Just past the 17 rows of machines that build the printed circuit boards and affix microphones, speakers and cameras into a steady stream of mobile handsets, a crude cardboard instrument resembling a clock catches your eye. It’s the most low-tech thing at Nokia’s manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur near Chennai.  Nokia’s success in India is not restricted to the market—it has set up a world-class production facility, too.

The UPA government blames the economic stimulus measures for a rising fiscal deficit. But this is not even half the truth.

Increased government spending can help fight economic slowdown. But it won’t. And the reason is not lack of funds. What is needed is a comprehensive booster dose of steroids to resuscitate the economy. Manmohan Singh’s diagnosis is not off the mark, but the delivery is. A report by Puja Mehra.

The global credit crunch has sent yesterday’s outbound heroes scurrying for funds to close their billion-dollar M&A transactions. India Inc.’s cross-border action has ebbed, for now.

Millions of individuals waited with bated breath to hear whether the Finance Minister would dish out some sops to them in his direct tax proposals.

The Indian banking system will have to deal with mind-boggling paradigm shifts in a complex global environment in the years ahead.

Expect the unexpected. While the economy continues with its upward march quarter after quarter, the latest BT-TeamLease Employment Outlook Survey reveals that the business confidence and employment prospects are at an all-time low in the last one year.BT-TeamLease Survey in graphics

Mobile phone population is clipping, but revenue isn't growing at the same pace. Until value-added services become more popular, operators will have to bank on cost cuts to grow profitably.