july 17th, 2012

Indian Middle class

Jagdish bhagwati and Arving panagariya in a syndicated article "the bell tolls for congress party" writes that the aggrieved middle class will vote out the congress in 2014.They perceive that the middle class feels that their economic interest is threatened by  ill governance and corruption and this will manifest as angry votes that will push out congress.

No one can categorically say that middle class in India is a homogeneous group.Infact it is layered with high degree of caste and community characteristics- commonly know as "identity politics".

But, if shedding these traditional differences if they vote on economic understanding of the situation, then one can definitely say the celebrated authors were right.

Simultaneously, it also means that our so called middle class is better informed and evolved citizens then.Having said that, is then this elated scenario due to the efforts of the ruled government for the last 5 years.For, its because of them this portion of India tasted the fruits of economic prosperity.If that is true should you vote them out ??

Considering the global gloomy economic scenario and coalition limitation of the government, can't we excuse the congress for the slump? And, about corruption, we need Lokpal- an independent body.This is beyond party and any election. 

Is 21st century- "century of GAS" ??


With the advancement of technology more and more unconventional gas reserves are discovered and exploited for daily use."Shale gas" is the main contender on this unconventional segment.US has large reserve of it and is utilising it to the maximum as an alternate fuel.

IAE reports that the gas reserve has double since a decade and prospect looks extremely positive.It would definitely reduce pressure on oil.

But, transportation and storage are problems regarding gas.It is also capital intensive when thinking of liquifying it or developing a pipeline network.

Because of these reason, presently, the gas market is regional and restricted to customers who make long term contract commitment.

However, with time distance and worries of this kind would reduce.This is precisely the reason IEA is so bullish about the gas industry.Moreover, it is environment friendly.


China Model of development

Is the Chinese model of alternative development  worth replicating ?. A Chinese scholar calls it civilisational state  and some say it is appreciable balance between free market system and a fully state controlled system.

For the last 30 years china has been recording amazing growth.But, of late, it is cooling down.As the other major Asian economies, which experienced growth and then flattened, china has also entered this phase.

 Laws pertaining to de-listing of companies

 1.Securities contract(regulation) act 1956-SCRA
 2.Companies Act 1956