Gurumurthy Kalyanaram on a new beginning in Russia

Gurumurthy Kalyanaram - The recent visible and vibrant, large and peaceful protests in Russia against alleged fraud in the parliamentary elections on December 4th has surprised everyone. There was no hint of these protests. Again, social media were the platform for mass communication. There were other surprising elements: the protesters, while peaceful and friendly, were pretty harsh on Vladmir Putin; the Russian Television presented the protests in a neutral fashion including the harsh comments of thr protesters; the protesters and the police were friendly. Gurumurthy Kalyanaram Lawsuit

Congratulations to Russian authorities including Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Putin, the Russian media and the Russian citizenry for such democratic and peaceful expression of discontent and dissatisfaction.

Gurumurthy Kalyanaram on Liberalization of Foreign Direct Investment in Retail Business in India

Gurumurthy Kalyanaram - Liberalization of foreign direct investment in retail business in India (to 100 percent in single-brand and to 51 percent in multi-brand retail business) has met with monumental political resistance. The government is expected to announce that it is suspending all decisions and notifications regarding this decision till a greater consensus is achieved.

Intellectuals including many economists have urged the government to stay the course, and not give in to political pressures. The singular argument of the proponents is that the benefts of liberalized policy in retail (e.g., increased infusion of foreign capital, technology and managerial expertise in retail sector; development of modern and sophisticated logistical technologies and attendant infrastructure including food warehousing and transportation approaches; reduction in transit and other costs and hence lower price to consumers; and reduction in the power of intermediaries between farmers and the market) are well documented in many countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, and Thailand.

Gurumurthy Kalyanaram on the Democratic Yearnings in the Middle-East

Gurumurthy Kalyanaram - The Middle-East political revolution began in Tunisia, then to Egypt, Libya and now to Syria.

The wave of freedom quest in the Middle-East is too evident and obvious – we have called it the Arab Spring. Gurumurthy Kalyanaram Lawsuit

However, now the Arab Spring appears to be clouded. Tunisia recently elected its constituent assembly. A general election under the new constitution is expected to be held in late 2012 or early 2013.

The winners in the constituent assembly are candidates affiliated to Islamist party, Nahda, which is led by Rachid Ghannouchi. Nahda secured 41 percent of the assembly seats. The new prime minister is Hamadi Jebali of the Islamist party.