COMPANIES

• E Merck hit by ban on vitamin drugs
• Indian Oil, L&T plan to join hands
• Maruti to launch Baleno in November
• Schroeder funds to buy Orchid shares
• Baron, Aiwa deny split
• GE seeks approval for subsidiary
• ABB's new transformer unit commissioned
• Raymond plans global foray
• VSNL to engage consultancy firm
• Powertel to take stake in shipping portal
• CG Vak Software to develop e-com solutions
• Sita World Travels in time-share business
• Mannesmann picks up Orange for $ 33 billion

GENERAL

• Cabinet approves 3 important bills
• Insurance licences to take some time
• Bonds for police welfare corporation
• Centre places security paper with RBI
• J&K Bank to enter insurance sector
• RBI guidelines to banks on credit risk
• Foreign banks seek permissions for V-SATs
• Truckers strike

CAPITAL MARKET

• Infotech stocks lead in market tumble
• OTCEI plans trading segment for unlisted securities
• UTI to promote OTCEI
• Sebi guidelines on debt issues
• Hindalco plans NYSE listing
• India Cements plans private placement

PEOPLE

• Saran secretary of telecom services department
• Microsoft hand in Sriven board