Ministry may hike floor on private insurance companies' capital base
The ministry of finance, which is engaged in preparing the draft Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) bill for parliament's winter session, is in favour of keeping the minimum capital requirement for private insurance companies well above Rs 100 crore.

Amended coal bill to be tabled with rider
The much-talked-of amendment to the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Bill, which will pave the way for almost unrestricted private sector investment in coal exploration and mining, will finally be placed in parliament in the winter session, accompanied by a rider.

Government dilly-dally on environment clearance holds up Bina refinery plan
The fate of the six-million-tonne Bina refinery hangs in balance, with the final hurdle of environment clearance pending with the centre. The delay has caused significant cost over-runs estimated to be in the region of hundreds of crores of rupees.

CORPORATE
Maruti to boost marketing arsenal to take on entrants
Indian Airline officials split on revival strategy

ECONOMY
Inflation down but foodstuff prices surge
Commerce ministry mulls Rs 1,000cr package for leather-industry update

EXPRESSIONS
To what avail?
Re-think a must

MARKETS
Tax-free infrastructure bonds unlikely to take off
State loans oversubscribed; call rates likely to remain easy

LEISURE
Traders feel the pinch as Diwali fails to set cash registers ringing
Stamps with international themes stand out from clutter