"If markets the world over are collapsing and the up downs of our stock markets have been completely determined by the net inflows of Foreign Institutional Investors. There are nearly 2000 FIIs and many of them are based in the USA. In 2007 these the FIIs pumped $18 billion into the Indian stock markets. We had a problem of plenty. We had so much money; we didn't knew what to do with it. But the same FIIs when the recession in the US hit them, started withdrawing. So in this year between January and October the same FIIs have withdrawn 3/4th of the amount of money that they pumped in last year. This is the main reason why you find that the dollar has become so strong, which might be paradoxical to some because the US economy is getting weaker and the International Monetary Fund says it is not going to grown in 2009, yet the dollar has become so strong. In June 2007 one US dollar could be bought for Rs 39. Today it is Rs 50 for the same dollar and that's because the FIIs when they withdraw money want it in dollars so the surge in demand for the dollar explains the exchange rate having gone so much weak," he says.

"It is bound to affect the sales all goods. I think the sectors likely to be affected more would be consumer durables sector. People would postpone purchases that they can. People won't stop purchasing food as that's something they need. Purchase of a flat, a car, a television set, a fridge etc could be postponed," he adds.

Ind-Aus Cricket series 1st test - 2008/09

The first topic I'd like to discuss is cricket. There's nothing more exciting than an Ind-Aus cricket series! I don't believe the Indo-Pak series is as exciting as the Border Gavaskar trophy anymore. Ever since the dramatic turnaround happened at Kolkata in 2001, Indian cricket has come a long way. Though you would obviously expect me to say a big thanks to Laxman, it is indeed Saurav Ganguly to whom I would attribute this phenomenal reform. He re-inforced certain vital traits in the Indian cricketeres, that are mandatory for any successful sportsman, namely, self-belief and a never-say-die-attitude, which our guys found wanting for a long long time!
I would attribute today's phenomenal half-century from Bhajji and a gritty innings from Zaheer in the first test at Bangalore, to this great process that was initiated by Saurav. Of course it's another thing altogether if you ask me, 'Why can't India show the same spirit (absolutely undiluted!) against any other cricket team?? Maybe it's because the Aussies are known for rubbing it in, all the time, particularly Ricky! This seems to have a strong provocative effect on the Indians who put up exceptional performances invariably every time they play the Aussies!

Well, in the 1st test at Bangalore, at the end of the 3rd day, the game appears very interesting! If Kumble and Zaheer can put up about 60 runs tommorow (seems like an exaggeration!), India should stand a good chance because Anil and Bhajji should surely be more effective in harnessing the conditions on a 4th/5th day pitch. Well' let's hope for the best!

An Introduction!

Firstly, a warm welcome to my blog!
I have been seeing so many blogs these days, including that of my favorite musician, and thought that I should also share my thoughts, ideas and views about so many different things that this world has to offer. Obviously it would primarily be from my perspective!
However, I also wish to share with you all, through this blog, a lot of invaluable information and great knowledge assets that I come across, so that it could really be worth your while, while you're here!!