Current Crude prices pinching more

 

Currently India is among the nations which pay the highest prices for gasoline (petrol).  The current petrol is hovering around INR 70 (USD 1.46/liter).  There are numerous reasons for this.  Currently the supply from many of the countries is on the low side due to ongoing conflict state of affairs.  In contrary to this, there is currently a decline in demand from Europe due to Italy and other countries. 

But what is happening in India.  Currently India is facing shortfall in exports; both in manufacturing and services.  The current IIP (Index of Industrial Production) have gone to the 2 years low.  RBI has increased the cost of lending by increasing the interest rates on loans.  This has affected the manufacturing sector both supply and demand side.   The Software services are experiencing turbulence.  Infy is currently facing the music for migration related issues in the US, its biggest market.  Wipro is currently not at its best right now.  Due to Satyam, the image of the IT companies has taken a beating.  The imports are currently at the same position.  Even with increase in prices, currently there is no shortfall in demand of petroleum products.  This has led to the deterioration of Rupees – Dollar exchange prices.  Three months back the USD was floating around INR 43-45.  Currently due to export crisis, it is around 48.  Due to Europe and Middle East crisis, the crude oil prices have also increased.  Currently it is at $115.  Three months back it was below $100.  This has become a double blow on India.  So if we see, before we use to pay INR 4,300 for a barrel, currently we are paying 5,520; a rise of around 28%.  What can be done about it?  Will the prices ever come down? 

I think the answer is yes. But it has to be worked upon.  Crude prices are not in our hands.  As suggested by the Planning commission, Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) is not a solution.  Even after forming SWF and investing in petroleum assets, there is no proof that we can gain significant control of crude oil prices.  Also SWF will result in suboptimal returns; well that's a different topic altogether.  The best thing to go for is reduction in usage in all forms; whether its diesel, petrol, kerosene, derivatives etc.  The other thing is fiscal austerity measure.  In current form we are paying around 55% of the prices as tax to the State and Central Government.  With the prices rise, the taxes we pay also increases and who would not like rise in income.  That's why no State/Central Government is interested in decreasing the taxes.  And also they would not say anything about price rise.  The tax on petroleum products should reduce. 

The Great Telecom Circus

The Great Telecom Circus Government of India is thinking for pan India license and also discussing the possibilities for companies who dont want to pursue mobile operations to surrender their license. This will lead to a potential mobile call rates escalation all over the country. Currently there are over 15 operators in some of the circles. Considering this move of Government, it will result in few bigger operators and will wipe out the smaller companies which currently have operations in some of the 22 circles of our great country. So who will be benefitting from this situation.Obviously Government. Lets see how. If the existing smaller telecom companies merge with the bigger companies, there will be tax benefits to Government. If they return the license to Government, Government will have additional spectrum which Government can sell at market rates given the hue and cry concerning the 2G scam. Also license fee is given by the companies. As competition will reduce, so the call rates in existing markets will go up. So is this the end of Great Indian Telecom circus.

Banish your doubts!

Most of us spend a great deal of energy every day of our lives doubting our abilities – to our great detriment. We doubt ourselves at practically every turn; we doubt our abilities to write well, speak to a group, come up with a new idea or solution, overcome an obstacle, market a product or service, or negotiate with a difficult person.

Many times, we question our self-worth, how much we deserve to be paid, or how valuable or talented we are to an organization. We doubt our ability to overcome rejection, start over, or confront a challenge.

Banish doubt from your life – all of it. This doesn't mean you should start doing foolish things or making childish decisions. It means you should start trusting in yourself. True obstacle lies within the doubt itself – and all doubt lies within your own thoughts.

It's silly to hold on to any doubt in your life. It does no good. All doubt is a waste of energy and interferes with your natural ability to do things. Whatever doubts are lingering in your mind, let them go.
From: http://harekrishnanetwork.blogspot.com/2011/03/banish-your-doubts.html

Pathetic State of Government and Judiciary

 

The Government is under tremendous pressure from everybody. The three years old Cash for Vote Scam is an old one. But seriously it shows the lame attitude of Government and Judiciary. The 2 BJP MPs-turned Whistleblowers have landed in Jails for showing that they have received 3 crores from the opposite party for not taking part in no confidence motion in the Parliament. The middlemen are also in Jail for routing the money. But the beneficiary is enjoying in the Parliament. I suppose there would be many others MP s who have got money and kept quiet. They are also enjoying. So why the MP s who have turned into whistle blowers should be subjected to this harsh terms when they are exposing what is happening outside the parliament.  Don't we have some Whistle Blower Protection Policy which will protect them.