Indian Oil spurns IBP alliance proposal
The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is believed to have vehemently objected to the proposal of an alliance between IBP, Madras Refineries, Cochin Refineries and Bongaigaon Refinery & Petrochemicals. The Union ministry of petroleum and natural gas, however, feels the plan needs a careful look.

Hero Honda net spurts 46% to Rs 53 cr, shelves scooters plan for now
Hero Honda Motors has recorded a 46% jump in net profit at Rs 52.72 crore and a 31% increase in sales at Rs 713.11 crore for the half-year ended September 30, 1998. The company is planning to launch five new models over the next three years.

Morgan Stanley gives itself a clean chit over Black Monday share sales
Morgan Stanley India has strongly denied its alleged role in pulling down the markets by pressing heavy sales on the ``Black Monday'', October 5. However, the fund has accepted that its asset management division was a net seller during the period between October 5-9.

CORPORATE
Lakme Lever puts a freeze on price increase in bid to prop volumes
Silicon Valley lobbies for increasing H-1B visas

ECONOMY
Thailand banks may be the first to recover
Need of the hour is to instill confidence in investors

EXPRESSIONS
A short rally is round the corner
Human error prime reason for air accidents: experts

MARKETS
MSEB extends bonds' issue closure date
I-Sec forsees squeeze in short term

LEISURE
Star to step up Channel V stake to 60%
JK Helene Curtis outlines twin-track growth plan, to unveil eight products