Bank rate cut -- Lower returns may squeeze investment insurers
Friday's cut in the bank rate, signalling a lowering of interest rates elsewhere in the financial system, could see a reduction in socio-oriented investments by insurance companies. As it is, say public sector officials, margins are likely to come under pressure with the opening of the sector to private enterprise.

STC divestment deferred to next fiscal
The department of disinvestment (DoD) has deferred the privatisation of State Trading Corporation (STC) for the next fiscal. The Cabinet Committee on Disinvestment (CCD) had cleared STC sale for this fiscal on October 6 last year.

AES Transpower seeks insurance cover
If the Orissa super-cyclone had made the asset managers of power distribution companies sit up and take notice, the Gujarat earthquake has made them run for insurance cover.


  Kandla port becomes fully operational
  `Set up disaster management ministry'
  Government devises strategies to develop tourism in Assam
  Bengal seeks private sector participation
  G-7 optimistic about global growth
  Budget may levy cess for disaster fund
  Counsellors trained for quake victims
  RBI may cut bank rate further by 50 basis points by April -- I-Sec
  Tourism ministry plans to give Central funds directly to STCs
  Industry differs on taxing services, says no to surcharge
  Steps to augment crude oil production on, says Naik
  NTPC's Talcher, Simhadri units face Rs 1,400 cr cost overrun
  Briefing
  Pharma price control norms need to be updated
  Why the Budget is presented on the last day of February
  Chinese model proposed for developing ports
  Why delink the interest rate regime from fiscal policy?
  Toy-makers talk markets only after school
  Executive Briefing
  States to provide regular report on rural development, says Venkaiah
  India can attract $100-bn FDI in infrastructure -- Hinduja
  DPC asks MSEB to become principal buyer of power for third-party sale
  Mamata resists pressure to hike fares
  Vajpayee calls for safer sea lanes
  Thousands throng to witness international air spectacle
  SBI officers allege discrimination in VRS rules
  Insurance firm asked to pay policy-holder's bill
  MP govt denies Verma's statement
  Centre eases control on voicemail business