* BANKING: RBI said the banks' loans as on May 3 were 53.41 trln rupees, up 14.96% on year. RBI lowered limit on statutory liquidity ratio securities that banks can classify as held-to-maturity to 23% of net demand and time liabilities from 25%, aligning it with the level of SLR.
* CEMENT: Lafarge will sell 14% stake in its Indian subsidiary to Baring Private Equity Asia for 200 mln euros or 14.09 bln rupees.
* COAL: The coal ministry is likely to start the auction process for six coal blocks by June.
* CORPORATES: The law minister has approved a regulation drafted by the capital markets regulator that will allow Indian companies to use options to structure mergers and acquisitions, and private equity deals.
* ENERGY: The issue of pricing of natural gas will now be taken up by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs and not the Empowered Group of Ministers.
* FINANCE: Financial services secretary Rajiv Takru met lenders to discuss revival of stalled infrastructure projects, including the Shree Maheshwar hydel power project that was being set up by S. Kumars group.
* GOVERNMENT: Government will kick-start its direct cash transfer of subsidy for liquefied petroleum gas scheme from Jun 1, with an initial rollout in 20 districts.
* INDUSTRY: National Green Tribunal has ordered closure of 18 industrial units, including those of SUBROS, EVEREADY INDUSTRIES, and FLEX ENGINEERING, in Noida, till they comply with the prescribed pollution norms.
* INFRASTRUCTURE: The law ministry has rejected a proposal to defer premium payments for distressed highway developers like GVK POWER & INFRASTRUCTURE and GMR INDUSTRIES.
* MEDIA: Tata Opportunities Fund is all set to buy a 5% stake in Tata group's direct-to-home joint venture Tata Sky for 2.75 bln rupees.
* MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS: Manipal Health Enterprises is investing 400 mln rupees to buy 51% stake in Ankur Healthcare.
* TELECOM: The defence ministry has slammed the telecom department for not meeting timelines in building an alternative communication network for the armed forces.
