COMPANIES

• Zee pays Star TV is advance of schedule
• Gesco plans to expand overseas
• Bisleri plans huge distribution network
• Pidilite completes acquisition of M-seal
• Xerox Corporation plans cut in workforce
• Microsoft increases focus on net, reshuffles staff

GENERAL

• Mergers touch $1.14 trillion globally in Q1 of 2000
• Exports record 11 per cent growth

CAPITAL MARKET

• Reserve Bank drops rates; cascading effect expected shortly