AAP ki sarkaar : Will it succeed?

Those who follow cricket could relate to the scenario, “An underdog, not even having an outside chance, goes on the offensive and starts giving the opposition more than just a scare. Suddenly the underdog realizes that s/he can even win the contest. But that’s when the tide starts to turn i.e. the thought of success invites failure.” Some may attribute this to AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) as well when they were presented with the idea of forming the government in Delhi aided by Congress party’s “unconditional” support. This set “the cat among the pigeons” and rest as they say is history. 

While the jury is still out whether “referendum” was needed or is Congress’s support worth relying upon, in this post, I would rather focus on what lies ahead if AAP’s government is indeed formed? I must say I am really excited about this development even though my opinion would have been a NO to Mr. Kejriwal’s question during the referendum. 

Rupee Depreciation: There are lessons to be learnt

Rupee, our very own Indian currency, has witnessed a literal free fall especially in the past few weeks. The rupee slid 15.8% in 2011 and by 0.2% in the last week of 2011 to 53.065 per dollar in Mumbai, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. According to reports, this currency weakened the most in Asia this year. So, what has led to such weakening or should I say, depreciation of the rupee and what does it entail for the Indian economy? Let’s explore this interesting and crucial topic that has the potential to shape the future of Indian economy. After all, an appreciating currency makes a country's exports more expensive and imports cheaper in foreign markets whereas the reverse makes a country's exports cheaper i.e. more attractive and its imports more expensive in foreign markets. 

Bonds and Bonding

Have you ever tried to find out what similarities do the financial instruments have with our day-to-day activities? Some might be wondering for the logic behind this question whereas some might say that it’s too obvious as the instruments are meant to take care of our day-to-day financial needs depending upon our incomes and risk taking capabilities. Let me put a more specific question; what are the similarities between Fixed Income instruments and relationships in real life? Before you start guessing let me simplify the task by defining the two terms. By fixed income instruments, I mean those financial instruments that help you earn low but fixed returns on your investments thereby reducing your risk. The most well known example is bond. On the other hand by relationships, I mean those existing between a boy and a girl or a man and a woman. I am counting out those arising out of family ties, friendships or those existing between same sexes. In better words let’s limit ourselves to those relations that might culminate into marriages.