Privatization in India Essay Example for Free

Privatization in India Essay Ram Mohan Visiting Faculty, Finance and Accounting Area Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, India Abstract The proposed research is intended to survey the process of privatization in India and assess its impact on the Indian economy. The central issue we will address is the impact of privatization that has taken place so far on profitability and performance of PSUs. Going beyond this, we will attempt to understand what explains the impact of privatization on performance. Is it the use of market power by oligopolistic firms whose pricing power had been constrained under government ownership ? Is performance bought at the expense of labour through extensive layoffs so that what we see is essentially a transfer from workers to shareholders ? Or are we confusing the impact of privatization with the more generalised impact of deregulation in the economy, which in itself could spur efficiency ? The research output will comprise the following: 1. A survey of the literature on privatization, particularly with respect to less developed countries. 2. A review of the role of the public sector in the Indian economy, and the process of economic liberalization and privatization in India upto this point. 3. Impact of privatization on firm performance. 4. Explanation for the impact of privatization 5. Assessment of mechanisms of corporate governance in India. -2- I. Background: privatization in theory and practice A great wave of privatization has swept the world in the past two decades, embracing the industrial economies, the transition economies of East Europe and large parts of the less developed world, and it continues to roll on. It is interesting, however, that its basis in theory was somewhat shaky to start with. Moreover, a sizable enough body of empirical evidence, on which hypotheses about its impact could be tested, became available only several years down the road. So much of the initial impetus to privatization entailed a leap in faith, and, as happens all too often in the development of knowledge, attempts to explain its impact have followed on the heels of widespread existing practice.

Free My Antonia Essays: Struggle with the Land :: My Antonia Essays

Struggle with the Land in My Antonia  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      In Willa Cather’s novel My Antonia a major theme that is addressed is the struggle with the land.   In this essay, I will discuss this theme in relation to the text, the characters & the events they face, & the setting. The text is largely influenced by this theme of mans relationship to the land.   Cather describes the land where the land where the Shimerda’s & the Burdens lived as the beautiful – the slow rolling hill covered in a sea of red grass, the circle of open sky above & land below.   But Cather also describes the land as something powerful-a force strong enough to break even the strongest man. The land also plays a huge part in the lives of the main characters, & in many cases, determines what kind of events that they will face.   Antonia & her family are new to America   - new to the land, new to the language, new to the customs, & new to farming.   From the beginning of the novel, Antonia & her family fought with the land.   They did not know how to farm at first, but slowly learned with the help for the Burden family.   Once they learned the basics of farming, Antonia & her brother had to establish and maintain the farm all by themselves.   It was not just the Shimerda’s who faced the land head-to-head each day.   The Burdens fought the same battle too.   But because the Burdens had more knowledge of the land & farming it, their battle was won more easily.   For example, while each day Antonia & her oldest brother went out & plowed fields, the Burdens were able to do other things with the land, since they had already established fields in which to plant things. In some ways, this theme of the man’s relationship to the land is the setting.   The land where the story takes place determined many of the events which occurred – if the land had not been so harsh and brutal, Mr. Shimerda may not have given up hope like he did.

Articles on the Environmental Issues Essay

The earth is in dire need of solutions to combat environmental problems. We have two great weapons that could fight environmental enemies. These are technological innovations and humans’ personal capacity and discipline. Which among these would be more effective and efficient when it comes to the battle of saving the only known living planet in the universe? It has been said that technological advances were largely responsible for the continuous destruction of nature, and so these are also the very things that can provide solutions for its restoration. One technological development being considered and being anticipated is the use of electronic paper. This would make a real paper made from tress a thing of the past. With an electronic paper, people can read newspapers, magazines, and books in the same sheet of paper. The possibility of water-powered and solar-powered cars is increasing. This would not only let people save on gas, and thus save money. It can also save the environment by reducing pollution caused by modern cars that use gas to operate. Solar energy is not only possible with cars. In fact, there are already a number of households and offices that enjoy the benefits of sun’s energy, which does not only produce heat, but also electricity. These are only a few of the top ten emerging environmental technologies from Live Science. All of these sounds good, but this kind of technology may not be practical because of production cost. Another problem would be the distribution and availability of a particular technology to people around the world. Solar-powered cars may not be used in places that do not have enough sunlight. There may be people who could not afford technological advancements such as electronic papers, and solar power collectors, because of their cost. Nevertheless, even if we are not scientists who can invent technologies aiming to save the environment, and/or we do not have the purchasing power to avail some of them, we can still opt for technology-free means of solving environmental issues. All we have to do is to take responsibility, and use our ingenuity to breathe life again to Mother Nature. One good example is to start planting trees, flowers, and other plants. These reduce carbon dioxide, which is a component of greenhouse gases, because they naturally need this gas for their food production. We could also use what nature provides. Use biodegradable products. Use paper bags, than plastic ones. Choose clothes, bed sheets and towels made of cotton. We could also choose those made from hemp. The good thing about this plant is that it can be recycled many times. Even if we do not have solar cells and solar thermal collectors, we can still enjoy solar power by using its light during the day. Besides these means, we also need to be responsible and disciplined in using and maximizing natural resources. Good examples would be conservation of water, electricity and other forms of energy. These technology-free means are hard work, and to achieve long-term and good results, these have to become established habits. Changing our ways is difficult, and takes much time. It seems that to alter technology is much faster and easier compared to changing flaws in a person’s character that has affected not only himself, but everything around him. Advancement in technology, and human ingenuity and discipline has their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to environmental concerns. However, when they are combined, we can produce maximum results. We do not need to depend on technology solely for solutions regarding environmental issues. Since this is everybody’s responsibility, every one should also participate and be responsible in taking care of nature. It is not what you choose to do that counts. The most important thing is you choose to take a step away from apathy and do something to achieve results. Global Warning on Global Warming: Action Needed Now No matter how scientists and environmentalists do to warn people about the dangers brought about by global warming, people could not seem to care enough. Even terms used in this environmental concern do not sound alarming at all. Have you handed a reading material to someone with the title: GLOBAL WARMING AND GREENHOUSE GASES? Have you noticed their reaction? They would probably ask, â€Å"What is global warming, and what is wrong with a mere increase in temperature? † They may also add, â€Å"By the way, greenhouse gases, is it not good for plants? † Apparently, people do not seem to be bothered about global warming as much as they are worried about global financial crisis. Global warming is indeed a change in temperature caused by greenhouse gases, which have heat-trapping capacity. As long as it reach normal temperature, this is good. In fact, without global warming and greenhouse gases it would be too cold on earth that life would be impossible. However, the increase uses of cars and increase number of factories have contributed greatly to too much greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Thus, the earth’s temperature increased evidently, enough to melt the ice sheets in the Arctic. This would cause increased sea level, thus low lands would disappear to the sea. Also, heat waves would be frequent. These are just some of the dangers of global warming. Some scientists think that there is not much time to solve the problem. Immediate action could mean the difference between life and death. Here are a few ways on how people can move into action: Be interested. Have a commitment to make matters of the environment your own. Although money makes the world go round, there would no place money would be used for if we neglect what the earth needs. Be informed. No matter how global warming and greenhouse gases sound, they can be dangerous to the only planet we live in. Get information to right places. Do not assume what they are be just referring to their names. Read books, newspapers and other sources about the environment and what you can do to help. Be updated. We are so engrossed by what happens to other people –celebrities, public figures, etc. Thus, we are updated by everything that happens to them. In the same way, we have to be totally concern about the everyday changes in our environment. We have to be updated in terms of information, and in terms of ways on how we can be useful on solving this worldwide problem. If we are interested, we begin to gather information. As we gather information, we have to be updated. After all, we live in a fast-paced world. This is how one is moved to action. If a person is interested, well-informed and updated, he begins to take action. Action speaks louder than words, and this is what our dying nature needs. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, â€Å"When a man says to me, â€Å"I have the intensest love of nature,† at once I know that he has none. † Moreover, David Orr asserted, â€Å"When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves. † This is true because the earth is our only habitat, the only planet that can sustain life. If we leave it alone in its ailments, it is as if we leave ourselves to die in illness. We cannot give this responsibility to other living creatures. Our existence lies on our planet, and our planet’s existence lies in us. Global warming should really be a global warning. Now that we can still act to resolve the matter, everyone must do what he could to heed the call, because actions are needed now.

Article about Global Warming - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 890 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2019/03/14 Category Ecology Essay Level High school Tags: Global Warming Essay Did you like this example? Introduction In this article, Walter Starck dismisses the global focus that has been put on global warming and climate change and insists that the obsession with global warming has overshadowed the vital issues such as the diminishing supply of energy to run the world economy. Starck claims that, instead of focusing too much on the issue of global warming, which according to him is a â€Å"self-inflicted catastrophe† that has not been proved scientifically, the world should focus on the widening gap between the oil supply and the global demand for oil. Starck argues that global warming is an imaginary catastrophe that the world has overemphasized.. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Article about Global Warming" essay for you Create order He supports this argument using various â€Å"key facts.† Firstly, Starck indicates that numerous peer-viewed scientific studies around the globe have found that the warm period during the medieval period exhibited higher temperatures than the temperatures being recorded today. In his second argument, Starck notes that the numerous studies that have been conducted to assess extreme climatic conditions indicate that what is regarded as extreme weather conditions today is not an extraordinary occurrence, but it has been experienced in the past. He also notes that the models used to predict global warming are wrong, and therefore they give the wrong impression. Additionally, he notes contrary to expectations the southern hemisphere has not experienced substantial warming, and the global temperatures have been constant in the last decade, despite the increased CO2. On the other hand, Starck claims that the uninformed predictions of global warming have turned the world’s focus from the critical issue of the diminishing supply of oil. After supporting his argument that dismisses the claims of global warming, Starck proceeds to make a wakeup call, to the declining supply of energy. He supports his claim using what he refers to as â€Å"important facts.† He indicates that even though oil production has peaked, there is a deficiency of oil in 50 countries. Also, he indicates that even though new exploration technologies have been developed, the discovery of oil reservoirs has declined. Besides, Starck notes that oil export is declining due to the rising domestic demand for oil. Furthermore, the environmental restrictions have hindered the optimization of the refining capacity. Based on these â€Å"key facts†, Starck argues that the decline in oil supply will persist amidst increased demand, thus significantly raising the prices of oil. He points out that this effect will negatively impact the global economy, which is fuelled by oil. Subsequently, Starck proposes the use of synfuel; which he opines would meet the energy demand in Australia, at half the current price of oil. However, he notes that while companies are ready to invent technologies that could facilitate the invention of synfuel, the CO2 restrictions are a great barrier to such inventions. He criticizes the government for concentrating on clean energy; which he argues is currently inadequate and will take decades to be commercialized. He uses the economic context of Australia to illustrate how shying away from the unclean energy would lead to detrimental aftermaths. He claims that even though Australia has booming resources, the situation will not be permanent. When the boom ends, Starck notes the exchange rate of the Australian dollar will fall drastically, leading to a â€Å"blow-out in foreign debt† . As such, starch urges Australia to consider wisely, its sacrifice towards its loyalty to curb the imaginary global warming. He advises Australia to develop its own liquid-fuel supplies or risk joining the other nations in the inevitable â€Å"self-inflicted hardships† that would result from the decline in energy supplies. Notably, Starck is among the pioneers of the scientific investigations of coral reefs . He holds a Ph.D. in marine science . Therefore, he is conversant with the ecological phenomenon. He is thus suited to write this article. Besides, he has cited peer-viewed scientific research in his evidence, all of which supports his argument. For instance, the fact that numerous studies indicate that the current temperatures were experienced even when fossil fuels were not in use, dismisses the claim that CO2 emissions are the major cause of global warming. In the same manner, by depicting the declining trend in oil supplies, Starck has managed to support the claim that the world would be experiencing an oil shortage, which will definitely lead to economic problems; given that the global economy relies heavily on fossil fuel. In conclusion, although Starck has cited various studies in his evidence, he has not cited any specific study or researcher. Therefore, the credibility of what he terms as â€Å"key facts† is compromised. In the same vein, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) portray a contrary picture of Starck’s arguments. NASA indicates that over the years, scientists have employed the aid of the earth-orbiting satellites and other technological advancements to collect a vast range of data. Conclusion The analysis of this data had revealed a changing climate . These controversial opinions expound the perception of the reader regarding the issue of climatic change, and the need for further studies. All in all, Starck’s article is quite enlightening. Usually, the global concentration on global warming can actually yield a unanimous impression of the phenomenon of global warming. As such, differing opinions such as that of Starck stimulates the need to know more about the issue, and thus attracts scientific inquiry on the subject. This further yields more enlightenment on the subject.