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Murali's MusingsFebruary 12 Economic Stimulus and Toxic Asset ReliefI am sure there are highly intellectual economists out there thinking about averting the global economic crisis, but it occurs to me that the problem can only be solved by attacking the root of the crisis - "housing sector caused the boom and triggered the burst of economy, eventually leading to the crisis". Economic stimulus to inject money for increased lending and spending by banks and consumers, respectively, seem to correct the symptoms of the problem.
In my opinion, the Toxic Asset Relief Program (or TARP) should be geared toward providing incentives to home-buyers looking out there for "value" deals. This has the advantage of injecting money to where the return is measurable, rather than let the institutions decide their own usage of the public funds.
This alone will not achieve the effect, it needs to be combined with Employment assurance (who would invest their savings in an uncertain economy?); I am not talking about contractual dates, but a stable, job-building economy, similar to the infrastructure spending the government is focusing on.
The final piece would be the tax-breaks (not rebates, but reduced tax withholding for future years) that will ease consumer spending.
This is a 3 piece formula - Incentive for home buyers, Job building Spending, Tax relief for increased spending - that could probably have the impact.
December 31 Economic Trends of 2008Despite the noble prize being awarded to Global Warming educators - Al Gore et al., I wasnt really seeing any changes impacting my (common man's) day to day life. I just came across an interesting WSJ article that the awareness and conscientious prick along the most wealthy - decline in private jet usage, construction of recycled wood - indoor bowling alleys, greenhouse garden constructions/remodeling will be on the rise. As this change is powered by the top income grossers, I am really looking forward to a huge positive impact this will have on the society around global warming and rise of new markets that facilitate this change.
Due to a weakening dollar and conscious spending (even by the wealthy), art prices are likely to drop down by about 10%.
Spiking oil/energy prices will drive down the foreign/exotic travel. Instead, the wealthy will show willingness to spend their money on quality dinners, global philanthropic organizations etc.,
Welcome to a more eco-friendly, spend-wise, philanthropic and happy new year 2008! July 24 Virtual Reality - The vehicle for TeleportingImagine the world installed with sophisticated equipment that could transmit not just Video and Audio, but that can transmit:
- All sensory Perceptions from the "Destination" transmitted to "Source"
For example, fragrance of a flower in the destination will be transmitted to the source and recorded by the brain in the Source (and flower is smelt).
- All neuro-signals from the "Source" are transmitted to "Destination"
For example, a neuro signal in the source to lift a leg is transmitted to the destination to result in a mechanical movement of the leg.
Broadening the current technologies of web-cam and VOIP that transmit the tangible sensory perceptions of sight and voice to all sensory perceptions in full duplex: true virtual reality is perhaps the answer for "Teleportation", a topic that I and my friend Neeraj were pondering during our Undergrad days. Technology and theories around these are much more advanced than these basic thoughts but, an interesting brain wave that struck today. June 03 CBIT daysMy friend Cnu composed a wonderful collage of various snaps during our final year @ CBIT here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=k8yO0j8SqmE.
Thanks to Cnu for a wonderful way of bringing back college day & Nepal Trip memories. May 14 Individual First, Nation next - The fate of Indian PoliticsOne of the very basic principles of a leader that I learnt at school was: Society first, Individual/Self next. I dont exactly no the oath that each political leader takes, but I am sure this clause is included that puts the national interest ahead of anything else. This is a necessary (but not sufficient) condition for a nation to make progress. I just came across an astonishing headline that articulates one of the political traits that plagues Indian politics - Individual First, Nation next.
Yesterday, the so called "business-friendly" Information and Communications minister - Mr. Dayanidhi Maran has stepped down from the ministry:
"Under the circumstances, if removal from the ministership as well as primary membership of the party could bring happiness to the family members of Karunanidhi, I am prepared to face that," Maran said in statement after faxing his resignation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Indian politics at the stake of family feuds and whims! Sigh.... August 28 India - The RisingThis is no news to most of us - India is Rising; rising fast and emerging as an economic super power from the East. One Billion population - once considered as the biggest hurdle for economic progress is now its key to a Vibrant Economy. The caveat, however, is not just that we have more 'people resources'. Fueled by IT Revolution in India's favor, it is the huge percentage of young adrenaline that is really propelling the revolution.
The following are some of the 'representative' factors that I think will keep us on track in realizing the nation of our dreams:
- Business Driven Development My thoughts here are perhaps based off the political situations in my state. The political struggle is such a big deal that leaders need go to the extremes of promising free electricity and cheap food. With due respect to the leaders, I find such portfolios extremely insane. How would you get anything for free? You must understand the 'text in fine print'. The lack of Business sense and sheer struggle for power leads to such totally unpractical situations. I am also tempted to bring in the debate of 'privatization' of government sectors. Why are so many government sectors being privatized? I am not sure, but it seems like the lack of 'business driven development' in Government organizations. Private companies will look for profits and will look for value in every buck they spend. I personally think Privatization is a radical step (it is not really welcome by the middle class); instead, the shift should happen in the way organizations (government sectors) work. Instead of handing off the organization to a private company, leaders should be trained to run organizations as business units - motivating their employees for higher productivity, looking for areas of expansion etc., I am very tempted to quote Gulshan Grover - "I run this Jail as Business" from Nagesh Kuknoor's movie - "Teen Deewarein". Yes, everything is business, everything needs ROI.
- Listen and Empower What is one of the disadvantages of too many people? Apart from the well understood ecological problems, the fear of not being heard; the requirement of greater quantities and qualities of energy, enthusiasm and courage to make the same impact as compared to that required in thinly populated places. Let me give an example to clarify my thought : You feel the pain of commute with increasing levels of pollution and traffic. Most of the people are busy with their daily domestic chores and probably dont go beyond their 'border' to contribute to correcting the problem. You have that extra energy, that extra motivation to help yourself and there by better your society. You file a complaint or talk to the concerned authority but nothing happens. Most of such efforts are killed by the lack of 'listening' and 'follow through' to solve the problem. You perhaps fight for some more time, but give up, feeling powerless. Apart from genuine interest in both parties (you and the concerned authority), there is a necessity for a management structure that:
We should continue to evolve and innovate our political and economic models to continue leading this wave of revolution in realizing India as a nation of our dreams. |
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