Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Forget Earthlings, global warming on Earth is affecting the poor Martians also
Lets understand what’s global warming…excess creation and emission of gases like carbon dioxide and monoxide that create a green house effect or a cover around Earth which forces increase in the overall temperature of earth from the usual. This is a phenomenon not debated any more, rather too late for that!! It is happening and the reasons are widely know. Global warming is associated with human activities like burning of fossil fuels, deforestation etc..which result in increase of CO2 in the air that traps more of sun’s heat resulting in melting of glaciers and snow bodies which are life line for fresh water. As a result not only Earth is heating up, Mars is heating up 4 times faster than our planet. The entire universe is getting affected.
The developed countries are to be blamed for the occurrence of this phenomenon. Nuclear tests, mechanization resulting in release of harmful gases. But the worst affected will be the third world countries. Whereas the developed countries have started taking steps to rectify for the damage that they have already done, third world countries with crumbling economies need to start focusing on this.
The worst and the major effect of global warming is decrease in snow line - melting of snow – increase of volume of fresh water at river basins – increase in sea level – submerging of low lying areas like Bombay, Indonesia, South America, Africa (list is long).
Among others are:
§ Climatic changes: Have you ever thought why Mumbai is hotter than usual in just April? Why does it rain in Delhi when it should be cold? Hailstorms in Rajasthan, wow you ever read that in your geography classes?
§ Lack of fresh water supply: Think why there are water cuts in Mumbai and other major parts of Mumbai and other cities in India?
§ Increase in types of various new forms of diseases.
§ Endangering number of species
§ I may be thinking aloud now, but may be evolution of human species which can cope up with this new climatic changes…but that wont be sooner than a few more million years!!
If the global warming continues at the current rate the height of our pride the Himalayas will reduce from 500,000 sq ft to 100,000 sq ft by 2030.
So what can we do to reverse this effect thereby minimizing the damage?
§ Use alternate sources of energy to avoid use of fossil fuels – Solar energy
§ Use wind mill energy to convert sea water into fresh water, very few countries like Sweden and Australia are doing this.
§ But most of all this is a simple demand and supply equation, because of increased human demand and consumption, supply is increased to cater to the growing demands. Population needs to be curbed at the most fastest pace or else no alternate source will be able to help humans.
What you and I can do:
§ Plant more trees, plants
§ Stop illegal falling of trees, and there is a law against this
§ Save water and electricity
The developed countries are to be blamed for the occurrence of this phenomenon. Nuclear tests, mechanization resulting in release of harmful gases. But the worst affected will be the third world countries. Whereas the developed countries have started taking steps to rectify for the damage that they have already done, third world countries with crumbling economies need to start focusing on this.
The worst and the major effect of global warming is decrease in snow line - melting of snow – increase of volume of fresh water at river basins – increase in sea level – submerging of low lying areas like Bombay, Indonesia, South America, Africa (list is long).
Among others are:
§ Climatic changes: Have you ever thought why Mumbai is hotter than usual in just April? Why does it rain in Delhi when it should be cold? Hailstorms in Rajasthan, wow you ever read that in your geography classes?
§ Lack of fresh water supply: Think why there are water cuts in Mumbai and other major parts of Mumbai and other cities in India?
§ Increase in types of various new forms of diseases.
§ Endangering number of species
§ I may be thinking aloud now, but may be evolution of human species which can cope up with this new climatic changes…but that wont be sooner than a few more million years!!
If the global warming continues at the current rate the height of our pride the Himalayas will reduce from 500,000 sq ft to 100,000 sq ft by 2030.
So what can we do to reverse this effect thereby minimizing the damage?
§ Use alternate sources of energy to avoid use of fossil fuels – Solar energy
§ Use wind mill energy to convert sea water into fresh water, very few countries like Sweden and Australia are doing this.
§ But most of all this is a simple demand and supply equation, because of increased human demand and consumption, supply is increased to cater to the growing demands. Population needs to be curbed at the most fastest pace or else no alternate source will be able to help humans.
What you and I can do:
§ Plant more trees, plants
§ Stop illegal falling of trees, and there is a law against this
§ Save water and electricity
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Air India / Indian Airlines merger and its implications
Status of the deal as of now
The consultants report on the merger has been accepted in principle by the Civil Aviation Ministry and approval from the Group of Ministers (GOM) comprising of Foreign affairs minister, Finance Minister, Civil Aviation Minister and Minister for law and company affairs has come. The expectation is that the deal will come through in the first half of 2007 itself.
Planned course
The merger of the national Airlines will be based on a holding company concept headed by a Chairman. Below the holding company, SBUs to cover Airline division, MRO, handling, catering etc will be set up under individual CEOs / MDs. The purpose of this organizational plan is to ensure greater autonomy and strategic focus on profitability.
Investments and funding
The investment plans already approved and committed by both the Airlines with regard to aircraft acquisitions, modernnisations etc will be brought under the holding company’s control and administration. Government is trying to over come issues like stamp duty and other taxes associated with M&As, by issuing ordinance to waive of such requirements to this merger plan.
Operating synergy
The merged entity will function on the business plan of one full service carrier and another low fare carrier under the same umbrella. Accordingly, the activities of Air India Express and Alliance Air will be brought under one common organization which will deal with the low fare market. The full service wings of Air India and Indian also would similarly be brought under a common platform.
According to trade and media information, the merged Airlines will focus on a hub / spoke strategy with prominent Indian points developing to feeder hubs for the long haul operations.
The current duplication of routes both on domestic and international routes will be eliminated, thereby aiming at optimal utilization of resources and consequential cost advantages.
Traffic rights
The protectionism enjoyed by the national carriers with regard to the traffic right entitlements is likely to continue even after the merger. This will ensure that the merged Airlines will have enough scope for continued expansion, necessitated due to their combined fleet strength.
The protectionism on traffic rights have another angle, which is aimed at ensuring higher intrinsic value , since the Government is likely to divest certain percentage of its holding in the near future.
Labour Issues
The merger is likely to eliminate duplication in activities, which eventually may turn to surplus manpower. The government has assured the labour unions that there will not be any retrenchment and all surplus manpower will be retrained for other activities that might arise out of expansion need. Government has also committed to the labour unions of protection of all the present service conditions and wage structure.
Other aspects
Issues arising out of non compatibility of systems and procedures are likely to crop up. Expert groups within the Airlines will be assigned to examine the feasibility of integrating the areas of divergence without conflict of interest and financial losses. The sharing of hangars and parking bays will be very beneficial in this infrastructure hungry condition.
Future forward
The merged Airline will have a fleet strength of over 150 aircraft, making it the biggest in India and comparable to established airlines like Singapore Airlines and Emirates. Till such time the merged Airline is privatized, it will continue to enjoy government’s patronage. To other Airlines in India, this protectionism is likely to cause great deal of obstacles in growth. However, it is expected that by 2010, before the common wealth games in DEL, government might embark on a privatization plan of the merged Airline and consequential withdrawal of some of the special considerations it is enjoying.
Such an action have two effects- The private airlines in India will benefit from the whole lots of traffic rights which are currently unutilized by Air India and Indian, but at the same time, the merged entity upon privatization may emerge more efficient and stronger.
The consultants report on the merger has been accepted in principle by the Civil Aviation Ministry and approval from the Group of Ministers (GOM) comprising of Foreign affairs minister, Finance Minister, Civil Aviation Minister and Minister for law and company affairs has come. The expectation is that the deal will come through in the first half of 2007 itself.
Planned course
The merger of the national Airlines will be based on a holding company concept headed by a Chairman. Below the holding company, SBUs to cover Airline division, MRO, handling, catering etc will be set up under individual CEOs / MDs. The purpose of this organizational plan is to ensure greater autonomy and strategic focus on profitability.
Investments and funding
The investment plans already approved and committed by both the Airlines with regard to aircraft acquisitions, modernnisations etc will be brought under the holding company’s control and administration. Government is trying to over come issues like stamp duty and other taxes associated with M&As, by issuing ordinance to waive of such requirements to this merger plan.
Operating synergy
The merged entity will function on the business plan of one full service carrier and another low fare carrier under the same umbrella. Accordingly, the activities of Air India Express and Alliance Air will be brought under one common organization which will deal with the low fare market. The full service wings of Air India and Indian also would similarly be brought under a common platform.
According to trade and media information, the merged Airlines will focus on a hub / spoke strategy with prominent Indian points developing to feeder hubs for the long haul operations.
The current duplication of routes both on domestic and international routes will be eliminated, thereby aiming at optimal utilization of resources and consequential cost advantages.
Traffic rights
The protectionism enjoyed by the national carriers with regard to the traffic right entitlements is likely to continue even after the merger. This will ensure that the merged Airlines will have enough scope for continued expansion, necessitated due to their combined fleet strength.
The protectionism on traffic rights have another angle, which is aimed at ensuring higher intrinsic value , since the Government is likely to divest certain percentage of its holding in the near future.
Labour Issues
The merger is likely to eliminate duplication in activities, which eventually may turn to surplus manpower. The government has assured the labour unions that there will not be any retrenchment and all surplus manpower will be retrained for other activities that might arise out of expansion need. Government has also committed to the labour unions of protection of all the present service conditions and wage structure.
Other aspects
Issues arising out of non compatibility of systems and procedures are likely to crop up. Expert groups within the Airlines will be assigned to examine the feasibility of integrating the areas of divergence without conflict of interest and financial losses. The sharing of hangars and parking bays will be very beneficial in this infrastructure hungry condition.
Future forward
The merged Airline will have a fleet strength of over 150 aircraft, making it the biggest in India and comparable to established airlines like Singapore Airlines and Emirates. Till such time the merged Airline is privatized, it will continue to enjoy government’s patronage. To other Airlines in India, this protectionism is likely to cause great deal of obstacles in growth. However, it is expected that by 2010, before the common wealth games in DEL, government might embark on a privatization plan of the merged Airline and consequential withdrawal of some of the special considerations it is enjoying.
Such an action have two effects- The private airlines in India will benefit from the whole lots of traffic rights which are currently unutilized by Air India and Indian, but at the same time, the merged entity upon privatization may emerge more efficient and stronger.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Should Jade Goody be allowed entry in India?
We Indians are a bunch of highly radioactive element, a little push and we react to any situation in a very fiery manner and forget it equally fast to move on to react to a different issue!!
A lot needs to be blamed on the way media has covered the entire issue of cat fight between our Bollywood beauty Shilpa Shetty (who is in dire need for publicity, specially after a flop career, though I am not saying that she has done it on purpose) and Jade goody (A nurse by profession but far from the attitude of one). Any such fight between two people on a celebrity show becomes “Breaking News” on Indian TV channels. Germans and Irish have never been portrayed in the positive light but how often have heard or seen them blowing their top. All I want to say is that India has reached and achieved such a global status that such issues should be dealt with dignity.
I am completely with the Tourism department for taking the bold step to invite “Oh not so Good!!” Ms Goody to come to India and taste out hospitality and tradition. The best way to humiliate someone is to make him/her face the truth and that’s what I am in favour of, let Goody be invited and come to India and we put our best foot forward to play host to her. Let her go back with only more colorful memories of India and be ashamed at her behaviour with our fellow Indian. In fact we can take this opportunity to promote tourism in India and project how warm India has been (in the past) and will always be to its guests.
Imagine the kind of publicity and coverage India will get with Jade goody enjoying the back waters in Kerala, river rafting in Ganges and shopping at innumerable places.
At the same time I support the bottle manufacturing unit in Gujarat for Jade Goody’s perfume, to halt the manufacturing to show our unhappiness and discomfort at such comments. But as Gandhiji said, never hate the human, hate the bad qualities he/she has and help the human to eliminate them.
Jade, we welcome you with open arms and warm heart.
“Atithi devo bhava”. We Indians have always welcomed and accommodated visitors, much visible from our diverse culture.
A lot needs to be blamed on the way media has covered the entire issue of cat fight between our Bollywood beauty Shilpa Shetty (who is in dire need for publicity, specially after a flop career, though I am not saying that she has done it on purpose) and Jade goody (A nurse by profession but far from the attitude of one). Any such fight between two people on a celebrity show becomes “Breaking News” on Indian TV channels. Germans and Irish have never been portrayed in the positive light but how often have heard or seen them blowing their top. All I want to say is that India has reached and achieved such a global status that such issues should be dealt with dignity.
I am completely with the Tourism department for taking the bold step to invite “Oh not so Good!!” Ms Goody to come to India and taste out hospitality and tradition. The best way to humiliate someone is to make him/her face the truth and that’s what I am in favour of, let Goody be invited and come to India and we put our best foot forward to play host to her. Let her go back with only more colorful memories of India and be ashamed at her behaviour with our fellow Indian. In fact we can take this opportunity to promote tourism in India and project how warm India has been (in the past) and will always be to its guests.
Imagine the kind of publicity and coverage India will get with Jade goody enjoying the back waters in Kerala, river rafting in Ganges and shopping at innumerable places.
At the same time I support the bottle manufacturing unit in Gujarat for Jade Goody’s perfume, to halt the manufacturing to show our unhappiness and discomfort at such comments. But as Gandhiji said, never hate the human, hate the bad qualities he/she has and help the human to eliminate them.
Jade, we welcome you with open arms and warm heart.
“Atithi devo bhava”. We Indians have always welcomed and accommodated visitors, much visible from our diverse culture.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Now and then trends in Aviation
At the domestic front there is an unprecedented growth in capacity increase due 5 new airlines commencing ops in past 19 months in India. All of these have been low cost carriers except Kingfisher. In order to have a bigger share of the pie, the price induced demand has resulted in fall of benchmark fares. However, favorable situation for consumers.
Introduction of IPOs for raising funds for the expansion plans of the legacy and LCC in India.
While the airline industry continues to grow, particularly in Asia, competition and resulting yields along with fuel prices continue to put immense pressure on profitability across the world. Fuel price fluctuations have significantly impacted profitability of carriers over the course of 2006. High prices in the early part of the year led to increase in fares and reduction of margins, whereas reducing prices have improved the situation marginally.
The race for survival is likely to push the trend of airline mergers across the world in order to reduce competition and rationalize yields to viable levels. Initial sign of consolidation is already visible with initial talks of the UA and CO merger. In the domestic scenario IA and IC merger will change the business dynamics. This may be good from the aviation industry perspective to usher in consolidation leading to greater stabilization however, customer will be affected. From simple economics point of view, more airlines, lesser fares. Fewer airlines, less competition, more fares.
Increased capital inflow in the aviation industry has raised hopes of further stabilization and growth. Example, consortium know as Airline Partners Australia comprising Macquarie Bank, Australian-listed Allco Finance Group Ltd and related Allco Equity Partners, US buyout firm Texas Pacific and Canadian investment firm Onex Corp, is investing 4.4 USD in Qantas. In a similar incidence, Travel-reservation Company Sabre Holdings Texas Pacific Group and Silver Lake Partners will invest $ 5 billion; this transaction would put the three largest travel reservation companies in the hands of private equity firms. Blackstone Group owns Travelport, which runs the Galileo reservation system, which it plans to merge with Worldspan, a third reservation company that is also privately held. Such activities have triggered extended business cycle with mergers and acquisition affecting the normal day to day activities.
Private participation in airports: The takeover of BAA by Spanish transport group Ferrovial has heralded a new era and is likely to lead to the increased move towards formation of large airport management conglomerates. Similar trend is seen at domestic Indian front with privatisation of major metro airports for infrastructure development.
Liberalisation of bilateral has gained significance with changing patterns of countries negotiating to regions negotiating for common bilaterals example EU on behalf of all countries with India.
With increase in the direct operations between India and US there may be reduction in traffic flow to third country hubs like Dubai. 2006 observed kick off of this trend with Delta starting direct operations between JFK and BOM.
Whereas, initial signs of consolidations were seen in 2006, but the real impact of stabilization will be felt only by 2007.
Introduction of IPOs for raising funds for the expansion plans of the legacy and LCC in India.
While the airline industry continues to grow, particularly in Asia, competition and resulting yields along with fuel prices continue to put immense pressure on profitability across the world. Fuel price fluctuations have significantly impacted profitability of carriers over the course of 2006. High prices in the early part of the year led to increase in fares and reduction of margins, whereas reducing prices have improved the situation marginally.
The race for survival is likely to push the trend of airline mergers across the world in order to reduce competition and rationalize yields to viable levels. Initial sign of consolidation is already visible with initial talks of the UA and CO merger. In the domestic scenario IA and IC merger will change the business dynamics. This may be good from the aviation industry perspective to usher in consolidation leading to greater stabilization however, customer will be affected. From simple economics point of view, more airlines, lesser fares. Fewer airlines, less competition, more fares.
Increased capital inflow in the aviation industry has raised hopes of further stabilization and growth. Example, consortium know as Airline Partners Australia comprising Macquarie Bank, Australian-listed Allco Finance Group Ltd and related Allco Equity Partners, US buyout firm Texas Pacific and Canadian investment firm Onex Corp, is investing 4.4 USD in Qantas. In a similar incidence, Travel-reservation Company Sabre Holdings Texas Pacific Group and Silver Lake Partners will invest $ 5 billion; this transaction would put the three largest travel reservation companies in the hands of private equity firms. Blackstone Group owns Travelport, which runs the Galileo reservation system, which it plans to merge with Worldspan, a third reservation company that is also privately held. Such activities have triggered extended business cycle with mergers and acquisition affecting the normal day to day activities.
Private participation in airports: The takeover of BAA by Spanish transport group Ferrovial has heralded a new era and is likely to lead to the increased move towards formation of large airport management conglomerates. Similar trend is seen at domestic Indian front with privatisation of major metro airports for infrastructure development.
Liberalisation of bilateral has gained significance with changing patterns of countries negotiating to regions negotiating for common bilaterals example EU on behalf of all countries with India.
With increase in the direct operations between India and US there may be reduction in traffic flow to third country hubs like Dubai. 2006 observed kick off of this trend with Delta starting direct operations between JFK and BOM.
Whereas, initial signs of consolidations were seen in 2006, but the real impact of stabilization will be felt only by 2007.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
FDI and unemployment in India
The issues will always keep coming back unless a decision is taken and are put to rest. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will only do well and bring more convenience for the Indian consumers who are fast adopting the western style of living and working. “One stop shop” is what the Walmart’s will bring to India. Conservative school of thought may be against the whole idea and argue that FDI will kick middle men and the local “Mom and Pop” shop owners, out of business. However, it’s important to realize that what’s applicable to the rest of the world has proved wrong in India time and again. Example, Mc Donald’s which used to take pride in standardization of its outlets – ambience and menu, across the world was forced to indianise its menu to suit Indian palate. In India, unlike anywhere else, there are various economic layers in the society, and various retail formats to suit the requirements of this varied middle income group. Here the organized retail comprises only 2% of the total retail business (remember Shopper’s stop, pantaloon, ShopRite Hyper are just metro phenomenon). This largely disorganized (98%) sector contributes to 11% of Indian GDP, which can still continue to be the case if it is emphasised that Walmart will source its raw materials and fresh products from India. China has become the manufacturing hub for Walmart, thanks to cheap labour, which is true for India as well. Walmart can focus in India to not only increase its consumer base but also to build up its logistics and inventory chain. This will not only give employment to people who may be uprooted due to organisation of retail but also add to the export figures. Win-Win situation for all.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Can Money buy happiness?
The answer is simple, for those who have money say, money can’t buy everything and those who do not have money, are always thinking of money as the route cause of happiness. I think happiness is just a state of mind and it’s tuned the way you want it to.
It’s manifestation of positive thinking which depends upon your attitude and reaction to various external stimuli. Is Sanjay dutt happy today? Considering that the court’s verdict has finally brought some decision of his fate, its good news and the imprisonment is bad news but that’s the way it is and how you take the decision will decide what kind of attitude you have. Which will in turn decide whether you are happy or unhappy.
It’s manifestation of positive thinking which depends upon your attitude and reaction to various external stimuli. Is Sanjay dutt happy today? Considering that the court’s verdict has finally brought some decision of his fate, its good news and the imprisonment is bad news but that’s the way it is and how you take the decision will decide what kind of attitude you have. Which will in turn decide whether you are happy or unhappy.
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