Exactly a week ago, in Bulls Ring, Wanderers, South Africa, the fifth and the deciding ODI between Australia and South Africa ended up becoming more than just a decider for the series. It went down as one of the best ODI in Cricketing history. Setting an himalayan target of 434 for South Africa, and then SA romping home was one of the most spectacular thing to watch.
But today, there was another ODI happening thousand miles away from Bull Ring, in the sub-continent between Srilanka and Pakistan. Pakistan restricted Srilanka to 130 and set themselves an easy target. But it became a very closely contested contest and eventually Pakistan won by 4 wickets.
Two different versions of ODI, one entertaining every moment and the other deathly boring. Why is there such variations in preparing the tracks? Should the Cricket Governing body enforce certain code of conduct for the ground conditions in the future???
Sunday, March 19, 2006
The Unthinkable
Batting Maestro,Sachin Tendulkar, playing his 132 test match against England today at Wankhade stadium, Mumbai his home became the most test capped player to represent India.
He walked on to the crease when India crawling with the loss of its openers needed all his batting skills to rescue India. But he flirted with disaster when he nicked Anderson to wicketkeeper after making one run.
Disappointment written large all over his face, eyes downcast walked backed to the dressing room after yet another failure at the middle. Then happened the unthinkable, he was booed by fans on his home ground.
Thought the man who has been treated as God for Indian cricket has nothing special to offer, but it would certainly be remembered by Tendulkar but for wrong reasons......
I was really shocked by the treatment meeted out to him:-(
He walked on to the crease when India crawling with the loss of its openers needed all his batting skills to rescue India. But he flirted with disaster when he nicked Anderson to wicketkeeper after making one run.
Disappointment written large all over his face, eyes downcast walked backed to the dressing room after yet another failure at the middle. Then happened the unthinkable, he was booed by fans on his home ground.
Thought the man who has been treated as God for Indian cricket has nothing special to offer, but it would certainly be remembered by Tendulkar but for wrong reasons......
I was really shocked by the treatment meeted out to him:-(
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Chi-doku - Only Bubbly...no Bounty
Chidhu, our Finance Minister, P.Chidambaram was prompt for his Date! On February 28, 2006 he presented the General Budget (Chi-doku) for the financial year 2006-07 in Lok Sabha.
The man, who made a dream budget in 1997, made his fifth budget as a “No Big Bang” budget. The philosophy seems to “Don’t touch anything when the economy is doing well”. With a bit of tweak here, twist there he has managed to do the same. Alas, he managed to keep the index firm on its rising trend. Sensex closed nearly 36 points high at the end of the day.
The primary focus of the budget was on social and infrastructure sectors. The service sector was given a bit of facial and the personal tax was left untouched.
Massive investments are proposed to develop 1000km Express highways. Also, there was assurance that by June 2006, 96% of the Golden Quadrilateral project will be completed. In the power sector, Chidhu has proposed to generate few more thousand watts. For the other two important cogs of the Power sector wheel, transmission and distribution, he has made the Prime Minister at the helm of affairs to establish an Empowered committee of Chief Ministers and Power ministers. He has also said that more than 50 million rural connections will be rolled out in three years time. These are some of the highlights of the budget on the Infrastructure front.
Allocation of funds to Primary education and health care is a welcome aspect of this budget. In the outlay for education, most of the money is channeled for Primary education. I felt more funds should have been allocated for higher studies and R&D.
The index rose steadily till the announcement of hike of 25% in Security Transaction Tax (STT) was made. There was a momentary panic in the market and it lost close to 70 points in the rally till the next announcement. Nobody will complain when they are asked to pay tax when they made gains. On the contrary when the investor is asked to pay tax for the loses he has made, it’s sure to raise enough eye brows on the market. FM then followed with an assurance to the foreign investors by increasing their investment limit in the Capital markets and setting up of an investor protection fund, which is a step in the right direction to bolster the confidence of the retail investors. But the disbursion mechanism needs to be worked out correctly. After this the Sensex downfall was arrested and became firm.
There was a no change to the personal tax framework. I was expecting the limit to be raised from 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh. But the real good news was there were no new taxes that were imposed. I would not have been surprised, if he had levied few percentage points cess for Petroleum, just kidding! So the only good news for poor souls like us, there are couple of avenue for investment, in the form of Fixed deposits in Scheduled banks, with a rider that the minimum lock-in period of five years. The ceiling for investment in Pension funds has been increased from Rs.10, 000 to Rs.1 lakh.
“Charity needs face”, seems to be message from FM. Any anonymous donations made to the social organizations will not be recognised for tax purposes. So, be proud and show your face to the world and let them know about your generosity.
FM has decided to issue PAN Suo moto and hence direct person to apply for PAN on a case-by-case basis. In the fine print, it has been mentioned that the next list of transactions for which quoting will be made mandatory will be announced shortly. What skeleton does that cupboard hold? Let us wait and watch.
This article will not be completed without the mention of Service tax. It has been increased to 12% from 10%. For a common man like me, what interests in the budget is how much more will I get (cash inflow) and how much should I spend (cash outflow). He has made Shoes, Umbrella, Packaged foods, Pastha cheaper and making it affordable. But after consuming all these when I ask for my bill, I will be charged 2% more than the normal. This means there is an offset for the price reduction.
FM wants the GST to converge. Already the equilibrium level is at 14%. So we can expect further increase of service tax. What we have seen is just the beginning.
After reading the transcript, it looks like Chidhu has forgotten the word “Disinvestment”. Only two companies are under consideration for privatization. Also the target is set at a modest Rs.3500 cr. After rubbing cold shoulders with Left on many occasion, probably he thought this is not the best of times.
It is very evident that, FM has made some conscious decisions to make this an “aam-aadmi” budget.
The man, who made a dream budget in 1997, made his fifth budget as a “No Big Bang” budget. The philosophy seems to “Don’t touch anything when the economy is doing well”. With a bit of tweak here, twist there he has managed to do the same. Alas, he managed to keep the index firm on its rising trend. Sensex closed nearly 36 points high at the end of the day.
The primary focus of the budget was on social and infrastructure sectors. The service sector was given a bit of facial and the personal tax was left untouched.
Massive investments are proposed to develop 1000km Express highways. Also, there was assurance that by June 2006, 96% of the Golden Quadrilateral project will be completed. In the power sector, Chidhu has proposed to generate few more thousand watts. For the other two important cogs of the Power sector wheel, transmission and distribution, he has made the Prime Minister at the helm of affairs to establish an Empowered committee of Chief Ministers and Power ministers. He has also said that more than 50 million rural connections will be rolled out in three years time. These are some of the highlights of the budget on the Infrastructure front.
Allocation of funds to Primary education and health care is a welcome aspect of this budget. In the outlay for education, most of the money is channeled for Primary education. I felt more funds should have been allocated for higher studies and R&D.
The index rose steadily till the announcement of hike of 25% in Security Transaction Tax (STT) was made. There was a momentary panic in the market and it lost close to 70 points in the rally till the next announcement. Nobody will complain when they are asked to pay tax when they made gains. On the contrary when the investor is asked to pay tax for the loses he has made, it’s sure to raise enough eye brows on the market. FM then followed with an assurance to the foreign investors by increasing their investment limit in the Capital markets and setting up of an investor protection fund, which is a step in the right direction to bolster the confidence of the retail investors. But the disbursion mechanism needs to be worked out correctly. After this the Sensex downfall was arrested and became firm.
There was a no change to the personal tax framework. I was expecting the limit to be raised from 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh. But the real good news was there were no new taxes that were imposed. I would not have been surprised, if he had levied few percentage points cess for Petroleum, just kidding! So the only good news for poor souls like us, there are couple of avenue for investment, in the form of Fixed deposits in Scheduled banks, with a rider that the minimum lock-in period of five years. The ceiling for investment in Pension funds has been increased from Rs.10, 000 to Rs.1 lakh.
“Charity needs face”, seems to be message from FM. Any anonymous donations made to the social organizations will not be recognised for tax purposes. So, be proud and show your face to the world and let them know about your generosity.
FM has decided to issue PAN Suo moto and hence direct person to apply for PAN on a case-by-case basis. In the fine print, it has been mentioned that the next list of transactions for which quoting will be made mandatory will be announced shortly. What skeleton does that cupboard hold? Let us wait and watch.
This article will not be completed without the mention of Service tax. It has been increased to 12% from 10%. For a common man like me, what interests in the budget is how much more will I get (cash inflow) and how much should I spend (cash outflow). He has made Shoes, Umbrella, Packaged foods, Pastha cheaper and making it affordable. But after consuming all these when I ask for my bill, I will be charged 2% more than the normal. This means there is an offset for the price reduction.
FM wants the GST to converge. Already the equilibrium level is at 14%. So we can expect further increase of service tax. What we have seen is just the beginning.
After reading the transcript, it looks like Chidhu has forgotten the word “Disinvestment”. Only two companies are under consideration for privatization. Also the target is set at a modest Rs.3500 cr. After rubbing cold shoulders with Left on many occasion, probably he thought this is not the best of times.
It is very evident that, FM has made some conscious decisions to make this an “aam-aadmi” budget.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Bangalore - The Brand
Bangalore - The Brand
In the last few years, the golden goose of Bangalore, IT companies started complaning about Infrastructure issues in the city. At one stage, some of them even mentioned about the possibilty of moving out of the state while evaluating their future expansion plans. With the present Government taking little effort to address the issue, there is a growing concern that they might actually be forced to divert their attention away from Bangalore. But, so far nothing of such magnitude has happened. But the recent turnuot of events might send some jitters. First, it was the IISc attack. City's transition from an IT destination....to Soft target for terrorism was a jarring jab in the ribs for many. Second is the actions of the ambitious Gowda family that could well be the killer blow to the City.
Sorry for raising the topic 'India-China' again, but i have no other option. We all have been told that China is fast emerging as a super power. And there are so many reasons attributed to their success story. The only reason i attribute is "Policy stabilty". This is one of the key issue or a pre-requiste for any business to thrive. Nobody wants to wake up to new policy everyday. This is a nightmare, if you are a busniessman. In such situation you are better off doing nothing!
What we lack in India is "Policy stabily", which stems from political instabilty. Every party that comes to power have their own idealogy that is diagonal to one another. This kind of situation leaves a confusion in the minds of entrepreneurs and they look out for different place. With the recent politcal actions, Bangalore might have to face such situation. All those development work that were eventually done by the present government will get halted. All those contracts will be re-tendered and new contracts will be signed. Because the new government does not want to lose out this oppurtunity.
The city's growth has been fuelled by the IT companies for years and if archaic policies of Gowda family were persued relentlessly, then the Golden goose will take its wings to another city.
In the last few years, the golden goose of Bangalore, IT companies started complaning about Infrastructure issues in the city. At one stage, some of them even mentioned about the possibilty of moving out of the state while evaluating their future expansion plans. With the present Government taking little effort to address the issue, there is a growing concern that they might actually be forced to divert their attention away from Bangalore. But, so far nothing of such magnitude has happened. But the recent turnuot of events might send some jitters. First, it was the IISc attack. City's transition from an IT destination....to Soft target for terrorism was a jarring jab in the ribs for many. Second is the actions of the ambitious Gowda family that could well be the killer blow to the City.
Sorry for raising the topic 'India-China' again, but i have no other option. We all have been told that China is fast emerging as a super power. And there are so many reasons attributed to their success story. The only reason i attribute is "Policy stabilty". This is one of the key issue or a pre-requiste for any business to thrive. Nobody wants to wake up to new policy everyday. This is a nightmare, if you are a busniessman. In such situation you are better off doing nothing!
What we lack in India is "Policy stabily", which stems from political instabilty. Every party that comes to power have their own idealogy that is diagonal to one another. This kind of situation leaves a confusion in the minds of entrepreneurs and they look out for different place. With the recent politcal actions, Bangalore might have to face such situation. All those development work that were eventually done by the present government will get halted. All those contracts will be re-tendered and new contracts will be signed. Because the new government does not want to lose out this oppurtunity.
The city's growth has been fuelled by the IT companies for years and if archaic policies of Gowda family were persued relentlessly, then the Golden goose will take its wings to another city.
My Nominee for Nobel Peace Prize 2006
During the first week of January, one thing that remained on focus was India tour of Pakistan. Billed as one of the most intense series, with more than billion eyes expected to watch the action unfold, some rated this series, as high as Ashes. Energised by the series victory against English at home, and Shoaid Aktar finding his rhythm in the company of Sami and Rana the series was heavily loaded against Pakistan. India, having beaten Sri Lanka fair and square in One day and test matches at home and drawing the series against South Africa, under the new leader Dravid and Coach Chappel were really geared to take up any challenge thrown at them.
During the run-up, Indians were warned to be prepared to take on the pace attack of shoaib & co on a green track at Lahore. The result is here for everybody to see:1089 runs scores in 220.5 overs claiming 11 wickets; Second world highest opening partnership of 410 runs between Sehwag and Dravid; 5 centuries and 1 double century and the match ending in a Draw.
Taking on the flake for preparing such tame pitches, the PCB sent its curator much earlier to Faisalabad, venue for Second test match. From individual skill, team strength and its strategy the focus shifted to 22 yard strip. Team selection for the second match test match, clearly showed who is gaining momentum in the series. R P Singh, left arm medium pacer was brought in place of Sourav Ganguly. Pakistan preferred Imran Farhat and Razzaq for their pacemen Rana and Sami. Indians were prepared to take agressive, bold decisions whereas pakistan preferred to be on "Safe mode".
With the pressure of preparing a track that to produce a much more competive game of cricket, the test match produced.....1702 runs in 426.4 overs claiming 30 wickets; 6 centuries and 2 near centuries; match ending in a draw.
With two placid tracks, batsman's paradise, bowlers graveyard......the end result is, boring game of cricket with series level at 0-0 and the team head to Karachi for the last test starting on 29th January.
After losing the home series in 2004, i expected a better fight back from Pakistan. But the kind of wickets that were offered, seldom gave any room for tussle between these countries. I came across a comment by one of the former cricketer in one of his news paper column, that this series is underlined for friendship and peace. I think the Pakistan Cricketers took this statement literally and wanted a win-win situation, what better way to acheive with series drawn. At the end of any series, we will have to pick a man of the series. I think this series deserves much more than that. So, i porpose to nominate the pitch curator and PCB for this years Nobel Peace Prize. I think they have earned this!
During the run-up, Indians were warned to be prepared to take on the pace attack of shoaib & co on a green track at Lahore. The result is here for everybody to see:1089 runs scores in 220.5 overs claiming 11 wickets; Second world highest opening partnership of 410 runs between Sehwag and Dravid; 5 centuries and 1 double century and the match ending in a Draw.
Taking on the flake for preparing such tame pitches, the PCB sent its curator much earlier to Faisalabad, venue for Second test match. From individual skill, team strength and its strategy the focus shifted to 22 yard strip. Team selection for the second match test match, clearly showed who is gaining momentum in the series. R P Singh, left arm medium pacer was brought in place of Sourav Ganguly. Pakistan preferred Imran Farhat and Razzaq for their pacemen Rana and Sami. Indians were prepared to take agressive, bold decisions whereas pakistan preferred to be on "Safe mode".
With the pressure of preparing a track that to produce a much more competive game of cricket, the test match produced.....1702 runs in 426.4 overs claiming 30 wickets; 6 centuries and 2 near centuries; match ending in a draw.
With two placid tracks, batsman's paradise, bowlers graveyard......the end result is, boring game of cricket with series level at 0-0 and the team head to Karachi for the last test starting on 29th January.
After losing the home series in 2004, i expected a better fight back from Pakistan. But the kind of wickets that were offered, seldom gave any room for tussle between these countries. I came across a comment by one of the former cricketer in one of his news paper column, that this series is underlined for friendship and peace. I think the Pakistan Cricketers took this statement literally and wanted a win-win situation, what better way to acheive with series drawn. At the end of any series, we will have to pick a man of the series. I think this series deserves much more than that. So, i porpose to nominate the pitch curator and PCB for this years Nobel Peace Prize. I think they have earned this!
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Back to Action
Its been really long long time that i had updated my blog. If i remember correctly, my last post was sometime in late June or early July of 2005. So its 6 months i have come across any of the blogs. Its not because of my aversion, but my work took me to different places which made it difficult to balance. Now i am bit settled down in a place and hope to continue from where i left.
Wish me luck:-)
Wish me luck:-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)