Moot Question: Which Car to Buy? Mileage per Liter should be a decision parameter…?

Every youth encounters this question and remains in dilemma on which car to buy? What features to choose and how to decide which car would be best. I also had same dilemma in 2017 when I decided to select one. I’d discuss my priorities later and why I decided to go for Baleno, but here is the statistics of Baleno fuel intake and mileage. Data is self-explanatory and do not resonate with tall claim of 21-23 Km/L. (Best in-class mileage as claimed by Manufacturers)

Input: This is for regular city driving in Bangalore from Arekere to Hosur Road – and mind it, it doesn’t include the (in-)famous Silk Board Junction traffic – I avoided that completely.

60-70% of time AC is ON while on drive.

Petrol filled was normal one – I avoid high-octane fuel (money making game of Petrol bunks and companies)

I ask the bunk staff to fill it in ‘Auto Cut’ and move out of nozzle while the filling is ON in Auto mode.

Baleno Alpha (1.2) Petrol 2018 model.
Date	Petrol (L)	Reading (Km)	Distance	Mileage (Km/L)
15.12.21	28.84	8848	352	12.21
17.01.22	27.69	9200	364	13.15
17.02.22	27.42	9564	184	6.71
07.03.22	19.91	9748	428	21.50
04.04.22	29.25	10176	302	10.32
17.05.22	28.06	10478	309	11.01
09.06.22	27.97	10787
Total	161.17		1939	12.03

 

Insights from above table for reference:

Ø  The data be read as, fuel filled (L) and meter reading (Km) on that day. Distance = Distance travelled between two refuels. Mileage is Distance/Petrol filled on the day.

Ø  Data of 7^th March is misleading here, since I went to grab as much fuel as I could, on the day after the state elections news was Out – in anticipation that government has to increase fuel prices by INR 15/L

Ø  The MAXIMUM Mileage I have achieved is 13.15 Km/L.

Ø  My Car so far has an average of 12 Km/L.

Ø  I hope that the mileage go up if I go out on Long/Highway drive – but I am confident that it shall never touch 21Km/L.

With that above insight, now my story of selection and followed by Advise to millennials, and young Turks looking for some suggestion!

When I started my journey of decisions – first I looked on budget part. What is the maximum I can go for? Set the target of INR 100,000 below that – as selection criteria. Some names appeared in my list: They were:

Tata Nexon, MSIL – Dzire, Baleno, VW Ameo, Ford Figo-sedan and Hyundai i-20

i-20 got discarded since many cars were running on road as TAXI

Figo got out of list since one of my colleague had that car and WIFE didn’t like that.

VW Ameo was discounted since it did not had features compared to other cars!

Tata Nexon was my favorite when I did the test drive – but WIFE gave her Veto against it!

So I had to choose from Baleno and new Dzire.

Wife decided the color and the brand and we zeroed on BALENO (Nexa experience, guys thanks for free coffee and cold drinks! And bunch of chocolates to my toddler:)

One of the deciding factor (apart from others mentioned above) was fuel efficiency per Liter.

Now my advise for people:

1.       Don’t go by mileage or fuel efficiency.

2.       Don’t go by color or design – you need car to drive and comfort and safety. They are inside and not outside.

3.       Check your wallet size and maximum stretch you can go for. Don’t overstretch.

4.       Since Vehicles are depreciating assets – do not buy them on EMIs (unless it is between 0-4 percent)

5.       Check for NCAP safety ratings of Car. It matters a lot. Life is more precious than anything else. I lost my mother-in-law and a severe injury to sister-in-law in road accident. Nexon has 4 ratings in NCAP. Baleno still has 2+

6.       If you have wife or fiancée or girlfriend (whom you intend to get married to) – take her advice seriously and act on it. Vice Versa is not applicable for girls/ladies.

7.       Remember buying car is an emotional decision and sales reps shall sell you dreams and ensure you like the other ‘Costlier Car’ – I ended up buying top-end car without any discount.

8.       Doesn’t matter which car you buy – city drive mileage shall at max give you 15Km/L, and hence all cars are equally good (or equally bad)

9.       Follow your heart and take decision – and love your driving.

Finally yet importantly – please do not go overboard when you are handling Steering Wheel. Your one wrong decision shall kill someone either in your car or in your passerby’s car/bike. Please be a sensible driver.

Mission 2024: State Elections 2022 and predictions…

The frenzy and fanfare around State elections ended with springing some surprises. While BJP is beating its chest of retaining 4/5 states, AAP is eyeing 2024 general elections with Arvind Kejriwal as global CM (I mean PM).

The results are out and process of governance and policy makers who shall occupy the ministerial berths, are ongoing. The analyst in me tried to peep into numbers and take the strategic insights. The table below are the numbers in nutshell and results.

 

I will now go state-wise; in my analysis.

Punjab:

Incredible win from AAP. They repeat the Dilli story. This win says, people were actually fed up with Congress or Akalis. The nautanki of Sidhu, Channi and Farmer’s agitation all supported AAP as an alternative. I really hope and wish Bhagwant Mann delivers on the promises made. Going into number game:

·       * Total voters turn out in 2022 is <1% of 2017

·       * AAP however got 10% higher votes this time than what Congress got in 2017

·       * Congress got 2.4% lower votes than what AAP got in 2017.

Message is clear, perform or perish. Punjabi’s have woken up and wants a good governance in Punjab. In case Bhagwant Mann delivers in next 600 days – it shall give an alternative to BJP and other ruling parties in other states too. An alternate to ruling is the need of the hour.

Uttarakhand:

I do not exactly know what worked in favor here. Frequently changing CMs or BJP’s commitment to keep Dev-bhoomi in its pristine and glorious form – but BJP retained the pole position – though the CM lost his own seat! BJP must not take this lightly. The signal according to me is that public is saying BJP’s work is fine but Pushkar is not fine. The number game says:

·       * 8.2% people voted more than the numbers of voters in 2017

·       * However, BJP garnered only 3% of additional votes compared to 2017

·       * Congress actually increased the vote share, the increase has been 22.4%

·       * Ruling party actually lost 10 seats compared to their tally in 2017

Harish Rawat has actually done a good job. He should not be fired. Problem is he doesn’t have support of fire power from delhi, like BJP has from likes of Modi, Shah, etc. Congress should connect at grass root level, do district level developments and they should deliver as a constructive opposition.

Uttar Pradesh:

Entire ecosystem is offering credit to Maharaj ji for the maverick win. Unfortunate part is 10 of his cabinet members lost the seat. I see this as a bad sign – governance is not actually good, though portrayal is better! Bulldozers and running after mafia should be one of the cleaning activities, not only cleaning activity. Going by number game:

·       * People turn out is 6.3% higher compared over 2017

·       * BJP could get 10.6% of additional votes in this election

·       * However, SP got 56% of additional votes compared over 2017

·       * Ruling party actually lost 57 seats compared to their tally in 2017

·   In general, public is telling that they want only 3-4 parties to contest. They are fed-up with mushrooms.

Maharaj ji should tone down and introspect. 2024 – Modiji has to continue as PM. You have FIVE more years to serve UP before you eye the PM position in 2019. Please serve them with pure heart and no vendetta politics please. Give them good governance. Numbers are not in your favor if you deep dive into it.

Manipur

BJP made a khichdi in 2017 and came into power. However, the good governance awarded them a second term. The CM must get accolades for his effort in instilling confidence among my Manipuri friends. Keep doing good words. Your efforts shall yield fruits in other of the seven sister states. The number game:

·       * Votes turn out has been 12% higher over 2017

·       * BJP got 17% higher votes over last election – that gives a confidence in governance.

·       * Congress moved from top position to no.3 in last 5 years. This is a grave concern

BJP must continue reforms and ensure that people get what is promised. The khichdi made in 2017 was actually for good.

Goa

Pramod sawant repeated Manipur in Goa! There was a khichdi there also, but getting to 50%, mark is a staller achievement. There are many unfinished tasks that CM need to complete, un-employment, law & order and land/sand mafias are some of them. The number game:

·       * Total vote turnout was 3.8% higher this time.

·       * BJP managed to get 6.4% higher votes compared last time.

·       * Congress vote share shrink by 14.2% in last 5 years.

Congress needs a serious introspection. They seem are losing ground. Goa need to seriously work on governance front. I seriously want Pramod Sawant to become next Manohar Parikkar. However, a request – please give chance to Utpal Parikkar. He needs your support.

In summary,

For BJP: Modi wave shall not last forever. Yogi wave is not tsunami in UP. Law & order is poor and bribe is at peak. Hope monk truly walks the talk and bring Ramrajya in UP.

SP: Akhilesh must really work hard on ground. There are many ground work or connect with masses – numbers are favoring you. Move from caste politics and add values.

AAP: Focus on good governance. Your 600 days in Punjab shall shape your future and can create wave for ‘Yugpurush’ as PM candidate in 2029.

Congress: You must understand that millennials damn value the Gandhi Khandaan or even Late Mr. Gandhi. Congress must differentiate between party and family. Family is actually deteriorating the age-old party. Pave way for capable people to lead from front. You have got sufficient financials. Move to London or Seychelles or Italy and live happily please.

A meaningful opposition is the need of the hour. Smaller parties are expanding its wings. AAP appears to be a party to look for. BJP is becoming an egotist party. Congress must understand the under-currents, its tame position and give space to regional parties. Regional parties also must pay respect to Congress as Big Brothers. For general elections, Congress must take lead position and regional parties support her. For state elections, congress must allow regional parties to take lead position. Its a do or die for INC. If you want to be non-existent in future, please continue with your Pappu and Pinky.

Motivation : Corporate world news analysis

Indians in corporate world witnessed two developments in Feb’2022. One Positive, one not so positive!

Positive:

N Chandrasekraran shall continue to be Chairman of Tata Group for one more term. He is the first non-Tata person who is sitting on highest Executive Chair. Huge respect to you sir, and a proud moment.

Some facts (re-iterating) for the purpose of motivation to many.

Born: June 1963 (He is 58 yrs Young person!)

Education:

·       Studied in a Tamil Government school.

·       Bachelor's degree in Applied Sciences from Coimbatore Institute of Technology (from a college that is not in top lists!)

·       Master of Computer Applications (MCA) from the Regional Engineering College, Tiruchirappalli (now National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli) (No B.Tech., No MBA from top-notch colleges!)

(Note: IIT Kgp established in 1951, and IITK/IITM were operational since 1959. IIMA and IIMC were in existence since 1961)

Professional Career:

·       Joined TCS, in 1987 after completing a Masters in Computer Applications.

·       He became CEO of TCS in 2009.

·       Under his leadership, TCS has generated revenues of US$16.5 billion in 2015-16.

·       With over 556,000 consultants, TCS became the largest private sector employer in India.

·       In 2015, TCS was the world's most powerful brand in IT Services, and recognized as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute across 24 countries.

·       In October 2016, he became an additional director on the Tata Sons board.

·       In 2017, after the ousting of Cyrus Mistry, He became Chairman of Tata Sons.

Learning:

As an individual: You must to be a dreamer, if you want to achieve something in life. You need to run that extra mile to execute that dream. You need to be performer. You need to work in the larger interest of your organization. A performer employee also need to be Trust worthy. A toxic employee is not preferred. Try to be in the fourth Quadrant (I'll elaborate more in next post).

For organization: One must not run for people with high pedigree a only thing as mark of success. Talent is everywhere. If the person is working in your company, s/he is marked fit for working and delivering in your organization, and hence selected. Right talent has to be nurtured & flourished, by giving sufficient opportunities and exposures. You may also have a ‘chandrasekaran’ in your existing employees. Nurture her/him so that s/he can take organization to next level.

 

Not so positive:

Chitra Ramakrishna (ex MD&CEO of NSE); was in influence of one ‘Himalayan Baba’ and was taking his advice, which culminated in providing unprecedented powers and benefits to one Mr. Anand Subramanian; surprisingly this ex-COO does not have any digital footprint.

Let the investigating agencies unearth the truth behind this ‘psudo baba’ – but I have a strong hunch if the baba was none other than Anand Subramanian himself! He appears to be a tech geek who has wiped out all details that may potentially link any lead towards him!

Learning: SriKrishna says in Bhagwad Gita while preaching Arjuna (the greatest warrior of all times) – have faith in yourself. Do believe in yourself and focus on WORK only that is been tasked on you – do not worry on the results (fruits) of your action!

In short – believe in your learning, your capabilities and your team members in executing whatever you do! No Baba or Saint or Guru or Prophet shall know business better than you shall. Stay away from Frauds. 

India Union Budget 2022 - my 2 cents...

Many eminent personalities and ‘so called personalities’ have spoken a lot about the finance budget in their analysis. I thought to navigate within data and trying to gain insights too… so here are my take:

Sector	Amount	My views
For Salaried Class	Status Quo	No changes in taxable slabs. No Sops/tax saving instruments offered! If you are state government employee, you’ll get a chance to get additional 4% deduction in NPS that shall be non-taxable. (Wish government pass it on to Private Sector also and increase 10% to 15%)
	·       With an unemployment rate of 6.67% (8% of urban unemployment); government and policy makers has a lot to catch up. ·       India GDP in 2021 was ~9% ; expected in 2022 ~9.5% ·       Inflation in 2021 ~ 11% ; expected in 2022 ~ 7-8% So salaried class, if you have your salary hike <20%, you are in a NET LOSS!
Crypto Currency	Various tax levied	Congratulations. You got acceptance in Indian soil too. Big boost for Block Chain enabled firms. Hackers: Start de-coding the block-chain security. You have huge scope out there.
BSNL	INR 45,000 Crores	Are you kidding me! The industry that is already on ventilator is given additional sum to siphon off! When world is already on 5G and trying for 6G, payment is given for 4G network, restructuring and Tech upgrade in hope that government may roll out 5G through this. Money is put in drain. Ambanis, Adanis, Tatas, Mittals please give its valuation over 50,000 Crores when it goes under NCLT. Have pity on Indian public and taxpayer’s money please.
PM Aawas Yojna	INR 48,000 crores	Support to construction Industry
Tap water Yojna	INR 60,000 crores	Support to Construction and Steel Industry
MSME support	INR 6,000 crores	Is it a JOKE? The MSME industry is taking max. Load of employment and government has peanuts for them.
Steel Industry	Scraps import Custom duty revoke	Good initiative to support small players. They can buy scraps from anywhere and melt it to create products and sell in the market. Revoke of customs duty on Flat Steel, Stainless Steel and High Steel Bars is a good initiative to control monopolistic market in India where select few are controlling prices. A boon for steel consumers industry.
States of “United States of India”	INR 7.5 Lac Crores (35.4% increase)	States are encouraged to improve infrastructure, basic amenities like Roads, Parks, Greenery etc. States fiscal deficit can go upto 4% of GSDP States can take 50 yrs of Interest Free Loan States can receive Financial Assistance on their capital Investments.
Co-op housing societies	MAT - 15% Surcharge – 7%	Some relief to big societies in Metros. They can have some savings which they can pass on to residents/owners.
MSP Support	INR 2.37 Lac Crores	MSP fixed for Paddy and Wheat – Farmers rejoice. Your products are safe for 1 year at least.
Ken-Betwa River	INR 44,605 Crores	River Linking Projects finally taking shape. Hope the money reaches ground zero and not siphon-off by various stakeholders!
Post Office Banks	Core Banking	1.5 Lacs post-offices shall be connected shall give a major boost to rural economy, if it happens.
Defense	INR 5.25 Lac Crores	68% of Capital is for local Industry to support Make-in-India campaign for Defense sector.
Railways	INR 1.4 Lac Crores	Indirect support to Steel and Construction Industries with many developmental initiatives planned.
Highways	INR 20,000 Crores	Expect more corridors and road widening from Gadkari ji!
Sports	INR 3,062 Crores	Good initiative. At least government showed concern towards this. Expect more medals in 2023
Green House Gas minimization	INR 19,500 Crores	Fund allocated for PLI in manufacturing high efficiency solar modules I think government is confused or clueless about how to minimize greenhouse gases.

 In general, I’ll say an average (7/10) budget. The focus for next 10 yrs should be greenhouse gas reduction, protection of environment and ecology and minimize unemployment rate. If salaried class is your backbone for collection of direct and indirect taxes – you should have sops for them.