Specials
October 05, 2013
How Raghuram Rajan has performed so far
Rajan, who will complete a month as the governor of Reserve Bank of India on Friday has already succeeded in restoring calm in the foreign exchange market.
October 04, 2013
US shutdown: Understanding the real problem
Dysfunctional US politics may set off another crisis.
October 02, 2013
CEOs who walked away with millions after losing their jobs
Let's take a look at some of the biggest golden handshakes in the world.
Countries spending the most on foreign travels
Let's take a look at some of the biggest spenders on international travels.
October 01, 2013
Does India have the most ATMs in the developing world?
Let's take a look at how many ATMs countries in emerging markets have and how many use mobile phone to receive money.
September 30, 2013
The rupee alone can't resurrect India's fortune
The true upside in exports will only emerge when the competitiveness of an industry improves to a fundamental and sustainable level, and if we place our bets as a country in the right sectors and countries
25 banks that target only the world's RICHEST families
Let's take a look at some banks that manage the wealth of richest families.
September 25, 2013
Big crisis: Why superpower China is thirsty
Beijing blames climate change for wreaking havoc on scarce water resources.
Why the Indian economy is a sinking ship under UPA
The United Progressive Alliance's (UPA) growth story is far from truth and is mere a statistical jugglery.
SPECIAL: Is Aadhaar necessary or not? 
This is likely to put a brake on the fast pace at which Aadhaar cards have been issued so far to more than 400 million people.
September 24, 2013
The TALLEST buildings in India
Surrounded by sea on three sides, Mumbai has only one way to expand - vertically. And that's why, most of India's tallest building are located in the city.
September 23, 2013
SPECIAL: Why India Inc is not happy with the new land bill 
The Land Acquisition Bill, passed by Parliament last month, will either make projects unviable or expensive for large infrastructure or real estate projects.
Why India Inc admires Narendra Modi
A recent survey of 100 chief executives conducted by Nielsen for The Economic Times said 80 per cent want Modi to become prime minister.
25 countries that have least income inequality
Let's take a look at some nations that have low income inequality.
September 22, 2013
Should you BUY gold on the dip?
Investors looking to make a quick buck from the yellow metal should hold on for now.
September 20, 2013
Maruti Suzuki launches new special edition Wagon R
This edition is dedicated to the bollywood actor R Madahavan who also happens to be the brand ambassador of the hatchback.
SPECIAL: Why investors love gold now
The US Federal Reserve's decision to continue bond-buying has lifted investor sentiment for gold and silver.
September 19, 2013
20 most expensive hotels in the world
Among the 20 most expensive places, the cheapest one charges you an average rate of Rs 115,605 each night. The most expensive can cost you more than three times of this amount.
IMAGES: CEOs making billions through company stocks
Let's take a look at some chief executives making billions thanks largely to stocks.
PHOTOS: 28 countries spending most on road infrastructure
Let's take a look at some countries spending a lot on improving their roads.
September 18, 2013
10 business people we'd like to see contesting the next election
Will Nandan Nilekani actually fight the elections? While the I-T czar says the question is speculative, here's our list of 10 eminent business leaders who should get on the stump.
Flipkart: From a revenue-guzzler to an asset-light e-tailer
The company has often come under scrutiny for being dismissive about 'profitability' and unmindful of the high cost of running an inventory-led business, aided by deep discounts and free shipping.
How Pakistan, China get sensitive information on India
The government believes heightened awareness among its staff could be the only effective way to counter attempts of foreign agencies.
IMAGES: Which is the largest automaker in the world?
Let's take a look at some of the biggest manufacturers of vehicles in the world.
September 17, 2013
In search of NSEL stock, a money puzzle unravels
Visits made by Business Standard to several borrowers in Ludhiana, Panchkula, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad found that several borrowing entities have links to real estate.
India among countries with highest unemployment rate
Countries such as Pakistan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Sri Lanka have a lower unemployment rate compared to India.
September 16, 2013
Scorpio Special Edition: Luxury features at attractive price
The SUV costs the same as the VX variant.
Do Indians trust their banks most in the world?
Let's take a look at how much trusts banks have in some of the major markets.
The most CORRUPT countries in the world
Transparency International surveyed over 114,000 in 107 countries to check the prevalence of corruption in each of these nations and the results were startling.
September 13, 2013
Are IIP figures better this time? Well, not REALLY!.jpg)
After a string of extremely low and even negative monthly numbers, the industrial sector grew by 2.6 per cent year on year, far exceeding expectations.
September 12, 2013
25 economies having highest debt in the world
Let's take a look at economies that have some of the highest debts in the world.
Is India among the happiest countries in the world?
Let's take a look at some of the happiest nations.
September 11, 2013
The man behind Akula's plan to make a comeback at SKS
Biksham Gujja contributed to major global initiatives such as the World Commission on Dams, World Water Commission and World Water Forum.
Big data analytics changes the rules of road travel
Meru Cabs and OlaCabs among radio cabs and bus ticket booking provider Redbus have been using big data analytics.
25 countries with BEST and WORST current account balance
Let's take a look at how countries are placed when it comes to current account deficit.
Duvvuri Subbarao: Green horn that locked horns
Under his leadership, RBI kept the domestic markets, to a large extent, alienated from the international meltdown to avoid liquidity or solvency cascades.
September 10, 2013
Mahindra launches Scorpio Special Edition; to sell 500 units
The SUV has leather upholstery in tan and beige, leather wrapped steering wheel, glossy wood finished centre console and roof mounted DVD player.
10 blue chip stocks that FIIs are DUMPING
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have a reason to worry because the falling rupee is putting at risk the $100 billion they have pumped into Indian equities since 2009.
Are rupee changes linked to elections?
It's an interesting theory but the reality isn't so simple, say experts.
September 09, 2013
Rajan is doing his bit, will the politicians follow?
It took three years of collective fiscal profligacy and policy mismanagement to cause this crisis.
Things you must know about the Land Acquisition Bill
The definition of affected family includes farm labourers, tenants, sharecroppers and workers in the area for three years prior to acquisition.
September 07, 2013
Slowdown: Thousands of contract workers lose jobs in India
With India's manufacturing sector slamming the brakes on production, the fallout is being felt by contractual labourers.
September 06, 2013
SPECIAL: How young policymakers could change climate of gloom.jpg)
The stock market responded to his speech by going up by over two per cent; the rupee also gained in strength, by about 1.45 per cent, against the dollar.
SPECIAL: Raghuram Rajan has begun well
Raghuram Rajan takes the long view.
How Next-Gen entrepreneurs are minting money
While remaining tied to their family's core business, they are venturing into new areas and even roping in private investors to grow.
September 05, 2013
IMAGES: India among world's biggest stakeholders in US economy
Let's take a look at countries holding biggest stake in United States's Treasury securities.
SPECIAL: Understanding India's economic mess
The central bank measures though are also taking a toll on the banking sector, which is heavily reliant on short-term money markets for capital.
Most competitive countries in the world; India ranks 60
India has dropped a place in the latest global ranking of most competitive nations by World Economic Forum.
Slowdown? Salaries of Indian CEOs have DOUBLED!
Compensation package for CEOs has hit Rs 20 crore excluding stock options. It was Rs 10 crore 4-5 years ago.
SPECIAL: When gold saved the day for India
The pledging of gold to tide over a balance of payments crisis in 1991 became an emotive national issue at the time.
September 04, 2013
SPECIAL: Is RBI's forex swapping window actually useful?.jpg)
RBI's forex swap window for oil marketing companies addresses an urgent issue but what happens when the dollars have to be returned?
Indo-US economic ties: Time for a RETHINK?
India Inc enables the US' frostiness to India.
IMAGES: Biggest merger and acquisition deals in the world
Let's take a look at some of the biggest M&A deals in the world.
September 03, 2013
Will Narayana Murthy succeed in his second innings?
NR Narayana Murthy came out of retirement in June to run a floundering Infosys.
September 02, 2013
India among countries facing severe manpower shortage
Globally, over 38 per cent employers are facing difficulties filling jobs with the right candidate.
25 countries providing best healthcare systems
Let's take a look at some nations that have most efficient medical systems in the world.
August 31, 2013
Decoding the food security legislation
The government had pegged food subsidy at Rs 90,000 crore (Rs 900 billion) in the 2013-14 Union Budget.
August 30, 2013
IMAGES: Cities that offer best quality of life
Let's take a look at some of the best and worst cities in the world.
6 Indians among college-dropout billionaires
Let's take a look at billionaires globally who left their studies incomplete and still managed to make it big.
SPECIAL: Why are FIIs selling?.jpg)
The catalyst is the run on emerging market equities, but many investors are just tired of waiting for India to get its act together.
August 29, 2013
Why Lavasa simply can't stay out of controversy
Lavasa Corporation is rushing to complete its township. No one knows if the promoter is complying with environmental conditions on which it was allowed to resume work.
10 companies that have most inspiring leadership
Let's take a look at some companies that have most inspiring leaders.
12 products that were not made for general public
Let's take a look at some inventions that were meant to be solely used by the military, but ended up being used by everyone.
Special: Why is GOLD so dear to everyone?
Besides its metallic properties, there is much more to gold that makes it an obsession to mankind.
Is this how we will live in FUTURE?
Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut has come up with some futuristic concepts of what the green cities of tomorrow might be like.
August 28, 2013
Women CEOs with the HIGHEST salaries
In the male-dominated corporate world, these women have proved their mettle and turned out to be inspiring and successful role models.
August 27, 2013
How National Spot Exchange got into a bind
Few financial products could match its derivative contracts that always sold at a premium. But the exchange forgot one crucial link: to back its contracts with solid assets.
SPECIAL: Meet the culprits behind India's economic mess
In the name of regulation, control has taken over the economy; systemic checks and balances are failing.
August 26, 2013
From glitzy shopping to closure: The story of DYING malls
If 120 new malls have come up in the last two years, 40 have downed shutters. Some lessons from the experiences of dying malls.
Sky high pampering: The 10 best cabin crews in the world
World's most friendly, helpful and efficient airline crews belong to Asian airlines.
August 24, 2013
SPECIAL: Can Nokia shift base from India?
There are big tradeoffs involved and it has invested heavily here; an unfriendly tax regime, though, might push it out to a country such as Vietnam.
August 23, 2013
SPECIAL: How India Inc can gain from the rupee fall
The onus rests on the government to help industry take advantage of depreciation.
Special: Can Jignesh Shah win this tough battle?
Only time will tell, if the 'Shah' of exchanges will walk out of this battlefield unscathed.
SPECIAL: Why panicking about Indian markets is pointless
We're told; that the economy went up in flames demonstrates our uniquely poor performance. Never in the appalling annals of political-economic punditry in India have so many people been so wrong simultaneously.
August 22, 2013
World's richest cities, Tokyo is No 1
Amid the economic crisis, some of the Asian cities hold much promise in terms of growth and prosperity.
How Adidas, Infosys, Wipro, Starbucks got their names
Fascinating stories of how 30 famous companies got their names.
August 21, 2013
Indian banks with HIGHEST NPAs, SBI tops
Rs 2.06 trillion, is the gross non-performing assets of Indian banks.
SPECIAL: India Inc faces a long and dark winter
High interest costs, slowing demand delay recovery.
25 most innovative companies in the world
Let's take a look at some companies that are most innovative in the world.
Why we should allow the rupee to sink
Abandoning the defence of the rupee will allow India to shift focus to boosting exports with tax cuts
August 20, 2013
The inspiring success story of Barefoot College
At the Barefoot College, women learn how to assemble charge controllers and inverters, establish a rural electronic workshop, install solar panels on roofs, connect them to batteries, and solar electrify each house in the village.
How Bajaj Auto ended the strike at Chakan
The company took advantage of the slowdown in the auto industry.
Brother-sister teams building empires of the future
With Raksha Bandhan upon us, let's take a look successful companies run by brothers and sisters.
August 19, 2013
SPECIAL: The fall guy or a bright spot that turned black?
Is Anjani Sinha of National Spot Exchange being made the fall guy?
August 16, 2013
5 financial SCAMS that shocked the marketsThe NSEL crisis has wiped out hundreds of crores of many investors.
25 biggest brands in the world
Let's take a look at some of the biggest brands in the world.
August 14, 2013
3 Indian hotels among world's BEST
The hotels from India offer a rich cultural experience entwined with a history.
20 cities attracting most tourists in the world
Let's take a look at 20 cities that attracted most international visitors.
August 13, 2013
SPECIAL: Tata Communications switches focus for growth 
Beset by falling profit from voice traffic, the company is getting into new fields like managed services and white label ATMs.
SPECIAL: The real trouble with our banks 
Their sky-high profits in an essentially commodity business reflects too little competition.
SPECIAL: Why billionaires like to buy newspapers
Jeff 'Amazon' Bezos' $250-million purchase of the iconic Washington Post last week has sparked a debate on why billionaires are buying into a medium that is staring at irrelevance, if not death.
August 12, 2013
What will be UPA's economic policies if it comes to power?
The finance minister suggests that maybe his government has erred in its political management.
IMAGES: India's 10 longest expressways
India has 942 expressways covering a total distance of 1,208.19 kilometres.
August 09, 2013
Crisis: Investors bearish on India's growth prospects
If Indian money looks around at the economic climate and decides instead to go to Latin America, West Asia, or China, then why would foreign money's decision be any different?
The Bhagwati-Sen Debate: An Epitaph
Only reforms that accelerate economic growth can generate the revenues to finance expenditure on social infrastructure for the poor, not the other way round, insists .
Why is the Indian economy sinking? 5 glaring mistakes
The five policy missteps that have led India to economic crisis.
August 08, 2013
India's telecom sector begins to emerge out of gloom
Almost four years after savage tariff cuts, the telecom sector is slowly limping back to normalcy.
All is not wrong with Indian economy. 25 interesting facts
Amidst all the doom that prevails in India, there are many reasons to feel good about its achievements and future prospects.
Most polluting countries in the world, India ranks 3
These are typically the nations with the biggest industries, biggest production capabilities and the biggest populations.
August 07, 2013
SPECIAL: Thorny road ahead for Raghuram Rajan
Regardless of who is right, Rajan has to quickly come to grips with a number of obvious challenges, ranging from the immediate to the medium term.
India's pride:10 outstanding infrastructure projects 
Major infrastructure projects including swanky airports are changing India's profile as an attractive and enterprising destination.
August 06, 2013
12 interesting facts about Raghuram Rajan
The government and the RBI are working together to tackle the country's economic problems but there is no "magic wand" to fix them, said Raghuram Rajan, who will take over as central bank governor next month.
SPECIAL: How Rajasthan reduced poverty 
The state's healthcare scheme helped reduce poverty level by 10 percentage points between FY10 and FY12.
Ten things you wanted to know about the NSEL crisis
From what the crisis is all about to who all are affected, here are 10 FAQs.
August 05, 2013
India's Billionaire club: Who won, who lost
Billionaire club sees one entry, five exits in first 7 months of year.
How to make 1,245 tonnes of wool disappear without trace
National Spot Exchange data shows huge amount of wool going out of its warehouse, but a visit to the storage reveals a different picture.
Mumbai billionaire's grand plans come unstuck
NSEL is the latest example of how Jignesh Shah's grand plans are coming unstuck.
Indian row over poverty extends to Harvard and Columbia
The debate boils down to what path India should take in coming years as slower growth puts further poverty reduction at risk in the world's second-most populous nation.
How drug firms dodge government rules
A probe finds several pharma majors in breach of the law; and in turn they blame the government.
Why PSU stocks are getting hammered
In the last two months, these stocks have lost nearly a quarter of their market cap.
August 02, 2013
PIX: Why Google's Motorola Moto X phone is 'special'
Motorola on Thursday unveiled a new smartphone that consumers can personalise with a choice of colours and materials, hoping to stand out in a crowded market and justify the $12.5 billion that Google Inc paid for the ailing handset maker.
IMAGES: How brands in India can change lives for better
Social changes around us provide interesting triggers for connecting to brands.
Why India must say no to 'jugaad'
What was being hailed as innovation in Indian industry not so long ago was nothing but cutting corners and skipping processes.
India's 10 best brands, Tata is No 1
The Tata group has touched the lives of millions of Indians since the last 100 years.
August 01, 2013
Kavin Mittal's quest for a killer app
Just as his father Sunil Mittal ignited a revolution in telecom in India, Kavin is trying to do so in a space that represents the rapid convergence of two industries-the internet and telecommunications.
Who should be the next RBI Governor? Vote!
With RBI governor Duvvuri Subbarao retiring in September, 2013, the government is on the look out for the most eligible person to head the Reserve Bank of India.
July 30, 2013
Chidambaram marks a year in office fighting old and new fires
This week, the finance minister will complete a year in his latest stint.
July 29, 2013
SPECIAL: It's time for India Inc to go on a diet
Slowdown and liquidity squeeze by RBI have put India's top 10 indebted firms in a tight spot. But they have a few options.
July 26, 2013
A STUNNING $40 million mansion waiting for buyers!
The magnificent 10-bedroom mansion once owned by fashion designer and founder of Gianni Versace, an international fashion house, is set to be auctioned.
July 25, 2013
The Sen-Bhagwati spat: 7 things you should know
Minor disagreements between Jagdish Bhagwati and Amartya Sen have amplified into a shouting match.
SPECIAL: Six steps that can put the economy back on rails
Overseas investors are scared of putting money in India - and this should worry the government, says T V Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Manipal Global Education and former member of Infosys's Board of Directors.
India's most competitive states: Maharashtra beats Gujarat
India's diverse and dynamic states contribute towards making India an economic power.
INVEST in these 14 sectors to build global economy
Let's take a look at 14 infrastructure sectors that need immediate attention.
July 24, 2013
The man with the Rs 20-crore pay packet
Governance group SES thinks so but JSW Steel says he's exemplary and deserves it.
10 best-performing tech CEOs in the world
Here are the leaders that have created the best value for shareholders while maintaining high standards of corporate social responsibility.
July 23, 2013
SPECIAL: How Reliance Retail plans to strike it big
The home-grown retail player will strengthen its Reliance Market chain to take its turnover to Rs 50,000 crore (Rs 500 billion) in two-three years.
Is Gujarat really a success story? 
Data on growth in rural jobs and on progress in social indicators don't bear out the story of uniform and high progress
SPECIAL: Business lessons from Uttarakhand
Financial markets and public policy will have to privilege those businesses which not only reduce emissions but try to holistically resuscitate the environment.
Planning to fly? Check out these 15 global airlines
Let's take a look at the performance of some major airlines.
July 22, 2013
Why govt should scrap Adani's Mundra plan
By refusing permission for the proposed ship-breaking facility, India can send a categorical message to the foreign ship owning countries that they should keep their own waste and recycle
8 Indians among world's best performing CEOs
In yet another sign of rising Indian dominance in the global business arena, eight corporate bigwigs from the country have made it to the list of the world's 100 best CEOs.
Find out which Indian airports are named after leaders
Bangalore has decided to name its international airport after Kempe Gowda, the founder of the city.
SPECIAL: Did Modi make Gujarat Vibrant?
Growth is impressive but there are questions on inclusiveness.
July 19, 2013
'We have had one bad year, we will get out of it': Dr Singh
The most immediate cause of worry is the recent volatility in foreign exchange markets, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tells the Assocham annual general meeting.
Can Nirmalya Kumar help Tatas tide over the tough times?
To say that Nirmalya Kumar has enjoyed a groundbreaking career is to say the very least.
July 18, 2013
IMAGES: 10 airports that have WORST record in missing flights
One of the biggest fears of travellers around the world is missing connecting flight.
India's most powerful CEOs, Mukesh Ambani tops
Mukesh Ambani has been ranked as India's most powerful CEO.
July 17, 2013
SPECIAL: Will microfinance firms make good banks?
One of the hurdles for MFIs towards becoming banks is an unsecured loan portfolio.
SPECIAL: Unilever steps up its India game
Unilever CEO Paul Polman appears to have achieved what he set out to do -- partake of India's growth story.
SPECIAL: Flipkart beefs up to take on AmazonAfter all, talk of Amazon buying into Flipkart has been doing the rounds for long, although the two Bansals have denied it many times before.
15 Indian companies that are most global
On an average 75 per cent of their total revenues come from international operations and they hold 57 per cent of their total assets overseas.
Note-worthy: Whose face is on which currency?
How well do you know the popular banknotes from around the globe and the personalities featured on them?
July 16, 2013
Can Murthy's magic make Infosys a star once again?
While having Murthy around will certainly help bolster employee morale, Infosys will have to go in for more process innovation and automation.
July 15, 2013
Narayana Murthy tightens grip over Infosys
N R Narayana Murthy, who returned to Infosys last month, has now taken over the driver's seat at the Bangalore-based company.
Remembering Amar Bose: The label 'Great Man' fits him to a T
Sree Sreenivasan recalls his encounters with the pioneer of sound who passed away on Friday and gives a sense of how many lives he touched -- in big and small ways.
20 most profitable companies in the world
Let's take a look at 20 most profitable companies in the world.
July 14, 2013
SPECIAL: What it takes to float an offshore company
A resident individual is not among entities eligible to incorporate a foreign company, but resourceful people find a way around
July 12, 2013
When the parent comes out of sub-brands' shadows
UTC India is playing up the umbrella brand of Carrier and OTIS to push integrated services.
Food security bill: More savings for the poor
To translate into more spending on education, health, and nutritious food.
Govt plans to 'promote' GM food rather than regulate it
The serious glitches in the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill.
12 banks that have largest capital in the world
Let's take a look at 12 biggest banks in the world, according to recent figures released by The Banker.
Tech Mahindra readies for big leap
The company has put in place a new team to scout for opportunities in new verticals and geographies in order to double revenue in two years.
Is Basab Pradhan a victim of Infosys' revival plan?
It is perhaps rare for a senior corporate executive to announce his resignation on Twitter.
July 11, 2013
Big-ticket property deals hit in Mumbai 
Air India's plans to lease its headquarters in Nariman Point has been hit.
Why D-Mart is profitable when retail giants are not
The big question, however, is if it can sustain its business model as it grows and expands.
July 10, 2013
SPECIAL: Why is a free market for gold risky and volatile?
Ten years ago, gold was selling at well below its long-term inflation-adjusted average, and the integration of three billion emerging market citizens into the global economy could only mean a giant long-term boost to demand.
SPECIAL: Is luxury housing slowdown-proof? .jpg)
The year so far has witnessed several luxury project launches by major real estate companies such as DLF, Unitech, Supertech, Tata Housing and Godrej Properties.
India's most admired companies, TCS is No.1 
Software giant TCS has replaced its group firm Tata Steel as the country's most admired
July 09, 2013
SPECIAL: Why did the Air India Maharajah get dethroned?
Unviable, politically-driven routes, strikes, high staff salaries despite low productivity, all led to the airline multiplying its losses.
What makes Pune a realty hotspot 
Baner, tagged as Pune's "queen of the suburbs", is located on the northwest side and has emerged as a high-growth location in terms of real estate development.
July 08, 2013
Can India Post survive if it gets a bank license?
The institution lacks the required experience in the financial sector.
Red tape, graft spoil Wal-Mart's big plans in India
The delay and faltering partnership mean Wal-Mart may miss out on the "first-mover" advantage in a country considered the last great frontier for global retailers.
The PMO's role in Jet-Etihad deal
Manmohan Singh clarifies his office's involvement in the deal that's facing criticism from the opposition and media.
Decoding the real estate Bill: How it will help buyers
The Bill will improve buyers' confidence and boost demand for residential real estate.
Six ways to stay ahead of inflation
Use a mix of instruments that will beat both the wholesale and consumer price indices
July 07, 2013
A small step that can revolutionise LPG subsidy regime
It could become a giant leap towards lasting reform if the experiment in direct benefit transfers for cooking gas subsidies pans out.
How a Chinese drink plans to capture the global market
Baijiu is the world's most consumed form of liquor thanks to its popularity in China.
July 06, 2013
Premature crowing over Dhaka's textile sector problems
Despite the recent Western criticism on Bangladesh's labour standards, India has a long way to go before it overtakes the neighbour in global exports.
Energy price reforms no quick fix for India's blackouts
A third of the 1.2 billion Indian population has no access to electricity.
July 05, 2013
SPECIAL: Can Ranbaxy come out of the shadows?
It has hired consultants to advise it on a strategic project and compliance issues in the US. It also needs to improve employee morale.
Why Tatas need to take Charudatta's suicide more seriously
The management should have acted as soon as they were made aware of the senior employee's depression and abrupt exit for the company.
Emerging markets mania was a costly mistake: Goldman exec
Investors who ditched US markets for emerging ones during the financial crisis are set to pay a hefty price.
July 04, 2013
Manu Anand quitting Pepsi stirs up controversies
Speculation is rife that it was the poor response to Pepsi Atom and the heavy spending on IPL that cost him his job.
Why investors love Mahindra & Mahindra
Investors have been concerned about M&M's diversification into non-core businesses but the company is taking the right measures to build their confidence.
July 03, 2013
World's major banks find themselves in new TROUBLE
European Commission charges follow a two-year investigation.
Yellow fever: India's gold demand over the past 10 years
Despite the rising prices, the gold demand has grown steadily in the last decade except for the last two years.
What is Vijay Mallya and Rahul Dravid's Kolkata connection?
Both simply love to wear Kolkata-based designer Sharbari Datta's classic collection of 'dhoti' and 'kurta'.
July 02, 2013
The entrepreneur who didn't miss the bus
From a village boy to CEO of India's largest bus ticketing service, Sama learnt about business on the job.
How many days it takes to earn what a CEO gets in an hour?
It took around 10 days for the average Italian worker to make the $957 that his firm's chief executive made in an hour in 2012.
China's corporate spying: A three-cornered problem
As the economy slows, Chinese companies are under lots of pressure.
July 01, 2013
India needs to diversify away from low-cost programming
India must diversify its services trade away from low-cost programming if it is to remain an IT-enabled hub.
India set to see boom in retirement home business
Concept of housing for the elderly still carries a social stigma in the country.
SmartSense: An innovation to solve power crisis
Ahmedabad-based firm's 'intelligent energy monitoring unit' enables firms to keep a tab on power consumption.
June 30, 2013
Enter India's amazing world of frugal innovation
There is a growing trend of frugal innovation in India.
June 28, 2013
'Rajat Gupta's conviction not the end of Indian story in US'
Every accomplished major immigration group in America has had its heroes and fallen heroes.
When risk is mispriced
Don't assume governments will set accurate benchmark interest rates for risk-free assets.
What is the correct value of the rupee?
Most importers and exporters are comfortable if the rupee 56-57 against dollar.
June 26, 2013
How Chidambaram fared since his return to finance ministry
Falling rupee, sluggish stock market is set to make his task more challenging.
June 25, 2013
How property tax can solve India's infrastructure woes
If trained staff is employed, this revenue stream can be a big source of income for municipalities.
Growing corporate frauds should worry regulators
The size of corporate fraud in India almost doubled after 2009, and such cases also increased in number, said a report from Thought Arbitrage, a think tank in Delhi.
Why international retailers are NOT investing in India
The FDI policy is unviable for them in its current form.
June 24, 2013
PHOTOS: India hedges its bets as Asia embraces casinos
Many Indians bet on cricket and other sports at offshore websites.
Mukesh Ambani BETS on 4G broadband, but RISKS abound
Serious technology challenges await Reliance.
SPECIAL: How rupee depreciation will hit consumer companies
Rupee depreciation to cut earnings 3-4 per cent in FY14.
June 22, 2013
The issue of gender diversity in the workplace
Globally, white-collar gender diversity in the workplace has become as politically correct a cause to espouse as, say, corporate social responsibility.
June 21, 2013
How UBS helped Indians with offshore firms
While UBS acted as master client for offshore firms, Sharecorp was a nominee of Indian beneficiaries.
Atul Singh: Coca-Cola's SUNSHINE man
Many say that Atul SIngh has been plain lucky to show heady growth for the company.
Why Trai's cutting roaming charges is wrong .jpg)
Instead of tinkering with roaming, the circle system should be ended.
Will it be second time lucky for Barmer?
Villager are treating the project as a 'golden goose' and are demanding huge compensation for their land.
Special: What led to the rupee's big CRASH
Rupee has depreciated 8 per cent against the US dollar since beginning May'13.
June 20, 2013
Trai turns the game in big telcos' favour
Far from benefitting consumers, the new rules on roaming charges have opened another front in the battle between large and small operators.
The last petrol station before Bali
Success of the Ministerial meeting depends on the WTO members putting together the broad contours of a deal by August.
The problems pedestrians face in Indian cities
Pavements are the first casualty of street widening to accommodate cars, says .
June 19, 2013
Will splitting Coal India solve the power crisis?
Splitting Coal India Limited could increase competition and hence make production more efficient, but opinion is building against it.
SPECIAL: Why price control for drugs is wrong
For the poorest 20 per cent of Indians, the expenditure on medicines alone is 85 per cent of what they spend on their health, according to the National Sample Survey.
June 18, 2013
RBI opts for a strategic timeout on rate cuts
From inflation, central bank shifts focus to rupee stability and capital flows.
June 17, 2013
The inside story of the YES Bank feudThe fight between Madhu Kapur, widow of bank's co-founder Ashok Kapur, and current Managing Director and CEO Rana Kapoor is not about money.
Mis-selling or fraud?
The onus is on you to reject financial products that don't suit your needs.
Yellow fever: Spoiling the appetite for gold
Restrictions on gold by the Centre & RBI will help, but can these make gold unattractive for investors?
June 14, 2013
HUL's legacy brands foster more trust
Relatively new brands of HUL, such as Closeup, play second fiddle to other legacy brands such as Colgate from Colgate-Palmolive and Vicco.
Why Forbes' editors in India were SACKED
Indrajit Gupta believes the edit team was forced out because it had become more vocal in demanding ESOPs that were expressly promised in their appointment letters in 2008.
SPECIAL: What Murthy told Infosys staff
N R Narayana Murthy addressed Infosys staff on Thursday for the first time since taking charge of the beleaguered company as the executive chairman.
How Chhattisgarh transformed its corrupt ration shops
Chhattisgarh proves no cash transfer or UID is needed to make PDS work.
The 4 BIG constraints to India's growth story
Rapid and inclusive growth in the medium term does not look too likely if one examines the array of unattended constraints.
The Falling RupeeDomestic woes of high trade and fiscal deficits, high inflation, low confidence, lack of will for reforms, were adding to the fall of the rupee.
June 13, 2013
Coal probe shows business in politics needs to be tackled
Ministers are forbidden to have any connections with businesses that are related to the work they conduct for the government.
Drug makers pay lip service to R&D in India
Companies known for spending huge amounts on innovation globally have minuscule budgets for India. What's holding them back?
Why there is nothing surprising about the rupee slide
The rupee is being driven into a vicious circle.
June 12, 2013
Short selling can be profitable, but it is dangerous, too
Timing is crucial for a short-sell, so is an understanding of likely float.
June 11, 2013
US fiscal deficit still high, but nobody moving to reduce it
The US fiscal deficit is still dangerously high, but nobody is moving to reduce it.
Real estate regulation Bill fails to address key issues
Real estate regulation Bill is consumer-friendly and promotes transparency but does not address the issue of inefficiencies in the approval process and other delays by government bodies.
June 10, 2013
From ICICI to YES Bank: Meet Shagun Kapur Gogia
Shagun Kapur Gogia might not have convinced her uncle Rana Kapoor, managing director and chief executive of YES Bank, to appoint her as a board member of the bank, but it appears she has successfully carved out her own space in the financial world.
Is the Indian FAMILY back in business?The overall trend to professionalise has always seen an upward trajectory, but at varying rates of adoption.
Should Narayana Murthy have come back to his 'other' family?
Many corporate leaders have dived back into the fray and helped their companies clamber out of graveyard.
June 09, 2013
Special: How lifestyle expenses can WRECK important goals
While an occasional big expense is fine, it is important to maintain a lifestyle that leaves enough surplus to invest and save.
MARKET INSIGHT: Don't blindly believe preliminary data
If government statistics are at variance with private data flow, chances are high that the latter presents a picture closer to reality.
SPECIAL: Falling rupee a dampener for several firms
While information technology companies will benefit, firms with high foreign borrowings or heavy dependence on imports will be hurt.
June 07, 2013
Comeback role: The task ahead for Murthy
The one-time bellwether of the country's IT industry has slid to the third spot in terms of revenue, overtaken by a relative upstart, Cognizant Technologies (TCS is the largest).
Why raising import duties on gold isn't enough
Govt raises import duties again, misses the point.
June 05, 2013
How Emaar MGF DODGED rules to buy land in Dehradun
Many layers camouflage the acquisition of 1,127 acres of prime real estate in Uttarakhand's capital.
Why Sensex is RISING when economy is in doldrums
Global liquidity and focus on Asia is causing the markets rally.
June 04, 2013
The 4 Cs that can turn around INFOSYS
Infosys must focus on a few steps for quicker returns, says a Barclays report.
June 03, 2013
The TANGLED tale of Jindal's waste-to-energy project
Residents are concerned that the emissions and ash from the plant could severely impair their health and that of future generations.
Tale of two titans: Narendra Modi vs. Shivraj ChouhanA look at how Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh fared in various parameters under their chief ministers.
The TROUBLE with reappointing Narayana Murthy
Not only has the gap between Infosys and the market leader Tata Consultancy Services increased in recent quarters, even Cognizant has overtaken Infosys.
May 30, 2013
NO fast rebound seen for India's moribund economy
Years of fiscal profligacy, a long struggle with high inflation, high interest rates, persistent political gridlock and fragile global economy have put India back in a rut.
SPECIAL: Why the govt must streamline its free medicines plan
A few states are already running their own schemes for providing free drugs from the government health centres.
How the BCCI chief failed shareholders
The company's stock price has appreciated at a compound annual growth rate of 18.3 per cent, the lowest among all industry peers.
May 29, 2013
SPECIAL: Bad times WORSEN for India Inc
It seems the financial headroom for India Inc will get worse, given the rising gap between profit growth and interest obligations.
May 27, 2013
3 reasons why the golden age of dividends is dawning
Most profitable corporations are hoarding cash that could be channeled into dividends.
SPECIAL: Why ranking cities is important
Mercer, the human-resources consulting firm, recently analysed living conditions in cities according to 39 factors, worked out basically to compensate employees of multinational companies when they are located in different cities of the world.
How Cyrus Mistry is RESHAPING the Tata empire
He is focussing on tightening the belt of the conglomerate left bloated by explosive growth under his predecessor.
May 24, 2013
SPECIAL: Ranbaxy's dark chapter
The company has admitted it fudged data so that it could launch its products in the United States. It has now paid $500 million as a penalty to settle the case.
May 23, 2013
How Anil Ambani plans to TURNAROUND RCom
The company wants to woo post-paid customers and rent out its assets to cut debt.
What the Tata Steel write-off REVEALS
Corus is not out of the woods yet.
May 22, 2013
Maruti to launch special edition Ertiga Feliz soon
The anniversary variant will compete with Chevrolet Enjoy and the Mahindra Xylo H-Series.
May 21, 2013
How illegal salt making threatens Sambhar Lake's ecology
Even the sweltering heat of April does not deter the 10,000-odd tractors, mostly Ferguson-Masseys, from ferrying unrefined salt extracted from the brine of this largest inland saltwater lake in Asia.
Air Deccan founder may LOSE it all, even his house
How Captain Gopinath's new aviation business crash landed.
May 20, 2013
SPECIAL: India's China menu keeps growing
Problem of a huge trade imbalance against India even as both exports and imports declined in 2012-13 year-on-year still remains a severe challenge even to this day.
May 17, 2013
Should India's telecom backbone be MADE in China?
In 2011-12, India imported Rs 52,400-crore (Rs 524 billion) worth of telecom equipment; most estimates are that the figure in 2012-13 will match or even cross that number.
How IndiGo plans to FIGHT rivals AirAsia, Etihad
Will build on its existing strengths. Plans to include more fuel-efficient A-320 N and offer better connectivity.
May 16, 2013
SPECIAL: What RBI learnt from the Cobrapost probe
The inquiry report raises questions about the effectiveness of management control as well as that of the supervision process.
May 15, 2013
Why hotel stocks are UNDERPERFORMING
Subdued demand and oversupply has hit the industry.
May 14, 2013
Coal mafia stokes India's power CRISIS
Here's how mafia controls and trade in coal.
SPECIAL: All's fare in airline pricing
The practice of charging for ancillary services on domestic flights is likely to grow as competition soars.
May 13, 2013
Airbus to China: We support you, please buy our jets
China partly lifted a blockade on 45 long-haul A330 jet orders during a visit by French President Francois Hollande last month.
Will the real inflation rate stand up please?
The RBI's idiosyncratic focus on wholesale price inflation at the expense of retail inflation is a serious policy error.
May 10, 2013
How Cobrapost reveals bankers' lack of TRAINING
the training department in most banks is content with asking branch managers to send employees for drab classroom sessions once a year. The perception about such training is obvious from the fact that most branch managers send the names of employees they can do without.
May 09, 2013
Mumbai among cities with most stunning SKYLINES
Can a mathematical formula capture the beauty of a city? You decide...
May 08, 2013
Will Kishore Biyani's BIG GAMBLE work?
'Big Bazaar Profit Club' hopes to build loyalty amongst customers and get better prices from suppliers. Can it succeed?
The real moral FAILURE in the food security Bill debate
A meaningful long-run strategy to eradicate poverty would do more than a top-down distributive model.
India's CHEAP food plans to prove COSTLY for government
Providing cheap rice and wheat to 67.5% population would raise subsidy bills 45% to up to Rs 1.3 trn, and the country.
May 07, 2013
India could soon be heading for a GRAVE economic crisis
The exchange rate is substantially overvalued, economic growth had stalled, and the financial system is under stress.
May 06, 2013
How textile KINGS weave a hold on Bangladesh
As pay levels rise in traditional factory-floor nations, Bangladesh stands as a last outpost of cheap labour.
May 04, 2013
Is Singapore LOSING its economic prowess?
For the first time in the history residents have turned against the government, raising dissent over high living costs and immigration policies.
May 02, 2013
SPECIAL: What makes TCS tick?
The company is racing ahead of its peers even as other sectoral players feel the slowdown heat.
May 01, 2013
Special: How China is LENDING in the DARK
Chinese shadow banking totals only about $2.2 trillion.
Why the Saradha mess is NOT a 'chit fund' scam
Erroneously labelling it a chit fund may unwittingly give this questionable company legal wings to fly.
Man who wants to DESTROY world's financial system
From North American gamblers to Indonesian housewives and Indian salesmen, all got hooked to Sergey Mavrodi scheme.
April 30, 2013
RBI's dilemma: Should interest rates be CUTor NOT
RBI faces contradictory signals.
April 29, 2013
Jet-Etihad deal: Curious case of missing aviation policy
In the absence of the aviation policy, all decisions in aviation sector are left to the whims and fantasy of the ministry.
What led to the gold's BOOM and CRASH
The direction of gold prices will depend on central banks, bullion banks and leveraged hedge funds.
Why you must AVOID exposure to POWER stocks
Corrective actions are required in the sector but it will only happen if things get really desperate
April 27, 2013
Help yourself to get filthy rich
With the cunning of a master thief, author Mohsin Hamid has stolen the form of a self-improvement guide with chapter heads that alternate between the mundane and the cynical
Joy Shoes: Your sole searching ends right here
This 75-year-old hallowed store in Mumbai supplies shoes to Amitabh Bachchan, Tatas, Birlas among others.
In Bengal's grey 'money market', Saradha is just one
Small firms raising deposits in disguise of advances for unknown projects referred to as money market companies in common parlance.
April 26, 2013
The RISE and FALL of Bengal's biggest fraudster
In an 18-page "suicide note" to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Sudipta Sen has declared himself as the only son of Maa Saradha.
Top 6 ultra LUXURIOUS hotel SUITES in India
Check out what makes them special and who have stayed in them.
April 24, 2013
Reliance OPENS its purse to INVEST Rs 179,000 cr
Over the next five years, plans to pump money in KG DG, refining, petrochemical sectors, retail and telecom.
Tesco treads CAUTIOUSLY in India
Due to clauses on local sourcing and infrastructure investments, the world's third largest retailer has not been able to make much headway in India.
April 23, 2013
Counting the costs of direct cash transfers
It is generally felt that DCTs are a more efficient system than, say, physical subsidies. This does hold when conditions are ideal and back-end structures are in place.
How chit funds have ROBBED investors in Bengal
The Saradha group's fortunes nose diving has not only put a scanner on other chitfund companies operating in the state, but has also reportedly put a question mark on TMC's rural vote.
Why India NEEDS politicians LIKE Margaret Thatcher
We need politicians like Margaret Thatcher, who can articulate economic solutions for the country rather than concentrating on politics alone.
Why e-auction of radio stations may HAMPER the industry
As the government has adopted ascending e-auction for radio waves, there is a danger that players might end up overbidding.
April 21, 2013
Special: Why we end up paying HIGH road TOLLS
The most pernicious abuse of the toll system is the VIP syndrome. Most toll plazas carry a long list of VIP vehicles that are exempt from payment and others have to compensate for them.
Why Sterlite Industries is a disaster for Tuticorin
A series of controversies has dogged its copper plant in Tuticorin. But the company denies all allegations.
April 15, 2013
RPG: A visionary who believed in his gut feeling
RP would agree that his four years in Presidency College, the influence of great teachers such as historian Sushobhan Sarkar ("I would go into a trance, listening to his lectures"), and regular visits to bookshops like Dasgupta and Dhar & Sons in College Street, made a bibliophile of him.
April 11, 2013
Why India's welfare plans are anti-poor
When one part of the government comes out with a serious and objective piece on how the government itself has been responsible for creating food inflation, hopefully the government is more likely to take note.
April 10, 2013
How small farmers are REVOLUTIONISING agriculture
Droughts and declining productivity of staple crops are turning farmers to short-duration vegetable crops. The movement has made India second largest producer of vegetables.
BUY your own private ISLAND for Rs 1 crore
Your dream of having a home surrounded by aquamarine waters in the Caribbean or French Polynesia can turn into reality.
April 09, 2013
How Sterlite copper plant POLLUTED Tuticorin
The residents of Tuticorin claim that pollution from Sterlite smelter has affected their health and environment, and farmers and fishermen have lost livelihood.
ANALYSIS: Future of Ambani brothers' telecom deal
The network sharing agreement is the start of a new era of partnership between the brothers. More deals on sharing towers and intra-city fibre network are likely.
How Sanjay Gandhi's aviation business plan FAILED
Cables released by WikiLeaks name Sonia, Sanjay Gandhi as board members of firms that lobbied with US Embassy to connect with aircraft makers in 1976.
April 08, 2013
Power games: How Adani shifted base and claimed relief
The company proposed to move site for supply to Gujarat from Korba to coastal Mundra within 10 days of signing PPA.
How banks and MFs are doing ILLEGAL transactions
Banks and mutual funds in India are earning abnormally high returns in money markets by breaching Reserve Bank of India rules forbidding forward trades.
April 07, 2013
SPECIAL: Why SC got it right on Novartis
The judgment will save taxpayers' money without hurting the pharma industry or R&D.
April 05, 2013
Why these Delhi hotels are LOSING crores every month
Security concerns prevent the largest hotel project in the country to take off.
April 02, 2013
How govt banks aided the RISE of CRONY capitalism
Government banks have repeatedly failed to take quick action against defaulters. They only raise an alarm when the loan turns into a non-performing asset. A fitting example of this attitude is Vijay Mallya's Kingfisher.
The success story of Kerala's Startup Village
With plans to create 1,000 product firms in 10 years, Startup Village in Kerala is set to leave a mark on India's IT landscape.
April 01, 2013
Why China's CURBS on property buying will NOT work
To cool the real estate market, putting curbs on property buying will not work. There are many loopholes in China's monetary policy that would again lead to rise in real estate prices. The country first needs to address this weakness.
How Dharavi garment worker became a celebrity shoemaker
True-life story of Dharavi's garment worker, who now makes shoes for Kajol, Abhishek Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Ranbir Kapoor and international stars like Kylie Minogue. His scale of business: A 120 sq ft plot and eight employees.
Debt funds score over fixed deposits
Medium- and long-term debt funds are likely to perform better with each rate cut; returns from FDs will improve but may remain negative
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