Impact on the Indian smartphone market if Apple officially starts selling refurbished handsets.

India, the home of more than 1.2 Billion people recently surpassed USA and became second largest smartphone user country in the world and this happened when only 17% of India’s population owns it. It is estimated that by 2020, India’s average age will be around 29, which unlocks huge potential for smartphone and data penetration.

The rising competition and price war among smartphone manufacturers in order to win a share in Indian pie is providing users with affordable mobile devices and recent steps of Reliance Jio is expected to enhance the internet usage through smartphone. Since India is lacking wired broadband infrastructure, India is poised to leapfrog it with wireless data usage and the combination of rising young population and growing purchasing power will exponentially enhance this process.

Android is the clear leader in the Indian marketplace with around 97% share and Apple iOS is lagging far behind. Google’s operating system is heavily backed up by its huge portfolio and is supported by maximum of mobile devices in India. Popularity and trust on Google and the affordability of Android handsets are the main reason behind the exponentially rising sales of Android based phones whereas Apple iPhone is considered as a status symbol and is has an image of elite mobile phone which can be afforded by upper class who can pay good price for it. But majority of Indian population comes under lower income group and this must be the focus for the companies in order to sell its product in order to get a bigger pie.

Apple is the premium product company and is not ready to sell its iPhone on lower prices as it could downgrade its status and its brand value and due to this reason, Apple is still struggling to increase its penetration in Indian market which could become another China for it, if played strategically. Apple’s CEO Tim Cook visited India with an idea to grab an opportunity to sell low priced refurbished phones in Indian market so as to capture bigger piece of price conscious Indian market but Indian government rejected the proposal, driven by reason that this might defeat the purpose of Make in India campaign and it might trigger the flood of used electronics in Indian market.

If Apple receives ascent from Indian government to import and sell its refurbished iPhones then it might drastically affect the statistics of Indian smartphone market. The refurbished iPhone will be sold at relatively cheaper prices and this will give a chance and choice to non iPhone users to opt for better performing devices at the same price. This will definitely intensify the price and quality war in Indian smartphone market and this will be favoring consumers. This will also help in expansion of 4G market in India and will finally pressurize the competitors to further slash prices on 4G handsets. This will depend up on the quality of refurbished phones, if they could provide high quality which is USP of Apple, than this will become the ground breaking step and will unlock Indian market potential for it.

Talking about the logic of India to become dumping ground of used electronics, Apple is trying to efficiently recycle the old and previously used electronics which is actually tested on similar parameters through which new phones has to go through before hitting the market. So it seems that the refurbished iPhone will be having high quality standards as the Apple will do the process of refurbishment in its own setup and not via third party. This will attract more people towards it, who actually want to own an iPhone but are unable to due to its premium price. If Apple will get clearance from Indian government to sell its refurbished phones in Indian market at competitive prices, then the geography of Indian smartphone market will definitely get impacted by this step and it will create a dent in Android market. In the end, if refurbished marketplace in India starts riding the growth curve, then the ultimate winners will be the consumers and environment.

Communalism and related Issues: posing internal security threats

We live in a secular country which is a blend of many communities interlinked in such a way that it is difficult to differentiate by just looking at the way of living. All communities are meshed up and there colors when mixed up forms a unique color which represents the true color of India, the largest democracy on earth. Having various segments and traditions has its pros and cons and since a coin has flip side as well, our nation is also facing challenges to keep these different segments together peacefully. The uniqueness of integrity found in India is itself and an opportunity and a big challenge as well.

If we talk about security, we have well developed armed forces to protect our international borders and well equipped and trained police forces to handle internal matters, but the key of maintaining internal security is to stabilize peace among different communities as the communal harmony is the only way to secure internal security. The independence which was earned in 1947 was based on unity and the special provisions for the protections of minorities so that everyone could get equal rights and protection by law. The provisions and some special provisions were created so that the gaps can be filled among different classes but in recent times, these are being used to increase gaps among people.

Our Constitution ensures rights, freedom, liberty, equal opportunities etc to every individual but the people sitting on strong chairs in Indian politics are playing with the sentiments of common man by triggering the causes resulting in amendments which is creating a kind of gap and differentiating among people in the name of religion and communities. Recent reservations made for the certain community in Haryana region, which was the result of a violent mass destruction by certain people created a further strike on the heart of people with no reservation. This kind of violence can be seen in recent history which was either for the reservation demands or was among two religions fighting for certain causes. The causes like Ram Mandir/Babri Masjid etc create tension among communities and the beneficiary of the mass violence are the political parties. Growing unemployment and widening economic gaps among people is resulting into conflicts and violent tensions. Some of the communities failed to adopt significant quality education in masses and is not representing heavily in industries and this frustration results into communalism.

Communalism is not the only threat for internal security, but there could be many reasons for mass violence and which not only create a big dent in economy by damaging property but also create a wave of anger and hatred among people which impact the whole living style of people. The other reasons which could impact internal security can be unfulfilled promises of the political parties, delay of justice, loop holes in justice, lack of governmental supports etc. The side effects Nirbhaya kaand (Delhi rape case) in December 2012 was an example of failure of law and the street protest and violence in Delhi created a serious internal security threat. This created a fear among people that they are not secured in their own home town which created a sense of hatred towards the ruling people. Taking another scenario, a long traffic jam of more than 12 hours was noticed in Delhi Gurgaon region on 28^th July 2016 due to heavy rainfall and water logging and because of which a loss of around Rs 500 Crore is estimated by industrial sector. This shows the planning failure and lack of sense of responsibility of the people concerned, which was faced by middle class majority working in NCR region. This incident increased the frustration among people who were struck for many hours without food and water in that long traffic jam. These kinds of incidents are the triggers the mass frustration which could be seen on the streets in the form of protests or the wave of anger can be seen on media channels.

Some people in the name of freedom of speech are posing a serious threat not only to the security but also trying to change track of Indian youth. JNU issue related to a terrorist Afzal Guru triggered an alarm and Parliament came into action. These kind of incidents in which a group of people try to project a terrorist as a hero and openly talking to divide India is a serious matter and has to be addressed as soon as possible. These people enjoying subsidized Indian education and having Indian identity are taking about tearing India into pieces are destroying the peace and must be handled carefully. On other hand Naxalites and Jihadis are posing a serious threat to the internal security. Some of the states like Jharkhand, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Maharashtra are threatened by Naxalites and Jammu and Kashmir is facing terrorism in the name of Jihad. These groups are against the government and are creating mass violence and destroying public property and peace.

The terrorist attacks in Mumbai and at parliament in Delhi in past years shook our country very badly and once again the sense of security vanished. No doubt, our armed forces gave a setback to those attacks but it started a chain reaction of talking about open borders and how and why our intelligence failed to know about these attacks in advance. The concerns regarding open borders are real as it gives chance to terrorists to enter in our country and it provides the passage for fake currency to enter India. These open borders are threat to the internal security and it has been proved many times.

The origination of armed group of people in the form of “Senas” based on caste and religion are creating a kind of terror among people. These people are affecting politics and normal people in some part of country and are badly trying to influence people to follow their rules and change their lifestyle according to them. Drug trafficking and money laundering are another threats which are trying to bleed our economy and our youth. Drug problem is spread throughout our country, but Punjab has been highlighted in recent times. A study done by Guru Nanak Dev University estimated that around 70% of men in Punjab could be drug addict. This study shows how our future is draining and how youth frustrated from unemployment is going on a bad track. This is threatening our country’s future.

There are n numbers of factors which are posing our future at risk and we all are responsible for stopping it as and when required. Not only government and armed forces are responsible but we the people of India have to take an active participation in order to protect our lifestyle, future and our coming generation. We are required to choose our government wisely so that the proper and needed work can be done in stipulated time. We have the voting rights which have to be used effectively and wisely. Our security is hidden in the harmony among communities so we all are required to think above our community and must consider India as a complete society in which we can live in harmony. 

Nigeria - Time to keep eggs in different basket

Africa’s biggest economy and oil producer Nigeria is facing severe economic crises due to sharp decline in oil prices since the third quarter of 2014. It has made a costly mistake by becoming a mono product economy depending fully on oil and is currently facing a volatile situation and is standing on the verge of Recession after four month’s delay in national budget. Inflation in this country has accelerated to 13.7% in April which is six years high and economy is contracting sharply creating horrible conditions and the postponed budget added fuel to it. Approximately 35% drop in oil prices and 25% drop in value of Nigeria’s currency Naira has reduced Nigeria’s GDP from 6.3% in 2014 to 2.7% last year. This is a big economical problem for the Africa’s giant and the question arises that Nigeria can regain its growth rate back and can stay out of this possible upcoming recession? Is Nigeria prepared enough to diversify its economy can save its crown of being biggest economy of Africa? Most importantly, Is Nigeria being pushed on the verge of social unrest?

In 2014, Nigeria pushed South Africa on second position and became continent’s largest economy because of rebased GDP and now it is struggling to manage its collapsing economy as it is facing a shortfall of $11 Billion in its 2016 budget. The foreign exchange reserves fell 2.7% in a month to $26.56 Billion and fell 10.7% from a year ago. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is trying to apply brake on shrinking reserves by imposing a ban on the sale of forex by importers on 41 items.

A series of attacks on oil infrastructure and evacuation and closing of facilities by energy companies has contributed to put intense pressure on Nigeria’s finances as its crude output has pushed to 22 year low. The violence has reduced the oil production to around 1.69 million barrel in May which is lowest since 2007, IEA data shows.  According to a report by OPEC, Angola has dethroned the Nigeria and has become top oil producer of the continent.  

Nigerian government recently came up with their 6.1 trillion Naira ($30.6 Billion) budget which is around 20% up by 2015 budget and the government is looking forward to come out of this slowdown and to diversify its economy. Now it will be interesting to see how the Nigerian government will deal with this biggest issue and how it will distribute its eggs in different baskets. 

USA and Gun violence

Are guns responsible for maintaining peace or increasing terrorism? Terrorists only are responsible for mass killing? Are we really responsible for our own safety by keeping guns and having licence? Do we really require guns for our safety and can’t we rely on government bodies for that? There can be n number of similar question that arises in our mind whenever we heard about guns and mishaps directly related to guns. As technology and science is increasing its pace, we can see better guns and weapons in different hands, contributing in keeping or disturbing peace.

Our world is a strange and fearful place to live, full of blood and weapons but not ever place is harmful and full of violence.  Distribution of guns can be variedly seen among civilians across the globe. USA tops the chart in private gun ownership around 88.8 guns per 100 people, followed by Yemen with 54.8 guns per 100 people. America consists of around 4.4% of world’s population but 42% of civilian owned guns across the world can be found in United States. People round the globe dreams to settle down in USA for better earning, lifestyle and sense of security but more guns in locality means more violence and less secure lives. 

Over the past decade in USA, more than 100,000 people killed as a result of gun violence and millions were the victims of assault and crimes. Mass shooting in USA has been highlighted during 2015. According to FBI, mass shooting is an incident where at least four people were murdered with a gun. According to a report by FBI, between January 2009 and July 2015 there were 133 mass shootings – almost two per month occurred in 39 states in nearly seven year period. Mass shooting represents a very minor share of USA firearm homicide which is nearly less than 1%.

Weapons especially guns are one of the biggest reasons of increased crime. Once Australia stocked the state armories of newly independent Papua New Guinea many decades back and later it was noted that from the PNG Highlands to Bougainvillea, from the Solomon Islands to Fiji, guns given to governments had fueled a string of military coups and mutinies, tribal and ethnic violence, rising armed crime and gun homicide.

There are examples in the world where weapons are either banned or unarmed people are responsible for peace keeping. Out of 16 pacific islands forum nations, 12 nations are patrolled by unarmed police and this was done after the end of war of secession in Bougainvillea in 1997 due to which Pacific governments tried to disarm their neighborhood for keeping peace. Australia and New Zealand contribute more to arms control in Oceania than to arms proliferation.

The biggest economy i.e. USA is also searching ground for building peace in homeland and it can be sensed by recent surveys and government’s steps taken towards controlling unauthorized use of guns. Latest survey by Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health found that nearly 60% of people in USA are willing to purchase a smart or childproof gun which is actually a weapon which can be operated only by the hands of authorized user. In January, US President Barak Obama issued a memorandum directing the Departments of Justice and Department of Homeland Security to take important steps to promote smart gun technology.  

This is high time for USA to realize, how much they are suffering because of easily available guns and its unauthorized and illegal usage. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is making clear that the people involved in the business of firearms, must get a licence and conduct background checks. ATF is finalizing background check rules for the people trying to buy weapons through a trust, corporation or other legal entity. The FBI will be hiring more than 230 additional examiners and staff for the process of background checks. The President’s budget for FY2017 will include funding for 200 new ATF agents and investigators who can help enforce gun laws. These are the initial steps towards controlling gun violence but the violence relating to guns can be stopped completely only by removing guns from neighborhood. Not only government but citizens also have to take cautious steps towards it, otherwise it will become very difficult in installing peace and harmony in the country.