Indian Westerlies

And the customs pulls off a coup with this link . It is the import duty calculator.  http://www.icegate.gov.in/Webappl/ I must say, for once, CBEC is a rare body that I have come to respect.  With this, now you have all that you need to calculate your import duties upto 8 digit of HS code for any product that is being imported.  One has to enter the product code under CTH (Customs tariff head), and one can get all details of import duties that are levied on the product.  If you are unsure of your HS code upto 8 digits, you can key in just 2 digits (chapter heading) and it throws up a list from which you can select. I love the way they have incorporated the effect of notifications on the duty.  Neat stuff. Good work CBEC! It was sorely missed by trading community. In comparison to this, the new automated  ITC HS based policy of DGFT website looks like a joke! Tiru

There was an  article in firstpost today , which caught my attention. It talks about how Google chose to manufacture it's new streaming gadget, Nexus Q, in silicon valley of US and not in China or other East Asian countries. It was opposite to the thinking of other organizations, such as Apple, who primarily source from Asian countries.  The belief for many years, regarding the manufacturing of electronic goods, has been that East Asian countries have a comparative advantage in terms of labor cost. Initially, the trickle that started with Japan, Korea and Taiwan making some electronic devices, developed itself into an Electronics International Production Network deluge that enveloped China, Thailand and other East Asian countries. The Asian electronic network virtually rules the production chain of electronic components, save a very niche category, which for some security and technology reasons, is still with western nations. The network of production chains lead to specializ