Buying a New Car

Buying a new car is a good exercise to test one's decision making skills. Especially these days when the choices are really too many. If one is in India like me one has multiple models (Ford Fiesta Classic, SX4, Santro Xing, etc.) with multiple versions (LXI, VXI, ZXI, etc.) from dozens of car manufacturers (Maruti Suzuki, Ford, Hyundai, etc.) to choose from. And then due to the increase in prices of petrol in the recent months CNG and diesel cars have suddenly become very popular amongst car buyers.

Suggested Steps for Buying a New Car

So how should one go about buying a car? I am going to narrate my experience and opinion on a suggested approach to decide and buy a car.

It must be remembered that no decision is best and the selected decision should be optimal in a given situation. And most importantly an optimal decision at a given point in time may not remain so afterwards.

So here's a step-wise approach to buy a car. These steps need not be followed in a perfect linear fashion and not only that some of them may need to be iterated more than once.

Step 1 - Check Affordability and Requirements

• Determine, as the first thing, the affordability which depends on one's financial position. Do consider both the one time purchase cost and the recurring cost for fuel, service, repairs, etc.
• Determine the requirements based on factors like one's typical monthly running, ratio of highway versus city driving, social standing, lifestyle, ego drive, etc.
• Decide based on the above whether one would want to buy a petrol, a diesel or a CNG powered car and also whether one would want to buy a hatchback or a sedan or an SUV. In the end however budget is everything and might constrain one's choice to only a hatchback or the low-end version of an entry segment sedan.
• Decide, in case one already has a car, whether one would want to exchange the old car for a brand new car or buy another one (this has direct impact on the budget).

I had an old hatchback car which I wanted to exchange for a new sedan. After having driven the hatchback for 7 years I wanted to move up so as to say. Also financially I was in a position to afford a sedan. In addition I wanted to buy a car with good ground clearance (a must for the potholed and poorly maintained roads). Based on my driving requirements I realized a petrol powered car would suit me fine.

Step 2 - Check Budget Availability

• Figure out the initial budget. A range has to be good to go like 6 to 8 lacs or 15 to 20 lacs. 
• Fine-tune the initial budget based on how much one is willing to spend, down payment amount and loan requirements. 
• Search on the Internet to find out if any schemes or discounts that are being offered during that period.
• Do consider the approximate exchange cost (in case one is wishing to sell the old car and buy a new one) as well to arrive at the maximum amount one can stretch the budget to. 
• One can use the niche websites on cars and automobiles that provide information on approximate exchange cost based on the year of manufacturing of your old car, kilometers driven, condition, accidents and insurance claims history, etc. 
• For getting the URLs of these websites Google for something like "Buy Car India" or "India Car" or anything that you think appropriate.

I did not want to take loan. I also did not want to pay more than a certain amount in cash (x1). Based on research I could gather information on schemes/discounts on offer (x2) and the fair exchange value of  my old car (let's call it x3). So I could come up with my initial budget, B = x1 - x2.+ x3

Step 3 - Check Car Options

• Do research into the cars that will fit the affordability and budget parameters.
• You can use the niche websites to search for cars in the range you have selected.
• Keep in mind that the cost shown in most websites is the 'ex-showroom price' and the 'on road cost' will be typically 8% to 12% higher. This is for the RTO registration, insurance, dealer handling charges, extended warranty, etc.

Based on searching some of the niche websites I zeroed down upon sedans whose 'on road cost' was within B. I narrowed down to diesel versions of three cars - C1, C2 and C3.
  
Step 4 - Visit Car Showrooms

• Visit the car showrooms in person and discuss with the salespersons there. In the visits gather information on 'on road cost' and its detailed break-up for the car models one is interested in. Again one can use the Internet to search for addresses of car showrooms near to you.
• Take a test drive to get a feel of driving the car of choice. Do ask all any questions that come to your mind while doing te test drive. Typical questions are "how to open the bonnet?", "how to use the wipers?", "how to adjust the seats?", etc.
• Do inquire about any scheme that may be going on like cash discounts, free accessories, free fuel coupons, etc. Other than ex-showroom price and RTO registration cost everything else can be negotiated.
• Find out whether there is any exchange and/or loyalty bonus being offered. If you are considering buying another car from the manufacturer of your old car loyalty bonus may be offered. And in case you want to sell your old car for a brand new car exchange bonus may be offered. For availing exchange bonus you need not go with the manufacturer of your old car.

I visited many car showrooms and other than the discussions and information gathering made sure to take the test drive.

Step 5 - Bite the Bullet - Decide which Car to Buy

• Consider various factors like affordability, requirements, etc. and arrive at a decision
• Do consult any friends or family memebers
• Visit the showrooms for next round of discussion and negotiation. Do ask for a better deal or some discounts, etc.
• Agree on the payment amount and other terms and conditions like number of days for car delivery
• Make the token payment and book the car.

I made the final decision based on affordability, requirements, etc.and discussion with some acquaintances, friends and family. For me family's concurrence and affordability was very very important.

Step 6 -  Arrange the Finances and Make the Payment

• Arrange the payment amount
• Make the payment to the car dealer
• Get a commitment from the dealer on the expected delivery date

I arranged the finances and made the payment to the dealer leaving a small part which I decided to pay on the date of the delivery. I also negotiated for an early delivery of the car and also that I would leave my old car with the dealer when I come to take delivery of the new car.

Step 7 -  Drive Home the New Car

• Visit the car dealer on the date of delivery
• Make sure the documents related to registration, warranty, insurance, etc. are in order. In case one is exchanging the old car for the new one, the sale documents for the old car also need to be checked.
• Inspect the car and then sign all papers carefully
• Thanks the car dealer
• Drive your car out of the showroom!

I went on the day of the delivery to the showroom with my family in my old car. And after completing the formalities drove out in the new car.

And while on the road in your new car, very importantly, don't forget to carry the necessary car documents and follow the traffic rules. Enjoy and let other also enjoy safe driving.

Presidents are Better Actors than the Actors

It is hard to imagine that the presidents, prime ministers and heads of states across the world are as genuine as they sound when one listens to their passionate speeches. One fact is true - most of them are great orators and public speakers. How much they really believe in what they so passionately and energetically talk about is anybody's guess though.

In a certain sense one can compare presidents, prime ministers and heads of states to actors. It is known that actors have separate reel lives and real lives. It appears so do the presidents et al. They have a public persona and a private persona where at times the disconnect may be so large as to cause a normal person (and it can be argued that presidents et al are probably not normal) to either go mad or never look settled.

Actors put on the mask temporarily while giving a shot whereas presidents et al have to keep the mask on for longer periods. Otherwise how can one explain presidents et al to talk so genuinely about poverty in a conference but not be bothered at the sight of poor people while on the way to the conference inside a super luxury car. Apparently presidents et are better actors than the actors themselves and know how to manage ambiguity in real life and display of genuineness with a finesse.

The other side of the picture is that if one really and genuinely feels for the poor, downtrodden and marginalized sections of  the society one would jump into concrete action and not bother about becoming president, prime minister and heads of state where one needs to be a great actor and great public speaker.

In fact if if one really and genuinely feels for the poor, downtrodden and marginalized sections of  the society then one won't be able to become president, prime minister and heads of state. Presidents et al leverage their extra-ordinary communication faculties to create a sense of hope and genuineness amongst the masses and may take some actions but are not probably as genuine as they sound.

Is Gurgaon Dwarka Expressway a Bubble Ready to Burst?

After reading about Gurgaon Dwarka Expressway a lot in the newspapers, I decided to explore the Gurgaon Dwarka Expressway area to find out the answers to certain questions in my mind:

• Does it make sense to buy a house in Gurgaon Dwarka Expressway area?
• Is it worth putting one's money in buying a house in Gurgaon Dwarka Expressway area ?
• Are many people really buying houses in the Gurgaon Dwarka Expressway area?

So is Gurgaon Dwarka Expressway a bubble ready to burst? The answer at this point seems to be a big yes. Just read on.

Gurgaon Dwarka Expressway Area

For getting answers to the above questions I spent the last few weeks driving through the new sectors on the Gurgaon side of the Gurgaon Dwarka Expressway area to understand its layout. The whole of Gurgaon Dwarka Expressway area can be divided into five parts:

1. Area close to Delhi (Sector 109, Sector 112) - these are being sold with the USP of close proximity to IGI Airport and Dwarka
2. Area opposite to Palam Vihar on the other side of the Delhi-Rewari railway line (Sector 102, Sector 103) - these are located close to Rajendra Park
3. Area opposite to Sector 9 and 10 (Sector 37C, Sector 37D) - these are close to Basai  area
4. Sectors on the right side of NH8 when going to Jaipur from the Kherki Daula Toll Plaza (Sector 84, Sector 89, Sector 90) - these are running close to the road going towards Pataudi
5. Sectors on the left side of NH8 when going to Jaipur from the Kherki Daula Toll Plaza (Sector 79) - these are towards Faridabad side in close vicinity of Aravalli Hills

Does it Make Sense to Buy a House in Gurgaon Dwarka Expressway Area?

No, not at all given the rates which are currently being quoted. It appears there are no affordable projects in this area. All projects are claiming to be luxurious and the current BSP rates start from Rs 5000/- to 5500/-. For the high-end projects the target market consists of high net worth individuals for whom a few crores here and there doesn't matter hence the contents of this post may not be fully applicable to this segment.

 It would be fair to say that a normal end-user would want to buy at least a 2 BHK. For a 2 BHK of 1500 sqft the basic cost starts from 75 lacs and after considering the additional charges (EDC, IDC, Parking, Club, PLC, etc.) and stamp duty the cost will easily touch 90 Lacs to 1 crore.

Surprisingly there are many builders who have come in to "make hay while the sun shines". I came to know about an inverter manufacturer planning to come up with a housing project. There is a possibility that many of these get some bookings done and sell the project lock, stock and barrel to another builder and there is no guarantee the other builder won't do the same. For end user this may mean inordinate delays.

Is it Worth Putting One's Money in Buying a House in Gurgaon Dwarka Expressway Area?

No, not at all unless you are an end-user who bought it when the BSP was Rs. 2000/- to 3500/- or purely an investor who has put your money when the rates were even lesser and has enough cash to stay in case resale takes its own sweet time. Or handle the worse possibility - to buy and keep the house in case no resale occurs. With this area this is a very real possibility. We know that when demand goes up prices go up but when prices go up many people who could afford an item earlier drop out leading to demand flattening which again brings prices down.

For the salaried class who pay taxes to the government honestly at source itself (through TDS) unless one is earning more than 25 lacs in a year buying a house in the Gurgaon Dwarka Expressway area will be next to impossible. For details see the section "Some thoughts for End Users of Housing Projects".

Are Many People Really Buying Houses in the Gurgaon Dwarka Expressway Area

No, not at all despite the claims made by the builders and even newspapers and many news channels. In the Gurgaon Dwarka Expressway Area mostly investors have put in their money expecting to make a kill when rates go up. It is a fact that prices can't go up indefinitely (other than to account for inflation factor).

Imagine an investor with 1 crore who invests in four houses at a rate of X0. The investor would typically follow the strategy as below:

• Sell the first house when the rate is X1 (>X0) - profit is on the differential X1 - X0
• Sell the second house when the rate is X2 (>X1) - profit is on the differential X2 - X0
• Sell the third house when the rate is X3 (>X2) - profit is on the differential X3 - X0
• Sell the fourth house when the rate is X4 (>X3) - profit is on the differential X4 - X0

The total profit is expected to be X1 + X2 + X3 + X4 - 4X0. This calculation makes a major assumption that the investor is able to make a resale. Also consider the number of people who can afford the house as N0, N1, N2, N3 and N4 when the rates are X0, X1, X2, X3, X4 and X5 respectively.

It is obvious to note that: N4 < N3 < N2 < N1 < N0. Now think what if N1, N2, N3 and N4 are close to zero (meaning there is demand but no affordability in the market - people want homes but can't afford if X0 is very high).

Some thoughts for End Users of Housing Projects

Imagine an end-user who wants to buy a house. It can be assumed that an end-user will come in only at the rate of X1 or higher. Supposing the end-user has 20 lacs in savings so to buy a 1 crore house she will need a loan of  80 lacs under CLP (Contruction Linked Plan). In any case banks don't fund more than 80% of the total cost. For 80 lacs loan at a rate of interest of 11% the EMI for 20 years comes to Rs 82575/-.

Now assuming banks are ready to allow EMI upto 50% of her take home salary. This means the end-user should be earning Rs. 165150/- every month which translates to an annual take home salary of around 20 lacs or annual total salary of 25 lacs. What percentage of end-users come in this income bracket? What about the uncertainty due to weak market conditions? What if after taking loan an end-user suffers a job loss?

So if you are an end-user stay away unless you are prepared for the long haul - spending 1 crore for a 2BHK. The other risk is if the investor can't make a resale the builder won't get the money to carry on with the construction. And even if the builder could, it won't because there is demand but no affordability in the market so no buying would occur until prices crash and that makes the project commercially nonviable.

End-users should also not take the risk of becoming an investor to make a quick kill as this can backfire. I suppose investors will be willing to have their money forfeited by the builder than pay more if the resale doesn't occur by a certain time. An end-user turned investor can't afford to have the money forfeited as their money will be hard-earned unlike the case with investors (who generally have lots of unaccounted money).

Learning from the US Sub-prime Crisis

The US sub-prime crisis had its roots in a situation like the growing bubble in the the Gurgaon Dwarka Expressway area. In the case of the US sub-prime crisis housing loans were provided to those who couldn't really afford them.

Whereas in this case other than projects that were sold when the BSP was Rs. 2000/- to 3500/- most of the projects will stall mid-way  due to defaults by investors (who will stop paying) resulting from lack of end-users (who won't be able to afford the houses). This will naturally lead to inventory pile-up leading to a price crash.

Those who don't want houses, have them (Investors - for them house is a means to make money) and those who want, can't afford them (End-users - for them house is a means to satisfy the basic need of shelter). We all know no one is able to buy something is equivalent to no one wants to buy it and in that case prices do crash.

So is Gurgaon Dwarka Expressway a bubble ready to burst? The answer at this point seems to be a big yes. This is highly unfortunate since many needy end-users finally get adversely impacted.

Online Shopping Experiences

I purchased few items over the Internet in the last one year - cellphone, corded telephone, printer cartridges, baby products, shirt, shoes and accessories. Here are some observations based on my experiences:

• Avoid the not so known, unbranded and unreliable websites
• One of the not so known website I purchased a color cartridge from shipped me a piece where the warranty period was about to get over.
• Another unbranded website I purchased some baby products shipped me an old milk bottle for infants. Also another item was not as per what I thought it would be. The description on the website was not to mark.
• Another unreliable website I purchased shirt, shoes and accessories from shipped me a shoe which was not of the quality claimed by the website.
• Always go with branded websites
• One of the site I purchased a cellphone and corded telephone each was a good experience. The corded telephone size was slightly lesser what I had thought but rest everything was fine.
• Another site I purchased a black cartridge from shipped a fresh piece in perfect condition.

Based on my good experience websites I recommend for online shopping:

• Flipkart
• Ebay

And based on my not so good experience websites I recommend to avoid:

• Nextworld
• Yebhi
• Hushbabies

These are based on my experiences. However, as they say everyone has different experiences and perspectives.

Why is Driving on Indian Roads Risky?

I think one of the hallmarks of good driving is safe driving. Driving on Indian roads, however, is an experience which can be scary. And as one would realize it in no time, it's not safe at all.

Why is driving on Indian roads risky? Based on my experience here are some observations on this:

• Diversity of vehicles on the roads -both slow and fast moving vehicles share the road space leading to chaotic conditions
• Scant respect of lane discipline - drivers change from one to another lane like a "random variable" putting the other road users at grave risk
• Lack of awareness of traffic rules - drivers don't know many traffic rules
• Disregard of traffic rules - drivers don't show any consideration for traffic rules
• Urge to stay ahead of others - drivers carry their egos on the road.

Save the Economy, Save the Jobs, Save the World

This is one amongst the handful of most pressing problems we face today in the world. Some other prominent problems being - civil unrest, terrorism, white collar corruption, etc. Economic well-being is important for the world to be able to handle other problems. And economic well-being can only ensure that not even one person in our planet goes to bed empty stomach.

Government's Role

For fighting the economic crisis we need the governments of various nations to work together and take tough and hard decisions unanimously. Nation-based governments give space to national/local aspirations but tend to slow down the pace of decision making. All governments should put the world's collective interest above the national/local aspirations.

The 2008 Recession

With recession being around the corner since 2008 the cost we have paid as a society is already humongous. If the recession continues for another 4-5 years it will simply have disastrous consequences. Just yesterday I was watching a news item on one of the channels about a man committing suicide as he lost his job and he had no savings to support his family. Individual problems will always remain but when most of the individuals in the world face the same problem, the governments should consider that problem as an issue of international importance.

Failure of Governance Mechanism

And this is precisely where international bodies have failed us and that too despite many renowned economists turned politicians and policymakers who are involved with the economic governance. Names of these individuals are not important but the extent of failed leadership is. All of us need to ensure change in governance style across the world - let us all join hands to make sure that we hand our governance to able and just hands.

Creating Jobs and Safety Net for Failed Ventures

Another pragmatic idea - we need to turn into a world of entrepreneurs and job creators. I think there should also be a basic safety net for the failed enterprises that many entrepreneurs will necessarily go through. When 100 enterprising individuals start 100 new initiatives probably a handful will eventually succeed. For those who succeed life would be rosy and pleasant. But for the remaining who fail life will become thorny and rough. A basic safety net will be the right mechanism to ensure that the failed entereprises do not spell doom for the individuals who were associated with them.

Operationalizing Social Security in India

Anyone who is born an Indian must be assured of a minimal standard of living (or roti, kapda aur makaan - as we know them better) by the government. For the nation to prosper, this is really a sine qua non.

Why social security?
 
We all know the famous Hindi phrase "bhooke pet bhajan na hot, gopaalaa". Arts, culture, science, technology and overall economic growth in a nation all depend upon its citizens living comfortably. Social security system will provide a safety net to all citizens. The primary purpose of such a system will be to ensure and guarantee all citizens of India "a minimal standard of living".

Who will benefit?

Social security system will be targeted towards all those who have been forced by the vagaries of life to loose their wealth (job loss, layoffs, etc.) or health/well-being (disability due to accidents, life threatening diseases, natural calamities, etc.).

The economic value-added by a citizen plays an important role in his "usefulness" to the economy and the society at large - this is a harsh but true statement. At the same time, the loss of wealth and health/well-being will continue in the years to come. At an individual level all the citizens are vulnerable to this. The thought that "it could have been me" would have surely come to everyone's mind at one time or the other.

How to generate the funds for this?

Government can add an additional component to income tax which will be used for funding this. Alternatively, a part of the income tax collected can be allocated to fund this.

How to operationalize this?

Social empowerment through education is the best form of social security. Investment by nation in education will generally yield positive returns. However this may not hold good in the times of recession like the one the Indian economy went through in 2008 and 2009 (along with the entire world).

There were many well-educated, highly-qualified people who were rendered jobless. The factors which led to this were beyond the control of individuals and companies. Individuals come and go, companies come and go but governments remain. And only governments possess the resources and machinery to make things happen.

Let's not forget that social security system will be targeted towards all those who have been forced by the vagaries of life to loose their wealth (job loss, layoffs, etc.) or health/well-being (disability due to accidents, life threatening diseases, natural calamities, etc.). The factors cited above do not disappear due to higher levels of education. Also, they do not appear due to lower levels of education.

Building a citizen's database by issuing identity cards to all citizens is the first step required for operationalizing the social security system.  This would help determine the funding requirements and also ensure that only those who need/deserve the "safety net" are provided the same.

Challenges and Way Forward

Agreed, it's easier said than done but do we must, nevertheless. Let's also not forget that the loss of wealth and health/well-being will continue in the years to come. At an individual level all the citizens are vulnerable to this. The thought that "it could have been me" would have surely come to everyone's mind at one time or the other.

The steps suggested above are basic and entirely doable. Social security is all about roti, kapda and makaan for all citizens. By virtue of being born into India, all its citizens should be guaranteed a minimum standard of living. The government should mobilize schemes aimed at the BPL, lower middle and middle classes as they are the most vulnerable to the vagaries of life. How many times has anyone heard of a rich family getting drowned in floods or dying because they had nothing to eat for many days?

Industrialists, businessman and traders are very important for the prosperity of the nation but a "Developed" nation is one where the marginalized and the weaker sections of the society are also assured of a minimum standard of living. The social security system would precisely address this need of the society resulting in a prosperous, strong and vibrant nation. Economic well-being is important for the all this to happen.

Palam Vihar Gurgaon

Palam Vihar is a residential colony in Gurgaon which shares one of its sides with the Delhi and Haryana border.

This colony came up in the 1980s on the outskirts of Delhi. One of the reason for this locality to come up was probably its proximity to Delhi on one side and the Maruti factory on the other side.

In fact, Gurgaon itself started taking its form around the time Maruti and its ancillaries starting coming up in Gurgaon. 

Excellent Location

The location of Palam Vihar is very convenient.

It is close to many important spots in the city of Gurgaon.

Also, there are many other advantages for those who stay in Palam Vihar because of the availability of the various facilities like hospitals, banks, schools etc. in Palam Vihar. 

Palam Vihar's USP - Proximity to Most of the Important Spots in Gurgaon and Delhi

• Old Gurgaon area that has the Sadar Bazar (wholesale market)
• Gurgaon Railway Station
• Gurgaon City and Inter-state Bus Stand
• Sheetala Mata Mandir
• National Highway 8 (which provides connectivity between Delhi - Gurgaon - Jaipur)
• Kapas Hera Bus Stand (major hub for buses coming from Delhi)
• Tau Devi Lal Park
• Maa Nanda Devi Mandir
• Delhi Airport - both Domestic and International

Hospitals in Palam Vihar

• Columbia Asia
• Metro
• Sheetala Hospital
• Kalyani Hospital

Schools in Palam Vihar

• GEMS International School
• Maurya Public School
• Chiranjiv Bharati Public School
• Euro Kids (pre-school)
• Eureka (pre-school)

Banks in Palam Vihar

• HDFC
• ICICI
• SBI
• Bank of Maharashtra
• IndusInd Bank
• Andhra Bank

Malls in Palam Vihar

• Ansal Plaza (has a multiplex also)
• Ansal Corporate plaza (has Spencer's as one of its main attraction)

Reduced to One Page of Wikipedia

I think being famous and successful these days interestingly and simply means there is a page about you on Wikipedia. If there is no page about you on Wikipedia then you may really not be as famous and successful as you probably think you are.

That one page of Wikipedia is what you are or at least what others think of you.

You are Rich and Famous if You have a Page of Wikipedia about You

By that logic the world has two kinds of people these days – those who have a page about them on Wikipedia (and hence are famous and successful) and those who don’t have one (the lesser mortals and obviously non-famous and non-successful).

Whenever there is an addition to the list of famous and successful people in the world it takes real form only when a Wikipedia contributor adds a new page and over time through edits from multiple contributors the page evolves. This continues right through until the famous and successful person departs the world.

While the Rich and Famous are Alive

Whenever a famous and successful person (actor, artist, politician, sportsperson, scientist, etc.) dies the Wikipedia page of the person gets updated accordingly.

In fact, I have been observing since last few years that whenever a famous and successful person dies the Wikipedia page of the person gets updated in no time.  This clearly shows the life of a famous and successful person is being followed very closely, at least by those who think of that person as famous and successful, moment by moment.

After the Rich and Famous Depart

Until the death of the famous and successful person updates to the Wikipedia page of the person may have been quite regular.

After the death of the famous and successful person though the Wikipedia page of the person enters a phase where that page will get updated lesser and lesser both in terms of frequency and also the content.

In the End it's Only About that One Page of Wikipedia

In the same breath it can also be said that the events, achievements, successes, media coverage and, in fact, the whole life lived by a famous and successful person get reduced to nothing more than that one page of Wikipedia.

It may sound demeaning or belittling but it is more of a philosophical leveler than anything else. Our lives, in the end, amount to one page, that’s it! That one page of Wikipedia is what you are or at least what others think of you.

Nature, Inc. versus Human, Inc.

Development of world economy has brought the battle between nature and human to the very front. For now it might appear that Human, Inc. is winning the battle over Nature, Inc. but that's not true if one scratches the surface a bit. What will come to the notice is not very surprising but also deeply concerning.

Nature Doesn't Need Human but Humans Can't Survive Without Nature

Nature doesn't need human beings but human beings need nature for their existence. If tomorrow there were another world war which exterminates the human race for ever nature won't come to a halt. Sun will rise every morning, rivers will flow on their course, wind will blow, stars will shine and earth will continue its movement.

It is imperative for human beings to exercise extreme caution and care as they put nature to its service. Utilization of natural resources shouldn't cross the boundary where use turns into abuse and/or misuse and/or waste.

Cleanup Act - For Humans to Survive Nature Has to be Saved

Governments the world over have been propagating awareness and actions in many areas, as listed below, which are aimed at taking care of nature:

• Elimination or reduction in pollution causing substances
• Use of renewable sources of energy
• Conservation of water and other natural resources

We human beings owe it to our future generations and we must take care of nature. The people who will inhabit earth, let's say a century from now, will thank and fondly remember us not for all the technological advancements that have been made (especially in the last 5-6 decades) but for a very simple thing: they are alive!

Nature, Inc. for Human, Inc.

Yes taking birth and staying alive itself will become the primary endeavor and the biggest challenge for human beings if we don't clean up our acts. Being able to breathe fresh air, drink clean water, eat hygienic food, will become difficult in times to come if we continue our current adversarial relationship with Nature, Inc. It is clear that for it not to become extinct Human, Inc. must follow the will of Nature, Inc. We must remember that Nature, Inc. was always supreme and will remain so.

Head in the Crocodile's Mouth

Ever heard of this phrase? Well this is something which has occurred to me - as part of certain experience with a renowned builder of the NCR Delhi area (let's call this builder as big O, big as in bully).

I had the misfortune of applying to one of the schemes about to be launched by big O in the Noida / Greater Noida area. I paid a certain amount of money initially (M1). After 2 years the big O and broker (more on him in the paragraph below) misled me to pay some more money (M2). They told me the project had approval which was a complete lie and when the project failed to take off they refused to refund the money.

And to  make the pain worse this was suggested by a broker (let's call him A1) who happened to take care of some of my property matters (he was also a close family friend or so I thought, which was not the case as I came to know later to my regret) . This taught me another invaluable lesson that property dealers are simply crooks for lack of a better word and trusting them with your money is akin to financial suicide. The property dealer is wholly capable of buying house from one of his brothers and selling to another brother for the commission.

Coming back to big O, after many years of follow-up big O suggested that refund is out of question and I should take up house in another project. I was asked to pay some more money (M3) as booking amount to big O because big O said they are a branded company and blah, blah, lies, lies, and more lies. Big O and A1 misled me to believe that this was an approved project but what I came to know that this second project was also not approved at that point in time and another round of harassment by big O and fruitless follow-ups from my side ensued.

I was also misled by A1 to pay the booking amount (M3) even though big O was sitting on a huge pile of my cash already (M1+M2). What I understood much later was that this was a trick played by A1 and big O (brothers in all shady deals) so that I am on a weak wicket legally speaking.

Then came a representative of big O, a gentlemen who swore by big O's name and goodwill (let's call him A2). A2 came to my residence and said big O is a good company, blah, blah, lies, lies, and more lies. After 6 months of discussions and agreering to big O's unfair terms and conditions, the matter hasn't moved much.

I am now feeling as if my head is in the crocodile's mouth. When your head is in the crocodile's mouth, it means:

• If you try to pull your head out, you'll have to loose your head to the crocodile.
• If your head stays any longer in the crocodile's mouth you'll loose it. If the crocodile is more wicked than you assume it might try to pull your neck, torso and more into it's mouth.

Now replace crocodile with big O.

• If I try to get out of big O's grip I loose my money (M1+M2+M3). I may get a refund but no interest and no compensation.
• If I continue pursuing big O it will force me to accept it's unfair terms and conditions. If I go further with big O, Iexpose myself more.

As big O is just a name, no trust, no professionalism and no ethics my head is literally in the crocodile's mouth. However, in this battle between me (you can me H) and big O, it's always the case that individuals lose to institutions. So I know I will loose. I can see big O, the crocodile with its open mouth. In fact, I also see more people like me - individuals fight separately and loose collectively against any battle with institutions.

Tsunami and Earthquake in Japan in March 2011

The havoc and damage caused by the Tsunami and Earthquake in Japan in March 2011 seems to some kind of a warning from Nature.

It seems like a demonstration by nature that despite all the progress made by mankind and the material developments that have accrued from harnessing of nature in the form of science and technology, nature is still more powerful than mankind.

Man may imagine that by constructing a building which is resistant to certain intensity of earthquake there would be no more problem only to find nature come back with a higher intensity earthquake.

Mankind Survives at the Mercy of Nature

Japan is used to earthquakes and construction rules and regulations there ensure damage from earthquakes is either eliminated or minimal.

However, the earthquake and the ensuing Tsunami this time has been so powerful that the rules and their adherence mean little.

It is interesting to note that had it been any other country where rules and regulations are flouted with complete disrespect the damage would have been unimaginable.

This not only shows nature is more powerful than anything mankind has been able to do till date but also the fact that mankind must frame stringent rules and regulations.

And follow them religiously so as to ensure nature's fury is controlled to certain extent. 

Nature Can Surprise Us Anytime in Anyway

However, there's still a big question that remains with an answer mankind may not want to hear.

And that is the unpredictability of nature's actions.

Let's assume Japan was prepared to handle an earthquake even more severe than 8.9 richter scale.

Is there any guarantee the earthquake's would have been of lesser intensity?

In fact, what is the guarantee it will never be 100 on the richter scale or even more?

Mankind is so fragile that if and when nature decides to wipe it out it will take it just 10 seconds.

An earthquake with intensity of more than 10 has never been recorded.

No one except nature and God would know what is the intensity beyond which the earth may explode or implode into several pieces and life would cease to exist.

It has been theoretically postulated that an earthquake above 12 has the potential to split the earth into two!

Nature Doesn't Care for Human Civilization

All said and done mankind is at the mercy of a supreme being which allows earth to be hospitable for mankind to survive.

The day the supreme being decides to bring down the curtains that will be the end of it.

Nature doesn't really know of or really care about whether mankind survives or not.

Nature does't have to.

And even after major damage and possible wipeout of the species "Homo Sapiens' nature will go on as if nothing ever happened.

Sun, moon and other celestial bodies will continue their movement, rivers will flow and trees will grow as if nothing ever happened.

And not that only even if these things don't happen the supreme being won't care.

Planet People Profit

Planet, people and profit - we are assured of a future only if we do things strictly in this order of priority. And in this context becoming green and eco-friendly becomes the most important point.

Green lifestyles and technologies are being promoted by governments and corporations the world over.

Planet - this comes first, always

Major Economic Trends in 2010

It is clear that the future of all world citizens is intertwined with the world economy. We all a part of it in some manner and our individual fates are tightly linked to the health of the world economy. The future of the world rests heavily on how the world economy behaves. Economic forces around the world have led to the business landscape changing significantly.

Some Major Trends

Some of the major trends in the world economy are:

• Outsourcing and off-shoring (supply chain distributed across the world)
• Emergence of trans-national corporations
• Knowledge becoming the decisive factor for sustained business success
• Increased regulatory controls (Corporate Governance)
• Heightened awareness of their rights amongst customers and employees (especially in light of the massive layoffs during the recessionary times)
• Emergence of EU, China and India as economic powerhouses

True Purpose of World Economy

World economy must become subservient to the primary objectives of holistic development of the various countries and the world. The economy must be able to create newer jobs for everyone, allow individuals to acquire purchasing power, pay taxes to the government administration for its functioning, and in general promote the development of a prosperous and vibrant nation.

Politics and World Affairs

World affairs are directed by the actions and reactions of the political leaders of the various countries. Our present world has been shaped by the political leaders of the various countries at different times in the history.

If History Were Different than the Way It had Happened

Imagine how the world would have been if the results of the actions and reactions of the political leaders in the past had been different. Think for a while that the following events occurred instead of what we have read in the history books:

• Napolean conquered Russia
• Mahatma Gandhi stayed back in South Africa
• England did not colonize India

The history we read today would have been different had the above events actually occurred. One thing to be kept in mind is that history is written from the perspective of the victor and not the vanquished.

It is obvious that politics and political leaders are important for countries and societies to run effectively and efficiently. A well-developed and stable political system is a prerequisite to a prosperous and stable country, society and its citizens.

Purpose of Political System

Politicians play an important role in policy making at the highest level - these policies guide the rest. The key objective for the political system are as follows:

• Equitable economic growth
• Stable and safe society
• Well-developed infrastructure and utilities
• Safety and security of the geographical boundaries

Zero Oil Chicken Dish

All of us know that oil is used while preparing any dish to make it tastier. However, these days everyone has become quite health conscious which means always watching out for the oil content in our diet.

Cooking Chicken the Healthy Way

While trying to come out with a low oil content dish I experimented with a chicken preparation with not low oil content but with no oil at all. Yes, what I cooked was a zero oil chicken dish. This was many months back and since then I have cooked this dish many times with greater success (meaning better taste) everytime.

Recipe of Zero Oil Chicken

If you are interested you can try it as well. I am giving the detailed recipe below. This can be used for preparing this chicken dish for 2-3 people. For more or less people you will need to calibrate the proportions of the various ingredients accordingly.

• Ingredients
• Chicken - 500 gms, small to medium pieces
• Spices in powder form
• Lal mirchi (red chilli) - 1/2 to 1 tsp, as per taste
• Kali mirchi (black pepper) - 1/2 tsp
• Haldi (turmeric) - 1 tsp
• Dhaniya (coriander) - 1 tsp
• Namak (salt) - 2 to 3 tsp, as per taste
• Tamatar (tomatoes) - 2, cut into small sized pieces
• Pyaz (onion) - 1, cut into small sized pieces
• Shimla mirch (capsicum) - 1, cut into small sized pieces
• Adrak (ginger) - a little bit, crushed
• Lahsan (garlic) - a little bit, cut into small sized pieces
• Hari mirchi (red chilli) - 1 or 2, cut into small sized pieces
• Cooking Steps
• Take 200 ml water in a non-stick pan and bring it to boil
• Mix all the spices in water and let the water boil for another 5 mins
• Mix the tamatar, pyaz, shimla mirch, adrak, lahsan, hari mirchi in the spicy water. Let the whole thing boil, covered with a lid, for 10-15 minutes or until the water dries up a little bit
• Mix the chicken now and let the whole thing cook for 20-25 mins, covered with a lid
• Remove the lid and keep on cooking while continuously stirring the dish, for another 5-10 mins
• The dish is ready to be served now.

Enjoying Chicken the Healthy Way

Hope you would enjoy this dish. The trick which makes this dish work is that chicken already has high fat content which ensures the taste is just right. That is a bad news in some sense since the zero oil chicken dish is unfortunately not fully fat free.

Proud Indian

I saw the Hindi movie "Kaminey" (yes that's the name!) in a move hall earlier this year. I saw this movie at the Big Cinemas Multiplex at Chinchwad (Pune) Big Bazaar complex. Now I am not going to talk about the movie but what happened right before the actual movie started.

Our National Anthem was played in the beginning. As soon as it started, everyone got up (including small kids who were wondering why everyone stood up). Along with everyone else in the movie hall I also experienced a strong sense of pride in being an Indian.

Tagging Web Pages

I have heard that tagging web pages is a powerful tool so that visitors to a site to quickly reach to the content related to a specified topic. Tagging, as I have myself realized, is also a powerful tool for webpage authors and bloggers to write good quality content.

Tags are essentially the major themes around which any content is generated. Tagging also helps to make changes to content for better alignment with a certain theme which eventually becomes the tag as well.

I stick to generally 2 or 3 tags per page or post as I believe for the length of page and post I typically write, the major theme cannot be more than this number. I have also found that tagging is easy if the content is well thought and very difficult otherwise.

I am still to explore how tagging can help increase traffic to a website but I am sure it has some impact. And no matter what, if a visitor comes to a website which has a tag cloud, then it is always helpful.

Can We Wipe Out Poverty from India?

Yes it is possible. However, based on what we see happening all around us it seems too difficult for the next few more decades. But we must try to fix this problem for the greater good of this great nation and its people.

There are many things the Government is already doing since last many years. The NREGA (National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) is a commendable step in this direction. This scheme and many other similar schemes have helped take development to the poorest of the poor.

In Jul'09 when I was in Delhi, I saw lot of development work going on to face-lift Delhi as part of the preparation drive for the 2010 Commonwealth Games (CWG 2010). This has also provided employment opportunities to the daily wage earners.

So in summary, there are many initiatives from the Government which either directly (NREGA) or indirectly (CWG 2010) help reduce poverty. What is lacking, is not strategic and political will and funding but the planning and implementation at the ground level.

Monetization of Cricket

I think the IPL (Indian Premium League) is a good example of monetization of cricket. The amount of money cricket has seen in the last 3 IPLs (the 3rd edition is going on currently) puts to shame the money which was there in cricket so far.

Thanks to Indian cricket officials, IPL has become a grand success. It has benefited everyone, especially the players. Most of the players probably don't play for more than 10 years and therefore must get an opportunity to earn enough to sustain themselves after they leave the cricket field. The money pie has gotten bigger enough for everyone to partake a big enough chunk to make this possible.

I think this means well for the future of Indian cricket. I also see this becoming the talent pipeline for the Indian national cricket team. Competition is surely bound to increase manifold and so will the quality of cricket.