Flip side of Patel's commemorative coins: Maharashtra clamps 13% sales tax
The Maharashtra government has created a stir among numismatists by slapping a 13% sales tax on the commemorative coins of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The sudden rise in the price of the coin has upset the cognoscenti and some of them are even planning to take the government to court.

State Bank sells $2 bn to RBI in off-market deals
The State Bank of India has sold close to $2 billion to the Reserve Bank of India in a series of off-market deals struck over the last few days. The development is expected to ease the pressure on the rupee and boost the country's foreign currency reserves.

Ministries spar on Indian Airlines recast
The Vajpayee government seems to be in a spot over Indian Airlines' financial recast, with the civil aviation ministry insisting on full and immediate implementation of the Kelkar committee report on injection of funds and the finance ministry suggesting a phased adoption.

CORPORATE
Cabinet okays IOC, Petronas joint venture
Kirloskar Oil, Deutz to part ways next month

ECONOMY
North Block sheds sense of uncertainty, wears a confident look
"Level playing-field creation to precede insurance open-up"

EXPRESSIONS
Court ruling strengthens workers' cause
PM keeps counsel

MARKETS
Corporates resist move to demat US-64 holdings
The RIB bond yet to strike State Bank counter

LEISURE
A well-timed and handy guide for our domestic exporters
A short-term scholarship may be round the corner