* AVIATION: Air-India head
sees induction of Boeing 787 as the only chance for the airline's comeback, as
these aircraft will help it save 20% on its fuel cost.
* BANKING:
Government may exempt state-owned banks from paying dividend as part of its move
to set up a single holding company to meet their capital requirements.
*
CAPITAL GOODS: Government will soon restrict import of used plant and machinery
to safeguard the productivity and competitiveness of Indian manufacturers.
* COAL: Coal ministry has said it would review the output of coal
companies on a monthly basis instead of once every two months.
* FAST
MOVING CONSUMER GOODS: PepsiCo's Frito-Lay plans to launch 50 new products and
step up investment in distribution and product innovation. Japan 's Suntory has
bought majority stake in subsidiary of Mumbai-based Narang Group to enter the
Indian non-alcoholic beverages market.
* OIL: Petroleum and Natural Gas
Minister S. Jaipal Reddy said high and volatile crude oil prices are weakening
efforts for an expeditious recovery from the current global economic
crisis.
* FERTILIZERS: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs will today
discuss the proposal to hike urea price by 10%.
* GOVERNMENT: Finance
Minister Pranab Mukherjee is the Congress party's first- choice candidate for
presidential elections due next month, Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee
said. Mamata-Mulayam offer new names for presidential poll, reject
Pranab.
* INSURANCE: Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee expressed concerns
about profitability of general insurers.
* OIL & GAS: Italy 's Eni
SpA plans to exit its oil and gas prospecting and production business in India
and is in talks with OIL AND NATURAL GAS CORP.
* REGULATORY: Tenure of
Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor K.C. Chakrabarty has been extended by
three months. The Competition Commission of India has questioned the coordinated
pricing strategy of oil-marketing companies for fuels.
* TAX: Foreign
companies can be taxed for the income generated from their Indian subsidiaries,
as per an order by Authority for Advance Rulings. Calcutta High Court has sent a
notice to the Attorney General of India asking it to explain the government's
stand on retrospective amendments made in income tax laws in the budget that
allow tax levies on past cross-border deals. Government's collection of
Securities Transaction Tax has fell more than 14% in Apr-May to 9.45 bln rupees.
* TELECOM: Department of Telecommunications plans to expedite the
process of vacation of 55 MHz spectrum from the defence forces to enable
refarming of spectrum mainly held by incumbent players in 22 telecom circles.