Gold is a monetary metal that adds value to the neck when its value increases on the bullion and chokes the neck when it’s value falls. But because the lustrous metal continues to shine on in the market, the later has never really come into being. However, the price of gold is determined by inflation, by fluctuation in the dollar and the stocks, by currency related crises, by interest related crisis, by interest rate volatility and international tensions and by increase or decrease in the prices of the other commodities. The price of gold reacts to supply and demand changes and can be influenced by consumer spending and overall levels of affluence.
The value of gold has been rising adding to its value. To think on lines of the usefulness of gold, it is primarily produced for accumulation. Gold’s actual value does not arise from its usefulness in industrial or consumable applications. It arises from its use and worldwide acceptance as store of value. Moreover, gold is money. In contrast to other commodities, gold does not perish, tarnish or corrode, nor does gold have quality grades. The value of gold years ago is no different from its value today.
Gold has its own reasons to shine in the market. In fact it’s not just the last couple of days that have been seeing upward peaks on the bullion market but it also the next several years, which would be great and bid upside surprises to most of the investing public.
The dollar has lost 50% of its value versus the euro. Plus the EU possesses a 15 times greater amount of gold to back their currency. Large institutions and central banks are moving their dollar-based assets into non-dollar-based assets. This is coming at a time when the U.S. Economy is slowing to a crawl. Having realized that we are in inflation crisis where the dollar suffers one of the great meltdowns in monetary history, gold will reclaim its place at the center of the global financial system as a hedge against inflation.
Also, mine production is falling at the same time that demand is rising. Worldwide investment demand for gold will remains at historically high levels, significantly exceeding 40 million ounces. Experts say that jewellery demand alone is now outstripping new mine projects. Another reason for rise in the gold price is because investors are willing to move only into stable assets. Investors look at gold as an asset because it has maintained an intrinsic value. Gold will not get lost in an accounting scandal or a market collapse. Moreover, assets such as gold have provided portfolios with a much needed protection and at the same time increases the value of portfolios over the stock market during the past few years.
Gold acts as a safe haven in the times of geopolitical and financial market instability. It is then that gold transforms itself completely into a universal currency that circulates with its original value everywhere. Therefore, both India and China are in the process of liberalizing laws relating to the import and sale of the gold in ways that will facilitate gold purchases on a mammoth scale. The Gold Dinar is also being discussed openly in the Islamic world. Russia as a matter of fact has enjoyed foreign trade of gold with the flourishing middle classes.
The only paradox with gold is that high gold price leads to a higher demand and high price leads to lower supply. However, gold has surely earned itself the gold medal where it comes to investment. Becoming the easiest, safest and most profitable way to invest, it has left no other the reasons for its rise.
END
***Written for an editorial in FE while interning with them***
---got published, without a byline---
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Reconstructing Srinagar
Srinagar, May 22
In the next couple of years, according to the Srinagar State Governement, development projects worth Rs. 210 crore will be in full swing.
Within the next 18 months Handicraft Complexes worth Rs. 42 crore would be constructed along with building a business development center at Urban Haat worth rs. 3.70 crore.The four lane Pantha Chowk Parimpora road, is also to be constructed at the cost of Rs. 60.67 crore by October.
After inspecting various projects in the city yesterday State Minister for
Roads and Buildings, Jugal Kishore, said “The government is determined to provide well-built
roads, bridges and buildings in Srinagar." He visited the site of collapsed Goripora-Bemina bridge and asked officials to reconstruct it soon. PTI
***Edited when interning with FE***
dIKSHA gROVER
In the next couple of years, according to the Srinagar State Governement, development projects worth Rs. 210 crore will be in full swing.
Within the next 18 months Handicraft Complexes worth Rs. 42 crore would be constructed along with building a business development center at Urban Haat worth rs. 3.70 crore.The four lane Pantha Chowk Parimpora road, is also to be constructed at the cost of Rs. 60.67 crore by October.
After inspecting various projects in the city yesterday State Minister for
Roads and Buildings, Jugal Kishore, said “The government is determined to provide well-built
roads, bridges and buildings in Srinagar." He visited the site of collapsed Goripora-Bemina bridge and asked officials to reconstruct it soon. PTI
***Edited when interning with FE***
dIKSHA gROVER
Looking for additional jobs: Meghalya farmers
Shillong , May 22, 2008
Meghalaya’s Agriculture Minister B. Bamon, today asked the farmers to look into additional income generating activities, as the state cannot utilize a vast area for agriculture due to topographical problems. Bamon had previously said in a meeting that there was a tremendous scope for the farmers to earn
money from livestock rearing, pisiculture and eco-tourism on this land.
State Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee said “Meghalaya's basic life supporting systems like land, water and vegetation have been facing intense pressure due to natural and human induced factors. Due to undulating topography, maximum area of the land could not be utilized for agricultural purposes. The irrigated
area is only 15 per cent and the majority of the cultivable land is under rainfed condition", he said.
The Minister urged planners and scientists to find out ways and means so that the farmers could go for higher yield per unit area and double cropping, besides using improved seeds and fertilizers on the same piece of land again and again.
“The ecological system of the region has rendered fragile and precariously balanced because of unsustainable agricultural practices, faulty land use, removal of soil cover, extraction of underground depositors besides poverty and under development”, Chatterjee said. PTI
***Edited when interning with FE***
dIKSHA gROVER
Meghalaya’s Agriculture Minister B. Bamon, today asked the farmers to look into additional income generating activities, as the state cannot utilize a vast area for agriculture due to topographical problems. Bamon had previously said in a meeting that there was a tremendous scope for the farmers to earn
money from livestock rearing, pisiculture and eco-tourism on this land.
State Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee said “Meghalaya's basic life supporting systems like land, water and vegetation have been facing intense pressure due to natural and human induced factors. Due to undulating topography, maximum area of the land could not be utilized for agricultural purposes. The irrigated
area is only 15 per cent and the majority of the cultivable land is under rainfed condition", he said.
The Minister urged planners and scientists to find out ways and means so that the farmers could go for higher yield per unit area and double cropping, besides using improved seeds and fertilizers on the same piece of land again and again.
“The ecological system of the region has rendered fragile and precariously balanced because of unsustainable agricultural practices, faulty land use, removal of soil cover, extraction of underground depositors besides poverty and under development”, Chatterjee said. PTI
***Edited when interning with FE***
dIKSHA gROVER
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
HP’s 16% growth in Q2
New York, May 21
Global technology giant, Hewlett-Packard, the California based firm, saw 31% growth revenue from the sale of the notebook in the last quarter. In Anticipation to the acquisitions made by EDS, ‘the deal’ plans to double HP’s service revenue.
The 16% growth over the corresponding period last year, had reported net revenue of 25.53 billion dollars. Announcing the net profit of 2.06 billion dollars as of April 30, 2008, for the latest quarter, HP’s revenue shot up by 11% to 28.26 billion dollars. For the year of 2008, HP expects to tune the revenue of 114.2 billion to 114.4 billion dollars.
The revenue coming from Brazil, Russia, India and china (BRIC counties) has outgrown to 26%, accounting to almost 10% of the total revenue. Earlier this month, the firm had announced that it would acquire technology services company EDS for an estimated 13.9 billion dollars to expand its Indian presence. On Tuesday, HP chairman and chief executive officer Mark Hurd said, "HP turned in another strong quarter, supported by improvement across our businesses. With 70% of revenue now coming from outside the US, we benefited from robust demand in emerging economies”.
The combination of both the firms advance HP’s objectives and strengthen it’s services to provide a better competitive edge for it’s rival IBM Corporation. The combined entity would offer services such as IT outsourcing, business process outsourcing and HR outsourcing. According to Hurd, the company's financial outlook demonstrates its strength in the global marketplace. PTI
***Edited When I was interning with FE***
dIKSHA gROVER
Global technology giant, Hewlett-Packard, the California based firm, saw 31% growth revenue from the sale of the notebook in the last quarter. In Anticipation to the acquisitions made by EDS, ‘the deal’ plans to double HP’s service revenue.
The 16% growth over the corresponding period last year, had reported net revenue of 25.53 billion dollars. Announcing the net profit of 2.06 billion dollars as of April 30, 2008, for the latest quarter, HP’s revenue shot up by 11% to 28.26 billion dollars. For the year of 2008, HP expects to tune the revenue of 114.2 billion to 114.4 billion dollars.
The revenue coming from Brazil, Russia, India and china (BRIC counties) has outgrown to 26%, accounting to almost 10% of the total revenue. Earlier this month, the firm had announced that it would acquire technology services company EDS for an estimated 13.9 billion dollars to expand its Indian presence. On Tuesday, HP chairman and chief executive officer Mark Hurd said, "HP turned in another strong quarter, supported by improvement across our businesses. With 70% of revenue now coming from outside the US, we benefited from robust demand in emerging economies”.
The combination of both the firms advance HP’s objectives and strengthen it’s services to provide a better competitive edge for it’s rival IBM Corporation. The combined entity would offer services such as IT outsourcing, business process outsourcing and HR outsourcing. According to Hurd, the company's financial outlook demonstrates its strength in the global marketplace. PTI
***Edited When I was interning with FE***
dIKSHA gROVER
ArcelorMittal wanting to lead with better leaders
New Delhi, May 21
Steel behemoth ArcelorMittal has proposed setting up integrated steel plants of 12 million tons annual capacity each in Orissa and Jharkhand. The investment in each of the two projects would be approximately Rs 40,000 crore, with a new set of leaders to take charge of these heavy money investments.
Where Vijay Bhatnagar will spearhead the company's operations and proposed steel projects in the country, Sanak Mishra will continue to be the CEO for the company's greenfield steel projects in Jharkhand and Orissa, and will report to the bigger boss-Bhatnagar. Arcellor Mittal said that Bhatnagar would take up the new position of India’s CEO and will have the ultimate responsibility for the company's operations and projects. Pierre Gugliermina, Christophe Cornier and Sudhir Maheshwari, will comprise of the senior leadership team to supervise on all operations along with the general management board of ArcelorMittal.
M P Singh, vice president for the company's mining initiatives globally, will continue to lead ArcelorMittal's mining projects in India as CEO Mining Projects (India).
Aditya Mittal, member of the Group Management Board and Chief Financial Officer, ArcelorMittal, said, "India is a very important country for ArcelorMittal. We are committed to investing large sums in the country over the next decade and it is important that we have the right team to lead these positions." He added, "This team has excellent knowledge and leadership and I am sure will prove a strong combination for enabling us to deliver on our commitments to the country." PTI
***Edited when I was interning with FE***
dIKSHA gROVER
Steel behemoth ArcelorMittal has proposed setting up integrated steel plants of 12 million tons annual capacity each in Orissa and Jharkhand. The investment in each of the two projects would be approximately Rs 40,000 crore, with a new set of leaders to take charge of these heavy money investments.
Where Vijay Bhatnagar will spearhead the company's operations and proposed steel projects in the country, Sanak Mishra will continue to be the CEO for the company's greenfield steel projects in Jharkhand and Orissa, and will report to the bigger boss-Bhatnagar. Arcellor Mittal said that Bhatnagar would take up the new position of India’s CEO and will have the ultimate responsibility for the company's operations and projects. Pierre Gugliermina, Christophe Cornier and Sudhir Maheshwari, will comprise of the senior leadership team to supervise on all operations along with the general management board of ArcelorMittal.
M P Singh, vice president for the company's mining initiatives globally, will continue to lead ArcelorMittal's mining projects in India as CEO Mining Projects (India).
Aditya Mittal, member of the Group Management Board and Chief Financial Officer, ArcelorMittal, said, "India is a very important country for ArcelorMittal. We are committed to investing large sums in the country over the next decade and it is important that we have the right team to lead these positions." He added, "This team has excellent knowledge and leadership and I am sure will prove a strong combination for enabling us to deliver on our commitments to the country." PTI
***Edited when I was interning with FE***
dIKSHA gROVER
Thursday, May 15, 2008
'WIND'ING ENERGY
Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) figures show that 2007 recorded an increase of installed capacity of 20 gigawatts (GW) taking the total installed wind energy capacity to 94 GW up from 74 GW in 2006.When the cost of oil and natural gas gets inflated, wind turbines seem to become a very attractive option to the Indian business.
The earliest historical reference that describes windmills used to power an organ in the 1st century, where windmills were used to grind flour. Later on, with the development of “water pumping windmills” allowing farming and ranching in vast areas of North America, they also helped contributing to the development of steam locomotives. After steam locomotives were understood and researched on (using coal to create thermal energy), windmills somehow, lost their existence in the process. But when Suzlon laid it’s foundation stone to generate wind power in India, the company earned the equivalent of $41.6 million on sales of $202.6 million, leading the charge in the Indian markets and expansively spreading to abroad.
With a Population of more than 110 crore, and the annual consumption of almost 4,60,000 Million Units (MU) of quantum power received on the consumers’ end in 2007, the energy sector definitely has a-lot to offer. And, in context of growth, if there is any energy sector that has grown five times its initial production in just 7 years it truly is the Wind Energy Sector.
More than the average wind strength months (May and June) allow immediate implementation of energy for air conditioning in India. However, in places like California and Texas, peak wind speeds may not coincide with peak power demand. Therefore before the set up of the plant the concept of ‘weather’ or not should be properly checked. However, India being an agrarian economy, the profits involved in the Wind Energy Sector can become dual in nature. In an agricultural set-up where the soil may or may not be productive, the land can contribute to provide, both agricultural benefits along with heavy energy outputs. Thus generating energy locally, also keeping up to gaining profits. Kamal Nath, Minister of Commerce and Industry, said, “India is ideally suited for wind energy. The cost of it works well and we have the manufacturing capability”.
Following Germany, India, Spain, US and Denmark currently produce 80 percent of the 14,000 MW that makes up the entire capacity of worldwide wind energy. With the current prices of crude oil as $124 per barrel, wind energy remains more cost effective. Presumably why China seems to have imposed a requirement that power companies need to generate a 5th of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. This target calls for expanding wind power almost as much as nuclear energy over the next 15 years. India already leads china in wind power and is quickly building more turbines.
Electricity board owned by the State Government charge industrial users more than twice as much for each kilowatt-hour even though the customers pay the same in the US- and they still suffer blackouts, which is a pretty common phenomenon in the Northern India. However, In spite of producing only 3% of wind energy from all the electricity produced, the wind-farms are capable of producing uninterrupted energy till a smaller distance of radius.
Coming down to the economic feasibility of Wind Energy set-ups, wind and hydropower have a negligible fuel costs and relatively low maintenance costs. In economic terms, wind power has a marginal cost and high proportion of capital cost. The estimates average cost per unit incorporates the cost of construction of the turbine and transmission facilities, borrowed funds, return to investors (including cost of risk), estimated annual production, and other components, averaged over the projected useful life of the equipment, which maybe in excess of twenty years. Energy cost estimates are highly dependent on these assumptions so published cost figures can differ substantially. Existing generation capacity represents sunk costs and the decision to continue production will depend upon marginal costs going forward, not estimated average costs at project inception. For example, the estimated cost of new wind power capacity may be lower than for “new coal” (estimated average costs for a new generation capacity) but higher than for “old coal” (marginal cost of production for existing capacity). Therefore, the choice to increase the wind capacity will depend on factors including the profile of existing generation capacity.
This negotiation often focuses on striking a balance between competing issues and concerns, such as social equity and the environment. Federal agencies and state and local governments have powerful roles to play in the process of the set-up. However, the various determinants to profit making in this business are- advanced site planning, expedited judicial review, coordinated siting process, clear decision criteria, reasonable time frames and significant public involvement. Also, some regulations that need to be much kept in mind are Wind turbine size (including maximum rotor size, minimum and maximum height, tower height and base), Installation and design (including tower, rotor and electrical safety, utility notification, warning signs and tower access), Siting, (including setbacks from plant boundaries and neighboring facilities, aesthetic design with tubular or lattice towers, clearances from electrical lines), Nuisance concerns (such as noise regulations and television or radio interference) and Other regulations (such as insurance, public access to wind facilities, and repair, maintenance and decommissioning requirements).
Coming down to compare the thermal energy with wind energy as of now, out of the total 15.4 quadrillion Btus of electricity produced in the year 2006, 53% came from coal and only 8% came from wind energy plants in India. Moreover, Coal maybe the most polluting fossil fuel but it grows the fastest. Not to mention, wind energy costs marginally more per unit than conventional energy (Rs. 4-4.5crore per MW compared with thermal Rs. 3.1 crore per MW). But the point is what happens after the coal industry exhausts out of the fossil fuel, is dependency and that to on the Wind Industry, along with the other replenish able sources. Hence, maybe thermal energy plants are more profitable today but in times to come, Wind Energy Plants will turn out to be a long term profitable investment.
As of September 2007, the installed capacity of wind power in India was 7,660.2 MW, mainly spreading across Tamil Nadu (3457.5 MW), Maharashtra (1484.9 MW), Karnataka (849.4 MW), Rajasthan (469.9 MW), Gujrat (667.1 MW), Andhra Pradesh (121.8 MW), Madhya Pradesh (57.8 MW), Kerela (2 MW), West Bengal (1.6 MW), and other states (1.6 MW). The point is- as most investors move towards owning the power sectors, what completes the infrastructure page is whether the infrastructure owned for today is more important that for tomorrow or vice versa.
(Written when I was interning for Financial Express, Was to come on the infrastructure page)
dIKSHA gROVER
The earliest historical reference that describes windmills used to power an organ in the 1st century, where windmills were used to grind flour. Later on, with the development of “water pumping windmills” allowing farming and ranching in vast areas of North America, they also helped contributing to the development of steam locomotives. After steam locomotives were understood and researched on (using coal to create thermal energy), windmills somehow, lost their existence in the process. But when Suzlon laid it’s foundation stone to generate wind power in India, the company earned the equivalent of $41.6 million on sales of $202.6 million, leading the charge in the Indian markets and expansively spreading to abroad.
With a Population of more than 110 crore, and the annual consumption of almost 4,60,000 Million Units (MU) of quantum power received on the consumers’ end in 2007, the energy sector definitely has a-lot to offer. And, in context of growth, if there is any energy sector that has grown five times its initial production in just 7 years it truly is the Wind Energy Sector.
More than the average wind strength months (May and June) allow immediate implementation of energy for air conditioning in India. However, in places like California and Texas, peak wind speeds may not coincide with peak power demand. Therefore before the set up of the plant the concept of ‘weather’ or not should be properly checked. However, India being an agrarian economy, the profits involved in the Wind Energy Sector can become dual in nature. In an agricultural set-up where the soil may or may not be productive, the land can contribute to provide, both agricultural benefits along with heavy energy outputs. Thus generating energy locally, also keeping up to gaining profits. Kamal Nath, Minister of Commerce and Industry, said, “India is ideally suited for wind energy. The cost of it works well and we have the manufacturing capability”.
Following Germany, India, Spain, US and Denmark currently produce 80 percent of the 14,000 MW that makes up the entire capacity of worldwide wind energy. With the current prices of crude oil as $124 per barrel, wind energy remains more cost effective. Presumably why China seems to have imposed a requirement that power companies need to generate a 5th of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. This target calls for expanding wind power almost as much as nuclear energy over the next 15 years. India already leads china in wind power and is quickly building more turbines.
Electricity board owned by the State Government charge industrial users more than twice as much for each kilowatt-hour even though the customers pay the same in the US- and they still suffer blackouts, which is a pretty common phenomenon in the Northern India. However, In spite of producing only 3% of wind energy from all the electricity produced, the wind-farms are capable of producing uninterrupted energy till a smaller distance of radius.
Coming down to the economic feasibility of Wind Energy set-ups, wind and hydropower have a negligible fuel costs and relatively low maintenance costs. In economic terms, wind power has a marginal cost and high proportion of capital cost. The estimates average cost per unit incorporates the cost of construction of the turbine and transmission facilities, borrowed funds, return to investors (including cost of risk), estimated annual production, and other components, averaged over the projected useful life of the equipment, which maybe in excess of twenty years. Energy cost estimates are highly dependent on these assumptions so published cost figures can differ substantially. Existing generation capacity represents sunk costs and the decision to continue production will depend upon marginal costs going forward, not estimated average costs at project inception. For example, the estimated cost of new wind power capacity may be lower than for “new coal” (estimated average costs for a new generation capacity) but higher than for “old coal” (marginal cost of production for existing capacity). Therefore, the choice to increase the wind capacity will depend on factors including the profile of existing generation capacity.
This negotiation often focuses on striking a balance between competing issues and concerns, such as social equity and the environment. Federal agencies and state and local governments have powerful roles to play in the process of the set-up. However, the various determinants to profit making in this business are- advanced site planning, expedited judicial review, coordinated siting process, clear decision criteria, reasonable time frames and significant public involvement. Also, some regulations that need to be much kept in mind are Wind turbine size (including maximum rotor size, minimum and maximum height, tower height and base), Installation and design (including tower, rotor and electrical safety, utility notification, warning signs and tower access), Siting, (including setbacks from plant boundaries and neighboring facilities, aesthetic design with tubular or lattice towers, clearances from electrical lines), Nuisance concerns (such as noise regulations and television or radio interference) and Other regulations (such as insurance, public access to wind facilities, and repair, maintenance and decommissioning requirements).
Coming down to compare the thermal energy with wind energy as of now, out of the total 15.4 quadrillion Btus of electricity produced in the year 2006, 53% came from coal and only 8% came from wind energy plants in India. Moreover, Coal maybe the most polluting fossil fuel but it grows the fastest. Not to mention, wind energy costs marginally more per unit than conventional energy (Rs. 4-4.5crore per MW compared with thermal Rs. 3.1 crore per MW). But the point is what happens after the coal industry exhausts out of the fossil fuel, is dependency and that to on the Wind Industry, along with the other replenish able sources. Hence, maybe thermal energy plants are more profitable today but in times to come, Wind Energy Plants will turn out to be a long term profitable investment.
As of September 2007, the installed capacity of wind power in India was 7,660.2 MW, mainly spreading across Tamil Nadu (3457.5 MW), Maharashtra (1484.9 MW), Karnataka (849.4 MW), Rajasthan (469.9 MW), Gujrat (667.1 MW), Andhra Pradesh (121.8 MW), Madhya Pradesh (57.8 MW), Kerela (2 MW), West Bengal (1.6 MW), and other states (1.6 MW). The point is- as most investors move towards owning the power sectors, what completes the infrastructure page is whether the infrastructure owned for today is more important that for tomorrow or vice versa.
(Written when I was interning for Financial Express, Was to come on the infrastructure page)
dIKSHA gROVER
Friday, May 9, 2008
THE GAIN IN THE GAME
It should not be much of a surprise if zappak, virtualteenager, mybratz, marapets, etc have become the most used websites because of the number of users they cater to. The users constituting the huge population (of 90 million and above in the US alone) outnumber their elders in China (with 14 million users) and add into 2.8 million subscribed gamers in India. Today, children demand more and more luxuries, they have various choices and options, they deal and learn life-skills through easy cum virtual realities. The generation in focus here will not only outlast their elders biologically but is reshaping business- completely.
Global sales in the gaming sector in 2003, reached almost a $28 million profit. As compared to the 2008 sales, $30 billion is a figure that creates reasons to invest. According to ‘Got Game’ released by the Harvard Business School Press, ‘The planet of the rotting mind’ is a chapter that brings out some crucial details. With 145 million consumers and employees playing video games one way or the other, EU experienced reduced traditional games and toys by one third of the normal in just four years.
To name a few money-minting organizations, ESPN charges $29.95 per season of fantasy football or baseball. Sony’s ‘Ever Quest’ has 6,50,000 registered users who stay on line on an average of twenty-two hours a week. The number of hours put in as good as doing a part time job, just that, instead of getting paid, one has to pay a $13 a month. For the ‘creators’ that revenue incurred is $101 million annually. Similarly, sportsline dot com projects about $12 million in annual revenue from fantasy sports league alone.
In Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider, the concept of a supra-being (such as Lara Croft) proves to be one of the most loved games for the teens. For the fantasy loving and living teens, the power of being able to become a superhero is more psychological than practical. This field of business that caters to psychological be-coming from a ‘little’ Hank to a ‘world destroyer’ Hunk is not just booming but also profiting. Though the virtual realities are letting the unmarried get married to 3D Animated beings, but the point is- in the world of 24 million game boys selling at a rate of fire-flaming dragon ballz; do we invest or do we protest?
***Written as a report in FE (though it wasnt published)
dIKSHA gROVER
Global sales in the gaming sector in 2003, reached almost a $28 million profit. As compared to the 2008 sales, $30 billion is a figure that creates reasons to invest. According to ‘Got Game’ released by the Harvard Business School Press, ‘The planet of the rotting mind’ is a chapter that brings out some crucial details. With 145 million consumers and employees playing video games one way or the other, EU experienced reduced traditional games and toys by one third of the normal in just four years.
To name a few money-minting organizations, ESPN charges $29.95 per season of fantasy football or baseball. Sony’s ‘Ever Quest’ has 6,50,000 registered users who stay on line on an average of twenty-two hours a week. The number of hours put in as good as doing a part time job, just that, instead of getting paid, one has to pay a $13 a month. For the ‘creators’ that revenue incurred is $101 million annually. Similarly, sportsline dot com projects about $12 million in annual revenue from fantasy sports league alone.
In Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider, the concept of a supra-being (such as Lara Croft) proves to be one of the most loved games for the teens. For the fantasy loving and living teens, the power of being able to become a superhero is more psychological than practical. This field of business that caters to psychological be-coming from a ‘little’ Hank to a ‘world destroyer’ Hunk is not just booming but also profiting. Though the virtual realities are letting the unmarried get married to 3D Animated beings, but the point is- in the world of 24 million game boys selling at a rate of fire-flaming dragon ballz; do we invest or do we protest?
***Written as a report in FE (though it wasnt published)
dIKSHA gROVER
THE BUSINESS- 'STANDARD'
Question asked-
A break in the business cycle offers many young people the opportunity to take time out for education without forfeiting big bonuses and lucrative stock opinions. Do you agree with this assesment?
According to me-
As education itself becomes an ‘industry’ that imparts knowledge, a quick money maker prefers attaining the power of ‘in depth knowledge’ which in return becomes the generator of success. Something similar is happening with people who belong to the breaking business cycles, as these ‘breaks’ allow them to break into education. Moreover, big bonuses and lucrative stock opinions become much assured after the level three of their education. This concept further leads me to distill information from the statistics that say that there is a 33 percent increase of student applications in the B schools annually. After which came the concept of virtual teaching at NIIT Imperials, backed by the IIMs which gives various six months diplomas that help increase intersecting career opportunities in skew lined careers. With expanding market forces demanding more and more of education, the greed for more has become practically a need to excel today.
***written for Business Standard opinion while interning with FE, came on 14th May 2008 second last page, student opinions***
dIKSHA gROVER
A break in the business cycle offers many young people the opportunity to take time out for education without forfeiting big bonuses and lucrative stock opinions. Do you agree with this assesment?
According to me-
As education itself becomes an ‘industry’ that imparts knowledge, a quick money maker prefers attaining the power of ‘in depth knowledge’ which in return becomes the generator of success. Something similar is happening with people who belong to the breaking business cycles, as these ‘breaks’ allow them to break into education. Moreover, big bonuses and lucrative stock opinions become much assured after the level three of their education. This concept further leads me to distill information from the statistics that say that there is a 33 percent increase of student applications in the B schools annually. After which came the concept of virtual teaching at NIIT Imperials, backed by the IIMs which gives various six months diplomas that help increase intersecting career opportunities in skew lined careers. With expanding market forces demanding more and more of education, the greed for more has become practically a need to excel today.
***written for Business Standard opinion while interning with FE, came on 14th May 2008 second last page, student opinions***
dIKSHA gROVER
HARYANA POTENTIAL FOR INVESTORS
After the MNCs were given the passport to be able to reap the utilitarian gains from the Indian market (through The New Industrial Policy of 2005), the proposal to set up 92 SEZs and investing almost 2 lakh crore into Haryana, is on the cards.
The location advantages, plus a good infrastructure, valued with an investor friendly climate, a pollution free environment and good living conditions (including clean law and order situations) have been the reasons to make Haryana become a sugary-syrup to attract ‘sweet gain’ companies. Perhaps being the reason for Reliance Industries and Limited to invest Rs. 40,000 crore all over Haryana & Unitech to invest Rs. 22,000 crore in Kundli. DLF on the other hand invests Rs. 26,000 crore in Gurgaon and Rs. 1950 crore in Ambala. But most of all, Reliance in collaboration with HSIIDC plans to establish a mega special economic zone using 25,000 acres of land in Gurgaon and Jhajjar districts giving employment to more than 20 lakh people.
Haryana being a home to some of the biggest company names among multinational companies like- Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Honda, GM, Skoda etc, no wonder Haryana has more than 50 per cent share in manufacturing passenger cars and two wheelers. These MNCs also manufacture almost 25 per cent of the overall three wheelers, tractors and trucks produced in India. Though companies such as ABB, Siemens, Nestle, Smithkline, JCB, Coca-Cola, Pepsi etc have been able to inflect the consumption pattern by literally foeticiding local brands- the LPG policy still helps in accumulating foreign exchange.
Mr. Birender Singh, the finance minister of Haryana, informed FE, that up till the end of the fiscal year of 2007-2008, 27 SEZ proposals were received with an investment of Rs. 33,762 crores. He added that inspite of all this HSIIDC has been designated as the nodal agency for development and infrastructure. However, it is in news to know that the corporation has acquired about 20,000 acres of land for the development of industrial estates, parks, new economic hubs, mega petrochemical hubs etc. Economic hubs on the Kundli-Maneswar-Palwal expressway are under implementation. Inspite of the Congress as the ruling Govt ‘the Hooda vs. the Bhajan Lal’ faction and the power shortage continue to create instabilities. Yet, according to the investors- Haryana is still the most ideal place to invest into.
***Written as a report in Financial Express (though it wasnt published)
dIKSHA gROVER
The location advantages, plus a good infrastructure, valued with an investor friendly climate, a pollution free environment and good living conditions (including clean law and order situations) have been the reasons to make Haryana become a sugary-syrup to attract ‘sweet gain’ companies. Perhaps being the reason for Reliance Industries and Limited to invest Rs. 40,000 crore all over Haryana & Unitech to invest Rs. 22,000 crore in Kundli. DLF on the other hand invests Rs. 26,000 crore in Gurgaon and Rs. 1950 crore in Ambala. But most of all, Reliance in collaboration with HSIIDC plans to establish a mega special economic zone using 25,000 acres of land in Gurgaon and Jhajjar districts giving employment to more than 20 lakh people.
Haryana being a home to some of the biggest company names among multinational companies like- Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Honda, GM, Skoda etc, no wonder Haryana has more than 50 per cent share in manufacturing passenger cars and two wheelers. These MNCs also manufacture almost 25 per cent of the overall three wheelers, tractors and trucks produced in India. Though companies such as ABB, Siemens, Nestle, Smithkline, JCB, Coca-Cola, Pepsi etc have been able to inflect the consumption pattern by literally foeticiding local brands- the LPG policy still helps in accumulating foreign exchange.
Mr. Birender Singh, the finance minister of Haryana, informed FE, that up till the end of the fiscal year of 2007-2008, 27 SEZ proposals were received with an investment of Rs. 33,762 crores. He added that inspite of all this HSIIDC has been designated as the nodal agency for development and infrastructure. However, it is in news to know that the corporation has acquired about 20,000 acres of land for the development of industrial estates, parks, new economic hubs, mega petrochemical hubs etc. Economic hubs on the Kundli-Maneswar-Palwal expressway are under implementation. Inspite of the Congress as the ruling Govt ‘the Hooda vs. the Bhajan Lal’ faction and the power shortage continue to create instabilities. Yet, according to the investors- Haryana is still the most ideal place to invest into.
***Written as a report in Financial Express (though it wasnt published)
dIKSHA gROVER
INTERNET YOUR T.V.
The Tata Sky and Dish Satellite Connections have most profoundly fluxed in spaces for mediated culture and TRP psyche, by captivating the Indian TV consumers through satellites. But, IPTV technology is one that re-adjusts the Tele-watching trend suiting to the consumers, the advertisers and the broadcasters through Internet Protocol (IP).
When asked what IPTV is to the Indian audience, Mr. K S Choudhary, MD of Aksh Optifibre Ltd said, “IPTV to India is what the PC is to the US. Around 70% of the functions that can be performed on the PC can be carried out on IPTV”.
The consumers can use the service in the most ‘interactive’ manner and that to with a click. The TV becomes a two way process, where the viewers can give their immediate advice to the dying drama queen on the Television. Rewinding and fast forwarding the ad is the added package into the consumers’ remote of powers. Plus, the Set top box allows immediate query clarification through the kbps service on the TV.
The advertisers boom is the “pull method” on the IPTV is to advertise where the revenue gets highly generated because ads can be stored in an unlimited space and time. Also, an advertiser for lack of funds or the absence of a pan India existence can choose a localized platform like the IPTV, serving the dual purpose of creating awareness and enhanced detailing supplying temptations into the hungry market.Hence, Broadcasters attract more advertisers as the potential for the average revenue per user (ARPU) on an IPTV. Broadcasters use a
particular airtime for audience specific advertising, thereby
generating more revenue.
Talking about internetting the television, it is certain that the ‘globalized world’ concept hits the market much stronger and harder but also spotlights the ‘world webbed’ philosophy. Huntington’s prediction ‘the clash of civilizations’ is surely out of bounds if only talked about civilizations in today’s world, because more than anything the “luxury” latest TV technology vs. the “in need” cabled-in TVs is sure enough to clash.
***Written when as a report when I was interning with F.E. (though it wasnt published)
dIKSHA gROVER
When asked what IPTV is to the Indian audience, Mr. K S Choudhary, MD of Aksh Optifibre Ltd said, “IPTV to India is what the PC is to the US. Around 70% of the functions that can be performed on the PC can be carried out on IPTV”.
The consumers can use the service in the most ‘interactive’ manner and that to with a click. The TV becomes a two way process, where the viewers can give their immediate advice to the dying drama queen on the Television. Rewinding and fast forwarding the ad is the added package into the consumers’ remote of powers. Plus, the Set top box allows immediate query clarification through the kbps service on the TV.
The advertisers boom is the “pull method” on the IPTV is to advertise where the revenue gets highly generated because ads can be stored in an unlimited space and time. Also, an advertiser for lack of funds or the absence of a pan India existence can choose a localized platform like the IPTV, serving the dual purpose of creating awareness and enhanced detailing supplying temptations into the hungry market.Hence, Broadcasters attract more advertisers as the potential for the average revenue per user (ARPU) on an IPTV. Broadcasters use a
particular airtime for audience specific advertising, thereby
generating more revenue.
Talking about internetting the television, it is certain that the ‘globalized world’ concept hits the market much stronger and harder but also spotlights the ‘world webbed’ philosophy. Huntington’s prediction ‘the clash of civilizations’ is surely out of bounds if only talked about civilizations in today’s world, because more than anything the “luxury” latest TV technology vs. the “in need” cabled-in TVs is sure enough to clash.
***Written when as a report when I was interning with F.E. (though it wasnt published)
dIKSHA gROVER
COMMON WEALTH DEVELOPMENTS
With the shinning network protesting against ‘snatching’ the farmer lands on the East bank of the river Yamuna, The Delhi Development Association is set on the task of building a new state-of-the-art Games Village with a focus on maximizing athlete comfort for the Common Wealth Games 2010.
The Prime Minister’s Office took stock of the progress made and advised all concerned to expedite matters. Some institutional arrangements made for infrastructure development for the common wealth games are- The Core Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by the minister of Youth Affairs and the Home Minister, Organizing Committee (OC) headed by the President, Indian Olympic Association, Community of Secretaries along with the sub community headed by the Chief Minister of Delhi. Where the Ministry of Tourism is addressing tourist accommodation (expecting a large influx of foreign visitors), the Organizing Committee is developing ‘sports event venue’ infrastructure on the whole.
In order to upgrade or create sports venue infrastructure a total sum of Rs.1000crore (± 10%) has been approved. Also, Rs.767crore (±15%) is seen as the input into the ‘conduct of games’. Moreover, the Rs.767crore is the Expenditure Finance Committee’s proposal to built DDA Game Village will be spread over an area of 63.5 hectare (158.4 acre). Plus the committee has set a proposal of Rs.257.41crore in order to upgrade and create training venues. The up gradation of the Tennis Venue by the All India Tennis Association has drawn Rs.80crore (±15%). However, distilling all these facts and figures, the ultimate aim is ‘to create a soothing and relaxing environment for all the tourists and residents to be able to enjoy the Common Wealth’.
Developing the IGI Airport, building the new 8 lane expressway from Delhi to Gurgaon, digging in the New Tunnel Project on the Yamuna bridge, constructing 10 new flyover, construction of various stadiums and complexes, taking Heritage preservations campaigns seriously are some reasons why the Common Wealth is looked up at as the reason- to be able to develop. However, looking up at the ‘commonness’ of wealth in this game, India for sure has some deadlines to keep up to, if those plus –minus figures are right.
***Written as a report for FE (though it wasnt published)
dIKSHA gROVER
The Prime Minister’s Office took stock of the progress made and advised all concerned to expedite matters. Some institutional arrangements made for infrastructure development for the common wealth games are- The Core Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by the minister of Youth Affairs and the Home Minister, Organizing Committee (OC) headed by the President, Indian Olympic Association, Community of Secretaries along with the sub community headed by the Chief Minister of Delhi. Where the Ministry of Tourism is addressing tourist accommodation (expecting a large influx of foreign visitors), the Organizing Committee is developing ‘sports event venue’ infrastructure on the whole.
In order to upgrade or create sports venue infrastructure a total sum of Rs.1000crore (± 10%) has been approved. Also, Rs.767crore (±15%) is seen as the input into the ‘conduct of games’. Moreover, the Rs.767crore is the Expenditure Finance Committee’s proposal to built DDA Game Village will be spread over an area of 63.5 hectare (158.4 acre). Plus the committee has set a proposal of Rs.257.41crore in order to upgrade and create training venues. The up gradation of the Tennis Venue by the All India Tennis Association has drawn Rs.80crore (±15%). However, distilling all these facts and figures, the ultimate aim is ‘to create a soothing and relaxing environment for all the tourists and residents to be able to enjoy the Common Wealth’.
Developing the IGI Airport, building the new 8 lane expressway from Delhi to Gurgaon, digging in the New Tunnel Project on the Yamuna bridge, constructing 10 new flyover, construction of various stadiums and complexes, taking Heritage preservations campaigns seriously are some reasons why the Common Wealth is looked up at as the reason- to be able to develop. However, looking up at the ‘commonness’ of wealth in this game, India for sure has some deadlines to keep up to, if those plus –minus figures are right.
***Written as a report for FE (though it wasnt published)
dIKSHA gROVER
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
About Me
- DIE-betes
- What's wrong with us? What's happening around us? What is this world? What's the use of our lives? Why words? What...Who...Where...When...Why...How...Hell no! these are too mind boggling questions! I feel the pain in answering them...don’t you? Maybe that’s why both of us are diagnosed as spastics-skeptics-ism... a disease of slow death...sweet death actually...of DIE-betes... though years later... IS YOUR COLOR GREEN? talks about...how green will soon be extinct in this world...as an evironmentalist, I care, do you? rather...don't you? or do you not want to? What does you dying existence tells you to do?