Cover Story
- Coca-Cola and Pepsi are under siege as consumer preference shifts to low-sugar, low-calorie soft drinks from a host of domestic companies.
High Tide
With stock markets at all time-highs, we tell you how to position yourself to gain from future trends.
The Right Choice: Which income tax form should you fill to declare returns?
The I-T department has brought several changes in return forms this year. Here's a little help on choosing the right form.
RERA will clean up real estate sector, but fear is rise in home prices
With the Real Estate Regulation and Development Act (RERA) coming into force from May 1, there is hope that the interests of consumers would be protected and transparency ensured in the sector. The government has empowered the RBI to go after defaulters, but the big issue is haircuts and capital shortage in public sector banks. Shifting the heads of three large PSBs may not bring any respite to the trouble-torn banking space.
The Heavyweights: SUVs give tough fight to hatchbacks, sedans in Indian auto market
Sales of SUVs and MPVs grew a staggering 30 per cent in 2016/17 over the previous year, while passenger cars rose 3.85 per cent and vans 2.37 per cent.Narendra Modi govt still has an unfinished agenda of reforms: Poll
The Modi government has taken several measures to lift growth. Indeed, nearly two-thirds of the respondents believe that the government has been successful in ensuring development, growth and reforms; a fifth believe that Modi and his team fell short on these parameters. Internet speed is the second-most crucial factor for a telecom consumer after tariffs. Three agencies - opensignal, trai and ookla - test mobile internet speeds. Each follows a different method, leaving consumers with little clarity on whose data network is the fastest. We bring the latest test results The gap between ordinary shares and those with fewer voting rights is narrowing. Should retail investors go for these? Simple yet secure Aadhaar-based transactions may find favour among the uninitiated. Mobile money has been a stupendous success in Africa. Indias telecom companies will have to learn a lot from the model if they want to make a mark."We have to move from making crude steel to value addition"
The government has unveiled the National Steel Policy (NSP) 2017 that lays out ambitious goals. Regulation and new rivalries threaten to choke mobile wallet firms."Our desire is to act as a catalyst, not operator"
Nachiket Mor, Country Director, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), India, talks to Joe C. Mathew about the foundation's work in India. Court order banning alcohol sales along national highways and clamour for prohibition in various states has the domestic liquor and hospitality industry in a tizzy. Undeterred by challenges, new small finance banks are betting on technology to tide over some serious hurdles. Quick response and redress can save brands from social media disasters. CoinTribe is helping banks and other lenders identify the creditworthiness of small businesses for low-risk, quick finance Japan's SoftBank is reported to have got approval from Nexus Venture Partners for sale of Snapdeal to Flipkart.
Fund Snapshot
Small and mid-cap funds have been the best performers over the last one year. In debt funds, the honour goes to intermediate bond funds The most competitive loan and deposit rates in the market
Peoplebusiness
On her second visit to India, Safra Catz, CEO, Oracle. spoke on a range of topics - the immigrant issue in the US, start-ups, GST and the India plans of Oracle.
How to link Aadhaar with PAN Card? And, what are its implications?
Everything you need to know about the implications and impact of linking Aadhaar with PAN.
Financial Planning - Plan for Risks, Set Goals to keep Family Finances Thriving
A classic nuclear Indian family of mother, father and 23-year-old son with higher education, foreign trip and son's marriage on the cards. They need a tailor-made plan for a secure financial future, says financial planner Pankaaj Maalde
Getting The Right Cover
Overseas costs can be formidable and emergencies may destroy your budget. Here is the low-down on getting the right travel insurance
What the Future Holds
Earnings recovery is still uncertain, but good investment opportunities can always be found in buoyant markets "As stock markets are surging largely due to an economic rebound, financial assets are becoming more attractive" "Investors should focus on the best outcomes as the economy is set to turn around"
An Air Traveller's Travails
India is still relatively civilised; I have not had much unpleasantness in India except for lurching, snoring fellow passengers sometimes As agricultural tax proposals are now a political hot potato, farm incomes need to be examined and rationalised In spite of high-decibel promotion, Aadhaar has several loopholes that can impact national security and invade people's privacy Why the latest ordinance on bad loans may end up making things worse than they already are
Taking It Lightly
Lightweight operating systems are faster, cheaper and the new favourite among PC manufacturers
Keeping The Faith
Bulls are still betting on the PM, but the stock market rally could fizzle out if the BJP-led government doesnt deliver on its promises.
Losing Fizz
Coca-Cola and Pepsi have not exactly had a peaceful existence in India. In the 1970s, Coke was the only game in town bar a few small regional brands like Duke, but the per capita consumption of soft drinks was minuscule and India was not a big market of beverages by any stretch of imagination.
