DoT to launch first phase of national Internet backbone in June
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will launch the first phase of the Rs 75-crore National Internet Backbone (NIB) to provide Internet access in 542 cities in June this year.

Vajpayee to head Cabinet panel on disinvestment
In a bid to speed up the disinvestment process, the Government has decided to set up a cabinet committee headed by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

DCA to seek CBI, police to track down "vanished" firms' promoters
The Department of Company Affairs (DCA) has decided to seek the help of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and state police authorities in tracking down the promoters of companies which have `vanished' after raising money from the public.

  Thai corporate debt recast needs quick move
  Loose tea fails to fulfill PFA norms
  Indonesia diesel imports back to normal
  Asian gasoline margin topped out on Indonesia
  Iran's Khatami to discuss oil on Saudi visit
  Singapore unable to sustain many more Internet firms
  Asian currency gains leave central banks on edge
  China's forex reserves swells to $145bn
  Moody's paints grim picture of Indian banks
  Export facilitating scheme to be extended to trading houses, medium industries
  Bankers lobby for repo rate cut to shore up bottomlines
  PM to head cabinet committee on disinvestment
  CMIE revises industrial growth estimate downwards to 4 per cent
  SEBI to do away with all or none trades to enhance transparency
  Cabinet approves crossholding, share buyback plans for six state-run units
  Punjab sews up 10-year loan at 12.47 per cent