Key business events to track in coming weeks

What's lined up for the business world in the coming weeks -

SPECTRUM SAGA

What: Telecom spectrum auction
When: From March 4
What to look for: The government is targeting to raise Rs 100,000 crore from the auction of 2G and 3G spectrum. State-run firms BSNL and MTNL will not participate in the auction as they do not need additional spectrum. The auction is crucial for private-sector firms such as Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, Idea Cellular and Reliance Communications whose licences in many circles are coming up for renewal by the end of this year. Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio will be an aggressive bidder. The government had garnered about Rs 62,162 crore from the last auction in February 2014. Proceeds from this year's auction are expected to help the government meet the fiscal deficit target of 4.1 per cent of GDP.

BANKING ON BRICS

What: Russia's ratification of agreement on the creation of a bank for BRICS
When: By March
What to look for: Russia is expected to commit $2 billion to the fund. The BRICS bloc of large emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - has struggled to take coordinated action after an exodus of capital, prompted by the scaling back of US monetary stimulus.

THE DIGITAL CONNECT

What: Mobile World Congress
When: March 2-5
What to look for: The mobile revolution is already here, so what's next is the question that pops up in the minds of digital enthusiasts. You will find out the latest on wearable devices, connected cars and homes in this Barcelona event. Take a seat for the edge of innovation.

CHINA MARCH

What: China's military budget
When: At the start of the annual meeting of China's parliament on March 5
What to look for: President Xi Jinping is likely to hike defence spending in the backdrop of America's renewed focus on Asia. Last year, China's defence spending rose 12.2 per cent to $130 billion, second only to the US.