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LIBOR, the benchmark rate for trillions of dollars of financial products is going to be phased out. This news escaped my radar until recently and now there are many articles on this subject. One of the benchmark rates being pushed as a substitute is SOFR. So what is SOFR ?
Recently, Paul Allen co-founder of Microsoft and founder of philanthropic company Vulcan Inc. passed away. Paul will forever be remembered for this spectacular vision, techno brilliance, and world-beating philanthropic attitude. Known for his affable and colorful personality backed with an invigorating sense of humor, Paul epitomizes American values of exuberance, geekiness and giving. A big fan of Portland Trailblazers, Seattle SeaHawks and Jimmi Hendrix, Paul left an indelible mark in technology, art, sports and philanthropy. Continue reading “Paul Allen: Legacy of Eternal Sunshine”
According to a report published by the World Economic Forum (refer to my tweets), 2018 is going to be a huge tipping point. For the first time since civilization began, more humans are either rich or in the middle-class as opposed to those in poverty or susceptible to poverty). More than 50 percent of the population will now be classified as those falling in the middle class ( household spending $11-110 per day per person in 2011 PPP) compared to those in extreme poverty ( per person earning below $1.9 per day). Continue reading “2018: Tipping Point: Rise of Middle Class”
Many Indians have grown up with the wonder of Bullet Train, a synonym for technology, speed, and comfort. The Japanese are the pioneers of high-speed trains (French close competitors with TGV in Europe) and due credit to Mr. Hideo Shima, the father of the Shinkansen train aka the bullet train. It’s not a pleasant surprise that the Japanese government will be facilitating the development of high-speed rail in India. The public-private partnership model sponsored by Japan offers an extremely generous rate of 0.1% with repayment of 50 years for the yen denominated loan. A huge game changer for India, trains would be operating at speeds between 300 to 350 km per hour. It’s going to save travelling time, increase productivity and over medium term bring down costs of traveling within India especially airfare. India will buy 18 Shinkansen train sets with the first high-speed rail working by 2022 between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Apart from extremely benevolent funding agreement, there is also provision of transfer of technology to develop production locally. An article published in Economic Times, states that the economy class will only cost INR 3000 (USD 40) for travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad (508 km). This is one of the best policy initiatives taken by the government and must be given the utmost importance for support for effective implementation. Further high-speed railway network should be implemented nationally along key routes with increased alacrity. Continue reading “Japan, Bullet Train and India”
What is Breakout SMART strategy ? Read my earlier article on fighter jets and more on this. Stay tuned…
Dassault has finally cleared the controversy over Rafale planes, and its time we move ahead with more orders for fighter planes. Indian Air-force desperately needs fighter planes to replenish its existing defunct MIG 21 and MIG 27 squadrons. I am writing this article as an exception. A country must have a redoubtable defense to protect against any threats. Generally a critic of defense spending, here I am emphasizing purchase of fighter jets. Compared to peers, India lags behind in defense know how in spite of many attacks and threats to our motherland. Continue reading “Why India needs a lot of fighter jets? RAFALE & GRIPEN”
