New Year Forecast           By  Govind  Kumar

                                                     ( Vishu Phala for Vedic New Year ) 

                                                                                          

For India 

On April 13, 2008, at 1829 hrs, the year Sarvadhari begins. Virgo rises, with Jupiter in the 4th, Saturn retrograde in the 12th, Ketu in the 12th, Rahu in the 6th and Moon in the 11th.

 

Constellation is Pushya indicating Saturnine influence. Problems after problems will afflict India.

 

Economic slowdown is indicated with the Sensex exhibiting bearish signs. There will be a deceleration in some sectors ( agriculture, manufacturing, industrial production etc ). Inflation will cause worry. Saturn causing Elarata Saturn ( Pushya is India's Star ) is another negative factor affecting finance and well being of the nation. Corruption and redtapism will inhibit all welfare schemes. Returns from roadways, airways and railwys will be less. Epidemics and health hazards will take heavy toll. Employees and workers will resort to strikes. There will be hartals galore. Fashion show and movies will move into a depressed state. Saturn is afflicted by the South Node and hence industrial production may not be upto expected standards.

 

Economic slowdown will be felt till July.  The middle class will be affected by rising inflation. Despite all talk about the 400 million upper middle class, the middle clas will be the worst hit. As the rich become richer, the economic divide can only widen under the new policies. No single political party may emerge triumphant, adding to the nation's woes. Democracy will look like a farce in practice.

 

This Elarata Saturn by which India is ruled now will even influence sports. India's performance in hockey, football, athletics etc will not be upto the mark. Even in cricket, India will find it difficult to keep the No 2 spot. The UPA government will have testing times, as many adversities challenge her.

Deficit and debt will increase only. The 156 billion dollar debt will increase and so will the 55 billion dollar deficit. Tier II cities will develop and realty prices will be high in Tier II cities. IT infrastructure will get a boost. Indian Healthcare industry will grow at 40%. Millions of sq feet of IT space will be developed, signalling the emergence of India as an IT super power ! More income from IT, from BPO, from Tourism will be neutrallised by heavy imports rising deficit and debt.

 

 

In other words, this is not an ideal time for India, as she passes through the dreaded Elarata Saturn. After 1.5 years, her development will accelerate !

 

 

For  US

Gemini rises in Washington, indicating a period of recession. Subprime crisis has taken its toll on the U S economy. There will be changes in the country's tax system. American economy will try to get out of recession, which it finds itself in. Warren Buffett says US is in recession while Soros says no, not yet ! Recession hangs like a grim Sahara before the US. Real Estate sector will be the worst hit ( Mars in Gemini, which is the Asc ). Mines and construction sectors all will be hit. There will be international differences, diputes and disagreements with China and one or two Latin American countries.  Another worst summer will have to be faced. The Dow will falter and will be bearish. Financial and sex scandals will increase.

Troop casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq may increase. There will be criticism about West Asian policy. There will be improved relations with India and Russia.

There will be a scare about Recession and some people may fear a Depression. As 5.2 million homes are put up for sale in the US, there will be recession in the housing sector. Rising prices of crude and many families in debt - all these will fuel inflation, which is on a high. The Fed will try to change the laws.

This will not be a good year for both India and US. Inflationary pressures will haunt both economies. Both countries will forge business relationships and there will be increased co-operation.

 

For China

This will be a year of suppression of human rights and violence by terrorists. Economic growth may slow down a little. Inflation will be higher than expectations. Heavy military expenditure will aid in the economic slowdown. There will be public resentment and problems with Tibetans, whom they call separatists.  June-Sep, Mar-Apr and October 08 to Feb 08 are critical periods for the country.

 

For Japan

Economic growth will be slow . There may be political uncertainty. Financial scandals will rock the Fukuda govt. Serious illness cannot be ruled out to a royal familty member. 

 

For Pakistan

Virgo rises at Islamabad indicating violent political upheavals and uncertainty. There will be seperatist violence . Economic slowdown indicated. Danger indicated to Mullahs and some politicians. Women will suffer from crimes. Political uncertainty marks this period, as this nation goes through a torrid phase.

For Iraq

Leo rises, tenanted by Ketu and Saturn. Suicide attacks will be rampant. Assassination attempts on important leaders. Violence of a major order. Political uncertainty on the cards.

For Iran

Clerics will dominate the political sphere. Monetary mismanagement will be evident. Peace will be disturbed by student unrest. The popularity of those in power will be on the bane.

For Russia

Virgo rises, Military expenditure will increase. Adversity for agriculture and Farming. Threats from terrorists cannot be ruled out. There will be a lot of disagreements with the US, EU, Ukraine & Georgia. War of words and tension with them. Some leaders will lose their seats due to scandals.

For England

Improved relations with India and US. Brown appears to be safe. There will be an economic slowdown. There may be riots and strikes, as people express their displeasure. Serious problmes will be posed by public health. Misfortune indicated for a political leader

For Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel

There may be air raids by Israel against Syria and Lebanon. There will be retaliation by the latter. Increased rivalry between Hamas and Fatah. Political uncertainty marks this turbulent phase. Hamas will indulge in rocket attacks and Israel will retaliate. In Jordan, there will be public agitations and resentment for reforms. June- Aug, Feb to Apr 2009, are critical periods for the government.