On my recent trip to Colva, I enjoyed the trip unlike all of my previous visits (I go there a lot). Loved the serene and calm atmosphere around, less crowded and neater roads (compared to North Goa). Arabian sea gives you ample company and so does the sea breeze.
The video is a mix of time lapses and glimpses from my travel experience. In case you love it, don’t forget to leave a like and subscribe to Indianomics.tv
Fisher folks are the son of the sea and its at the beaches where you often see them in action. On my recent trip to Colva, I had got a chance to see how the fisher folks prepare for their next adventure, and look forward to a promising future – catching more fish.
The video is a mix of time lapses and glimpses from my travel experience. In case you love it, dont forget to leave a like.
I am going to be speaking at the upcoming blogging workshop at 91 Springboard, Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai on 27th of April, 2018. It was an impromptu session organized thanks to a lot questions being exchanged in our driving group from RTC (RoadTrippersClub). As I was answering questions along with Neeraj dada (Yayawar), someone suggested that we should meet once so that we all can learn. This was on Monday morning.
Flash forward to the evening, we have the event creative ready and a place to meet arranged thanks to 91 Springboard. They were generous enough to help host the event, helping us to keep the session at zero cost! Nothing is better than lending a hand to spearhead learning and I wholeheartedly appreciate the 91 Springboard team at Bandra-Kurla Complex!
So here is the agenda for the workshop, where we have speakers like Divyakshi Gupta and Parampara, mights in their own right in travel and social media respectively. And then there is your’s truly, where I am going to talk about Content, Design and Video in the blogging world.
The workshop is being organized by Road Trippers Club and there is no fee! Yes, it is free of cost to attend. If you are interested, then login in to RoadTrippesClub.com and register yourself today. Hurry, we only have limited seats left.
At Indianomics, I am continually evolving the content I create and try to promote ideas in a fresh bottle. Bottle jibe is to emphasize that We often forget that world around us have a stimulus, playing its role in silence, while we are aloof of it. Indianomics Showcase brings out people and groups from cold, and showcases them.
In this video, I am talking about Sight Savers, an NGO that is helping visually impaired people overcome their issues with the sight. Also featured is an introduction video from Sight Savers YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/SightsaversIN) that explains what how these guys are changing lives of millions of Indians!
A big thumbs up to Sight Savers, for doing their work in the silos ensuring they are changing lives. To contribute to their work, you can visit their website or call on the number in the video.
Fake news is in real news again and this time, a funny move by the government. It seems that Government is aloof from the ground realities, or chose to remain so… (Update: PM Modi asks I&B Ministry to withdraw the fake news order, read below)
I read this report from HT, that fake news publishing journalists will lose their accreditation temporarily or permanently depending on the frequency of violations. Well, the jury is out there to judge but who is going to take the action? Just about a week ago, I had wrote an article about how farmer’s protest was being used in a twisted fashion to ignore the real crux of the protest itself. However, it was on digital media though, and for which we do not have any concrete rules yet.
According to the report:
“We have the Press Council of India for newspapers which is different from government and still self-regulatory enough to awaken its own conscience and take a decision that will bar such processes. Similarly, for television news you have the News Broadcasters Association. I’m hopeful that such a similar body will also emerge for social media at least in the news, opinion and entertainment content,” Irani said at a recent conference in New Delhi.
The minister said a line of ethics and a code of conduct had to be put in place to ensure that customers do not get affected by vested views in news, broadcasting and advertorial content. The efforts come even as governments around the world are figuring out ways to tackle fake news, especially in digital media. It is now widely believed that the Russians used fake news on Facebook to try and influence the outcome of the 2016 US election.(Hindustan Times)”
The problem is that India is in a reactionary mode, when the intellectuals questioned on our Government’s action. Many countries have already launched investigations and are considering swift moves to ensure there is a curb on fake news. However, India’s stand is clearly not standing up against Facebook and other carriers of fake news but Journalists.
The real problem though, is that there is no way Govt. or an individual body / organization that is regulating news on social media.
And the government firmly believes that it is the news organizations that are spreading the fake news? Well, herein lies the devil! The last I checked, I had seen many accusations across media houses being cronies to a political party. Some of the current rumors say that Times Network is pro-Congress and Republic TV is pro-BJP. While in the state of Tamil Nadu, politics owning up the entire media, is no secret.
Fake news are now used as a medium to draft in ignorant people into the a belief that other party is wrong. Or glorify a party and their leaders. Or spread a religious hate in the name of an action or inaction. This is either being done systematically or just people who fan-follow a particular party or religious ideology. The real problem though, is that there is no way Govt. or an individual body / organization that is regulating news on social media.
The real problem is that government is focusing on journalists, and not the subject matter itself. The double edged sword, if I may. Focusing on journalists may help the ruling party to keep them in check, and that journalists toe to their lines while ensuring intellectuals that they are trying to do something. I am not saying that Govt. is planning on doing that, however. But there is a possibility that it can happen, if the need arises.
Another issue, majority of fake news online is not published by journalists. Surprise! You will not get an easter egg if you guessed that already. Majority of the fake news is spread through domains that are bought temporarily. Websites are specifically created to publish fake stories. Or blogs written by fanatics! In fact, there are fake story factories that operate in India just like any other offices are run with financial support from who knows who.
With elections happening in the upcoming year, every party trying to compete will want to ensure that they have access to fake news. Because, in this country of intellectuals, there exists a creed that believes everything that they see online. Our blood is too easy to boil when we see a doctored video of an civil war elsewhere and the title of the video says – Jammu and Kashmir. Yes, even if they have never ever been to Jammu and Kashmir.
Well, according to Economic Times report, India is still deciding if we need to summon Facebook! While a notice was sent to Cambridge Analytica, they are yet to respond and have asked for more time. So yes, there is some movement. It is still reactionary, as an investigation may lead to an open can of worms that no one wants to see. At least in the political circles.There were some rumored links between Cambridge Analytica and Congress. Clearly, if it is true, the Biritsh firm failed in their delivery.
Well, that is a question we all have been asked, have not we? I, for one, am able to distinguish between fake news and real one if I read or see something that is too good to be true. Fake news is like those email scams originating from African continent. So here is a quick cheat sheet to ensure you are not falling for a fake news.
There are many who edit videos and mix then with another audio and try to show someone or an idealogy in wrong light. Identifying fake news tends to be difficult for people who are old and are new to the digital world. However, in India, even youngsters are being swayed by such fake news. I just un-followed two of my friends from my Facebook because they almost always shared fake news. I tried to reason with them, however most of the time it was futile.
#FLASH: Prime Minister has directed that the press release regarding fake news be withdrawn and the matter should only be addressed in Press Council of India. pic.twitter.com/KVUBeAoDhC
— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2018
How do you identify a fake news article? If you have any tips, do not forget to comment down below and I will have them added on to the above list.
If you are already connected to me via Social Media, than you would have seen my posts about me and my channel partnering with ScoutMyTrip for the Great Indian Food Trip (GIFT).
Great Indian Food Trip is an initiative by ScoutMyTrip to help find the best food in India. Last year with their hugely successful ‘South Indian Biryani Trail’ which covered Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore and Calicut. The second edition now kicks off with the ScoutMyTrip team knocking on the doors of Indore to explore and experience the culinary delights of the city.
Kick-starting the mega campaign from Mumbai, the ScoutMyTrip team will reach Indore on 29th March 2018. The distance would be covered over two days from Mumbai considering hot weather. Also exploring the changes and variations between how simple dishes like ‘Poha’ (flattened rice) change between Maharashtra to Madhya Pradesh. Despite poha being one of the most popular breakfast dishes all over India, ScoutMyTrip considers the Indore variation to this simple but iconic dish very innovative. Especially when sprinkled sev on top and served with jalebi on the side. Thus, giving it a taste, a signature flavor that is considered to be uniquely Indore.
But the ScoutMyTrip team won’t stop with Poha. Tanmay together with Neha will also be indulging in two days of chaat and other street-food especially made by legendary chaatwaalas. People get in line, just to dig their fingers into a culinary bomb. Whetting the appetite further, there’s a visit to the Sarafa bazaar. Sarafa Bazaar holds the distinction of being the only Night Food Market in India, something which even Maximum City, Mumbai cannot stake claim.
The plan in Indore is to meet numerous foodies and travelers over meetups over the three days. Indulging in dishes like ‘garadu’, ‘bhutte ki kees’, non-vegetarian delights, Johnny hot dog and many more. The team would conduct food-tasting sessions, analyze ingredients and draw comparatives amongst each version.
This interesting and mouthwatering road trip is being led by avid biker and travel expert Tanmay Pangam (The Angry Saint). Tanmay is riding to Indore on his Royal Enfield Himalayan bike. In Indore, he will be joined by popular travel and lifestyle blogger Neha Ramneek Kapoor (The LifeStyle Stew). Neha is curating the ‘Indore Food Escapade’. Neha and Tanmay together would set out to find out what’s best about Indore’ food and pitting it against cities hugely popular for food like Lucknow, Delhi, Kolkata and Hyderabad.
Speaking about the idea of the Great Indian Food Trip, Deepak Ananth, CEO, ScoutMyTrip said, “The birth of Great Indian Food Trip was a logical step. towards the fact that food is and will always be an essential component of travel exploration. With the Great Indian Food Trip, we want to take dishes from Indore to not just whole of India but the world!” added Ananth.
With the Great Indian Food Trip, we want to take dishes from Indore to not just whole of India but the world!
Deepak Anant, CEO, ScoutMyTrip
Indianomics is proud to parter with ScoutMyTrip for the second edition of Great Indian Food Trip. The on ground crew of Tanmay and Pooja will be sharing their experiences on camera and my channel Indianomics will be helping them put it out for all of you to see. You will be able to watch the episodes on Indianomics TravelVlogs. Be sure you are subscribed to IndianomicsTV for more updates!
I have often wondered how to reuse water that cannot be consumed. Today I am in this blog post exploring various options to save water from being wasted and reused. Of course, there are many a bible out there to teach you how to save water or use left over water. This article is meant to be a quick referrer. Livpure’s campaign and subsequent #CuttingPaani advertisement that I reviewed here on my blog gave me the inspiration to write about this story.
Collect the left over water from glasses, which your guests did not drink in full, into a container instead of throwing it down the drain. You can reuse this water for washing utensils, or cleaning the floor. Better still, if you have not watered your plants, then do it!
One of things I did way back in my apartment was to redirect the AC water hose to a small storage container. It made me feel good to reuse water that comes out of the AC exhaust host, otherwise which is either lost as vapor or down the drain. Air conditioner’s drain water is like rain – because it forms from condensed water vapor, and it’s typically no more harmful. However, since the water can easily get contaminated, it is not recommended for drinking.
Modern day AC Units do come with an drain pipe, that is no longer than one ft. While it may not be enough, I recommend that you get yourself at least 3 ft. length of the pipe and then redirect the AC drain into a storage container. Once filled, use that to water the plants or wash your car with it.
Note: Do not let the water stagnate in the container, else this may become the breeding ground for mosquitoes and harmful bacteria.
It is easy to get carried away. Many buckets full of water, an already dirty cloth and your car or bike. Of course, in your thoughts you know that you should not waste so much of the water but you still won’t do it. Buy a sprinkler or re-use ones that you already have (I reuse Colin’s bottles).
You do not need to invest in sprinkler pumps or any fancy gadgets necessarily. You can start small, and still do good to the environment. You can use water that you collected in case of unused water from glasses or water collected from your air-conditioned unit.
Leaking taps are one of the biggest cause of water wastage. I did not want to call out the term faucet, well because, it is better known as taps. Ensuring that your taps are not leaking can save at least 50 liters of water. Yes, fifty! You never realized it, did you?
As per the Livpure campaign I mentioned earlier, use half glass of water when you do not need full. IT IS SIMPLE! And it makes complete sense. You can do that at almost anywhere! You can also sign a petition on Change.org to help promote this message.
At Indianomics, I am continually evolving the content I create and try to promote ideas in a fresh bottle. Bottle jibe is to emphasize that We often forget that world around us have a stimulus, playing its role in silence, while we are aloof of it. Indianomics Showcase brings out people and groups from cold, and showcases them.
In this article, I am going to introduce you all to Road Trippers Club (RTC)! Watch the video interview with Vineet Rajan and Neeraj Sinha, who along with Deepak Ananth (could not be there for the day) are the men behind ScoutMyTrip.com and have started RTC to celebrate Cars just like Bikes to their riders.
I am utterly aghast by the fake news in circulation about who is sponsoring the farmer’s protest. It is wholly stupid ideological warfare propagated by those who are known to be supporting BJP or RSS. I encountered one such source (I do not want to link to them from my blog). There already has been extensive coverage of how such sites are spreading hatred and fake news to fool people. And it is working! Because we Indians are so freaking gullible and we believe in almost everything that gets shared on social media.
Pratik Sinha of Altnews had done a detailed study of how political affiliation is propagating hatred by posting fake news. And all of this nonsense is targeted to anything or anyone other than BJP or RSS! Which begs to clarify that they are either an unofficial mouthpiece or just fans of BJP/RSS?
The below image posted on the Facebook page and many of our gullible friends are spreading it, who strongly feel that someone else is politicizing the moves. True, the farmers are supported by an Union backed by CPI (M), however that does not undermine the protest!
Let’s do some mathematics now. Apparently, 50000 farmers joined the protest but we’ll still take the figure of 30000 as shown in the image. ₹1,26,00,000 / 30,000 = ₹420! Are we saying that each farmer cannot afford even ₹420? If this is so, gentlemen, joke is on us! (Animesh Mishra)
Are we saying that each farmer cannot afford even ₹420? If this is so, gentlemen, joke is on us!
This is not the first time they have done that. What boils me down is people stop believing the real news, the real issues that farmers are facing? When can we Indians stop being gullible?
Education is not really helping, as I see many of those who have shared this nonsense on my page are also friends I know personally, and until today, I felt were intelligent enough.
This is not limited to one website! There are a lot of such sites used by almost all political parties. You either stop them from publishing such stuff (impossible, yeah?) or stop believing that (much easier). Do not give into fake news, period.
I am not sure what other action we can take, at least those of us who realize that such news is harmful for the harmony of the country. If you love the country and are patriotic about it, shed all associations with polictical parties and stop sharing this absolute nonsense of fake news, and avoid it from spreading like a wildfire.
Sharing this fake news is undoing these farmers’ effort of protest, who walked 180 kms over six days. They are the ones who make your food man, how can you not reasonate with them? What has any government done for farmers?
Share this post as much as you can, in an effort to educate people of this atrocity and help identify fake news!
We all heard about the farmer protest that is currently undergoing in Mumbai. The protest showcased events that are unprecedented. It leaves me in awe of the spirit of Mumbai and the farmers themselves. What a day it has been of twists and turns. It all started off with someone deciding to protest differently.
Maharashtra farmers see successive droughts and are unable to make as much money as they should. They are in financial distress and are seeking financial relief. To save themselves from further droughts, they want to ensure that promises of river linking projects are implemented.
Tribals who joined the protest are not looking to seek any financial help though! “Their participation in the agitation in such large numbers suggests a new edge in the countryside’s despair — while successive drought years, inequitable water management and pricing policies have seen a slow impoverishment of the farmer community everywhere in Maharashtra, the circumstances for the landless are ever more exacting” (reports Indian Express).
The quintessential Maharashtra farmer is following a protest model from TN Farmers, who marched on in New Delhi last year. Tamil farmers raised slogans, shaved their half head and facial hair to protest their apathy. Mind you; the protest still did not gain the intended results. And farmers from UP got a loan waiver around the same time, based on a poll-promise by the Yogi government.
I wrote about this briefly, after a Quint video brought forth a question: UP farm loan waiver, in a way, is funded by Tamilians based on how fragmented our taxation system is. I do not want to diverge from the topic; you can read more on that post.
That’s where things started to change. The Government, instead of walking towards them, shamelessly requested the group to delay their march to avoid inconvenience to SSC and HSC students who are appearing for their exams. This was a bid for them to delay the political inconvenience they will face!
However, the smart among them help decide that they would walk in the night, saving themselves from the scorching sun. And avoiding the fragile Mumbai infrastructure, often lamented, further trouble. This small gesture, and the smart thinking is downright awesome.
Wow! That was an incredible thought which touched Mumbaikars deeply. And Mumbaikar responded!
Amazing Photos from #KisanLongMarch
As the Long March enters the heart of the city, Mumbaikars start welcoming the fatigued farmers with water, food and flowers.
Photos via: Ramakumar Ram pic.twitter.com/SlX3jxv7M3
— Advaid (@Advaidism) March 11, 2018
Amazing Photos from #KisanLongMarch
As the Long March enters the heart of the city, People start welcoming the fatigued farmers with water, food and flowers. pic.twitter.com/SeMfdHaOv7
— Fazlur (@fazlurism) March 12, 2018
Mumbai Welcomes #FarmersMarch
Sikh brothers distribute food, muslim brothers distribute snacks,dates & water, some Mumbaikars provide breakfast @ Azad Maidan with footwears 2 farmers walking barefoot. Sea of farmers 2 meet CM over non fulfillment of promises made by Mah Gov pic.twitter.com/8YtsTo4BK6
— Niraj Bhatia (@bhatia_niraj23) March 12, 2018
Favourite photo from #KisanLongMarch this afternoon — Farmers have no access to electricity so Lakshman Bhasre from Tryumbakeshwar Taluka has been marching for 6 days with a tiny solar panel on his head. He uses it to charge his phone and help other marchers charge theirs. pic.twitter.com/3He32abd4z
— Pragya Tiwari (@PragyaTiwari) March 12, 2018
I am amazed at the thought itself, and the speed with which Mumbai realized the importance of the farmers. I have often lamented the Spirit of Mumbai as something of an adjustment they do with their helplessness of the infrastructure (during floods mostly). However, the 2007 blasts and yesterday’s event highlight the spirit and how heartfelt they are.
The farmer’s protest in huge numbers brings out Mumbaikars on the road, to be the Good Samaritan they always have been in crisis. Farmers are in crisis today, and the Spirit of Mumbai in invoked. Keep up Mumbai! The hands that feed deserve this small, but meaningful gesture.
At Indianomics, I am continually evolving the content I write and try to promote ideas in a fresh bottle. Bottle jibe is to emphasize that we often forget that world around us have a stimulus, playing its role in silence, while we are aloof of it. Presenting to you all, the Indianomics Showcase.
In this series, I will be publishing articles to bring out people from cold, and showcase them. First up is Vincent Vineeth Leo, my school friend, who is now a Research Fellow at the University of Mizoram. Vincent has always been jovial and fun to be with, unlike the typical nerd profiles in our minds of people who end up being a scientist and a researcher.
Vincent, how are you doing? It’s been a long time since we caught up! You still look exactly same as back in the school days, how?I am doing well, thanks! It’s been a while aye! Regarding appearance, I suppose credit goes ‘Surya Namaskar’ that I am practicing every day for many years. And the rest it’s a mind thing. Like someone, once said that “There is an inner child in everyone”; I just keep feeding the child in me with little moments of happiness.
Hemal: One of my best memories of you was accidentally finding your home. We were selling the fictitious Blue Bird Cricket Club’s Christmas lucky draw coupons that we were selling for Rs. 2 each! That was a scam – my other local friends and I were looking to fund our ‘Ararat’ (mela) outing. We were allowed into your house only because I was there. The way we all friends were received and treated (Christmas cake too), I cannot forget! I found myself feeling guilty of having scammed your mother for Rs. 2! (we did give out gifts to winners in a lucky draw eventually).
Vincent: I am surprised that you remember that! I do not, honestly! 😀
The first thing that comes to my mind is that we were all the same sized people; small! Mostly adjudicated to the front benches. That’s how I related to you. Maybe those days I felt like the front benchers had a gang of themselves (we did!). And of course, you were like a celebrity Gujarati boy in our group, so unknowingly; you were a celebrity among my other Malayalee buddies!
There is an inner child in everyone. I just keep feeding the child in me with little moments of happiness.
– Vincent Vineeth Leo
It’s a long story, but in short, there is a Scottish connection to it. Me and my current guide Dr. Bhim Pratap Singh (Assistant Professor at Mizoram University) both spend a few academic years in Scotland. Though in different universities and never met in Scotland, just the fact we got to experience science in an international level, brought us together I guess.
I am traveler since my higher secondary education, pursuing my research in a secluded and exotic location seemed perfect. But I must say this, that the Mizoram University did show a well-equipped DBT state Biotech Hub in their profile. From a research point of view, that was the final nail in the coffin.
Somehow science bug has crept into my life over the years, and I ended up in the research field. I am a biochemistry person at my heart, studied biotechnology, working on microbiology. I am now considering plant biomass conversion to alternative energy. That’s how complicated my world is.
Mizoram or as I call it ‘Mizo’ land, is very much a secluded place, in comparison to the other crowded cities and states in India. Majority of it is protected forest area, lush green, and hardly any plain areas. It’s all hilly in here. The place does have many positives, including fantastic clean air and unpredictable weather. You might get to experience all climates in one day as well sometimes!
Transportation is still a huge letdown, given the lack of functional road connectivity and absence of trains. I have embraced the place like my second home. The part of the country brings calmness to my mind and has helped me concentrate more on science than any other. And they also have a Mizo traditional festival called the “Chap Char Kut”; where they remember their history and traditions and is an event I love to take part. You must pay a visit someday!
Nothing in particular. I have traveled places. Hence I am used to the little racial discriminations we brown people get anywhere we go. Nothing derogatory ever happened to me, to be honest. Like any other state, people here are very proud of their language, and they do practice Mizo more than Hindi or English, which at times can deem a little difficult to communicate.
If you are looking for a shock, it has to be the food.
If you are looking for a shock, it has to be the food. For a South Indian, I am used to getting a variety of spicy food delicacies from breakfast to dinner. Folks here are satisfied with the rice, dal, aalu and some boiled meat or veggies. Now that still frustrates me to the core. But some sacrifices are always needed for the greater good.
But I appreciate the fact that this is one of the safest states in our country for women. The idea of women experiencing equal rights as that of a man is of fascination and awe to see here. For, e.g., where women can feel safe and free, even if you’re in your knickers in the middle of night roaming within your neighborhood.
Three people, their work, and words inevitably had influenced me in taking up research.
I started noticing science in action in our everyday life thanks to Miss Teresa, Botany Head at Leo XIII High School in my hometown Alleppey. Her words continue to come in handy for me even today. Observation of our environment, with slight attention to detail, is the way to unraveling most of our natures secrets.
Be observant. Work like Ants. And Innovate!
My guide from SAMS in Scotland, Dr. Toni Guiterrez, the tough Aussie, and a hardworking person. His advice of learning from Ants’ work ethics still holds the fort for me in research. “Ants never stop working. Research is like that; you can never afford to stop working” he said.
And then, Dr. V. P. Potty, my mentor during my first research project at CEPCI, Kollam in Kerala. Dr. Potty instills the idea of innovation against pursuing known technology into his pupils, and I am lucky to be one.
For all my three years of efforts and in collaboration with the institute we successfully managed to innovate four such technologies, which are now pending patent approval.
The science of studying micro-organisms like bacteria, cultured (breed) in a specific way to help solve real-life problems, using sophisticated instruments.
My area of focus is on converting resources into useable alternative energy by utilizing the non-edible plants (wild grasses) using natural feeders (stimulants) like bacteria. It is a vast area pending exploration, and I am in my baby steps!
Right now, I am working on an interesting concept, called “BioTraps.” Due to confidentiality reasons, I cannot talk a lot more in detail. However, suffice to say that I use a small sterile container, which has specific media, to attract certain microbes for this project. The working concept is born out of real observation of nature of forests in Mizoram.
So far, the results are overwhelming. This project has bagged a few accolades in recent times. And I hope more than all these, that this concept might find great usage in future for such similar studies pursued globally.
I have been lucky to have worked on some fantastic collaborative subjects that have yielded positive results. Naturally, these have progressed into research papers. Unlike you guys, our social media network is Research Gate, and my published work is available on Loop.
Some of my other publications are:
A Novel Triculture System (CC3) for Simultaneous Enzyme Production and Hydrolysis of Common Grasses through Submerged Fermentation
“Innovate, innovate, innovate and innovate” try to innovate as much as one can with this small lifetime we got. From a science point of view, that’s the best word I can articulate to anyone who is interested in the subject.
In a broader perspective, try and work on something that’s useful to humanity. But personally, I want to see me be a professional Research and Development scientist in one of the Bio-industries.
In a broader perspective, try and work on something that’s useful to humanity.
I want my work to be useful at ground zero. As a researcher and scientist, I have mind and Industry has resources. Together, we can create an actionable product.
I won’t call myself a yoga master at all. I still have lots of asanas to learn. But I am a consistent yoga practitioner. I have to thank Shri Shri Ravi Shankar’s one week course of Art of Living that changed my concept of fitness and living.
I follow Christianity, and a lot of people have questioned my yoga practices with religious taste. I have somehow withstood the storm.
Contrary to the myth, yoga is hardly a religious matter. Its an Indian tradition, which somehow lost its importance during the ages of British rule. I follow Christianity, and a lot of people have questioned my yoga practices with religious taste. I have somehow withstood the storm.
But my success as a whole goes to my ever supporting family (dad, mom, bro, cousins, aunts, uncles) without whom none of these would have been possible. Both my parents have been loyal government servants, and now social workers, lead by example and influence my behavior.
And finally, want to thank the almighty God. For a Catholic person to be doing hardcore science is always a tough one.
Let me answer that question in two parts, just like you asked aye! 🙂
For a current Ph.D. scholar, finance is always a precarious position in our country, to be honest. Even with a fellowship, we do see people having difficulties, mainly due to the dismemberment of the allotted funds. It does not feel right to be treated as a second-class citizen. But the thought that all the sacrifices might yield a sweet reward at the end could be the reason why many try to pursue it.
But not all is gloomy in the academic research. Through government funding from agencies like DBT, DST, UGC, ICAR, ICMR, etc. they continue to support. Without such the usage of sophisticated instrumentation would be a distant dream. So those initiatives are undoubtedly the big help a researcher gets.
For those in Government organizations and certain reputed pharma companies, the pay is quite rewarding surely. But the research field is yet to get a professional touch in our country. It doesn’t have the attractive packages most professional courses provide.
Surely its high time the ministry of HRD could re-think its strategy for such budding science fellows. Otherwise, they will lose out the young brains that we possess and end up creating non-resident Indians.
As far as life goals go, I am ready to transform into a professional R&D role. I cannot move away from Academics 100%, however. I am happy to share the learnings with you and your audience.
Thanks to you for exposing me to the world of blogging. Keep doing what you love, enjoy your rides on your Himalayan bike and wish you and your family happiness!
You cannot, not love sailing, and if you do, then this perhaps your best way to change your mind. Go sailing in the vast Arabian Sea, on a Yacht in Mumbai, and come back refreshed and with a newer perspective.
A good friend and fellow blogger, Ethel Da Costa sent in an exclusive invite to experience sailing, herself a hydrophobic. The event, named CEO Regatta, immediately put my online searching skills to test. I need to know more, and it was clear that this is something else than what I have experienced to date. If you are in a hurry, let me help you with a visual trailer. Take a look.
Aquasail has established into this new niche of the experiential game of travel and entertainment. I have been talking about the experiential tripping for a while, and sailing is one of the latest trends in the travel and tourism industry.
On the D-day, I ride my RE Himalayan all the way to Royal Bombay Yacht Club, near Gateway of India in the southern tip of Mumbai. The architecture from the 18th century has been tediously maintained to give the rusty but sophisticated at the same time. A perfect way to transfix the nature of Yachting in India.
The who’s who of corporate India was in presence, part taking in the sail yacht racing called CEO Regatta. Sponsored by Axis Bank and Air Vistara, it perhaps is one of the most high-powered meets I have visited, ever. The leaders from the industry sorted into teams and then proceeded towards the vast open sea.
Upon arrival at the jetty (2 minutes walk from the Yacht Club), all the competitors got on a transporting boat which will take them to their Sail Yacht. Watch the part one video, if you are in a hurry to skim through. Make sure to subscribe to Indianomics.tv on YouTube.
I got on the boats with photographers, as I wanted to watch the race from as close as possible, even though I had an option to go on top the luxury yacht, as some others did. The sky was brilliant for a change, and it helped in the video and photographs I took. I am sure you will agree. I could not stop myself looking into the display of my phone (a Lumia 950XL and iPhone 6S)
Watching the Yachts race was fun, and something new for me. It brought back memories of the year 2007. I was working for ABN AMRO Bank back then, and our bank had two sail yachts participating in Volvo Ocean Race. It was the first time I heard about racing Yachts. A decade later, I could fulfill my wish to do a race myself, although much smaller in comparison, of course.
After the first set of teams finished their race, a winning team emerged and sent back to the Luxury Yacht Eesha. Time for some action, then! I got on to the event winning Yacht at the first instant, mid-sea.
Racing the Yachts is difficult unless you know tons of things. Wind speed, changing direction, and which ropes to pull. If you get a thing wrong, the boat can turn turtle any time. During the race itself, everyone was sitting on the edge. The adrenaline rush was at its peak, and we all were trying our best to stay afloat and race to the victory line.
Thanks to the instructor Moksh, who made it look pretty easy-peasy. He knew precisely what and when to talk to us novices. I was sitting in the corner, close to the water than everyone else taking videos and pictures of our race.
It was fun and an experience that will stick with me for a long time to come. Going back to the Royal Bombay Yacht Club for the high-tea after party, I was memorizing lessons. Being on a boat on a day when the sky was perhaps its best, what more could I have asked!
Before I left the venue, I had a 45-minute conversation with Zia Hajeeboy, Director of Aquasail, talking about various topics. While speaking, I realized that having your boat party is not so much expensive as one would believe. At ₹9000 for 4 hours (for six people), the cost per head worked out to be just ₹1,500! You not only are a passenger, but the sailor too. Now that is affordable for sure!
It helps to break free from the chaotic Mumbai life and visit the seas to take a breath of fresh air and be relaxed while doing it. Not only the cost incurred is lower, but it also is refreshing, and you do not have to travel a lot far. Plus, the only time you get to see Gateway of India and Taj Hotel in a frame is from the sea! And what a lovely sight it is!
To book yours, visit Aquasail India‘s website. Read what Ethel Da Costa wrote about the event as well.
Since today morning, I am seeing many people adjudging the disappointment for the salaried class as a massive binge. Also, I had someone on my facebook writing that Salaried Classes deserve to be taxed, himself a blogger and son of a businessman. He had his points of trouble too, which I do not ignore. However, the fact remains that 1.76% of Indians pay income tax remains a sore point.
Middle Class benefit from lower home loan rates, lower consumer price index and fiscal deficit and income tax slab rates being appropriate. An article at OPIndia.com states:
“And while we are at it, as a bigger consumer of goods and services, middle class benefited most from the GST regime. Those struggling to make ends meet don’t care about restaurants and hotels. You pay 5% GST now, compared to a 18% Service Tax earlier on that dinner out. That rebate is entirely yours. “
Well, not exactly true. The ground reality is that before GST, a large number restaurants did not charge taxes separately. The food menu was almost always inclusive of taxes. However, when GST was announced, almost all of the restaurants were charging GST over the top of their pre-GST rates. This was well published in leading newspapers based on citizen reports.
After GST was lowered for restaurants, the bill total remained the same and cost of food went up. This is called profiteering. And middle class do not have lunch and dinner at fancy hotels every day, Mr. or Ms. behind the pseudonym wrote the article.
Stop deluding yourself with the notion that you are the only one paying taxes. Your 4.31 lakh crores in direct taxes is just 19% of the total 22.17 lakh crore tax revenues collected by the Govt.
The author seems to forget that the salaried middle class who gets his pay after deducting income tax also pays indirect taxes. The above statement is willfully excluding this fact. It of course is a matter of concern for salaried middle class, on the amount of indirect taxes one ends up paying. In fact, structure of GST is build around avoiding double-taxation for businesses. On similar lines, the salaried middle class should get a rebate on his income tax outlay based on the amount of GST she or he has paid. Only to be fair right? That is not the case, and hence it is a huge concern.
A salaried middle class person, having an total income worth Rs. 10 Lakhs, will end up paying an average of 11% income tax plus an average of 17% GST on his necessities. That is 27% taxes already! Without even counting the GST on Investments, expenditure on holiday, travel, restaurants and the biggest of them all, taxes on Fuel!
What an non-tax paying citizen pays? Minus the 11%, everything else if she or he is being honest. So why should the salaried class continue to bear 11% additional responsibility for returns that everyone enjoys? For development of the country, of course!
Firstly, go and delete those posts you shared on social media lamenting about poor farmers, because you didn’t mean them. Everyone wants poor to be helped, farmer to be saved – but it should be paid for by someone else. Well, there is no ‘someone else’ out there, it has to be ‘us’.
The article assumes that we do not care for farmers. Heck, the author even has the audacity to declare our intent and actions in no less words than being mean, and accuses everyone of the social media shares and posts that we made in support of farmers because “you didn’t mean them”. Absolute trochaic, in line with all the so called Bhakts out there.
The article assumes that Salaried Middle Class income tax payers expect that someone else should bear the expenses for the farmers to be saved. However the author ignores how diverse strategy our country and each state’s tax collection have. Here is a video that helps explain how farmers get or do not get compensation, a brilliant study by Praveen Chakravarty with BloombergQuint.
With such a complex tax collection situation, people living in the four states namely Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, essentially are supporting the whole country with more than 50% of the tax revenue collection share. They are already getting way less than what they contribute for, not only in terms of direct taxes, but indirect as well.
Let us not forget the skewed national policy on fuel pricing, which is not under the ambit of GST yet, and may not appear to fall under it in near future. For sure, State Governments benefit from this situation, however, the common man still pays for them.
And stop grudging the industry and corporates. There would be no middle class without industry and corporates. You would be poor class in no time, if industry died. So it already indirectly benefits YOU.
It is an universal phenomenon that Corporates should be treated well for they create jobs, and benefit the society. In fact, I have not come across many middle class individuals who complained of it either. The complaint is mainly with regards to tax evasion. If tax evasion is plugged, the this country does not require 1.76% of Indians to pay Income Tax! That is a reality, and let us not forget it.
India is among the largest countries in the world and have a population to feed. For how long can this 1.76% of Indians continue to pay income tax for the rest of the country? The income tax base has to increase for both salaried and business, and once we are collecting more than enough money reduce the tax rates. Salaried Middle Class is worried the budget did not focus on anything that remotely suggests government is doing to catch hold of tax evaders.
Middle class has a serious Ghajini disorder! We forget the days of 10-14% inflation under UPA-2 or even when Toor daal prices being at above Rs 200/- in 2015 were a matter of middle class outrage.
How does a comparison helps? Calling middle class Ghajini is an insult, when the author itself forgot other aspects leading to inflationary costs?
Inflation rates were high and low during UPA government, true. However, the inflation was on its downward spiral already when the new NDA government took over already. Take a look at this graph from a global reputed website managing inflation numbers for many countries.
NDA government did not had to battle global cues. Like spiraling crude oil prices and international financial conditions that kept UPA-2 on their toes. They still managed to keep the prices of petrol and diesel to the limits. The fuel prices ensured that inflation did not exceed limits that living for a common man became difficult.
I am not advocating UPA or Congress, however they did have issues at their hand, out of their control to manage. The fiscal deficit was not under control for the same reasons. Because the government had to keep up the subsidy rates for a lot of essential products, including agricultural fertilizers.
My home loan interest rate at the end of 2013 was between 9.5 to 11.25%. It has come down to under 8.5% now. (Keeping SBI as Reference) Even a difference of 2% Rate in a loan of 30 lakhs gives you savings of 45000 Annually, as per SBI Home loan calculator. Is that not for middle class?
The argument that lower home loan interest rates is saving the salaried middle class up to Rs. 40,000 a year is a farce!
Home loan rates are less for sure, but that does not itself qualify as a middle class focused. It even helps the rich and poor. Moreover, yes, those who are not paying home loans are higher in numbers – and therefore, absolute lack of any benefit for everyone.
Plus, many other factors influence home loan rates than just because the government wants to reduce it. Also, why are different types of loan rates expensive when the prime lending rates are same for the banks, after all, aren’t they?
Inflation impacts Home Loan rates, itself based on REPO Rate set by RBI. Wholesale and Retail Price Index, Current Account Deficit, International Gold and Oil prices, etc. are other factors.
Some of the factors usually considered by the central bank are;
With a higher Path of Inflation, Wholesale and Retail Price Index and Weaker Oil Prices but higher domestic pricing, it is easy to see why RBI decided to lower the REPO rate.
Remember, majority of the benefit in loan rates we see today is in no small part, thanks to Raghuram Rajan whom Modi Govt. did not see fit to be part of RBI and went against them!
Average Consumer Price Index (CPI) was 10.92% in 2013 while it is 2.49% right now. JUST IMAGINE, what would have been the prices of the goods of common usage if such a high CPI rate was still there
The inflation rate is based upon the consumer price index (CPI). And it is not appropriate reflective figure of what the typical Indian faces in reality. CPI does not necessarily translate end-user impact is. From 14.9% in 2009, even the Congress government had managed to bring it down to 5.86% in 2014. But did you see the impact on the ground? The point I am trying to make is – you cannot adjudge impact on you individually using these rates.
Every time petrol prices have gone up, the majority of vegetables and other commodities that are necessity become pricer. With a favorable change in petrol prices, the rates never went down. Ask ourselves, what was the cost of vegetables four years ago and how much they are costly now? Consistent with what happened during previous governments, including the ones ruled by Congress. Cons of any party in power are too significant not to have an impact on the actual aam aadmi.
Fiscal Deficit was 4.1% in 2013 while it has been targeted to be 3.3% for 2018 (Through this budget only). If we don’t reign in the fiscal deficit, it will lead to manipulation of capital structures, interest rates, will lead to decrease of net exports and will result in even higher taxes and higher inflation. So, dear friends, the budget is also aimed at keeping the inflation in check (Such are the strange ways of Economics)
Fiscal deficit is one thing that we can think of where Govt. has been focusing right. However the focus has not brought in the expected impact on the ground. In spite of global cues like crude oil trading low and positive from FD point of view. There is more unemployment today than investments India is attracting. For the sake of argument, why would the government dole out a budget that impacts or delays the reduction of the Fiscal Deficit? It is absolutely counter productive to appraise this budget on this point alone.
Because this is an election budget, as with every govt., they are selfish to ensure they win the next one! The Agriculture push in this budget only came after BJP nearly lost out on their plot on the development to the plight of the farmers in Gujarat! Who paid attention to the farmers protest in Delhi this year long? No one, because by then BJP had successfully ignited the Karni Sena-Padmavati uproar.
It is difficult to know where all this money went. However, unlike Jaitley said in the press conference, the increased tax has not led to better roads in places where we have lived or traveled. One notable exception is highways; however, I use our city roads more often than highways.
Global cues influence increase in fuel prices. However, when the barrel costs were down, the Govt. refused to pass on the benefit to consumers. No, it does not only impact ones who own a car or bike. It is the transport sector which uses diesel to transport goods that you and I buy. Petroleum product prices are directly proportionate to incrementing inflation. However not so much to in case of a decrease in inflation!
Big decisions like these can never be viewed in Silo. We also need to find out a pattern and if there is any rationale behind it. Most of us were expecting at least a tax slab raise to INR 3 lakh per annum from INR 2.5 Lakh per annum which means a saving of INR 2500 per annum as it in any case fetches a tax of 5% only to the Government or INR 208 per month.
I was not expecting an increase of mere Rs 50,000. I was excepting a whole lot more. Jaitley said from before elections, that Income Tax should be exempt for up to Rs. 5 lakhs. And it is a relief as compared to just 50,000! Also, all of us irrespective of our income tax accountability end up paying indirect taxes at everything that we buy. So what is the point of taxing personal income then? Majority of the new taxpayers in the economy are in that bracket. It helps these new employees save more money or spend it!
The jibe Jaitely gave out during his budget speech about Income Tax from Salaried individuals was more than people in business, do you think it is right? I mean, sure Salaried get their share of taxes cut even before their salary is credited every month. Businessmen evade taxes!
The government decided to Demonetize this economy in the hope of curbing tax evasion! And if even you do not admit it, you know that it was an actual failure on the ground. It did help in a marginal increase in tax paying business; however, that did not help you and me, did it?
It is easy to get carried away by propaganda, much difficult to sort out the differences. So look at ground realities and stop dreaming of an India that does not exist today. Live the reality. Please.
Peace.