Asia's biggest IT trade show begins
Bangalore IT.COM 2000, Asia's biggest IT trade show, got off to a start in Bangalore on Wednesday. A record 376 companies from across the world are showcasing their products and services at the expo. The five-day event has attracted participation from Singapore, the UK, Germany, Sweden and Belgium.

China, Japan, Scotland, Singapore and Britain also have sent delegates. Organised by the Karnataka government with the USA being the partner country, the mega show is expected to generate business to the tune of Rs 350 crore.

Azhar, Ajay Sharma may be prosecuted
The CBI on Wednesday indicated that it may prosecute Mohammed Azharuddin who has ``admitted'' to fixing international matches for huge sums. Former Test player Ajay Sharma, who like Azharuddin is a ``public servant'', could also face prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Hyundai, Daewoo sales up in October
Hyundai Motors and Daewoo Motors have reported higher sales in October compared to the corresponding month last year. The former sold 7,363 cars in October in spite of severe capacity constraints.

Oil PSUs to ease out NTPC from JV
National oil companies have decided to ease out NTPC from the one billion dollar joint venture, Petronet-LNG, for importing gas in India. The decision was taken in view of NTPC's inablity to join the company before it was able to sign power purchase agreements with the states for its proposed gas based projects at Anta, Auriya, Kawas and Gandhar at an investment of over Rs. 10,000 crore.

Gesco to write to Sebi again
Gesco plans to write a second letter to Sebi with additional evidence to prove that the Dalmias had breached certain requirements under the takeover code. GESCO says there is enough ground to suggest that the Dalmia group did not comply with the takeover code.

Tata Chem consultant for makeover
Tata Chemicals is heading towards a complete makeover in the backdrop of the proposed restructuring of its businesses. The company, which is looking at rationalisation, refocussing and restructuring its business, has sought the help of Tata Strategic Management group.

Rupee gains against dollar
The rupee posted a strong rally against the dollar on Wednesday on renewed heavy dollar sales by banks in the absence of adequate buying enquiries for the US currency. In fairly active trade at the interbank forex market, the rupee closed at Rs 46.74/76 per dollar, sharply higher from the overnight all-time low close of Rs 46.85/87.

SBI mobilises $2bn through IMD
The SBI has received more than $2 billion so far for its IMD programme for which the earliest closing date has been extended up to November 6. SBI claimed that ``it has collected $2 billion as on Tuesday and an equivalent amount is expected to be collected in the next couple of days''.

ICICI sells 2 lakh shares of Aro Granite
ICICI has sold 2 lakh equity shares of Aro Granite Industries Ltd at Rs 10 per share on October 30 as part of its regular market operations. ``These shares constitute 4.27 per cent of the company's paid-up equity capital,'' ICICI said.

BSE futures trade touches Rs 16 cr
The BSE derivatives segment on Wednesday recorded its highest volume since its launch on June 9. The Sensex futures recorded volumes of 871 contracts, aggregating Rs 16.2 crore. Open interests also increased in proportion to touch Rs 15.47 crore with volumes of 810 contracts.