Showing posts with label iipm-press. Show all posts
Showing posts with label iipm-press. Show all posts

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Not ambidextrous enough?

To form a government that pleases one and all, Netanyahu must discard some of his rigid ideologies

A whiff of fresh air is being experienced in Israel, after days of painful hostilities in the Gaza strip earlier this year. But apparently, the powers that be in Israel and the rest of the world are not too happy about these winds of change.

After Israeli President Shimon Peres invited Benjamin Netanyahu, the leader of the Likud party, to form the cabinet, the latter would be wondering if he was indeed the 'fortunate one'. Although he has been chosen, Netanyahu has six weeks to form his coalition government. And he needs a broader coalition to win international legitimacy. “We are all conscious that a right-wing religious alliance will put Netanyahu under pressure from the western nations, and he knows it as well. It’s not at all surprising that he is for a broad coalition,” Shmuel Sandler, an expert on the Israeli political system at Bar-Ilan university, told B&E.

However, all Netanyahu’s efforts to convince Kadima party head Tzipi Livni and Labour leader Ehud Barak to join his coalition have failed. One of the key reasons is his staunch, headstrong approach on contentious issues, like he seems to be rejecting the two state solution to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict, which was endorsed by the world, including Israel itself in 2002.


Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.

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Thursday, August 30, 2012

Are there more Satyams around?

Although extensive reforms have been set in motion by corporate watchdogs like Securities and Exchange Board of India, Company Law Board, et al, in the last few years, there remain significant lapses in its implementation and enforcement. by Manish K. Pandey

It was January 2009 when the Satyam fiasco revealed the dark underbelly of Indian capitalism. It not only questioned the integrity of promoters but also the levels of corporate governance in India. Though it was not for the first time that such a thing had happened (like Satyam, Sterlite too was alleged to adopt fraudulent practices to bag a tender floated by GAIL in 2008. Bearings, promoter of BFL, too, a few years back, was abstained from voting when its business was getting acquired by MphasiS. And how can we forget the Global Trust Bank!), Satyam scandal made sure that Indian policymakers sit up and rethink corporate governance norms prevailing in the country. But do they really have?

It has been over one and a half years and the country’s biggest corporate fiasco (the Rs.70 billion plus Satyam scandal) hasn’t even reached the trial stage. And this, when the main accused, B. Ramalinga Raju, the former chairman of Satyam, initiated it all with what he called “relieving the burden on his conscience”, or if we put it simply – a confession. In fact, if industry rumours are to be believed, the scandal is probably on its way to the burial ground. All the accused, except Raju, are already out on bail. Even Raju’s attorneys are now believed to be making way for his quick release. Buzz is high that he might also not stand to his initial statement made on January 7, 2009. So, does that mean Satyam fiasco has failed to wake up the corporate watchdogs? Do they need a bigger bang than Satyam? What’s more? The recent KPMG India Fraud Survey Report 2010 too reveals that there is a rise in the incidence of fraud in India Inc. with ineffective control systems and diminishing ethical values being the key contributors to this trend, particularly over the last two years (see charts).

No doubt, over the last decade, change has come to corporate India – from family-owned businesses that were involved in issues such as nepotism, mismanagement, lack of transparency, et al, to a scenario where companies are professionally managed – but the pace of it has been really slow. Even today still more than half of the companies on the benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty are family-controlled which hampers the evolution of corporate governance in India. “Indian corporate culture is still in a nascent stage as opposed to their US and European counterparts. Moreover, a deep integration with global environment has quickly come to them. But, Satyam fiasco made sure that corporate governance matures in India,” Naresh Gupta, MD, Adobe India tells B&E.

In fact, an assessment of India’s corporate governance reforms shows that although extensive reforms have been set in motion by corporate watchdogs like Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Company Law Board (CLB), et al, in the last few years, there remain significant lapses in its implementation and enforcement. Moreover, most of the reforms that have been adopted fail to address fundamental areas of concern such as the relationship between controlling and minority shareholders, the role of promoters, and issues with director independence (The Promise and Challenges of India’s Corporate Governance Reforms by Afra Afsharipour, Associate Professor of Law, University of California).

However, there are still many who believe that though the Satyam debacle raised some serious issues, the standard of corporate governance is still intact in India. “As far as corporate governance is concerned, we are still better off than the West. After Enron, US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had put a lot of pressure on American companies. In spite of that subprime crisis happened. Compare that to India. We are still vibrant when worse could have happened,” B. Sai Chandravadhan, VP, Chess Management Services, a legal audit and compliance services consultancy, tells B&E.

But that does that not mean regulators, auditors or independent directors, shouldn’t be held responsible for any corporate mishap? No doubt in the case of Satyam and Sterlite they responded to what shareholders demanded, but what about smaller companies? Since 2006 more than 20 companies have been blacklisted by SEBI for violating corporate governance norms. Leave aside convictions, no one knows about the progress of these cases as of now. In fact, India has one of the poorest conviction rate when it comes to corporate frauds (just 5%). More than 50,000 cases related to corporate frauds are still pending in courts. In comparison, a corporate fraud task force set up in US in 2002 (post Enron fiasco), secured 1,236 convictions in the next five years. “US has strict regulations. If a company commits fraud it’s punished in no time. India too needs such stringent rules,” agrees Gupta of Adobe.


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Wednesday, June 30, 2010

No more begging bowls

Chennai launches drive to rehabilitate beggars

Chennai has unrolled a visionary programme for the rehabilitation of beggars. From June 6, those begging in common places in the city will be caught and sent to rehabilitation and protection centres with the help of NGOS. Last month Chennai corporation identified some 451 beggars. Out of them 179 persons were mentally challenged. Then they were admitted in hospitals for treatments. Chennai Mayor M. Subramanian is spearheading the campaign.

Commissioner of Chennai corporation Rajesh Lakhoni told TSI that they are identifying beggars in main places of Chennai. “Till now we have identified thousand beggars. They have been categorised into five groups: old aged, physically challenged, mentally challenged, healthy but socially deprived women and mothers begging with children. They will be rehabilitated soon.” According to the drive, old-age persons will be admitted in government homes for old aged and will be given food and medical help. Those who are healthy will be given employment opportunities. There are plans to give education to children also. The homes run by social welfare department will be used for this purpose.

Some eighteen NGOs are girding up to take part in this programme. Also, Lakhoni said the corporation will rope in police to stop beggary in the city. Of late the city has been swarmed with beggars. Begging rackets were also busted. Cases have been reported of women administering sleeping pills to children. That is why the government this time is serious to address the issue.

Kakkum Karangal, an NGO, that supports the drive of Chennai corporation is ready to help the old aged and women. “We told the corporation that we will provide food, medicine and housing to old aged and women,” said Gnanaraj, founder of Karangal. John Milton, co-ordinator of Karunalaya, another NGO told TSI that they are also willing to assist the corporation in their drive by giving children education free of cost.

But some members of the civil society are not happy with the corporation’s move. A Chennai-based writer and social sceintist, A. Marx, is opposing the move. Marx, who was part of a fact-finding team that studied the conditions of beggars in the city, criticised the corporation for its drive against beggars. “First, Chennai corporation Mayor talked about a beggar-free city. Then he said that mentally challenged beggars will be rehabilitated. But only professionals can handle them. Is the corporation prepared for it?” he asked.

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Poor sporting spirit!

Sporting events come heavily on the marginalised population

The upcoming FIFA World cup 2010 in South Africa is seen as a major breakthrough in sporting history. Not only because it’s after a long struggle that an African nation succeeded in grabbing the opportunity of hosting such a mega sporting event, but also as it is expected to refurbish South Africa’s economy. Amidst South Africa’s preparation to make this event a major success, the poorest citizens of the country are being largely neglected. In order to bring up world standard stadiums, the government has ordered massive eviction. In simple words, to make space for stadium and games infrastructure, the South African government has evicted low income housing areas and informal traders. More than 70,000 workers employed on World Cup projects have raised their voices for better wages and conditions. In contrast to 500,000 jobs promises, only 22,000 jobs have been created with occupational health and safety survey giving negative rating to 52 per cent of World Cup construction sites.

The construction of N2 Gateway housing project (construction of rental housing for the 2010 World Cup) led to the removal of over 20,000 residents from the Joe Slovo settlement. The government has also came up with the Elimination & Prevention of Re-Emergence of Slums Act to eliminate slums and put homeless shack dwellers in transit camps during the games. Without any apprehension, this mega sporting event would not only will help the country to upgrade their infrastructure but would also help them tap economic gains. But then, the major pie of the profit will eventually go to big business houses and to FIFA.

This is not for the first time that a mega sporting event would create major hurdles for the underprivileged population of the nation. During 1988 Olympic Games, more than 15 per cent of the population of Seoul, Republic of Korea, was evicted and 48,000 buildings were reduced to ruins to accommodate game’s infrastructure. Similarly in 1996 Olympic, around 1,500 social housing units for the poor were destroyed in Atlanta, in 1992 in Barcelona, 200 families were evicted, in Beijing mass evictions were executed, 6000 were made homeless in Sydney in the run-up to the Olympics and similar eviction is predicted to happen in Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Besides direct impact such as mass eviction and trade bans, indirect displacement due to gentrification and escalating housing costs can also be led to social crisis. After Olympics, prices of houses rose by 28 per cent in Seoul, by 131 per cent in Barcelona, by 500 per cent in Sydney — to name a few incidents. Many governments went to an extent of criminalising the homeless and marginalised pockets of populations. In Seoul, local authorities created a list of places where homeless people were banned and in Atlanta, homelessness was made illegal. Recently, to address such inhuman issue and rush to the rescue of marganised people, the UN has asked the games organiser to properly scrutinise the host cities and introduce housing provisions in hosting agreements. These nations and host countries should learn from their counterparts like Los Angeles, who uplifted the local economy and permanent housing and an Olympic village.

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Nepal Conundrum

The Maoists are mounting pressure on the PM to resign

The red colour draped around the bodies of 1.25 lakh men and women on the streets of Kathmandu is nothing new. The Maoists, under the leadership of Prachanda, have begun their indefinite strike but this time it is not going to be a simple event as stakes are high for both, the Maoists and the ruling parties.

Since 1996, activities initiated by Maoists, including strike and complete closure have regularly added to the woes of this beleaguered nation where the per annum income is not more than $400. But then, this bandh is at a juncture where politics in Nepal has turned a full circle. What began with the ceasefire of 2006 and the consequent government under the leadership of Prachanda shifted into the hands of Madhav Nepal. Maoists are yet again determined for a change and are demanding for the resignation of Prime Minister Madhav Nepal has been put forth.

Nepal has a support of 22 parties out of 25 which in effect has 350 Members of Parliament with them in the House of 601. But the truth is that even today the government remains limited to the towns and zonal centres. This also means that development is just a word which might sound alien to more than half the population that has been ravaged with blood and gory murders. The poor common man is finding himself at the crossroads.

With the ceasefire, the cadre of Maoists were sent into barracks at seven division headquaters and the reign of the government was handed over to Prachanda. But then, nothing was done on the part of returning the property which was captured by the Maoists and they did not finalise the rehabilitation of the Maoists cadre into various security, paramilitary and police forces. People are scared that they may get embroiled into violence yet again which had claimed about 13000 lives and a displacement of around 1.5 lakh. What about the constitution which was supposed to be completed by May 28, 2010 ? Here lies the faultline.

This entire scene is the result of primarily two issues. It all started as both sides took strong position on the demand for rehabilitation of Maoists cadre in army and the drafting of the constitution. “The differences cropped up when Maoists demanded for the completion of the drafting of constitution and then rehabilitate its cadre whereas the other parties wanted to finish the rehabilitation of Maoists into the security forces and then complete the drafting of constitution,” says Nihar Nayak, Associate Fellow, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Here, the important thing to note is that if the exercise of drafting constitution is not completed by May 28, 2010, then the Assembly may get dissolved and the Maoists will lose thair majority status in case Madhav Kumar Nepal resigns or steps down as Prime Minister in between. "Thus, the entire exercise to adopt pressure tactics is to somehow get some decision in favour (of Maoists) and get to rule the government”, adds Nihar Nayak. The Maoists had claimed to gather about 400,000 cadres in Kathmandu but the reports clearly states the number not more than 130,000. Now, once they have congregated such a huge number they should have prepared for logistics of the cadres which the sources say has not been done and this is causing a lot of trouble for the cadre. The National Congress has also made it clear that the solution could be reached with dialogue instead of using bandh and pressure as tactics. With 22 parties making it clear that they are with Madhav Nepal's government, it is going to be a long drawn tug of war. The Maoists know that if they will not be able to get a decision in their favour, then they may face disenchantment amongst the cadre. The ruling parties are of the view that they will not let Maoists succeed in their tactics, as this will only lead to a situation where Maoists will get everything done for their benefits.

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Friday, June 11, 2010

2010 IFFA WHEN INDIA SPARKLED UNDER THE LA SKY

this year’s indian film festival of los angeles was all about films(!!), fun, food and famous stars. from meeting the beautiful-and-stronger-than-ever lisa ray to dancing to the beat of the dhol, neha sarin shares with us her unique cultural experience at the 8th edition of iifla.

There were butterflies in my tummy, as I braced myself for the red carpet experience – one that had always seemed to be a scene in a faraway land. But now that I was here, it seemed too close for comfort. On my way to the venue, the suave ArcLight Cinemas, located at the famous Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, it started drizzling. Within minutes it was pouring heavily. Travelling with one of the organisers of the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA), whom I had befriended while desperately trying to register myself last minute, I hoped the rain wouldn't dampen the evening.

A few last minute glitches did crop-up at IFFLA this year, but were handled smoothly by the people behind the scenes, all dressed for the occasion in traditional Indian attire. The red carpet was rolled out in an open courtyard but it had to be dragged indoors, thanks to the untimely rains. As the evening progressed, and expensive perfume filled the air, hordes of known and deserving faces sashayed down the carpet. As they smiled and posed, members from the media hurriedly shot questions at the celluloid heartthrobs even as the furious clicking of the cameras drowned the Indian music in the background. Amongst the first few to show up were Mary Murphy (“So You Think You Can Dance”), Jeff Doucette (“Desperate Housewives”) and Aditya Bhattacharya (“Raakh Redux”). Christina Marouda, IFFLA’s Executive Director and the creator of this magical event, carrying an off-shoulder black gown with absolute finesse, and Arnold Peter, IFFLA’s Chair of Board, in an elegant embroidered black suit, mingled and exchanged pleasantries with their guests.

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Tuesday, June 08, 2010

In trouble for proactive role

The Governor takes the flak for changing things for good

A court’s negative remark against Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan has generated heated debate in the state. Raising the issue in the Assembly, Congress legislators said that the court’s remark against the governor, government and police could send a wrong message to people. The Governor is hyper active in leading the state administration. Andhra lobbyists and the Telanganites have attacked Narasimhan for his role in the ‘ruthless’ handling of Telangana movement. The cops were given full freedom to silence the protesters. The Governor was also attacked for his ‘unusual silence’ on the communal strife in the twin cities.

In fact, Narasimhan has adopted a different style of functioning. His detractors call him tough and stubborn. In an unprecedented move, he started touring the entire state from Adilabad district. Sources said he visited agency areas and interacted with tribal people in their mother tongue. Besides, he forced the state administration to fork out Rs 36 crore crop compensation that the government had promised to release earlier. Interestingly, after his interference the money was released in half an hour. He got down to business just three hours after being sworn-in as Governor of the state. While interacting with the chief minister, he tossed at him tough questions. Top police officials were also not spared. They were asked about the steps taken to maintain peace after Hyderabad was rocked by riots.

Also, the governor dissolved the executive councils of several state universities in order to ‘reform’ them. This was unprecedented as before him no Governor got himself involved with the universities’ functioning. A few weeks after he took charge, he held a vice-chancellors’ meet where he ordered them to submit a report about the universities’ activities once in every six months. He has asked the department to initiate large-scale infrastructure developments in all universities and technical institutions. The Governor’s enthusiasm drew flak from vice-chancellors. “There are officials who have been dealing with higher education and we have been following their orders. It is strange for a Governor to get involved,” a vice-chancellor told TSI on the condition of anonymity. But, minister Sreedhar Babu has welcomed the Governor’s proactive role.

Impressed by him, he says: “The Governor has been making suggestions to improve higher education as the chancellor of the state universities and it must be welcomed.” Narasimhan, known for his simplicity, is planning to hold a ‘Praja Darshan’ in the Raj Bhavan once a week to interact with people and solve their problems.

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Friday, June 04, 2010

Split wide open

Chandrasekhar Bhattacharjee looks at the possible permutations and combinations as 81 civic bodies go to polls in West Bengal.

The Left Front had scored a landslide victory in the 2006 Assembly elections, bagging 235 out of the 294 seats in West Bengal. Data shows the Front secured 50.18 per cent of the total votes polled. In this the leading constituent, Communist Party of India's (Marxist) [CPI(M)’s] share was 37.13 per cent, Forward Bloc got 5.66 per cent, Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) secured 3.71 per cent and the Communist Party of India (CPI) managed only 1.91 per cent of the votes. The rest of the votes were divided among smaller partners such as DSP, WBSP and MFB.

The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Indian National Congress (INC) fought separately to bag 35 and 30 seats respectively. Their vote share was 28.77 per cent and 15.41 per cent respectively. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fought alone and got only 1.93 per cent of the vote share. Besides, the Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) won two seats. Polls to 81 civic bodies were held in 2005, just a year before the last Assembly elections. The Left Front had secured 51 per cent of the votes, the TMC bagged 21 per cent while the Congress got 26 per cent of the votes. Of the 81 civic bodies, the Left Front won 55 municipalities and municipal corporations. The TMC, INC and others bagged 36 — in some cases as a combine.

In other words, if the TMC and the INC had fought the elections together, their vote share could not have been less than 47 per cent. Figures also show that despite bagging 235 seats in the 2006 Assembly elections, the CPI (M)’s vote share dipped from 43 per cent in 2005 to 37.13 per cent in 2006.

Things started changing since the Singur-Nandigram days. The spontaneous movements launched by people and the TMC leadership’s calculated association with them translated into a rich harvest for the TMC in the Lok Sabha elections of 2009. This time around, the TMC-INC alliance pushed the CPI (M)’s vote down to 33.09 per cent — a 10 per cent decline compared to the 2006 Assembly polls.

The Left Front as a whole got 43.29 per cent of the polled votes, while the Trinamool Congress secured 31.19 per cent and the INC got 13.46 per cent (together they got 44.65 per cent). The SUCI, too, as a partner of the coalition, got a sizeable chunk of the votes.
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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Mix and match

The subcontinent was partitioned 63 years ago. Even among the third post-Partition generation, it isn’t uncommon for families to give away their daughters in marriage to men from across the border. Relations between India and Pakistan are strained but nuptial vows continue to transcend the divide.

Take the case Zohra, who married a Pakistani in 1979. Now a grandmother, she misses India. “After living in Pakistan for 31 years I still find it a strange country,” she says. “Even today I cannot move around alone in Pakistan. I am always accompanied by my husband or my sons. But when I am in India I don’t need anyone. Delhi has changed a lot but I face no problems in moving around here.”

Zohra, the eldest of six children who went to a government school of Old Delhi, is married to Arshad Usmani of Hyderabad (Pakistan). She leads a happy life in Pakistan but is totally against the idea of marrying her children in India. Pointing out the flip side of a cross-border marriage, she says: “When my father died I was in Islamabad to get a visa. When I got the news of his death there were so many people around but none from my family. I missed my mother, brothers and sisters badly at that time. Similarly, last year when my mother passed away in Pakistan while visiting me I felt sorry for my brothers and sisters who were unable to attend the last rites.”

Zohra’s husband, who works in Habib Bank of Pakistan, says: “It is because of the peculiar kind of relations which the two countries have that the people of both sides suffer.” Zohra and her husband have made up their minds that they will not marry their children in India come what may.

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Friday, April 23, 2010

“Can a case be filed thrice?”

My family was completely ruined by my daughter-in-law. My son, an engineer, is wandering here and there like a mad man. I am living with my 70-year-old husband in a dharmshala. My daughter-in-law has confiscated our house. She and my son moved out of our house after three years of marriage but she continued harassing him. Moreover, she filed a case under Section 498A thrice against us. However, we came out clean twice after police investigation but we were not so lucky the third time. My son was arrested and my daughter-in-law ousted us from our house. My husband was admitted to the hospital for many days. She has been ordered to vacate the house by the Deputy Inspector General but she has not followed the order yet. We are still living in a dharmshala.

My house is situated on Talkatora road in Lucknow and is worth crores. The Supreme Court order says that my daughter-in-law is not entitled to this house but the police is not helping us. How much injustice we have suffered is difficult to describe. I don't know about the Dowry Act but want to ask a simple question: Can this case be filed thrice on a person if he is twice found innocent?

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Monday, April 12, 2010

Selling spice from the skies

With many new projects coming up in kochi, this hub of spice trade is trying to make it big in the business of skyscrapers too, says t. satisan

A couple of decades ago, real estate business was not everyone’s envy in Kerala. It was considered as yet another “broker’s job” and as such did not had much acceptability. Well, not to say the earnings were meagre and the job was tough as people didn’t really require expert’s advice to sell or buy properties. Cut to today, and the term “broker” has given way to “real estate player”. All thanks to the booming property prices, the business has turned into a money making machine. These brokers aka real estate players have not only taken up more roles, but are also constructing villas, malls, flats, et al. But then, the success hasn’t come easy to them.

In fact, early birds came from north cosmopolitan cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Bengaluru. They not only offered good packages to consumers, but also ventured into construction and raked in big moolah. This caught the attention of local players. They thought if they can win why can’t we? Naturally several local players jumped into the realm of construction and rest is a glorious part of the economic history of Kerala. The visiting builders were taken by surprise when they saw the modus operandi of the Kerala builders. So what is it that makes these local players a tough competition?

First of all, local builders have more credibility. Builders sitting in Delhi or Mumbai are looked at with suspicion. Buyers suspect that these people may disappear leaving incomplete buildings behind after collecting the amount. In fact, some buyers have had such bitter experiences. Secondly, initially, people used to buy properties for investments. Buyers of apartments and posh villas were sitting abroad. But today, the buyers are real users. They are eager to occupy the accommodation at the earliest. Moreover, unlike early days, today’s buyers have their own choice with respect to the prices. In fact, they like to go for apartments within a price range of Rs.2.5 million to Rs.3.5 million.
For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Outlook Magazine money editor quits
Don't trust the Indian Media!

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Friday, April 09, 2010

Bandhavgarh National Park

Situated amidst the Vindhya Range, Bandhavgarh National Park was quite a famous tourist attraction well before independence. Spread across 450 sq. km, the park has the highest tiger density in the country. The park boasts of around 46 tigers. Morning and dusk are the best time to spot tigers. The guided tours by the park authority are the best bet to spot the tigers. Bandhavgarh Fort, built at a height of 900 meters by the rulers of Rewa, is almost 2,000 years old. However, prior permission to visit the fort is required from the divisional forest office based in Umaria, 32 km away.

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Outlook Magazine money editor quits
Don't trust the Indian Media!

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Thursday, April 08, 2010

Elephants and Beaches

While Ooty and Kodaikanal have been done to death, a few other places in Tamil Nadu offer a completely fresh experience. Hop on for a brief ride

Kumbakonam –Thanjavur

Situated in the Cauvery delta, the Chola country is known for its grand temples and their marvellous architecture. The big temple built by Rajaraja Chola exactly a thousand years ago is undoubtedly a major tourist attraction. A Unesco World Heritage site, its millennium year is being celebrated in 2010. Rajaraja's son Rajendra tried to emulate his father by building another massive temple at Kangaikonda Chozhapuram, which is also a structural marvel. Apart from these, the Cauvery delta is filled with numerous temples and their very interesting mystic sthalapuranas. The nine temples in nine places around this area, each devoted to one of the nine major celestial bodies in Hindu astronomy (planets and stars like Saturn, Sun, etc), deserve special mention. Pilgrims, driven by many astrologers, visit these temples. This cluster of temples can be visited in a single day.

At Top Slip, as the name suggests, logs felled on the hills during the British period were rolled down. Situated on the Annamalai moutains inside the Indira Gandhi National Park, it is a pollution-free abode with dense bamboo and teak forests around. This small place is home to a large number of elephants and is a paradise for bird watchers. Numerous rare species of animals can be spotted here, including the lion-tailed macaque. The Indian brown mongoose can also be seen here. An elephant safari at Top Slip is an unforgettable experience. Simple accommodation is available inside the park; one can alternatively stay in nearby Pollachi.
For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Tuesday, April 06, 2010

Out of the box

He's an arjuna awardee and India's ace pugilist. The dashing akhil kumar talks to Ravi Inder Singh about making boxing popular, turning pro and more...

What can we do to increase the popularity of boxing in India? When would an Akhil or Vijender become as popular as Tendulkar?
Unlike cricket, awareness about boxing is limited. People hardly understand the rules of boxing, hence developing a liking towards the sport becomes difficult. While everybody has an expert opinion on cricket and its various aspects, as far as boxing is concerned, people hardly know what’s right. People are only interested in knowing who won, but no one appreciates the jabs, hooks and blocks. If people are told more about the sport, they would take more interest and also if the players are more media friendly, they could attract the masses.

How does training differ in India as compared to a boxing powerhouse like Cuba?
Training in Cuba is more systematic and organised as compared to India. It is so symmetrical that most coaches train in a similar fashion. Unlike Cuba, training in India changes with every coach. While most boxers in Cuba have personalised trainers, in India personalised coaches are a luxury and unheard of.

How do you prepare mentally and physically before a fight? Do you gather information about your opponents?
Before a fight we get into a regime called speed training, which focuses on agility. Mental conditioning is also essential. I personally have a strong belief in God and feel that He is with me in all my endeavours. Gathering information about an opponent is ideally the coach’s responsibility. It is his duty to inform us of the opponent’s strategies, strengths and weaknesses. Abroad, they have personalised coaches for all participants. These trainers are supposed to accompany the boxer to all competitions. I recall an incident… I was in Athens for the Olympics where I noticed that after my bout I was in for a match with a Cuban opponent and his coach was observing me throughout my previous bout… so I saw him giving tips to his candidate by exactly mimicking my style of fighting and suggesting him counter measures. We have very few such coaches in India.

Have you ever thought of turning pro?
If I get a good promoter, I would love to be a part of professional boxing. Professional boxing requires everything to be top notch with respect to medical facilities, training regimens and personalised trainers. Public attraction is an integral part of professional boxing, and for gaining public attention the awareness about the sport is essential. Only then people would appreciate the body movement, foot work, timing and boxing style of real boxers such as Jeetu (Jitender Kumar) and freshers like Mandeep Jangra who still have time, and can prove to be our best bets if given the appropriate coaching and media coverage.

In the past you’ve reached the quarter finals but lost out. Was it just bad luck? How would you ensure it doesn’t happen again?
Once you reach the international standards, the opponents you meet in the ring are more or less at par with you. But it depends on your strategy on that particular day and how well you execute it. Like if I plan to score a clear point, I try for it by sometimes keeping my guard down and intimidating the opponent and inviting him to strike. But it so happens that your strategy doesn’t work and you lose the bout. I could call it bad luck but not entirely.

In the Indian contingent, who do you think is the best boxer and has the most potential?
I personally feel that Jitender Kumar, who is an Olympic quarter finalist, is a promising candidate. His body structure is unparalleled and he has the calibre of reaching the zenith of boxing. Mandeep Jangra is another young lad with a very impressive boxing style. I am confident that these two would soon do our country proud.
For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Monday, April 05, 2010

“Better paid regulators will help ensure a safe food supply”

India is a nation of sharp contrasts - one of a burgeoning high tech industry but also where there is still no running water and electricity in some parts of the country. This was one of the points that was emphasized by the speakers, including the author, at an Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) sponsored short course last June entitled “Capitalizing on India’s Global Competitiveness and Robust Agri-Food Sector.” .

When it comes to food processing, the food processing industry suffers from many of the problems facing smaller and less developed nations. These issues range from poor hygiene, including water quality, food quality, safety and sanitation programs that would not meet the minimum requirements of the European Union, United States or major purchasers of foods or ingredients, regulators who do not understand these same requirements, and educational systems that teach old and out-dated systems and focus more on rote memory than actual understanding of the complex interrelationships of foods, processes and quality systems. Perhaps the greatest challenges facing developing nations, India included, are government, transportation and the lack of an integrated agri-business sector. Let’s look first at government.

The governments must do two things; ensure that their employees, especially inspectors and field people receive a living wage and must establish a code of ethics for their regulatory agencies. The latter action sets the precedence that government regulators, inspectors or high level officials understand that acceptance of graft or gifts are illegal and subject to punishment. This will be a difficult leap since the giving of gifts is normal in Asia, Africa and many of the developing nations. Better paid officials who are operating strictly as regulators will help top ensure a safe food supply. Transportation is another big issue in developing nations. India understands this and is in the process of creating a national highway system that will link the major cities especially ports.

For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-

Outlook Magazine money editor quits
Don't trust the Indian Media!

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Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Ferrari's newest ace

Formula 1’s most intriguing season in recent times kicked off in Bahrain on March 14th, and Ferrari's latest recruit, Fernando Alonso, having finished on top of the podium may hold all the cards to lead a resurgence of the prancing horse. By Francoise Inizan

How did you feel the first time you drove for Ferrari’s Formula One racing team?
Ha! That’s what everyone wants to know! Fortunately, next year, no one will ask me that anymore (laughs). You don't really realise what Ferrari represents until you arrive in Maranello and discover the passion surrounding the name. The same pride exists even in the plants that make their production cars. People are happy to go to work for Ferrari each day. That's rare.

But when you got behind the wheel...
My first test drive of the F10 was on February 3 in Valencia, and it was my father's birthday. He was there. And it was like a gift for him, since throughout my career he never stopped saying, "If one day you race for Ferrari, then you’ll be able to retire. Your life will be complete." After winning two titles with Renault, I said to him, "But Dad, I’m already happy with my career. It’s already complete!" He objected, "No, no! If you race for Ferrari, people will forget your two titles. They’ll only remember you as a Ferrari driver!" "OK Dad!"

Have you felt the almost infatuated worship of the “tifosi” since you’ve been with Ferrari?
Yes, it's a big change! I’m talking about men, OK (laughs). It’s a new feeling and an additional motivation. It’s really nice. I know that it’ll be even better if I win. I also know that if I lose, it’ll be awful. But that's what it means to be a Ferrari driver.

Have you eaten at Mamma Rosella, the famous restaurant frequented by Ferrari regulars near Maranello?
Yes. I've visited all the legendary Ferrari spots. The famous restaurant, and Enzo Ferrari's office, which hasn’t changed since his death, in 1988... It’s difficult to describe the impression because the atmosphere is so unique.

With Felipe Massa's accident and Kimi Raikkonen's average results, the 2009 season was difficult for Ferrari. Do you feel a sense of obligation to bring the team back to the top?
All the major teams suffered from the new rules on cars last year. Except (Ross) Brawn! It was also a difficult year what with the political affairs between the manufacturers and the International Federation. By getting back to a normal season, with more stability in the regulations, the major teams will return to the forefront.

These last three years, with McLaren in 2007, and then Renault, were also tough for you personally. Did that affect your passion for F1?
No, not at all. 2007 was difficult, but even though I missed winning the (FIA World) Championship by one point, it was a very enriching experience. (Alonso finished third, tied for points with his teammate Lewis Hamilton, just behind Raikkonen.) 2008 and 2009 were something else entirely. I fought for seventh place, but I learned from that. Starting in the middle of the pack. Crucial pit stops. The opportunity to take risks in the rain. All these things were interesting and I told myself, "When I have a better car, I’ll be more ready than ever. And I’ll be the best." That time has come.

Do you sympathise with Jenson Button, who just arrived at McLaren? He’ll end up like you, a two-time world champion, just like you when you arrived at McLaren in 2007. And there were some problems with Hamilton, the rookie in the house...
I think the situation is different today, because while I learned from that season, I’m sure McLaren did too.
For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM Article

Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009


An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

Read these article :-



Outlook Magazine money editor quits
Don't trust the Indian Media!
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