Ministry austerity may clip pharma pricing authority
The ministry of chemicals and fertilisers is contemplating a series of cost-cutting measures which may see a dilution in the role of the apex drug pricing body, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). The ministry is working on three key proposals: the scrapping of the NPPA chairman's post; transfer of around 14 NPPA officials to the ministry under a joint secretary; and a surrender of the premises occupied by the apex body.

Alcan to name expatriate as Indal chief executive
Alcan Aluminium of Canada is likely to nominate an expatriate chief executive officer at Indal's board meeting in Mumbai on Monday. The new CEO is also expected to take over as the new chairman of the company, ending weeks of speculation that one of the senior executives of Indal will be elevated to the position of CEO, while an expatriate will become the new chairman.

Reserve Bank may belie great expectations
The Reserve Bank is unlikely to make any major announcement in its monetary and credit policy for the second half what with prime minister AB Vajpayee and finance minister Yashwant Sinha having abrogated upon themselves the onerous task. The central bank will unveil its credit policy on October 30.

CORPORATE
Modicorp plans recast; overseas float in offing
Cadbury India puts city property on the block

ECONOMY
CSO plans quick industry estimates by December
Raise the ceiling on share acquisition, says Ficci's new chief

EXPRESSIONS
Stock-lending and attendant problems
Implement now

MARKETS
Vajpayee's remark on errant promoters turns the spotlight on Sebi's powers
Traders moot futures trading in onions

LEISURE
Invest in watches with vintage appeal
Using the medium to send home the message