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Drishtikone

Economics

Total Posts : 207 posts

Work from Home – Studies show Incredible benefits
Business

Work from Home – Studies show Incredible benefits

Different companies are looking at work very differently now. They are trying to evaluate if the current COVID-19 enforced ‘Work from Home’ arrangements can be continued? If they can have a mixed approach – where you work off-site for most times but have face time in the office with your colleagues

25 May 20 4 min read
IMF supports India’s proactive response to COVID-19
Economics

IMF supports India’s proactive response to COVID-19

India has followed a different strategy than many other nations in terms of the response to COVID-19.  It has been of quick and complete lockdown.  Which makes sense for such a large country with that dense a population.  If the COVID-19 had gotten out of control, there was enough reason

16 Apr 20 2 min read
Real Story of India’s Economy During Congress vs BJP rules
Economics

Real Story of India’s Economy During Congress vs BJP rules

Let us take a stroll down the economic lane in India.  It was November 2013 and Lakshwadeep was the only place in the country without inflation. Real Story of India’s Economy During Congress vs BJP rules @narendramodi @sgurumurthy #Indianeconomy [https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.

07 Oct 18 4 min read
Pakistan on the Brink of Bankruptcy and Economic Ruin
Economics

Pakistan on the Brink of Bankruptcy and Economic Ruin

As we speak, Pakistan is hurtling towards bankruptcy.  Its situation is so precarious that even if someone tries to help, one cannot.  One needs to understand Pakistani psyche and the national mindset clearly. #Pakistan on the Brink of Bankruptcy and Economic Ruin @pid_gov @ejazhaider @sherryrehman [https://twitter.com/intent/

29 Oct 17 11 min read
Unemployment Halves post-Demonetization in India
Economics

Unemployment Halves post-Demonetization in India

SBI Research using the estimates by BSE and CMIE based on data collected on “employment/unemployment status of all members of 15 years or older from a sample of randomly-selected households” has said that between August 2016 and February 2017, India’s unemployment rate HALVED from 9.5% to 4.

05 Mar 17 3 min read
Evolution of the American Dream: What does it Cost?
Economics

Evolution of the American Dream: What does it Cost?

In today’s political climate in the US, where divisions are so wide that one can often get confuse whether the two camps are citizens of the same country or representatives of two enemy countries!  USofA has been known as the beacon of hope and opportunity the world over for

25 Oct 16 3 min read
Can a Prosperous Society Promote Well-being of its Citizens?
Economics

Can a Prosperous Society Promote Well-being of its Citizens?

This decidedly is technologically the most advanced generation ever on this planet in many ways.  Science, material science at least, has reached amazing peaks.  Ordinary men and women now can do what many powerful kings could never dream of. Despite all this progress, however, have we been able to achieve

23 Oct 16 3 min read
What will be the Global GDP Distribution in 2030
Economics

What will be the Global GDP Distribution in 2030

The Global GDP is changing as we move forward.  China which started behind India in 1970s and because of the opening up of its economy overtook India and grew at incredible double digit rates to become the second largest economy in the worl, will continue its march forward.  So will

20 Apr 16 2 min read
China

Is China’s Fast-Growing Economy Headed for a Crash?

Will the Chinese economy continue its torrid pace of growth and overtake the U.S.’s top status? Or is it a bubble destined to burst, taking the world economy down with it? Paul Solman interviews a highly-respected China “bull” and a prominent China “bear” as part of his ongoing

24 Jan 13 1 min read
Economics

Gujarat is the best state for Economic Freedom

Economic Freedom is a new measure of where an economy is headed. Based on work done [http://www.narendramodi.in/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Economic-Freedom-Report.pdf] by renowned economists – Milton Friedman and Michael Walker – an Economic Freedom of Indian states index was developed to understand where that state was headed.

08 Nov 12 2 min read
Asia

Japanese Investors moving out of China into India

Tensions between China and Japan are running high these days.  And from the looks of it, it doesn’t seem like this will come down anytime soon.  One of the consequences of this is that the Japanese companies are switching [http://www.tokyotimes.com/2012/japanese-investors-are-switching-from-china-to-india/] from China to India

24 Oct 12 1 min read
Economics

Poors pay their loans, Rich don’t: Chidambaram (from experience?)

India’s Finance Minister has some advise [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Poor-are-honest-borrowers-Chidambaram/articleshow/16927613.cms] for the banks in India.  Specially from the standpoint of the poor. > “The point which I have driven home so many times, the poor in India are not bad borrowers, the poor in India

23 Oct 12 1 min read
Economics

92% Indian know their Government has messed the Economy

Burdened Common ManWhatever the ministers may keep saying about the economy and washing their hands off of the mess that the Indian economy has become now, but the common man in India knows the truth! Pew Research has some interesting survey [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/92-Indians-blame-govt-for-economic-problems-Survey/articleshow/14868891.cms]

14 Jul 12 1 min read
Economics

Is the Rupee headed to Rs 58/$?

It seems that the Rupee is now headed to Rs 58/$ levels.  It has already passed the Rs55/$ levels now [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Rupee-hits-all-time-low-of-55-03-against-dollar-RBI-may-intervene/articleshow/13359183.cms] .  Where is it going to end? [cvg-video videoId=’1′ width=’550′ height=’550′ mode=’playlist’ /]

21 May 12 1 min read
Economics

From India Shinning to India Suffering

Amidst the cool confidence of the Indian professionals and businesses, India’s economy and outlook seems to have taken a nosedive.  By most signs, India Shinning is become India Suffering! In November, a Firstpost article [http://www.firstpost.com/economy/is-manmohan-taking-us-back-to-the-1991-external-mess-134121.html] had asked the question “Is Manmohan taking us

01 May 12 2 min read
China

China’s Economic Model Unsustainable: World Bank

Was talking to a colleague who just joined the company and had just left Greece.  He was telling us about how the Greeks are lining up at the banks to withdraw their money and the cashier ladies were sitting with loads of cash giving out.  As he put it “Greek

02 Mar 12 2 min read
Economics

India’s Inflation Problem

India’s Inflation is getting worse every day.  And somehow Fiscal policy and Monetary policy “don’t talk to each other”. The level of corruption and the inadequate fiscal responses are taking the nation in a direction that can undo most of the growth projections touted by the Government and

15 Feb 12 2 min read
Economics

Is collapse of Euro near?

This is the obvious question that everyone is asking these days.  Will 2012 be the end of the financial and economic world as we know it?  With Euro going, Europe will no longer be the same again.  The economies around the world will face the ripple effect of that event,

09 Jan 12 2 min read
Economics

Jharkhandis lead the march to Downgrades

People from Jharkhand are on rampage to downgrade everything they represent.  While MS Dhoni’s – the guy from Jharkhand – not so stellar captaincy has led to big losses in the current series in England, another man from Jharkhand is behind the very controversial and stunning downgrade of US Credit Rating

09 Aug 11 1 min read
How the UPA Government plundered Indian treasury with MNREGA
India

How the UPA Government plundered Indian treasury with MNREGA

In this year’s (2011) Economic budget, the UPA Government has allocated Rs 40,100 crore for the Mahatama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) program, in addition to the Rs.64000 crore sought by the Ministry of Rural Development for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act

02 Mar 11 4 min read
Economics

Investing in stocks and Capital Gains Tax

Did you know that Long term Capital Gains tax in India on securities [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_gains_tax#India] transactions (selling stocks) is zero?  Equities are considered long term if the holding period is more than one year.  The short term capital gains tax, however, has increased

21 Feb 11 2 min read
Business

Top 15 Finance and Investment related Sites from India

Unlike, US, in India there isn’t enough information on the investments, finance and markets.  Not just the news, the retail investors need information.  Which is very little for most part.  For a such a large country, the number of online sites which provide information are very less.  Just a

30 Dec 10 2 min read
Economics

And now – Khaana No Piazza!

Sattvik is back in India.  At least partially. Foods are categorized as Sattvik, Rajasik and Tamasik – roughly translated as Good, Neutral and Bad – in terms of how they affect one’s faculty of meditation and bond with the body. Some of these foods like Mushrooms, Onions and Garlic are used

30 Dec 10 1 min read
Economics

Investment and Market Directions in India for 2011

India is on a tear with 9% growth rate for the economy.  Although it is debatable whether one can say such a growth has completely trickled down to the smallest of the investor or not, there is an amazing pace of growth occuring in the country.  The last two years

29 Dec 10 1 min read
Rising Inflation in India is a worry
Economics

Rising Inflation in India is a worry

Inflation in India is on a rise. Substantially! In September it rose by 8.62% [http://businesstoday.intoday.in/bt/story/9657/1/inflation-moves-up-to-8.62percent-in-september.html] , while in August, it was up by 8.51 and in July it was 10.31! For the 5 months until July the inflation

19 Oct 10 1 min read
Business

GE CEO Immelt sees India Growing at 30% a year

Jeff Immelt, Chairman and CEO of General Electric is a smart person.  When he speaks, a lot of people listen.  In an interesting interview to Business Today [http://businesstoday.intoday.in/bt/story/9415/1/india-should-be-a-$10-billion-market-in-five-years.html] , he picks up many topic threads. Manufacturing and Technology based industries versus

19 Oct 10 2 min read
Business

Flavor of Tomorrow – Debt

“Fortune favours the brave.” “The night is the darkest just before dawn.” “Buy low, Sell high.” These are maxims that are oft repeated in the capital markets.  While they make perfect intuitive sense, they require courage and character to implement.  How the whole world wanted to buy equities at the

03 Sep 10 3 min read
Corruption

Be prepared to welcome 400 million refugees by 2015

Displacing farmers out of their farmland is the neo-liberal economic growth model – prescribed by World-Bank so that India can throw away its agrarian economy and embrace the new world order. The govt already have established its control over water, forests, seeds, agriculture markets – and now it wants to take away

09 Apr 10 2 min read
Economics

Oracles, their Parables and the future of American "Basicland"

Charles Munger is the Vice-Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, the legendary company led by the "Oracle of Omaha", Warren Buffett.  Both Munger and Buffett are perhaps two of the greatest investors that the world has known and are renowned for their discipline.  They are also fiercely patriotic Americans.  I have read

31 Mar 10 3 min read
Business

The right way to invest in infrastructure

New thinking is needed to deliver the benefits of public-works spending and eliminate the waste. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463336373430&i=6c633a32343834] Topics: By InvitationIn the NewsPublic SectorTransportation Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

IT in the new normal: McKinsey Global Survey results

Recession or no recession, corporate and IT leaders continue to see a key role for IT, especially in regard to capturing efficiencies across the enterprise. Many expect IT investments to grow soon. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463336373034&i=

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

The future of capitalism: Building a sustainable energy future

In a collaboration between Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and McKinsey, a panel of experts and CEOs from leading energy companies debate the critical scientific, resource, and policy issues challenging energy sustainability today. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Managing water strategically: An interview with the CEO of Rio Tinto

Tom Albanese explains how Rio Tinto is adapting its operations to a future when climate change may make the world’s dry parts drier and wet parts wetter. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337303231&i=6c633a32343934] Topics: Climate ChangeEnergy,

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

The path to successful new products

Businesses with the best product-development track records stand apart from their less-successful peers in three crucial ways. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463336393532&i=6c633a32343839] Topics: Operations Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Making game theory work for managers

A new model, rejecting solutions optimal only for a single precisely defined future, generates answers representing the best compromise between risks and opportunities in all likely futures. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463336383839&i=6c633a32343933] Topics: EuropeStrategyTransportation Update your

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Creating competitive advantage with IT architecture: An interview

Xie Qin explains how he used service-oriented architecture to create a smarter, more efficient system. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463336383735&i=6c633a32343932] Topics: Asia-PacificChinaBusiness TechnologyInterviewsTelecommunications Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=1000

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Enduring ideas: The three horizons of growth

In this interactive presentation—one in a series of multimedia frameworks—Steve Coley, a director emeritus in McKinsey’s Chicago office, describes the three horizons framework. Based on research into how companies sustain growth, this approach illustrates how to manage for current performance while maximizing future opportunities for growth. Read

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Strategy through turbulence: An interview with Don Sull

London Business School’s Don Sull discusses how to find the upside in volatile times. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463336383536&i=6c633a32343931] Topics: InterviewsStrategyVideo Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Competing through organizational agility

Three distinct types—strategic, portfolio, and operational—help companies compete. Each of them has its own sources and dangers. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463336383538&i=6c633a32343838] Topics: By InvitationOrganizationStrategy Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Rebuilding the American dream: An interview with Pete Peterson

The quintessential business statesman reflects on a long career and the work needed to rebuild America’s economic future. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463336383033&i=6c633a32343836] Topics: Economic StudiesInterviewsPublic SectorVideo Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Next-generation water policy for businesses and government

The solution to water scarcity, in part, will come from new technologies for better managing water as a resource. But to make these technologies more effective, business and policy leaders will need to work more closely to implement them. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Water as a scarce resource: An interview with Nestle's chairman

The chairman of Nestlé explains why water is “by far the most valuable resource on this planet” and what we must do to conserve it. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463336373832&i=6c633a32343832] Topics: Climate ChangeInterviews Update your Quarterly

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

The business opportunity in water conservation

For many companies, water efficiency is a long-term requirement for staying in business, a big commercial opportunity, or both. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463336373830&i=6c633a32343833] Topics: Climate ChangeEnergy, Resources, MaterialsStrategy Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Making the most of corporate social responsibility

For companies that see CSR as an opportunity to strengthen the business, the big challenge is execution. Smart partnering can provide a practical way forward. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463336373632&i=6c633a32343739] Topics: By InvitationNonprofit Update your Quarterly

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Supporting top management with next-generation executive information systems

Chief information officers have a chance to expand their influence as the mediators between business requirements and IT capabilities. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337313633&i=6c633a32343939] Topics: Business Technology Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Video interview: Reshaping business education in a new era

Blair Sheppard, dean of Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, discusses how the expectations of MBA students are changing—and why the traditional MBA education needs to change as well. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337313630&i=6c633a32353030]

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Deleveraging: Now the hard part

The challenge of managing the enormous debt burden weighing on global recovery is only just beginning. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337313534&i=6c633a32343937] Topics: Economic StudiesPublic Sector Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

The five attributes of enduring family businesses

The keys to long-term success are professional management and keeping the family committed to and capable of carrying on as the owner. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337313434&i=6c633a32343938] Topics: GovernanceOrganizationStrategy Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Building a sustainable Ford Motor Company: An interview with Bill Ford

The carmaker’s executive chairman talks about its prospects, technological change in the industry, and manufacturing in America. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337303937&i=6c633a32343936] Topics: AutomotiveClimate ChangeInterviews Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

How business interacts with government: McKinsey Global Survey results

A variety of government actions in addition to laws and regulations powerfully affect companies’ finances, executives say. But executives also indicate that companies’ processes to manage their relationships with government are generally less robust than are the ones used to manage relationships with other stakeholders. Read more on the McKinsey

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

The looming deleveraging challenge

Several major economies are likely to face imminent deleveraging. If history is any guide, it will be a lengthy and painful process. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337323737&i=6c633a32353130] Topics: Economic StudiesAudioPublic Sector Update your Quarterly feed preferences

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

When your calendar is a moral document: Video interview with Rev. Jim Wallis

The CEO of the social-justice organization Sojourners discusses rethinking values in the wake of the crisis. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337323531&i=6c633a32353038] Topics: GovernanceInterviewsNonprofitAudioVideo Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

A strong foundation for M&A in 2010

M&A activity was more resilient in 2009 than commonly believed, and conditions are improving for 2010. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337323134&i=6c633a32353031] Topics: Asia-PacificCorporate FinanceOrganization Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

M&A teams: When small is beautiful

Large M&A departments aren’t essential for making successful deals. Small, project- based teams can be preferable. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337323132&i=6c633a32353033] Topics: Asia-PacificCorporate FinanceOrganization Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

A lighter touch for postmerger integration

Some Asian companies take a different, hands-off approach to M&A outside their borders. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337323130&i=6c633a32353034] Topics: Asia-PacificCorporate FinanceOrganization Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

CO2 abatement: Exploring options for oil and natural gas companies

Oil and natural gas companies play a central role in CO2 emissions. How can the industry meet the challenge from climate change regulations? Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337333730&i=6c633a32353137] Topics: Climate ChangeEnergy, Resources, Materials Update your Quarterly

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Rethinking how companies address social issues: McKinsey Global Survey results

Many companies committed to addressing social issues in developing markets are overlooking a strategy for boosting their social impact—and perhaps their profits—a McKinsey survey suggests. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337333436&i=6c633a32353134] Topics: StrategySurveys Update your

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Why don’t back-office efficiency drives stick?

A granular look at back-office operations shows why across-the-board cuts make no sense. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337333334&i=6c633a32353135] Topics: Operations Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d6

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Using knowledge brokering to improve business processes

New applications of open-innovation principles allow progressive companies to enhance not only their products but also their core internal business processes. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337333231&i=6c633a32353132] Topics: By InvitationOperationsAudioStrategy Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

US energy savings: Opportunities and challenges

There is great potential to reduce energy consumption and minimize its total cost by using existing technologies–and without changing the everyday habits of consumers. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337333132&i=6c633a32353131] Topics: Climate ChangeEnergy, Resources, Materials Update

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

A hospital-wide strategy for fixing emergency-department overcrowding

Reducing wait times requires an end-to-end transformation of hospital processes and a shift in staff culture. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337323835&i=6c633a32353035] Topics: Health CareOperations Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Conversation starter: Planning for your next CEO

CEO succession all too often becomes at best an exercise in damage control and at worst an unseemly scramble that can hurt a company and destroy shareholder value. Planning for CEO succession should be an ongoing process–beginning the day a new CEO starts on the job. Read more on

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Risk roundup 2010

Top risk forecasters highlight their picks for this year’s economic and political hot spots. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337343632&i=6c633a32353233] Topics: Strategy Update your Quarterly feed preferences [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

How inflation can destroy shareholder value

If inflation rises again, companies will have to do more than just match it to keep up—they’ll have to beat it. Multimedia bonus: An interactive exhibit allows you to see over time how much a company’s earnings must increase in order to keep cash flow stable. Read

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

This is the time to deliver on upstream operational excellence

With oil prices squeezed, now is the time for oil and gas companies to focus on operational excellence. What lessons can managers draw from world-class operators in the business? Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337333732&i=6c633a32353136] Topics: Energy,

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Business

Five myths about how to create jobs

With unemployment hovering just below 10 percent, job creation is now priority number one in Washington. But America’s jobs challenge is a marathon, not a sprint. Read more on the McKinsey Quarterly > [http://rss.mckinseyquarterly.com/l?s=100003s2c2k5roqapqm&r=simplepie&he=687474702533412532462532467777772e6d636b696e736579717561727465726c792e636f6d2532466c696e6b732532463337363437&i=6c633a32353236] Topics: Economic StudiesPublic Sector

10 Feb 10 1 min read
Economics

A Ten year old's take on World economy

My daughter and I were in the car and she started discussing the situation of food in her cafetaria. Daughter: Dad, you know the food in our cafetaria used to be very good earlier, but now all they give all the time is frozen food just heated up.  Thank God

07 Feb 10 1 min read
Economics

The Next 100 Years by George Friedman

Was glancing through this book at Borders last night and some points came out very clearly.  The author takes a completely different view of US than others have been predicting.  He thinks that the next 100 years will be the “American Age”.  “Not because I am American”, he says, but

06 Feb 10 3 min read
Economics

Giving account details to US – Ok… no to India

US asks UBS – the Swiss bank – for the details of the accounts of some people.  It gets it.  Immediately, Switzerland officials come back to tell India that don’t come fishing for names with us. > “Swiss law and even OECD’s Model Tax Convention do not permit fishing expeditions, in

23 Aug 09 1 min read
Economics

Sensex and Nifty at 14 month highs

The 50 share NIFTY rose to over 4700 – at a 14 month high to 4,720.85.  Also BSE Sensex went beyond the 15000 mark to 15,942.93 – again a 14 month high.  Is the recession over?  Or is this another fool-hardy example of over enthusiasm by the investing

03 Aug 09 1 min read
Economics

India and Russia challenge US Dollar in run up to G-8 Summit

Over long term, US Dollar may not be the safest investment.  That, everyone knows.  What must be done – at least at the macroeconomic level is still a big question. China and Russia have called for a multi-national currency – something like a global currency that is not dependent on the economic

05 Jul 09 1 min read
Economics

What are banks for?

This definition of Banks has been doing rounds on the internet (and I got it in my email).  It is said to be from Punch Magazine (3rd April 1957 issue) – which, as I understand, was like the Playboy or Penthouse of its day.  I wonder as I read through this,

19 May 09 3 min read
Economics

Free Viagara, Lipitor and 70 drugs by Pfizer to jobless

“Riding through the Recession” suddenly took a new meaning!  Pfizer, the manufacturer of Viagara, is going to provide free Viagra for up to 12 months for people who are jobless and without health insurance. 🙂 Not just Viagara, but 70 other drugs (including cholesterol-lowering Lipitor and painkiller Celebrex) are being provided

15 May 09 1 min read
Economics

Global recession may last 2 to 5 years: Japanese official

Eisuke Sakakibara, Japan’s Vice finance minister in the 1990s, said in a forum at the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) that the current global recession will last 2 to 5 years.  He suggested that billions (indeed trillions) of dollars of “Stimulus” from the Governments around the world may not

14 May 09 1 min read
Economics

Emperor has no clothes.. not even an underwear!

All these years when the Emperor (Economy) was not wearing clothes, we were pretending as if it were in a designer outfit.  Well, according to Warren Buffett, it was worse!  The Emperor was not even wearing an underwear!  And we STILL missed the whole spectacle! It was like some kids

09 Mar 09 1 min read
Economics

Today's Business Brew from Indian Papers

* Results of LS polls would be the second most important driver – after the global market trends – for Indian stocks, says a Morgan Stanley study. (ET) * A day after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut its key interest rates, two public sector banks  Bank of Baroda (BoB) and Union Bank

08 Mar 09 2 min read
Economics

This Global Recession will be the Worst since 1930s

It is a very significant statement, so I wanted to make sure I capture it.  Former Fed Chairman has said… NOW.. that the current global recession will “surely be the longest and deepest” since the 1930s.  Huh!  It must take a lot from a guy who CREATED this mess to

07 Mar 09 1 min read
Economics

What's Brewing in the Indian Markets

Here are today’s headlines from the major financial newspapers in India.  Look at the activity brewing up in the Oil & Gas sector in India and the Alternative Energy sector.  Interestingly, for a consultant who has worked with Big 4 firms, Accenture has increased daily hours to 10 from the

06 Mar 09 4 min read
Economics

AIG's failure could be catastrophic!

AIG is in trouble….. again!  And its wants fresh induction of money in it to survive.  Its recent results have been terrible. Another (fourth such bailout) 30 billion dollars have been promised to AIG taking the total commitment to $160 billion.  Worse this is not even the end of the

04 Mar 09 1 min read
Business

Money Tips #1: Reduce Auto Insurance Costs

Auto Insurance could a big expense in these days when one is trying to reduce costs and save money.  And guys, the cost of maintaining a car is not just from the gas but also the car insurance [https://www.youi.com.au/car-insurance] you pay through websites similar to

27 Feb 09 3 min read
Economics

Stimulus Bill signed. Wall Street not Amused.

The 780 Billion Stimulus plan has been signed into history.  In Denver.  The person used as an example of what this would do was the CEO of Namaste Inc. – a company that provides Solar panel energy solutions.  He is now in the hiring mode.  So, hopefully things will change.  Let

17 Feb 09 1 min read
Economics

Texas preparing for a potential Mexican Economy collapse

Mexican Economy is in danger of a collapse.  A U.S. Joint Forces Command report [3] on worldwide security threats recently names Mexican and Pakistan’s economies as those which can move very rapidly towards collapse. With increased drugs wars occuring in Mexico recently (>1600 died in drug violence last

12 Feb 09 1 min read
Economics

Japan's Collapse: Has it been hit by King-Kong?

This is a special post from DK Matai and the ATCA on Global Economy – which is part of his larger Socratic Dialog. You can go to the main site mi2g [http://www.mi2g.com/].  Please share your thoughts on this topic in the comments and we will try and bring

04 Feb 09 4 min read
Economics

California and New York going bankrupt as well?

People are making guesses on how long the “recession” will last – end of this year? or maybe 6 months?  And I often think that we probably have no clue!  Recorded history has never seen such a mess: – the intertwined global economies.. all hurtling down at the same time – over-leveraged banking

01 Feb 09 1 min read
Economics

Ace Korean blogger on Economy thrown in jail

If as a blogger you could: – predict the fall of Lehman brothers – collapse of your country’s fast growing stock market – accurately forecast a fall in the currency AND if every post of yours attracted roughly 100,000 readers… you would probably be a celebrity in the US.. or a

24 Jan 09 1 min read
Economics

A 100 trillion dollar note from Zimbabwe!

This has to be a record of some sort!  Zimbabwe had just last week introduced three BILLION Zim-dollar notes (10, 20 and 50), with the aim that the public could have access to their money in the banks.  Well this week, due to unprecedented hyper-inflation, they have introduced a TRILLION

16 Jan 09 1 min read
Economics

Mumbo-Jumbo of the economists and the coming storm

People say that economy is bad in the US and the world.  I nevertheless believe that this is just the beginning.  We may end with a far bigger mess than we even anticipate.  The packages that we have seen currently from the Governments are really more to “sweep” the mess

23 Dec 08 1 min read
Economics

India's economic and stock market news analysis

Here is some stock and economic news analysis I received in mail today: + Indian Stock Market arena is flooded with self-certified analysts who draw up conclusions faster than a news can break. The number of such analysts has drastically reduced compared to Jan’08, thanks to the bear hug, rather

25 Nov 08 2 min read
Economics

Negative view of the Indian economy and Sensex

I got this thing in my mail and it seems to be from Morgan Stanley – and it seems like a pretty negative view of the Indian economy.. something that I have been noticing amongst some commentators.  Not that I have a very high opinion of analysts of these firms whose

21 Nov 08 2 min read
Economics

Credit Default Swaps: Dont throw the baby with the bath water!

A lot has been said about the Credit Default Swaps and the derivatives.  These instruments are seen as major villains in the current melt-down.  It is easy to keep denouncing the instruments without properly and objectively understanding the causes that led to the issues because of them.  For, without dispassionate

08 Nov 08 3 min read
Economics

Economic woes are not going to end here..

Just wanted to take a look at the economy.  Last month 240,000 more jobs were lost taking the total jobless to 10 million or 6.5%.  And most are still awaiting news of more disaster from General Motors and Ford who have seen rise in losses. Until now at

08 Nov 08 1 min read
Economics

Is Credit Card crisis the next one?

In this crisis these days when newer records are being set on the stock exchanges for the drops, here is another sobering thought.  We have all talked about the Mortgage crisis from the debt to the consumers.  But nobody seems to have started discussing the Credit Card debt. Getting into

24 Oct 08 1 min read
Economics

Wall Street and Monkeys..the financial mess

Sent by Nandi – its hillarious and very interesting! If anyone has difficulty understanding the current world financial situation, the following should help…. ****** ******** Once upon a time in a village in India , a man announced to the villagers that he would buy monkeys for $10. The villagers seeing there were many

16 Oct 08 1 min read
Economics

The Party is Over by Peter Schiff

Peter Schiff (Author of The Little Book of Bull Moves in Bear Markets) is an analyst of markets whose “negative” views two years ago – I completely agreed with!  I thought he was perfectly right.  Somehow people did not believe him or me at that time.  Now most do. Schiff is

15 Oct 08 3 min read
Economics

The Financial crisis and what we can do?

These are tough economic times and I believe, as many do, that things will get worse still, notwithstanding the Financial rescues that Governments around the world are involved in right now.  Some of the things that people are not putting in perspective are the following: 1. Several leveraged Hedge funds

14 Oct 08 3 min read
Economics

More financial misery?

That Iceland and Pakistan are on the verge of economic failure, is well known.  What is not out much as yet is that there are three more countries [http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081012/jsp/frontpage/story_9957208.jsp] which are also on that point: > There are mounting fears that Ukraine,

12 Oct 08 1 min read
Economics

Pakistan's "Macabre" vs Micawber's economics

Ali Khan recalled: “General Beg called me for a cup of tea. He said, ‘Don’t you realize we are on the brink of economic collapse? I can change that by selling what we are good at. I can offer this country a lot. Six, eight, ten billion dollars.’ I

12 Oct 08 3 min read
Economics

Iceland's troubles continue

Iceland’s troubles are not ending anytime soon! On one side its banks are in major trouble. Kaupthing Bank, Iceland’s largest lender has been taken over by the Government.  many European investors, specially the Brits had invested in it.  Now they are in massive red.  So what does Britain

11 Oct 08 1 min read
Capitalism vs Democracy or Capitalist Democracy?
Economics

Capitalism vs Democracy or Capitalist Democracy?

The current financial crisis has created a very interesting situation where not only the government and quasi-government institutions have underperformed, but more importantly, the different founding principles of a modern western state have been at odds with each other. Lack of regulation enforcement While the businesses were doing what they

10 Oct 08 6 min read
Economics

Financial meltdown takes away a family

That the current financial meltdown and mess around the world is pretty bad, but it takes anecdotal examples to really bring home the sorrow and the pain at the individual and family level. In a rather sad turn of events, an Indian-American MBA [http://www.rediff.com/money/2008/oct/

07 Oct 08 1 min read
Economics

Perils of Financial Abyss and Political Jokers

[http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:US-FederalReserveBoard-Seal.svg] Image via Wikipedia [http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:US-FederalReserveBoard-Seal.svg] In between a lot of work, I had the CNN on.  And Wolf Blitzer was discussing the current financial crisis.  It seems that the Federal Reserve is coming up with a

19 Sep 08 3 min read
Economics

AIG is NATIONALISED – the Soviets have won!

Ok, just a little news-flash: American Capitalism quietly passes into history. Federal Reserve [http://www.forbes.com/home/2008/09/16/aig-fed-bailout-markets-equity-cx_mm_0916markets50.html] is bailing out AIG – and American International Group … well is now true to its name!  It is owned by the Government of US and has

17 Sep 08 1 min read
Economics

AIG close to the cliff; and a financial run down becomes a likelihood

This post is from the email sent by my friend, Bobby.   His warnings and analyses [http://www.patheos.com/blogs/drishtikone/?q=blog/biggest-bank-failure-us-indymac-20-billion-goes-under] have been PAT on.  Now, AIG is on the verge [http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/271257f2-83f1-11dd-bf00-000077b07658.html] of collapse.. it could happen any time!

16 Sep 08 3 min read
Economics

Financial Meltdown: Bloody Monday!

Lehman Brothers [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7615931.stm], the 4th largest investment bank in the world has folded.  Close on the heels of the virtual metldown of Fannie and Freddie, the mortgage giants; this is another blow to the Financial markets. The losses for Lehman Brothers

15 Sep 08 1 min read
Economics

Effect of $200/barrel Oil on Daily life?

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:OilConsumptionpercapita.png] Image via Wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:OilConsumptionpercapita.png] The July 21st Newsweek [http://www.newsweek.com/] had a very interesting graphic.  It shows how will different things get affected if and when the price of Crude [http://en.wikipedia.

19 Jul 08 1 min read
Economics

Gas Price Trends from Around the World

With Gas prices becoming such a hot issue around the world, specially in the developing countries… here is a nice chart that shows the gas/petrol prices from around the world.  These are in Rupees per Litre (1 USD = Rs 40). Please note: Indian gas prices are before the expected

03 Jun 08 1 min read
Economics

What if Oil Reaches $200/barrel?

Here some interesting information I received from a forwarded email.  Don’t know the source but it is fairly well said. > – This would push shares of oil expenditure in nominal GDP to above peak levels of 1980 for most Asian economies. And Asian growth could be cut by at least

24 May 08 1 min read
Economics

Zimbabwean Inflation

The Indian people and the government are both quaking with fear with inflation hovering at around 8%. The people can barely make two ends meet with prices soaring, and the government knows that if prices don’t fall, the government will. But India is not the only nation grappling with

23 May 08 1 min read
China

Who gets to keep the "Cream" in China?

A decade from now, which country will boast of the maximum billionaires in the world?Forbes readers [http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Indian-billionaire-club-to-be-worlds-biggest/302260/] voted like this: India: 53% China: 20% US: 17% Now, this is a very strange statistic as is the number of current billionaires from India.  Now,

28 Apr 08 1 min read
Economics

The Vicious Circle of Poverty and Speculation

Was just watching a program where the host gave this connections.  He is so right!  The speculation is creating havoc with the agriculture of the world and basically making a mess of the poor in the world.  The poorest in the poorest countries can’t even eat now!

24 Apr 08 1 min read
Economics

Economic Spiral and the movement to a Revolution!

Ghazala says [http://www.pakspectator.com/when-mother-sells-children/] that the poor in Pakistan are finding it hard to eat and a mother was arrested for selling her kids.  It is no different in India and elsewhere.  While billionaires are being minted the world over – specially in India and other parts of

19 Apr 08 1 min read
Economics

A Story of an Asset Bubble

Atul Sarana is  a Chemical Engineer of 1997 batch & now a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) practitioner for last three years. HIs company provides independent Financial Planning Services to High Net Worth Individuals, Non-Resident Indians, Institutions, Corporates, Charitable Trusts etc.  His expertise is simplified & personalized financial advice that even a layman

11 Apr 08 4 min read
Economics

Why the Dollar Bubble is about to Burst

This article was written by Atul Surana.  He is a Certified Financial Planner. The Voice (issue 264 – 11th May) ran an article beginning, “Iran has really gone and done it now. No, they haven’t sent their first nuclear sub in to the Persian Gulf . They are about to launch

05 Apr 08 7 min read
Economics

What holds India back?

This article was written for Drishtikone by Atul Surana who is a Certified Financial Planner. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the developing economies in Asia will not be immune to the global economic slowdown. At the same time, they will not be hostage to it. Citing rising commodity

04 Apr 08 3 min read
Economics

US Mortgage crisis: a slum comes up near Los Angeles

Dharavi [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharavi], in Bombay, is the second largest slum in Asia (after Orangi Township in Karachi).  It has a million people in there.  Slums are a common problem in poor countries.  People, who cannot make it in a big city but cannot leave that city

31 Mar 08 2 min read
Economics

The Non-Money, Unstructured Finance Economy — Part II

This is the second part of Mr. Lobo’s essays on economy.  The first one can be read here [https://drishtikone.com/?q=blog/non-money-unstructured-finance-economy].  Please do share your thoughts and comments in the section below. by Mr. Francis Lobo Mr. Francis Leonard Lobo is a Mechanical Engineer from the

25 Mar 08 7 min read
Economics

The Non-Money, Unstructured Finance Economy

Here is an very interesting commentary on non-money and unstructured finance side o fthe economies, specifically the contemporary economic events in the US and India.  Please share your thoughts in the comments section below. by Mr. Francis Lobo Mr. Francis Leonard Lobo is a Mechanical Engineer from the University of

22 Mar 08 8 min read
Economics

Success of Indians as Immigrants in the US

Recently, the oft-circulated desi emails on the success of Indians was taken up by the HRD minister of India and quoted in the Parliament.  Now, the jury is still out there if these figures are correct or not.  Who knows if the percentage people hired by Microsoft is 34% or

14 Mar 08 1 min read
Economics

Inflating its way to Recession?

Is US inflating its way into Recession? Lowering interest rates > Lower Dollar > Inelastic demand for foreign goods > Sticky (Real) Deficit > Ballooning nominal Deficit > Run away Inflation. Makes sense?  Here is a sampler [http://bigpicture.typepad.com/comments/2008/02/inflating-our-w.html]: -Gold soared $26 -Platinum exploded $91 –Iron-Ore Prices Up

21 Feb 08 1 min read
Economics

Welfare money is a career choice of 6 million Britons!

Pride in its population is a natural corollary of a nation where people through sheer hard work or by strength of the gun have made themselves rich.  This pride often manifests in increasing benefits for the people so that no one is poor.  Its then about the collective image.  However,

10 Feb 08 1 min read
Economics

Are we in a Recession in the US?

Are we in a recession now?  The stock market in the US is being hammered.. .. and it is no longer a “correction [http://online.barrons.com/article/SB120043266671792289.html?mod=yahoobarrons&ru=yahoo] “!! > INVESTORS MAY FINALLY BE GETTING PAST the denial stage that the stock market is going through just

16 Jan 08 1 min read
Economics

Slowdown is coming

Here is a reason [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119707327901017729.html?mod=wsjcrmain] why slowdown is coming: > The latest sign that growth in consumer spending, the mainstay of the U.S. economy, is slowing? A nip and tuck in spending on cosmetic surgery. > The slowdown was a hot topic at

17 Dec 07 1 min read
Economics

Slowdown is coming

Here is a reason [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119707327901017729.html?mod=wsjcrmain] why slowdown is coming: > The latest sign that growth in consumer spending, the mainstay of the U.S. economy, is slowing? A nip and tuck in spending on cosmetic surgery. > The slowdown was a hot topic at

17 Dec 07 1 min read
Economics

Last Days of US Dollar?

Here is this guy predicting the end of US Dollar.  He thinks that there is a big mess out there in the financial markets and it will only get worse and worse… resulting finally in an implosion.  What do you think? > The great debate among those of us on the

06 Dec 07 1 min read
Economics

Last Days of US Dollar?

Here is this guy predicting the end of US Dollar.  He thinks that there is a big mess out there in the financial markets and it will only get worse and worse… resulting finally in an implosion.  What do you think? > The great debate among those of us on the

06 Dec 07 1 min read
China

Chinese economy: Is it going to crash?

I have been saying that Chinese market does not seem to inspire a lot of confidence in me. But now, Mr Buffett [http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=al9nArn9qOn0&refer=home] backs up my claim, albeit on price concerns. I think it is robustness of the market

27 Oct 07 1 min read
China

Chinese economy: Is it going to crash?

I have been saying that Chinese market does not seem to inspire a lot of confidence in me. But now, Mr Buffett [http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=al9nArn9qOn0&refer=home] backs up my claim, albeit on price concerns. I think it is robustness of the market

27 Oct 07 1 min read
Economics

How can India progress?

We are a country and a society that is badly wounded and impoverished over the centuries. I would argue that it has as much to do with our attitude of self-induced helplessness as much as it is to do with the needless aggression of the outsiders. Nevertheless, a beginning needs

24 Oct 07 4 min read
Economics

Time of inflation all over!

It is the season for inflation all over the place and around the world! The shipping world [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119301028152866449.html?mod=djemTMB] is facing inflation: > The cost of shipping raw materials across the world’s oceans has reached an all-time high, pushing up prices of grain,

23 Oct 07 2 min read
Economics

Lowest ever Dollar and Highest Ever Oil!

So the Oil in US hit a new high this morning as it went beyond $90 a barrel (it fell later though [http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071019/oil_prices.html]). Dollar hit a new low against the Euro at 1.425 $/Euro. On the one hand the clout of

19 Oct 07 1 min read
Economics

Which way the world economy?

I have been wondering for the last few months as to which way the economy of the world is going towards? It affects – at a personal level – decisions of investments and money management and at a broader level – involving industrial shifts – the shape of work and jobs to come. I

14 Oct 07 1 min read
Economics

US Economy, the risks and its resilience

One of my friends, let’s call him "V", had written this analysis in an email to me in reaction to my question to my friends on the danger to the US economy.  I thought he had done a good analysis and wanted to share with every one else.  Read

30 Sep 07 3 min read
Economics

Change keeps the Past Current!

India has a lot of problems – population, apathy of the educated, pollution, and corruption.  That is what keeps the country down.  Can it move on?  Tom Friedman said that technology is a great equalizer.Vinay Rai [http://www.patheos.com/blogs/drishtikone/?q=think_india_an_interesting_book_from_my_

22 Sep 07 2 min read
Economics

A Phone goes a long way in India!

What can a phone do for a country?  India at the turn of the century had 22 phone lines and 2 mobile phones per 1000 people.  US has 444 cell phones per 1000 people. Bad situation huh?  Hmm.. well.  A telephone goes a long way in India!!  As this little

22 Sep 07 1 min read
Economics

Crashing Dollar: Is US becoming Canada's Mexico??

Corey mentions [http://www.patheos.com/blogs/drishtikone/?q=is_us_economy_going_to_collapse#comment-4336] in his comment that he has been wondering on the situation of falling dollar looking at it from Canada.  A friend of mine, Raj, from Canada also had a similar view.  He was ecstatic

20 Sep 07 1 min read
Economics

Is US economy going to collapse?

My friend, Sanjay Goel, has been warning about the falling dollar!  He rightly says that while the Americans are busy about Iraq and Religious nonsense, it is the falling dollar that they are un-aware of.. when THAT is exactly what they should be looking at!  Tonight I tuned into Glenn

19 Sep 07 1 min read
China

Is the Great decline of US Dollar on the Horizon?

Not many people realize that the economic relationship between China and US is a quid pro quo that is just meant to prop up the feeling of wealth.  Despite the fact that I am nowhere near to as economic-savvy as most of the world economic gurus, I do believe it

09 Sep 07 2 min read
Business

US: The Debtor Nation!

US consumption – US production = Brazil’s annual output. And Brazil is the 10th largest economy on planet earth!  So, the Americans [http://www.harvardmagazine.com/2007/07/debtor-nation.html] take on a debt that is close to the entire annual output of Brazil!!  Is that a cause for concern?  Well,

17 Aug 07 1 min read
Economics

Is America the New Roman Empire?

This is an interesting question [http://reason.com/news/show/121274.html] that a lot of people are asking.  The burden of being at the top also brings skepticism and vulnerability!  Iraq war and its failure is bringing out that vulnerability and exposing things about America that no one could

01 Aug 07 1 min read
Economics

Population Growth and the Economic Future of India

From various articles and thought leaders it seemed that the economic future of India is very bright.  It might as well be.  But the population growth that will propel India in the next 40 years or so will become it own downfall in the years after 2050!  That is when

25 Jul 07 2 min read
Business

India is a more Forward Looking Culture than the US!

According to the latest HBR – Forward Looking cultures [http://harvardbusinessonline.hbsp.harvard.edu/hbsp/hbr/articles/article.jsp?ml_action=get-article&articleID=F0707B&ml_issueid=BR0707&ml_subscriber=true&pageNumber=1&_requestid=33180] generally create more competitive economies… at least, I believe, in the long run.  The illustration of the

29 Jun 07 1 min read
Economics

Which are the failed States?

Look at these top 20 in the failed state Index category [http://www.fundforpeace.org/web/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=229&Itemid=366] (also ForeignPolicy [http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3865]).  These states are most likely to become failed states!  India was

27 Jun 07 1 min read
Economics

"Farmers Do not commit suicide where they have cooperatives"

This is an interesting interview with Dr. Kurien [http://www.tehelka.com/story_main31.asp?filename=Bu300607punditspeak_11.asp] sent by a friend from IRMA.  Despite the fact that I consider him as a megalomaniac, his views (and work) are profound!  I think the dinstinction between SEZ and Cooperatives with

23 Jun 07 5 min read
Economics

Is India's IT & BPO growth slowing down?

Despite the high growing jobs.. the growth in IT [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Low_after_the_high_IT_growth_seen_slumping/articleshow/2135926.cms] and BPO may be slowing down soon… time for re-assessment of future priorities? > India’s IT party may just be over, soon! After expanding by 35

20 Jun 07 1 min read
Economics

India's Poverty: Possible Solutions Part III

When I said in my last post about my heart being a “capitalist” heart.. I know many people felt [http://www.intentblog.com/archives/2007/01/the_two_indias.html#comment-135462] my heart was in the wrong place.. for.. capitalist system in the US has messed up this country… so

17 Jan 07 3 min read
Economics

India's Poverty: Possible Solutions Part II

Indian society is developing at a fast pace.. but the poverty is not coming down much.  The people and activists are becoming impatient and want faster action from the Government.  I had suggested in my last post [http://www.patheos.com/blogs/drishtikone/?q=node/3678] on Poverty Solution for

16 Jan 07 2 min read

Hinduism

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