AAKANKSHA News & Views

Indians & India on Deepawali night

2013-11-12T12:42:00.000-08:00

This Deepawali I received some mails which carried information, besides good wishes. It informed that the festival was celebrated in white house as well. It probably signifies the growing importance of Indian community in US. America is a democratic country and each votes matter there also. Easy for us as we see hypocrisy of our leaders every day.

Source : Unknown

But the mail which I liked most was the one which had satellite view of India on the Deepawali night this year. It was thrilling to see the difference between Deepawali and non Deepawali night view of the country. The dazzling view expresses the festive joy of the country.

There is another view also that strikes to mind. Certain portions on eastern side – part of Jharkhand, Bihar and Orissa and on the western side the desert of Thar is still waiting for Ramchandraji to visit there.

Searching the web an article on ibn site says, this picture is not related to deepawali, but has some other reference. Only God knows what is the truth !!!

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Onion price puzzle can not be solved without a vision.

2013-10-23T11:38:00.001-07:00

Onion prices are once again on fire. Just before Diwali festival it is inching to cross the mark of Rs 100 per kg. Earlier in August this year onion had a steep rise in retail prices by almost 25% in a fortnight. Thus from the base of July price of ,once the food for poor has almost doubled.

In August the government had termed that a temporary phase and had made claims that the problem will get resolved soon with arrival of new crop in the market. By end of September some correction was seen, but not only the relief got evaporated soon it escalated far ahead to touch new heights.

Commerce minister Anand Sharma blamed hoarders for the spike in onion prices and put blames on the state governments. He forgot that Maharashtra which has largest share of 28% on supplies is ruled by UPA. Kharif crop comes from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka again no need to tell who

rules there. Civil supplies minister of Delhi Haroon Yusuf also joined band wagon and alleged that hoarders were keeping supplies from reaching Delhi to sabotage Congress's prospects in the assembly elections. In September theory put forward was that dwindling supplies have caused this havoc.

Supplies of onion in the market are low due to several reasons and needs to be understood for corrective steps.

First, planting this year is less than last year's because growers could not cover their cost in major growing areas.

Second, kharif onion sowed in the southern states was partially damaged due to occasional rains.

Third, the Nafed, responsible for managing demand and supply, has not taken timely action.

Fourth, arrivals from Maharashtra, a major producer of onions, are low because traders are hoarding the commodity in anticipation of better prices, while other growing areas, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, are unable to fill the supply gap from Maharashtra because of high moisture content in the new crop.

Fifth, the weakening rupee has augmented profits on exports despite the imposition of minimum export price of $650 per tonne.

Consequently, around two lakh tonnes less of onions was kept in cold storages while exports increased by six lakh tonnes during the last few months. The government expects that price of this politically-sensitive commodity will moderate from October after the arrival of new onion planted in kharif season in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. However, some analysts feel that the onion prices will not cool down due to relatively low acreage, partial damage of production by rains and attractive export price.

The wholesale price of onion in growing states is Rs 45-50 per kg. On Tuesday, the average wholesale price of the new crop at Lasalgaon was Rs 3,900 a quintal as reported by TOI. However, retail prices in different places are Rs 80-90 per kg. The huge gap of Rs 25-40 per kg in wholesale and consumer prices implies a margin of more than 50%. After subtracting the cost of logistics, 10-15%, the difference in cost price and selling price is still high.

A huge markup is taking place in the retail chain and traders are cornering huge profits. Onion prices have had a tumultuous political history and, therefore, the government is trying to control the price rise. It could impose an export ban or revise the minimum export price upwards and limit stocks for traders. However, these short-term measures would have a limited impact on prices and in solving long-term problems related to production and marketing of this essential commodity.

It seems that government agencies like Nafed are unable to efficiently monitor price rise regularly in the domestic market. Also, it does not take timely remedial action when there is a probability of a major shortfall in supply. So far, the government does not have any effective regulatory cell to monitor and foresee such abrupt increase in prices of essential foodstuffs with inelastic demand.

The issue of rising onion prices is symptomatic of a longer-term problem, which requires serious thought and quick action in food management. Warnings of a spurt in onion prices have been in the public domain for the last 3-4 months but the government has not responded with the required urgency.

Some speculation and hoarding must be taking place. But blaming only these for the price rise does not seem logical. Economists and the media have been alerting policymakers on this subject. A review of the causes of onion price rise needs to differentiate between long-run and short-run shortages since each has to be tackled differently.

The demand and supply gap is a major factor that needs deeper probing. The onion price rise is not an overnight phenomenon and cannot be attributed merely to reduced market arrivals from the major growing states. Rather, it is the result of production not keeping pace with demand, inefficient retail chains and lack of regulation in the form of a cap on consumer prices of food commodities.

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Can Priyanka take on Narendra Modi?

2013-10-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

Congress has started giving signals that it can sacrifice “Prince – Rahul “ to hold the forte in Delhi. The media buzz says that the party is planning to make Princess Priyanka as its face to take on Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP's PM candidate Narendra Modi and other regional parties.

Courtesy : The Hindu

A section in the party doubts Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's ability to lead the party in a high decibel campaign, but fear to say in open. This group has been worried about the lack of courage Rahul Gandhi has to lead from the front and fluctuations in his behaviour. Because of this party workers have lost hopes for the coming election. A group of congress party leaders like Kapil Sibbal and Rashid Alvi, who were first to appreciate the move, feel that Priyanka's entry will do the same effect to Congress as has NaMo factor did to BJP.

The speculations began after Priyanka, along with her brother and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi held a closed door meeting with party workers in Amethi, in September. She in past has been campaigning in Amethi and Raebareli for her brother and mother respectively.

She had successfully campaigned for the Congress in Bellary in 1999 when was just 26 years of age. Her grace and looks like Indira Gandhi had lots of asset value to the Congress then. Same may not hold true today. Now, she carries load of “Vadra” surname. A name that raises many eyebrows due to defame land deals. This can become a liability on the congress.

But Sonia has hinted to retire in 2016 from active politics. Dynastic seat of Raebarelly can not be given outside the family. Hence choice is little, her entry into national politics is certain. Question can be , now or after two years?

The approach can be as some media reports say, she can be tried in Madhya Pradesh. Can address a rally there. If response is favourable it can be stretched to other states going for poll this year. Otherwise Priyanka will continue to focus on Uttar Pradesh for the general elections due next year.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s emotion laden campaign with her children during the last UP Assembly elections did not gain any advantage to the party. The law of diminishing returns applies to emotions. She will have to do a lots of home work to get content in appeal where Rahul goofs up. She may attract crowds in some parts of the country. It is an advantage if crowd there should return home with a ray of hope and not with echo of the stale rotten slogans.

Congress party this time is on a weaker wicket. All around image of corruption, mismanagement, inflation and poor economic scenario. It will not be easy for her to overturn Anti-incumbency and image of ineffective leadership.

But all these negative factors are for Rahul Gandhi too. Only advantage Priyanka might have is that voters are not disillusioned with her so far. But she lacks the credentials what Narendra Modi has. The party will not take risk of announcing her as a prime ministerial candidate. She will remain sister of a possible prime ministerial candidate. Unlike Rahul Gandhi, she is not even an MP. She has no experience of running anything. Modi is elected chief minister of a state for past 12 years.

Promoting Priyanka will be a straight downgrading of Rahul. Rahul Gandhi may be looking dwarf in front of NaMo, but nobody can deny about his hard work. His failure can not be attributed to him alone. It was mainly because of unfocussed leadership of the party and lack of maturity in people around him.

Many say that he fails to inspire people because he lacks confidence. His younger sister has political charisma which he lacks. Priyanka has additional appeal of being a woman- a factor that motivates many in election. But this yet to tested. If gone wrong may boomerang also.

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Samsung was number one Brand in Indian Market

2013-10-04T11:31:00.001-07:00

South Korean brand Samsung leads with 31.5% share compared 27.2 % of Share of Nokia. Nokia is a Finland’s brand. During FY 2012-13 total market size was of Rs 35,946 crore. This grew @ 14.7% where as Nokia recorded a drop of 18% in its revenue.

Source : Economic Times Ahmedabad Edition

During period Samsung grew by 43.6%. Samsung’s advantage was due to wide range of models and varieties compared to Nokia and other brands. Samsung range starts from Rs 1,500 to Rs 50,000.

Nokia failed to judge the growing popularity of dual sim mobiles and Android platform. Micromax Informatics, Karbonn Mobiles and Cupertino-based Apple have grabbed the next three positions after Nokia with 8.7%, 6.4% and 3.6% share of the market, respectively. The rise of smaller local players in India like Micromax, Karbon, Lava International, and Zen Mobile clearly indicated that consumers want cheaper feature rich phones.

To capture Indian market Apple made some changes in its sales strategy to attract tech savvy youth consumers. Apple's revenues grew over four times to Rs 1,293 crore in FY13, compared to Rs 250 crore a year ago.

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King of Brand is Changed after 13 years. Apple topples Coca Cola

2013-09-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

Apple, co-founded by Steve Jobs in 1976 is the new most valuable brand in the world, according to a closely followed annual report about the values of the brands. Based on Interbrand estimates the value of the Apple brand at $98.3 billion. Interbrand is a corporate identity and brand consulting company owned by the Omnicom Group that has been compiling the Best Global Brands report since 2000

Apple replaced Coca-Cola as first among the 100 most valuable brands based on criteria that include financial performance. Apple has risen very fast on the brand ladder recently. Brand Apple was No

. 2 last year, climbing from No. 8 in the 2011 report.

Bad thing for Coca Cola is that it has fallen to third spot after google in the list. The value of the Coca-Cola brand also rose, by 2% to $79.2 billion. Coca Cola was on the top spot for last 13 years. Branding which used to be a war between the soft drink makers has now shifted to technology. Out of the top 10 Best Global Brands for 2013, five are in technology: Apple; Google; Microsoft, No. 5, unchanged from last year; Samsung, 8, compared with 9 last year; and Intel, 9, compared with 8 last year. At second spot in the new report is : Google, which rose from fourth place last year.

Bad news for technology brand was- BlackBerry, which tumbled last year to 93 from 56 in 2011, has disappeared from the list. Nokia is the biggest faller. It dropped to 19 from 14 in 2011, finished this year in 57th place among the 100.

Most talked about brand - Facebook, climbed to 52 from 69 last year, its first year on the list. Among non-technology brands, a notable addition to the list was Chevrolet, at 89, the first General Motors brand to rank among the Best Global Brands. Chevrolet is sold in 140 countries. The attributes of Chevrolet ads play up like “value for money and designs that move hearts and minds.”

Although “Coca-Cola is an efficient, outstanding brand marketer, no doubt about it,” Jez Frampton, global chief executive at Interbrand, said Apple and other leading technology brands have become “very much the poster child of the marketing community”.

“Brands like Apple and Google and Samsung are changing our behaviour: how we buy, how we communicate with each other, even whether we speak with each other,” Frampton said. “They have literally changed the way we live our lives.”

In nut shell consumers would switch brands to “one that was associated with improving people’s lives,” as said by Sue Shim, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Samsung.

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Co-operative banks again expanding to Gujarat

2013-09-30T14:17:00.003-07:00

After Ketan Parekh scripted Madhavpura Bank scam in 2001 cooperative banking in Gujarat had collapsed. But now, eight cooperative banks, mainly from Maharashtra, have expanded their wings again in the state. Due to a ban on issue of new cooperative bank licences by Reserve Bank of India they have adopted the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) route.

Madhavpura Bank : Ketan Parekh Inset

Gujarat had 351 banks operating before the scam. The number dropped to 232 banks after many were merged or liquidated. According to Gujarat Urban Cooperative Banks Federation (GUCBF) data, cooperative banks have 88.39 lakh depositors. The total deposit with them is estimated to be above Rs 23,700 crore. Net NPA is estimated to be below 1%.

After, set back due to scams, Pune based cosmos bank was first to dare to enter the state, in 2006. It acquired Cooperative Bank of Ahmedabad and Baroda-based Unnati Cooperative Bank.

Other entrants are Abhyudaya Bank, Saraswat Bank, Shamrao Vithal Bank, New India Cooperative Bank and TJSB Sahakari Bank, all from Maharashtra. Adarsh Bank is from Rajasthan. Janata Sahakari Bank and Zoroastrian Cooperative Bank too are also poised for an entry.

Cooperative banks have now equipped themselves with core banking solutions needed for the new age net banking. They are stringently inspected by the RBI, under Section 35 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1979-AACS.

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Factor "M" crucial for elections in next one year

2013-06-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

Overdependence on caste and a section of votes instead of governance was the reason of ouster of Lalu Raj in Bihar ten years ago. The same factor now, has infused hopes again in his camp. Loss this time was to Nitish Kumar who overplayed “muslim vote bank” to lose Mahrajgunj by-election.

This seat in 2009 was also with RJD so there is no gain in the tally of RJD, but a year later in 2010 five legislative assembly seats out of six falling under this constituency were won by BJP-JD(U) alliance. In 2005 Lalu and his party RJD were more dependent on “MY (Muslim, Yadav ) factor” than governance.

Can they come together?

Muslims ditched him and power slipped in the hands of Nitish Kumar.

Overwhelming success of 2010 has fitted wrong calculations in the mind of JD(U) leader and the Chief Minister of Bihar that all the victory was only because of 15% Muslim voters. Although his governance is not as bad as was Lalu’s mismanagement. But Modi centric propaganda to win over muslims, misfired this time.

Nitish Kumar had to clarify after by poll results that BJP-JD(U) has not broken and would continue. This came only a day after when in Delhi he ignored Modi publically as noted by TV news channel cameras. BJP is all set to contest coming elections under the stewardship of Narendra Modi. In such a scenario how long will the alliance last, if the bone of contention is Namo.

Political reality is that the BJP needs Modi more than sustaining the alliance with JD(U) in Bihar. If the alliance breaks then according to a survey carried out by India Today group JD(U) would be bigger loser than BJP. But the survey reflects public’s perception, whereas alliance depends on leader’s perception. There is no doubt that a large section of ambitious leaders in BJP still want to avoid projecting Gujarat Chief Minister to a high profile position.

They all know that BJP is passing through a transition phase like Congress passed in 1969 when Indira Gandhi sidelined group of all senior leaders – called “ syndicate” and took charge of Congress. Later she was the focal point of Indian politics till she survived. Working style of Modi in Indian context resembles her. In less than one year time this will be clear whether Modi becomes next Indira Gandhi or V.P. Singh, who was also hyped to a popularity wave, but was the biggest failure in providing right leadership.

The only difference between the times of now and 1969 or 1988 is that the breakaway leaders then – Indira or V.P. Singh, had many sympathizers in media where as Modi has many critics in media ready to gun him down. This criticism is not new to him nor to readers & viewers so these commentaries will hardly shape the opinion of the voters. Majority of the Indian are looking for a leader who can take decision on its own rather waiting for a remote to get pressed. This is the advantage Modi.

He can also be next Advani who was projected thrice by his party – 1995, 2004 and 2009 to have a consistent record of putting party on opposition benches. Yet he has ambition to get projected fourth time. What ever it may be “M” factor is crucial in the elections whether it is Muslim vote bank or Modi. Outcome this factor is unpredictable.

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Will Goa be Second Time Lucky for Modi?

2013-06-05T05:01:00.003-07:00

Goa is likely to be second time lucky for Narendra Modi. He may or may not be declared prime ministerial candidate there, but party worker’s trust on him would be stamped. Three day BJP national executive meeting will begin on 7th and at the end of third day L.K. Advani’s dreams of becoming PM of the country one will meet the same fete as were the dream of former Chief Minister of Gujarat Keshubhai’s in the year 2002.

Shivraj and Modi

The mood and support of Goan BJP workers can be judged from their demand to hold a public meeting even in the rains because they want to hear ‘Modi ji’ speak. They are prepared to come with umbrellas. Their eagerness to hear his vision for party for 2014 gives similar reply party workers gave to Vajpai eleven years ago.

When last BJP national executive meeting was hosted by Goa in the summer of 2002, there was clamour for Modi’s head both within the party and outside it. Post Godhra riots were the major ” masala” for 24 x 7 news channels. The meeting however turned the swing in the BJP in Modi’s favour after then prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had no choice but to back the Gujarat chief minister. Keshbhai who was waiting in wings to be crowned again had to seek VRS.

Modi's name as campaign committee chief may be announced here sidelining the objections of L.K. Advani et al. Modi’s name for this position was first mooted by Nitin Gadkari towards the

L.K. Advani on the verse of Retirement

end of his tenure as party president. The claim was strengthened after victory in the Gujarat assembly elections.

However, not to give full credit to Modi and to keep the leadership debate open Advani camp is insisting to have separate election management committee set up under different persons to oversee the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Delhi. Modi can head campaign committee for the Lok Sabha election next year.

To garner support of RSS headquarter he praised MP Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and called him a better administrator than Narendra Modi. Shivraj Singh is a low profile leader close to RSS leadership. He is working more under the guidance of Nagpur and enjoys good relationship with VHP. He has pushed the Cow Slaughter Bill in Madhya Pradesh, introduced surya namaskar in schools and encouraged the singing of vande mataram in government offices.

This is an irony that JD(U) and Nitish Kumar also find him more secular than Modi who is in the hit list of VHP, under whose rule many RSS and VHP leaders are put behind the bars and average per capita income of muslim population in Gujarat has grown more than hindu population.

This political riddle can be understood only if we can understand why did UPA government decided to vote against Sri Lanka in United Nations knowing well who killed their known leader Rajiv Gandhi or if we can explain why responsibility of 1984 anti Sikh riots should not be fixed with the then government in power.

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2013-05-28T11:00:00.002-07:00

Post humiliating defeat in Karnataka the lesson for BJP or any political party is – handle your internal issues well – Public does not support a party which fails to support its own leader.

Yeddyurappa

One can count many reasons of the debacle of BJP in the state, but the main was Yeddy who nailed party’s coffin in the state. This is not the first time when BJP failed to retain its forte or missed the opportunity to sustain. Post 1998, when BJP was at its peak, the only act which its leader have performed repeatedly is to pull legs of their own colleague.

This is a party with difference and so all its leaders have maximum differences with each other. When we try to recall the success leaders of its recent past – UP - Kalyan Sinh, MP- Uma Bharti, Uttarakhand – Khandoori, Karnataka – Yeddyurappa and Babulal Marandi in Jharkhand. There can not be any other parallel example in post emergency period of Independent India of booting out the heroes.

This is altogether a different story that electorates do not support defectors. History of Indian Politics does not give any favourable data on the defectors. In the recent past one can analyse – Yeddyurappa, Uma Bharti, Keshubhai and Kalyan Sinh from BJP and Sangma first from Congress and later NCP. Shrarad Pawar saved his career by going back in the shelter of Congress. This gives the Congress a natural advantage to rule.

Babulal Marandi

It is surprising that both the main national parties are run by the leaders who have no support base. The decisions in both the parties are taken on the basis of caste and religion. Congress scores over only because there is no dispute on the number one and number two positions, so all competition in Congress is to get close to the Gandhi family or Ahmed Patel – their money manager. This attitude of these nation parties has given rise to parties like BSP, SP, JD, DMK etc who polarise electorates only on caste factor.

Brahmin- Thakur lobby in BJP has been very strong. This dominating lobby always tried to sideline leaders like - Kalyan Singh, Uma Bharti, Yeddyurappa and Narendra Modi. Opposition to Modi is more from this lobby than Nitish Kumar or Uddhav Thakre.

The larger question the BJP has to confront is why mass leaders of the stature of Babulal Marandi, Kalyan Singh and Yeddyurappa were forced to seek their fortune outside the so-called ‘parivar'. Even if we dismiss the caste based mentality of remote holders, it is evident that the baseless leadership in Delhi does not know how are successful teams created. Because leadership is more than embedding “Shayri” in the speech.

These leaders of non upper caste would not have left the party and weaken its base forever, had the party’s central leadership not backed their upper caste rival in the state to sideline them. BJP has slipped to fourth place in UP where it ruled for three terms and elected 50 MPs in the best ever performance in 1998. Karnataka they are now at third spot and if no immediate corrective step is taken it will be wiped out from the political history of the state.

Only True Leader of BJP

Vajpai, Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi were the main leaders of BJP during its building stage in 80s and 90s. All three were good orators, but Vajpai scored over others not because of his speech alone, but more because of the matured diplomacy. After 2002 riots in Gujarat the whole of pseudo secular and Brahmin Thakur lobby was demanding ouster of Modi. In the most publicised statement Vajpai said, “Rajdharma” should be observed. No judgement whether Modi was following the same or not. Each commentator analysed this statement as per their convenience. Modi was allowed to continue.

Compare this with recent comments of Advani on social media, blaming each and every body in the party without accepting his own share of responsibility in messy affairs of BJP. He might have been a giant leader of in his hey days, but was never accepted as number one ahead of Vajpai. Today’s generation finds him outdated. He sportingly should take up the role of a mentor, his time to generate confidence in masses is gone.

Advani still can find support from those who feel having left behind in the race of PM – a dream which is distant for BJP. The game spoilers will prefer to push forward his name and ensure that 2014 out come is not better than 2009.

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History never tells Lies

2013-04-13T00:44:00.000-07:00

Politics is an art of not learning from the past. NDA and BJP lost election in 2009 not because of any charisma Congress and its allies had, but because leaders of NDA were busy pulling down each other. Nothing has changed in last 4 years. They still get into the trap of congress and start defeating each other forgetting that they fight election against UPA and not against each other.

All official and unofficial spokesperson of Congress keep on challenging BJP to announce its prime ministerial candidate. To this reaction comes from BJP’s allies JD(U) and Shivsena. It is in the interest of congress that NDA should lock horn on this issue. Union minister and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah, as quoted by a news paper, echo the similar view, “You don’t know the Congress. They want Modi to come to the central politics. They will be greatly benefited from that,” he said, explaining that anti-Modi forces out of fear would consolidate behind Congress as had happened in the 2004 general elections.

Modi is a popular leader of mass in Gujarat. How much wave he can create outside Gujarat is yet to be confirmed. On this ground all his competitors- Nitish Kumar and Shivraj Sinh Chauhan also fail. Thus, veteran L.K. Advani and out of focus Sushma Swaraj come in the race. The rational thinking should be to give the command to the one who is visionary, who can lead India come out of the current economic crisis.

If we compare the ruling models of three state – Bihar, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh as an alternative to UPA policies then it comes on surface that Nitish Kumar lacks the vision what both CMs of BJP ruled states have. After having ruled for eight years Bihar Chief Minister does a public meeting in Delhi to seek status of “Special State” for its state. A demand which in analogy goes to Jat & Gurjar reservation agitation. Special status and reservation are not the solutions and they never bring true “Inclusive development”.
Presently, 11 states have the special-status tag: the seven North-eastern States, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The special-state status governs Centre-state finances. It entails a state getting a bigger share of the Centre’s resource pie and significant excise duty concessions to help industrial development.

This support can help to a state which has wilful leadership. A leadership which makes policies for the entire society and not for a section of the societies. Most damage done by congress rule of over sixty years is that it always made policies in parts for different sections of society. Before framing a policy it fragments the society, finds out whom to pacify this time and draft the matter.

Let us try to come out of this exercise as a nation. The reason why Gujarat has remained communally peaceful in last 11 years is only because no separate thoughts are applied to pacify Hindus and Muslims in parts. The media managers who keep on beating trumpet of 2002 riots, do not analyse this fact, so the positive side of governance remains hidden.

In march this year at India Today conclave, Modi put forward his vision of leading nation with well proven principles of economics. He reminded that the business of governments was not business. During his time Gujarat has harnessed more of the renewal energy to meet the power supply. A larger population is getting water to drink. The solutions which Rajasthan and Tamilnadu should have aggressively followed.

Providing subsidy is another way to bring inculcate inefficiencies. Bihar, Orissa, Jharkhand and Chattisgarh had most of the natural resources on which they could prosper. Corrupt politicians and caste ridden society has made them “BIMARO” – the ailing state.

Chhatisgarh has made a good effort in last 10 years by transforming coal reserve to electricity and become power hub of the nation. It is the government which has to provide solutions and not cry for the help. Had Nitish tried to introspect, why are industrialists not investing in his state and had he tried to provide solution, Bihar could have been a role model.

How are grants earned in return of supporting a minority government at centre used can be seen in Uttar Pradesh. The money is wasted on expenses like salaries of bloated staff or grandiose projects to put statues and make parks or distribute some gadgets instead of making higher education free.

What India needs today is aggressive approach to grow like Gujarat and inclusive model for semi urban and rural like Madhya Pradesh. Along with an honest will to get corruption free.

Budget 2013 - An Opportunity Missed, but election funds will flow

2013-02-28T18:54:00.004-08:00

The last budget of UPA before going to election in 2013 or 2014 was an opportunity for the prime minister Manmohan Singh to show what difference does it make to be an economist. From the budget, presented by Finance minister Chidambaram it seems that whole government is busy in covering up the scams and has no time to think about serious mattes like yearly planning and resource allocation.

Had No Time, This time

Though there is nothing to talk about it, but still a few recommendations of budget are worth noting. Most important is its efforts to collect election fund. It wants to award in the next six months 3,000 kms of road projects in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. These toll roads would add little more liability on Indian public and business, but …. … ..

Next is an effort to please the builder lobby. By an estimate in Gujarat alone more than three lakh of ready flats were unoccupied by Dec’2012. This was because of unrealistic high rates demanded by the project developers. To increase their sale the finance minister has recommended an additional deduction of interest upto Rs 1 lakh for a person taking first home loan upto Rs 25 lakh during the period of 1.4.2013 to 31.3.2014. I have no statistics about the benefit DLF and similar other companies will get from this recommendation around Delhi and Moradabad.

To buy a house or land there are two components to be paid – one through cheque or draft for the amount which is reflected in the documents – on which stamp duty is paid. Other, which is forced to be paid in cash and no receipt is issued. This is what looks as a black money to baba Ramdev.

High duties and restrictions are the main reasons for under valuation of property in documents. To add to the plight honourable FM has recommended a TDS at the rate of 1 percent on the value of the transfer of immovable properties where consideration exceeds ` 50 lakhs. Agricultural land to be exempted. Increase in floating black money in land and building deals – pet of all politicians and government officers

The government has taken no steps to improve law and order or speedy resolution of court cases after hue and cry in December 2012. The message is that the Current Status Quo will be maintained. But to deal with media highlighted cases a fund - “Nirbhaya Fund” – is to be setup with Government contribution of Rs 1,000 crore. Is this the solution?

Only provision in this budget liked by me is Rs 15,260 crore allocated to Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and Rs 1,400 crore provided for setting-up of water purification plants in 2,000 arsenic and 12,000 fluoride-affected rural habitations.

A better budget can not be expected from a finance minister who puts two times unplanned expenditure estimates than the planned for which allocation is at Rs 5,55,322 crore. Against this Non Plan Expenditure is estimated at ` 11,09,975 crore.

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Manmohanji please learn from Ratan Tata to deal with nasty Pak

2013-01-14T13:01:00.001-08:00

The Indian government for last one week is hunting for the words to react to Pakistan Army’s barbaric behaviour on LOC. The government, sitting in Delhi is quick to charge lathis and impose sec 144 on its own citizens when they protest peacefully, but does not have courage to severe diplomatic relations with the country which has betrayed every time.

Salute to Ratan Tata

Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh and Hemraj were killed on January 8 by the Pakistan Army regulars after infiltrating into Indian territory in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Chief of Army reacted after six days and PM is yet to make a comment. These dumbs can learn something from Ratan Tata. How he reacted to Pak after Mumbai attack is the best diplomacy one can imagine.

A few months after 26/11, Taj group of Hotels owned by TATAs launched their biggest tender ever for renovation all their Hotels in India and abroad.

Some of the companies who applied for that tender were also Pakistanis. To make their bid stronger, two big industrialists from Pakistan visited Bombay House ( Head office of Tata ) in Mumbai without an appointment to meet up with Ratan Tata since he was not giving them any prior appointment.

They were made to sit at the reception of Bombay house and after a few hours a message was conveyed to them that Ratan Tata is busy and can not meet anyone without an appointment.

Frustrated, these two Paki industrialists went to Delhi and thru their High Commission met up with than Commerce Minister Anand Sharma. Sharma immediately called up Ratan Tata requesting him to meet up with the two Paki Industrialists and consider their tender "enthusiastically"

Ratan Tata replied..."you could be shameful, I am not" and kept the phone.

Few months later when Pakistani government placed an order of Tata Sumo's to be imported into Pakistan, Ratan Tata refused to ship a single vehicle to that country. This is the respect and love for motherland that Ratan Tata has.

Something that our Politicians and so called secularists, who invite all Pakistani players and artists, should learn from him.

After all Nation is above everything else......

Can we rely on these Exit Polls?

2012-12-17T14:14:00.000-08:00

As soon as the polling hours were over, all news channels got in race to telecast the exit poll results of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, where the elections have just completed and counting is to happen on 20^th December. The four surveys did not have any significant difference unlike past when each channel used to show the projections as per their political ideology confusing the viewers.

Psephology, which is used for these exit polls, is a branch of political science which deals with the study and scientific analysis of elections. Therefore, there is a systematic approach and it should be relied with a statistical margin of error. The reason to raise question is not about doubting the science of psephology or any efforts to recall failed and misleading projections of past, but it is about the ethical functioning of fourth estate of democracy – Press.

If you read the newspapers of Gujarat published till 17^th December, it looked as if Modi’s defeat is certain. Keshubhai will emerge as kingmaker and after 22 years some Congress leader will head the state government once again. The exit poll projections do not confirm any of these. Such a radical shift highlights two facts – press is not neutral and does not represent the factual reporting and second, there was a mass level of paid news publication.

A PTI news has quoted Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath saying, "While 444 suspected cases of paid news were reported in Gujarat, notices were sent to 224 of them. In Himachal Pradesh polls, the Commission came across 211 suspected cases of paid news and notices were sent in 190 cases and 91 confirmed cases were reported,"

The election authorities in Gujarat have identified 126 confirmed cases of paid news during the just-concluded polls, with 61 candidates admitting of have paid for such news in electronic and print media. Election commission will take some actions in case of the confirmed cases like adding these payments to the expenditures of the candidates.

The extreme punishment can be disqualification of the candidate like EC gave to Umesh Yadav, MLA from Bisauli assembly constituency, after finding him guilty of getting news published in his favour during 2007 UP polls by paying hefty amount to media outlets. This punishment was announced on October 20, 2011 when the term was almost over. (fresh election were held in UP from Jan to March 2012). Media which carried these paid news escaped the punishment.

A fact- finding team of the Press Council of India has also confirmed about large scale practice of 'paid news' in the Gujarat elections. PCI chairperson Justice Markandey Katju has accepted that that self regulation by media was proving to be ineffective.

Press is not self regulated to remain honest, but is getting infected by the virus of “easy money” like government servants. Majority of small papers published in local language are involved in money extortion business. Their staff approaches for “monetary favour” and threatens otherwise to tarnish your image. The tone of black mailing can be sensed from the communication. All the industries who have to carry out public hearing in Gujarat undergo through this experience.

Mr Katju refers to the “freedom of press”, but the time has come when we should think of making it a healthy press by cleaning these malpractices from media. Such tactics spoil core culture of the country as society look towards press as “just and honest”. While EC takes action against erring candidates, PCI should take equally strong action against these publication and broadcasting channels. Unless that is done the fourth estate of democracy will continue to decay.

Other Posts :

No Issues, It was Narendra Modi versus Ahmed Patel

Opposition Surrenders to Modi for Gujarat Poll.

100 hour wastage on TV News Channels

Growth Story may help BSP returning to power

Gujarat 2012 : No Issues, It was Narendra Modi versus Ahmed Patel

2012-12-15T23:23:00.003-08:00

The Gujarat is all set to close its verdict for next five years. High poll turn around has put many political analysts into dilemma whether their words will stand true or wave for “Let us Vote for….” Will sweep them away.

Will These Forecasts Prove True?

During campaigning one thing was sure from both sides – BJP and Congress, that more efforts were localized and less of the national leaders’ campaign. Congress was very aggressive during early part in making sops and promises which are difficult to achieve and provide – “Ghar nu Ghar”, free laptops an idea borrowed from SP’s victory from UP.

Whether Congress under the fear of vote polarization, excepts it or not, Ahmed Patel was the brain behind all the orchestra it played. This approach has both possibilities; one, muslims and middle class may heavily support Congress; two it may polarize upper caste votes against Congress in central and south Gujarat constituencies and take away many seats from Congress.

From ruling side it had been one man army of Chief Minister Narendrabhai Modi taking everything on his head. He is most hard working politician of the state. To reach to masses he worked from 8 am till 11 pm daily and travelled across the state to ensure that he reaches to all constituencies twice before the polling. He used technology to amplify his solo campaign. An entirely new concept of 3-D holographic projections covering multiple locations simultaneously was explored to amaze the opponents. People’s response will be known post 20^th December.

Congress leadership in state was unable to resolve their internal fight with high ambitions of Shankarsinh Waghela, Arjun Modhvadia and Bharat Solanki all trying drag down the other. The result was, Narhari Amin, a strong Patel community leader switched over loyalty to Modi’s camp. It has failed to garner the anger of people in Saurashtra and in particular Bhavnagar & Amreli where people were in anguish against the corruption of ministers like Dilip Sanghani, Purshottam Solanki etc.

Siddhu : Helped Keshubhai back in Fray

It not only failed on this account, lacked completely on agenda in dismay to highlight candidature of former state home minister Amit Shah, who is accused of the murder of Sohrabuddin Sheikh, a petty criminal, who was killed in a fake encounter This issue has raised anti Modi feeling amongst the Kadva Patel community of north Gujarat who supported Modi in all its fight with Leuva Patel leader Keshubhai. Sensing the heat – Kadva Patel leader and revenue minister Anandiben Patel changed her seat to Ghatlodia in Ahmedanad from Patan.

In 2007 Modi won 25 of the 32 seats in Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Mehsana, Patan and Gandhinagar districts of north Gujarat. The Kadva Patel votes are very crucial in these constituencies. But, this community is upset with the BJP after leaders from their community were convicted in two different cases of 2002 riots. More than 24 people, most of them Kadva Patels, were convicted for killing 42 people, and sentenced to life in prison by a trial court in Gujarat.

The community feels that Modi did not intervene in the proceedings and helped the way Congress did help its supporters in 1985 to 1988 communal riots of state. They feel it was only because of inaction of Modi entire media talks of 2002 and not 1985-88 phase. This sense of disenchantment could change the table, had local congress team worked united.

Speeches of cricketer Navjotsingh Siddhu has helped Keshubhai to make presence felt in the poll, who was totally sidelined by the public despite all national TV anchors’ focus on him. Leuva Patel community after Siddhu’s comments may remain united behind Keshubhai and will affect on many seats in Saurashtra and Surat.

Tail ender show of Sonia and Rahul has left no impact on the campaign. Their speeches were aimless lacking issues to energise supporters. So was the presence of other national leaders from BJP as well. They remained only as fillers. This time campaign had remained highly localized and fight between two strategists – Modi and Ahmad Patel. Verdict of people on 20^th will decide who was better.

Other Posts :

Opposition Surrenders to Modi for Gujarat Poll.

Nitish Kumar in top 100 global thinker

Akbar was not that great.

Opposition Surrenders to Modi ahead of Poll.

2012-11-30T11:05:00.000-08:00

Congress and Gujarat Parivartan Party (GPP) seems to have taken pre poll surveys carried out by news channels and newspapers very seriously. They have fielded candidates who can get some votes on sympathy and not on the strength of their party or their own socio-political strengths – a clear walkover.

Walkover Candidate
Sweta Bhatt

All the pre poll surveys have predicted a whopping comeback for Modi. These survey have forecasted more percentage of votes and seats for Modi this time than the year 2007. Then 47% votes were polled in favour of BJP and 117 candidates had won legislative assembly seats. This time about 50% votes and around 125 seats are projected.

Even after such a favourable predictions Modi went back on his image and theory of no repeat of maligned ones. This time he has given tickets to controversial leaders like Amit Shah, Purshottam Solanki, to make sure that factors of Keshubhai’s GPP and dissidence within party does not harm the poll prospects.

But the opposition parties do not want to take advantage of it and are fielding candidates who do not mind losing in the return of short time publicity. Congress has fielded Shweta Bhatt, wife of suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi from Maninagar constituency. Her candidature will spice up the contest and get more bites on visual media but can she pose any serious threat to the CM ?

"It is not a fight between equals, I agree...but I am fully confident that I am going with a true heart to say the truth, so people will support me...I don't have false promises to make," Shweta told reporters after getting the ticket.

This will only help Modi to reinforce his claim that congress is misusing CBI to tarnish image of his government and fabricating false cases. Indirectly Congress has extended benefit to Controversial former Gujarat home minister Amit Shah who is contesting from Naranpura. Shah is one of accused in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Tulsi Prajapati alleged fake encounter cases and is out on bail.

Another disadvantage to Congress in Naranpura constituency is disgruntled former Deputy Chief Minister Narhari Amin who is denied ticket by the party. Amin has threatened to join hands with Modi openly. Senior leadership of state is now busy in doing fire fighting.

GPP has given ticket to Jagruti Pandya, widow of former home minister Haren Pandya. Jagruti is challenging BJP's Rakesh Shah in a triangular contest in Ellis Bridge. Haren Pandya was shot dead on March 26, 2003, near Law Garden area of the city when he had gone for a morning walk. Haren’s father and later his widow has been blaming governmrnt conspiracy in murder and pitching against Modi for past eight years. In past three elections their cry has failed to garner any support.

The survey had shown that the intensity of Muslims hating Modi has reduced. The surveys say, the drop is almost half. Percentage of Muslim respondents who say that they will never vote for Modi has come down from 44% to 23%. This change of heart is more because the young generation is getting participative opportunity in the growth story of the state. But still, Modi has missed the opportunity to bridge the gap with the community by not giving ticket to any Muslim candidate.

What does this all mean? The elections this time are one sided, only over confidence can defeat Modi in December. However, I foresee atleast three of his ministers definitely losing the election. There are not going to be any shocks to Modi, but for BJP yes.

Other Posts :

A Split Averted in BJP

100-hour Wastage on TV News Channels

Who would apologize for 1969 and 1985 Gujarat Riots?

Bihar CM in Foreign Policy's Top 100 Global Thinkers list

2012-11-26T11:12:00.000-08:00

Three Indians including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar find place in the prestigious Foreign Policy magazine among its top 100 global thinkers. The top position of the list is shared by Myanmar's democracy icon Suu Kyi and her military ruler. ,They together chart out a non-military future for their country- Myanmar.

Citing Myanmar as "one of the most remarkable and unexpected political reversals of our time," the magazine writes about how the country -- long counted among the world's most repressive dictatorships -- has begun to reform under the leadership of "two very unlikely allies".

The second spot also is grabbed by political game changer from new democratic country Tunisia. Tunisia's president Moncef Marzouki is placed at second spot for providing 'vision and wisdom' since assuming office in December 2011, and ensuring that Tunisia remains the Arab Spring's "most promising success story".

The 61-year-old Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar Kumar figures at the 77th spot and finds the place for his achievement of "turning around India's poorest state" through an array of innovative programmes to address crime, corruption and lack of development.

The list of 100 also features India's chief economic advisor Raghuram Rajan at 80 and writer Pankaj Mishra at 86. Harvard University's young Indian American economist Raj Chetty also figures in the list at number 74 for his mathematical research on a range of issues in the US including economic policy.

Teenage icon Malala Yousufzai, perhaps is the youngest person to figure in the prestigious list.
15 year old Malala, who is recuperating in the UK after being attacked by Taliban militants for her advocacy of education for girls is credited for "standing up to the Taliban, and everything they represent".

US president Barack Obama features at seventh position, a spot behind Pakistan's Malala Yousufzai.

Adani Posts drop in Profit in line with Market Expectations.

2012-08-09T12:27:00.003-07:00

Adani Enterprises, the flagship firm of the Adani Group has posted its consolidated net profit to Rs 402.88 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 2012. This is down by 29% on Y-o-Y basis . AEL had posted a net profit of Rs 569.81 crore in the Q1 last year.

Bad Days are nearing end for ADANI?

The consolidated net sales of the company in this quarter was Rs 11,024.59 crore vis-a-vis Rs 9,596.13 crore of the first quarter of FY'12, it said in a filing to the BSE. This is an increase of about 15%. The AEL standalone performance has shown remarkable performance. Its standalone net profit for the quarter ended June rose a whopping 344 per cent to Rs 421.6 crore, against Rs 94.9 crore in the corresponding period last year.

Reasons cited for the drop in profit were known and anticipated by the invetors. Market had already discounted the likely impact of Fuel cost to its power business. Till June AEL stock was traded in the range of 210-260, but it slipped to the current range of 171-196 in July. Going forward if there are no fresh shockers to the market, AEL share can bounce back to the previous range soon.

There are two reasons to this. First, in this quarter drop in profit has absorbed an increased cost of finance. It's finance cost in April-June quarter of 2011-12 was at Rs 222.97 crore. This quarter it rose to to Rs 927.19 crore. The impact was of more than Rs 700 cr. If this factor is ignored there is a 45% rise in the net profit. (402.88 + 704.22 - 281.69 = Rs 825.41 Cr).

Share Performance on 9th August'12

Second reason is that the financing cost will come down as promoters have to reduce their stake to below the threshold level of 75% in the three group companies as per the directives of the regulators. Promoter holding in Adani Power is pegged at 76.63%, in Adani Port and SEZ at 77.5% and about 80% in Adani Enterprises. This dilution is expected to raise about US$ one billion. Which will be used in financing the upcoming mining projects in Australia.

Environment and other regulatory clearances for its Australian coal venture will also be obtained by fiscal-end. The operations of overburden removal at Australian mine is expected to begin in November 2013.

Most bleeding of business plans has happened in power sector. Group Chairman Gautam Adani is optimist there. He said the company is working with concerned authorities to arrive at a solution and "are confident that our power business shall generate the envisaged return shortly, creating value for its stakeholders."

But, nothing will happen till the government is willing to take tough reforms in the power sector, which may not be liked by the managements of the DISCOMS. Unless that happens major break through in revival would be slow.

OTHER POSTS :

Policy Failure Hurts Adani Enterprise

Three more Pharma MNCs to setup projects in Gujarat

Investment recipe from Warren Buffet

Anna is no more Mahatma : Team Anna missed opportunity

2012-08-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Last year, Ralegaon Siddhi village Gram Sabha had passed a resolution on Gandhi Jayanti conferring the title of 'Mahatma' to Anna Hazare, in recognition of his contributions to the nation. Like the people of Ralegaon Siddhi village many in India had started to look another Gandhi or atleast JP (Jai Narayan Prakash) in him. Politicians might have been divided on him and so was media, but none could dare to ignore him.

A day after the “Gram Sabha” resolution was passed, Anna told his villagers that he could not be called Mahatma (Saint, equating him to the father of nation – Mahtma Gandhi). He said to a news agency PTI, "I am a simple Indian trying to follow the path of greats like Gandhiji, Mahatma Phule and Dr B R Ambedkar. People should try to follow the ethics and values of these 'Mahatmas' in their lives to elevate themselves."

Recalling this incidence after ten months one can say that Anna had an intuition of the events to come. Probably he had seen the future or these events were coining some where his mind. Luke response of public during Mumbai show in December’11. Infighting among his core team members. Deserting support of media and indifferent UPA government.

All this led to the events post 23^rd July till 3^rd of August. This time when Anna team went for fasting, the UPA government boycotted and refused to take notice of the protest. The electronic media which gave uninterrupted 675 hour long marathon coverage a year ago, gave a cold shoulder.

This was the major blow to team Anna, which was under the impression that media needs the realty show at Jantar Mantar to get higher TRP. They forgot that it was their need to get proper focus and publicity to bring in the middle class supporters to reach Jantar Mantar and pressurise the government and other political parties.

Frustrated team Anna this time attacked media too, along with politicians. There is no denial that today’s many reporters and editors are not different from "government babus” and “politicians” in moral behaviour. But, one should not fight at multiple borders. Had Anna’s core team read history, they could take lessons from the debacle of German army in second world war.

By declaring to form the political outfit, Anna has lost the opportunity to be next Gandhi or JP. The behaviour of his team probably will not give him a chance even to reach to the level of VP Singh. When VP Singh came out of Congress and led the campaign highlighting the corruption in Bofors deal, he did not disclose his liking or disliking for any “ism”. It was only later when the fear of growing popularity of BJP forced him to take out the “Ginny of Mandal Commission”. But, later in countering the forces who made him prime minister, he pulled down curtain on his own political career.

The Gram Sabha when conferred mandate of Mahatma to Anna it was hoping that the son of Ralegaan will reform the society and make it corruption free. By personal conduct Anna tried to behave in Gandhian style. But his insistence to reform governance is a misfit to the role. He has done a great job by bringing the issue of corruption to the centre stage. Saints reform the society in the process government can change. But, this time Anna has taken reverse path.

In our democracy, politics runs in a different way. This can be seen from the fact that even when Jan Lokpal bill movement was considered to be a success, Mulayam Singh and his party came back to power in UP with a majority not predicted by and poll pundit. In neighbouring state, Uttarakhand where BJP had passed the Lokayukta bill was routed.

The criteria to vote are not issue based. Team Anna had enough time, they could try to educate people to vote for the honest candidates when five states had gone to poll early this year. That could stop “Raja Bhaiya” and many criminals from reaching Lucknow and become the minister.

Member of team Anna are having different political ideology. To keep them united will be more difficult than is seen in last one year. We have watched many prominent faces leaving the team due to different reasons. Brand Anna is saleable only if there is a solid performing team behind it. The two TV anchors of team Anna can get the headlines, so was Mallika Sarabhai getting in last election, yet she lost her deposit.

Having succeeded in deviating Anna from the focus of corruption, UPA will not hesitate to misuse all its resources, including governing agencies like – CBI, Income Tax, ED and many more to break the moral of the team.

Judiciary will deliver its verdict on false fabricated case after many years, out come of 2014 will come before that in two years. It was an opportunity lost by Anna alias Baburao Hazare. Political Ocean has bigger sharks- can small fish named Team Anna Survive there?

Other Posts :

Who is pulling Anna Hazare down?

Can Anna fight against moles to protect ?

SC admits Modi's plea on Lokayukta.

Myths and Facts- about cholesterol.

Who is pulling Anna Hazare down?

2012-07-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

The poor show of people turn around at Jantar Mantar until Anna Hazare himself started the fast has raised many questions in the minds of people. Have people of the nation lost hopes from their fight against the corruption? or has Anna Hazare lost his charisma?

Is he saying, "Stay away its Secular means no Hindus?"

Answer to both these questions can be negative, but there are lots of learning lessons for the Anna Hazare and people around him. Most important of them is to build a team. Anna has a group of people around him and not a team. The word used by media frequently – “Team Anna” is inappropriate. Team works in cohesion towards a goal. Here, both focus on goal and cohesiveness are missing. The result of this can be that the round four of agitation will not have dramatic impact it had last year during monsoon session of parliament.

The groups within have their own agenda to push, as it looks. Anna is a staunch follower of Gandhi, probably with no personal agenda and selfish interest. That is his USP but he has failed to prove himself to be a leader. He has failed to direct the steam of the agitation to vent in the direction of focussing corruption. Result is, people around him keep on making statement suiting to their ideology or belief. Congress has one Digvijay Singh, Anna Hazare has many surrounding him. This can be understood from following incidents.

Some of the protestors wrote “chor” (thief) on the wall outside the Prime Minister’s residence. Delhi police issued warning to Kumar Vishwas, a core team member. Anna apologised for the defacement saying, “That is not right. Use of such words against the Prime Minister lowers the level of discourse. I apologise for it,”.

Anna had to regret for the words of its most vocal team member Arvind Kejriwal who in a press conference before the start of the agitation declared, "Pranab Mukherjee is also among the 15 corrupt ministers. It's unfortunate he will become the President tomorrow." This was in disagreement with Hazare’s view that Pranab Mukherjee should not be targeted now that he is the President.

Team Anna member Sanjay Singh attacked the yoga guru on sharing dais with the Gujarat Chief Minister, “We have never been in agreement with Narendra Modi and never can be. Modi is a murderer of humanity. Ramdev should clarify his position on this.” Just two days ago Anna and his team welcomed Ramdev on their stage and had given poses to media clippings. Anna Hazare has praised Modi and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in the past, saying their work should be emulated by other state governments.

This is a well known fact that Kejriwal is very cautious to retain his identity of “Secular” as per standards of the Leftists and popular news editors. But he has no reservation to seek favour of BJP leaders to get infrastructure and support in parliament to his cause. Like all communists and Samajvadis he went to Hisar to campaign against Congress , but when he was asked that, “does he support NDA candidate”, he was in denial mode. His logics prove that BSP and SP leaders are less corrupt than two main national political parties.

Kejriwal and his group is very vocal in attacking certain ministers of UPA for corruption and Gujarat Govt for their belief. They forget that these are elected representatives in the democratic way. Fight against them in legal way if there are proofs to their allegations. Else, the approach is an insult to preamble of the same constitution which Anna refers very frequently. “We the people …” does not mean “ We the group around Anna Hazare..”

The next big reason for Anna’s movement losing its popularity is that Anna’s group and to certain extent Anna himself have become too arrogant. Anna’s justification on the slap on Sharad Pawar did not go well with his Gandhian philosophy. This group does not want to follow the democratic way of reaching to the solution. It simply wants to impose its doctrine.

Last year was the victory of Anna’s movement when Loksabha passed “Lokpal Bill”. It got stuck up in the upper house. Had Anna pressed all political parties to reach to a consensus and pass the bill every body must have hailed the wisdom of the group.

If the bill lacked some of its provisions Anna’s group should have made people aware of the lacunas and raised the voice. The support would have been many fold. The mass behind him could go with a feel of having tasted success. The stand that “pass the bill drafted by us only” has converted the last year’s success into failure. Not many people stand with the failed ones.

This is the high time that Anna and his group does introspection and take some corrective steps, else they will go into the history soon and will have no role to play in 2014, their ultimate dream.

Other Posts :

Can Anna fight against moles to protect his goal ?

Both Anna and Rahul Gandhi lost in parliament

Can Anna again create ripples ?

Will Anna Hazare hold anshan at this Jantar Mantar?

This Year plan to Gift Apple Mini iPad in festival season.

2012-07-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

The year Apple can surprise its fans with a mini version of the iPad. By doing so Apple will enter into a mass segment in contrast to its niche image and challenge the Google and Samsung’s offerings in the market.

Sibling is Coming

Mini version will have a display area almost half of the present versions of iPad which measures 9.5 x 7.3-inches. The mini tablet version is expected to have a 7.85 x 5.3-inch dimension. Thickness may remain same close to 7.3 mm or 7.4 mm. The sleek and small size is being planned so that it may remain in hands for a longer period.

The current connector of 30 pins may go out replaced by a 19 pin dock connector, but retain all the bells and whistles of the popular bigger pad sibling.

The market experts are guessing on the type of display. Whether here also Apple will first launch with a so-so 1024 x 768 display and later advances a Retina display in high priced niche models, or begin with a bang by launching straight to Retina display.

Ultimate test of mass marketing will be at the price end. If Apple can match its new little gadget close to the 16GB Nexus 7’s $250 price tag, then the brand loyalty will make it a clear winner in this segment. Apple name has its own advantage.

Last is the timing of the launch, before the release of iPhone – 5 in October or after that. These siblings will also have some competition. They are likely to complement each other and jointly will eat away the market share Apple’s competitors.

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New Mercedes Benz-m-class suv launched in India.

Adani group opts for SAP to drive its business.

Three more Pharma MNCs to setup projects in Gujarat

Three more Pharma MNCs to setup projects in Gujarat

2012-07-10T04:33:00.000-07:00

Israeli Pharma Giant

Israeli pharma giant Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has plans to set up a greenfield project in Gujarat. For the same a delegation from Israel is expected to visit to discuss the procedures with Gujarat Food and Drugs Control Authority (FDCA) and other state government agencies.

Teva is likely to sign an agreement with the state government during Vibrant Gujarat investors' summit in Jan 2013. The company has manufacturing plants in the US and Europe and is working on a $50 million project in Russia from where it plans to produce 1 billion tablets a year.

Bio Devise Manufacturer

Gujarat is a favourite destination for the pharma companies. The state holds 40% share of India's total pharma production. This will further increase as and many new facilities are coming up. The list of companies eyeing Gujarat includes Amneal Pharmaceuticals and Apicore from US and Biosensors International from Singapore.

Amneal Pharmaceuticals has already set up a formulations unit and research and development centre at Changodar near Ahmedabad and plans to start operations out of its facility. New Jersey based Apicore LLC is a manufacturer of specialty Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).

Biosensors is a medical device company manufactures medical devices used in interventional cardiology, namely drug-eluting stents (DES), used to treat blocked arteries, and critical care procedures. It has business plans to take major share in Chinese and Indian markets.

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Will the meeting with Montok Singh change fortune for RIL?

2012-07-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

Reliance Industries Ltd , India's largest petrochemical is making all efforts to regain its position of the most influencing company. Meeting of its chairman Mukesh Ambani with Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia on Monday is part of this exercise. However, the indications are not so positive at this stage. RIL is facing hurdles in getting clearances for its oil and gas exploration projects.

Neither Montok Singh nor Big Ambani spoke to media after an hour long meeting at the Yojna Bhavan. The speculation is that besides the three troubling areas of the MoPnG they discussed about the telecommunication policies as well. RIL has plans to bid for the spectrum auction. Montok Singh is likely to play a bigger role in the government after elevation of Pranab Mukharji. He was finance secretary in the period when Manmohan Singh was the Finance Minister in PV Narsinmha Rao’s ministry.

Before the meeting RIL announced revival of 50 of its petrol pumps in Gujarat. After starting with a bang seven years ago, RIL had shut down 60 of its company-owned pumps stating that it was at a disadvantage since they were not covered under government subsidy. Now, with decontrol on Petrol pricing , there is a level playing field. RIL pumps, now can afford to sell petrol and LPG . If government announces it policy to reduce subsidy on diesel RIL may soon start sell of diesel too from these pumps.

The main agenda for RIL in such a meeting with key people of the government includes a demand for higher gas price from Kaveri basin. Ministry of Petroleum, which earlier had an image of being fully under the influence of RIL, has made a U turn with Jaipal Reddy in charge. In last one and a half year MoPnG has remained very tough with RIL, be that the issue of cost recovery, pricing or the production of gas. All the officials who had soft corner for RIL were shunted out.

Another blow to RIL’s ambitions is the indication that the Oil ministry will reject its proposal to price coal bed methane (CBM) from Madhya Pradesh block at import parity price just as is done in case of oil. The ministry’s technical arm, the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), had in April concurred with RIL proposal to price coal bed methane (CBM).

But the ministry wants DGH to review its decision in the light of Supreme Court ruling in the gas row between RIL and RNRL, sources privy to the development said. MoPnG in a letter to DGH wrote, “Allocation of natural gas made by the EGoM (Empowered Group of Ministers) cannot be overridden by a contractor through a private arrangement.”

Jaipal Reddy’s team is tough while writing to DGH,“Supplies of natural gas can only be made in accordance with the policies of the government and subsequent guidelines issued by ministry of petroleum and natural gas on Pricing and Commercial Utilisation of Coal Bed Methane.” New Director General has taken charge of DGH in the month of June only. He has a tough task ahead to please the ministry and defend the stand of its own team.

Yojana Bhawan, the Ahluwalia’s office, is being thronged by industry top brass ever since Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took direct charge of the portfolio. The list of recent visitors includes, Vodafone India chairman Analjit Singh and chairman of UB Group Vijay Mallya and this will expand in the days before monsoon session of parliament.

Ahluwalia is being seen as key policy maker and is considered close to the Prime Minister and being an important functionary in the government. Besides Ahluwalia, Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council chairman C Rangarajan too is likely to play more proactive role as the government is struggling to put India back on path of high growth path.

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Myths and Facts about Cholesterol

2012-07-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

In the office party Srinivasan was not eating anything. When his boss enquired for the reason, he said, “Sir, in the last health check up I was diagnosed with high level of the cholesterol.” His boss Saraf laughed and said, “Sri, your concern for high Cholesterol is ok, but it has more to do with other factors and food has very little role to play. Further, Cholesterol is not always a bad omen. It actually plays an important role in helping cells do their jobs.”

Srinivasan countered, “No, sir! Doctor has asked me to remain at arms length from all sort of oil, Ghee and Butter.”

• The cholesterol is generally associated with fatty foods, but that is not true. Most of the waxy substance is made by our own bodies. The liver produces 75% of the cholesterol that circulates in our blood. It is only other 25% which comes from food. But excess of everything is bad. The cholesterol levels are precariously high in more than 100 million Indians. The good news is high cholesterol is simple to detect, and there are many ways to bring it down.

• High cholesterol does not show any symptoms that is why most of the people never realise that there is high level until damage deep within the body are caused. Over time, too much cholesterol may lead to a build up of plaque inside the arteries that can trigger heart disease.

• Cholesterol testing results show your levels of "bad" cholesterol, "good" cholesterol, and triglycerides. It is required to avoid and reduce the bad - called low density lipoproteins or LDL.

• Some of the following measures can help in the matter.

Cholesterol Buster: Eat More Fiber

• Diet changes offer a powerful way to fight high cholesterol. If you've ever wondered why some cereals claim to be heart-healthy, it's the fiber. The soluble fiber found in many foods helps reduce LDL. Good sources of soluble fiber include whole-grain breads and cereals, oatmeal, fruits, dried fruits, vegetables, and legumes such as kidney beans.

Cholesterol Buster: Know Your Fats

• No more than 35% of your daily calories should come from fat. But not all fats are equal. Saturated fats -- from animal products and tropical oils -- raise LDL cholesterol. Trans fats carry a double-whammy, boosting bad cholesterol, while lowering the good kind. These two bad fats are found in many baked goods, fried foods (doughnuts, french fries, chips), stick margarine, and cookies. Unsaturated fats may lower LDL when combined with other healthy diet changes. They're found in avocados, olive oil, and peanut oil.

Cholesterol Buster: Smart Protein

• Meat and full-fat milk offer plenty of protein, but they are also major sources of cholesterol. You may be able to reduce LDL cholesterol by switching to soy protein, such as tofu, at some meals. Fish is another great choice. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week.

Cholesterol Buster: Low-Carb Diet

• There's growing evidence that low-carb diets may be better than low-fat diets for improving cholesterol levels. In a two-year study funded by the National Institutes of Health, people who followed a low-carb plan had significantly better HDL (good cholesterol) levels than those who followed a low-fat plan.

Cholesterol Buster: Lose Weight

• Exercise keeps you fit and help in reducing the weight as well as LDL. If you give up smoking

Treatment: Medications

• If high cholesterol runs in your family, diet and exercise may not be enough. In that case, medication can give your cholesterol levels an extra nudge. Statins are usually the first choice. They block the production of cholesterol in the liver. Other options include cholesterol absorption inhibitors, bile acid resins, and fibrates. Your doctor may recommend a combination of these medications.

Treatment: Supplements

• Certain dietary supplements may also improve cholesterol levels. These include flaxseed oil, fish oil, and plant sterols, such as beta-sitosterol. Prescription niacin, a b-complex vitamin, has been found to raise good cholesterol while reducing bad cholesterol. Niacin found in ordinary supplements should not be used to lower cholesterol. Fenugreek seeds, Holy basil also help in the problem

Can the Damage Be Undone?

• It takes years for high cholesterol to clog the arteries with plaque. But there are evidences that atherosclerosis can be reversed, at least to some degree. Several studies show that a low-fat vegetarian diet, stress management, and moderate exercise can chip away at the build-up inside the coronary arteries.

11 Rules for the Modern teenager - Who Wrote - Bill Gates or Charles Sykes?

2012-06-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

Who Wrote - Charles Skykes and Bill Gates ?

In the mail box after about a decade again it was an alleged speech of Microsoft miraculous man - Bill Gates. Many have raised doubts about the origin of this mail. Some claim these to be words of Charles Sykes, Author of "Dumbing Down Our Kids". A few email chains attribute this to Kurt Vonnegut's sunscreen speech at a college graduation.

According to Urban Legends website it is a pared-down version of an op-ed piece by education reformer Charles J. Sykes, originally published in the San Diego Union-Tribune in September 1996. It began making the email rounds under Bill Gates' name in February 2000, and has continued to do so ever since. Without going into the controversy we first read these Golden Rules because they are worth reading for all school and college students.

To anyone with kids of any age, here's some advice. Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school.

Rule 1: Life is not fair -- get used to it!

Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping -- they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you are. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one

Duncan Macleod Kiwi Posts

Duncan Macleod in October 2005 on a website Post kiwi republished the work of original writer where 14 rules were mentioned. Following three are the additional ones.

Rule No. 12: Smoking does not make you look cool. It makes you look moronic. Next time you’re out cruising, watch an 11-year-old with a butt in his mouth. That’s what you look like to anyone over 20. Ditto for “expressing yourself” with purple hair and/or pierced body parts.

Rule No. 13: You are not immortal. (See Rule No. 12.) If you are under the impression that living fast, dying young and leaving a beautiful corpse is romantic, you obviously haven’t seen one of your peers at room temperature lately.

Rule No. 14: Enjoy this while you can. Sure parents are a pain, school’s a bother, and life is depressing. But someday you’ll realize how wonderful it was to be a kid. Maybe you should start now. You’re welcome

You tube carries a video claiming it to be a speech of Bill Gates.
Bill Gates' 11 Rules on U Tube

But this link has only text and stills of Bill Gates.

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Monetary Policy Points to Government’s Inaction to Clear the Bottlenecks

2012-06-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

RBI Governor

The Indian central bank on Monday has given a clear signal to the government that its task is to mend monetary policy to check inflation, rest has to come from the government through reforms. This was consecutively second occasion when the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has gone away from the expectations of the market, which was expecting a cut by 25 basis points (bps). The same RBI had surprised market with a larger-than-expected 50 bps rate cut in April.

Since 2010 UPA-II government has failed to nail the inflation. Burden to bringing down the rates by regulating the flow of money fell on the central bank. As a result RBI raised its lending rate 13 times between March 2010 and October 2011. The trend was given a reversing mode in April by slashing its key repo rate by 50 bps and a two-stage CRR cut of 125 bps since January.

Snubbing aside the concern of slowdown in growth RBI opted status quo and said, “ Its assessment of the current growth-inflation dynamic is that there are several factors responsible for the slowdown in activity, particularly in investment, with the role of interest rates being relatively small”.

RBI took initiative with a reduction of 50 basis points in April because it expected that the government would take steps to reduce the fiscal deficit and take other “supply-side initiatives”. The government has been irrational in adjusting the fuel price and subsidy on petroleum products. The government’s inability to rein in subsidies is “crowding out public investment”.

While declaring the mid quarter monetary review RBI governor clearly pointed out that failure of governance is responsible not only for slowdown in development but also for the inflation. This has made task of the central bank difficult. When slowdown is combining with inflation the government should have taken apt action to augment supply. The government is responsible for the current account deficit as well. The widening current account deficit is a pointer to the urgent need to resolve the supply bottlenecks. RBI’s stance seems to be that unless the government does something to reduce the fiscal deficit and ease supply constraints, it cannot reduce interest rates.

Reacting to the monetary policy CMD of Canara Bank said,“There will be no cut in the lending rate. We are already tight on rates. Margins are tight and we cannot reduce the deposit rates and thereby lending rates. We would be awaiting the next policy action.” The central bank’s next policy announcement will be made on 31^st July.

If the interest rates remain high will that affect the growth aspects of the country? By common sense, yes. There are many other factors before coming to them, let us see if the nominal rate of interest is same as the real interest. Nominal rate of lending is 14.5% to 15%, average – 14.75%. Nominal deposit rate is 8.75% to 9.25% , average 9%. Industry cost will have impact of the whole inflation factor which is 7.55%. This gives real rate of lending to be 9.20%. The deposits get discounted by Consumer Price Inflation which is 10.4%, making the real deposit rate negative 1.4% Hence to cut down the deposit rates seems difficult, making to bring down the lending rate impossible for time being.

What can be the driver to industrial growth? The government had framed National Manufacturing Policy last year. It had set a target of raising the share of manufacturing in (GDP) to 25 per cent, (creating) 100 million jobs. If policy reforms to cut red tapism and speedy clearances can be brought, scenario can change. In practice this is against the philosophy of Congress party.

Another factor of pushing demand can be depreciation of rupee; This can drive the export led demand. But global macro economy factors in near future will not support this theory. Meaning that keep your fingers crossed till the presidential election and realignment of coalition in centre.

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