Cover Story

How RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has quietly asserted his autonomy.

In his first two months in office, RBI chief Raghuram Rajan has asserted his independence. Although the govt would have preferred a reduction in interest rates to boost the slowing economy, Rajan has instead raised the main lending rate twice to tame inflationary expectations.

Common goal of both govt and RBI is growth: Raghuram Rajan

Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan spoke to a group of magazine reporters, including Business Today's Anand Adhikari, immediately after announcing his second monetary policy review.

Tahir Sultan to display cushion collections at Kitsch

Kitsch and designer Tahir Sultan join hands for a cause worth celebrating!

Celebrate Valentine's day via Pinky Vodka gift pack

Say hello to the Pinky Vodka Gift pack, brought to you by United Spirits Limited, which promises to make your gifting occasions even more memorable.

Brands chart success route through apps

Brands have taken the smart way out and are increasingly resorting to apps to reach out to consumers.

Newest Pan-Asian restaurant Nom Nom offers tantalizing flavors

The newest Pan-Asian restaurant in New Delhi offers tantalizing flavors and an appetising time!

How to create your own website

Here are a few broad steps to make your own website, and become a hit with the networking generation.

'Made in Punjab' hits the notch for fine dining

Sitting snug in the glamorous confines of Cyber Hub in Gurgaon, 'Made in Punjab' restaurant smoothly hits the notch for fine dining.

Jignesh Shah's strategic retreat from NSEL and MCX

Jignesh Shah set up both the National Spot Exchange and the Multi-commodity Exchange. Tarred by the scandal in the first, he bows out of the second as well.

Review: Nokia Lumia 1020 and Acer C720

A collaborative sketching app, a great camera phone, and the first chromebooks in india

Why ITC is now selling cigarette alternatives as well

ITC, India's leading cigarette maker, is offering help to those who want to quit smoking. It has begun selling a nicotine gum called "KwikNic", as an alternative to cigarettes.

Uncanny parallels between Sachin and Indian economy

As Sachin Tendulkar retires after 24 years in international cricket, Business Today discovers some uncanny parallels between the maestro's career and the country's economy.

Why Indians talk less on the phone during July-Sept quarter

Both Bharti Airtel and Idea Cellular reported a decline in the usage per minute in the July to September period. The operators said it was a seasonal phenomenon and has been happening for the past couple of years, mainly because mobile usage in rural India drops in this period.

Bad times may be ending for Indian IT companies

In the September quarter, most large cap as well as mid-tier IT companies reported broad-based growth, their numbers coming ahead of market expectations.

Why some GCMMF union members were against Vipul Chaudhary

Why 14 of the 17 member unions of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, which owns the Amul brand, want to oust Chairman Vipul Chaudhary.

War of words between political leaders

Every Indian still regrets that he (Vallabhbhai Patel) did not become the first Prime Minister. Had he been, the country's destiny would have been different, says Narendra Modi, Gujarat CM and BJP's PM candidate, at a rally in Ahmedabad on October 29

Get the elements of a tuxedo right

Get the elements of a tuxedo right before a much-awaited black tie event and wear it with suave confidence.

Three Bollywood stars tell men how to style a white shirt

A white shirt isn't the only time you should flaunt this colour. Three Bollywood stars show you how to go white and fantastic!

The five most haunted places in the world

A look at the five most famous haunted places across the globe, and the ghostly tales that make them such an attraction.

Top European destinations for a Christmassy winter vacation

Flying south is for the birds. This time, skip the sun and sand for a glorious tour of these frosty yet exquisite European cities that truly define the winter wonderlands. Vacation like never before; it's Christmas after all.

Not surprisingly, banias dominate e-commerce space in India

Four of the top 10 e-commerce outfits in India have been founded or co-founded by Banias. But five of these are foreign entities - which leaves only one Indian e-commerce company in the top 10 without a Bania behind it.

Water treatment business in India gets a big fillip

Rapid urbanisation, dwindling fresh water reserves, a widening demand-supply gap and a depleting groundwater table will keep the water treatment business in the country thriving for a long time.

Graphic India seeks to put Indian superheroes on global map

The digital entertainment company, set up in 2011 by Sharad Devarajan along with fellow Indian-American entrepreneurs Gotham Chopra and Suresh Seetharaman, is telling stories about Indian superheroes with a contemporary twist.

Among NBFCs, vehicle financiers new favourites of PE firms

The PE investments in vehicle finance companies have paid off. Since 2010, they have clocked exits worth $960 million compared to $83.47 million for gold loans.

Former HCL Tech CEO Vineet Nayar morphs into a development guru

The former HCL Tech CEO is loving every moment of his new role as a development guru in an organisation working to improve the lives of underprivileged children and farmers.

Data use is raising telecom operators revenues, infra still lags

Most telecom operators riding on the data boom have tied up with social media to drive growth. But the business is still fraught with challenges. Telecom operators face a host of problems such as shortage of spectrum, low margins, price wars, lack of infrastructure and slow profitability in the data business.

Can digital media make a difference in general elections 2014?

Digital media is changing the way political parties interact with voters. Digital media strategies are now part of the overall campaign briefs, and parties are spending an increasing amount of time and resources to mobilise netizens.

Why beleaguered Indian aviation industry may get a breather from 2014

Kapil Kaul, CEO of aviation consultancy CAPA (India and the Middle East), says post 2014/15, the industry will see a better operating environment and will return to sustainable growth. Here are five reasons why things could get better starting next year.

India badly needs second-generation reforms and a drastic overhaul of its institutions

Without second-generation reforms and a drastic overhaul of its institutions, India is condemned to mediocre income and growth, says Business Today Editor Chaitanya Kalbag.

Top artsy hotels in the world: Featuring Gramercy Park Hotel, Ritz-Carlton Vienna and more

From a living art gallery inside an old warehouse to a sumptuous 19th century neoclassical palace hotel, take a look at some of the most artsy accommodations across the world.

What to do when you have a long layover at an airport

Bracing yourself for a long layover at an airport in the middle of nowhere? Don't worry, you may be in for a whale of a time.

Events to look forward in November

Hosted by the Wine Country International magazine, the five-day Denver International Wine Festival will feature more than 400 international wines from over 18 countries.

Four must-try autumn sports

Autumn's blustery weather is perfect for sports that rely on high wind speed, such as kite boarding. Here are a few you must try during the weather -

Baron Of The Skies

Always flying abroad on business? Skip the airport queue and rule the wide blue skies with your very own private jet.

How to stay clean if your employer is monitoring your online activities

Every company has a strict Internet and email policy, which clearly sets out what an employee can do and can't on social networks. The proliferation of personal devices in the workplace is, however, making it increasingly difficult to monitor employee behaviour.

People who made news last fortnight

Starring: Edward Nusbaum, Charles Villoz, Rajnish Ohri, Amar Hanspal and Prabir Jha

News that you may have missed last fortnight

India is saluting two great sports stars for their superlative performance. One, of course, is Sachin Tendulkar who is set to retire in style in front of a home crowd soon.

Case Study: Spotify sets a benchmark with its social media marketing

The technology venture allows users to listen to music online and share playlists with friends. This case study looks at how Spotify evolved its use of marketing tools in keeping with the evolution of the music industry, as well as changes in the way companies and customers now communicate with one another.

Few simple exercises to lose that extra flab

You don't necessarily have to pound on monster exercise machines to lose that extra flab. Here are a few simple exercises that could work just as well.

How bidding at an auction can be a fun

Christie's auctioneer Hugo Weihe elaborates on how bidding at an auction can be a fun and fulfilling experience

Here's everything you'll ever need to make a dashing impression when on the go

With good looks gaining more importance than ever, you can no longer be excused for airport style casualties - even if you are a frequent flier.

How to fasten a double D ring belt

Thread the belt through your pant loops until the D links are positioned where the belt buckle usually is. Pull the loose end of the belt through both D-rings.

'Business Today has put down several markers in our quest to spot trends'

Rates have been raised twice as Raghuram Rajan stands, somewhat like the mythical Dutch boy who stands with his finger in the dike, between his townspeople and the terrifying seawater beyond. Senior Editor Anand Adhikari writes about this grim struggle in our cover story.

B-school debate on India hostile to foreign investors

Business Today brings together students to voice their views on a significant business, economy-related issue in this B-School debate.

Book review: The Indian Media Business (Fourth Edition)

The fourth edition of this comprehensive work includes a fresh chapter on digital media

Product review: Garmin Forerunner 610

Its key features for runners include Virtual Racer and Virtual Partner, which enable you to race your previous bests, another user's pace, or simply maintain a static, pre-determined speed.

Some tips to keep your scalp healthy in the long run

While genes have a big role to play in hair loss, here are some tips to keep your scalp healthy in the long run.

Camera in focus: Hasselblad's Lunar is in a league of its own

It is the innovative use of materials that really puts Hasselblad's new camera, the Lunar, in a league of its own.

Tips to take care of your eyes after hours in front of the computer

Long hours in front of the computer giving you blurred vision and a headache? Here are some tips to ensure that this does not have an adverse effect on your health.

Top of the line products - watches, TVs, shoes and more

Featuring: Porsche C Seed 201, Chelsea boots, Gucci Coupe collection, Carrera shades, The Ferrari Book and more.

Panerai's new watch is specifically created for yacht racing

Panerai's Luminor 1950 Regatta 3 Days Chrono Flyback Titanio is fitted with the Regatta countdown function, specifically created for yacht racing starts.