Civil Service Bytes

India  has been ranked at the  90th place in a list of 126 countries compiled by World Economic Forum (WEF) on the basis of their ability to deliver secure, affordable  and sustainable energy, which was topped by Switzerland . The latest  Global Energy Architecture Performance Index  Report, explored the energy architecture of 126 countries based on their ability to provide energy access across three dimensions of the "energy triangle" - affordability, environmental sustainability, security and access. The list was topped by Switzerland followed by Norway and Sweden in the second and third place, respectively. Others in the top 10 include France (4th), Denmark (5th), Austria (6th), Spain (7th), Colombia (8th), New Zealand (9th) and Uruguay (10th). Among the BRIC nations, Brazil was the top performer as it was ranked at the 25th place, followed by Russia (52nd), India (90th), China (94)y. Regarding India, the report noted that it is "facing a vast array o...

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s just-concluded trip to India has served as a reminder of two facts. The first is the criticality of the Arab states to Indian interests. The second is the oddity of New Delhi nevertheless lacking a coherent policy towards West Asia—something it has begun to rectify of late, albeit in patchwork fashion—similar to its Look East policy. Energy security, of course, is a key ingredient of India’s interest in West Asia. It is dependent on imports for 80% of its oil needs, of which roughly 55% is sourced from the Persian Gulf region. The ratio could decline slowly as New Delhi diversifies with an increased focus on African producers. But the rate at which India’s energy demand is growing—it is currently the world’s fourth biggest oil consumer with import dependence projected to increase to 90% by 2031—offsets this in absolute terms. The current glut in the oil market and plunge in prices means it is, for the time being, a buy...

Cabinet approved the new power tariff policy to ensure 24X7 affordable power for all. It aims at promoting clean energy, better regulation of discoms and faster roll out of investments. The new policy will reflect a concern for environment and encourage renewable energy. It will also look to strengthen regulatory mechanism so that power distribution companies become more efficient and conscious towards their duties to consumers. The policy is aimed at achieving the objectives of Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana with the focus on electricity for all, efficiency to ensure affordable tariffs, environment for a sustainable future, and ease of doing business. A market development assistance of Rs 1500 per tonne will be given under the policy. It will aid to lower MRP for farmers and compost from city garbage to provide nutrients to soil and will help in keeping city clean. Eco-Mark standard for city compost will ensure that environment friendly quality product reaches fa...

The Union Cabinet, has given its approval for India becoming a member country of the International Energy Agency – Ocean Energy Systems (IEA-OES). Nodal agency:   Earth System Science Organisation – National Institute of Ocean Technology (ESSO-NIOT) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences Merits : India will have access to advanced R&D teams and technologies across the world. India will partner in developing test protocols along with other countries. Help in testing Indian prototypes as per international requirements and norms. Joint cooperative programs with institutes of member countries could be taken up. India’s own research projects with specific targets can be taken up in conjunction with other countries. International energy agency: The  International Energy Agency   is a Paris-based autonomous intergovernmental organization established in the framework of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD) in 1...

India has taken up a massive energy efficiency mission under which it will switch over to LED bulbs by the end of 2018.  The Centre has set a target to distribute over six crore LED bulbs through state-run Energy Efficiency Services (EESL). 4 crore 59 lakhs Light Emitting Diode, popularly known as LED bulbs have been distributed till now under the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme. It would result in a saving 6 billion dollars per annum. The center has set a target of 1,000 days to provide electricity to 18,000 villages that are not electrified till now. People can now check in real time how many villages are electrified, using specially created app  ‘Garv Grameen Vidyutikaran’. Need for LED Bulbs in India: India is world’s 5 th  largest electricity consumer. It is assumed that India will requires 1200 Terra watt in 2020. These figures are always confusing, as we are far behind in the gap of supply and demand of electricity at this point. The b...