Autonomy for regional offices on the cards
The Reserve Bank of India is decentralising the entire decision-making process by giving its 22 regional offices autonomy to act as independent entities, and not as mere arms of the central bank.

Rajya Sabha clears Patent Bill; Left stand voted out
The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed the controversial Patents Bill after rejecting amendments for referring it to the parliamentary select committee.

Centre tables Companies Bill in Lok Sabha
The government introduced the Companies (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday to permit companies to buy back their shares up to 25% of the paid-up capital and free reserves and also to make investments or loans freely without prior approval of the government.

CORPORATE
Hindustan Lever gives in, admits Wheel has no lime
Hoechst Marion, Nicholas Piramal forge pact

ECONOMY
Lok Sabha passes customs, income-tax bills
Ministry seeks to mop up Rs 1,500 cr via Samadhan

EXPRESSIONS
Alarmist outlook
A dream come true

MARKETS
Forex brokers' association votes against commission cut at meet
ICICI plans to float two more safety bond issues in the current fiscal

LEISURE
High on quality, low on price
EU directive draws investors to Swiss banks