Cover Story

Food startups in e-commerce going through a churn
A young industry trying to revolutionise the way India orders food - is laying off people or shutting down operations. Is this the beginning of the bust?

2015-12-06

Developing nations need mutual emission reduction commitments

India has an estimated $2.5 trillion plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 33-35 per cent from the 2005 levels and it hopes to do that by 2030.

PM Narendra Modi all set to boost defence spending

The foreign direct investment cap in defence sector has been raised from 26 to 49 per cent and there is a push for indigenisation.

Government's new UDAY scheme not stringent enough to clean discoms debt

The biggest drawback, say experts, is lack of disincentives for states that go back on their promises. The only deterrent is that they may have to forfeit their claim on funds under IPDS.

New FDI rules unlikely to rush fund inflows

Take the case of defence sector. Clearly, the move of allowing up to 49 per cent FDI has made it easy for foreign companies. But has it created an attractive business proposition? Experts say unlikely.

Trends

Social media apps are now motivating people to get fit

A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that health buddies on fitness-focused social networks and apps may help in finding a fitness partner.

Corporate

Why Jammu and Kashmir infrastructure projects are facing roadblocks

Several big projects in J&K have been hit as companies struggle with labour unrest and difficulties in land acquisition and acquiring govt clearances

Arvind Dham's Amtek Auto is swirling in financial crisis

Amtek Auto's spate of overseas acquisitions and investment in domestic capacity addition added debt to the business and increased interest outgo.

Low crude prices boosted reform measures for PSU oil firms

India had imported crude oil worth $168 bn in 2013/14, but with the crash in prices it may import the same volume of crude oil for $88 bn in 2015/16.

Power equipment manufacturers ready for expansion, but await enough orders

That is the painful reality of power equipment manufacturers, who increased capacity when the sector was booming. They now have nowhere to go in absence of enough orders as they wait for the recovery.

Ramdev's Patanjali takes a shot at turning noodles desi

Ramdev is the brand ambassador of Patanjali Ayurved, a company which built its reputation on providing Ayurvedic products. Its 101st product - launched in the country - is noodles.

Technology

DJI's action camera gimbal OSMO is best for capturing 4k videos

The highlight of the OSMO is its motorised gimbal functionality. The gimbal is locked in three different places to prevent it from unexpected damages.

Action cameras are becoming a craze for sports enthusiasts

The latest GoPro Hero 4 Black captures 4k videos and has the capability to record high-quality, slow motion video.

Features

Why India's diamond industry is facing its worst crisis ever

The average price of cut and polished diamonds have been falling steadily whereas the prices of roughs remain high, making the whole business seemingly unsustainable.

SuVitas lends transition care for patients recovering from medical conditions

Claiming to be the first organised player in the transition care segment, the five-month old start-up lends a helping hand to patients recovering from serious medical conditions.

Editors note