In simple layman terms deflation connotes a contraction in the general price levels. As the inflation has fallen to a 30 year low of 0.44 %, which is now turning out to new darker clouds of deflation from inflation on India. The skyrocketing inflation has come to an end for now but had put us into new worrisome shoes in this dis-inflationary environment is a fallout of the drop in commodity prices, rollback in production and weakening demand. Such a sudden and frenzied fall in inflation numbers brings to another worry, namely Deflation.
For general consumers food grain prices are still holding high, vegetable prices have gone down lower on diesel prices. The decline in prices of food articles, fuel and metals has pushed the WPI to strange lows in March, 09. Mainly consumers and manufacturers defer spending, trying to cut production costs by either firing workers or employees which entirely leads to drop in demand and further fall in prices. Deflation has a deep and harsh impact on the economy. As companies are forced to sell their products at reduced prices along with reduce out their margins, which indirectly threatens job loss and pay cuts which is a cause of worry.
There is still a room of scope and joy as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is a reflector of retail prices at the end-consumer level, held firm at 10.45%. Along with that Oil prices has again started soaring in international market along with that all time gold prices will bring some respite to the commodities market. Along with that this was just on week figures so deflation has not officially entered Indian Economy. I believe both RBI & Present government won't give easy permission giving out more scope to debt to expand from now onwards for a medium term. So folks don’t panic…..
Credits - Manik Gursahani
Ref. - Business Line
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Limca's... “Haseen Lamho Ko” !!!
Saw the new Limca’s advertisement, “Haseen Lamho Ko”? This ad featuring Niketan Madhok and Sushma Reddy (mine favorite) is a huge hit these days. On Orkut, more often you can see this ad featuring in everyone’s favorite videos list. People are making “Haseen Lamho Ko” as its ringtones and caller tune.
Imagine, showing this 2.30 minutes advertisement at the prime time slot, and paying nothing! Reason, “Haseen Lamho Ko” is been played on the top music channels, over and over again, as a song. Coke is not spending a single penny to these music channels to show the advertisement. Moreover, Music channels are bound to play its music video, due to its popularity.
Srinivas Murthy, GM-marketing (Flavours), Coca-Cola India agrees “When the Limca ad was first aired, it was a 40-second TV commercial for which we had to pay the channels,” he says. “But when we started getting innumerable requests on our toll-free number for the song, we thought why not scale it up.” Murthy feels that music channels are only too happy to play “Haseen Lamho Ko” over and over again because it has all the elements of a music video — great visuals and an engaging background score. “And in the video the Limca brand is not too much in your face either,” adds Murthy. “This doesn’t put off the viewer even if he watches it a number of times.”
That’s called intelligent marketing!!! Three cheers to Limca’s “Haseen Lamho Ko”!!!
See the ad here - "Haseen Lamho Ko"
Ref.- Economic Times
A day before its launch... Tata Nano !!!
Just a day is left, when the most eagerly awaited car, Tata Nano would be launched. Tata Nano holds huge importance not just only for Indian consumers, but also for Tata Motors. Tata Nano has the heavy burden of expectations. Tata Motors expects Nano to turn their fortunes. When I was in Tata Motors, dealers used to ask me in every meeting, “When will Nano get launched?” Moreover, Indian consumers were waiting for this 1 lakh car. Nano brings dreams (of buying a car) of the lower class and middle class families into reality. Tata Nano is already been termed as “People’s car”!
Similar was the feeling among Indians, when Tata Indica was launched as the first indigenously made car.
Following are the similarities between Tata Nano’s launch and Tata Indica’s launch.
Read Here - The Economic Times
Similar was the feeling among Indians, when Tata Indica was launched as the first indigenously made car.
Following are the similarities between Tata Nano’s launch and Tata Indica’s launch.
Read Here - The Economic Times
EMAMI.. Going Britannia’s way !!!
“Tin tin tin tin”… Remember this Britannia signature tune! Britannia used this signature tune successfully to link all its brands in a common thread. Now Emami is going Britannia’s way. Emami has planned to come with a sign-off tune for its brands in advertisements (April onwards).
Emami group of companies’ director Aditya V Agarwal said: "The Company has more than 25 brands under its umbrella, but all of them are not power brands. Since the brand equity of our lesser known brands was getting lost, the sign-off tune will help the smaller brands to ride on the huge acceptance and popularity of our power brands."
As per me, it’s a smart idea, but Emami shouldn’t expect any radical shifts in sales! It’s just a brand building exercise! Yes, the lesser known sub-brands of Emami will get a little push. But does Emami holds enough Brand equity that consumers will buy, just on its name? I have lot of doubts on this aspect.
A Rs 2,000 crore diversified group, Emami owns power brands like Boroplus, Navratna, Fair and Handsome, Sona Chandi Chyawanprash, Mentho Plus, Himani Fast Relief as well as the entire range of Zandu Pharmaceutical products.
Ref.- Economic Times
Tata's "T!ON"...
Tata is planning to enter the Pepsi and Coke's den. Tata Tea, has launched non-carbonated beverages as "T!ON". Due to the strong presence of Pepsi and Coke, the barriers to entry in this industry were really high. Tata's only, with their humongous distribution presence in India, can have dared to enter this monopolized market. Parle Agro (Frooti and Appy) is fighting the battle with the giants of the beverage industry, in India.
As per now, T!ON is under concept testing. The brand has been launched in a small way, only in Chennai region. The product has been launched in three flavors-Mango Rush, Peach Punch and Apple Buzz. If the consumer's reaction is positive, sooner the brand would be made available to every retail store, pan India.
Tata's can gain super-normal profits if they are able to establish their brand T!ON. The journey would be tough, and the toughest challenge would be the Positioning and Price. The 400 ml bottle has been competitively priced at Rs 22. I believe, its smart pricing. Because, consumers don't really differentiate between a 400ml. bottle and a 500 ml. bottle. Moreover, pricing of Pepsi's 600 ml. bottle is Rs. 20 itself. Thus the just negotiable difference is less.
But, positioning still holds the key to success. I guess, we have to wait for few more months to get our answers!
By the way, I am still confused how the brand "T!ON" would be pronounced!
Ref.- Economic Times
As per now, T!ON is under concept testing. The brand has been launched in a small way, only in Chennai region. The product has been launched in three flavors-Mango Rush, Peach Punch and Apple Buzz. If the consumer's reaction is positive, sooner the brand would be made available to every retail store, pan India.
Tata's can gain super-normal profits if they are able to establish their brand T!ON. The journey would be tough, and the toughest challenge would be the Positioning and Price. The 400 ml bottle has been competitively priced at Rs 22. I believe, its smart pricing. Because, consumers don't really differentiate between a 400ml. bottle and a 500 ml. bottle. Moreover, pricing of Pepsi's 600 ml. bottle is Rs. 20 itself. Thus the just negotiable difference is less.
But, positioning still holds the key to success. I guess, we have to wait for few more months to get our answers!
By the way, I am still confused how the brand "T!ON" would be pronounced!
Ref.- Economic Times
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Citigroup: Crisis along with Shake-up
Citigroup, is changing its way significantly. Gary Crittenden as the new Chief Financial Officer, is being made responsible to manage all its underperforming and toxic assets. Crittenden has earned the confidence of the financial community. It is a welcome relief for the firm as they want to release these assets as soon as possible.Gary Crittenden along with Vikram Pandit wants to live with the dream to restore the third-largest U.S. Bank even after $38.5 billion in losses over five quarters.
Citigroup is also involved in some financial gymnastics to raise its sunken share price. Citigroup is planning a reverse stock split-equivalent of giving $10 billion to its investors in exchange for split. This lead to a short term rally in the share price of Citigroup since the beleaguered company is earning profits in the first two months of this year. To my view this won’t make a significant change in its fundamental outlook for the company. In financial terms a reverse stock split reduces the number of shares outstanding and therefore the share prices also increases proportionately. This financial housecleaning will also help in the bailout plan to go smoothly.
Credits : Manik Gursahani
Citigroup is also involved in some financial gymnastics to raise its sunken share price. Citigroup is planning a reverse stock split-equivalent of giving $10 billion to its investors in exchange for split. This lead to a short term rally in the share price of Citigroup since the beleaguered company is earning profits in the first two months of this year. To my view this won’t make a significant change in its fundamental outlook for the company. In financial terms a reverse stock split reduces the number of shares outstanding and therefore the share prices also increases proportionately. This financial housecleaning will also help in the bailout plan to go smoothly.
Credits : Manik Gursahani
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Male vs Female MBAs...
"Female MBA graduates not only earn significantly less than their male colleagues, but the gap grows over time, according to a paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research. The authors tracked the earnings of 1,600 MBAs who graduated from the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business between 1990 and 2006; they attribute the differences to choice of subjects (women took fewer finance courses), that women’s careers were subject to more interruptions, and that the women worked fewer hours than the men.
The main underlying reason for the second and third of these explanations is that once women MBAs had children, many cut back on hours, or dropped out—13% of the women in the study were not working at all ten years after graduating, while the corresponding figure for men was a mere 1%. The researchers stress that active discrimination is unlikely to have played much of a role in the pay gap—but the continued influence of gender roles in determining career paths is clear."
Read More : The Economist
The main underlying reason for the second and third of these explanations is that once women MBAs had children, many cut back on hours, or dropped out—13% of the women in the study were not working at all ten years after graduating, while the corresponding figure for men was a mere 1%. The researchers stress that active discrimination is unlikely to have played much of a role in the pay gap—but the continued influence of gender roles in determining career paths is clear."
Read More : The Economist
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
"I VOTE NOBODY..."
Did you know that there is a system in our constitution, as per the 1969 act, in section "49-O" that a person can go to the polling booth, confirm her/his identity, get her/his finger marked and convey the presiding election officer that she/he doesn't want to vote anyone!
Yes, such a feature is available, but obviously these leaders have never disclosed it.
This is called "49-O".
Why should you go and say " I VOTE NOBODY"... because, in a ward, if a candidate wins, say by 123 votes, and that particular ward has received "49-O" votes more than 123, then that polling will be cancelled and will have to be re-polled. Not only that, but the candidature of the contestants will be removed and they cannot contest the re-polling, since people had already expressed their decision on them.
This would bring fear into parties and hence look for genuine candidates for their parties for election. This would change the way; of our whole political system. It is seemingly surprising why the election commission has not revealed such a feature to the public.
Seems to be a wonderful weapon against corrupt parties in India. Expressing desire not to vote for anybody, is even more powerful than voting. So don't miss your chance. So either vote, or vote not to vote (vote 49-O).
Use your voting right for a better INDIA !
Yes, such a feature is available, but obviously these leaders have never disclosed it.
This is called "49-O".
Why should you go and say " I VOTE NOBODY"... because, in a ward, if a candidate wins, say by 123 votes, and that particular ward has received "49-O" votes more than 123, then that polling will be cancelled and will have to be re-polled. Not only that, but the candidature of the contestants will be removed and they cannot contest the re-polling, since people had already expressed their decision on them.
This would bring fear into parties and hence look for genuine candidates for their parties for election. This would change the way; of our whole political system. It is seemingly surprising why the election commission has not revealed such a feature to the public.
Seems to be a wonderful weapon against corrupt parties in India. Expressing desire not to vote for anybody, is even more powerful than voting. So don't miss your chance. So either vote, or vote not to vote (vote 49-O).
Use your voting right for a better INDIA !
Sunday, March 8, 2009
"Music" or "Sound"... !!!
I am a music freak! I love to hear old Hindi songs, classical and folk songs. But, I have been told many times by my friends, "What boring songs do you play!". I reply them with a smile and silence. As per me, one who doesn't know the difference between a small glass piece and a diamond, its better to be silent rather than debating. I believe those who understand music will appreciate any form of music.
Later on, I felt, why do youth (most of them) doesn't like old Hindi songs. And literally hate classical and folk songs. Moreover, they even didn't respect melodious songs of new albums. Similarly, old people, doesn't like present day songs. They are stubborn of the fact, that only those old Hindi songs were gems.
Why there is such an aversion?
Is this what we called a generation gap?
My answer is NO!
There are generally two dimensions to a song, "Music" (tune) and "Lyrics". Where Lyrics is been handled by lyricists and composer are responsible for the Music. I believe old songs were more based on music and lyrics. Composers preferred melodies with meaningful lyrics. In those times, orchestration of the song was not a major issue. Neither did they had the technology to complement with it.
With the advent of technology, a new dimension was figured out, i.e. "Sound". Technology was used to generate different sounds and the major emphasis was given to the orchestration of the song. Various musical instrument were used and computer was there to generate any form of sound. Many new age composers really don't care about music and lyrics of the song.
Old people feel that, the Sound have overshadowed the importance of music and lyrics and the new age feels, that at the end of the day, music is all about sound. Another reason for the emergence of sound as a new dimension is because, today people relate songs with fun and dance only. With the Sound, remixes and dance numbers have also increased. In yester years, songs were a soulful bliss, and a form of art.
Only R. D. Burman and A.R. Rehman are the composers in Hindi cinema who have tried to have all the three dimensions into their songs.
So whom do you support, Music or Sound ???
Later on, I felt, why do youth (most of them) doesn't like old Hindi songs. And literally hate classical and folk songs. Moreover, they even didn't respect melodious songs of new albums. Similarly, old people, doesn't like present day songs. They are stubborn of the fact, that only those old Hindi songs were gems.
Why there is such an aversion?
Is this what we called a generation gap?
My answer is NO!
There are generally two dimensions to a song, "Music" (tune) and "Lyrics". Where Lyrics is been handled by lyricists and composer are responsible for the Music. I believe old songs were more based on music and lyrics. Composers preferred melodies with meaningful lyrics. In those times, orchestration of the song was not a major issue. Neither did they had the technology to complement with it.
With the advent of technology, a new dimension was figured out, i.e. "Sound". Technology was used to generate different sounds and the major emphasis was given to the orchestration of the song. Various musical instrument were used and computer was there to generate any form of sound. Many new age composers really don't care about music and lyrics of the song.
Old people feel that, the Sound have overshadowed the importance of music and lyrics and the new age feels, that at the end of the day, music is all about sound. Another reason for the emergence of sound as a new dimension is because, today people relate songs with fun and dance only. With the Sound, remixes and dance numbers have also increased. In yester years, songs were a soulful bliss, and a form of art.
Only R. D. Burman and A.R. Rehman are the composers in Hindi cinema who have tried to have all the three dimensions into their songs.
So whom do you support, Music or Sound ???
Saturday, March 7, 2009
High Retail Markups in Beverages...???
Some of our favorite refreshing beverages carry some of the heftiest retail markups.
Bottled water is wildly popular -- Americans spent $16 billion on the ubiquitous drink in 2007 -- and it's wildly overpriced, considering that 40 percent of bottled water is nothing but filtered tap water. In fact, for the price of a single bottle of "Evian" bottled water, you could pay for 1,000 gallons (3,785.4 liters) of municipal tap water. With bottled water, you're not paying for the H2O, but rather the packaging and the convenience.
Coffee is another culprit, especially if you buy it in a coffee shop. If you make coffee at home, it costs between 25 and 50 cents a cup, depending on the quality of your beans. That same cup will cost you well over $3 at "Starbucks" -- the same price that store might pay for an entire pound of beans wholesale. Interestingly, only about 25 cents of a $3.75 latte is profit for Starbucks. The rest pays for importing and roasting the beans, milk, the cup, labor and overhead costs.
But the biggest beverage markup of them all belongs to Wine in restaurants. The average retail markup on a bottle of wine in a restaurant is 300 percent. The best advice: Bring your own bottle and pay the $10 corking fee.
Read More : Howstuffworks
Bottled water is wildly popular -- Americans spent $16 billion on the ubiquitous drink in 2007 -- and it's wildly overpriced, considering that 40 percent of bottled water is nothing but filtered tap water. In fact, for the price of a single bottle of "Evian" bottled water, you could pay for 1,000 gallons (3,785.4 liters) of municipal tap water. With bottled water, you're not paying for the H2O, but rather the packaging and the convenience.
Coffee is another culprit, especially if you buy it in a coffee shop. If you make coffee at home, it costs between 25 and 50 cents a cup, depending on the quality of your beans. That same cup will cost you well over $3 at "Starbucks" -- the same price that store might pay for an entire pound of beans wholesale. Interestingly, only about 25 cents of a $3.75 latte is profit for Starbucks. The rest pays for importing and roasting the beans, milk, the cup, labor and overhead costs.
But the biggest beverage markup of them all belongs to Wine in restaurants. The average retail markup on a bottle of wine in a restaurant is 300 percent. The best advice: Bring your own bottle and pay the $10 corking fee.
Read More : Howstuffworks
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Coke Ke Sath Dost Free...
Coke has come up with a new TVC "Coke ke sath dost free" with Gautam Gambhir. As per me, I really liked the idea as well as the advertisement. Its riveting and refreshing. Its refreshing especially after horrible series of ads, Coke recently had. Earlier ads (Hrithik and Diwali ads) were really boring and unattractive.
People are able to connect with such ads. Cricket season is starting in India with IPL and T20 Worldcup to follow. This ad with Gautam Gambhir and Cricket as background has a great potential to click with the customers. If these "Coke ke sath dost free" ads are extended with the same theme, I believe, it could really help in building strong relationship with the customers.
It seems Coke has tighten its belt to compete with Pepsi's "Youngistan" ads in this advertising space. Hope Coke doesn't falter again in brand building through such ads.
Coke has also roped in Aamir Khan back for a 2 years contract. I still love the Coke ads with Aamir Khan theme. Hope to see these two iconic brands back in action again.
People are able to connect with such ads. Cricket season is starting in India with IPL and T20 Worldcup to follow. This ad with Gautam Gambhir and Cricket as background has a great potential to click with the customers. If these "Coke ke sath dost free" ads are extended with the same theme, I believe, it could really help in building strong relationship with the customers.
It seems Coke has tighten its belt to compete with Pepsi's "Youngistan" ads in this advertising space. Hope Coke doesn't falter again in brand building through such ads.
Coke has also roped in Aamir Khan back for a 2 years contract. I still love the Coke ads with Aamir Khan theme. Hope to see these two iconic brands back in action again.
Slumdog Millionaire & Politics... ???
When everyone was jubilant of the fact that, Slumdog Millionaire has won 8 Oscars, India was busy debating, whether India should really take its credit? No matter what everyone thinks, there were many who were ready to take the credit of movie's success in American film awards.
There were, Bollywood, Mumbai, Media and even Politcians boasting about their contributions.
I just couldn't think how do politicians helped the movie win Oscars?
I have no clue about it?
I guess, following cartoons, can answer our questions.
There were, Bollywood, Mumbai, Media and even Politcians boasting about their contributions.
I just couldn't think how do politicians helped the movie win Oscars?
I have no clue about it?
I guess, following cartoons, can answer our questions.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Know your Customer...!!!
A disappointed salesman of Coca Cola returns from his Middle East assignment.
A friend asked, "Why weren't you successful with the Arabs?"
The salesman explained, "When I got posted in the Middle East, I was very confident that I would make a good sales pitch as Cola is virtually unknown there. But, I had a problem I didn't know to speak Arabic. So, I planned to convey the message through three posters...
First poster - A man lying in the hot desert sand...totally exhausted and fainting.
Second poster - man is drinking our Cola.
Third poster- Our man is now totally refreshed.
Then these posters were pasted all over the place"
"That should have worked," said the friend.
The salesman replied "I also didn't realize that Arabs go from right to left" !!!
A friend asked, "Why weren't you successful with the Arabs?"
The salesman explained, "When I got posted in the Middle East, I was very confident that I would make a good sales pitch as Cola is virtually unknown there. But, I had a problem I didn't know to speak Arabic. So, I planned to convey the message through three posters...
First poster - A man lying in the hot desert sand...totally exhausted and fainting.
Second poster - man is drinking our Cola.
Third poster- Our man is now totally refreshed.
Then these posters were pasted all over the place"
"That should have worked," said the friend.
The salesman replied "I also didn't realize that Arabs go from right to left" !!!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Saturn is Dying... !!!
In this recession, when General Motors are into tough times, they have decided to give a planned death to one of biggest sub-brands it used to have, "Saturn".
Saturn was a unique car,launched by GM to compete with the japanese cars. But with time,brand Saturn faded. Declining sales and cash crunch have compelled GM to end the brand "Saturn". If the brand would have been managed well, with all the sources upfront, then Saturn could have been the flagship brand of GM.
Saturn, a great product, a great idea, superb positioning, and a great brand.
Just lost its sheen, as GM didn't handled this brand consistently with time, neither provided it with enough marketing resources.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Can You Read This...???
"一个人呼吁上帝，和我坐在 ！
在世界上的英明，我坐在这样的犯罪！
世界上说，让它成为一个人！
不爱他那么多，他让我们感到不安！
为了让别人高兴，我的所有生活，休憩的愿望为您！
在世界上的英明，我坐在这样的犯罪！
如果一个人的痛苦，另一方面是为了好玩！
Jkdha是连锁店，我得到的惩罚是严厉的！
现在只是在等待上帝，绝望时坐！
在世界上的英明，我坐在这样的犯罪！"
Guess what is written ???
Is this in Japanese or Chinese
This is the poem, "अपराध" (posted earlier) in Chinese language!
Translate any webpage and text using Google's Tool called, "Translate"
One can convert any language into someother language in moments.
Its something Wow!!!
在世界上的英明，我坐在这样的犯罪！
世界上说，让它成为一个人！
不爱他那么多，他让我们感到不安！
为了让别人高兴，我的所有生活，休憩的愿望为您！
在世界上的英明，我坐在这样的犯罪！
如果一个人的痛苦，另一方面是为了好玩！
Jkdha是连锁店，我得到的惩罚是严厉的！
现在只是在等待上帝，绝望时坐！
在世界上的英明，我坐在这样的犯罪！"
Guess what is written ???
Is this in Japanese or Chinese
This is the poem, "अपराध" (posted earlier) in Chinese language!
Translate any webpage and text using Google's Tool called, "Translate"
One can convert any language into someother language in moments.
Its something Wow!!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
World going GungHo... on "Jai Ho"
Congratulations to Mr.Rehman, Mr.Resul, Slumdog's Team!
Also, congratulations to the team of "Smile Pinki".
India rocked at the Oscars!!!
What if, this movie have been produced and directed by Indians?
I guess, there would have been no oscars!
Is this irony, tragedy, racism or what?
You Decide!
Nevertheless, I am proud of you Rehman!
And as Amitabh Bachchan says,'Rehman doesn't need an Oscar to prove that he is the best.He is better than the best!'
Also, congratulations to the team of "Smile Pinki".
India rocked at the Oscars!!!
What if, this movie have been produced and directed by Indians?
I guess, there would have been no oscars!
Is this irony, tragedy, racism or what?
You Decide!
Nevertheless, I am proud of you Rehman!
And as Amitabh Bachchan says,'Rehman doesn't need an Oscar to prove that he is the best.He is better than the best!'
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Admit your mistake...!!!
I have always believed that there are three kinds of people in the world.
One, who does a mistake, never admits them, neither improve on them.These are offensive, arrogant and over-confident people. In the long run, these people are generally unsuccessful.
Second, who does a mistake, admits it, but never improves on it.They are humble, defensive and unconfident people. In the long run, these people live an average life, without risks.
As per me, I belong to category Second.And working on to become a part of Third category.
And Third, who does a mistake, admits it, and never repeats it. They are the leaders, who are confident as well as humble. They take risks in life and live a successful life.
Why is it so, that most of people lie in the category One?
Which category, do you belong to???
One, who does a mistake, never admits them, neither improve on them.These are offensive, arrogant and over-confident people. In the long run, these people are generally unsuccessful.
Second, who does a mistake, admits it, but never improves on it.They are humble, defensive and unconfident people. In the long run, these people live an average life, without risks.
As per me, I belong to category Second.And working on to become a part of Third category.
And Third, who does a mistake, admits it, and never repeats it. They are the leaders, who are confident as well as humble. They take risks in life and live a successful life.
Why is it so, that most of people lie in the category One?
Which category, do you belong to???
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
After Sky Scrapers... its time for Sky Villas !!!
Mumbai-based Lodha Group is all set to roll out Sky Villas in Hyderabad with an initial investment of Rs 900 crore. Despite recession in the financial markets, the group is developing sky villas, called Lodha Bellezza, which are themed on Californian style living and where the ownership comes by ‘By Invitation Only’.
Imagine about features such as these: a helipad atop the towers, personal elevator whisking you directly into your private lobby, each floor built as an individual villa and it fitted with motion sensors or facilities such as at a touch of screen, the doors lock, curtains part and air-conditioning comes on. Ushering in the concept of Sky Villas, the individual units will be completely autonomous, replete with a private pool, sundeck, home theatre lounge, private office and concierge on call.
And the project also brings to the city for the first time the concept of ownership "By Invitation Only". Priced presently at around Rs.2.27 crore, the units are not available for anyone who walks in. The Group decides who should be occupying the villas and accordingly sends an invitation to them.
The fully loaded club house at Bellezza will have a spa, gymnasium, aerobics/dance studio, indoor games arena, mini-theatre, reading and TV lounge, banquet hall, food store-cum-coffee shop, conference facilities, emergency medical desk and a wi-fi enabled business centre.
To know more, visit "Lodha Bellezza"
I am thrilled to know these endless facilities available but I have my doubts over the concept of "By invitation only"!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Interim Budget 2009: The Pros and Cons...!!!
Major positives of this budget are:
•Major growth drivers this year would be agriculture, services, manufacturing, education & defense
•Increased Rural road development is positive for auto industry
•More emphasis on education by allocating Rs 40900 crore for Bharat Nirman Scheme
•JNNURM will be spending about Rs 11842 crore in this financial year
•Rural Jobs scheme would be provided with Rs 30100 crore in this financial year
•Steps to encourage private placements in infrastructure via PPP
•Interest subvention of 2% for export heavy industries like textiles, handlooms, gems & jewellery, SME and marine products have been extended till September 2009
•The government has relaxed the Fiscal Responsibility Budget Management (FRBM) targets to counter global economic slowdown
Major negatives of this budget are:
•It will be difficult both for domestic and foreign investors to raise money as no reforms have been laid out
•Infrastructure developments had been levied only to government institutions leaving out no specific scope for private investors to raise money easily out in this market
•Industry reforms were missing especially for various sectors like infrastructure, manufacturing, banking, exports which led to a steep fall in stock market for two consecutive days correcting to about 5.5%
•Finance Ministry has relaxed fiscal responsibility and budget management standards reflecting that its not going to be a progressive year
•During crisis or slowdown taxes should cut to relax the burden of common man but it’s not an aam-aadmi budget
•Additional plan expenditure has to increase by 0.5-1% a post poll which is next to impossible and it is expected to go up by 4-5% atleast
•Budget revenue deficit seen at 4%, fiscal deficit at 5.5%-currently at 6%
•Budget plan spending is very limited need to be increased after elections
•Industry production fell by 2% in 2008 & left out completely and is expected to a major fall in this period
•Challenge related to FDI & FII capital flows along with meeting inflation target of 4%
•Industrial growth fell by 2% on yearly basis still nothing much has been done in this budget
•Major growth drivers this year would be agriculture, services, manufacturing, education & defense
•Increased Rural road development is positive for auto industry
•More emphasis on education by allocating Rs 40900 crore for Bharat Nirman Scheme
•JNNURM will be spending about Rs 11842 crore in this financial year
•Rural Jobs scheme would be provided with Rs 30100 crore in this financial year
•Steps to encourage private placements in infrastructure via PPP
•Interest subvention of 2% for export heavy industries like textiles, handlooms, gems & jewellery, SME and marine products have been extended till September 2009
•The government has relaxed the Fiscal Responsibility Budget Management (FRBM) targets to counter global economic slowdown
Major negatives of this budget are:
•It will be difficult both for domestic and foreign investors to raise money as no reforms have been laid out
•Infrastructure developments had been levied only to government institutions leaving out no specific scope for private investors to raise money easily out in this market
•Industry reforms were missing especially for various sectors like infrastructure, manufacturing, banking, exports which led to a steep fall in stock market for two consecutive days correcting to about 5.5%
•Finance Ministry has relaxed fiscal responsibility and budget management standards reflecting that its not going to be a progressive year
•During crisis or slowdown taxes should cut to relax the burden of common man but it’s not an aam-aadmi budget
•Additional plan expenditure has to increase by 0.5-1% a post poll which is next to impossible and it is expected to go up by 4-5% atleast
•Budget revenue deficit seen at 4%, fiscal deficit at 5.5%-currently at 6%
•Budget plan spending is very limited need to be increased after elections
•Industry production fell by 2% in 2008 & left out completely and is expected to a major fall in this period
•Challenge related to FDI & FII capital flows along with meeting inflation target of 4%
•Industrial growth fell by 2% on yearly basis still nothing much has been done in this budget
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