Breaking Views News - Page 14

Chidu's volte-face: From tax-free buffet to Buffett Tax

P Chidambaram, the man who invited the rich to a tax-free buffet as finance minister, now wants them to consider a Buffett Tax.

Am I a virus? asks UID's Nilekani. The answer: Yes, you are

It has been all signals green for Unique ID Authority chief Nandan Nilekani. But a system is beginning to see him as an interloper with excess power. It is striking back.

That Chinese red-carpet could trip up Indian CEOs

Indian economic policymakers and CEOs are priming to embrace China closer. But faced with China's trade policies, panda-hugging comes with many perils.

The case against PM and Chidu is same as case against Modi

There is now enough documentation available to show that both the PM and Chidambaram knew what Raja was up to and acquiesced in his acts.

CBI got Rs 31,000 cr 2G loss from Subbarao; RBI chief may be key witness

The CBI is likely to use RBI Governor D Subbarao as its key witness to show that there was a real loss in A Raja's 2G spectrum scam.

2G: Note that damns Chidu may have come from whistleblower

The PMO did not ask for a note from the finance ministry on the history of the 2G spectrum case. Who then drafted it? A whistleblower?

Raja link emerges in Goa CM Kamat's mining scam

Andimuthu Raja, the man behind the 2G scam, also seems to have had a hand in giving environmental clearances for Goa's mines - some of them illegal

Negotiations on India-US investment pact nearly done

The proposed treaty, which has been in the works for two years, will give American companies incentive to increase investment in India's five-year infrastructure plan that carries a price tag of $1 trillion.

How nuclear power in India has become a white elephant

Nuclear power in India, after more than 50 years of effort, is yielding less power than windmills. It is simply not safe enough and does not justify the costs involved.

Four reasons why Infosys lost its bellwether status

Infosys may be back on the recovery path after its restructuring, but there are reasons why it lost its old favoured status.

India needs lower taxes, supply side miracle - not rate hikes

The RBI's rate hikes will not work ultimately. What India needs is a supply side miracle and tax cuts that will stimulate the economy and increase investment.

How Kingfisher and Jet made a hash of their business models

The full services carriers have got their business models and cost structures all wrong. Here's why they are floundering.

A state on the offensive: Why the Gujarat formula works

Gujarat, has stood out because it has thought long-term about investments. Not tax incentives, but land access, speed and infrastructure. When most Indian states are wringing their hands about inflation and real estate, Gujarat is on the offensive.

India Inc could pay a high price for 'cheap China loans'

Indian companies are turning to Chinese 'policy lenders' for 'cheap loans' to tide over a credit squeeze. But those loans typically come with hidden conditionalities and could compromise Indian interests.

Palmer's lawsuit against Infosys gets teeth as allegations snowball

All three whistle-blowers, including Palmer have said Infosys misused short-term B1 visitors' visas to bring in low-cost engineers from India. If Infosys was hoping to settle with Palmer out of court the odds aren't looking too good for Infosys.

How the Gali Reddy brothers ruled Bellary with iron hand

According to detractors, the Gali Reddy brothers, who mined iron ore illegally in Bellary, were a law unto themselves before their luck ran out

The Patel effect: CAG nails the reasons for Air India's failure

Under former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel the national carrier went steadily downhill. Ministers have to be kept far away from the operations of public sector companies.

Thud: Edu-shares Everonn and Educomp hit the skids

While Everon hit the lower circuit, Educomp fell as it had to defer its fund-raising plans. The bigger problem is the sector is getting de-rated.

FM's budget gap isn't fixable in 2011-12 - so let's not fix it

The govt's fiscal deficit target will be missed by a mile. But in a year of slowdown, one should let it rip and focus on infrastructure spending to get growth back on track

DLF courts more trouble over market dominance, but let off

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) found DLF guilty of abusing its dominant market position and asked it to modify unfair conditions imposed on its buyers within three months.<br /><br /> <br /><br />

Pranab, Sebi chief accused of batting for Sahara, RIL, MCX

A leaked letter brings allegations of corporate cronyism and interference in regulatory affairs right to the door of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee

Earnings blow fails to deter M&A flow for Corporate India

The market too has nothing positive to offer. But the companies are high on inorganic growth and don't mind taking the bull by the horns.

Steve Jobs: From rebel icon to merchant of cool

Both Steve Jobs and Apple have travelled a great distance from their origins as icons of righteous capitalism. They both now have been reduced to symbols of consumerist cool, much like their iPad.

Crisis-weary India Inc is all for cheaper money from banks

As part of the wish-list, industry houses called on banks to give a push to consumer spending by way of widening their lending basket.

Credit stays dull, but Fed Bank boss optimistic of profit flow

Investors are concerned that banks with exposure to SMEs and infrastructure sector may have to eventually take a hit on profits by restructuring loans.

SBI pays the price for being a govt-owned bank

The finance ministry is planning to play Scrooge on State Bank's capital requirements. And it's share prices are already reflecting this negative impact

Kamath will tinker with, not reengineer, Infosys

Most observers believe the change of guard is more about continuity, and not about rocking the boat.

HP: No longer a safe haven stock, but is it up for sale?

The company's shares fell 20 percent on Friday after a rash of announcements including a costly $11.7 billion acquisition, the killing of its tablet computer and a drawn-out review of its PC business that could lead to a spin-off.

After DLF, will the Anna factor impact realty stocks?

The real estate sector is the most corruption-prone sector. Can it remain immune once the Anna Hazare campaign gathers steam? Does the sector need a further de-rating?

Why India is not a favoured investment destination

Earning downgrade fears and high inflation have hampered outlook for Indian equities. India is the least favoured investment destination for emerging markets investors, according to a Bank of America-Merrill Lynch Fund Managers Survey for August.