NEWS CAPSULES

• Bajaj Auto unveiled the second generation or version 2.0 of the DTS – Si engine. The Digital Twin Spark Swirl Induction technology engine series, says the company, is the world’s most fuel efficient engine and will feature in a new motorcycle the company hopes to unveil next month. Company executives hinted it may be featured in a vehicle that falls in the 125-135cc category.
• NTPC said that it will sign the gas purchase agreement with Reliance Industries (RIL) for its gas-based power plants other than the projects for expanding the Kawas and Gandhar units, on which litigation is going on with RIL.
• JSW Steel will ‘push’ through its 10-million-tonne steel plant at Salboni, located just 15 km from Lalgarh in West Bengal — the centre of Maoist insurgency.
• Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, an emerging global pharmaceutical company, has launched Bispec (solifencin succinate) in India. Used in the management of over active bladder (OAB), Bispec is the best-in-class for OAB and, has lesser incidence of dry mouth and constipation.
• Moser Baer, the global technology leader, expanded its LCD television range by introducing eight new models. The new line-up of LCD TVs guarantees an enhanced home entertainment experience.
• Maytas Infra, the construction company promoted by Ramalinga Raju’s family, has sought an additional loan of Rs 700 crore from bankers to revive the company. The company also wants the lending consortium to lower interest rates on loans and allow delayed repayment of debt.
• Drilling company Great Offshore became the epicentre of a bidding war, with Bharati Shipyard saying it will top rival ABG Shipyard’s Rs 375-a- share offer for a controlling stake in the company. Bharati Shipyard last month acquired a 14.89 per cent stake in Great Offshore at a price of Rs 315 per share from its vice chairman and managing director Vijay Sheth, following an invocation of shares which he had pledged. This left Sheth with less than one per cent stake in the company and he lost its control.
• ONGC, which publishes its results on Wednesday, could emerge as the only listed Indian company to report over Rs 20,000 crore in consolidated annual profit in FY09. During the first nine months, ONGC’s net profit was 1.1% lower at Rs 13,920 crore compared with the year-ago period.
• Chettinad Cement reported a net loss of Rs 98.30 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. The company had a net profit of Rs 36.43 crore in the quarter ended March 2008.