Private participation in primary and secondary education increased rapidly during the decade. But things can change on a large scale only if the sector manages to find the top talent it requires as good teachers.

Though the decade began with a bug scare and ended with a scandal and a slowdown, positive events were plentiful through the first 10 years of 21st century. BT identifies 10 milestone events, and what they meant.

The New Pension Scheme was expected to tap one million Indians in the first year. The subscriber base after seven months: 2,400.

After a long period of troubles, multiplexes are finally looking up as some good content comes in from Bollywood and cost pressures ease.

Like most people, you may think you don’t but you could be wrong. BT kicks off a three-part series on sound financial planning. In the first, we begin by emphasising the need for a professional planner.

The core business was under attack. Solution: Spend more on advertising to increase brand loyalty, capture lower price points.

The minister’s office in the Ministry of Environment and Forests has new doors — glass doors. Message: Transparency. The minister, Jairam Ramesh, works on his ultra portable laptop and often prints documents with a printer on his table. Message: Hands-on approach and speed.

Did you know that buying an Amby was once considered “conspicuous consumption” and the excise on cars was as high as 60%? Here is a chronology of Excise duty rates on motor cars.

The Finance Minister is confident of introducing a uniform goods & services tax (GST) across states by April 2010. Whilst the benefits are plenty, the task is a challenging one.

The government could also consider the recommendations of the Fifth and Sixth Pay Commissions aimed at improving the efficiency of public services, writes Yashwant Sinha.Special: Budget 2009-'10 Video: UPA to unveil Budget on July 6 Photos: Can Pranab's Budget boost the economy?

Gold has become an attractive option for investors over the short to medium term. Several new and innovative schemes for investing in the yellow metal have been launched recently.

Mitra sees a business opportunity in improving interpersonal relationships at organisations.

Slowdown is a time to refrain from the adventurous and return to the safe, tried and tested. Here’s a walk through what’s once again in flavour and what’s gone out the window.

Several key reforms were stalled and reversed when agri-business was about to take off.

Semiconductor demand in India is increasing, but manufacturing of semiconductors remains a distant dream.

Business Today takes a peek into the inscrutable Indian operations of the global Big Four. Do they deserve the flak they’ve come in for in the wake of the Satyam fraud? Yes and no. Suman Layak & Puja Mehra go into the details. The big 4Big cheese Vs small frySome don’t like it bigThe problem withinThe bloodhounds of bookkeeping

They span generations and are there in every field, from biscuits to banking, from HR to hospitals. Denied entry into a male bastion, they create another industry. They are the most powerful women in the corporate world.

Dynamic fund of funds switch between asset classes depending on market conditions. But are they good investments?

When interest rates were low, many homeowners overborrowed. But, they are now finding it difficult to cope with the increased monthly instalments. How to survive the interest rate hikes.

The civil aviation industry in India is neck-deep in trouble. India’s airlines lost Rs 4,000 crore last year and may lose more this year. A couple of airlines may even go under. How did fortunes suddenly turn in an industry that was witnessing 20 per cent passenger growth till as recently as six months ago? Kushan Mitra finds out. Tax cuts may give respite to aviation sector: PatelPricing tickets below costs should stop: Goyal