News Digest: Top Newspaper Headlines

The Economic Times 

Wockhardt seen close to $800 million acquisition in US

St Louis-based KV Pharma among companies said to be on Indian firm's radar.

Now, ONGC eyes Cairn Energy's assets in India

But Indian companies 'Informal' bid hits valuation roadblock.

Tendulkar theory of swinging rates

Sachin's batting akin to market tracking central banks: Bank of England governor Mervyn King.

The Hindu Business Line

Tatas interested in nuclear power 

The Tata group was active in a small way in renewable energy; it was looking to have a pilot plant for bio-fuels.

IPO scam: Transit remand for accused

The four key accused in the Initial Public Offer (IPO) scam have surrendered before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and will be produced in the special CBI Court in Mumbai today.

Onkar S. Kanwar-controlled PTL forays into healthcare

Artemis to set up 500-bed hospital in Gurgaon.

The Financial Express

Lalu may spare passengers 

Rail Budget 2006-07 is likely to rationalise and reduce freight rates of both finished products and raw materials. While passenger fares are expected to stay unchanged, there might be some tariff rationalisation through upgrade schemes.

It's a gusher: govt invites bids for 55 oil blocks

The government has announced the offer of 55 oil and gas blocks and 10 coal bed methane blocks for bidding under the sixth round of New Exploration Licensing Policy in an attempt to raise domestic output.

Rating regime for TV shows in works 

The new draft guidelines and programme codes for monitoring content on cable and satellite channels will be ready by March.

Daily News & Analysis

Tatas and Birlas appear headed for a showdown over Idea Cellular  

Birlas have urged the govt to direct the Tatas to expeditiously reduce their stake in the company. While the Birlas hold 50.15 % in Idea, Tatas hold 48.15 %.

For Jim Roger's, India's only a tourist spot 

India is his favourite country, but only as far as tourism is concerned. He is cautious about Indian stocks, and he has sold out of the Indian markets.

Sensex soars to close at another new high of 10,244.05  

The Bombay Stock Exchange's Sensex on Thursday continued its record-breaking stride and hit yet another intra-day life-time peak of 10,304.88 points, before ending at a new historic high of 10,244.05 on sustained heavy buying by both foreign funds and operators.

The Times of India

Mumbai can be a hot biz spot: CEOs  

On March 2, Bush and Manmohan are scheduled to meet the 20 CEOs, who think so, after their delegation-level talks and a one-to-one at Hyderabad House.

Steelmakers hike prices by Rs 2,500 

Prices of galvanised steel - used mainly for consumer durables and construction - have risen by Rs 2,500 per tonne from Thursday.

IIM-A student gets $85,000 job offer  

Highest domestic offer for fresher was Rs 8.14 lakh per annum.