Capital Flows and the Impossible Trinity: The Indian Experience.

In this paper we devise quantitative techniques to analyze the management of foreign capital flows in India over the past three decades. The paper argues that India0s overall approach towards liberalization of the capital account can be characterized as gradualist and calibrated, whereby certain agents and ows have been accorded priority in the liberalization process, from the viewpoint of ensuring financial stability. A cross country analysis indicates that the calibrated approach has resulted in India being ranked towards the lower end of the spectrum in terms of capital account openness. We analyze the extant regulations governing different types of foreign capital flow, and highlight the evolution of various types of capital ows over the recent period. To evaluate Indian macroeconomic management in the face of capital flows, we quantify the various policy options under the classic problem of "impossible trinity". We find that India, like other emerging markets, has also been confronted with the various alternatives under "impossible trinity" and has chosen to adopt an intermediate regime, juggling the objectives of monetary independence, exchange rate stability, and an open capital account as per the needs of the economy.

The Bihar story: resurrection of the state

In the not so distant past, the Indian state of Bihar was a byword for corruption, lawlessness, poverty, and absence of governance. Over the last decade or so, the state has demonstrated a remarkable turnaround and has consistently been amongst the fastest growing regions in the countr

Effect of compatibilizer on the dynamic mechanical and electrical properties of kaolin clay reinforced EPDM rubber

Industrial pollution issue and dark colour of carbon black, clay based non black filler are getting more importance for reinforcing elastomer. EPDM-Kaolin composites with various maleated EPDM concentration have been prepared by mixing on a two roll mill. The rheometry data showed the optimum cure time increases with increasing compatibilizer concentration without decreasing torque value indicating that acidic functional groups comes from compatibilizer could retard cure rate and increase the optimum cure time rather than change in the ultimate cure state. As the filler concentration increases, the edge to edge and face to edge interaction between filler and EPDM increases and the free volume between EPDM molecules is reduced, the storage modulus increases. Moreover, the dynamic mechanical analysis also showed the increase in glass transition temperature with increase in filler concentration due to the inter-tubular diffusion of EPDM inside the clay. It was also observed that with increasing filler concentration, the resistivity and dielectric strength decreases and moreover with increasing compatibilizer concentration the resistivity decreases due to better dispersion of filler helps to build conduction path. The morphological study also revealed that homogeneity of filler dispersion increases with increase in compatibilizer concentration

Ciclos políticos de las transferencias desde el gobierno central hacia los estados

Usando el método agrupamiento de medias (PMG), este documento intenta estimar los ciclos de las transferencias en las elecciones parlamentarias y de asambleas en India desde 1980- 81 hasta 2010-11. Encontramos que dichos ciclos son más pronunciados en el año anterior a las elecciones parlamentarias y en el año de las elecciones de asambleas en el caso de los préstamos desde el centro. Adicionalmente, a partir de un modelo Logit, se pudo establecer que las manipulaciones oportunistas de las subvenciones del centro en el año anterior a las elecciones parlamentarias y los niveles de préstamos del centro en el año de las elecciones de la asamblea pueden ayudar a mantener el poder de quien actualmente lo detenta. Se encuentra que la inflación es electoralmente perjudicial para los gobernantes, ya que aumenta la probabilidad de perder las elecciones a nivel nacional, pero no necesariamente a nivel de los estados. Del mismo modo, es más probable que un gobierno de derecha gane las elecciones, mientras que, si el centro y los estados tienen el mismo gobierno o si el gobierno del estado es un aliado, la posibilidad de retener el poder para el gobierno nacional se reduce, y aumenta en el caso de los gobiernos a nivel estatal. Asimismo, un gobierno de coalición, en general, reduce la posibilidad de ganar en las elecciones parlamentarias y estatales.Using the pooled-mean group method (PMG), this paper attempts to trace the political transfer cycles in parliamentary and assembly elections in India from 1980-81 to 2010- 11. It is found that the political transfer cycles are more pronounced in the year before parliamentary elections and in the year of assembly elections in the case of loans from the centre. Furthermore, from the binary Logit specification it is established that opportunistic manipulations of grants from the centre, in the year before parliamentary elections and the levels of loans from the centre in the year of assembly elections can help the incumbent regain its power. Inflation is found to be electorally harmful for the incumbent as it increases the likelihood of losing the election at union level, but not necessarily at state level. Similarly, a right-wing government is more likely to win the election, whereas, if the centre and the states have the same government or if the state government is an ally, the possibility of retaining power for the union government is lowered, and it is raised in the case of state-level governments. Furthermore, a coalition government, in general, reduces the possibility of winning in both parliamentary and state elections

Malnutrition and central retinal vein occlusion in a young man

Can vitamin B12 and folate deficiency cause central retinal vein occlusion? We conducted a literature search to find out whether nutritional deficiency of vitamin B12 and folate can lead to impaired vision. The patient in the article reported in Ophthalmology, department of MMIMSR, Haryana, India, with complain of gradual painless visual loss over six weeks. He was found to have unilateral central retinal vein occlusion with significant anemia and vitamin B12 and folate deficiency. Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency can lead to elevated levels of homocysteine. We found a large amount of published data relating central retinal vein occlusion to elevated homocysteine levels, but there was a lack of conclusive evidence for this association Patients should be asked about their dietary history where a thrombotic event is suspected or confirmed

In vitro biomechanical comparison of various implants in Pauwels type 3 fracture neck femur

Background: The objective of this study was to find out the correlation among type of implant, type of fracture and quality of bone in a cadaveric model of unstable fracture neck of femur (Pauwels type 3) fixed with either; proximal femoral nail (PFN), dynamic hip screw (DHS), dynamic hip screw with an anti-rotation screw (DHS and ARS) or cannulated cancellous screws (CCS).Methods: This study was conducted on 24 cadaveric bones (6 in each group) in which unstable fracture neck of femur (Pauwels type 3) were created and fractures in each group were fixed with different implants after creating a comparable group using DEXA scan. These were tested on a cyclic physiological loading machine at 2 cycles per second with a load of 200kg. The test was observed for 10,000 loading cycles or till failure whichever occurred earlier. Subsidence was measured and analyzed.Results: Five specimens in the PFN group, 3 specimens in the DHS and ARS and DHS group completed 10,000 cycles while all the specimens in CCS group failed before 10000 cycles. Mean subsidence of the PFN group was significantly lower than the other groups.Conclusions: PFN constructs were stronger than the other constructs. However, these data must be interpreted as strictly biomechanical, representing only part of the scenario at work in vivo. Nonetheless, the significant findings of increased strength of fixation over the DHS, DHS with ARS and CCS certainly appear to support the use of PFN clinically.

Clinical study on presentation and management of ectopic pregnancies in a tertiary care centre

Background: Ectopic pregnancy means pregnancy outside the normal uterine cavity. It is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in first trimester. Early diagnosis and timely intervention can significantly improve the outcomes.Methods: Retrospective observational study done in the department of obstetrics and gynecology ABVIMS and Dr. RML hospital, New Delhi from January 2016 to March 2019. Case records of 76 patients of confirmed ectopic pregnancy were retrieved and studied from the medical record section. The main aims were to see the clinical presentation, mode of diagnosis, predisposing risk factors; treatments offered and associated morbidity and mortality.Results: The incidence of ectopic pregnancy in present study was 1.7%, highest in 21 to 30 years age multiparous patients. 85.1% presented as acute emergencies, 75% patients had classic triad of amenorrhea, pain and bleeding. Pain was the commonest symptom in 96.1%. The commonest clinical sign was adnexal mass and tenderness. Ultrasound findings had adnexal mass in 98.7% and free fluid in 84.7% cases with empty uterus in 100%. 90.7 % case were tubal ectopic and 69.73 % were ruptured. Surgery was the main treatment modality in 96.0% cases. Salpingectomy was the commonest surgery in 80.25%. There was 0% mortality and 78.9% cases required blood transfusions, 44.7% patients had no known risk factors whereas some of the common identifiable risk factors were history of previous abortion, previous pelvic surgeries and pelvic inflammatory disease.Conclusions: ABVIMS and Dr. RML hospital is a tertiary care center so majority of patients with ectopic pregnancies presented late, as such surgery was the main treatment modality but there was 0% mortality in our study. Conservative treatments such as laparoscopy and medical management can also be offered to hemodynamically stable patients

Epidemiology and pattern of paediatric trauma in one of the biggest trauma centres of India

Background: The objective of the study was to assess the epidemiology and pattern of trauma in paediatric patients coming to a tertiary care trauma centre in Purvanchal region of country.Methods: Study was conducted at Trauma Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU. A retrospective data was collected from the emergency entry record book for the paediatric patients coming to emergency with trauma from January to December 2018. A total of 328 patients were included in study. Patient with accidental hanging and those of sexual assault and drowning were not taken in study.Results: Patients in the age group of above 6 years were most numerous 61%. Boys were more commonly injured then girls of same age group with M: F being 1.4:1.  Fall was the most common mode of injury overall 45.12% and for the children below 6 years of age 63%. However, RTA was the most common cause in children of above 6 years age group 40.5%, closely followed by fall. Home was found to be the most common location of injury. Females outnumbered males in case of assault injury (7 of 12). Musculoskeletal injury was most common 42%, head injury 27%, polytrauma 12%, while superficial injuries in form of abrasion, contusion etc were 19%. Of all 42% were taken inpatient, 50% discharged on OPD basis and 8% went LAMA.   Conclusions: Most of the times the paediatric traumas occur in foreseeable circumstances, most of them occurring at home or around it suggesting the need for more supervision during playing and identification of specific risk factors for these injuries in our setting. Planning of strategies should be according to the epidemiological trends

Rational use and cost variation analysis of antifungal drugs available in the Indian market: a pharmacoeconomic study

Background: Fungal infections are the 4th most common skin disease affecting 984 million people. Fungal infections are mostly associated with the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, corticosteroids, anticancer/immunosuppressant drugs, indwelling catheters and implants, and the emergence of AIDS. The aim of this study was to analyze the rational use, cost ratio, and percentage cost variations in different brands of the commonly prescribed antifungal drugs available in the Indian market.Method: The maximum and minimum price of each brand of the drugs given in Indian rupees (INR) was noted by using ‘Drug Today’ (January to April 2021, volume II). The cost range, cost ratio, and the percentage cost variation for individual drug brands were calculated. The cost of tablets/capsule/injection was calculated and the cost ratio and percentage cost variation of various brands was compared.Results: After calculation of cost ratio and percentage cost variation for each brand of antifungal agents, tab Itraconazole 100 mg had a maximum percentage cost variation of 733.33% and a cost ratio of 8.33 while tab Griseofulvin 250 mg had a minimum percentage cost variation of 16.98% and cost ratio of 1.16.Conclusions: The present study shows there was a wide variation in the cost of the different brands of antifungal drugs manufactured by pharmaceutical companies which increases the economic burden. The clinicians prescribing these drugs should be aware of rational use and cost variation to reduce cost of drug therapy and improve patient compliance.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding drug allergy among healthcare providers in Eastern India

Background: Drug allergy (DA) or hypersensitivity is an immunologically mediated reaction producing stereotype symptoms which is challenging for health care providers (HCP). Objective of current study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of drug allergy among healthcare providers in eastern India. Methods: A 25-item self-administered DA questionnaire was developed and applied in our study. The questionnaire covered 3 domains: knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns. From July 2020 to September 2020, HCPs participated in the cross-sectional study. Results: A total of 237 HCPs participated in the study, and all questionnaires were analysed. Among the respondents, 226 (95.4%) were nurses, 9 (3.8%) were doctors and 2 (0.8%) were pharmacists. The majority of HCPs agreed that drug-induced immediate allergic reactions were IgE mediated 225 (94.9%), occur within 6 hours of drug administration (89.9%), and epinephrine was the first choice for drug-induced anaphylaxis (76.8%). 97.9% HCPs agreed that penicillin skin test was valuable to predict the allergic reaction. More than 80% of the respondents would take patients’ allergic history before drug administration, while 75.5% agreed that they recognize and manage drug allergy timely when it occurs. Conclusions: Drug allergy was often diagnosed and managed inadequately, regardless of practice location, employment status and speciality in eastern India. The HCPs demonstrated a low level of knowledge regarding DA. Advanced education is urgently needed for better understanding and filling the gaps that exist in the knowledge and clinical practice of DA