Why hotel chains are unable to increase room rates in spite of robust demand.

Much of the cost of the extra spending or revenue losses would have to be borne by the government that will take charge after the election due by May.

Centre actively calling for Pre-Budget recommendations from reluctant industry bodies; but there is precedent of populism in Vote-On-Account in UPA II.

He has been holding consultations with various stakeholders including banks, non-banking financial companies and micro, small and medium enterprises.

In morning session, the biggest gainers in the Sensex pack were IndusInd Bank, NTPC, SBI, Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank, Vedanta, Axis Bank, Tata Steel, PowerGrid, ONGC and Infosys, rising up to 1.35 per cent.

The fact that prices of two-wheelers are expected to increase post the implementation of the new safety and emission norms lends urgency to the demand for a rate cut from 28% to 18%.

Jaitley may double the income tax exemption threshold for the salaried from Rs 2.5 lakh currently to Rs 5 lakh and reinstate tax-free status for medical expenses and transport allowance.