Opinion
Let's light up the lives of India's poor millions
11 Jan 2009 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| The Times of India
One important message that the voters have given, in states where elections were held recently, is a clear preference for performance and development. India\'s place in global affairs has been enhanced substantially in recent years, largely because of impressive economic growth. The strength of this country and the influence it is able to exert in global affairs would depend essentially on India\'s place as a global economic power. Political leaders, therefore, must not only live up to the expectations of their individual constituencies but ensure the growing economic strength of India. And also see to it that the benefits reach out to every citizen of the country.
Ring in the new: Let's take a fresh approach to development
01 Jan 2009 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| The Times of India
As we enter 2009 some sad memories of 2008 could obviously cloud our outlook. But the world and this country must move on in the new year. The unhappy developments that took place in the last year should provide us with determination and will to improve our governance and refurbish our institutions by taking care of structural infirmities and systemic failures that contributed to the economic meltdown at the global level, and the easy passage of the terrorists involved in the Mumbai outrage. In defining our solutions for the future, it would be heartening to see positive signals in some very recent developments.
Not much headway is expected in terms of oil and gas discoveries in 2009
01 Jan 2009 |
Mr R K Batra
| Infrastructure Today
With the wide fluctuation in oil prices in 2008, stemming initially by high demand and speculative activity to a steep drop because of global recession, it is difficult to predict what will happen to crude prices in 2009. Much will depend on remedial action taken by the new President of the USA Mr Barack Obama to get the country out of its own recession, which will have a positive global impact. But hazarding a guess, I would suggest that despite the cut by OPEC in its production of 2 million barrels per day, demand is likely to be weak, and crude prices will range between $ 40 and $ 60 per barrel.
Price cuts don't make economic sense
10 Dec 2008 |
Ms Ruchika Chawla
| The Economic Times (Bangalore edition)
International energy prices have been on a roller-coaster ride the past few months. The price of India’s crude oil basket has fallen by 62% over the past four months, since it touched an all-time high.
While the fall in prices has prompted the government to decrease retail prices of petrol and diesel, the average crude oil price for the current financial year hovers around $102/bbl and the prevailing retail prices are much lower than the corresponding trade parity petroleum prices.
Elect a corruption-free regime
02 Dec 2008 |
Dr Leena Srivastava
| Financial Chronicle
The stories don't go away - corruption is rampant in every sub-sector of the energy economy. Coal blocks are being rapidly allocated - as opposed to being competitively bid - to reap the maximum advantage from the informal margin that has been established on it. Environmental clearances for projects are being 'sold' with complete disregard to the long-term damage to ecosystem stability. Rich, dense forests are being compromised in the name of development. Petroleum product pricing cannot be rationalised despite the evidence that subsidies are not reaching the poor, because of the handful of politically well-connected people who own the dealerships/distributorships and are the main beneficiaries of the economic leakages that ensue.
Vagaries hurting climate issue
18 Nov 2008 |
Dr Leena Srivastava
| Financial Chronicle
Pressure is mounting on the world to come up with a climate agreement for the post-2012 period - the time up to which the Kyoto Protocol has been negotiated. Having achieved precious little since the Rio Conference in 1990 and the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, beyond making many more promises for the future, the developed countries are readying themselves to make the clean development mechanism (CDM) their scapegoat.
Conservation: Education begins at the grassroots
01 Nov 2008 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| Navigator 2009
I truly wonder if the term sustainable tourism is understood in its true and absolute sense in India. As we think of it in a broader sense, the form of travel that is taking place does create an environmental impact. There is a definite damage to the ecology and we all contribute towards this.
Confusing signals on bio-fuels
21 Oct 2008 |
Dr Leena Srivastava
| Financial Chronicle
The bio-fuels policy, which was quoted in the media as a done deal, has been retracted and a complete review of it is being undertaken. This is a very good development, as the policy, in the form in which it was, sent very confusing signals as regards its purpose and the intended beneficiaries. To the cynical, the policy reflects a desire to provide income ‘protection’ to the sugar industry vis-à -vis its role in ethanol production or a mechanism by which the under-recoveries of the oil marketing companies can be contained by facilitating access to cheaper blending options. The cynics may be justified in their views, given the policy’s focus on the minimum procurement price of bio-fuels and the use of molasses for ethanol production.
Market fall and climate change
08 Oct 2008 |
Dr Leena Srivastava
| Financial Chronicle
Every passing day is bringing more bad news on the financial markets and the real as well as psychological impact of this meltdown is deepening. The reaction in the US to the government's bail out plan reflects the real concerns of the common man – what would such a large diversion of tax payers' funds mean to development and investments in necessary infrastructure?
Great ideas, great minds – life enhancement
25 Sep 2008 |
Dr R K Pachauri
| India Today
The one big change that India requires urgently and in large measure is for the population to develop a deep reverence for nature. Indian culture and our traditional beliefs have for ages ensured that nature and its bounty are treated with profound respect and value.