The Hindu Business Line : Friday, June 30, 2006

EDITORIAL
Give the farmer a chance
Banks were nationalised in 1969 to reach funds to the rural poor. Today, the vast rural banking network has proved unfit for the job. More

POLITICS
Affirmative action in the US: The simmering debate
The affirmative action concept, which has for long triggered a debate in the US, requires positive steps to be taken to provide equal employment opportunity. The action plans are subject to mandatory compliance procedures, through which Corporate Ame rica is committed to ensuring diversity in its workforce and encouraging suppliers belonging to minorities. More

POWER
On energy independence
Almost since he assumed the nation's highest office, the President, Mr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, has been stressing the vital importance of energy independence. His anxiety about the widening gap between ... More

BANKING
Value Showcasing — New mantra to boost retail banking
Banking, insurance and mutual funds products, which were offered as standalones earlier, are now being brought together seamlessly to deliver a holistic package. New value propositions are now designed to make retail-banking services better for both the customers and the institutions. More

IPR
Exclusive Marketing Rights — The importance of opposition proceedings
No Patent Office, howsoever well-equipped, can keep pace with the rapid strides at which science grows and technology proliferates. The knowledge should essentially come from the competitors who have expertise in that particular field of technology. The grant of EMR, the proceedings for infringement and rejection of patent application have raised uncomfortable issues. More

SECURITY
Is China a threat, challenge, or strategic partner?
Despite the recent MoU with Beijing that provides for enhanced economic cooperation and contacts between the armed forces of the two countries, China remains the most destabilising factor for Indian national security, the most dangerous manifestation of this being its continuing nuclear and missile cooperation with Pakistan, says G. PARTHASARATHY. More

LETTERS

Service tax law

Farm sector in focus

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Pick a Winner Stock Market Contest

Institutions step up activity in secondary market

NHB may offer reverse mortgage for the elderly

New mining policy to boost investments

Surge in wheat imports unlikely despite duty cut

IOC against further dilution of stake in ONGC

VSNL plans Rs 1,000-cr capex for current year

Looking back
Jun. 18-Jun. 24
Predicting the oil peak

`Even 10 pc of world auto-component business is lot for India'