Noted

Ranked: At #6, the Tata Group in the annual Global 200: The World’s Best Corporate Reputations list, compiled by the US-based Reputation Institute. The Tata Group leapfrogged over 100 positions from last year’s 124th rank. India’s most valued firm, Reliance Industries, failed to make the grade.

Allowed: By the government, companies in industries such as hospitality, healthcare and software, to borrow up to $100 million (Rs 430 crore) from abroad for importing capital goods. These companies account for half of the total value of the country’s economic output.

Surged: By 2.7 per cent to 308.51 million, India’s telecom subscriber base, in April compared to 300.51 million in March. Telecom regulator TRAI said the country’s tele-density has increased to 26.9 per cent compared to 26.22 per cent in the previous month. Broadband growth continues to be sluggish—rising 0.9 million to cross the 4-million mark in April. Broadband penetration in India is still under 3 per cent.

Risen: By 31.5 per cent to $14.4 billion (Rs 60,000 crore) India’s exports in April. Imports during the month rose 36.6 per cent to $24.3 billion (Rs 1,04,490 crore), widening the trade deficit to an all-time high of $9.87 billion (Rs 42,441crore). Exports have accelearated to Europe, Japan and other developing Asian countries, countering the slowing demand from the US.

Jumped: By 36.6 per cent to Rs 3,14,468 crore, India’s direct tax receipts in 2007-08, the second consecutive year of over 35 per cent increase in direct tax collections. Corporate taxes grew by 32.1 per cent, while personal income tax grew by 42.1 per cent.

Appointed: As head of the expert committee to estimate the investment required for urban infrastructure in India over the next 12 years, Isher Judge Ahluwalia, Chairperson of ICRIER.The committee will explore the scope of financing infrastructure services through appropriate user charges.