Vajpayee steps forward to flag off new crop cover plan
Prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has taken the initiative to kick-start a new crop insurance scheme which will be implemented by a new General Insurance Corporation subsidiary.

Duty-free import of pulses allowed to check prices
In a bid to check rising prices of essential commodities, the centre has allowed duty-free import of pulses, abolished special additional duty on vanaspati inputs, and asked state-procurement agencies to hike imports of onions.

Rajasthan abandons tungsten mining
Tungsten mining at Degana in Rajasthan has run into crisis with the slump in the international prices of the metal. Rightly the government has decied to abandon the mining for the time being.

  Executive Briefing
  Vajpayee keeps promise, unveils Internet service providers policy
  Italian trade commissioner stresses on JVs
  RBI, ministry may have differences
  FM to discuss infrastructure with IBRD officials today
  Asia-Pacific realty markets continue to fall
  Domestic firms have ignored consumer needs
  Palm oil to cross 5 lakh tonnes
  Japan likely to import 3.8 million tonnes of corn
  Indo-British business meet this week
  Typhoon hits Philippine coconut plantations
  Corporates can help boost cotton output
  Cotton textile exports slide in dollar terms
  Blended yarn makers in deep crisis
  China plans fuel tax to replace road levies
  "Steps to rev up economy showing results"
  "Delay in enacting agro laws cost dear"
  US seeks easier access to Japanese car market, urges cut in red tape
  Russia approves crisis plan after IMF rebuff
  China plans to convert part of reserves into euro
  G7 unveils sweeping reform plan to shore up global financial system