March industry growth

New Delhi, April 30: Industry is likely to grow by around 15 per cent in March to record a double-digit expansion for the seventh month in a row, R.P. Singh, secretary in the department of industrial policy and promotion, said. The March IIP numbers are scheduled to be released on May 12. According to the government, if the industry expands by 15 per cent, it will help the economy clock a 7.2 per cent growth in 2009-10.

ATF price hike

New Delhi, April 30: State-owned oil retailers have raised ATF prices by Rs 273 per kilolitre, making it the fifth straight increase since March. ATF rates in Delhi have been raised by Rs 272.77, or 0.6 per cent, to Rs 42,452.02 per kilolitre with effect from midnight tonight.

SBI home loan

Mumbai, April 30: The SBI has extended the special home loan scheme by two months till June 30, even as ICICI Bank let the controversial product expire today. “The scheme is very popular with customers. As far as liquidity is good, we can continue with it,” an SBI official said.

Airline move

New York, April 30: Continental Airlines and United Airlines have agreed to an exchange ratio of 1.05 UAL shares for each Continental share. United’s board will meet Friday, while Continental's board will hold meetings on Friday and Sunday.

Bharti-Zain

Johannesburg, April 30: Gabon’s government will not block Bharti Airtel’s acquisition of Zain’s unit in that country, Zain Group CEO Nabeel Bin Salamah said.

Greece banks

London, April 30: Moody’s has slashed the deposit and debt ratings of nine Greek banks. The move comes in the backdrop of Athens’ efforts to secure an emergency rescue package.

Uninor tariff

New Delhi, April 30: Uninor today announced call charges as low as 20 paise per minute. The company has introduced a concept of dyanamic pricing under which its subscribers can get discounts of between 5 and 60 per cent, depending on their location.