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Cover Story

    Cover StoryHow HUL Got Its Mojo Back

    How HUL Got Its Mojo Back

    Chairman and MD Sanjiv Mehta seeks to reinvent HUL as a future-ready corporation that can juggle heterogeneous markets successfully.

    "I look for opportunities in a challenge"

    Taking over businesses in challenging circumstances and turning them around is nothing new for Hindustan Unilever Chairman & MD Sanjiv Mehta. In a conversation with Prosenjit Datta and Ajita Shashidhar, Mehta talks about how he turned the slow-growing Indian operations into India's highest valued FMCG major. Edited excerpts:
    The BuzzHome Goal

    Home Goal

    The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has doubled import duty to 20 per cent on over 50 textile items - mainly garments - to protect the domestic industry. At least, that is the stated intent.

    No Sweet Spot Here

    India's sugar stockpile is at a record high, after a good monsoon and a bumper crop in 2017/18.

    Capital Needed For Growth

    New capital with new management is good news for private banks.

    Optimistic Outlook

    The first quarter of this fiscal ended on a cheery note for the domestic IT industry's Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) vertical.

    Speech-To-Text-Converter

    The Bengaluru-based B2B firm offers an AI-powered speech recognition system for major Indian languages.

    The Missing Infrastructure

    India's electric vehicle story is imploding at an alarming rate.

    Retail To The Rescue

    In the last few years retail banking, especially mortgages, and personal loans, have proved a saviour for the banking industry.

    Taking a Wrong Turn

    At the beginning of the year, India's macros seemed to be in good shape, but numbers now tell a dismal tale.

    Consent Is King

    The EU's stringent data privacy rules are affecting digital marketers but provide an excellent opportunity to build trust.

    New is Better

    Over the past two-three years, India Post has been increasing revenues from non-traditional sectors such as e-commerce or value-added services.

    Dogged by Worries

    The joint venture with German Giant Thyssenkrupp AG in early July was expected to serve as a rescue line for Tata Steel Europe.

    Old Wine Minus The Punch

    The UGC will be replaced with the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) that will deal only with academic co-ordination, determination, and maintenance of the standards of university education.
    The Break-Out ZoneBeyond Fitness

    Beyond Fitness

    Unlike other fitness bands with proprietary chargers, GOQii Vital has a built-in USB that can be plugged into an adapter or a laptop.

    Flagship Killer

    With thin bezels and a notch at the top, the front features a 6.2 inch display that is sharp and super bright with full HD-plus resolution.

    A Road Map To Remember

    The pursuit of excellence could be daunting but the actionable guidelines will encourage people and organisations not to give up.

    The Classic & The Contemporary

    From splendidly crafted items to stylish workwear and more.

    On The Watch!

    Wireless security cameras are easy to instal and provide access to live feed without costing a bomb.

    Bacteria Power

    Microbes can be used in large quantities to convert light into energy, even under overcast skies.

    Caution: Stress Ahead

    Acute stress could trigger hypertension, cardiovascular conditions or diabetes.
    StocksThe Bitter Truth

    The Bitter Truth

    Sugar sector is in a bear cycle. Wait for some more correction before bottom-fishing.
    InvestmentStart Early To Win The Race

    Start Early To Win The Race

    In spite of costly personal loans and zero equity exposure, the Sharma family is ready to get in the groove, says Financial Planner Pankaaj Maalde.

    Supercharge Your Investment

    Savvy investors seeking tailor-made services drive growth in the portfolio management segment.

    Money Matters

    Managing your money can be tricky. Send your queries, and top-notch industry leaders will help you resolve any issue.

    Snippets

    Deadline For Aadhaar-PAN Linking Extended; e-PAN Can Be Generated Instantly
    Real EstateRBI Rate Hike May Not Hurt Real Estate Growth

    RBI Rate Hike May Not Hurt Real Estate Growth

    Vinay Sah, MD and CEO of LIC Housing Finance (LIC HFL), talks to Naveen Kumar on the latest developments in the housing finance industry and the performance of the company as one of the significant NBFC players in this segment.
    The HubKeeping Track Always

    Keeping Track Always

    AI-powered, personalised 'digital drugs' are a reality now in health interventions.

    "Higher MSP will not distort market prices"

    The NDA regime has announced a steep increase in minimum support price for 14 kharif crops. The question is, will this mitigate the mounting rural distress? Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh walks Business Today through his blueprint for increased procurement and distribution.

    Why Governments Continue To Fail

    A balanced execution agenda is the key to translating mission and policy into operational terms at all levels.

    Desi Tango

    Social networking in India gets a regional flavour.

    A Fund Of New Possibilities

    Why alternative investment funds are gaining traction with wealthy Indians.

    Getting More Out Of PSUs

    The government's attempt to sell Air India has failed but its broad public asset management strategy is showing results.
    HealthcareThe Pathology Of Regulation

    The Pathology Of Regulation

    Easier accreditation critical for laboratories.

    Single Speciality Makes Its Mark

    The scalable model means much faster break-even.

    The Big Churn

    Most leading hospitals are struggling to make profits. At the same time, new formats, specialties and technology assisted ventures are coming up with a promise of transforming the sector.

    The Gift Of Health

    Ayushman Bharat can do to healthcare what GST is expected to do to India's indirect tax regime. But there are challenges, too.

    Diagnosing The Cure

    Diagnostic tests have moved beyond identifying the ailment and are now guiding doctors on the line of treatment to follow.

    Changing Times

    India's $160 billion healthcare ecosystem is undergoing unprecedented shift.
    Leadership SpotlightLeaderspeak

    Leaderspeak

    "Our experiences shape us and make us, and they have a profound effect on our world view as leaders."
    Editors noteReinventing HUL

    Reinventing HUL

    Hindustan Unilever can trace its history in India back to the late 19th century.