Prime minister sets up core sector task force; Jaswant Singh to head the team
The government has constituted a task force on infrastructure sector to attract investments in projects of national and regional importance and ensure their timely completion. The task force will be headed by Planning Commission deputy chairman Jaswant Singh.

Centre promulgates buyback ordinance
The government on Saturday promulgated an ordinance amending the Companies Act 1956 to permit buyback of shares by promoters of companies and free limits on inter-corporate deposits. The ordinance has also allowed Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC) to be declared as a financial institution.

Ramakrishna moots alternative to SPV
Disinvestment Commission chairman GV Ramakrishna has suggested the setting up of a National Shareholding Trust that would act as a `pass through' mechanism to disinvest government holding in public sector undertakings.

CORPORATE
Castrol Q3 net leaps 8% to Rs 127 crore
ITC set to buy 5-star hotel in Bangkok

ECONOMY
Vajpayee may announce Internet policy today
RBI panel on exports to submit report next month

EXPRESSIONS
Written policy matters
Reprieve appears on the Taj horizon

MARKETS
Skindia GDR Index rises a shade
G-7 pact lifts global gloom; US shares surge

LEISURE
Sign a love contract before romancing in office
Council formed in US to promote Indian arts