Government to keep majority in oil firms
Union minister for petroleum and natural gas Vazhapadhy K Ramamurthy has categorically ruled out lowering government equity in any national oil company to below 51%. Ramamurthy's statement comes amidst reports of a Shell-Saudi Aramco bid for Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), a company in which the Centre barely retains the controlling stake of 51%.

Readymade garment exports up by 11.5%
The exports of readymade garments, has recorded an impressive increase of 11.56% at $2,367.7 million and 20.03% at Rs 1,0076.99 crore during the first five months of the calendar year (January-May 99). The exports were valued at $2,122.3 million (Rs 8,395.52 crore) during the period.

Govt may permit internet telephony: Montek
Planning Commission member Montek Singh Ahluwalia said the government is reviewing its position on voice telephony and is expected to allow this new technology soon. Stating that voice over internet protocol (VoIP) will help in rationalising tariffs, he felt it would boost the growth of the information technology-based industry.

  Philippines rice research institute develops high-yielding variety
  `Pollution over Indian Ocean can affect monsoon'
  GMO threats discourage Thailand from switching over to biotech
  `Deposit Insurance Agency needs more empowerment'
  Trucks scarcity drives up cement rates in Andhra
  India, China should not view each other as a threat -- Beijing
  `Transparency will ensure better governance'
  Bullion imports dip 50% in April
  Executive Briefing
  INS seeks clarification on foreign holding in Tata publicatiion
  Briefing
  A hornet's nest
  US trash firm plans to dump software
  Marketplace Briefing
  LPVR recommended to decide on BOT road project contracts
  Absorb excess manpower in port management
  Karnataka sends delegation to study HK, Singapore airports
  Sengupta panel report still valid despite divergent views
  Briefing
  Cement prices may rise in North