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New technology to drive future of India’s energy sector:Pradhan

New Delhi (NVI): Union Minister of
Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel Dharmendra Pradhan  today said the future of India’s energy sector will be noticeably different from its current avatar and will be driven by new technology and business models.

In his inaugural address at the 10th World PetroCoal Congress here, he said   India is expected to become the largest energy consumer surpassing US and China, in the next decade or so.

“We are encouraging our oil & gas companies to develop extensive and qualitative engagement with Indian technology and research institutions of excellence,” he said.

“I am happy that seven Indian oil and gas PSUs joined with IIT Bombay last year to set up a Centre of Excellence in oil, gas and energy,” he added.

“Energy transition currently underway can become more manageable only if proactive measures are set in motion. Digital technologies are transforming the energy sector in a profound manner,” Pradhan said.

“Industrial Revolution 4.0 is truly at our door step. Indian energy companies will have to quickly adopt and adapt these technologies at a faster pace,” he said.

“We need to create more innovative platforms in India for convergence of leading global technology leaders in the energy sector,” he added.

Pradhan stressed on the need to achieve the twin objectives of more energy availability at an affordable price and less carbon through a healthy mix of all commercially-viable energy sources.

He said that our target to transform India to a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024, requires a gradual and measured energy transition by deploying all sources of energy.

“The contours of India’s energy transition are also changing fast in sync with global challenges and opportunities,” he said.

“Winds of change are evident in the global energy arena. Energy sources, energy supply and energy consumption patterns are changing rapidly. In our pursuit to navigate energy transition, it is natural that we will take advantage of unique synergies that exist within the country,” he said.

“Equally, our efforts will be guided by our global commitments be it under UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 2030 or those under Paris Climate Summit. ”, he said.

The government’s approach to energy policy is based on energy access, energy sustainability, energy affordability, energy efficiency and energy security. All these five enablers will deliver energy justice to our people.

The Minister advocated the need to move away from the crude price as the basis for determining the LNG price.

“Global gas production and markets have witnessed significant restructuring during the last few years. Global supply of LNG is increasing at a rapid pace, and globally LNG prices are coming down significantly,” he said.

“It is time for our companies to take a relook at the term-contracts with major LNG suppliers. I also believe that the time has come for changing the pricing formulae for purchase of LNG by India,” he added.

Talking about the initiatives in transforming India into a gas-based economy, Pradhan said I consider that the biggest game changer to bring about greater environmental sustainability and flexibility in India’s energy system is through rapid deployment of natural gas.

“It would serve as a transition fuel in our country. Our government is working towards increasing the share of gas from 6.2% to 15% in the energy mix by 2030,” he said.

Pradhan also spoke about estimated investment of 60 billion US dollars being lined up in the sector, developing a ‘one Nation one Gas Grid’, cross-country pipelines, rapid expansion of the LNG infrastructure in the country, City Gas Distribution (CGD) network expanding to cover more than 70 % of the country’s population, covering 407 districts spread across 28 States and Union Territories.

“We are actively encouraging use of LNG, among others, for long-haul trucking along expressways, industrial corridors and inside mining areas, marine applications.  We are also making natural gas easily available at doorsteps for users through mobile dispensing.” he added.

Describing alternative fuels like ethanol and bio-diesel being on high priority  in energy mix, he said “We are well on our way to meet the target of 20% blending of ethanol in petrol and 5% blending of bio-diesel in diesel by 2030.  We are advancing our collaboration with countries such as Brazil and US to improve blending technologies in transport sector.”

Pradhan said that India is now leading the global movement in embracing renewable energy sources. The country has an ambitious plan to increase renewable energy capacity to over 175 GW by 2022 and up to 450 GW subsequently.

“I wish to emphasize that India needs all kinds of transportation solutions – cleaner diesel and petrol, CNG, LNG, bio fuels and Electric Vehicles,” he added.

VP suggests active participation of society for promotion of tribal culture

New Delhi (NVI): Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu today called for active participation od all sections of society for preservation and promotion of tribal culture and said tribals should be made equal partners in India’s development journey.

Addressing the ‘AadivasiMahotsav -2020’ at Ramnagar, in Madhya Pradesh, he said tribal communities represent the ancient culture and values of India.

“Our younger generations should be made aware of their eternal values and traditions.” he said.

Naidu voiced concern over the fact that around 250 languages have disappeared in last 50 years and most of these extinct languages belonged to tribal communities. He wanted the Universities to preserve and promote the local tribal culture.

“When a language dies, it symbolises the downfall of a culture, a civilisation, a creative tradition”, he said.

“Preservation of tribal culture was not the responsibility of governments alone and exhorted the country’s youth to care for our tribal history and heritage,” he added.

“When hotels can serve foreign cuisine, why can’t they promote local tribal flavours which are more suited to our bodily and climatic conditions? Why can’t city youth pursue tribal music and instruments as their hobby?”, he asked.

Expressing happiness that National Tribal University in Amarkantak has become functional, he exhorted the scholars to research upon the tribal languages, literature, folk song, crafts etc.

“We should include the traditional tribal knowledge in our intellectual and academic discourse else these knowledge systems may go extinct in future”, he said.

Bringing out the relevance of tribal way of life, the Vice President said that today when the world is beset by the problems such as global warming and climate change and increased frequency of natural disasters, our tribal communities can show us the path of sustainable development.

He also appreciated tribal communities for respecting nature and keeping harmonious relations with their environment and all living beings.

Calling these as the great characteristics of the tribal cultures, the Vice President said that world can learn a lot from these communities.

“Mindless exploitation of nature will lead to disastrous consequences”, he added.

He further said that even while preserving their unique lifestyle and culture, the tribals should be made equal partner in India’s development journey. There is need for constant and constructive dialogue between the administration and local communities, he added.

Highlighting that violence is not solution to any problem, the Vice President said that left wing extremism has not solved any problem and way of ballot is better than the bullet.

Citing various constitutional provisions for the welfare of tribal areas, he called the development of our tribal communities is a prerequisite for the inclusive development.

Citing various Government schemes for the welfare of tribal communities such as Van BandhuKalyanYojana, minimum support price (MSP) for forest produce, VP expressed happiness over recent announcement by the President for setting up of 400 new Eklavya schools.

He expressed deep concern at the lower than average literacy rates among the tribal communities and appealed to them to send their children to schools.

He specifically asked everyone to send their daughters to schools and turnBetiBachao -BetiPadhaointo a successful movement.

Emphasising the need for the promotion of entrepreneurship among the tribal youth, Naidu opined that linking TRIFED with the wide marketing network of ‘Khadi and Village Industries Commission’ would provide access to a larger market for tribal handicrafts.

He also suggested to give further push to online marketing of tribal products.

Mentioning various tribal struggles and movements such as Munda revolt, Santhal revolt, the Vice President said that tribal communities were the first to wage war of independence against colonial exploitation and oppression.

“Heroes such as Birsa Munda, Sidhu,Kanhu, RaniAvantibai are an inspiration for all and their life stories should be taught to children in our schools”, he said

“Only then our history would be complete and inclusive,” he added.

VP expressed satisfaction that in this year’s Padma awards also the government has recognised the people who dedicated their lives for the enrichment and promotion of tribal culture and the welfare of tribal communities.

Amarnath Yatra to commence from June 23

Amarnath Yatra
File pic of Amarnath Yatra
Mubashir Bukhari

Jammu (NVI): The Amarnath Yatra would commence from June 23 this year from the  day of the Jagan Nath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir.

GC Murmu, Lieutenant Governor presided over the 37th Board Meeting held at Raj Bhavan, where the details about the 42-day long Yatra were discussed along with the  Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB).

The Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Committee laid down the duration and schedule of future Yatras keeping in view the safety and security of  pilgrims.

The Yatra will be concluded on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) on 3rd August, 2020.

The Board noted the steps taken by CEO for the registration of pilgrims through 442 designated branches of Punjab National Bank, Jammu and Kashmir Bank and YES Bank, located in 32 States and UTs, and directed him to take all the required steps to commence advanced registration of pilgrims from April 1, 2020.

Considering the success of Pilot Project of Online Registration of limited number of intending Yatris in 2019, the Board decided to increase the quota of online registration.

The Board further directed for wide publicity through the electronic and print media, informing the Yatris to timely secure the prescribed Compulsory Health Certificates issued by the doctors or hospitals nominated by their home States or UTs and only thereafter proceed to seek advance registration from the nearest located designated Bank which would issue the pilgrim a Yatra Permit valid for the specified date and route.

The Board directed the CEO to take timely steps for ensuring uninterrupted telecom connectivity in the Yatra area. Appreciating the important services rendered by the Langar Organizations, the Board looked forward to their continued support during the ensuing Yatra.

Instructions were also issued to ensure that the Yatra routes and camps remain plastic free.

Those present at the meeting included Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt Governor, BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary and Members of the Board including Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj; D.C. Raina; Bhajan Sopori; Anita Billawaria; Sudershan Kumar; CM Seth and Vishwamurti Shastri.

Bipul Pathak, Chief Executive Officer; Anup Kumar Soni, Additional Chief Executive Officer; and other senior officers of the Shrine Board also attended the meeting.

Love conquering coronavirus on quarantined ship in Japan

Diamond princess, which was docked off in Yokohama, Japan.

New Delhi (NVI): Quarantined off the Japan coast after cases of coronavirus on board, the crew of  the Diamond Princess celebrated Valentine’s Day with a dinner menu that included “Cupid’s avocado and shrimp”, and a surprise desert.

Passengers onboard danced, clicked pictures and tweeted to showcase the efforts of the staff onboard and the treats they were served while being quarantined.

The Japanese cruise ship, which is docked in Yokohama, since the past two weeks, has at least 219 positive cases of coronavirus out of the 3,600 customers and staff onboard.

Meanwhile, death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in mainland China rose to 1,523, after 143 people died over the course of the day, the country’s National Health Commission said today.

The number of new deaths in central Hubei province, at the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, rose by 139 as of Friday.

Most of the new deaths were in Hubei’s provincial capital of Wuhan, where the virus is believed to have originated, with 107 new deaths. A total of 1,123 people in Wuhan have now died from the coronavirus.

There were 2,641 new confirmed infections across mainland China, bringing the national total to 66,492.

Over 115 gigawatts of solar panels to be installed in 2020: Report

New Delhi (NVI): More than 115 gigawatts (GW) of solar panels will be installed in 2020 across the world, which is more than all other generation technologies put together, a report said.

According to World Economic Forum report, solar energy is increasingly becoming low cost, especially in sunnier regions where it has already become the lowest-cost form of new electricity generation.

In the coming years, technology improvements will ensure that solar panels becomes even cheaper.

It could well be that by 2030, solar panels will become the most important source of energy for electricity production in a large parts of the world.

This will also have a positive impact on the environment and climate change.

Going forward the solar industry has very clear cost-reduction roadmaps, which should see solar costs halving by 2030.

There is already a move in place towards higher-efficiency modules, which can generate 1.5 times more power than existing, similarly sized modules today using a technology called tandem silicon cells.

These are going to have a large impact going forward.

In addition, there are production innovations coming down the pipeline that will reduce the amounts of costly materials such as silver and silicon used in the manufacture of solar cells, as well as innovations such as bifacial modules which allow panels to capture solar energy from both sides.

The other important innovation is around how best to integrate solar into our homes, businesses and power systems.

This means better power electronics and a greater use of low-cost digital technologies.

Weight gain in mid 20s linked to early death: Study

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): Being overweight is linked to many health problems, and shedding some pounds is often presented as the best way to avoid them, no matter your age.

But it’s not quite that simple, according to a study published in The BMJ that examines the link between changes in body weight and the risk of premature death.

Researchers found the association between weight gain and mortality weakens as you get older, and losing weight in middle age or late adulthood may heighten the risk of premature death, particularly when it comes to heart disease.

“Our takeaway is that it’s best to prevent weight gain at younger ages to reduce the risk of premature death later in life,” said study author An Pan, a professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Tongji Medical College in Wuhan, China.

The study found that people who remained obese, as measured by body mass index, throughout their adult life had the highest risk of premature death. Weight gain from mid-20s into middle age was also associated with increased risk of mortality when compared to people who remained at normal weight throughout their life.

However, weight loss in middle and older age “was significantly related to increased mortality risk,” the study said.

Obesity is major public health problem in the United States and globally. In the US, 38 per cent of women and 36 per cent of men were clinically obese in 2016, according to data cited by the study — up from 14 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively, in 1975.

In what he described as a limitation of the research, Pan said that the study did not include an analysis of the reason for later-in-life weight loss. One factor that could play a role was whether the weight loss was intentional or not.

“Unintentional weight loss could be a sign of underlying conditions like diabetes or cancer,” Pan said. Another reason, he said, could be because the weight loss involved someone who was already obese and thus already at a higher risk.

“The first message is to try not to gain weight when you’re young, and in old age focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” Pan said. “Weight is a secondary consideration.”

The study found that people who remained overweight, but not obese, throughout their adult life had little or no association with an increased risk of premature death.

The study looked at 36,052 people age 40 and older based on data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey — a nationally representative annual survey that includes interviews, physical examinations and blood samples, to gauge the health of US citizens.

Participants’ weight was measured as part of the study, and they were asked to share their weight from 10 years earlier and at age 25.

Deaths from any cause, and specifically from heart diseases, were recorded for an average of 12 years, during which time there were 10,500 deaths.

The study did not find any significant link between various weight change patterns and deaths from cancer.

Previous research has linked a high BMI in adulthood with a higher risk of premature death, but much less is known about the role of changing body weight over time. Pan said more research is needed to unravel the reasons for the link between changes in body weight and mortality, and the long-term health consequences of weight loss.

One glass of red wine is as beneficial as an hour of exercise: Research

Representational image
New Delhi (NVI): Consuming a glass of red wine has the same benefits as working out for an hour at the gym, according to a study by scientists at the University of Alberta.

Scientists found in the study that the chemical resveratrol, naturally found in red wine, has numerous health and heart-positive benefits. Red wine could actually enhance the cardiovascular benefits of exercise.

According to research leader Jason Dyck, this research will be very helpful for those who cannot exercise.

Discussion over the health benefits of red wine have been well documented. Studies have revealed that those who drink a glass of red wine a day are less likely to develop dementia or cancer, that it’s good for your heart, anti-ageing and can regulate blood sugar.

Leah Kaufman, a registered dietician, lists red wine as the “most calorie friendly” alcoholic beverage. Sure, it adds up to a mere 100 calories per 5-ounce glass of red wine but it lowers risk of heart disease and stroke, reduces risk of diabetes-related diseases, helps avoid formation of blood clots and lowers bad cholesterol level.

According to an article on Heart.org, it was found that small amounts of alcohol increase the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) in the body and keep the heart-healthy, but it is also important to know that if more alcohol is consumed, it also increases the risk of liver failure, obesity, stroke and certain types of cancer.

What do experts say?

Ram Ashish, Senior Medical Officer, from Lifeline Hospital explains, “Red wine is considered good for the heart because it contains a special antioxidant – resveratrol. The same antioxidant is also found in grape peels, dark chocolate, blueberries and peanut butter. Since wine also has other side effects, it would be better if a person uses healthy food to keep his heart healthy. However, if a person wants to drink alcohol, then it should be kept mind that research only considers red wine beneficial. Not every kind of alcohol is considered beneficial for health

Shah Faesal booked under PSA

Shah Feasal

Mubashir Bukhari

Srinagar (NVI): Former bureaucrat turned politician, Shah Faesal was booked, today, by Jammu and Kashmir administration under stringent Public Safety Act (PSA).

Faesal has joined the list of other leaders booked under PSA in Jammu and Kashmir. Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have also been booked under PSA.

He had quit the administrative services last year in January citing “unabated killings” in Kashmir.

Faesal also launched his own political party — Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Movement.

He has been under detention since August last year when the Centre withdrew the special status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

He had criticized Centre’s move of scrapping Article 370.

A person booked under the PSA can be detained without a trial for up to three months that can be extended.

Healthy lifestyle increases life expectancy: Study

New Delhi (NVI): A healthy lifestyle could increase life expectancy free from cancer, heart problems and diabetes, a study said.

 According to the World Economic Forum report based on a study which was published in the British Medical Journal, there are five healthy habits that can help you live up to a decade longer, cutting the risk of cancer, heart problems and diabetes.

A 20-year study of more than 111,000 people found that a healthy lifestyle could increase life expectancy by up to 10 years for women and seven years for men.

The key healthy lifestyle traits explored were, never smoking, a healthy diet, a body mass index of 18.5 to 24.9, at least 30 minutes’ moderate to vigorous exercise each day, a moderate alcohol intake – no more than a small glass of wine or pint of beer a day.

Women aged 50 who met four or five of these criteria were likely to live another 34 years without contracting cancer, cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes.

This is 10 years longer than those who followed none of these practices.

For men, the average expectancy was another 31 years of disease-free life – seven years more than those who had less healthy lifestyles.

Men who smoked a lot – more than 15 cigarettes a day – and obese men and women were found to have the shortest disease-free life expectancy.

The study also revealed that those people who adopted healthy habits even after a disease diagnosis would still benefit.

For example, half of those with cancer that embraced at least four of the healthy traits survived up to 22.9 years, while those that adopted no low-risk lifestyle factors lived around 11 years longer.

Average life expectancy around the world has increased dramatically in recent years – but although people live longer, their old age is often marred by chronic illness.

Globally, the population over 65 is the fastest growing age group. This shift towards a greyer population is already influencing government policies and reshaping societies around the world.

And how governments balance the costs of caring for a more elderly population with fewer people entering the workforce is an ever more pressing question.

Temperature rises in North India 

New Delhi (NVI): Temperatures are steadily on a rise in many cities in the north even as the weatherman has predicted isolated rainfall in the coming week.

Churu in Rajasthan is the coldest city in the plains where the minimum temperature was recorded at 5.8 degrees  Celsius, according to Skymet weather.

Amritsar in Punjab and Betul in Madhya Pradesh recorded minimum temperature at 6.8 and 7.2 degrees Celsius.

Ludhiana in Punjab and Rewa in Madhya Pradesh recorded minimum temperature at 7.9 and 8.0 degrees Celsius.

Ambala in Haryana recorded a minimum temperature of 8.9 degrees Celsius.

Haryana’s Hisar and Narnaul and Raisen in Madhya Pradesh  recorded a minimum temperature at 9.0 degree celcius.

Delhi and NCR region also saw a slight decrease in minimum temperature to 11.5 degrees Celsius from 13.7 degrees Celsius recorded yesterday.

The maximum temperature today is expected to be around 26 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The overall air quality in the national capital today is in “moderate” category.

According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital stood at 131 which falls in the “moderate” category.

The IMD said that some isolated rainfall is expected in North India during next four days.

The weatherman has forecast that in Central and East India there will be no significant change in temperature during next three days. In Northwest India there will be a fall in temperature by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius during next 48 hours.

“In West India there will be a no significant change in temperature during next 24 hours,”  weatherman said.

“No significant change temperature is expected in rest of the country,” it added.

 

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