B Dasarath Reddy And T E Narasimhan

Stories by B Dasarath Reddy And T E Narasimhan

Manpower crunch cramps logistics industry

Manpower crunch cramps logistics industry

Rediff.com   8 Sep 2008

The domestic logistics industry, which is estimated to generate business worth $110 billion in the next two years, will need over 400,000 additional pair of hands in the next four to five years.

FM radio making rapid strides

FM radio making rapid strides

Rediff.com   27 Aug 2008

The entry of private players has boosted the fortunes of FM radio in a big way in the country. This has been consistently reflecting in the revenue earned by the industry, which grew to Rs 550 crore (Rs 5.5 billion) last year from Rs 350 crore (Rs 3.5 billion) a year ago. The industry is expected to close with over Rs 800 crore (Rs 8 billion) in revenue this year.

Now, buy your insurance policy at kirana shops

Now, buy your insurance policy at kirana shops

Rediff.com   27 Aug 2008

With the general insurance penetration at a dismal 0.60 per cent (measured as a percentage of GDP), many companies feel that selling the policies through photo studios, grocery stores and even telephone booths would help improve the figure. "If telecom companies are able to use grocery stores, petty shops and other small outlets, why not insurance companies?" said an Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority official.

SEZs funding to cross Rs 3 lakh crore: Singhal

SEZs funding to cross Rs 3 lakh crore: Singhal

Rediff.com   12 Aug 2008

Speaking to Business Standard on the sidelines of the ground breaking ceremony of the Chennai-based Sri City's SEZ in Tada, in Andhra Pradesh, last week, Singhal said SEZs in the country have so far generated over 300,000 jobs, adding once all the 462 zones start functioning, they are expected to create 4 million jobs.

LIC policy? Nominees can't be 'strangers'

LIC policy? Nominees can't be 'strangers'

Rediff.com   24 Jul 2008

The Insurance Regulatory Development Authority (Irda) is planning to issue a notice to Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to stop the latter from allowing policy holders to nominate "strangers" (those who are not close relatives) and religious institutions as beneficiaries of life policy claims.

IPL TV ad rates to go up 50 per cent

IPL TV ad rates to go up 50 per cent

Rediff.com   18 Jul 2008

In the wake of a hugely successful first season, the television advertisement rates for the second edition of the Indian Premier League are expected to increase by 40 to 50 per cent, say analysts. The inaugural edition of the Indian cricket board-mooted 20-over tournament had attracted over 20 million viewers, of which 8.2 million were women, they say.

LIC moves to curb fraudulent claims

LIC moves to curb fraudulent claims

Rediff.com   14 Jul 2008

The state-owned life insurer Life Insurance Corporation of India has decided to introduce strict norms for agents in a move to arrest fraudulent and early claims (arising after first year of the policy). The corporation found that early claims arose due to poor underwriting and moral hazards.

Indian shipbuilders see demand from foreign shores

Indian shipbuilders see demand from foreign shores

Rediff.com   10 Jul 2008

Indian shipbuilders are expected to invest Rs 20,000 crore (Rs 200 billion) in the next five to six years to enable them grab the growing demand for ships from Japan, Korea and China. The scarcity of shipbuilding yards in these countries up to 2012 will help Indian shipbuilders increase their market share globally.

Freight rates to US, Europe soar

Freight rates to US, Europe soar

Rediff.com   28 May 2008

Leading shipping lines operating in India said ocean freight rates to the US and Europe increased to $1,900 and $1,650, respectively, for every twenty foot equivalent unit in the past five months. The increase follows a sharp rise in crude price, which touched $132 a barrel from $99.62 in January 2008 and currency fluctuations against the dollar, according to a senior executive in a US-based shipping line.

Actuary shortfall hits outsourcing firms

Actuary shortfall hits outsourcing firms

Rediff.com   18 Apr 2008

Among insurance companies, general and health insurers are the worst affected by the shortage. The business process outsourcing industry, particularly the niche knowledge process outsourcing companies, are the second biggest recruiters of actuaries today.

TN initiatives take IT beyond Chennai

TN initiatives take IT beyond Chennai

Rediff.com   15 Mar 2008

Under its IT/ITeS SEZ development plan, Electronic Corporation of Tamil Nadu (Elcot) is setting up nine IT SEZs in Tamil Nadu, developing 1 million sq ft space at an estimated cost of Rs 28,000-30,000 crore (Rs 280-300 billion) - one each at Perumbakkam village and Sholinganallur near Chennai, two in Madurai, and one each at Tiruchirapalli (Trichy), Krishnagiri, Salem, Coimbatore and Tirunelveli.

Exim Bank to push exports in rural areas

Exim Bank to push exports in rural areas

Rediff.com   11 Mar 2008

Exim Bank of India Chairman and Managing Director T C Venkat Subramanian revealed that the bank has good exposure in highly export-intensive sectors. The bank has seen considerable increase in loan approvals and profit after tax. It provides financing both in foreign currency and Indian rupees. The bank will push exports from rural areas and explore untapped areas. Subramanian believes microfinancing model was ideal for villages as it reaches the indigenous rural people.

Pan requirement worries life insurers

Pan requirement worries life insurers

Rediff.com   6 Mar 2008

FM's decision to make PAN card a neccessity for financial transactions has worried life insurers, who will find it difficult to tap rural India with this requirement.

Chennai, Ennore to become car export hub

Chennai, Ennore to become car export hub

Rediff.com   26 Feb 2008

Chennai and Ennore ports are set to become hub for car exports from South India. After Hyundai, the two ports have started attracting global manufacturers like Renault SA, Nissan, and Ford.

BFSI segment to create 1mn jobs every year

BFSI segment to create 1mn jobs every year

Rediff.com   23 Feb 2008

The rapidly growing banking, financial and services industry sector in India is expected to create about a million jobs every year for the next five years

Insurers bet big on 'shopassurance'

Insurers bet big on 'shopassurance'

Rediff.com   21 Feb 2008

After developing bancassurance channels, which banks use to sell insurance products, the latest buzzword among insurance companies is "shopassurance" - selling insurance through supermarkets and retail chains.

How card firms milk customers on insurance

How card firms milk customers on insurance

Rediff.com   20 Feb 2008

Most policies attached to co-branded cards to lure customers.

Tax breaks: Punjab comes under fire

Tax breaks: Punjab comes under fire

Rediff.com   20 Feb 2008

Punjab is opposing Centre's area-based tax exemption policy while the underdeveloped states are lauding it as a "well deserved" package.

Insurance companies bet big on health

Insurance companies bet big on health

Rediff.com   11 Feb 2008

Insurance companies are banking in on health insurance, as it promises to be Rs 25,000-cr industry by 2010.

Banks eye insurance sector

Banks eye insurance sector

Rediff.com   2 Feb 2008

This year, at least eight public sector banks are set to scrap their existing Bancassurance tie-ups with insurers. They are: Bank of India, Union Bank, Karnataka Bank, Allahabad Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and Federal Bank.