Do it yourself

It's less than two weeks into the new year and I have already faced multiple instances of ethical dilemma. These instances not only tested my resolve to avoid all kinds of ethical conflicts, but also raised doubts about the health of the Indian economy and sustainability of some new age business models. Let me first briefly describe some of these instances: ·           I booked a doctor consultation for my daughter through a popular healthcare service portal. The doctor insisted that in future we should book consultation directly with the clinic instead of coming through the portal. ·           I lodged a service request for our out of warranty washing machine with the concerned German Appliance company. The service engineer visited within 3hrs and repaired the fault. While leaving he handed over his private business card and requested that in future we can call him directly; and he will charge onl...

Conventionally, automobile industry performance is widely accepted as a lead indicator of the overall economic performance of any economy. No wonders if the recent slowdown in automobile demand is being represented as a mark of the slowdown in overall economic activity. However, the reactions from policy makers - ministers, MPs, senior advisers & bureaucrats, etc - are perplexing. They have mostly sought to trivialize the issue of slowdown either by outright rejection or some lame explanation. The suggestion of the finance minister that use of app based taxis may be a key reason for slowdown in demand of automobile has been criticized widely on social media as a completely illogical. These unmindful assertions from the official side have raised doubts over the policy makers' understanding of the current state of Indian economy. These doubts may impact the already faltering business and consumer sentiments. In this context it is important to note that— ...