Scotch Whiskey in India...Hic!

In spite of more and more states joining the dry bandwagon the consumption of liquor in India is on the rise. The rich and no so rich are all game for whisky more often as a social trend rather than a habit. One of the most expensive and desired types of alcohol in India is scotch whisky. Apart from being heavenly smooth, some types contain a smoky flavor thanks to the use of peat mass for firing in the distilleries. 

The malted barley mash is distilled, brewed, and matured using the water and peaty in the peat bogs of Scotland (Islay) this liquor is one of the most pricey in the World.  In India scotch is a prized catch. A status symbol unparalleled. The most popular brands in the country are as follows:

Johnnie Walker Red/Black/Blue Label Scotch - Diageo
Chival Regal - Pernod Ricard
Glenlivet Single Malt
Ballantine 

Many more brands are popular besides those mentioned above. But presumably, the above brands have a higher market consumption than the rest. 

The battle-hardened brands are Diageo and Pernod Ricard and the stiff competition amidst them is the talk of the industry. Though the figures are highly contentious Chival is definitely tightening the noose over its rival the famous Johnnie Walker stuff.    

Steel No More Steel

After a lull in steel prices, the market seems to be picking up and a brighter forecast spells a steady rise in the segment. This is also the same with iron ore partly due to the rise in demand from the Chinese market. The demand from China seems to be improving steadily as demands arise from its infrastructure development projects. 

There has been an improvement in steel demands in US and Europe as well. The imposition of anti-dumping duty has also benefited concerns like Arcelor Mittal.  

But the biggest concern in news is the Tata's Steel concerns in the UK. Due to hurdles regarding the pension fund which has created a liability of seven hundred million pounds, it seems a sell-off is unlikely. A potential strategic partnership seems to be a better bet for the ailing business.  But this is a tardy process and is at a preliminary stage.  Another recourse is to cut costs as much as possible. How this will be brought is not clear.     

The problem has arisen due to low prices in the steel market. This was in making as the World was oversupplied with steel. The China-driven demand faced a standoff due to slack in its industries. To make matters worse the local production of Chinese arose significantly. Excess production was dumped outside the country triggering stiff competition from global manufacturers. 

The rising prices have raised some hopes till the Chinese concerns raise their output to offset the gain in prices. 

Ringing Phone - Cell Phone for $4

Ringing Bells is a company based in New Delhi that promises to sell Android phones for Rs.251. The Indian startup is selling the phones at a loss and hopes for a Government subsidy to aid the project. The aim of Ringing Bells is to spread mobile phones all over the country especially covering those who can ill afford these devices. Aiming at creating a communication revolution in India it plans to sell a number of products many of which will be sold at a profit.     

As per the company, almost 200000 cell phones are ready to be shipped all across the Nation. This is despite that many players find the price of the smartphone incredible. Is there a catch somewhere that the owner of the company  Mr. Goel strongly denies it? 

With a market scaling more than one billion subscribers success is a cheese and a big one at that. The gadget feature almost all that big brands promise despite the price. It is tied up with some companies for pre-installed apps which are supposed to bring the cost down since the company does not have any manufacturing setup.    

In absence of manufacturing set up Ringing Bells is importing knocked-down kits from Taiwan. But the critics are still in disbelief at the incredible pricing is this a publicity gimmick or what?

Post Brexit Outcome & Adjustments Next

What happens next is a major question that the Brits face post-exit from the European Union. Instability and adjustment are the imperative that the economy may face. The pound sterling has already seen a downfall and banks easing regulations for lending subsequently.  This is after the Bank of England has infused about 150 pounds into the National economy.

After many years within the EU Britain decided to leave. This decision was due to immigration policies that the people of the UK did not favor. This was evident post-voting. Apart from economic uncertainty, there was significant political turmoil especially within the Conservative Party amidst those who favored separation. The major opposition, Labor Party experienced some trouble as well.    

Twenty-eight countries in Europe are tied to Article fifty after the departure procedure is confirmed there will be twenty-seven left. The UK will join Norway at the independent window. But only after the formality is commenced i.e letter to the European Council of intent to leave will the uncertainty evaporate. The effect so far has been catastrophic to some extent.            

In wake of Scotland's desire to remain within the EU things fell into the quagmire of total uncertainty since affirmative would be required from the Scottish Parliament albeit blocking cannot prevent the separation.     

The turmoil of exit read further the article on The Atlantic