Happy Bday, Kevin!!!
@raku1989 @Vineeth555 @joethaliath @seetharam7 @Ash27Winz Thanks a lot guys !!! 
Seetha thnks for the pic...
[image was removed because it was too large]
My birthday crises :
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To the team :
[image was removed because it was too large]
To the guys who have gone A-WALL from the group :
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P.S : Hell its my.. cut me some slack !!!
Seetha thnks for the pic...
[image was removed because it was too large]
My birthday crises :
[image was removed because it was too large]
To the team :
[image was removed because it was too large]
To the guys who have gone A-WALL from the group :
[image was removed because it was too large]
P.S : Hell its my
.. cut me some slack !!!
@seetharam7 'Drag & Drop' Bro...'Drag & Drop' 
P.S : A repository of unusual pics on u're lappy doesn't hurt too !!
P.S : A repository of unusual pics on u're lappy doesn't hurt too !!
Was going through a few motivational videos of late.
Came across this video and it quite pumped me up !
Do watch it if you could take out a few minutes from your daily schedule :)
WORTH WATCHING
@Kevin88 bro.. sorry for being late.. 
well,as the saying goes.. it's better late than never! 😛
Wish you a very happy Birthday mahn!!
hope u had a great time!
saw this post in some forum on FDI by Mukulspock saar:
Topic 1: FDI in retail, should it be allowed?
Definition - Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) involves the injection of foreign funds into an enterprise that operates in a different country of origin from the investor. This is different from Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) which involves investment in the markets of a foreign nation.
Context – The topic is a burning question considering the tumultuous time that our country is growing through. Some of the recent events are 1) The FDI bill is put up for vote in parliament 2) It is an election issue in many campaigns 3) Government has cleared IKEA's entry into Indian government etc
Analysis 1 – Pros and Cons
This topic can be approached very easily in a pros and cons faction.
This topic can be approached very easily in a pros and cons faction.
Pros
·FDI has potential for job creation and employment in the retail sector which can lead to higher wages. Government estimates that 10 million jobs to be created in a span of 10 years.
·FDI has potential for job creation and employment in the retail sector which can lead to higher wages. Government estimates that 10 million jobs to be created in a span of 10 years.
·FDI will revive the growth our country. Supporting points 1) More funds injected into our economy 2) Positive investor sentiments will spur investment 3) More jobs and higher wages will increase consumer spending.
·FDI will increase competition in the retail industry. Competition will in turn increase the efficiency of the system.
·FDI will increase competition in the retail industry. Competition will in turn increase the efficiency of the system.
·FDI is good for consumers. It will give better quality, variety and value to the consumers.
·FDI will promote knowledge and technology transfer. This is extremely important for the growth and maturity of Indian retail economy. This may lead to possibly lead to positive improvement in Back end services, infrastructure, logistics, transportation (which includes cold chain) etc.
·From past cases, multi-brand retailers prefer to source directly. This will have a positive impact on the farming community who will get better value for their products.
·FDI will promote knowledge and technology transfer. This is extremely important for the growth and maturity of Indian retail economy. This may lead to possibly lead to positive improvement in Back end services, infrastructure, logistics, transportation (which includes cold chain) etc.
·From past cases, multi-brand retailers prefer to source directly. This will have a positive impact on the farming community who will get better value for their products.
Cons
·Allowing multi-brand retailers will adversely affect the Indian retailers (both organized as well as unorganized). Retail industry employs close to 8% of Indian population and hence the impact is huge.
·There is a possibility of these retailers gaining a monopoly in the market. This can give them an undue advantage while sourcing products from farmers. Farmers may have to sell their products at a lower price point if such a scenario arises.
·At the end of the day a foreign firm is entering the country for profits. Despite the capital transfer in terms of money, employment, wages etc it will definitely try to maximize its profits. This will cause a new outflow from India. Unless the local competition can scale up and match the growth, our country will be at a disadvantage.
Encouraging FDI in retail can remove the present limitations in Indian Retails such as :
·Allowing multi-brand retailers will adversely affect the Indian retailers (both organized as well as unorganized). Retail industry employs close to 8% of Indian population and hence the impact is huge.
·There is a possibility of these retailers gaining a monopoly in the market. This can give them an undue advantage while sourcing products from farmers. Farmers may have to sell their products at a lower price point if such a scenario arises.
·At the end of the day a foreign firm is entering the country for profits. Despite the capital transfer in terms of money, employment, wages etc it will definitely try to maximize its profits. This will cause a new outflow from India. Unless the local competition can scale up and match the growth, our country will be at a disadvantage.
Encouraging FDI in retail can remove the present limitations in Indian Retails such as :
1. Infrastructure
There has been a lack of investment in the logistics of the retail chain, leading to an
inefficient market mechanism. Though India is the second largest producer of fruits
and vegetables (about 180 million MT), it has a very limited integrated cold-chain
infrastructure. Storage infrastructure is necessary for carrying over the agricultural produce from production periods to the rest of the year and to prevent distress sales. Lack of adequate storage facilities cause heavy losses to farmers in terms of wastage in quality and quantity of produce in general. Though FDI is permitted in cold-chain to the extent of 100%, through the automatic route, in the absence of FDI in retailing; FDI flow to the sector has not been significant.
There has been a lack of investment in the logistics of the retail chain, leading to an
inefficient market mechanism. Though India is the second largest producer of fruits
and vegetables (about 180 million MT), it has a very limited integrated cold-chain
infrastructure. Storage infrastructure is necessary for carrying over the agricultural produce from production periods to the rest of the year and to prevent distress sales. Lack of adequate storage facilities cause heavy losses to farmers in terms of wastage in quality and quantity of produce in general. Though FDI is permitted in cold-chain to the extent of 100%, through the automatic route, in the absence of FDI in retailing; FDI flow to the sector has not been significant.
2. Intermediaries dominate the value chain
Intermediaries often flout mandi norms and their pricing lacks transparency.
Wholesale regulated markets, governed by State APMC Acts, have developed a
monopolistic and non-transparent character. According to some reports, Indian
farmers realize only 1/3rd of the total price paid by the final consumer, as against
2/3rd by farmers in nations with a higher share of organized retail.
Intermediaries often flout mandi norms and their pricing lacks transparency.
Wholesale regulated markets, governed by State APMC Acts, have developed a
monopolistic and non-transparent character. According to some reports, Indian
farmers realize only 1/3rd of the total price paid by the final consumer, as against
2/3rd by farmers in nations with a higher share of organized retail.
3. Improper Public Distribution System (“PDS”)
There is a big question mark on the efficacy of the public procurement and PDS setup and the bill on food subsidies is rising. In spite of such heavy subsidies, overall
food based inflation has been a matter of great concern. The absence of a 'farm-to-fork' retail supply system has led to the ultimate customers paying a premium for
shortages and a charge for wastages.
There is a big question mark on the efficacy of the public procurement and PDS setup and the bill on food subsidies is rising. In spite of such heavy subsidies, overall
food based inflation has been a matter of great concern. The absence of a 'farm-to-fork' retail supply system has led to the ultimate customers paying a premium for
shortages and a charge for wastages.
4. No Global Reach
The Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector has also suffered due to
lack of branding and lack of avenues to reach out to the vast world markets. While
India has continued to provide emphasis on the development of MSME sector, the
share of unorganised sector in overall manufacturing has declined. This has largely been due to the inability of this sector to access latest technology and improve its marketing interface.
The Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector has also suffered due to
lack of branding and lack of avenues to reach out to the vast world markets. While
India has continued to provide emphasis on the development of MSME sector, the
share of unorganised sector in overall manufacturing has declined. This has largely been due to the inability of this sector to access latest technology and improve its marketing interface.
Analysis 2 - PEST
A more complex analysis will be the PEST analysis. Such an analysis will help you in getting additional points as well as increase the depth of your analysis.
A more complex analysis will be the PEST analysis. Such an analysis will help you in getting additional points as well as increase the depth of your analysis.
Political
All political parties have a stake in this FDI game. Both the principal parties Congress and BJP have approached this issue from either sides of the table. Presently it is Congress supporting and BJP opposing the motion. The left is traditionally against such a move and this reflects the stand of both Trinamool Congress as well as Left parties. Even though SP and BSP are against FDI in principal, they will most probably side with Congress for other opportunity gains. The bill is a game changer for Congress and a lost vote can potentially cause the dethroning of the present government.
All political parties have a stake in this FDI game. Both the principal parties Congress and BJP have approached this issue from either sides of the table. Presently it is Congress supporting and BJP opposing the motion. The left is traditionally against such a move and this reflects the stand of both Trinamool Congress as well as Left parties. Even though SP and BSP are against FDI in principal, they will most probably side with Congress for other opportunity gains. The bill is a game changer for Congress and a lost vote can potentially cause the dethroning of the present government.
Economical
FDI in retail will definitely help to spur the India growth story except for the potential threat of net outflow to foreign countries. All points are discussed above in Pros and Cons analysis.
Social
This bill has a huge social implication. It will in hindsight adversely affect the retail community while benefiting the farming community and consumers. The country as a whole will also benefit from increases growth and employment opportunities. There is a general sense of distrust for such big firms in India and many societies see them in a bad light because of the same reason.
FDI in retail will definitely help to spur the India growth story except for the potential threat of net outflow to foreign countries. All points are discussed above in Pros and Cons analysis.
Social
This bill has a huge social implication. It will in hindsight adversely affect the retail community while benefiting the farming community and consumers. The country as a whole will also benefit from increases growth and employment opportunities. There is a general sense of distrust for such big firms in India and many societies see them in a bad light because of the same reason.
Technology
The technology transfer is one of the biggest advantages of FDI in retail. It will directly affect some of the common plagues of Indian retail like 1) Non conformity with global standards 2) Ineffective supply chain management 3) Poor infrastructure and transportation capabilities. It is imperative for India to modernize its retail and FDI in multi retail will definitely help. Possibilities in this include:
The technology transfer is one of the biggest advantages of FDI in retail. It will directly affect some of the common plagues of Indian retail like 1) Non conformity with global standards 2) Ineffective supply chain management 3) Poor infrastructure and transportation capabilities. It is imperative for India to modernize its retail and FDI in multi retail will definitely help. Possibilities in this include:
1)Close integration with the organized retail chains will also help small-time producers in gaining access to the latest technologies, systems and processes, hence, enabling them to maximize their profits.
2)Improvement in the supply chain will help farmers as well. For many, cost of shipping products to cities is higher than wholesale mundi prices. If FDI retail allows farmers to off load directly, it will be better for farmers.
Tangents which can be explored in this topic
Tangents which can be explored in this topic
30% sourcing
·Huge benefit to SME's. But government has diluted the norm in Single brand retail and there is threat of the same in multi-brand retail as well.
·The rule is very hard for certain categories to follow like luxury products, perfumes etc
·Huge benefit to SME's. But government has diluted the norm in Single brand retail and there is threat of the same in multi-brand retail as well.
·The rule is very hard for certain categories to follow like luxury products, perfumes etc
Minimum investment of 100mn and 50% of investment in back end
·This will achieve the objective of improving infrastructure, SCM capabilities etc.
·Decreases adoption rate since all foreign firms might not be able to confirm with this plan
·This will help our country and make sure that it is not flooded by cheap foreign goods. The stress is on modernizing the retail in India and these riders play an important role in that.
·This will achieve the objective of improving infrastructure, SCM capabilities etc.
·Decreases adoption rate since all foreign firms might not be able to confirm with this plan
·This will help our country and make sure that it is not flooded by cheap foreign goods. The stress is on modernizing the retail in India and these riders play an important role in that.
Only cities greater than 1 million populations
·Makes the impact on retailers especially Kirana stores very less.
·Makes the impact on retailers especially Kirana stores very less.
States can choose
·More of a political implication
·Big players will find it cumbersome.
·More of a political implication
·Big players will find it cumbersome.
FDI in E-commerce not allowed
·Big disadvantage to players like Amazon who have been waiting for the clearance.
·Big disadvantage to players like Amazon who have been waiting for the clearance.
Examples that can be used
It is very important to watch out for the tone of your language while giving examples. There are cases where FDI have been beneficial and there are cases where it has played spoilsport. While examples can support/empirical evidence for your point, it cannot be treated as a basis for any conclusion.
It is very important to watch out for the tone of your language while giving examples. There are cases where FDI have been beneficial and there are cases where it has played spoilsport. While examples can support/empirical evidence for your point, it cannot be treated as a basis for any conclusion.
Pros example:
China & FDI: One of the main reasons for the meteoric growth of china is the huge capital influx which was made available by allowing FDI in China.
China & FDI: One of the main reasons for the meteoric growth of china is the huge capital influx which was made available by allowing FDI in China.
Cons example:
Wal-Mart story in USA: Wal-Mart entered in Austin neighbourhood of Chicago in 2006. And by 2008, some 82 of the 306 small shops had closed down. The Economic Development Quarterly study found the closure rate around Wal-Mart location at 35-60 per cent. Even farmers haven't benefited that much from Wal-mart. Walmart does not buy, or pay, over the counter. It buys the nation's next harvest in futures market and fixes farm prices. It also imports cheap goods — from China — and destroyed local production in the US.
Wal-Mart story in USA: Wal-Mart entered in Austin neighbourhood of Chicago in 2006. And by 2008, some 82 of the 306 small shops had closed down. The Economic Development Quarterly study found the closure rate around Wal-Mart location at 35-60 per cent. Even farmers haven't benefited that much from Wal-mart. Walmart does not buy, or pay, over the counter. It buys the nation's next harvest in futures market and fixes farm prices. It also imports cheap goods — from China — and destroyed local production in the US.
Analogies that can be used
Same advice goes with Analogies as it is with Examples
Same advice goes with Analogies as it is with Examples
·Delhi metro – Auto waala example by avneeshmunjal is a really good analogy favouring modernization
·IT revolution in in India which was opposed by left citing loss of Jobs actually contributed massively to employment creation and growth.It is a good analogy to counter the job loss point if raised.
NMAT
Date : 10th Nov
QS - 92
LS - 56
LR - 72
OA - 220
Date : 10th Nov
QS - 92
LS - 56
LR - 72
OA - 220
@pugna LS is the only blemish to an other wise stellar score card !!! Whn u planning for u're retake aka NMAT massacre
Anyone attending the Coffee with SIBM session this saturday ?
XAT bulletin:
Part A will be of 2:20 hrs which consists of Quantitative Ability, English Language Ability & Logical Reasoning and Decision Making...
What about DI?? What r u all doing about the DI part? Anything new, or different???
What about DI?? What r u all doing about the DI part? Anything new, or different???
@Ash27Winz said:XAT bulletin:Part A will be of 2:20 hrs which consists of Quantitative Ability, English Language Ability & Logical Reasoning and Decision Making...What about DI?? What r u all doing about the DI part? Anything new, or different???
Doing nothing about DI dude. XAT is about choosing the right questions. Just take few mock XATs. Nothing special is needed. Choosing easy DI questions and attempting only them is enough. :)
a very good read: 
To those who've applied to MDI, did you receive any response from them after you had sent the receipt/DD ?