseas too, as 'Hot Breads Mahadevan'. His journey from being a professor at the Madras University to an entrepreneur in charge of a multi-billion-dollar business spanning various countries can only be described as amazingly inspiring.
Hot wheels: A glimpse of the future
Environmental friendliness appears to be the common theme for the Tokyo Motor Show.
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| October 28, 2009 | | India's kerosene stoves a climate hazard: Al Gore
Nobel Laureate Al Gore has warned that black carbon emissions from the kerosene powered lamps and stoves of the subcontinent will adversely impact the great rivers that are the lifeblood of India's agrarian economy.
Worst may be over for major Indian IT firms
All the top three major Indian IT firms -- Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys Technologies and Wipro -- either met or beat market and analyst expectations in the quarter ended September 30, 2009, registering their best performance in six quarters.
New tax code hits NRIs below the belt
The new Direct Tax Code is expected to result in a higher tax-to-GDP ratio, reduce compliance costs, lower the administrative burden, discourage corruption and most importantly, improve equity both horizontal and vertical.
All about the latest telecom spectrum scam
The latest row -- termed as independent India's largest financial scam -- is centered on the allocation of scare 2G spectrum at throwaway prices.
Corporate big guns who fund new ventures
Murthy joins the league of top corporate honchos who have launched private equity funds to assist budding entrepreneurs and upcoming ventures across various sectors in India.
How Wills Lifestyle strikes a chord with customers
To begin with, Wills Lifestyle had a range of formals for men and a line of western wear for the working woman. Over the years, the company has added new lines of evening wear, sportswear, designer wear, fragrances and accessories.
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| October 27, 2009 | | Story of a top Indian entrepreneur
Sunil Maheswari, the chief executive officer and co-founder of Mango Technologies Pvt Ltd, has many accomplishments to his credit. MINT-Wall Street Journal described Mango Technologies as one of the 'Top Ten Startup Companies of 2008'.
Tata Motors finds a saviour in Manza
he Manza is being offered with four variants in two engine options petrol and diesel. Both these engines are the same as those inside partner Fiat's Linea sedan. With the engines manufactured at the joint venture plant at Ranjangaon, the company hopes to reap the benefits of scaled-up production and pass these on to its customers.
Home, car loan rates may not rise
The Reserve Bank on Tuesday increased a key statutory deposit ratio for banks to 25 per cent but the move is not expected to push interest rates up. RBI left other key policy rates and ratios unchanged. Due to this, it is unlikely that banks will banks hike their auto, home and education loan rates in the near term.
Wipro Q2 net up 19% at Rs 1,161.7 cr
The IT exporter had a net profit of Rs 978.2 crore (Rs 9.78 billion) in the September quarter of last fiscal, Wipro said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange. Total income of the company rose to Rs 7,057.4 crore (Rs 70.57 billion) during the July-September quarter of the current fiscal, from Rs 6,664.8 crore (Rs 66.64 billion) in the year-ago period, as per the Indian accounting norms.
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| October 26, 2009 | | 51 things they won't tell you. . .
. . . and what you should be watching out for in your everyday financial transactions with agents, brokers, banks, employers and even your kirana store.
Celebrity endorsement market back on track
Celebrity management firms like Globosports and World Sports Group say the celebrity endorsement market is estimated to clock a healthy growth in 2009. Senior executives at these firms say while there is no organised agency to track the deal size of the endorsements, the market size is expected to grow 15 to 17 per cent in 2009.
Which TV to buy? Here's help
Can't figure out which flat-panel television to buy? Here is the dope you need before you go TV shopping.
Provogue wears a new attitude
Apart from a new brand ambassador, the apparel maker has gone in for aggressive store expansionProvogue has done it again. It has switched its brand ambassador, this time from Saif Ali Khan to Hrithik Roshan, for its new campaign.
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| October 22, 2009 | | How she makes wealth from waste
Poonam Kasturiwants ordinary Indians to feel empowered, make a difference to the waste surrounding them, convert waste into useful compost in a simple and cost effective manner.
Special: Powerful daughters of India Inc
There is an increasing involvement of daughters in a leadership role in family businesses when their fathers are reaching the end of their careers as active entrepreneurs.
6 Indian cities among global BPO hotspots
India's Silicon Valley, Bangalore, has managed to retain its leadership for the fourth time.
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| October 20, 2009 | | 'If you don't innovate, you are dead'
In five years, Suyash Trivedi hopes to make AdScoot a diverse marketing company, offering an array of clutter breaking, innovative and economical marketing solutions.
Hyundai plans big with small cars
The balloons, streamers, stars and flowers are all over. Workers ready cars for delivery -- there are number plates to screw in, wheels to polish and accessories to fit.
The rise and fall of Rajaratnam
Raj and his accomplices are alleged to have made millions by using inside information from people at companies like Intel, Moody's and McKinsey.
Parle plans to bite into Britannia's Bourbon mart
For five decades now, Bourbon and Britannia have gone hand in hand. The Wadia family-controlled company lords over 70 per cent of the popular biscuit category. The rest of the market is with about half a dozen other brands.
'Entrepreneurs can alter direction of economies'
TiE-ISB Connect 2009 plans to bring together both the first-time and seasoned entrepreneurs with the investment community so that they can explore the opportunities and challenges in the current economic times.
How to fine tune your car insurance
To make the driving experience less worrisome, it's important to make the car's cover more comprehensive.
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| October 16, 2009 | | 'IT firms must fight against economic disparities'
The IT industry has to fight vigorously against economic disparities in India, says Pitroda, asserting on reducing disparity of income, galvanizing the younger Indians and creating an overall development.
The story of Maruti
There are some brands that reflect the story of a nation, its rises and falls, its successes and failures. Maruti is one such brand.
IIT meet: A star-studded affair
The 7th global conference with the theme, entreprenurship and innovation in a global economy, took place from October 9 to October 11. The graduates from the Indian Institute of Technology are spread across the globe but nowhere have they made as much name and and impact as in the US.
The world's 10 sustainable value creators
Reliance Industries has been named as the world's fifth biggest 'sustainable value creator' globally in terms of investor returns over a decade.
Tech biggies felicitated at PanIIT Conference
IITian award winners at the conference held in Schaumburg, near Chicago.
Celebrate this Diwali with eco-friendly diyas
The diyas or earthen lamps, a must in Diwali festivities, can be bought for as low as a few rupees to as high as nearly Rs 10,000 a piece. Besides various high-street markets in the city, a number of online shopping websites including eBay and Amazon have also stacked up Diwali diyas for sale.
An entrepreneur who eyes India's best sportsmen
Twenty-five-year-old Prashant started Indiakhelo.com in March 2008, researching on how to radically change sports scenario in India.
Here an apartment costs $57 million!
At $9,200 per square feet, it turns out to be Asia's most expensive apartment.
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| October 15, 2009 | | American CTO Aneesh Chopra on what IITians can do
While the IITians are looking back at their motherland to give back, Aneesh Chopra feels they should also look around them in America and figures out best ways to harness the energy and creativity especially in areas that look like wasteland.
Meet the men who advise India's PM
The men who advice the man who runs the country are experts and their experience says it all.
Price rise: An end does not seem near
India's festival season is bound to leave behind a bitter taste for the common people with prices of several commodities skyrocketing.
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| October 14, 2009 | | Prahalad, Tata among most influential thinkers
C K Prahalad, has been voted as the most influential living management thinker for the second time in a row.
'This kind of democracy is fascism'
'This is not China. There is freedom of movement in Kashmir, even in Sikkim. I can go anywhere. But in the SEZs created in my own hinterland I can only enter if I have a pass issued by a civil servant who is appointed as the caretaker of that SEZ,' says Magsaysay Award winner Aruna Roy.
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| October 13, 2009 | | Exclusive! Meet the mysterious Farid Arifuddin
The Zain deal raises much speculation about Arifuddin's money and clout. Who is backing him? What is his relationship with politicians? Is he merely a front man for big players in telecom?
Good news! The US recession is over
In the longest recession since the 1930s, the US economy crumbled on the back of the housing market's collapse leading to a global meltdown.
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| October 08, 2009 | | The world's 10 most admired nations
The United States has been ranked as the world's most admired country.
Beware! 10 future bubbles in the making
While most feel the world is a safer place now that the financial crisis has been tackled, Sunil Kewalramani lists ten future bubbles in the making.
How he plans to be a millionaire in 2 years
Meet the two brothers, Mohit and Rahul Yadav from Jaipur, who have started a unique business online.
Climate change? India must play it hard
"From the Indian point of view, if I were a politician, I'd continue to play it hard," explains Mike Hulme, professor at the University of East Anglia's prestigious climate change programme. "From a rational perspective, India has to do what's best for its people."
Images: The ultimate business jet is here!
Priced at $22.2 million, Hawker 4000 has redefined standards for business aviation.
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| October 05, 2009 | | Check out the world's first 3D camera!
The 3D system consists of FinePix REAL 3D W1, the 3D camera, an 8 inch viewer on which 3D images can be displayed, and 3D print, Fujifilm's technology that enables users print 3D images.
India's highest paid CEOs
Recession or not, the number of CEOs earning more than a crore is rising with hundreds of new names in India's millionaire club.
Revival? India Inc created 40% fewer jobs
New job creation dropped by over 40 per cent in 2008-09, with 469 companies studied having recruited 1,35,987 employees during the year under review, compared to 2,28,968 in the 2007-08.
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| September 29, 2009 | | The world's most powerful businesswomen
Indra Nooyi, chairman and CEO, PepsiCo has topped the Financial Times list of top 50 women in world business.
How Asian Paints outperformed rivals
Asian Paints has for long sold very small cans of paint which are used to colour the horns of bulls during the Pola festival in Maharashtra and the auspicious small red and yellow stripes at the bottom of the front door of Tamil Nadu homes. This might not always be remunerative, but it has given a tremendous boost to the company's brand recall.
Why the US is to blame for India's farmer suicides
While Washington remains paralysed by interest group politics, billions in India stand to bear the brunt of global climate change, which is certain to result in food shortages, lack of potable water for a majority of the population, flooding of the Ganga and other rivers due to melting glaciers, and an unsustainable exodus of millions from the countryside to the urban centers.
Murthy on why corporates must be philanthropic
N R Narayana Murthy, co-founder and chief mentor of IT major Infosys Technology, said corporate bodies in developing countries like India have a responsibility to involve themselves in philanthropic acts to help underprivileged people.
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| September 25, 2009 | | The 10 greenest companies in the US
Six companies led by India-origin people including banking behemoth Citigroup and soft drinks major Pepsico have been named among the greenest American companies by Newsweek magazine.
India among most corrupt nations
Corruption has become as way of life across the world, costing global economies billions of dollars every year.
Images: Obama greets PM warmly
US President Barack Obama is looking forward to the state visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Washington in November.
Delhi Metro gets faster, swankier
Delhi Metro on Friday rolled out its new fleet of broad gauge trains, which are more faster and swankier than the present ones, as DMRC chief E Sreedharan promised more trains to meet the ever-increasing passenger rush on the new age transport system.
India, world's 2nd largest maker of small cars
By all accounts, the car industry in India is about to acquire serious scale, as new car plants start dotting the maps of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Gujarat and Uttaranchal.
Staff training: IT firms spending millions
Indian IT majors may have tightened their belts in various areas to contain costs as a fallout of the global economic slowdown. But most of them see continuing value when it comes to employee training, even though it skims crores (tens of millions) of rupees off their top-lines.
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| September 18, 2009 | | Not hanging up shoes in a hurry: Azim Premji
Wipro founder and chairman Azim Premji said on Friday that he was 'not hanging up his shoes in a hurry'. He was speaking to the doyens of Indian IT industry and entrepreneurs in New Delhi after receiving the Dataquest Lifetime Achievement Award 2009.
Have you seen the new Reva electric cars?
Reva Electric Car Co unveiled two models, one of them designed by India's celebrated auto designer Dilip Chhabria, at the 63rd Frankfurt International Motor Show on Thursday.
Soaring prices could affect festivities
With the prices of daily essentials rising, spending on sweets, clothes, crackers, lights and other celebrating items are taking a back seat.
Accident claim for your car? Read this!
The first thing that you should do in case your car is damaged in an accident is report it to your insurance company within the time frame as mentioned in your car insurance agreement.
Case of the FinMin's missing table, and more
If budget policy started changing around the mid-1980s, it is for a reason. The original oak wood table used by successive finance ministers, right from the time of the interim government before Independence, went missing around then.
From Ferrari to Rolls, they are all there!
Crisis in the automotive industry is not over yet, but there are increasing signs that the bottom has been reached.
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| September 17, 2009 | | Coming soon to India! Plastic currency notes
The RBI is toying with the idea of replacing paper currency with polymer notes. As a pilot project, the central bank is said to have decided to introduce 100 crore (1 billion) pieces of Rs 10 polymer notes, for which the bank has floated a global tender. The bank has asked interested parties for 500 pieces of sample banknotes, before the actual global bids for the project go through.
Car loan default: What, when and how?
When does a default actually happen? Does making a deferred or skipping the payment for a month or so constitute a default? Will your car be repossessed then?
Victim of bank fraud? Prove it!
A two-pronged strategy -- filing a police complaint and approaching a consumer court -- works best.
Lessons to learn from the Jet pilots' strike
Highly-paid pilots should not be allowed to unionise.
Bengal offers 45 acres each to Infy, Wipro
Shortly after scrapping the proposed IT township project -- Vedic Village -- at Rajarhat near Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said late on Wednesday that the two IT majors must be retained in the state, reports the Indian Express.
How to secure your firewall
Learn how your critical assets and access to these assets can be secured by ensuring that your firewalls have the right security policy in them.
Your small donation can buy them dignity
If time is what you have to offer, Dignity offers several options.
Fixed deposits? Check out various banks' rates
With global financial crisis forcing the banks to tighten interest rates, fixed deposits have somewhat reclaimed its past glory. Once again, people have started opting for bank term deposits as one of the safest investment scheme.
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| September 15, 2009 | | It's no longer raining millionaires!
Global wealth fell from $104.7 trillion in 2007 to $92.4 trillion in 2008.
Sonia opens Infosys's new centre in Mysore
Congress president Sonia Gandhi, on Tuesday, inaugurated Infosys' Global Education Center - II at its Mysore campus.
How Obama plans to salvage world economy
Those on Wall Street cannot resume taking risks without regard for consequences, and expect that next time, American taxpayers will be there to break their fall.
What the Tata Nano is like: Owners speak!
Enthusiastic owners who drove the Nano through dusty roads, highways and steep terrains, hundreds of kilometres at a stretch share their experience.
How Lehman's fall changed the world
The recession triggered unemployment, which rose to all-time highs in the US and around the world. Markets felt the ripples of the meltdown wiping off trillions of dollars of investor wealth.
How a banking giant fell . . .and died
September 15, 2008 -- shockwaves went through the world financial markets, as it was hit by the biggest bankruptcy in history.
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| September 14, 2009 | | The Ok-Tata-Bye-Bye controversy
Infringements related to brand names and trademarks are a never-ending story. In the latest dispute over a brand name, the Tata Group has objected to the word 'Tata' used in oktatabyebye.com, a travel community site owned by MakeMyTrip.
Phishing, vishing: Great tips to be safe
Phishing is an attempt by fraudsters to 'fish' for your banking details. A phishing attempt usually is in the form of an e-mail that appears to be from your bank. The e-mail usually encourages you to click a link in it that takes you to a fraudulent log-on page designed to capture your details.
India's 20 best IT employers
HCL Infosystems has emerged as the best employer in the information technology industry in India, according to a survey conducted by Dataquest-IDC (International Data Corporation).
Economic downturn sees an upsurge in labour unrest
The past year has seen a rising incidence of labour strife in India, with strikes at Hyundai, Mahindra, Nestle, banks and oil companies.
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| September 10, 2009 | |
Robotics start-ups come of age in India
Robotics start-ups in India are finally making their presence felt. Be it the education or industrial and commercial segments, these start-ups are standing up and getting noticed for their inventions.
'Sensex to scale 18K by March 2010'
Earlier Rajeev Malik an analyst with Macquarie Group had downgraded India's economic growth forecast to 6.5 per cent for the fiscal ended March 2010, from 7 per cent on account of weak monsoon.
Mangoes for the US, but Harley-Davidson for India!
An interview with Anoop Prakash, Managing Director, Harley-Davidson India.
World's top 10 brands
The business of building brands is a tough one. And no one knows it better than corporate majors. In today's ever-changing economy, entrepreneurs seek specialists' help to launch their products and create brands.
World's 10 greenest cities
At this juncture, top-10-list.org has done a survey to seek the greenest cities of the world -- its main criterion of selection being the carbon dioxide emission level. The city with the least CO2 emission has been named the greenest city.
The world's 10 richest cities
European cities have emerged as the world's richest and most expensive places. By comparison, Indian cities are amongst the world's least expensive.
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| September 09, 2009 | | Kingfisher's Mumbai-Hong Kong flights from Sep 15
The launch marks the first time that Kingfisher Airlines is adding destinations from South East Asia to its international route network.
A saga of Jet Air's controversies
Controversies have perennially dogged Jet Airways. The latest tussle with the pilots has further dented the company's reputation, demoralised employees, inconvenienced thousands of passengers and resulted in losses running into crores for the beleaguered airline.
Why Bengal scrapped a major IT project
Last year it was the transfer of Nano project and this year it is the scrapping of the IT park. Bengal's pre-Puja economic scene turned gloomy once again this time with the West Bengal government deciding to give up the ambitious information technology township plan at Rajarhat in Greater Kolkata.
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| September 08, 2009 | | World's 10 most competitive nations
Vibrant financial markets and a sound banking sector has helped Indian economy move up a notch to 49th place on the global competitive scale, while Switzerland has toppled the United States as the top-ranked nation, the World Economic Forum said on Tuesday.
The world's first Islamic search engine
AZS Media Group, a Dutch company on September 1 launched the world's first Islamic search engine -- ImHalal.com -- that differentiates what material is 'halal' (allowed) and what is 'haram' (forbidden) in Islam.
New code: How your investments will be taxed
The proposed Direct Taxes Code Bill, 2009, should change our tax liability as well as the way we invest.
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| September 04, 2009 | | WTO deadlock broken: Indian farmers afraid
The World Trade Organisation ministerial meeting broke the 'impasse' over resumption of Doha Round of talks, with 35 trade ministers agreeing to take forward negotiations from where they left in Geneva in July last year.
The hottest dual SIM mobiles in India
Having struck the right chord with the buyers with FM radio-equipped and multimedia phones, the cell phone makers are now concentrating on a new trend -- dual SIM phones.
India's 10 most affluent cities
A Nielsen survey estimates a total of 2.5 million affluent households in India.
It's raining cars on Indian roads!
India's crisis-hit auto sector is driving the recessionary blues away. All car makers are upbeat, staging a comeback with new models.
11 ways to liberalise the Internet
The growth of Internet will reduce the both national and international call rates.
World's 10 safest banks
With bank stability still high on corporate and investor agenda, Global Finance publishes its 18th annual list of the world's safest banks.
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| September 02, 2009 | | Anil Ambani slips on world power list; Mukesh out
A sharp erosion in his wealth and a long-running sibling rivalry notwithstanding, Indian billionaire Anil Ambani has retained his position in the list of the world's 100 most powerful people, but is down 30 places since last year, while his brother Mukesh has made a total exit.
Mamata's land bank: The pros and cons
What is meant by Mamata's land bank? Will it be effecetive? How far will it be successful in solving the problem of land acquisition that plagues West Bengal?
7 secrets of TRUE financial success
The only real formula for prosperity is to work hard, save regularly and invest wisely. It is a long-drawn process; but the most enduring one.
The Internet is 40 years old!
One of the biggest technology breakthroughs, the Internet impacts the lives of billions of people across the world.
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| September 01, 2009 | | Beware! Fraudsters offer jobs for money
With real employment offers hard to come by in a tough job market, fraudsters are out making bogus offers in the name of big corporate entities.
Swine flu scare: Healthcare firms cash in
Cashing in on the alarming swine flu scare in the country, private companies are launching new products and advocating innovative ways to tackle the spread of the virus.
Global economy returning to normalcy: PM
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Tuesday the global economic downturn which had affected Indian economy as well, is now coming to an end with slow return to normalcy.
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| August 25, 2009 | | The other side of Nasscom
Nasscom Foundation's focus is social development.
Delhi, Mumbai among world's cheapest cities
India's capital city New Delhi and financial hub Mumbai have been ranked among the least expensive cities around the world by a survey, even as cost for food and housing in the country continues to rise.
Nilekani on the advantages of UID number
The UID will be used just for verifying someone's identity. It would be a 'yes', 'no' kind of an exercise. If someone's identity needs to be verified, only then these numbers will come in handy, says the UIDAI boss.
El Nino and its impact on the economy
This may also be the second-strongest El Nino after 1998. El Nino winds bring drastic changes in the weather pattern, which will hit the agriculture sector.
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| August 21, 2009 | | Air India to slash staff salary
The Air India board has decided to reduce by 50 per cent the productivity-linked incentives or flying allowance payable to its employees.
How to make money from mega IPOs
Here are certain fundamental principles to help us find out what suits us right while investing in initial public offerings.
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| August 19, 2009 | | India major hub for cybercrime
India is fast emerging as a major hub of cybercrime as recession is driving computer-literate criminals to electronic scams, claimed a study by researchers at the University of Brighton.
Almost 50% employees unhappy with their job
The challenging economic conditions are taking a toll on employees, as nearly half of the executives around the world are dissatisfied with their jobs, and do not trust their leaders, a survey says.
The world's fastest growing companies
The world's fastest growing company is Canada-based Research In Motion, the maker of Blackberry phones.
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| August 14, 2009 | | Satyam's Raju & the 108 business plan!
In this extract from The Satyam Saga, Business Standard looks into the origins of EMRI, the allies Raju assembled and the roots of his philanthropic works -- as well as the problems that quickly grew to endanger his vision.
6 reasons why Indian IT will revive soon
Analysts believe that the worst might be over for Indian IT and the sector might just be entering a stabilisation zone. However, they caution that it will be at least a year before tech companies start growing again, even though the Indian economy might revive earlier on the back of strong consumer demand.
America's 10 highest-paid CEOs
Stephen Schwarzman, CEO of investment company Blackstone Group, got a total of $702.4 million: of this $699.7 million was received in shares vested after the company's public offering.
CII's 5-pt plan to fight scanty rain, high prices
The CII has suggested a 5-point agenda on the measures that need to be undertaken by central and state governments to stave off the adverse effects of a deficient monsoon. Let's find out what this agenda is. . .
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| August 13, 2009 | | Fake notes: India's secret template compromised!
The secret template India uses to print currency notes has been 'compromised' and that is possibly why fake but real-looking Indian currency notes are being pumped in, says the Central Bureau of Investigation, to subvert the country's economy.
Flu: IT, BPO firms see 20% fall in attendance
With the growing swine flu scare across the city, a number of IT-BPO service providers here are seeing up to 20 per cent drop in attendance.
Hope for airlines: Govt to study high fuel prices
India's ailing aviation sector can finally hope to get some relief. The Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Praful Patel has announced that a Group of Ministers (GoM) has been formed to look into the issues faced by the aviation sector.
New tax code: More money, fewer exemptions!
Interest payment on home loans could become fully taxable. Perks to be included in salary income and taxed.
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| August 12, 2009 | | ATMs with in-built fake-note detectors soon
The central bank might ensure that the new series of banknotes with more robust security features be introduced as early as possible.
No terror funds in stock markets: Govt
The government on Tuesday ruled out any surreptitious entry of terrorist outfits into the stock market and said that sufficient caution has been administered to the stock exchanges to look out for any suspicious entry into their activity.
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| August 11, 2009 | | Indian consumers 2nd most optimistic
Consumers who had deferred purchases or preferred to stretch their money at discount retailers look all set to splurge again. The latest round of the Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence Survey reveals a sharp increase in confidence levels, Indians being the second most optimistic.
Soaring prices: What can be done?
Skyrocketing prices have even the Supreme Court worried. On Tuesday, the Apex Court expressed concern over the spiralling prices of food items that have hit the common man hard.
Flu: IT firms panic; economy may be hit
With the swine flu scare gripping the world, especially India, experts are trying to figure out the economic impact that a widespread swine flu epidemic might have on the economy and the markets.
How to succeed in a downturn
A downturn is tough on a startup. Here are a few strategies to bring you closer to success.
Surat's diamond industry recovering
Post global slowdown scenario, Surat's diamond industry is gaining momentum in demand from the domestic, international and emerging markets like China, industry sources said today.
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| August 10, 2009 | | Get ready to pay more for primary articles
The weak monsoon this year will jack up prices of primary articles further, even as the country's inflation is likely to be in negative territory for the next three months, a report says.
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| August 07, 2009 | | Why markets are conversations
Markets are conversations, not merely devices for aggregating information. And value is not the same as price. All value is discovered inside a conversation and price is just one aspect of 'what's it worth to you'.
Satyam, Raju owe Rs 541 crore in tax dues
Out of the total dues, Satyam Computer, which has now been re-branded as Mahindra Satyam, alone owes a hefty Rs 532 crore (Rs 5.32 billion) to the Income Tax department
7 steady-rise stocks to buy
Tougher to find today than two weeks ago, there are still a few value buys left in the market.
Why Ambani brothers are locking horns again
The latest Ambani-sibling fight has now become a political battle.
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| August 05, 2009 | | Rupee, yuan may be global currencies soon: Rajan
Given their stability, the rupee and the renminbi (Chinese currency) -- when made convertible -- could well emerge as substitute currencies which countries will hold their reserves, stated Raghuram Rajan, Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister and Professor of Finance at the Chicago Graduate School of Business, on Wednesday.
How correct are China's GDP figures?
Controversy continues to swirl around the accuracy of government's claims.
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| July 31, 2009 | | Terror threat: Infosys get elite commandos
Software giant Infosys on Friday came under the security blanket of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), becoming the first private firm to be protected by the force which usually guards government installations.
Bailout or we stop flying, pvt airlines to govt
In an unprecedented show of solidarity on Friday in Mumbai, India's cash-strapped, loss-making private airlines -- including Kingfisher Airlines, Jet Airways, and others -- have demanded a bailout package from the government or they 'will have to suspend their operations indefinitely'.
How Indian IT firms can be global giants
'If you want to be a global giant, you cannot position yourself as only a software services provider; you have to be a solution provider.'
Shopping online? Credit card PIN a must
Come August 1, it will be compulsory to have a personal identification number (PIN)/password for all online credit and debit card transactions in the country.
Why food prices are soaring in India
Higher vegetables and pulse prices pushed up the country's food inflation by 1.2 per cent during the week ended July 18, giving no relief to consumers, even as the overall price level for the seventh week in a row remained below zero.
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| July 30, 2009 | | India Inc upbeat on hiring, pay hikes
Corporate India is on the path to recovery after having been pummelled around in the global recessionary storm, with companies showing optimism on hiring and salary increases, says a joint Mercer-CII survey.
Mukesh has forgotten Dhirubhai, says Anil Ambani
In a no-holds-barred attack, Anil Ambani has accused his elder brother, Mukesh, of trading their father Dhirubhai's vision for 'corporate greed'.
Why India needs to move to a green future
Global warming is too serious a problem to just discuss or debate on. Some really well-orchestrated steps are required to counter the threat.
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| July 24, 2009 | | Bill Gates keen to partner ID card project
Microsoft, the world's largest software company, is keen to partner India in a project to issue unique identification to each citizen, its chairman Bill Gates said on Friday.
The world's happiest nations
Then, you might want to make plans to move to Latin America. According to the Happy Planet Index, published recently by the New Economics Foundation, Latin American countries have high scores when it comes to happiness.
Buying medicines? Watch out for fakes!
While the top players of the over Rs 85,000 crore (Rs 850 billion) pharmaceutical business are up in arms over what they call rampant spread of counterfeit drugs (allegedly 20 to 25 per cent of total pharma sales) in the country, enforcement agencies and some pharma associations say the situation is not that alarming.
Traffic snarls may soon be history
Worsening traffic is making travelling by car an increasingly frustrating and unpleasant experience.
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| July 23, 2009 | |
10 countries with largest foreign reserves
Foreign exchange reserve, often taken as a yardstick to gauge a country's financial strength, are the foreign currency deposits and bonds held by central banks or monetary authorities (it is Reserve Bank in case of India).
What ID card boss Nilekani plans to do
The first set of unique identification numbers will be issued to the citizens within 12-18 months, high-profile IT expert Nandan Nilekani said soon after taking over as the head of the newly-created Unique Identification Database Authority of India (IDAI) on Thursday.
Why Budget fails to excite the common man
In its effort to be something of everything, the budget has become a bag of contradictions
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| July 22, 2009 | | How IPL became a billion dollar brand
The football-style, franchise-based Indian Premier League (IPL) almost overnight became a multi-billion dollar brand.
How Budget will hurt taxpayers and growth
Some of the tax proposals made by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee like marginal increase in in exemption limits or abolition of FBT will not have the desired effect and could hurt economic growth over time.
All about the Ambani gas war
Even four years after splitting the Reliance empire, the Ambani brothers still seem to be washing dirty linen in public: the latest battle is over gas pricing.
Flood alert! Mumbai firms gear up
Two days ahead of the high tide warning, corporate houses here are busy drawing plans to meet any possible recurrence of the 26/7, 2005 deluge in the metropolis.
Divestment: India's new financial mantra?
Presenting the Union Budget in Parliament recently, finance minister Pranab Mukherjee proposed estimated divestment proceeds of Rs 1,120 crore (Rs 11.2 billion) for 2009-10, which includes divestment in Rail India Technical and Economic Services, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd, Manganese Core India Ltd, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd.
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| July 21, 2009 | | India's greatest brands of 2008
The Nano and IPL come on top, Swift Dzire springs a surprise in the 13th annual Brand Derby.
How recession hit glitzy Dubai and expats
Glitzy lifestyles and accoutrements in the sheikhdom have given way to a nervous business environment.
How Air India can be revived
Old aircraft, tough competition and higher operational costs made making profits much more difficult for Air India. Here are some ways to revive the national carrier.
What Vedanta boss plans for India
The best of Anil Agarwal is yet to come. When the entrepreneur-turned-billionaire mopped up $1.5 billion (including $500 million from Vedanta) from a stagnant American financial market in just six hours, the experts and even his critics have changed their views on the Vedanta chief.
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| July 20, 2009 | | India's business family feuds
Families like Birla, Ambani, Modi, Shriram, Bajaj, Nanda, Dalmia, Chhabria and Thapar have all split in the past.
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| July 16, 2009 | | Why Google eyes cloud computing
It's not only Google but also start-ups like Ghost, Glide and even software giant Microsoft that are in the game.
Computer games: Mythology-based tales are a hit
Even adults find these games non-violent and educational.
World's 8 biggest employers
At a time when the economic crisis is forcing companies to reduce costs and cut jobs, retail giant Wal-Mart has emerged as the biggest employer in the world with a whopping 2.1 million people working for it last year, according to the Fortune magazine.
Tata Nano lands in Hyderabad
The first consignment of the much-awaited Tata Nano cars arrived at the Sanatnagar Railway station in Hyderabad on a special railway coach.
Now, 'standing room' on airlines!
Irish discount airline Ryanair is said to be making plans for standing rooms on their planes so that they can accommodate more people onboard.
The secret of Advinus's success
Advinus has developed a unique model to discover new medicines for neglected diseases with the objective to make safe, effective and affordable new drugs available to the poorest of the poor.
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| July 13, 2009 | | Revival! India to create millions of jobs
Nearly 2 lakh (200,000) engineers and 1.32 lakh (132,000) diploma holders were unemployed in 2007, the ministry of labour and employment told the Lok Sabha on Monday, and said that 15 million jobs would be created in public and private sectors by the end of Eleventh Plan.
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| July 10, 2009 | | Lalu: My figures are not wrong
With his claims of Railway turnaround coming under scanner, former railway minister Lalu Prasad on Friday rejected the charge of juggling profit figures, insisting that he had nothing to fear despite the white paper promised by his successor Mamata Banerjee.
The hottest touch phones in India
Here's a look at some of the best touchscreen phones you would love to own.
We've just 96 months to save the world: Chales
Britain's Prince Charles on Wednesday blasted capitalism and consumerism for having 'brought the world to the brink of economic and environmental doom.
Infosys Q1 net at Rs 15.27 bn, up 17.28%
Infosys announced its first quarterly results on Friday. Th software major's Q1 net stood at Rs 1,527 crore, up 17.28%.
Fraudsters who got longest sentences
Bernie Madoff, notorious fraudster, was sentenced to 150 years in jail. Turns out, his sentence is only the 5th largest in recent years!
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| July 09, 2009 | | $1.68 million for lunch with Warren Buffett!
Toronto-based investment firm, Salida Capital led by Courtenay Wolfe has won the charity auction to dine with billionaire investor Warren Buffett.
Recession getting over, India to boom: IMF
The International Monetary Fund on Wednesday raised India's growth forecast to 5.4 per cent for 2009 and said that the global economy is beginning to pull out of a recession.
All you wanted to know about GST
GST will create a single, unified Indian market to make the economy stronger.
Global slowdown hits IT scene in Andhra Pradesh
Rs 22 crore (Rs 220 million). That was the total value of exports of IT software from Andhra Pradesh in 1994-95. IT exports in the state have now crossed Rs 32,500 crore (Rs 325 billion) during 2008-09 and poised to grow up by another 20% during the current financial year.
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| July 08, 2009 | | World's most trade-friendly nations
Singapore is the world's most trade-friendly economy, the World Economic Forum said in a study. The WEF's Global Enabling Trade Report 2009 measures and analyses factors enabling trade in 121 industrialised and emerging economies around the world.
Sensex may hit 18,000 in April 2010
The benchmark index Sensex will continue on its growth path and may even scale 18,000 level by 2010, experts say, notwithstanding the six per cent fall it saw on the day of the Union Budget.
There's life after Infosys
Nandan Nilekani exits for a high-profile govt job, but two low-profile founders have built successful careers after quitting.
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| July 07, 2009 | | Air India to revamp top brass, divest partially
Taking aggressive steps to turn around cash-strapped Air India in two years, government on Tuesday said a major revamp of its top management would be carried out in 30 days and there would be a partial divestment of the national carrier in the near future.
The market expected too much: Pranab
An interview with finance minister Pranab Mukherjee.
'It's a 50-50 Budget'
Deepak Mehta is not at all happy with the recent hikes in the rates of petrol and diesel. The good point, he feels, is the spending on the social sectors and the steady growth experienced by India Inc despite a global slowdown.
How the Budget impacts industry sectors
Pranab Mukherjee touched upon the problems and the initiatives needed to spur Indian Economy, but there is hardly anything on table for the industry to cheer about.
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| July 06, 2009 | | Who called FM names, who praised him
India Inc on Monday welcomed the focus on reviving economic growth to nine per cent as also the indications for bold tax reforms, but expressed regret that the Minimum Alternate Tax was raised and Security Transaction Tax was let to continue.
Budget: All about tax proposals
Giving relief to individual taxpayers, the government on Monday raised the income tax exemption limit.
What's cheaper, what's costlier
Select life saving drugs, LCD TVs, mobile phones, branded jewellery, sports and leather products, packaged software and footwear are among items that would cost less, while gold bars and coins, silver, set-top boxes and cosmetic surgery would turn costlier after the Budget.
Union Budget: What the FM has in store
Pranab presents his fourth Budget.
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| July 04, 2009 | | How much does Barack Obama earn?
While Barack Obama's job as the President of the United States earns him a cool salary of $400,000, his top White House staffers are not doing too badly either.
America's 10 most famous fraudsters
A look at ten of America's most famous fraudsters, and how they were dealth with by US courts of law.
Beware! Fake medicines dumped in Kerala
These fake medicines include several life-saving drugs, as well as common medicines like Paracetamol. These low-quality drugs are imported from China and freely available in the market.
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| July 03, 2009 | | Lalu got math wrong, Mamata corrects
They may be on the same side of political power, but that did not stop Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee and her predecessor Lalu Prasad from taking pot-shots at each other during the presentation of Railway Budget in the Lok Sabha.
Just what is the Union Budget?
What is the Budget? Why is it so important? Why does it affect all of us? And, above all, how does one interpret the budgetary lingo flying around?
Mamata's rail: What's in it for you
She said that the budget will have approach for 'inclusive growth' and expansion of rail network to take development to every corner of the country.
The businessman behind the Mumbai sea link
Constructing the Bandra-Worli Sea Link has put the publicity-shy Ajit Gulabchand squarely in the spotlight.
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| July 02, 2009 | | Lift ban on Satyam, Tech M to World Bank
'We wrote to the bank a few weeks ago. We don't expect an immediate response as these things take time but we disagree with the claims they've made,' Australian IT quoted Tech Mahindra executive vice-chairman Vineet Nayyar as saying in Sydney. Satyam was blacklisted last September and a month later was forced to deny reports that its contractors had installed spy software on World Bank computers.
When India lost 6 lakh jobs in 4 months!
More than 600,000 Indians, many employed in the gems and jewellery sector, lost jobs in just four months from October 2008 as the impact of the global economic crisis hit the country's shores.
This is what the Economic Survey says
Recommending an end to all cesses and surcharges on taxes, and free pricing of fertiliser and fuel ahead of the Union Budget for 2009-10, the Economic Survey on Thursday suggested aggressive divestment and financial sector reforms to bring the economy back to high growth track.
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| July 01, 2009 | | Sea link: Traffic jam on Day One!
The Bandra-Worli sea link, which was just thrown open for public, on Wednesday experienced huge traffic snarls with vehicles moving at a snail's pace on the bridge.
An American on the Bandra Worli Sea Link
Rediff.com's American Correspondent has a few thoughts on the newly opened Bandra Worli Sea Link.
Obama's anti-tobacco bill, and its impact
US President Barack Obama has signed a historic bill that gives the government powers to curb advertising and promotion of tobacco products.
SEZ story: How farmers won against Ambani
Nobody is dubbing it a revolution, but something radical has happened near Mumbai. Ambani, not just the richest but also arguably the most powerful Indian industrialist, has faced a setback due to 'people's power'.
The secret behind Amul's success
One of India's most successful organisations, Amul, has been ranked among the largest dairy businesses in the world by International Farm Comparison Network (IFCN).
Sony Walkman is 30!
Thirty years ago Sony launched the Walkman, a gadget which revolutionised the way people around the world listened to music.
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| June 30, 2009 | | Sonia Gandhi inaugurates Bandra Worli Sea Link
Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the Bandra Worli Sea Link on June 30, 2009.
India's biggest job creators this year
According to a survey, the banking sector emerged as biggest job generator in the first quarter of the current fiscal with the segment increasing headcount by more than 16,000.
Patna better than Mumbai to start business
Of the 17 cities figured in the World Bank and International Finance Corporation's "Doing Business In India 2009" report, Jaipur, Hyderabad and Bhubaneshwar are the other cities where it is easier to start a business.
Indian stocks: World's best performers
Indian stocks have emerged as the best performers among those in the emerging and the developed markets across the globe so far this year, giving investors the highest return of nearly 60 per cent.
The world's first solar plane
The initial version of the solar plane, spanning 61 metres but weighing just 1,500 kg, will undergo trials to prove it can fly at night.
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| June 29, 2009 | | At 60, what Amul plans to do
Amul is overhauling its branding and distribution strategy to keep pace with the changing times.
Budget: What the common man wants
The Union Budget just a week away. While economists and analysts are busy making predictions about the biggest annual financial event in the country, common people are no less interested either.
Now, buy Jaguar, Land Rover in India!
Now you can buy Jaguars and Land Rovers from dedicated showrooms in India. Indian owned or not, they represent some of the best sports cars and sports utility vehicles.
JLR: What Britain gifted to the world
The Jaguar E-Type and the Land Rover Defender are two of the most famous automotive icons that Britain gifted to the world.
How the Budget could hit your stocks
The Budget is expected to contain measures to accelerate growth while being fiscally prudent.
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| June 25, 2009 | | Fake money: Security breached, admits RBI!
The Reserve Bank of India has admitted that security features introduced in the higher denomination notes in 2005 as an anti-counterfeiting measure have been breached!
Flying car? Here's what it is like!
The Flying Car can drive, fly, and automatically transform between the two in 60 seconds, could be on the road and in the skies as early as 2011.
10 easy steps to tax filing
If you are a new taxpayer or one who is struggling to obtain a foothold in the world of taxes, our attempt at simplifying the tax filing process seeks to help you sail through this. Read on. . .
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| June 24, 2009 | | Taxpayer money to bail out Air India
The government's support is there for Air India, (but) it comes with a condition, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said. Air India must shape up, it should become leaner and trimmer, Patel said.
Where will the Sensex go from here?
Up 24.2 per cent in less than 30 days! That's how the BSE Sensex has been behaving. The current run, however, is likely to change.
How Airtel plans to be most-admired brand
Bharti hopes to make Airtel the country's most-admired brand by 2010. Has it done enough to rise above the clutter?
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| June 22, 2009 | | Why Air India is in trouble
Unprecedented liquidity crunch, high oil prices, widespread economic gloom, declining passenger traffic, skills shortage, and overcapacity are squeezing the life out of India's state-run flagship airline.
Mumbai gets a makeover
The much-publicised sea link isn't the only transport improvement coming Mumbai's way. More roads linking the east and west, the metro and monorail, and a trans-harbour link are changing the way people will live and work in the city.
Budget will be popular, says Montek
"The word populist has negative overtones, but I am sure (the) finance minister will present a popular Budget. However, we should maintain the mystery of the Budget and you have to wait and see what comes out," Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Alhuwalia said.
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| June 19, 2009 | | Helping India's micro-entrepreneurs
The National Policy on Urban Street Vendors, 2009, approved by the UPA government, recognises street vendors (or micro-entrepreneurs) as an integral and legitimate part of the urban retail trade and distribution system.
Beware! All's not well with Indian stocks
The Indian stock markets may have gained significantly in recent months but the country's fiscal position and uncertainty about global recovery still suggests a cautious approach towards equities, says Moody's.
How to lead during a recession
Business management guru Ram Charan's new book, Leadership in the Era of Economic Uncertainty, advises managers to get lean and mean during downturns.
India created 300,000 jobs in US
"Indian foreign direct investment in the US is more than America's FDI in India."
China selling fake 'Made in India' drugs
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 30 percent of medicines sold in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are spurious.
Obama reads Wall Street the riot act
US President Barack Obama has released his plan to reform Wall Street. A look...
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| June 17, 2009 | | What GE does in Bangalore
General Electric's technology centre in Bangalore helps the company grapple with technology and costs. Here's the lowdown on this low-cost but cutting-edge facility.
India may raise home loan tax exemption
The income tax exemption for interest payment of home loans is likely to be increased to Rs 2.5 lakh (Rs 250,000) for the upcoming year.
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| June 11, 2009 | | Satyam not to lay off employees
There will be no retrenchment in Satyam, up to 10,000 employees to be put into virtual pool, Tech Mahindra CEO Vineet Nayyar said.
India's costliest cities to live in
Strong currencies may have pushed up the cost of living for expatriates assigned to major Asian locations, but India cities are still among the cheapest places globally for an overseas assignee, a survey says.
Honda Jazz is here at Rs 743,000
Honda has finally made its entrance into the country's competitive compact car segment, with the launch of the Honda Jazz. In Mumbai, Jazz standard will cost Rs 7.43 lakh (Rs 743,000), Jazz Mode Rs 773,000 (Rs 773,000) and Jazz Active Rs 778,000 (Rs 778,000).
How to bounce back from workplace mistakes
DA Benton, top executive coach, explains how to react to everyday mistakes we all make.
Bangalore's loss, Buffalo's gain?
Impact of Obama's tax proposal on Indian outsourcing industry still not clear.
The 100-day plan to revive Indian economy
The architect of India's economic reforms, Manmohan Singh, has another big mission on his hands now.
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| June 10, 2009 | | How luxury hotels are surviving the downturn
They saving crores by making cuts that customers can barely notice.
Pranab wants banks to cut interest rates
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday asked banks to cut interest rates and provide cheap credit to industry in order to spur economic activity.
US firms fight Obama's anti-Bangalore stance
A month after American President Barack Obama came out with 'Say no to Bangalore, yes to Buffalo' rhetoric, which now echoes in the corridors of Capitol Hill, American companies have launched a campaign against the new law that ends tax incentives to those firms which create jobs overseas.
Bill that could kill H-1B visas
A strident bill concerning US work visas for non-US citizens has been re-introduced before the US Senate. A look at the bill.
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| June 09, 2009 | | The fastest, most powerful iPhone is here!
iPhone 3G S features video recording, Voice Control, up to 32GB of storage, and more.
'Rajeev was such a humble human being'
Silicon Valley technocrats, Standord students pay rich tribute to the humble, soft-spoken Rajeev Motwani.
Cashing in on India's low-cost home rush
Does low-cost housing make economic sense? It seems to. Developers believe the loss in margins (20 per cent in affordable housing, against 50-300 per cent in case of premium housing) can be made up somewhat by the sheer volumes of sales.
Despite slowdown, auto firms raise salaries
The highest pay hikes for the current year are set to come from Maruti Suzuki and Hero Honda.
It's raining cars this June
After the launch of Audi's crossover utility vehicle Q5, June will see two more heavyweight car launches within days of each other, making this month the one with the most number of launches in the last nine months.
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| June 08, 2009 | | Silicon Valley loses an angel
The untimely passing of 47-year-old Rajeev Motwani has left the Silicon Valley community in shock. Here, many of them remember this great man.
TCS raises top brass pay by Rs 10 mn
Inida's top IT firm, Tata Consultancy Services, has enhanced total pay packages of its top management personnel and board members by over Rs 10 million -- in the process giving a better hike to its incoming chief executive officer than his predecessor.
Infosys may begin campus hiring in 2010
'Most probably we will be going to campuses in January after we assess the situation. Since there is a slowdown and if the situation improves, we will be going to campuses,' says Infosys CEO and Managing Director S Gopalakrishnan.
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| June 05, 2009 | | The Audi Q5, now in India
The Audi Q5 range starts at Rs 38.29 lakh (Rs 3.83 million) for the 2.0 TFSI and Rs 44.19 lakh (Rs 4.42 million) for the 3.0 TDI.
'US years away from full recovery'
A few prominent economists are still worried that a US, and thus global, recovery is years away.
IT majors don domestic avatars
Perceived till recently as low-budget and low-margin, the domestic market now means big business to Indian IT majors.
What to expect from the Indian Budget
This is Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's fourth regular Budget.
The who's who of corruption in India
Political parties are perceived to be the most corrupt institution by Indians, according to 2009 Global Corruption Barometer released by Transparency International.
World's 12 most expensive office hotspots
Real estate, it is said, is heading south as direct fallout of the global economic crisis. Naturally, therefore, there has been a decline in rentals and Mumbai, known to be the most expensive city of India, has become lesser expensive for office space. However, the city remains at the sixth position among the world's costliest office markets, a report has said.
Recession hits small IT, BPO firms
More than 6,000 centres with headcounts of 10-100 have downed shutters across the country.
Mumbai sea link may open on June 16
Mumbai's much-awaited Bandra Worli Sea Link built over the Mahim Creek of Arabian Sea will likely open for public on June 16.
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| June 04, 2009 | | UP tops list of migrants in Maharashtra
During the last five years, of the 12.39 lakh (1.239 million) people who have migrated from other states to Maharashtra, 4.23 lakh (423,000) are from Uttar Pradesh, as per the Economic Survey of Maharashtra for 2008-09 which was tabled in the state Legislature on Wednesday.
The peak GM never scaled
Let us re-visit the iconic brands under the GM umbrella and to see why none of them could change the fortune for the General.
Airlines will take 3 years to recover
Airlines worldwide will continue to be in the 'red' because of the global meltdown and may take more than three years to recover, an international aviation group said warning that the epicentre of the crisis is now in Asia.
'India is entering a long-term bull run'
Rediff.com caught up with Reliance Capital Asset Managment CEO Sundeep Sikka, to discuss the success of Reliance Mutual Fund.
President on the economic crisis & black money
Expecting the economy to slow down in the current fiscal amid global recession, President Pratibha Patil said the new government will focus on adversely-affected sectors like infrastructure, exports, SMEs, and housing to restore the growth momentum.
US job cuts fall in May
Job cuts announced by US employers fell for the fourth consecutive month in May to over 1,10,000, recording a 16 per cent dip from layoffs announced in April, but the decline could be shortlived as downsizing may pick up pace after the summer months, a report has said.
Indian housing prices begin to drop!
Sales in newly launched residential products have gone up slightly owing to discounted prices. But will this trend sustain?
America's top 10 bankrupt companies
Three of this year's bankrupt companies -- GM, Chrysler and Thornburg Mortgage -- have found place among the 10 biggest ever bankruptcies in the American history.
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| June 02, 2009 | | 10 mn jobs in textiles sector: Maran's promise
The UPA government will work on creating one crore (10 million) new jobs in the textiles sector and attract an investment of Rs 1.55 lakh crore in the next five years, Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran said after taking charge.
GM, Chrysler fall may cost 250,000 jobs
Bankruptcies of automakers General Motors and Chrysler could cost as many as quarter million people their jobs over the next year and a half, a media report says.
If Sunil Mittal does not succeed...
He likes to try and try again, as the renewed merger talks with MTN have demonstrated.
How to automate money to get rich
Ramit Sethi's book I will Teach You to be Rich is a bestseller. The 26-year-old Stanford alumnus has been called 'a rising star in the world of personal finance writing.' Excerpts from an interview...
Bharti Wal-Mart in Amritsar, to invest $100 mn
Bharti Wal-Mart Pvt Ltd, the joint venture between Bharti Enterprises and retail giant Wal-Mart, opened its first cash-and-carry (wholesale) store in India at Amritsar.
An investment guru's advice for investors
Investment guru Parag Parikh talks about the state of the Indian stock markets. His advice? Value investing.
Management mantra of India's best CEO
India's top bank CEO has fine-tuned his work so efficiently that he has oodles of time for his favourite pastimes.
10 Indian firms among world's best
Ten Indian companies, including Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries and telecom major Bharti Airtel, are among the 500 top global companies for 2009
TRIO: India's first tri-fuel car
In their endeavour to produce a cost effective and environment friendly vehicle, the students of MM University have made first of its kind tri-fuel car- TRIO
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| June 01, 2009 | | 4 MM University students invent tri-fuel car
In their endeavor to produce a cost effective and environment friendly vehicle, the students of MM University has made first of its kind tri-fuel car- TRIO
Why General Motors went bankrupt
General Motors Corp will file for bankruptcy on Monday, forcing the 100-year-old iconic car major which has been one of the most visible symbols of American capitalism and economic might into uncharted waters of nationalisation or government ownership.
IPL: An accidental global brand
This year, IPL is estimated to have brought in nearly Rs 1,300 crore (Rs 13 billion) - overnight making it one of the biggest businesses in the entertainment -sports-media space.
8 Indian cities in world's riskiest BPO spots
India may have been hailed for long as the world's top outsourcing destination, but according to a survey in the annual Black Book of Outsourcing, as many as 8 Indian cities are among the world's 25 riskiest places for offshoring.
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| May 29, 2009 | | Welcome to the world of ZooZoos!
Vodafone's ZooZoo advertisements have taken the country by storm. Here, we look in-depth at the story behind these strange little egg-headed humanoids.
India's GDP grows 6.7% in FY09
The declining output of the manufacturing sector pulled down the economic growth rate in the fourth quarter of 2008-09 to 5.8 per cent and 6.7 per cent in the entire fiscal.
India's 11 largest M&A deals
The proposed $23-billion mega deal between Bharti Airtel and South Africa's MTN would be India's biggest-ever M&A deal. Let us now take a look at the 10 largest M&A transactions involving an Indian company until now
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| May 28, 2009 | | Investment options in India for NRIs
However, being Indians we still feel the need to stay connected to the place of our birth and therefore, we try to make investments in India through different avenues. Let's take a look at how Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can make investments in India.
Men behind Bharti, MTN merger talks
Meet the CEOs for South Africa's MTN and India's Bharti Airtel. They're the men behind what would be India Inc's largest-ever overseas transaction, at $23 billion.
A woman's art of motorcycle maintenance
Ambika Sharma of Jagran Solutions talks about being part of an all-male bikers' club.
7 ways to get right info on right stocks
Without knowing companies you cannot make the most of this opportunity to pick up quality stocks. Here's where you should go for information you can trust.
What makes a painting valuable?
Why is it that an artist's work can vary so greatly that values can range from the humdrum average (in a manner of speaking) to the extortionately phenomenal?
Why the New Pension Scheme is best for you
The New Pension Scheme scores over several other retirement products in many ways, check out how and why.
Secrets behind the success of Mumbai's dabbawallah
Now, Dabbawallahs, known for their food-supply network across Mumbai, are being asked to impart lessons on management and business skills to the corporate world.
Meet N Chandrasekaran, the new TCS CEO
TCS, India's largest IT company, has appointed and approved current TCS chief operating officer and executive director N Chandrasekaran as the CEO and Managing Director-designate.
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| May 27, 2009 | | RIL, Tatas most admired cos for CSR
Corporate behemoth Reliance Industries and two Tata Group firms - Tata Motors and Tata Steel - have emerged as the country's most admired companies for their corporate social responsibility initiatives, says a survey.
Govt to ask banks to cut rates, says Pranab
Concerned over high credit cost and availability of funds, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday said he will ask banks for a 'benign plan of action' while committing to stimulate economic growth by stepping up public expenditure and speeding up reforms.
I-T dept okays jobs for locals: Sena
The Income Tax department has agreed to give priority to 'sons of soil' and use of Marathi language in its offices, a Sena leader said.
Salaried? Save tax the smart way!
Earning a salary? Looking to save tax the smart way? You have two options: salary restructuring and tax-saving instruments.
Hotel industry gears up for Commonwealth Games
The financial losses due to economic meltdown and Mumbai terror attack notwithstanding, the Indian hotel industry is gearing up for the Commonwealth Games next year to make the most of the likely spurt in tourist traffic.
Foreign buyouts: Is India Inc on right path?
Indian companies may be embarking on ever more audacious international megadeals, inspired by aggressive empire-building ambitions rather than by the solid commercial logic and a careful appraisal of investment returns that have characterised past Indian acquisitions abroad.
All's well in West Bengal, say industrialists
Though the ruling Left Front in West Bengal recorded its worst performance in the recent Lok Sabha polls, industrialists appear to be unperturbed by the changing political wind in the state and believe industrialisation will continue.
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| May 19, 2009 | | The key to India's economic boom
It seems that notwithstanding the global financial crises, India is set to become a high-growth state and more of a welfare state under the new government.
Can the Congress deliver for business?
Indian stocks soar as investors take heart that the Congress Party's decisive victory will speed economic reforms - but labor changes may take time
Will this be the economic dream team?
While Lalu's chances of retaining Cabinet berth seems remote, experts believe there may not be too many new faces as far as important ministries are concerned.
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| May 18, 2009 | | Boom-time: Sectors to watch out for
Liquidity-starved sectors such as infrastructure and realty could be the biggest beneficiaries of the vote of confidence for the UPA.
Sensex rockets
There is an unprecedented sense of jubilation among investors, as they expect a big thrust on the reforms front.
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| May 15, 2009 | | Satyam may lay off over 12,000 employees
Sources said that the new management made a formal announcement before senior management personnel on Thursday on the issue of reducing manpower by up to 14,000 people.
Maruti Ritz is here at Rs 3.90 lakh!
Maruti Suzuki India, on Friday launched its latest small car Ritz in both petrol and diesel variants, offered at an introductory price of Rs 3.90-4.99 lakh.
My dream is still a budget airline: Capt Gopinath
Two years after selling his budget carrier, Air Deccan to Vijay Mallya-owned Kingfisher Airlines, its former chairman Captain G R Gopinath, still harbours a dream to return to the low-cost airline segment, which he pioneered in the country.
5 ways the CEO's job will change: Nooyi
At a time when the world is reeling under the impact of an economic crisis, Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo chairman and CEO and one of the most influential women in the world, believes that the corporate sector needs to rethink its role and adapt itself with the changing times.
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| May 13, 2009 | | What does Obama's tax proposal mean for India?
On May 4, US President Barack Obama announced a proposal to rework America's tax code. How will these plans impact India?
Economy: BJP, Cong, Left promise the moon
For the Bharatiya Janata Party, the first 100 days would see its government initiating measures to bring back Indian money stashed away in secret tax havens. LK Advani, the party's prime ministerial candidate, has promised to appoint an expert committee to pursue and track the Indian money in those tax havens.
ICICI Pru Life to hire 3,000 in next 2 months
The country's largest private sector life insurer, ICICI Prudential Life, on Wednesday said it will hire 3,000 people in the next two months, debunking reports of any reduction in workforce.
Why US needs smarter, not fewer, H-1B visas
The new Grassley-Durbin bill would weaken the economy. Here's how to let the H-1B visa program strengthen the US instead.
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| May 12, 2009 | | ILO on India's scourge: Bonded labour
Bringing to the fore the ugly face of 'forced labour' in India, a new study by the International Labour Organisation has said bonded labourers often lose their freedom to choose employment due to lack of transparency in wage system and continue to work for unlimited period.
The 9 safest investments for you
Government-backed options give the highest security. Here's a new gameplan with old warhorses.
The Mahindra Xylo strategy
Mahindra Xylo targets one bird too many with its sedan-killer strategy.
Indian IT companies to suffer some more
The January-March quarter results for FY2009 reflect the muted growth of Indian IT companies. A look at what lies in the future for the companies in this sector.
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| May 11, 2009 | | Low-cost is fine, but quality must be great
Products and services targeted at socio-economic categories A and B may sell well during a boom; but for all-weather sales you must have products that sell in large numbers in small towns and villages.
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| May 7, 2009 | |
Fiat wants Chrysler, Opel
Less than a week after sealing a deal with Chrysler to form a partnership, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne visited Berlin to try to convince Germany's political leaders of his plan to create a European car giant with the acquisition of General Motors Corp's Opel unit.
Management lessons from the Battle of Panipat
Lesson No 1: One needs allies; the need is even stronger when one is operating in a new territory/segment.
'It should have been Shanghai, not Bangalore'
US President Barack Obama's proposals to amend the US tax structure since it allegedly encourages creation of "... a job in Bangalore, India, (rather) than create one in Buffalo, New York," has made the IT sector in India edgy.
Twenty-20 ways to beat the slowdown!
With 250 days of cricket in the year, and soaring ratings, this has become the surest way to draw in advertisers.
These cars could save the world!
In a world increasingly plagued by both global warming and rising oil prices, electric-powered cars could be possible solution.
Nooyi, Ramani Ayer among best US CEOs
According to Institutional Investor magazine, these top-ranked CEOs score high marks for 'being forthright and transparent with shareholders and smart with their companies' balance sheets.'
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| May 6, 2009 | |
After Nano, Tatas offer flats for Rs 4 lakh!
Tatas are developing a township at Boisar, 100 km from Mumbai.
BJP to link N-deal approval to outsourcing
US can't use its laws against India and expect India to support it too, says Yashwant Sinha.
Forget those big salary hikes!
India Inc may have been spiralling salaries in the recent years, but not anymore as double-digit pay hikes can well be a thing of the past.
How to pick the right stocks like a guru
If brilliant analysis is applied to the wrong stocks, you can't get right results. Check it out. . .
Obama tax proposals to hit US firms more
The proposal will impact US-based companies like IBM, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft and Oracle that have overseas operations in countries like India.
Here's the winner of the world's best job!
Ben Southall, a British charity worker has won the 'best job in the world'.
Lessons to learn from Battle of Aberdeen
Throughout history, wars have left an indelible mark on human psyche. Serious debates have been held on the morality of and the strategic necessity for war.
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| May 5, 2009 | |
Say no to Bangalore, yes to Buffalo: Obama
Meeting one of his major election promises, Obama on Monday the announced end of years of tax incentives to those US companies which create jobs overseas in places like Bangalore.
IPL teams may list on the stock market!
Like gladiators, cricketing stars from across the globe are battling it out for their respective Indian Premier League teams in the IPL T20 Cricket Tournament.
Tata Nano gets 2.03 lakh bookings
The Tata Nano received over 203,000 fully paid bookings amounting to nearly Rs 2,500 crore (Rs 25 billion), Tata Motors said on Monday.
Why the time is not ripe to buy a home
One can look at property only if they have excess cash and the property value is only a minor part of the investment portfolio, say investment experts.
The pigs are safe
Unlike bird flu that killed a large number of birds before affecting human beings, swine flu affects only humans.
The best small savings schemes
The high safety levels coupled with the attractive returns make small savings schemes a 'must-have' proposition for most investors.
Nathu La trade resumes amid much fanfare
The fourth edition of the annual border trade at the Sino-Indian frontier in Sikkim resumed on Tuesday after a six-month long winter break.
How commodity trading can make you rich
Trading in commodities is just as risky as trading in the stock market. You can make the same amount of profit, if not more, from it.
Global reform? Indian regulatory model ideal
As nations across the world make reshaping the financial services industry a key priority in their efforts to put the global economy back on track, they are likely to take a leaf out of the regulatory models of countries like India.
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| May 4, 2009 | |
All about the New Pension Scheme
So, last year, the government decided to go ahead by allowing the NPS Trust to enter management agreements with fund managers. What benefits does the NPS offer? Who is eligible? Check it out.
Ambani chopper sabotage: 2 arrested
Uday Warikar and Balraj Phevar, employees of Air Works India Engineering Pvt Ltd that maintained Ambani's helicopter, were arrested on Monday and sent to police custody till May 15. The two were technical helpers at Air Works.
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| April 30, 2009 | |
World's top 10 buyers & producers of gold
The top gold consuming countries are India, China, USA, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Russia, Vietnam, Egypt and Italy, while the top ten gold producing countries are South Africa, United States, Australia, Canada, China, Indonesia, Russia, Peru, Uzbekistan and Ghana.
Tips to help you choose the right car loan
Here are few important guidelines, which will help you with the process of getting a car loan
Phew! No swine flu in India, but economy to be hurt
India has not reported any suspected case of deadly swine flu so far and the country has 'tremendous capacity' to deal with the situation in the event of an outbreak of the influenza, the World Health Organisation said on Thursday.
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| April 28, 2009 | | Ambani chopper sabotage: Key witness dead
Bharat Borge, the man who found pebbles in the fuel tank of industrialist Anil Ambani's helicopter, was on Tuesday found dead on railway tracks between Vile Parle and Andheri suburban stations, Railway Police said.
Bangalore best Indian city to live in, says Mercer survey
Bangalore has emerged as the best Indian city among New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai in terms of better quality of living for expatriates, according to a latest worldwide survey of cities by global HR consultancy Mercer.
What is swine flu? How it can hurt economy
The world economy which has just begun to show signs of a feeble recovery might now slip deeper into recession with the outbreak of the deadly swine flu. A widespread outbreak could batter the tourism, hospitality, travel, food, transportation and other sectors globally.
You can soon track your credit score!
The RBI has given in-principle nod to a system through which you can access your credit reports from 2010.
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| April 27, 2009 | | CBI on how the Satyam fraud was pulled off
The financial fraud perpetrated by the founders of Satyam Computer Services was executed through a well-planned accounting system that used as many as 7,561 fraudulent invoices worth Rs 5,117 crore (Rs 51.17 billion) to inflate the company's sales, the Central Bureau of Investigation alleged Monday.
Narayana Murthy's 5 success mantras for entrepreneurs
N R Narayana Murthy, co-founder and chief mentor of Infosys Technologies talks about the best business decision he ever made, the reason why the core Infosys team has been together for all these years, the Satyam fiasco, what money means to him and what aspiring entrepreneurs need to succeed.
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| April 25, 2009 | | Is the IMO conning India?
Trade unions and NGOs working in the fields of workers' rights, human rights, environment and health have complete lack of faith in the proposed UN treaty on ship breaking/ ship recycling through the International Maritime Organization, a UN body, because its objectives are regressive in nature.
Bandra-Worli sea link to open by May-end
Mumbai's transport system will get a major boost with the Rs 1,300-crore (Rs 13-billion) Bandra Worli Sea Link all set to start functioning by May end.
'Entrepreneurship is like doing 5 MBAs'
Seclore Technologies, a Mumbai-based has developed a technology, which allows information shared with people and companies to be remote controlled.
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| April 24, 2009 | | Here comes Maruti Ritz, the global car!
After the successful launch of Swift and A-star, Maruti will unveil a new hatchback called Ritz by mid-May 2009. Suzuki's Ritz, which was showcased at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, has become popular in other global markets under the name Splash.
Tips to manage growth
Many Indian companies are restructuring their businesses to combat the current economic slowdown.
Why protectionism can be disastrous for US
'Bad times are the times when we have to show our hard work, our determination and our talent'.
'In India, articulation is mistaken for accomplishment'
'Bad times are the times when we have to show our hard work, our determination and our talent'.
Meet Cisco, the consumer company
With its recent acquisitions, Cisco is positioning itself to be a big player in home entertainment.
Get a land loan in 6 easy steps
You need specific documentation and must fulfill certain conditions before your home or land loan can be processed. Here we take you through it, step by step.
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| April 22, 2009 | | These cars are in great demand!
Maruti Suzuki's Swift Dzire sedan and Swift hatchback, Mahindra & Mahindra’s utility vehicle Xylo and Hyundai's i20 have long waiting lists that have their manufacturers struggling to increase production.
rediff.com:Twinings: Converting green to gold
Twinings has opened up the green tea segment in the fight for the top end of the tea market.
Wipro Q4 net up 15% at Rs 1,010 cr
Software firm Wipro Technologies on Wednesday said it has reported a 14.77 per cent rise in consolidated net profit at Rs 1,010 crore (Rs 10.10 billion) for the fourth quarter ended March, 2009.
Meet Aneesh Chopra, America's first CTO
As Virginia's secretary of technology, Aneesh Chopra expanded high-speed Internet. He now will be U.S. Chief Technology Officer.
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| April 17, 2009 | | India: A growing link in the global supply chain
A look at the nation's success stories, and the challenges that persist, in autos, oil, power, steel, and electronics.
Feisty fighter Nusli Wadia
At 65, Nusli Wadia has given up many things. What he hasn’t given up are his few friends. Plus, of course, the badge of honour he has always been known for: A feisty fighter.
How Section 80C helps you save tax
a little bit of thought in terms of where your investments are made can help you a lot in reducing if not completing eliminating your tax liability.
Book profits to build wealth
Profit-booking is an important part of investment. And there are a couple of ways one can book profit.
China's GDP growth slows, will India overtake?
China’s economy grew by 6.1 per cent, in first three months of 2009 its lowest rate in over a decade.
Have cell phone, will talk!
A cellphone has become such an ubiquitous part of our lives that we reach out for it at every possible occasion.
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| April 16, 2009 | | Nooyi on her toughest decision & her Pepsi family
In response to a question by Asia Society president Vishakha Desai on whether her being a woman makes a bigger difference in her leadership style or is it that being an Indian she considers every PepsiCo employee a part of her family where she is the matriarch, Nooyi said: "I do not know if I can separate the two. But the way I approach this job I just look at people in PepsiCo as part of my family and I am the matriarch of the family."
Recession will be long and severe: IMF
The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday that the current global recession, the worst after World War II, is likely to continue for a longer duration and the recovery would be sluggish.
'This (slowdown) is perhaps one of the worst times'
For 2009-10, the company, for the first time, said it expected a drop in earnings per share. And, for the first time, it is giving no promise on hiring. S (Kris) Gopalakrishnan, MD and CEO of the Bangalore-headquartered company, talks of the road ahead with Bibhu Ranjan Mishra and Ravi Menon.
Inflation falls to a record low of 0.18%
The inflation has further fallen to 0.18 per cent for the week ended April 4 from 0.26 per cent in the previous week.
CBI: Raju's family made Rs 715 crore!
Between 2001 and 2009, when the accounting fraud was being orchestrated at Satyam, its founder B Ramalinga Raju and his kin made Rs 715 crore (Rs 7.15 billion) by 'intelligently' offloading Satyam shares, according to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
China's incredible City of Dreams
Macau's latest entertainment resort, the City of Dreams, will feature the world's first underwater casino.
Signs of our worst financial crisis
The world is in the grip of a severe economy crisis and there are telltale signs of recession everywhere.
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| April 15, 2009 | | The stunning new Delhi airport
The commercial operations of the new domestic departure terminal of Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi will commence from April 19.
Your financial strategy for today
With all asset classes under stress, you need to have a sound strategy to survive these tough times.
Third Front govt = lower GDP growth?
A government without the Congress or the Bharatiya Janata Party may not last, and may reverse policy. But investors will also keep in mind the economy's intrinsic strengths.
Smart ways to be financially aware
Financial education can be defined as the process by which financial consumers/investors improve their understanding of financial products, concepts and risks and, through information, instruction and/or objective advice, develop the skills and confidence to become more aware of financial risks and opportunities, to make informed choices, to know where to go for help and to take other effective actions to improve their financial well-being.
RBI knows banking better than US Fed: Stiglitz
Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz complimented the Reserve Bank of India last week for resisting pressures to deregulate the banking sector.
Infosys FY09 net up 29%, raises red flag for FY10
In the boom, India managed a few years of 9 per cent economic growth. That led some to imagine the tiger could catch up with the stellar Chinese economy, which was growing at double-digit rates. Well, not anymore.
Short-term job prospects bleak in India
Job prospects are going from bad to worse as majority of job consultants in a survey projected a bleak outlook for the next three months.
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| April 13, 2009 | | Volkswagen's big plans for India
In the boom, India managed a few years of 9 per cent economic growth. That led some to imagine the tiger could catch up with the stellar Chinese economy, which was growing at double-digit rates. Well, not anymore.
Facelift for Mumbai, no more Satyams: PM
Hailing Mumbai as a symbol of new India's hope, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Monday that terrorists wanted to destroy the dream of transforming Mumbai into a truly global city but they will never succeed.
How Tech Mahindra won the Satyam bid
The tech firm will pay Rs 1,757 crore to buy out 31 per cent Satyam stake.
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| April 08, 2009 | | India's 25 best employers
These organisations care about how people are treated at work and reap their reward in the form of excellent business results.
Shocker! Tax refunds being diverted to fake accounts
Meticulous and diligent tax payers waiting for refunds at the end of the financial year are in for a shock.
The economic promises of Congress, BJP, Left
As the election campaign gains momentum, the Congress, the BJP and the Left parties are emphasising the need of cutting taxes, waiving loans, pushing reforms, offering food subsidy and reviving the economy to woo voters.
World's top tax havens that hoard billions!
Offshore tax havens, spread by new computing and telecommunications, provide an unprecedented tax shelter, enabling rich citizens and corporations to escape the national tax system.
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| April 03, 2009 | | More exciting than bank FDs
Some financial institutions have customised their deposit schemes. Here's how you can use this to your advantage.
Borrow? No. We can give money to IMF: PM
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told the global community that India is willing to increase its contribution to the International Monetary Fund but does not intend to borrow any money from the multilateral lending agency.
Bengal dreams of getting the Nano back
A ray of hope has been rekindled for the Nano factory in West Bengal with Tata Motors confirming that it was ready to discuss the Singur land issue with the West Bengal government.
Now, a robot that can read your mind!
The Japanese carmaker is working on technology to control a robot by the power of thought alone. So far, Asimo can obey four commands.
The H-1B visa rush is on!
On April 1, the US Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) began accepting applications for H-1B visas for skilled workers. The number of applications will reveal US employers' current appetite for overseas workers.
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| April 02, 2009 | | G-20: Out to rescue global economy
India, along with France and Germany, is pitching for stronger regulation and improved supervision of the financial system to prevent a repeat of the current crisis.
Mumbai, Delhi among world's 10 costliest cities
The country's financial hub, Mumbai, and the National Capital New Delhi are among the world's 10 most expensive cities for expatriates to live in, says a survey by global HR consultancy Mercer.
Marketing lessons from the Nano
Cash-strapped Tata Motors is using unconventional tools to promote the car. Will that help build long-term equity for the brand?
Maruti 800: Story of a little giant
The iconic Maruti 800, which stood as the symbol of pride in the garages of millions of Indian homes for years together is set to bid goodbye.
$9 billion! That's how much India will save with the RIL KG D-6
'It will reduce our oil import bill by about $9 billion annually during peak production at current prices,' Petroleum Secretary R S Pandey said, adding that gas sales over the 11 year-life of the field will generate $42 billion in revenue.
Sensex booms, crosses 10,000 level
The market breadth is exremely positive - out of 2,393 stocks traded so far, 1,822 have advanced, 494 have declined and the rest are unchanged.
Inflation at 0.31%; deflation risk persists
Inflation in India drastically fell to a 30-year low of 0.27 per cent in the second week of March as food and fuel items turned cheaper, prompting analysts to say that rate of price rise would soon turn negative.
The Nano's on display here
Mumbaikars finally got to see the Nano at close quarters.
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| April 01, 2009 | | PM's message at G-20: Shun protectionism
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has urged the world economies to continue with stimulus packages till 2010 and avoid all kinds of protectionism, including in the financial sector, to battle the global economic slowdown.
G-20: Why people are protesting
Thousands of people are protesting against the G-20 summit in London.
Readers' choice: India's top 10 banks
Indian banks have been largely insulated from the financial crisis that is wreaking havoc.
Interesting home loan options
The most important factor about a home loan is the serviceability of the equated monthly instalment. For the convenience of the customers, many banks have come up with products that can suit an individual’s needs.
Faces of the global meltdown
The global financial meltdown has devastated many an economy. It has wiped out trillions of dollars in global investor wealth. It has rendered millions jobless. Here are some pictures telling the recessionary tale. . .
Tata will make Nano in Singur: West Bengal official
West Bengal on Wednesday claimed that the world's cheapest wheels, Nano, will be made in Singur, although car maker Tata Motors had stomped out of the eastern Indian state in a huff last year.
World Bank paints picture of doom
The GDP growth in the developing world will slow to a projected 2.1 percent in 2009 from 5.8 percent in 2008, according to the latest World Bank estimates.
The Google strategy for India
The GDP growth in the developing world will slow to a projected 2.1 percent in 2009 from 5.8 percent in 2008, according to the latest World Bank estimates.
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| March 31, 2009 | |
Buying a car? Great bargains available
If you're planning to buy a car, now's the time to head for a dealer. With the financial year ending, there are many value bargains to avail of.
India's 13 most debt-ridden states
You will be surprised to learn that Orissa has a lower debt burden than Gujarat
Settle it over pillow-fight: Time tells Ambani brothers
If you're planning to buy a car, now's the time to head for a dealer. With the financial year ending, there are many value bargains to avail of.
Settle it over pillow-fight: Time tells Ambani brothers
If you're planning to buy a car, now's the time to head for a dealer. With the financial year ending, there are many value bargains to avail of.
'In 2009, India, China could account for 100% world GDP growth'
Anil Gupta, professor at Smith School of Business and author, argues that multinationals have to realize that China and India are actually transforming the structure of the global economy.
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| March 30, 2009 | | Swiss bank money led to stocks boom: Modi
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the permission granted to Swiss banks to invest in the Indian stock exchanges should be withdrawn to check black money.
America's loss is world's gain!
Vivek Wadhwa has co-authored a report, 'America's loss is the world's gain', with inputs from scholars from University of California Berkeley and Harvard University as well as the National Bureau of Economic Research, following a two-year research that included interviews with over 1,200 returnees of Indian and Chinese origin.
Hyderabad airport among the world's top 10
In the boom, India managed a few years of 9 per cent economic growth. That led some to imagine the tiger could catch up with the stellar Chinese economy, which was growing at double-digit rates. Well, not anymore.
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| March 27, 2009 | | Businessmen in Parliament
Here's is a look at prominent businessmen in parliament.
Management lessons from Battle of Plassey
India is no stranger to wars. And there are many lessons to be learnt from each of those battles -- management lessons, to be precise. Here we present the third in a series of articles on management lessons drawn from Indian history. This one picks out management gems from the Battle of Plassey.
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| March 26, 2009 | | G-20: Three pillars US, India will work on
There are at least three pillars that the United States and India will endeavour to work on during the G-20 Summit in London, where President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will meet for the first time on April 2, according to senior Administration officials.
IBM to fire 5,000 US workers, India to gain
The technology giant has been steadily building its work force in India and other locations, while reducing the number of employees based in the US.
Inflation at 30-year low of 0.27%!
Inflation in India drastically fell to a 30-year low of 0.27 per cent in the second week of March as food and fuel items turned cheaper, prompting analysts to say that rate of price rise would soon turn negative.
Why the Nano is profitable
Some of the biggest and the best component suppliers in the business were roped in, with scissors and ingenuity to bring out solutions within a specified cost structure.
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| March 25, 2009 | | Congress poll promise scares economists
A section of economists have described the electoral promises of Congress as populist, which if implemented, will increase food subsidy and public debt.
My first drive in the Tata Nano!
The Nano is a very thoughtfully designed piece of kit, with an agreeable level of fit and finish.
Eco-tourism: Here's how they plan it in J&K
Taking a cue from Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir is set to promote eco-tourism which will give tourists myriad experiences of the countryside while helping locals living in remote areas.
Nano: People's voices on the people's car
Rediff.com spoke to a few people in the capital to get their take on the Nano: a businessman who already has five cars in his garage, a motorcycle enthusiast with a beat on two wheels that costs as much as the Nano, a cab operator, and that particular family that triggered the idea in Ratan Tata's mind, the Indian middle class family with mum-pop and two kids precariously balanced on the scooter.
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| March 23, 2009 | | What Tata Nano can teach US carmakers
As the commercial model of India's microcar is unveiled, US carmakers would do well to learn from the innovations that brought it about.
Tata Nano hits the road
As the commercial model of India's microcar is unveiled, US carmakers would do well to learn from the innovations that brought it about.
West Bengal regrets losing Nano
West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee blamed the Trinamool Congress for the flight of what would have been his state's dream project.
The remarkable Tata Nano journey
It was the plight of middle class families traveling by scooter with kids that prompted Ratan Tata to think about a 'people's car'.
India to grow at 6.7%, says Montek
Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, says that despite the worldwide recession and financial crisis he is optimistic that India's growth rate is going to be somewhere around 6.5 to 6.7 percent in the fiscal 2008-2009.
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| March 21, 2009 | | India: Battleground for super-premium cars
Japanese, European and Korean car makers have a new battleground for their super-premium cars: India.
What everyone is saying about the Nano
With the countdown now at a couple of day (and a odd few hours), the excitement is palpable. We thought this would be the right time to let you in on what people are saying about the most awaited car in the world… the Nano
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| March 20, 2009 | | When IIT-ians go nostalgic
The historic Tata Motors journey
Established to manufacture locomotives and other engineering products, Tata Engineering and Locomotive Co Ltd started its journey way back in 1945.
10 cars that may change the way we drive
The annual Geneva Motor Show is a showcase event where concept car designers display their vision for the future. Here's a look at 10 cars from the show that reveal a greener--and more expensive--future.
The noise-less tyre from Michelin!
Michelin has launched of the new Michelin Primacy LC tyre, a tailor-made product which effectively reduces driving noise and offers increased fuel efficiency.
Why the US is losing foreign graduates
A new report says foreign science and engineering graduates are leaving the US to start companies at home. Could a US policy fix keep them here?
UK credit card details on sale in India!
Revealing a case of data theft by a call centre employee in India, a United Kingdom-based media group has unearthed a racket allegedly involved in selling credit card details of British customers in New Delhi.
A CEO at 16, now a millionaire!
From a humble beginning in a garage with just 5 employees, Indiagames has come a long way.
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| March 18, 2009 | | The amazing Sloka Telecom story
Founded in 2004, the Bangalore-based Sloka Telecom develops one of the most compact and cost-effective base stations.
US alone can lead economic recovery: Mittal
India and the United States should further strengthen economic ties amid the tumultuous global economic conditions despite rhetoric coming out of Washington in favour of protectionism, Bharti Enterprises chairman Sunil Mittal, who is heading a visiting CII delegation in New York, said on Tuesday.
Why India is no match for China now
In the boom, India managed a few years of 9 per cent economic growth. That led some to imagine the tiger could catch up with the stellar Chinese economy, which was growing at double-digit rates. Well, not anymore.
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| March 17, 2009 | | The Nano's here! Who will it impact most?
The world's cheapest car begins the final lap to launch.
AIG's 'bonus from bailout money' angers Obama
US insurance giant AIG's plan to give massive bonuses of $165 million to its executives has drawn flak from the White House leaders, with President Barack Obama vowing to pursue legal measures to block these payments.
Trouble! NRI remittances may fall
According to a study conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, remittance flows to India could be impacted due to a decline in income of migrant workers on account of reduction in wages or job losses following a recession in many developed countries, and slowdown in emerging markets.
'India needs more product innovations'
Kapil Bardeja and Anoop Prabhu saw a huge opportunity in developing efficient and reliable products for vehicle security.
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| March 16, 2009 | | Billionaire toys on sale!
With the global economic downturn making holes in the pockets of billionaires, the rich of the world are out to dispose all their costly belongings.
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| March 13, 2009 | | 'Sorry' Madoff may get 150 years in jail
Disgraced Wall Street financier Bernard L Madoff was sent to jail after pleading guilty to swindling his clients of billions of dollars in a Ponzi scheme which he ran for years.
A completely employee-funded company!
Meet Bishal Lachhiramaka who believes that India needs more entrepreneurs, who can lead the next wave of the innovation revolution.
Now, an iPod that talks to you!
Apple calls it the world's first talking music player.
Hope in hard times
An Ernst & Young global survey seeks out the opportunities in the present economic crisis that companies across the globe can make the most of.
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| March 12, 2009 | |
It's all about money honey!
One of the great puzzles is that the world's most successful capitalist economy -- the US -- seems to be built on the foundation of easy economic failure.
The 24 richest Indians
Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and NRI steel baron Lakshmi Mittal lead the dwindling number of Indians in the Forbes' list of world's richest people.
Management lessons from Chanakya
India is no stranger to wars. And there are many lessons to be learnt from each of those battles -- management lessons, to be precise. Here we present the third in a series of articles on management lessons drawn from Indian history. This one picks out management gems from the role of the redoubtable Chanakya in the rise of the Mauyra empire.
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| March 10, 2009 | | Pachauri to lead Yale climate institute
One of the world's foremost climate change experts, Rajendra K Pachauri will lead the newly established Yale Climate and Energy Institute, Yale University President Richard C Levin has announced.
India's 10 most trustworthy companies
The Tata Group has emerged as the most trustworthy Indian company/business group on financial reporting in a poll conducted among domestic investors.
Hiring: Indian firms still most bullish
India has emerged as the most optimistic nation for hiring globally but recruitment plans for the next three months of the year are considerably weak as employers remain hesitant about adding new employees at this time, global staffing services firm Manpower says.
Why Vivek Kundra will make a great US CIO
As America's chief information officer, Kundra sees his job as the following: The United States is engaged in two wars, the economy and healthcare, where technology can make a real difference.
Why it is time for India to innovate
Shyam Saran, Special Envoy of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and former foreign secretary, spoke on the geo-political consequences of the current financial and economic crisis in Delhi recently. Here we present the first part of his speech that gives a deep insight into and astute observations on global recession, the role of United States, China and India, etc.
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| March 09, 2009 | |
Warning! Future innovations are leaving the US
When smart, young, foreign professionals in science and technology fields leave the US, they take with them the seeds of tomorrow's innovation.
The very useful joint home loan
This article explores the advantages a joint home can bring to couples as opposed to opting for an individual loan.
Recession: Why US is tilting towards China
Shyam Saran, Special Envoy of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and former foreign secretary, spoke on the geo-political consequences of the current financial and economic crisis in Delhi recently. Here we present the first part of his speech that gives a deep insight into and astute observations on global recession, the role of United States, China and India, etc.
World's 10 most admired companies
Apple is the world's most admired company, followed by Berkshire Hathaway and Toyota.
The secret behind Aegis BPO's success
Aegis has acquired 11 companies during last 4 years.
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| March 07, 2009 | | Jodhpur's Omelette Man
There's something rather allegorical about people who do just one small thing all their lives, but do it better than anyone else.
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| March 04, 2009 | | Rolls Royce unveils a new stunner
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled its latest experimental car, called 200EX, at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday.
Next Silicon Valley is emerging in India
Developing countries like India, China and Brazil may soon become Silicon Valley's new address as their receptiveness to new ideas in technology devices and networked services will encourage high-tech companies to test new service offerings in these emerging markets, a study said.
India's pride: The world's first six-core microchip!
Meet Ravishankar (Ravi) Kuppuswamy, Design Manager, Dunnington who helped bring the world's first six-core microprocessor to production.
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| March 03, 2009 | | Why India needs better homeland security
The November 26 terror attack on Mumbai has directed the undivided attention of the private sector and the government agencies to the need for a better homeland security apparatus.
Volkswagen Beetle to hit Indian roads in Oct
Volkswagen plans to launch the original 'people's car' Beetle in India by October and the Polo hatchback by early next year.
Must-read entrepreneurial tips
Michael Dell is the most profitable PC manufacturer in the world. He is worth $17.3 billion and is ranked No 11 on Forbes’ richest Americans list. Here are his success mantras.
Why skilled Indians are leaving the US
New research shows that highly skilled workers are returning home for brighter career prospects and a better quality of life.
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