The 1970s Oil Crisis: A Case Study in Market Distortion

The 1970s Oil Crisis: A Case Study in Market Distortion

The 1970s oil crisis was perhaps one of the most chaotic chapters in modern history, but it taught us with a crucial lesson in economics. It completely changed how we think about energy, global trade and the limits of

Where is the Casino Industry Headed?

Where is the Casino Industry Headed?

Posted by: on Feb 26, 2013 | No Comments

Asia-Pacific is the future of global casino gaming, according to the Global Gaming Outlook report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). This region is poised to surpass the US as the region with the largest casino industry in the world this year.

Foreign Direct Investments in the Indian Economy

Posted by: on Feb 20, 2013 | One Comment

In the pre-liberalization era, Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) into India were plagued by several restrictions. This included ceilings on foreign equity, restrictions on the use of brand names, restrictions on the expansion of investments into consumer goods and several others. To add to the miseries was the Industrial Licensing System. In 1991, many of these impositions were either abandoned or significantly eased, paving the way for FDIs to boost India’s economic growth.

India to Slide from Position of Second Fastest Growing Economy

India to Slide from Position of Second Fastest Growing Economy

Posted by: on Feb 19, 2013 | One Comment

The Asian Tiger seems to be getting into the crouching position again. It seems to be moving further and further away from the Dragon. While her neighbour China continues to rule the roost, India has moved down from its prestigious position as the world’s second fastest growing economy. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India’s growth in 2012 will be reported at 4.5%. This is disappointing, since we were all out to cheer for the country surpassing its larger neighbour in terms of economic growth.

Baccarat Without the Juice: An Article by WGM

Baccarat Without the Juice: An Article by WGM

Posted by: on Jan 24, 2013 | No Comments

Here’s an article on Baccarat by Andrew Scott, published in WGM – World Gaming Magazine (http://www.worldgamingmag.com/) – a prestigious magazine for people who love gaming.

Governments and Contradictory Objectives

Posted by: on Dec 24, 2012 | No Comments

My previous blog – Why Governments Fail – addressed some questions. Governments do not fail because of inept politicians or a dearth of the number of laws being passed.

There is talk of improving the public sector by removing political interference and granting autonomy i.e. run government companies as private companies. This is a contradiction. If the public sector is to function as the private sector and provide a return on investment, then why have it at all?

Why Governments Fail?

Posted by: on Dec 21, 2012 | One Comment

When one is in office one has no idea how damnable things can feel to the ordinary rank and profile of the public – Sir Winston Churchill

Government isn’t the solution; government is the problem – Old slogan of the Libertarian Party of the USA

Feeling good about the government is like looking on the bright side of any catastrophe. When you quit looking on the bright side, the catastrophe is still there – P.J. O’Rourke

Why do governments perform poorly? Why do government actions have consequences which are the opposite of the intended objectives? Why are government forays into business abysmal failures? Why is the government record pathetic in controlling crime and terrorism? Why when the government administers justice, the horrendous delays negate the concept of justice? Why are government budgets perpetually in deficit and countries eternally in debt? Why are governments constantly looking for increased revenues and forever increasing taxes? Why are government actions hallmarks of ineptitude and inefficiency? Why is corruption endemic?….Why?

Why India and Nepal Rank Low in Economic Freedom Index

Why India and Nepal Rank Low in Economic Freedom Index

Posted by: on Dec 10, 2012 | 6 Comments

On the face of it, economic freedom is a simple concept. However, it encompasses every aspect of an individual’s life. Economic freedom defines the standard of living and has a significant influence on the quality of life.

A Review of Mancur Olson’s Power and Prosperity

A Review of Mancur Olson’s Power and Prosperity

Posted by: on Nov 30, 2012 | No Comments

Renowned social scientist and economist Mancur Olson is best known for his treatise called The Logic of Collective Action. But, it is another work of his that also deserves attention. In Power and Prosperity, Olson deals with the oft repeated question – why does an economic divide persist between countries?

The History and Modern Forms of Baccarat

Posted by: on Nov 29, 2012 | No Comments

Which is the game whose dealings end up influencing the annual turnovers of major casinos across the globe? Which game is the favourite of the ‘high rollers’ or the casino’s crème de la crème? It is the game that was once a penchant for the French royalty and has been shown in most of the Bond movies. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it is Baccarat.

How the Concept of Laissez Faire has Evolved

Posted by: on Nov 27, 2012 | One Comment

Laissez Faire is a term that finds its etymological roots in the French language, in which it means ‘allowed to do’. Also referred to as ‘let it be’ economics, Laissez Faire refers to a sect of political thought that does not favor political interference in private sector free markets. It was claimed to have first been first coined by Marquis D’Argenson, who was to later become Louis XV’s foreign minister during the Austrian War, in his work titled Memoires, published in 1736.

Various political groups throughout American history have made it their clarion call, right from Thomas Jefferson to recent political leaders such as Ron Paul.