Brands which have been putting big bucks in cricket advertising are increasingly asking for viewership-linked deals from broadcasters. This will mean advertisers will have to pay according to the ratings that a cricket series or tournament gets and not flat ten-second rates.
The cost per rating point (CPRP) system is followed by international sports broadcasters but has not found mass favour here. In the backdrop of Team India's humiliating loss at the hands of the Australians, advertisers like Reliance Communications (RCOM) and Korean durables & electronics maker LG, among others, said broadcasters need to guarantee returns or not expect any premium on the game.
Mobile services operator RCOM, which advertised heavily during the current test series, has decided not to get on board the ODI series between India, Australia and Sri Lanka starting February 5. "The absolute sums involved with cricket and the returns do not match. What is of greater concern right now is the viewer fatigue," said Sanjay Behl, head (brand & marketing), Reliance group. The telecom company, which is estimated to spend around Rs 50 crore annually on cricket, is expected to cut back if guarantees are not given.
TOI has been reporting for months on how the chock-a-block cricket calendar, along with a below-par performance by the team, has created a sense of fatigue among Indian followers. "We want a certain guarantee or broadcasters should lower rates. Whenever we have done this sort of a deal and had to pay an upside in case of better performance, it has worked for the broadcaster and we have paid up willingly," said L K Gupta, CMO, LG Electronics India.
Among sports broadcasters, only the Nimbus owned-channels Neo Sports and Neo Cricket previously offered viewership-linked deals. But this is something Rohit Gupta, president, Multi Screen Media, which runs Sony Entertainment Television, completely disagreed with and said that his channel will not even think of considering viewership-linked packages as eyeballs are not controlled by the broadcaster. "We paid for the broadcast rights without any such guarantees. So there is no question of anything like this being offered to advertisers. Others may have done it in desperation and are paying a price for it. The IPL is a different format and we are getting the sponsors back," Gupta said. SET Max broadcasts the IPL matches and claims to be selling ten-second ad spots at a steep Rs 5 lakh for the fifth edition, undeterred by the falling interest in the sport.
Viewership ratings have been on a downhill after India's win at last year's World Cup. According to TAM Sports, a sports viewership tracker, the first two tests between India and Australia registered an average rating of 0.89 and 0.70 respectively, while the India-England series had an average rating of 1.79.
"More than this particular series, the current bad run is likely to impact investments made on upcoming events in terms of rates and the money that broadcasters pay for cricket properties," said Ajit Varghese, MD (South Asia), Maxus and Motivator, which is owned by the WPP group.
Trouble also looms large for the numerous brands which boast of cricketers as ambassadors. Japanese digital imaging major Canon, which has Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador, for instance, will not be using him in its campaign to be launched this season. 'We are not using him right now as cricket, in general, does not have a positive connect, at least for the time being," said Alok Bharadwaj, senior VP, Canon India.
Courtesy : Times of India
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Friday, January 27, 2012
Friday, July 18, 2008
5 rules on how much insurance you need Insurance
If you are an earning member of your family, and there are members of your family who are financially dependant on you, you need life insurance. But how much life insurance do you need?
There are many factors that are relevant in determining the amount of life cover you should buy.
Need for minimum protection
It is essential that a particular level of income should be maintained for the family even when its breadwinner is not around. Suppose a family's present needs are Rs 25,000 p.m. The extent of life insurance for its earning members should be such that interest income from the sum assured can meet the family's monthly expenses of Rs 25,000.
If one also wants to provide for the future fall in the purchasing power of rupee due to inflation, one must necessarily take policies for higher amounts. No widow, they say, has ever complained that her husband bought too much insurance.
Current income level
Payment of insurance premium results in an outflow of disposable income. You may, therefore, not like to buy too much insurance. One might have to limit the quantum of insurance keeping in mind the cash flow problems that will be created as a result of the obligation of regular payment of insurance premia.
Tax benefits
You should also take into account the tax benefit under Section 80C.
Accumulating for specific needs
If you expect to spend a particular sum of money for the education and / or wedding of your children, you may like to buy an insurance policy for a specific sum to meet such a lump sum commitment.
Present age
Your present age is a critical factor in deciding the quantum of insurance that you can afford. The rates of premium go up with the advancing age of the life assured. Hence, one can buy more insurance for the same premium at a younger age than at an older age.
The final decision rests upon a careful consideration and balance of all the above factors. The need for minimum protection may be quite high, but the current need for disposable income may not immediately permit buying adequate insurance.
You then have to make a compromise and buy extra insurance as and when you can afford it.
The 5 simple rules
In the event of any misfortune, well-planned life insurance can protect your loved ones from financial difficulties. However, in most cases, people find it difficult to estimate the correct value of insurance they need.
Partly this is because life insurance needs change through different stages of life. Young people with no dependants may not have much need for life insurance.
As one's family responsibility grows, life insurance needs too increase. Thus, a periodical review based on your family circumstances is required in order to ensure that the coverage is adequate.
There are several simple methods available to broadly estimate your life insurance needs. Five simple rules are:
1. Income rule
The most basic rule of thumb is provided by the income rule which holds that individual insurance cover should be at least around eight to ten times one's gross annual income. For example, a person earning a gross annual income of Rs 1 lakh should have about Rs 8 to10 lakh in life insurance cover.
2. Income plus expenses rule
This rule suggests that an individual needs insurance equal to five times your gross annual income, plus the total of basic expenses like housing or car loans, personal debt, child's education, etc.
3. Premiums as percentage of income
By this rule, payment of insurance premium depends on disposable income. In other words, one should decide the quantum of insurance after meeting the regular outgo from salary.
From the first two rules, you can make a broad estimate of the minimum insurance you should have. The premium as percentage of income rule can help you fine-tune your cash flow by committing an appropriate percentage of your income for paying life insurance premium.
4. Capital fund rule
This rule suggests that if you need Rs 1 lakh p.a. for your family needs, and assuming you do not have any other income-generating assets, you may like to create a capital fund of Rs 12.5 lakh (Rs 1.25 million) which can yield Rs 1 lakh (Rs 100,000) annual income @ 8% p.a. You may therefore buy a life insurance policy of Rs 12.5 lakh.
5. Family needs approach
This rule holds that you purchase enough life insurance to enable your family to meet various expenses in the event of key earning person's death. Under the family needs approach, one has to divide his family's needs into two main categories: immediate needs at death (cash needs), and ongoing needs (net income needs).
Initial stage. No family responsibilities.
Premature death leads to minimal needs like funeral expenses
No worthwhile assets. Just a beginning. May be some cash balance.
Married, with children.
Premature death causes serious financial problems, as most of the needs continue
Some assets available. Growing assets
Empty nest
The needs decline once children grow up and get settled. No major financial problems
Strong assets base, surpassing the financial needs
You may also like to keep in mind that if your family is reasonably wealthy and its protection needs relatively low, you can buy a smaller amount of insurance. Similarly, if your family members have independent earning capacity you may reduce your insurance.
There is a broad relationship between needs and assets over a period of time. Thus, not much life insurance is needed in the initial stage. The same is true in the empty nest stage.
The maximum need for life insurance arises during the mid-phase, when one is married and has children. In other words, one may go for life insurance so long as the asset-level is lower than the need-level. As highlighted in Figure 1, once the asset-level surpasses the need-level, the importance of life insurance declines.
Caution: Insurance is not investment You should always remember that life insurance is a protection and not really an investment because financial returns are rather meagre. (This is equally true of the life insurance portion of even a ULIP scheme.)
If you take inflation into account, there could even be a negative rate of real return at the time of maturity of your insurance policies. So, while it's important to secure your family's well being through adequate insurance of the lives of the earning members, over-investing is a mistake.
There are many factors that are relevant in determining the amount of life cover you should buy.
Need for minimum protection
It is essential that a particular level of income should be maintained for the family even when its breadwinner is not around. Suppose a family's present needs are Rs 25,000 p.m. The extent of life insurance for its earning members should be such that interest income from the sum assured can meet the family's monthly expenses of Rs 25,000.
If one also wants to provide for the future fall in the purchasing power of rupee due to inflation, one must necessarily take policies for higher amounts. No widow, they say, has ever complained that her husband bought too much insurance.
Current income level
Payment of insurance premium results in an outflow of disposable income. You may, therefore, not like to buy too much insurance. One might have to limit the quantum of insurance keeping in mind the cash flow problems that will be created as a result of the obligation of regular payment of insurance premia.
Tax benefits
You should also take into account the tax benefit under Section 80C.
Accumulating for specific needs
If you expect to spend a particular sum of money for the education and / or wedding of your children, you may like to buy an insurance policy for a specific sum to meet such a lump sum commitment.
Present age
Your present age is a critical factor in deciding the quantum of insurance that you can afford. The rates of premium go up with the advancing age of the life assured. Hence, one can buy more insurance for the same premium at a younger age than at an older age.
The final decision rests upon a careful consideration and balance of all the above factors. The need for minimum protection may be quite high, but the current need for disposable income may not immediately permit buying adequate insurance.
You then have to make a compromise and buy extra insurance as and when you can afford it.
The 5 simple rules
In the event of any misfortune, well-planned life insurance can protect your loved ones from financial difficulties. However, in most cases, people find it difficult to estimate the correct value of insurance they need.
Partly this is because life insurance needs change through different stages of life. Young people with no dependants may not have much need for life insurance.
As one's family responsibility grows, life insurance needs too increase. Thus, a periodical review based on your family circumstances is required in order to ensure that the coverage is adequate.
There are several simple methods available to broadly estimate your life insurance needs. Five simple rules are:
1. Income rule
The most basic rule of thumb is provided by the income rule which holds that individual insurance cover should be at least around eight to ten times one's gross annual income. For example, a person earning a gross annual income of Rs 1 lakh should have about Rs 8 to10 lakh in life insurance cover.
2. Income plus expenses rule
This rule suggests that an individual needs insurance equal to five times your gross annual income, plus the total of basic expenses like housing or car loans, personal debt, child's education, etc.
3. Premiums as percentage of income
By this rule, payment of insurance premium depends on disposable income. In other words, one should decide the quantum of insurance after meeting the regular outgo from salary.
From the first two rules, you can make a broad estimate of the minimum insurance you should have. The premium as percentage of income rule can help you fine-tune your cash flow by committing an appropriate percentage of your income for paying life insurance premium.
4. Capital fund rule
This rule suggests that if you need Rs 1 lakh p.a. for your family needs, and assuming you do not have any other income-generating assets, you may like to create a capital fund of Rs 12.5 lakh (Rs 1.25 million) which can yield Rs 1 lakh (Rs 100,000) annual income @ 8% p.a. You may therefore buy a life insurance policy of Rs 12.5 lakh.
5. Family needs approach
This rule holds that you purchase enough life insurance to enable your family to meet various expenses in the event of key earning person's death. Under the family needs approach, one has to divide his family's needs into two main categories: immediate needs at death (cash needs), and ongoing needs (net income needs).
Initial stage. No family responsibilities.
Premature death leads to minimal needs like funeral expenses
No worthwhile assets. Just a beginning. May be some cash balance.
Married, with children.
Premature death causes serious financial problems, as most of the needs continue
Some assets available. Growing assets
Empty nest
The needs decline once children grow up and get settled. No major financial problems
Strong assets base, surpassing the financial needs
You may also like to keep in mind that if your family is reasonably wealthy and its protection needs relatively low, you can buy a smaller amount of insurance. Similarly, if your family members have independent earning capacity you may reduce your insurance.
There is a broad relationship between needs and assets over a period of time. Thus, not much life insurance is needed in the initial stage. The same is true in the empty nest stage.
The maximum need for life insurance arises during the mid-phase, when one is married and has children. In other words, one may go for life insurance so long as the asset-level is lower than the need-level. As highlighted in Figure 1, once the asset-level surpasses the need-level, the importance of life insurance declines.
Caution: Insurance is not investment You should always remember that life insurance is a protection and not really an investment because financial returns are rather meagre. (This is equally true of the life insurance portion of even a ULIP scheme.)
If you take inflation into account, there could even be a negative rate of real return at the time of maturity of your insurance policies. So, while it's important to secure your family's well being through adequate insurance of the lives of the earning members, over-investing is a mistake.
Monday, June 23, 2008
How to reduce your fuel bill?
So, how do we reduce our dependence on petroleum products? The most obvious way, in this day and age, is to make good public transport an electoral issue. You only have to see how Delhi Metro and local trains in Mumbai and other places unite people to get a grip on the potential therein. It can and shall be done soon, as there is no other option.
The methods given below make eminent economic sense, and are eligible for use not just because they are 'green'. The first solution is thermocol. It's cool, white and can be painted on to make it look pretty. This 'paper' product, available at stationery shops for Rs 15-20 a sq m, is the best way to keep cool in summer and warm in winter. Just paste this on the windows and, if possible, on the ceiling of homes, offices and cars leaving space to get a view of the outside. It is better to try it on any one window, facing the summer heat, before going the whole hog.
Next, use the microwave oven instead of the cooking gas range oftener. A microwave not only saves money, but is also healthy. Barring chapatis, the entire Indian cooking can be done therein. It also reduces consumption and wastage of cooking oil. Domestic electricity is still eminently cheaper in India than petroleum, and if the nuclear deal goes through, you can expect long-term stability too.
The infotech-inclined should use LCD monitors as far as possible. They consume less power and generate less heat, requiring lesser air-conditioning. An LCD monitor saves roughly Rs 125 per month vis-a-vis a conventional CRT monitor if used for six hours a day. They also require lesser cooling and give better eyes.
This one may not appeal to the purists, but it is actually safe if all you do is low-speed city driving or riding. Keep the air pressure in automobile tyres about two pounds over the specified requirement for better fuel economy, though it will make your bike or car bounce a bit more. It is pertinent to ensure that the tyres and tubes are in good condition before you try this. You may need to change your braking style. Empty your vehicle of unnecessary weight while you are at it.
You can use battery scooters near your home and office. They do cost a bit, about the same as ordinary scooters, but are almost free to operate once home. They don't need registration, so they would never get you 'challaned'. Technology advancements are making them better and cheaper. If you ride 40-60 km per day, and have a charging point near where you park, or don't mind taking the batteries up, then this, in itself, can save you Rs 1,000-2,000 a month.
A bit tough, except where smuggled goods are available, but try to find LED-based lighting solutions. They make sense in 'always on' areas like bathrooms and alleyways. You can get reading level lighting at half to three-fourths watt consumption, which can, in turn, be fed by solar lighting.
Any investment made in solar heating can only pay for itself in 24-36 months, depending on what method you use to heat water otherwise. You may also consider cooking high energy consumption items like lentils, rice and meats on solar cookers. The payback here will happen within a year or two.
All other standard methods apply - use the automobile less, opt for public transport where available and consume fuel more efficiently. The cost of cooking gas will continue to go up drastically and the sooner you switch to alternate cooking methods, the better.
Likewise, newer options will have to be adopted for mobility, cooling and heating.
The methods given below make eminent economic sense, and are eligible for use not just because they are 'green'. The first solution is thermocol. It's cool, white and can be painted on to make it look pretty. This 'paper' product, available at stationery shops for Rs 15-20 a sq m, is the best way to keep cool in summer and warm in winter. Just paste this on the windows and, if possible, on the ceiling of homes, offices and cars leaving space to get a view of the outside. It is better to try it on any one window, facing the summer heat, before going the whole hog.
Next, use the microwave oven instead of the cooking gas range oftener. A microwave not only saves money, but is also healthy. Barring chapatis, the entire Indian cooking can be done therein. It also reduces consumption and wastage of cooking oil. Domestic electricity is still eminently cheaper in India than petroleum, and if the nuclear deal goes through, you can expect long-term stability too.
The infotech-inclined should use LCD monitors as far as possible. They consume less power and generate less heat, requiring lesser air-conditioning. An LCD monitor saves roughly Rs 125 per month vis-a-vis a conventional CRT monitor if used for six hours a day. They also require lesser cooling and give better eyes.
This one may not appeal to the purists, but it is actually safe if all you do is low-speed city driving or riding. Keep the air pressure in automobile tyres about two pounds over the specified requirement for better fuel economy, though it will make your bike or car bounce a bit more. It is pertinent to ensure that the tyres and tubes are in good condition before you try this. You may need to change your braking style. Empty your vehicle of unnecessary weight while you are at it.
You can use battery scooters near your home and office. They do cost a bit, about the same as ordinary scooters, but are almost free to operate once home. They don't need registration, so they would never get you 'challaned'. Technology advancements are making them better and cheaper. If you ride 40-60 km per day, and have a charging point near where you park, or don't mind taking the batteries up, then this, in itself, can save you Rs 1,000-2,000 a month.
A bit tough, except where smuggled goods are available, but try to find LED-based lighting solutions. They make sense in 'always on' areas like bathrooms and alleyways. You can get reading level lighting at half to three-fourths watt consumption, which can, in turn, be fed by solar lighting.
Any investment made in solar heating can only pay for itself in 24-36 months, depending on what method you use to heat water otherwise. You may also consider cooking high energy consumption items like lentils, rice and meats on solar cookers. The payback here will happen within a year or two.
All other standard methods apply - use the automobile less, opt for public transport where available and consume fuel more efficiently. The cost of cooking gas will continue to go up drastically and the sooner you switch to alternate cooking methods, the better.
Likewise, newer options will have to be adopted for mobility, cooling and heating.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
How to cut costs
Oil at $137 per barrel; dollar at Rs 43 apiece; the Sensex down sharply from its 21k high; real estate prices going up; home loan interest rates moving up; inflation at 44-week high. Are you already cringing with fear?
While all the figures totted above have direct and indirect impact on your monthly expenses there are ways in which you can lessen the pain if not eradicate it completely. Remember, these are backbreaking times and it will only require your special efforts to cope.
If you can lend me your ears and eyes then here are a few ways which can help. Of course, some of them might be outrageous or downright silly but then these are backbreaking times that you and I are living in. You may agree or disagree; and you may have your own take on how to cut expenses (if you do then you have a message board below all to yourself; pour your heart out there).
A few sensible, downright silly/outrageous (again you can have your own take on this) ways of cutting down on your expenses:
Sensible ways
1. Take public transport to office or wherever on earth you are going. This will immediately bring down your monthly travelling expenditure. The flip side though will be the inconvenience of reaching office late and travelling with smelly co-passengers now that the skies are pouring and humidity levels rising.
If you have a couple of your office chums staying in the same area pool in together. Hire an auto rickshaw or a cab all the way to office and go Dutch. Gone will be the smelly bit if you and your colleagues use a good deodorant.
I guess I don't have to remind you how much this will help you save. Petrol prices have been increased by Rs 5 per litre and diesel by Rs 3 per litre recently.
2. Yap less. Yes. Have you ever scanned your phone bill? Is it always spiraling upwards -- month after month? If yes, then it's about time you stop yapping often and use the Internet instead. To chat with your near and dear ones, that is. Your electricity bills might just move up a tad but then it surely would not be 100 paise a minute. If your office is too liberal with the use of the Internet then you can even save on your electricity bills.
Keep in touch with your friends this way and do make it a point to meet up on weekends just to remind yourself that you are living beings and not androids.
3. Throw that credit card away (if you are close to the trash bin) or cut it into two pieces (if you have a scissor at hand). You often miss your due date and end up paying more on your monthly purchases. Add up all the late payment fees and almost three per cent interest on your outstanding if you miss on your payment. At the end of the year all these tot up to a neat sum.
However, if you are a prudent credit card user then here's the other side of the coin. Every credit card offers a 50-day free credit period. You can use this advantage to the hilt and manage your monthly payments.
4. Take your own dabba to office. For this you will need some support system at home. Either your mother, your wife -- or if you have a cook -- will have to bother a bit to make your lunch. If you are not married or stay away from home then you better learn cooking.
Taking your own dabba will have two effects apart from help you save money: your health is likely to improve as you will use better edible oil and your office canteen guy will have some rethinking to do. He will either reduce his rates or perhaps completely ignore your existence.
5. Remote control does offer you a lot of convenience. But now make it a point to switch off your television set using the switch tucked behind your living room unit. While you will have to lift your backside for doing this it will help you reduce your electricity bills. The television only goes into 'standby' mode when you use a remote control while being still 'on' and consuming electricity.
Getting up to switch it off will also help you remove that 'couch potato' tag off your white linen.
You can also use your air conditioner the smart way to save on electricity bills. A good AC requires just three hours to keep your bedroom cool through the night. Use a timer that switches it off automatically after three hours. Your remote control (not again) can do it for you. Now that the monsoons have just begun you can keep that AC switched off as well.
6. Pare down the number of parties or outings you indulge in by half. Alternatively, ask friends to your house for a weekend bash. Don't forget to ask them to bring their own refreshments/snacks/ meals. This way you will have a variety on your plate every weekend.
Cut down on your movies too. If you just can't control this itch then avoid going to a multiplex. If you still can't avoid this go stocked with your own snacks and drink water from the cooler instead of cold drinks. popcorn, samosas, cold drinks et al cost a bomb at the multiplexes.
7. You will soon have the mall/departmental store near you announce the 'big monsoon sale'. While 'sale' tagged goods are a bit defective -- I bet you won't be able to find what exactly the defect is -- they come at a good discount without you missing on your style quotient.
Downright silly/Outrageous
1. Ask your boss and the HR department for a weekly inflation-adjusted salary. If the inflation goes up by 5 per cent let them give you a salary hike of eight percent for that month. If the inflation drops by a per cent or two ask them to pare your salary for that month accordingly.
PS: Do this only if you think you are indispensable to your organisation. Otherwise have an offer letter from some other company that is ready to hire you for double your current package.
2. Eat only once a day; skip dinner if you can. This will not only help you mind the weight around your midriff but will save you 15 days' money that you would have otherwise spent on your dinner. Skipping dinner will be better keeping in mind the saying that goes '...eat like a beggar at night'. You won't have constipation at least the next morning.
PS: Isn't this a brilliant idea to prove to your girlfriend/boyfriend how easy it is to slim down? If you are married your wife will be more than happy with your ways.
3. Befriend your neighbour if not love thy neighbour. Hoodwink them into inviting you for dinner. Going by this way it will surely help to have at least four on each floor of your apartment. It can always take care of your Sunday meals.
PS: You will need to be a genius to pull this off though.
If you think you have more tips on how easily to cut down on your expenses in these hard times the message board below is all yours. :-)
While all the figures totted above have direct and indirect impact on your monthly expenses there are ways in which you can lessen the pain if not eradicate it completely. Remember, these are backbreaking times and it will only require your special efforts to cope.
If you can lend me your ears and eyes then here are a few ways which can help. Of course, some of them might be outrageous or downright silly but then these are backbreaking times that you and I are living in. You may agree or disagree; and you may have your own take on how to cut expenses (if you do then you have a message board below all to yourself; pour your heart out there).
A few sensible, downright silly/outrageous (again you can have your own take on this) ways of cutting down on your expenses:
Sensible ways
1. Take public transport to office or wherever on earth you are going. This will immediately bring down your monthly travelling expenditure. The flip side though will be the inconvenience of reaching office late and travelling with smelly co-passengers now that the skies are pouring and humidity levels rising.
If you have a couple of your office chums staying in the same area pool in together. Hire an auto rickshaw or a cab all the way to office and go Dutch. Gone will be the smelly bit if you and your colleagues use a good deodorant.
I guess I don't have to remind you how much this will help you save. Petrol prices have been increased by Rs 5 per litre and diesel by Rs 3 per litre recently.
2. Yap less. Yes. Have you ever scanned your phone bill? Is it always spiraling upwards -- month after month? If yes, then it's about time you stop yapping often and use the Internet instead. To chat with your near and dear ones, that is. Your electricity bills might just move up a tad but then it surely would not be 100 paise a minute. If your office is too liberal with the use of the Internet then you can even save on your electricity bills.
Keep in touch with your friends this way and do make it a point to meet up on weekends just to remind yourself that you are living beings and not androids.
3. Throw that credit card away (if you are close to the trash bin) or cut it into two pieces (if you have a scissor at hand). You often miss your due date and end up paying more on your monthly purchases. Add up all the late payment fees and almost three per cent interest on your outstanding if you miss on your payment. At the end of the year all these tot up to a neat sum.
However, if you are a prudent credit card user then here's the other side of the coin. Every credit card offers a 50-day free credit period. You can use this advantage to the hilt and manage your monthly payments.
4. Take your own dabba to office. For this you will need some support system at home. Either your mother, your wife -- or if you have a cook -- will have to bother a bit to make your lunch. If you are not married or stay away from home then you better learn cooking.
Taking your own dabba will have two effects apart from help you save money: your health is likely to improve as you will use better edible oil and your office canteen guy will have some rethinking to do. He will either reduce his rates or perhaps completely ignore your existence.
5. Remote control does offer you a lot of convenience. But now make it a point to switch off your television set using the switch tucked behind your living room unit. While you will have to lift your backside for doing this it will help you reduce your electricity bills. The television only goes into 'standby' mode when you use a remote control while being still 'on' and consuming electricity.
Getting up to switch it off will also help you remove that 'couch potato' tag off your white linen.
You can also use your air conditioner the smart way to save on electricity bills. A good AC requires just three hours to keep your bedroom cool through the night. Use a timer that switches it off automatically after three hours. Your remote control (not again) can do it for you. Now that the monsoons have just begun you can keep that AC switched off as well.
6. Pare down the number of parties or outings you indulge in by half. Alternatively, ask friends to your house for a weekend bash. Don't forget to ask them to bring their own refreshments/snacks/ meals. This way you will have a variety on your plate every weekend.
Cut down on your movies too. If you just can't control this itch then avoid going to a multiplex. If you still can't avoid this go stocked with your own snacks and drink water from the cooler instead of cold drinks. popcorn, samosas, cold drinks et al cost a bomb at the multiplexes.
7. You will soon have the mall/departmental store near you announce the 'big monsoon sale'. While 'sale' tagged goods are a bit defective -- I bet you won't be able to find what exactly the defect is -- they come at a good discount without you missing on your style quotient.
Downright silly/Outrageous
1. Ask your boss and the HR department for a weekly inflation-adjusted salary. If the inflation goes up by 5 per cent let them give you a salary hike of eight percent for that month. If the inflation drops by a per cent or two ask them to pare your salary for that month accordingly.
PS: Do this only if you think you are indispensable to your organisation. Otherwise have an offer letter from some other company that is ready to hire you for double your current package.
2. Eat only once a day; skip dinner if you can. This will not only help you mind the weight around your midriff but will save you 15 days' money that you would have otherwise spent on your dinner. Skipping dinner will be better keeping in mind the saying that goes '...eat like a beggar at night'. You won't have constipation at least the next morning.
PS: Isn't this a brilliant idea to prove to your girlfriend/boyfriend how easy it is to slim down? If you are married your wife will be more than happy with your ways.
3. Befriend your neighbour if not love thy neighbour. Hoodwink them into inviting you for dinner. Going by this way it will surely help to have at least four on each floor of your apartment. It can always take care of your Sunday meals.
PS: You will need to be a genius to pull this off though.
If you think you have more tips on how easily to cut down on your expenses in these hard times the message board below is all yours. :-)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Maruti unveils Nano rival to banks
Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest carmaker, may after all do what everyone expects it to: take on Ratan Tata's Nano with its own low-price car.
For long, there has been a will-they-won't-they kind of speculation about how Maruti will protect its entry-level consumer base from the Nano, whose lowest variant is likely to cost Rs 1 lakh in some places and about Rs 1.26 lakh in some others. The higher variants may cost Rs 1.5 lakh or more.
According to sources in the consumer finance industry, Maruti plans to counter it with a stripped-down version of the Maruti 800, its best-selling car by far, which has earned the trust of more than 2 million buyers. The stripped-down car will cost Rs 1.2-1.5 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi) making it about Rs 75,000 cheaper than the existing price tag.
A Maruti spokesperson denied any plan to launch a stripped-down version of the Maruti 800, but a senior executive in a bank with a large consumer finance business swore it was in the pipeline. "I am 200 per cent sure. My source is Maruti," he said.
In addition, the chief executive of a leading carmaker confirmed that he had heard about Maruti's new car to take on the Nano.
"Even today the margin on the Maruti 800 is Rs 23,000-35,000. Cutting the price of a stripped-down version will not be a big challenge," he said.
The Maruti 800 was once Maruti's most popular car and even now sells 5,500-6,000 units, which is comparable with Tata Motors's early target for the Nano.
Since the Nano was first showcased this January, the volume of the Maruti 800 has not changed significantly. Market analysts see this as strong customer sentiment in its favour.
For long, there has been a will-they-won't-they kind of speculation about how Maruti will protect its entry-level consumer base from the Nano, whose lowest variant is likely to cost Rs 1 lakh in some places and about Rs 1.26 lakh in some others. The higher variants may cost Rs 1.5 lakh or more.
According to sources in the consumer finance industry, Maruti plans to counter it with a stripped-down version of the Maruti 800, its best-selling car by far, which has earned the trust of more than 2 million buyers. The stripped-down car will cost Rs 1.2-1.5 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi) making it about Rs 75,000 cheaper than the existing price tag.
A Maruti spokesperson denied any plan to launch a stripped-down version of the Maruti 800, but a senior executive in a bank with a large consumer finance business swore it was in the pipeline. "I am 200 per cent sure. My source is Maruti," he said.
In addition, the chief executive of a leading carmaker confirmed that he had heard about Maruti's new car to take on the Nano.
"Even today the margin on the Maruti 800 is Rs 23,000-35,000. Cutting the price of a stripped-down version will not be a big challenge," he said.
The Maruti 800 was once Maruti's most popular car and even now sells 5,500-6,000 units, which is comparable with Tata Motors's early target for the Nano.
Since the Nano was first showcased this January, the volume of the Maruti 800 has not changed significantly. Market analysts see this as strong customer sentiment in its favour.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Oil may slip to $75 a barrel, says Goldman's Murti
Barely a month after he stunned the world by saying that oil prices will soon cross $200 per barrel, Goldman Sachs' ace oil analyst Arjun N Murti is now predicting that $200 levels for oil are unsustainable, and the demand for oil will drop drastically pulling down its price to around $75 per barrel.
Murti is not alone in this prediction. The chief economist of Canada's National Bank Financial, Clement Gignac, also holds that oil prices are set to slip to $75 to $80 a barrel.
Speaking to a business magazine, Murti explained that supply of oil in the global market is not likely to rise anytime soon, as most nations are holding back from increasing oil output. Coupled with this, he said, the rising global demand for oil -- especially from India and China -- among other nations is adding to price pressure, leading to the surge in oil tags.
But soon the prices of oil will become untenable, leading to a sharp decline in demand and price. However, some analysts believe that some Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries might increase oil production easing the supply pressure and thus helping drive down oil prices.
Canada's Gignac is of the opinion that oil prices will be driven down with the slowdown in the global economy, slippage in growth in industrialised countries, and the plausible inability of China and India might to be able to offset high commodity prices.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Cricket News - India ends Pakistan's winning steak
India snapped Pakistan's winning streak, inflicting on them a crushing 140-run defeat in the second match of the One-Day International tri-series, at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium, in Dhaka on Tuesday.
An all-round performance by the Indians checked Pakistan's march towards a 13th consecutive victory.
The Indians, having elected to bat, piled up a massive 330 for 8, thanks to some stupendous batting by the top-order.
India's biggest wins over Pakistan
Openers Virender Sehwag [Images] (89) and Gautam Gambhir [Images] (62) hit sparkling half-centuries and shared an amazing 155-run partnership to lay a strong foundation for the big total.
Pakistan, in reply, were bundled out for 190 in just 35.4 overs, giving India its biggest win against them.
Skipper Shoaib Malik [Images] waged a lone battle with a 53-run knock, unable to find an able ally at the other end.
Praveen Kumar (4 for 53) spoiled Pakistan's run-chase, claiming three quick wickets, including two off consecutive deliveries.
Young spinner Piyush Chawla [Images] also returned brilliant figures of 4-40.
Pakistan were tottering at 26 for 3 inside the first five overs after Kumar scalped Salman Butt [Images] (9), Younis Khan (0) and Mohammed Yousuf (11).
However, Kumar was creamed for 17 runs in the ninth over of the innings when Kamran Akmal, who looked in sublime touch, and Misbah-ul Haq reeled off four boundaries to take Pakistan's score to 58 for 3.
Akmal (38) then hoicked Kumar for a big six but the Uttar Pradesh bowler had the last laugh when he sent back the Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman to the hut.
Akmal, who was on the offensive, mistimed a low full toss and ended up caught at mid-on by Yousuf Pathan.
Misbah (24) too joined Akmal in the dressing room when teen sensation Ishant Sharma beat him with a pacy, rising delivery and induced an edge, which was taken comfortably by M S Dhoni.
The big burden of climbing the run-mountain then fell on the shoulders of skipper Shoaib Malik and out-of-form Shahid Afridi [Images], as the asking rate soared to seven runs an over.
A much-needed partnership once again eluded the Pakistanis as Afridi (23) succumbed to over-aggression, failing to build on a good start.
He walked out of his crease to hit young spinner Piyush Chawla but missed the line completely and Dhoni had no trouble with the stumping.
Earlier, Sehwag (89), Gambhir (62) and Yuvraj (55) tore apart the Pakistan attack as the top order fired in unison.
After Sehwag and Gambhir put on a 155-run opening stand in just over 21 overs, India seemed set for a 350-plus score but subsequently lost the momentum and settled for a little less.
Umar Gul was the pick of the Pakistan attack, which had a highly forgettable day. The seamer claimed three wickets for 61 runs in his 10 overs.
Wahab Riaz, who was not allowed to complete his quota of 10 overs because he fired two beamers at the Indian batsmen, and Shahid Afridi claimed two wickets each.
Pakistan cut a sorry figure as a fielding unit, with Younis Khan twice dropping Gambhir, when the batsman was on four and 29.
Younis first grassed one in second slip off Gul in the very first over and fumbled again at wide slip when Gambhir's hard slash went through his fingers, Wahab being the bowler this time.
Stumper Kamran Akmal should also take a share of the blame as he dropped Sehwag off Rao Iftikhar when the batsman was on 43.
Sehwag had started walking back to the pavilion before he was stopped and eventually called back after replays showed that Akmal had grounded the ball before pouching it.
The lapse proved costly, as Sehwag replied with a 76-ball 89, which was studded with 13 boundaries and a huge six off Wahab.
Akmal eventually redeemed himself when he caught Sehwag off the pacer but the damage had already been done by then.
Gambhir's run-a-ball 62 included six hits to the fence, and both he and Sehwag looked still in Twenty20 mode as they treated the Pakistani bowlers with characteristic disdain.
Yuvraj took time to get into the groove but once he got going there was no looking back for the dashing left-hander, whose 54-ball 55 included three fours and as many sixes.
In the middle order, Yusuf Pathan (4) and Rohit Sharma (9) failed to impress, while Mahendra Singh Dhoni [Images] (24) and Suresh Raina (26) could not convert their cameo knocks.
An all-round performance by the Indians checked Pakistan's march towards a 13th consecutive victory.
The Indians, having elected to bat, piled up a massive 330 for 8, thanks to some stupendous batting by the top-order.
India's biggest wins over Pakistan
Openers Virender Sehwag [Images] (89) and Gautam Gambhir [Images] (62) hit sparkling half-centuries and shared an amazing 155-run partnership to lay a strong foundation for the big total.
Pakistan, in reply, were bundled out for 190 in just 35.4 overs, giving India its biggest win against them.
Skipper Shoaib Malik [Images] waged a lone battle with a 53-run knock, unable to find an able ally at the other end.
Praveen Kumar (4 for 53) spoiled Pakistan's run-chase, claiming three quick wickets, including two off consecutive deliveries.
Young spinner Piyush Chawla [Images] also returned brilliant figures of 4-40.
Pakistan were tottering at 26 for 3 inside the first five overs after Kumar scalped Salman Butt [Images] (9), Younis Khan (0) and Mohammed Yousuf (11).
However, Kumar was creamed for 17 runs in the ninth over of the innings when Kamran Akmal, who looked in sublime touch, and Misbah-ul Haq reeled off four boundaries to take Pakistan's score to 58 for 3.
Akmal (38) then hoicked Kumar for a big six but the Uttar Pradesh bowler had the last laugh when he sent back the Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman to the hut.
Akmal, who was on the offensive, mistimed a low full toss and ended up caught at mid-on by Yousuf Pathan.
Misbah (24) too joined Akmal in the dressing room when teen sensation Ishant Sharma beat him with a pacy, rising delivery and induced an edge, which was taken comfortably by M S Dhoni.
The big burden of climbing the run-mountain then fell on the shoulders of skipper Shoaib Malik and out-of-form Shahid Afridi [Images], as the asking rate soared to seven runs an over.
A much-needed partnership once again eluded the Pakistanis as Afridi (23) succumbed to over-aggression, failing to build on a good start.
He walked out of his crease to hit young spinner Piyush Chawla but missed the line completely and Dhoni had no trouble with the stumping.
Earlier, Sehwag (89), Gambhir (62) and Yuvraj (55) tore apart the Pakistan attack as the top order fired in unison.
After Sehwag and Gambhir put on a 155-run opening stand in just over 21 overs, India seemed set for a 350-plus score but subsequently lost the momentum and settled for a little less.
Umar Gul was the pick of the Pakistan attack, which had a highly forgettable day. The seamer claimed three wickets for 61 runs in his 10 overs.
Wahab Riaz, who was not allowed to complete his quota of 10 overs because he fired two beamers at the Indian batsmen, and Shahid Afridi claimed two wickets each.
Pakistan cut a sorry figure as a fielding unit, with Younis Khan twice dropping Gambhir, when the batsman was on four and 29.
Younis first grassed one in second slip off Gul in the very first over and fumbled again at wide slip when Gambhir's hard slash went through his fingers, Wahab being the bowler this time.
Stumper Kamran Akmal should also take a share of the blame as he dropped Sehwag off Rao Iftikhar when the batsman was on 43.
Sehwag had started walking back to the pavilion before he was stopped and eventually called back after replays showed that Akmal had grounded the ball before pouching it.
The lapse proved costly, as Sehwag replied with a 76-ball 89, which was studded with 13 boundaries and a huge six off Wahab.
Akmal eventually redeemed himself when he caught Sehwag off the pacer but the damage had already been done by then.
Gambhir's run-a-ball 62 included six hits to the fence, and both he and Sehwag looked still in Twenty20 mode as they treated the Pakistani bowlers with characteristic disdain.
Yuvraj took time to get into the groove but once he got going there was no looking back for the dashing left-hander, whose 54-ball 55 included three fours and as many sixes.
In the middle order, Yusuf Pathan (4) and Rohit Sharma (9) failed to impress, while Mahendra Singh Dhoni [Images] (24) and Suresh Raina (26) could not convert their cameo knocks.
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