Intellectual Thoughts by Sanjay Panda: September 2016


India jumped up 16 positions on a global index of the world's most competitive economies






In a big jump, India has moved up 16 positions to rank 39th on a global index of the world's most competitive economies. The report  showed that India fared well in goods market efficiency, business sophistication and innovation


India’s competitiveness improved across the board, particularly in goods market efficiency (60), business sophistication (35) and innovation (29). WEF said recent reform efforts by the government have concentrated on improving public institutions (up 16 places), opening the economy to foreign investors and international trade (up 4), and increasing transparency in the financial system (up 15).


India still needs to cover a lot of ground, the WEF said, citing labour market deficiencies, large, public enterprises that reduce economic efficiency, especially in the utilities sector and the financial market. Lack of infrastructure remains a critical bottleneck, the report said.  

Top Quotes from India @UNGA 2016 in respose to Pakistan PM's speech



The land of Taxila, one of the greatest learning centres of ancient times, is now host to the  Ivy League of terrorism.
 
The effect of its (Pakistan's) toxic curriculum are felt across the globe.

Pakistan’s nuclear proliferation record is marked by deception and deceit.

Pakistan channelises billions of dollars, much of it diverted from international aid, to training, financing and supporting terrorist groups as militant proxies against it neighbours.

Pakistan is a terrorist state.

Pakistan extends support to extremist groups, it suppresses minorities and women and denies basic human rights including through draconian laws.

Terrorist entities and their leaders continue to roam the streets of Pakistan freely and operate with State’s support.

Pakistan is a democracy deficit country and practises terrorism on its own people.

It is ironical that a country which has established itself as the global epicentre of terrorism, is preaching human rights and talks about the ostensible support for self-determination.

What my country and our other neighbours are facing today is Pakistan’s long-standing policy of sponsoring terrorism.

Bayer and Monsanto to Create a Global Leader in Agriculture



In the largest deal of 2016 (so far), after months of negotiations  with several  baby steps  agriculture giants Bayer and Monsanto announced  that  they are planning to merge. In an  all-cash   transaction    Bayer  striking the deal a $128  a share  valuing Monsanto at $66B.  including the debt.


Consolidation has been driven by a global  glut that has pushed down crop prices and hurt farm incomes, leading to reduced investment in agricultural inputs such as fertilisers and  Agrochemicals.   Several Mega & small mergers are right now underway/partially completed   like Dow Chemical and DuPont, ChemChina &   Syngenta, FMC & Cheminova  etc.

But the proposed merger  likely face an intense and lengthy regulatory process If the deal closes, it will create a company commanding more than a quarter of the combined world market for seeds and pesticides in the fast-consolidating farm supplies industry.

Both the   company executives claims the  businesses are complimentary & there is very little overlap between them.  However antitrust experts have said regulators  likely  demand the sale of some soybeans, cotton and canola seed assets.

The transaction includes a $2-billion break-up fee that Bayer will pay to Monsanto should it fail to get regulatory clearance. Bayer expects the deal to close by the end of 2017.