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Smart homes are growing in India, but they come at a price!

Smart homes, where every feature can be remotely controlled, are growing in India, but they come at a steep price.

The trail: How is black money made white

A story of shell companies, trusts, hawala, tax havens, consultants and money routing.
Your complete guide to understanding the black money puzzle

Here's why the new Black Money Act is bound to fail in bringing back the illicit cash stashed abroad.

Velfie trend is not a fad but it could be the next big thing

Dubsmash's $5.5 million funding shows that the Velfie trend is not a fad but something brands need to get on to.

It is a lot easier being a private company: Dell CEO

On a recent visit to India, Michael Dell, Chairman and CEO of his eponymously named firm Dell Inc, spoke at a select media roundtable which included Venkatesha Babu of Business Today. Edited excerpts from the conversation-

Cochin International Airport has raised the bar for other airports in the country

In the recent past, the dip in air travel post the global economic meltdown in 2008 and severe financial crisis afflicting most airlines had affected airports across the country but CIAL navigated the lean period without taking a big knock.

Consummate Communicator: Newgen Software Technologies

Around 70 per cent of its revenues come from outside India, the US topping the list of foreign clients with 29 per cent, followed by West Asia at 28 per cent.

Demand from China helps Everest Flavours post stupendous growth

Everest Flavours exports 95-99% of its products, with demand from China - driven by the country's focus on food crops since 2008 - acting as a driving force.

San Engineering and Locomotive has done well in difficult environment

In the past four years, its revenues have grown by 250 per cent and were $30 million in 2014/15, says Narayanan Ramanathan, Chief Executive of San Engineering and Locomotive.

Cigniti Technologies aims to increase revenue to $300 million in 2017/18

Cigniti Technologies' revenue in 2014/15 stood at $63 million. The odds are in its founder CV Subramanyam's favour. The company has expanded at a rapid pace over the past few years.

Rossell India's net profit has risen 20.4% in 3 years

Rossell India, which has the lion's share of its revenues coming from tea, has dealt with the twin blows at its plantations in Assam, but still says it will not stop acquisitions in the state.

NFPIL plans to become a billion-dollar company by 2020

Nitin Fire Protection Industries plans to achieve the target by growing organically and also by acquiring companies in the Gulf, Europe and Africa.

Jullundur Motor Agency has grown at a decent pace despite a slowdown

Despite the challenges, the 88-year-old company has expanded revenue by 10.5 per cent a year, on an average, for the past three years, helped by its diverse portfolio and pan-India reach.

Forace Polymers drives revenue growth through in-house innovations

A fourth of Forace's revenues come from its innovations, which are propelled by a specialised R&D team. It has developed a solid resin technology for use in the shell process in foundries, which is more efficient than the traditional liquid resin technology used in India.

Rajesh Batra has turned Cravatex into a Rs 100 crore company

The major chunk of Cravatex's business comes from Fila, the 1911-founded Italian sportswear brand that is now owned by Yoon-Soo Yoon, who was once its Korean licensee.

Control Print aims to garner 25 per cent market in next five years

Established in 1991, Control Print has made admirable strides in the coding and marking industry. The company has a wide range of customers, including Holcim, ACC, UltraTech Cement, Unilever, Emami, and Tata Steel.

Ajeet Seeds aspires to be a Rs 1,000-cr company in the next 3 years

One of the largest producers of cotton seeds, including hybrid variants, the firm caters to 15 Indian states. And, innovation has been key to its success.

Symphony Ltd has managed to script a dream turnaround

Symphony has a 50 per cent share (40 per cent in volume terms) of the domestic organised market, followed by Kenstar (35 per cent), Bajaj Electricals (15 per cent) and Usha.

Change Manager: PM Relocations

Nearly 55 per cent of PMR's business comes from global operations. The tenure of a typical contract varies from one year to 10 years. However, some engagements are for the long term. The relationship with Bharti Airtel, for instance, is 21 years old.

Health Care's Hidden Jewel: HSCC

State-run HSCC has managed to successfully crack a sector primarily dominated by private players.

India's best SMEs: Braving the Odds

Small businesses rise up to the challenges of stiffening competition, increasing costs and slowing export markets.

With 12.9-inch iPad Pro, is Apple eyeing the enterprise market?

The Apple iPad Pro, with its optional accessories such as the Pencil and smart keyboard, looks promising.

Several new gadgets are lined up for launches in the coming months

Several new gadgets, including Apple iPhones, are lined up for launches in the coming months.

BJP or JD(U): Who will win the battle of Bihar?

Business Today does a reality check of the claims and counter claims in the fight between the JD(U) and the BJP for voter mind space ahead of elections.

Upfront

Quick takes on major events that happened recently

Why it is difficult to unearth black money

Illicit money is generated through a raft of sophisticated and complex activities.

Government seems ill-prepared for this year's drought

The distinguishing feature of this year's drought is the extent to which rainfall has varied across states. The IMD's data between June 1 and September 9 this year shows the rainfall has so far been 15 per cent below the LPA in the country.

RBI's Gamble

The banking platform for MFIs is aimed at achieving financial inclusion but there are challenges ahead.

New Kwid on the block: Renault can dent Maruti, Hyundai with its new offering

Renault Kwid promises a fuel efficiency of 25.17 kmpl. Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 offers 22.74 kmpl, while Hyundai Eon and Tata Nano offer 21.1 kmpl 25.4 kmpl respectively.

The Colour of Money

How much black money is actually lying outside the country? Given that black money is by definition money that is hidden away and not declared to tax and other authorities, it is impossible to come up with any sort of precise figure.

Events to look out for in October

Major events to look out for in October

Most powerful women of India Inc for 2015

Business Today showcased the rapid strides made by women in corporate India at a glittering ceremony in Mumbai.

Experts debate on challenges faced by small companies

Undoubtedly, talent acquisition, development and retention ranks amongst the biggest activities as well as concerns of all organisations. But small companies certainly have a harder time.