-The Times of India The government's probe against WalMart over its lobbying-related disclosure is expected to include identification of alleged beneficiaries of the payments, a move that is aimed at blunting any opposition to foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail. Sources familiar with the development told TOI that the basic mandate given to the retired judge, who will investigate the issue is to ascertain if any portion of the lobbying expenses have...

-Reuters New York: WalMart Stores Inc’s Mexican affiliate routinely used bribes to open stores in desirable locations, according to a New York Times investigation published Monday, which cites 19 instances of the retail giant paying off local officials. The Times first reported in April that WalMart had intentionally stifled an internal probe into bribery at its Mexican affiliate Walmex. Late last month, Mexico’s anti-corruption body said it found no irregularities in the...

-The Business Standard Why the hue and cry over WalMart? Many of India Inc's big ones are no strangers to lobbying in the US  There is a very fine line that separates lobbying from bribery, and there are diverse opinions on what kind of influential pressure on lawmakers qualifies as acceptable, and what doesn't. Quite clearly, bribery is illegal and unacceptable, there is nothing wrong in lobbying per se -- at least...

-The Nation The labor campaign confronting WalMart in the United States is planning an international escalation for tomorrow. In partnership with the global union federation UNI, the union-affiliated group Making Change at WalMart is supporting a “Global Day of Action,” with participation expected from WalMart workers in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, India, Nicaragua, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Zambia. The day’s main US protest will be a Miami demonstration featuring...

-PTI Bowing to opposition pressure, the government on announced a time-bound inquiry by a retired judge into reports of lobbying by retail giant WalMart to gain entry into India. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath made the announcement as soon as the Lok Sabha met for the day. “Government will appoint a retired judge to hold a time-bound inquiry into the media reports regarding WalMart,” Mr. Nath said. The issue of retail giant WalMart lobbying...