Hutch stake sale

New Delhi, March 3: Sale of over 10 per cent equity in Hutchison-Essar by the foreign partner to another foreign company, Orascom, has prompted the Indian partner to ask the government if clearance was required for the deal. Essar, the single largest equity holder in the company, shot off letters to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran last week, after it failed to get a satisfactory answer from Hutchison.

Inflation rate

New Delhi, March 3: The rate of inflation based on the wholesale price index moved up to 4.34 per cent for the week ended February 18 from 4.02 per cent in the previous week, mainly due to the surge in prices of iron ore, essential non-food, industrial fuel and manufactured items.

Forex kitty

Mumbai, March 3: The country?s forex reserves increased by $350 million to $141,590 million during the week ended February 24 compared with $141,240 million for the week ended February 17.

Mahindra buy

New Delhi, March 3: Mahindra and Mahindra today said it would scout for acquisitions in India as well as abroad with a kitty of $200 million.

Lodha hearing

Calcutta, March 3: The criminal case against Rajendra S. Lodha and three others, one of the many cases being fought between the chartered accountant and the Birlas for control of Rs 5000-crore assets of the MP Birla group, will come up for hearing on April 12.