B S Reporter In Chennai, Hyderabad

Stories by B S Reporter In Chennai, Hyderabad

No money yet for Ranbaxy shareholders

No money yet for Ranbaxy shareholders

Rediff.com   23 Sep 2008

ICICI Securities, Daiichi Sankyo's offer manager, has indicated that there will be a delay in payment for Ranbaxy's accepted shares as the acquisition of the country's largest drug maker is yet to clear all regulatory and procedural hurdles. Daiichi has agreed to accept Ranbaxy shares from the open market as well as its promoters for Rs 737 a share. The company's scrip closed at Rs 347.2 at the Bombay Stock Exchange on September 22.

Mukesh Ambani foresees gas-based economy

Mukesh Ambani foresees gas-based economy

Rediff.com   22 Sep 2008

Mukesh Ambani gave a fascinating account of how the company, which will soon account for around 40 per cent of the country's oil & gas production, can change the energy landscape of the country. It can also potentially lead to a new gas-based economy, he said. Terming natural gas as the 21st century fuel, Ambani said India now has the opportunity to leapfrog the use of clean energy and directly benefit the people.

Pepsi slots $ 500 mn to triple India sales

Pepsi slots $ 500 mn to triple India sales

Rediff.com   22 Sep 2008

The investment would be spread over manufacturing capacity, market infrastructure, environment sustainability initiatives, R&D and agriculture. Pepsico Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi said the new investment will generate 50,000 direct and indirect jobs in India. PepsiCo has invested $ 700 million since its entry into the country in 1989, employing 4,000 people directly and some 60,000 others indirectly.

ArcelorMittal to help farmers handle investments

ArcelorMittal to help farmers handle investments

Rediff.com   18 Sep 2008

Vijay Bhatnagar, chief executive officer of ArcelorMittal India, said, "The move is aimed to ensure that these people, who have never handled large sums of money, do not get misguided by unscrupulous elements and end up losing their money. The objective is to figure out ways for these people, who have very little or no education and financial knowledge, to get the highest possible returns through the safest possible investments."

Demand slumps: Experts call for cut in home prices

Demand slumps: Experts call for cut in home prices

Rediff.com   18 Sep 2008

While end-users in big cities such as Mumbai and Delhi are postponing buying houses due to a number of reasons such as unaffordable prices, rise in interest rates and increase in their monthly pay-outs among others, investors have sold off their properties to pay for losses suffered in the stock and property markets, consultants said.

More Indian tourists head abroad

More Indian tourists head abroad

Rediff.com   18 Sep 2008

About 64 per cent of the total outbound Indian tourists had sightseeing on the agenda; others travelled to explore new places, seek a change from daily routine, destress and visit family and friends, the report stated. Nature, safety and hygiene are among the important factors considered when selecting a travel destination. Singapore emerged as the most common travel destination for Indians (24 per cent) in the next 12 months, followed by Dubai, Australia, and Malaysia.

Booking a bus ticket? Try online

Booking a bus ticket? Try online

Rediff.com   12 Sep 2008

Online bus booking started in India around 18 months ago. It is estimated to be a 15,000-crore market and is growing at 20 per cent a month. Currently, bus booking is less than 0.01 per cent of the total online travel booking segment. On an average, portals charge 10-20 per cent commission on ticket value from bus operators. On an airline booking, it is below 5 per cent.

Hindujas plan to set up N-plants

Hindujas plan to set up N-plants

Rediff.com   12 Sep 2008

The expansion into nuclear is part of the group's plan to invest as much as $ 50 billion by 2014 to expand its business in the world's second-most populous nation. The group has already concluded talks with overseas companies which can offer technological and related support to enter the business. "There will be a flood of American investments in the country once the deal is concluded," S P Hinduja said.

'5 mn Americans depend on Indian companies'

'5 mn Americans depend on Indian companies'

Rediff.com   10 Sep 2008

The nuclear energy business in India would be in the order of $100 billion (about Rs 4 lakh crore) in about 10 years after the deal comes through. A few companies dealing in clean energy have been making enquiries with the commerce department about the possible trade opportunities and the scope of nuclear business, he said.

Infosys to focus on learning services

Infosys to focus on learning services

Rediff.com   27 Jun 2008

Infosys Technologies Limited, the Bangalore-based consulting, IT services and business process management company, is leveraging its human resource (HR) development strategies to bring new business into its fold, said company's chief executive officer and managing director S Gopalakrishnan (Kris).

When will Hyderabad Airport start operations?

When will Hyderabad Airport start operations?

Rediff.com   18 Mar 2008

GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) has developed the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad ahead of schedule, but the company officials are not in a position to tell when the new facility will commence commercial operations even three days after its inauguration.It is learnt that most of the private airlines, including domestic and international carriers, are yet to enter into an agreement with the new airport's two ground handlers.

ISB launches new centre of excellence

ISB launches new centre of excellence

Rediff.com   22 Feb 2008

This is the fifth centre to be established at the ISB. The school has already set up four such centres in the areas of entrepreneurship, finance, logistics & manufacturing, and IT.

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.

Test flights make smooth landing at Hyd airport

Test flights make smooth landing at Hyd airport

Rediff.com   14 Feb 2008

Pilot DD Gandhi, who flew the Kingfisher aircraft from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, circled thrice over the Shamshabad airport before touching the South Asia's longest runway (4,260 metres) amidst applause from the 50-odd passengers, mostly journalists besides guests and officials of the GMR group.

Site finalised for Vizag international airport

Site finalised for Vizag international airport

Rediff.com   12 Feb 2008

Governor ND Tiwari while addressing the joint session of the legislative Assembly, which commenced the 40-day annual budget sessions on Monday , said the Airports Authority of India had conducted a site location feasibility study for the international airport at Visakhapatnam and the site had been finalised near Rayavaram.

Aditya Birla Retail plans Rs 10,000 cr expansion

Aditya Birla Retail plans Rs 10,000 cr expansion

Rediff.com   4 Feb 2008

Aditya Birla Retail Limited (ABRL), the retail arm of the Aditya Birla Group, would be investing Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 crore (Rs 80-100 billion) in expanding its operations across the country over a period of five years.

Now, a reality show on cyberspace

Now, a reality show on cyberspace

Rediff.com   18 Oct 2007

India Ka Hero, perhaps the first-of-its-kind online reality show, developed by NowPos (short for NowPossible) Online Services Private Limited, allows aspiring musicians, singers, dancers and comedians shed their stage frights and showcase their artistic abilities.

Corporates to set up 30 rural public schools

Corporates to set up 30 rural public schools

Rediff.com   3 Oct 2007

While the private companies have to spend Rs 8-12 crore (Rs 80 to Rs 120 million) on building and other infrastructure for each school, the government would provide 30-50 acre land free of cost to the developers of these schools.

Hyderabadi haleem now a click away

Hyderabadi haleem now a click away

Rediff.com   14 Sep 2007

Pista House ties up with Gati for worldwide delivery.

Bt Brinjal trials court controversy

Bt Brinjal trials court controversy

Rediff.com   21 Aug 2007

Centre for Sustainable Agriculture has leveled serious charges against Genetic Engineering Approval Committee for allowing large-scale field trials of Bt Brinjal.