1) psychology in 21st century?(200 words).
2)psychology and social problems? (200 words)
3) Focused group discussion? (200 words)
4) prognostic research? (200 words)
5)promoting well being at major stages of life? (200 words)
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
ITEM RESPONSE THEORY (20 m)
Item response theory (IRT) is a body of theory describing the application of mathematical models to data obtained from questionnaires and tests as a basis for measuring abilities, attitudes, or other variables. It is used for statistical analysis and development of assessments, often for high stake tests such as the Graduate Record Examination. At its most basic level, it is based on the idea that the probability of getting an item correct is a function of a latent trait or ability. For example, a person with higher intelligence would be more likely to correctly respond to a given item on an intelligence test.
Formally, IRT models apply mathematical functions that specify the probability of a discrete outcome, such as a correct response to an item, in terms of person and item parameters. Person parameters may, for example, represent the ability of a student or the strength of a person's attitude. Item parameters include difficulty (location), discrimination (slope or correlation), and pseudoguessing (lower asymptote). Items may be questions that have incorrect and correct responses, statements on questionnaires that allow respondents to indicate level of agreement, or patient symptoms scored present/absent.
Among other things IRT theory provides a basis for evaluating how well assessments work, and how well individual questions on assessments work. In education, Psychometricians apply IRT in order to achieve tasks such as developing and refining exams, maintaining banks of items for exams, and equating for the difficulties of successive versions of exams (for example, to allow comparisons between results over time).
IRT is often referred to as latent trait theory, strong true score theory, or modern mental test theory
Formally, IRT models apply mathematical functions that specify the probability of a discrete outcome, such as a correct response to an item, in terms of person and item parameters. Person parameters may, for example, represent the ability of a student or the strength of a person's attitude. Item parameters include difficulty (location), discrimination (slope or correlation), and pseudoguessing (lower asymptote). Items may be questions that have incorrect and correct responses, statements on questionnaires that allow respondents to indicate level of agreement, or patient symptoms scored present/absent.
Among other things IRT theory provides a basis for evaluating how well assessments work, and how well individual questions on assessments work. In education, Psychometricians apply IRT in order to achieve tasks such as developing and refining exams, maintaining banks of items for exams, and equating for the difficulties of successive versions of exams (for example, to allow comparisons between results over time).
IRT is often referred to as latent trait theory, strong true score theory, or modern mental test theory
BRAINSTORMING (20 m)
Brainstorming is a group creativity technique designed to generate a large number of ideas for the solution to a problem. It works by focusing on a problem, and then deliberately coming up with as many solutions as possible and by pushing the ideas as far as possible. One of the reasons behind its effectiveness is that the brainstormers not only come up with new ideas in a session, but also spark off from associations with other people's ideas by developing and refining them.
The method was first popularized in the late 1930s by Alex faickney Osborn, an advertising executive in a book titled Applied Imagination.
Brainstorming is done in sessions.One of the most important things to do before a session is to define the problem. The problem must be clear, not too big, and captured in a definite question such as "What service for mobile phones is not available now, but needed?
After that a background memo is created.The background memo is the invitation and informational letter for the participants, containing the session name, problem, time, date, and place. The problem is described in the form of a question, and some example ideas are given.
The chairman of the session composes the brainstorming panel, consisting of the participants and an idea collector. Ten or fewer group members are generally more productive than larger groups. Then the process of idea generation is carried out.
There are four basic rules in brainstorming, intended to reduce the social inhibitions that occur in groups and therefore stimulate the generation of new ideas.These are 1)focus on quantity,2)no criticism,3)unusual ideas are welcome, and 4)combine and improve ideas.
The method was first popularized in the late 1930s by Alex faickney Osborn, an advertising executive in a book titled Applied Imagination.
Brainstorming is done in sessions.One of the most important things to do before a session is to define the problem. The problem must be clear, not too big, and captured in a definite question such as "What service for mobile phones is not available now, but needed?
After that a background memo is created.The background memo is the invitation and informational letter for the participants, containing the session name, problem, time, date, and place. The problem is described in the form of a question, and some example ideas are given.
The chairman of the session composes the brainstorming panel, consisting of the participants and an idea collector. Ten or fewer group members are generally more productive than larger groups. Then the process of idea generation is carried out.
There are four basic rules in brainstorming, intended to reduce the social inhibitions that occur in groups and therefore stimulate the generation of new ideas.These are 1)focus on quantity,2)no criticism,3)unusual ideas are welcome, and 4)combine and improve ideas.
GROUNDED THEORY APPROACH (20 m)
Grounded Theory is described as a qualitative research method in which the theory is developed from the data, rather than the other way around. That makes this is an inductive approach, meaning that it moves from the specific to the more general. The method or grounded theory approach of study is essentially based on three elements: concepts, categories and propositions, or what was originally called “hypotheses”. However, concepts are the key elements of analysis since the theory is developed from the conceptualization of data, rather than the actual data.
The primary objective of grounded theory approach, is to expand upon an explanation of a phenomenon by identifying the key elements of that phenomenon, and then categorizing the relationships of those elements to the context and process of the experiment.
Rather than beginning by researching & developing a hypothesis, a variety of data collection methods are the first step. From the data collected from this first step, the key points are marked with a series of codes, which are extracted from the text. The codes are grouped into similar concepts, in order to make them more workable. From these concepts categories are formed, which are the basis for the creation of a theory, or a reverse engineered hypothesis.
Strauss & Corbin, authors of “Basics of Qualitative research: Grounded Theory Procedures and Techniques” are two of the model’s greatest advocates.
The primary objective of grounded theory approach, is to expand upon an explanation of a phenomenon by identifying the key elements of that phenomenon, and then categorizing the relationships of those elements to the context and process of the experiment.
Rather than beginning by researching & developing a hypothesis, a variety of data collection methods are the first step. From the data collected from this first step, the key points are marked with a series of codes, which are extracted from the text. The codes are grouped into similar concepts, in order to make them more workable. From these concepts categories are formed, which are the basis for the creation of a theory, or a reverse engineered hypothesis.
Strauss & Corbin, authors of “Basics of Qualitative research: Grounded Theory Procedures and Techniques” are two of the model’s greatest advocates.
Friday, August 15, 2008
OPERATION SAHAYATA
The armed forces of India had launched operation sahayata (assistance) to help cyclone ravaged people of Myanmar. The operation included distribution of relief materials comprising tents, ready to eat food, medicines,water purifying kits and blankets.While the IAF aircrafts were engaged in the supply of required tents and medical supplies, the ships had brought material required in the medium-term.
HODA COMMITTEE
The Anwarul Hoda committee is a committee which was set up by the Planning Commission to review the country's minerals and mining policy. It has recommended that the Government set up a new mechanism in the stock exchanges for fund-raising by companies engaged in prospecting and mining activities as these industries require substantial amount of risk capital.
CHINA-JAPAN PANDA DIPLOMACY
Panda diplomacy is a term used to refer to the China's use of Pandas as diplomatic gifts.China and Japan have a history of ‘panda presents’ to mark normalisation of their relations. China and Japan are considering a joint research on pandas, the endangered species, which has stood witness to the see-saw relations between the two Asian neighbours.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
ALL OF 20 WORDs
1) Alzheimer disease.
2) 3G mobile services.
3) Nano technology.
4) Chandrayaan.
5) Laser.
6) Biodiesal.
7) ISRO
8) Hyde Act.
9) Monazite.
10) GPRS
2) 3G mobile services.
3) Nano technology.
4) Chandrayaan.
5) Laser.
6) Biodiesal.
7) ISRO
8) Hyde Act.
9) Monazite.
10) GPRS
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Questions for today(250 words)
This year a lot of things are happening in the world and particularly around India , For ex in both Nepal and Bhutan the Govts has been changed but with in entirely diffrent circumstances then we are having the call for restoration of Democracy in Mayanmar and the we have the issue of Ethnic Indians in Malaysia and then also in Sri lanka a lot is happening between LTTE and Govt. so the questions here are.
Questions
1.India's prespective about changing Govt. in Nepal and Bhutan.
2.India's Role in changing circumstances of Sri Lanka.
3.What role can India play in resolving Ethinic Indian crises in Malaysia.
Questions
1.India's prespective about changing Govt. in Nepal and Bhutan.
2.India's Role in changing circumstances of Sri Lanka.
3.What role can India play in resolving Ethinic Indian crises in Malaysia.
SOME THING MORE ON REDD
Experts see thorny road ahead for deforestation negotiations
The working group on Reduction of Emissions by Deforestation (and Degradation) in Developing Countries (REDD) was constituted and is tasked with arriving at a mechanism to incorporate deforestation reduction into the framework of the Kyoto Protocol and the carbon market.
At present, forests store about 686 gigatonnes (GT) of carbon — about 50 per cent more than the atmosphere — and are being cleared at an average rate of about 13 million hectares per annum. This makes deforestation responsible for between 20 and 25 per cent of global green house gas emissions.
Accordingly, several possible models are being considered. On the one hand, some suggest a purely government-centric model where richer Annex-1 countries and donor bodies compensate developing countries for safeguarding their forests. This would fall under the scope of “Adaptation Measures” under the Kyoto Protocol and could be funded by the Adaptation Fund. However, other countries, such as India, have pointed out that the Adaptation Fund is yet to be operationalised; even if it is, it would have only about $5 billion by 2012. Thus India proposes that forests be kept separate from the mechanisms of the Protocol and can be financed by separate financial instruments developed by the UNFCCC.
Another approach envisages integrating REDD into the existing carbon markets. The idea is to come up with a system of carbon credits for forest cover – thereby allowing developing countries to trade their credits on the carbon market and hence generate funds for conservation. However, experts warned that such a system shall require deliberation.
Hare and Greenpeace have proposed an alternative hybrid model that envisages pivotal roles for states and markets.
The working group on Reduction of Emissions by Deforestation (and Degradation) in Developing Countries (REDD) was constituted and is tasked with arriving at a mechanism to incorporate deforestation reduction into the framework of the Kyoto Protocol and the carbon market.
At present, forests store about 686 gigatonnes (GT) of carbon — about 50 per cent more than the atmosphere — and are being cleared at an average rate of about 13 million hectares per annum. This makes deforestation responsible for between 20 and 25 per cent of global green house gas emissions.
Accordingly, several possible models are being considered. On the one hand, some suggest a purely government-centric model where richer Annex-1 countries and donor bodies compensate developing countries for safeguarding their forests. This would fall under the scope of “Adaptation Measures” under the Kyoto Protocol and could be funded by the Adaptation Fund. However, other countries, such as India, have pointed out that the Adaptation Fund is yet to be operationalised; even if it is, it would have only about $5 billion by 2012. Thus India proposes that forests be kept separate from the mechanisms of the Protocol and can be financed by separate financial instruments developed by the UNFCCC.
Another approach envisages integrating REDD into the existing carbon markets. The idea is to come up with a system of carbon credits for forest cover – thereby allowing developing countries to trade their credits on the carbon market and hence generate funds for conservation. However, experts warned that such a system shall require deliberation.
Hare and Greenpeace have proposed an alternative hybrid model that envisages pivotal roles for states and markets.
Bali meet
Bali meet on climate change; some snippets
This meet is being attended by 190 nations to launch negotiations that will eventually lead to an international accord to succeed the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.
The 175-nation Kyoto Protocol requires 36 industrial nations to reduce GHG emissions, by an average 5% below 1990 levels by 2012.
Saudi Arabia and the US are worst ‘climate sinners’ according to an annual index ranking 56 nations which together account for more than 90% of global CO2 emissions.
For the first time the deliberations were dominated by the findings of the IPCC report. There was a complete absence of any questioning of the scientific assessment of climate change.
Though a couple of countries questioned the extent of required cuts that a new global agreement should incorporate, a compromise was reached supporting deep cuts in emissions and a timetable for a draft plan of action to be completed.
REDD: Reduced Emissions from Deforestation in Developing countries.
Under this scheme, preservation of forests could become a tradable commodity with the potential to earn poor nations billions of dollars from trading carbon credits.
This meet is being attended by 190 nations to launch negotiations that will eventually lead to an international accord to succeed the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.
The 175-nation Kyoto Protocol requires 36 industrial nations to reduce GHG emissions, by an average 5% below 1990 levels by 2012.
Saudi Arabia and the US are worst ‘climate sinners’ according to an annual index ranking 56 nations which together account for more than 90% of global CO2 emissions.
For the first time the deliberations were dominated by the findings of the IPCC report. There was a complete absence of any questioning of the scientific assessment of climate change.
Though a couple of countries questioned the extent of required cuts that a new global agreement should incorporate, a compromise was reached supporting deep cuts in emissions and a timetable for a draft plan of action to be completed.
REDD: Reduced Emissions from Deforestation in Developing countries.
Under this scheme, preservation of forests could become a tradable commodity with the potential to earn poor nations billions of dollars from trading carbon credits.
CARBON CREDITS & EMISSION TRADING
CARBON CREDITS & EMISSION TRADING
Carbon Credits are key components in emission trading schemes.
The concept of Carbon Credits formally came into existence as a result of Kyoto Protocol
Kyoto protocol envisages a cap and trade system. The cap lays down that the developed
countries should reduce their emissions 5.2% below their 1990 levels over the five year
period from 2008-2012.Since Carbon Credits are tradable instruments with a transparent price, financial investors like banks, brokers, funds, and private traders have also started buying them for pure trading purposes.
Kyoto protocol envisages a cap and trade system. The cap lays down that the developed countries mentioned in the Annexure I of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) should reduce their emissions 5.2% below their 1990 levels over the five year period from 2008-2012 (current commitment period). These are national level targets for participating countries. Countries manage their emission quotas through registries at the national level. These registries are
required to be validated by the UNFCCC. In turn countries may set quotas on the emissions of installations run by various business entities and organisations (operators).
Each operator (business entity or organisation) will get Assigned Allocation Units or in short ‘Allowances’ of emission quotas. Each unit of allowance (credit) allows an operator to emit one metric tonne of Carbon Dioxide or other equivalent greenhouse gas. The operators who have not used up their quotas (or prevented the emission to that extent) can sell their unused allowances as Carbon Credits and those who have exceeded their quotas can buy the extra allowance as credit from other operators directly or from the market place. By allowing credits to be bought and sold, an operator can decide the most cost-effective way of reducing its emissions either by investing in low emission machineries or production processes or by purchasing credits from others.
Under Kyoto Protocol, developed countries and operators who exceed their quotas can acquire emission credits by: Setting up a greenhouse gas emission reduction project in another developed country (known as JI or Joint Implementation) Sponsor a greenhouse gas emission reduction project in a developing country (known as CDM or Clean Development Mechanism) Buy it from countries with surplus credits under International Emission Trading system.
Indian share in carbon trading has crossed $5 billion and the country is expected to be a major player in the arena by 2012 generating 30 to 50% of the estimated 700 million units of carbon credits traded globally. Indian companies have a strategic advantage as the cost of emission reduction in India is very low as compared to the developed countries. However the regulatory framework in India in respect of carbon trading
is somewhat in a nascent stage and yet to have clear guidelines in various aspects including taxation of income from carbon credits, financing of CDM projects etc.
Meanwhile, Multi-Commodity Exchange of India Ltd (MCX) had already entered into a strategic alliance with the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) and is all set to launch trading in carbon credits shortly.
Carbon Credits are key components in emission trading schemes.
The concept of Carbon Credits formally came into existence as a result of Kyoto Protocol
Kyoto protocol envisages a cap and trade system. The cap lays down that the developed
countries should reduce their emissions 5.2% below their 1990 levels over the five year
period from 2008-2012.Since Carbon Credits are tradable instruments with a transparent price, financial investors like banks, brokers, funds, and private traders have also started buying them for pure trading purposes.
Kyoto protocol envisages a cap and trade system. The cap lays down that the developed countries mentioned in the Annexure I of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) should reduce their emissions 5.2% below their 1990 levels over the five year period from 2008-2012 (current commitment period). These are national level targets for participating countries. Countries manage their emission quotas through registries at the national level. These registries are
required to be validated by the UNFCCC. In turn countries may set quotas on the emissions of installations run by various business entities and organisations (operators).
Each operator (business entity or organisation) will get Assigned Allocation Units or in short ‘Allowances’ of emission quotas. Each unit of allowance (credit) allows an operator to emit one metric tonne of Carbon Dioxide or other equivalent greenhouse gas. The operators who have not used up their quotas (or prevented the emission to that extent) can sell their unused allowances as Carbon Credits and those who have exceeded their quotas can buy the extra allowance as credit from other operators directly or from the market place. By allowing credits to be bought and sold, an operator can decide the most cost-effective way of reducing its emissions either by investing in low emission machineries or production processes or by purchasing credits from others.
Under Kyoto Protocol, developed countries and operators who exceed their quotas can acquire emission credits by: Setting up a greenhouse gas emission reduction project in another developed country (known as JI or Joint Implementation) Sponsor a greenhouse gas emission reduction project in a developing country (known as CDM or Clean Development Mechanism) Buy it from countries with surplus credits under International Emission Trading system.
Indian share in carbon trading has crossed $5 billion and the country is expected to be a major player in the arena by 2012 generating 30 to 50% of the estimated 700 million units of carbon credits traded globally. Indian companies have a strategic advantage as the cost of emission reduction in India is very low as compared to the developed countries. However the regulatory framework in India in respect of carbon trading
is somewhat in a nascent stage and yet to have clear guidelines in various aspects including taxation of income from carbon credits, financing of CDM projects etc.
Meanwhile, Multi-Commodity Exchange of India Ltd (MCX) had already entered into a strategic alliance with the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) and is all set to launch trading in carbon credits shortly.
Climate change and India’s options
·Climate change and India’s options
o For the sake of perspective, we may note that world CO2 emissions in 2004 totalled 27 billion tonnes. Of this, the U.S. accounted for 5.9 billion tonnes, China 4.7, Russia 1.7, Japan 1.3, and India 1.1 billion tonnes. All other countries were below the one billion level. If we calculate per capita annual emissions, they work out roughly to 23.6 tonnes for U.S., 13 for Japan, 10 for Russia, 4.7 for China, and one for India.
o Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reiterated the importance of accelerated economic growth to eliminate poverty and deprivation and said India could not take on binding commitments when its per capita emissions were low. The Chinese National Development and Reform Commission has stated that the first and over riding concern was economic and social development and poverty eradication. So the developing countries including India, China, and Brazil are opposed to mandatory capping of emissions as that would hinder their development. While this debate will continue at various international fora, there are many initiatives India could take as a responsible member of the international community to reduce carbon emissions without sacrificing its priority of economic development.
o Coal accounts for nearly half of India’s total energy use, a large part of it for electricity production. Most of the present day generators use 200 MW to 500 MW sub-critical boilers with a thermal efficiency of 35 per cent or less. Older units of 60 MW and 110/120 MW have lower efficiency. All new coal generators should use super-critical boilers in the size range of about 800 MW, which can achieve an efficiency of about 40 per cent.While most of the coal now used is domestic, imports will be needed in the decades ahead for power stations located in the south and west of India, for which port infrastructure should be built. A further gain in efficiency is possible when the integrated coal gasification technology is available. While some collaborative work with the U.S. and other countries is planned, a prototype development in India jointly between NTPC and BHEL is warranted. Removal of carbon dioxide (carbon sequestration as it is called) from the flue gases of coal power stations is being studied in the U.S. and elsewhere. But as of now, the associated economic penalties are unclear. However, India should collaborate with other countries in these studies.
o India must give maximum emphasis to developing the still fairly large untapped hydel potential in the North West, North, and North East. But this requires an enlightened policy of rehabilitation of project-affected people. There are also cultural factors such as submerging lands regarded as holy because ancestors of present inhabitants are buried there or for other reasons of tribal customs. People living in areas where large hydel potential exists need to be provided incentives as they may perceive that their energy wealth is going to enrich people living in other parts of the country. A similar approach is required to access the large hydel potential available in Bhutan and Nepal, beyond the needs of the populations of these countries.
o A very important non-carbon energy source is nuclear power. India’s quest to rapidly develop this source has been hampered by a very limited resource base of uranium, that too of low grade, and technological isolation imposed by U.S. non-proliferation policies. The on-going negotiations between India and the U.S. may result in an opening of the door for import of nuclear fuel and civilian nuclear technology. This will then provide for an immediate acceleration of the nuclear energy programme. However India is pinning its hopes on the eventual use of thorium as a source of energy, as it has abundant reserves of this substance. We shall have to build a series of fast breeder reactors before significant amounts of thorium could be used to generate electricity, a process that may take some three decades. In parallel, India is participating in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), which is expected to pave the way for controlled fusion energy, which may become viable in some five decades. Thereafter the heavy hydrogen, available in very small quantities in water, would be a source of energy.
o Another energy option of great interest is solar energy. While it is possible to harvest solar energy using photovoltaic cells, the economics at present are unfavourable. Considering its abundance in India, the country must embark on a mission mode programme, comparable to atomic energy and space, to develop economically viable solar power systems. The Department of New Energy Sources needs to be headed by a competent scientist or technologist and sponsor new R&D in solar energy, fuel cells, bio-fuel, hydrogen production and storage, and so on. Wind energy has made good progress through the dynamism of the private sector and also needs to be underpinned with advanced R&D. Solar water heaters and solar cookers need to be promoted through better designs and incentives.
o Oil and gas are the fastest growing segments of our energy basket and we should maximise their availability to run our economy. If the railway system were fully electrified and the Railways offer satisfactory services for goods movement, a big reduction in oil use would take place. Similarly all large cities must have metro railways and small cities should use electric trolley buses. An assumption that is being made is that our electric supply system will become reliable with good quality power and without interruptions. Magnetic levitation would greatly increase the efficiency in electric traction. In due course of time, motor vehicles and buses using hydrogen fuel cells would be a way of transport with no carbon emissions. But hydrogen will have to be produced using solar energy or nuclear energy.
o Energy efficiency will have to be achieved in industry, transport, domestic appliances and agriculture. Agricultural pumping is notoriously inefficient due to electricity being supplied free. Similarly, power losses in transmission and distribution can be reduced drastically though investment in T&D systems and better transformers.
o There is the more general question of lifestyle options, which determine the energy intensity of a society. India must adopt, as a matter of deliberate choice, decentralised and regional development, which would minimise long distance transport of food articles, consumer goods, minerals, and industrial items. Dwellings must be located close to the work place, minimising daily commuting. Residences must be designed to be energy efficient, needing minimum or no energy for cooling or heating. Both inter-city and intra-city transport should to a large extent be in well-designed mass transport systems. More importantly, manufactured articles should have long life, not requiring frequent replacement due to planned obsolescence. The challenge before India is whether it can evolve a lifestyle paradigm different from that in the rich countries of Europe and America. India with its civilisational heritage can hopefully rise to this challenge and lead the way to save the Earth.
o For the sake of perspective, we may note that world CO2 emissions in 2004 totalled 27 billion tonnes. Of this, the U.S. accounted for 5.9 billion tonnes, China 4.7, Russia 1.7, Japan 1.3, and India 1.1 billion tonnes. All other countries were below the one billion level. If we calculate per capita annual emissions, they work out roughly to 23.6 tonnes for U.S., 13 for Japan, 10 for Russia, 4.7 for China, and one for India.
o Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reiterated the importance of accelerated economic growth to eliminate poverty and deprivation and said India could not take on binding commitments when its per capita emissions were low. The Chinese National Development and Reform Commission has stated that the first and over riding concern was economic and social development and poverty eradication. So the developing countries including India, China, and Brazil are opposed to mandatory capping of emissions as that would hinder their development. While this debate will continue at various international fora, there are many initiatives India could take as a responsible member of the international community to reduce carbon emissions without sacrificing its priority of economic development.
o Coal accounts for nearly half of India’s total energy use, a large part of it for electricity production. Most of the present day generators use 200 MW to 500 MW sub-critical boilers with a thermal efficiency of 35 per cent or less. Older units of 60 MW and 110/120 MW have lower efficiency. All new coal generators should use super-critical boilers in the size range of about 800 MW, which can achieve an efficiency of about 40 per cent.While most of the coal now used is domestic, imports will be needed in the decades ahead for power stations located in the south and west of India, for which port infrastructure should be built. A further gain in efficiency is possible when the integrated coal gasification technology is available. While some collaborative work with the U.S. and other countries is planned, a prototype development in India jointly between NTPC and BHEL is warranted. Removal of carbon dioxide (carbon sequestration as it is called) from the flue gases of coal power stations is being studied in the U.S. and elsewhere. But as of now, the associated economic penalties are unclear. However, India should collaborate with other countries in these studies.
o India must give maximum emphasis to developing the still fairly large untapped hydel potential in the North West, North, and North East. But this requires an enlightened policy of rehabilitation of project-affected people. There are also cultural factors such as submerging lands regarded as holy because ancestors of present inhabitants are buried there or for other reasons of tribal customs. People living in areas where large hydel potential exists need to be provided incentives as they may perceive that their energy wealth is going to enrich people living in other parts of the country. A similar approach is required to access the large hydel potential available in Bhutan and Nepal, beyond the needs of the populations of these countries.
o A very important non-carbon energy source is nuclear power. India’s quest to rapidly develop this source has been hampered by a very limited resource base of uranium, that too of low grade, and technological isolation imposed by U.S. non-proliferation policies. The on-going negotiations between India and the U.S. may result in an opening of the door for import of nuclear fuel and civilian nuclear technology. This will then provide for an immediate acceleration of the nuclear energy programme. However India is pinning its hopes on the eventual use of thorium as a source of energy, as it has abundant reserves of this substance. We shall have to build a series of fast breeder reactors before significant amounts of thorium could be used to generate electricity, a process that may take some three decades. In parallel, India is participating in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), which is expected to pave the way for controlled fusion energy, which may become viable in some five decades. Thereafter the heavy hydrogen, available in very small quantities in water, would be a source of energy.
o Another energy option of great interest is solar energy. While it is possible to harvest solar energy using photovoltaic cells, the economics at present are unfavourable. Considering its abundance in India, the country must embark on a mission mode programme, comparable to atomic energy and space, to develop economically viable solar power systems. The Department of New Energy Sources needs to be headed by a competent scientist or technologist and sponsor new R&D in solar energy, fuel cells, bio-fuel, hydrogen production and storage, and so on. Wind energy has made good progress through the dynamism of the private sector and also needs to be underpinned with advanced R&D. Solar water heaters and solar cookers need to be promoted through better designs and incentives.
o Oil and gas are the fastest growing segments of our energy basket and we should maximise their availability to run our economy. If the railway system were fully electrified and the Railways offer satisfactory services for goods movement, a big reduction in oil use would take place. Similarly all large cities must have metro railways and small cities should use electric trolley buses. An assumption that is being made is that our electric supply system will become reliable with good quality power and without interruptions. Magnetic levitation would greatly increase the efficiency in electric traction. In due course of time, motor vehicles and buses using hydrogen fuel cells would be a way of transport with no carbon emissions. But hydrogen will have to be produced using solar energy or nuclear energy.
o Energy efficiency will have to be achieved in industry, transport, domestic appliances and agriculture. Agricultural pumping is notoriously inefficient due to electricity being supplied free. Similarly, power losses in transmission and distribution can be reduced drastically though investment in T&D systems and better transformers.
o There is the more general question of lifestyle options, which determine the energy intensity of a society. India must adopt, as a matter of deliberate choice, decentralised and regional development, which would minimise long distance transport of food articles, consumer goods, minerals, and industrial items. Dwellings must be located close to the work place, minimising daily commuting. Residences must be designed to be energy efficient, needing minimum or no energy for cooling or heating. Both inter-city and intra-city transport should to a large extent be in well-designed mass transport systems. More importantly, manufactured articles should have long life, not requiring frequent replacement due to planned obsolescence. The challenge before India is whether it can evolve a lifestyle paradigm different from that in the rich countries of Europe and America. India with its civilisational heritage can hopefully rise to this challenge and lead the way to save the Earth.
Answers for the question.
Hi,
I think our friend Amit has written very good answers, and It must be enough for 2 and 5 markers I have some more point to add on which I will give here first I am copying here the answers that Amit has written then I will carry on with some other points .Also today we will be having some questions on International relations particularly of India’s with its neighbours.
Happy Reading
BALI CONFERENCE The Conference, hosted by the Government of Indonesia, took place at the Bali International Convention Centre and brought together more than 10,000 participants, including representatives of over 180 countries together with observers from intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations and the media. The two week period included the sessions of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, its subsidiary bodies as well as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. A ministerial segment in the second week concluded the Conference. The conference culminated in the adoption of the Bali Road Map, which consists of a number of forward-looking decisions that represent the various tracks that are essential to reaching a secure climate future. The Bali Road Map includes the Bali Action Plan, which charts the course for a new negotiating process designed to tackle climate change, with the aim of completing this by 2009. It also includes the AWG-KP negotiations and their 2009 deadline, the launch of the Adaptation Fund, the scope and content of the Article 9 review of the Kyoto Protocol, as well as decisions on technology transfer and on reducing emissions from deforestation.
CDMThe Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is an arrangement under the Kyoto Protocol allowing industrialised countries with a greenhouse gas reduction commitment (called Annex 1 countries) to invest in projects that reduce emissions in developing countries as an alternative to more expensive emission reductions in their own countries. A crucial feature of an approved CDM carbon project is that it has established that the planned reductions would not occur without the additional incentive provided by emission reductions credits, a concept known as "additionality".The CDM allows net global greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced at a much lower global cost by financing emissions reduction projects in developing countries where costs are lower than in industrialized countries. However, in recent years, criticism against the mechanism has increased. Critics claim many approved projects are not actually additional.The CDM is supervised by the CDM Executive Board (CDM EB) and is under the guidance of the Conference of the Parties (COP/MOP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
UNFCCThe United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC) is an international environmental treaty produced at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), informally known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The treaty aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gas, pursuant to its supporters' belief in the global warming hypothesis. The treaty as originally framed set no mandatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions for individual nations and contained no enforcement provisions; it is therefore considered legally non-binding. Rather, the treaty included provisions for updates (called "protocols") that would set mandatory emission limits. The principal update is the Kyoto Protocol, which has become much better known than the UNFCCC itself.The FCCC was opened for signature on May 9 1992. It entered into force on March 21 1994. Its stated objective is "to achieve stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a low enough level to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system."
World Climate Change Climate change is any long-term significant change in the “average weather” that a given region experiences. World climate change refers to overall change in average weather of different regions of the world. Average weather may include average temperature, precipitation and wind patterns. It involves changes in the variability or average state of the atmosphere over durations ranging from decades to millions of years. These changes can be caused by dynamic processes on Earth, external forces including variations in sunlight intensity, and more recently by human activities.In recent usage, especially in the context of environmental policy, the term "climate change" often refers to changes in modern climate.
Emission Trading Emission trading is an administrative approach used to control pollution by providing economic incentives for achieving reductions in the emissions of pollutants. It is sometimes called cap and trade.A central authority (usually a government or international body) sets a limit or cap on the amount of a pollutant that can be emitted. Companies or other groups are issued emission permits and are required to hold an equivalent number of allowances (or credits) which represent the right to emit a specific amount. The total amount of allowances and credits cannot exceed the cap, limiting total emissions to that level. Companies that need to increase their emissions must buy credits from those who pollute less. The transfer of allowances is referred to as a trade. In effect, the buyer is paying a charge for polluting, while the seller is being rewarded for having reduced emissions by more than was needed. Thus, in theory, those that can easily reduce emissions most cheaply will do so, achieving the pollution reduction at the lowest possible cost to society
I think our friend Amit has written very good answers, and It must be enough for 2 and 5 markers I have some more point to add on which I will give here first I am copying here the answers that Amit has written then I will carry on with some other points .Also today we will be having some questions on International relations particularly of India’s with its neighbours.
Happy Reading
BALI CONFERENCE The Conference, hosted by the Government of Indonesia, took place at the Bali International Convention Centre and brought together more than 10,000 participants, including representatives of over 180 countries together with observers from intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations and the media. The two week period included the sessions of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, its subsidiary bodies as well as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. A ministerial segment in the second week concluded the Conference. The conference culminated in the adoption of the Bali Road Map, which consists of a number of forward-looking decisions that represent the various tracks that are essential to reaching a secure climate future. The Bali Road Map includes the Bali Action Plan, which charts the course for a new negotiating process designed to tackle climate change, with the aim of completing this by 2009. It also includes the AWG-KP negotiations and their 2009 deadline, the launch of the Adaptation Fund, the scope and content of the Article 9 review of the Kyoto Protocol, as well as decisions on technology transfer and on reducing emissions from deforestation.
CDMThe Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is an arrangement under the Kyoto Protocol allowing industrialised countries with a greenhouse gas reduction commitment (called Annex 1 countries) to invest in projects that reduce emissions in developing countries as an alternative to more expensive emission reductions in their own countries. A crucial feature of an approved CDM carbon project is that it has established that the planned reductions would not occur without the additional incentive provided by emission reductions credits, a concept known as "additionality".The CDM allows net global greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced at a much lower global cost by financing emissions reduction projects in developing countries where costs are lower than in industrialized countries. However, in recent years, criticism against the mechanism has increased. Critics claim many approved projects are not actually additional.The CDM is supervised by the CDM Executive Board (CDM EB) and is under the guidance of the Conference of the Parties (COP/MOP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
UNFCCThe United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC) is an international environmental treaty produced at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), informally known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The treaty aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gas, pursuant to its supporters' belief in the global warming hypothesis. The treaty as originally framed set no mandatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions for individual nations and contained no enforcement provisions; it is therefore considered legally non-binding. Rather, the treaty included provisions for updates (called "protocols") that would set mandatory emission limits. The principal update is the Kyoto Protocol, which has become much better known than the UNFCCC itself.The FCCC was opened for signature on May 9 1992. It entered into force on March 21 1994. Its stated objective is "to achieve stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a low enough level to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system."
World Climate Change Climate change is any long-term significant change in the “average weather” that a given region experiences. World climate change refers to overall change in average weather of different regions of the world. Average weather may include average temperature, precipitation and wind patterns. It involves changes in the variability or average state of the atmosphere over durations ranging from decades to millions of years. These changes can be caused by dynamic processes on Earth, external forces including variations in sunlight intensity, and more recently by human activities.In recent usage, especially in the context of environmental policy, the term "climate change" often refers to changes in modern climate.
Emission Trading Emission trading is an administrative approach used to control pollution by providing economic incentives for achieving reductions in the emissions of pollutants. It is sometimes called cap and trade.A central authority (usually a government or international body) sets a limit or cap on the amount of a pollutant that can be emitted. Companies or other groups are issued emission permits and are required to hold an equivalent number of allowances (or credits) which represent the right to emit a specific amount. The total amount of allowances and credits cannot exceed the cap, limiting total emissions to that level. Companies that need to increase their emissions must buy credits from those who pollute less. The transfer of allowances is referred to as a trade. In effect, the buyer is paying a charge for polluting, while the seller is being rewarded for having reduced emissions by more than was needed. Thus, in theory, those that can easily reduce emissions most cheaply will do so, achieving the pollution reduction at the lowest possible cost to society
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Q. World Climate Change,UNFCC,Bali Conference,India's Role,CDM,Emission trading
This year climate change seems to be an important topic for all the above headings 150 words answer will be posted at the end of the day , by the time all of you friends canhelp by providing answers to this in form of comments.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Why this Blog
Hi friends,
This blog I have created especially for the persons writing Civil Services Mains this year in his blog starting from today I will write a question and its expected answer according to me .The purpose of this is to let as many people as possible to view the answer and give their comments , and what I will be strictly maintaining is the word limit so that the answer doesn't exceeds the word limit in actual exam.
This blog I have created especially for the persons writing Civil Services Mains this year in his blog starting from today I will write a question and its expected answer according to me .The purpose of this is to let as many people as possible to view the answer and give their comments , and what I will be strictly maintaining is the word limit so that the answer doesn't exceeds the word limit in actual exam.
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