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Shale gas in India – New Energy Resource

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Shale Gas India

Shale Gas

Developed economies like the USA has resorted to the Shale gas to meet their demand. There is a huge potential of shale gas in India as an alternate energy resource if exploited.

The Natural gas forms about 10% of the total commercial energy mix in India. But, the demand far exceeds the supply. A recent survey has found that many Gas plants in India producing electricity became stagnant due to the lack of supply of Natural gas and are operating with under capacity with the help of imported Natural gas.

The Indian Government has also stalled the construction of new gas plants until 2016.  This means electricity shortage will occur soon. Most of the gas produced from the largest gas basin of India, KRISHNA-GODAVARI GAS BASIN is consumed by the fertilizer industries and also output from this source dropped down.

Hence, there is an urgent need of finding an alternative gas resource to run all the sectors efficiently.

Read Also: Noble Gases

SHALE GAS AS THE NEW ENERGY RESOURCE:

A new gas energy resource called SHALE GAS was explored by the USA in early 2000’s. By 2010, USA transformed from a net gas importer to an energy surplus country and also became self-sufficient in terms of Gas deposits. This has created excitement across all countries of the world.

According to the ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION report, India’s shale gas reserves equals 96 trillion cubic feet which can supply for 26 years of the country’s Gas demand.

WHAT IS SHALE GAS?

Generally, Natural gas (Methane) can be classified into two heads

  1. CONVENTIONAL NATURAL GAS
  2. UNCONVENTIONAL NATURAL GAS (or) SHALE GAS

CONVENTIONAL NATURAL GAS:

When the sedimentary basin rich in gas is drilled vertically, the gas migrates through porous rocks into the reservoir and flows freely to the surface where it is collected and piped to the users.

The natural gas that is used globally is the conventional natural gas.

 

UNCONVENTIONAL NATURAL GAS (OR) SHALE GAS:

The SHALE GAS is located in the rocks of very low permeability and cannot escape to the surface as easily as Conventional Natural gas. It is the type of Natural gas which is trapped in the shale formations. Shales are fine-grained sedimentary rocks which are rich sources of petroleum and natural gas.

Hence, different drilling method should be followed to recover the SHALE GAS.

Must Read: Iran, Pakistan Launch Gas Pipeline Project

PROCESS OF DRILLING FOR SHALE GAS:

  1. Firstly, the land is drilled vertically up to a considerable distance.
  2. Then, horizontal drilling should be made in various directions to extract gas-rich shale.
  3. After the shale was found, a mixture of water, chemicals and sand are to be injected at very high pressures to break the shale. This process of using shale for breaking up the shale rock is called HYDRAULIC FRACTURING.
  4. Then the chemicals and sand help the gas to reach the surface.

LIMITATIONS:

  • The main limitation is that the process requires about 3 to 4 million gallons of fresh water which our country cannot afford in a water scarce condition.
  • Along with the shale gas, many toxic chemicals are also released which cannot be disposed at once.
  • Land acquisition for the drilling purpose is also a problem.

 

However, in the month of February this year, OIL CORPORATION of INDIA attained permission from the government to drill out shale gas in the gas basins of ASSAM and ARUNACHAL PRADESH.

CONCLUSION:

Shale gas is definitely going to be a useful additional energy resource for India. But the challenge lies in making it sustainable and safe.

Don’t Miss:

RIL reports first KG gas strike in 5 years

Renewable Energy (RE): Promoting ‘Make in India’

Largest Subtropical Deserts

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subtropical deserts

Sahara, North Africa 3,320,000 sq. miles

Sahara


Arabian, Middle East 900,000 sq. miles

Arabian

Kalahari, Southern Africa 360,000 sq. miles

kalahari


Great Victoria, Australia 250,000 sq. miles

great victoria


Syrian, Syria, Jordan, Iraq 200,000 sq. miles

Syrian


Chihuahuan, Mexico, U.S. 140,000 sq. miles

Chihuahuan


Thar, India-Pakistan 120,000 sq. miles

thar desert


Great Sandy, Australia 110,036 sq. miles

great sandy desert


Sonoran, Mexico, US, 100,000 sq. miles

sonoran desert


Simpson, Australia 68,100 sq. miles

simpson


Gibson, Australia 60,000 sq. miles

gibson


Mojave, SW USA 47,877 sq. miles

mojave

Activities for Improving Intelligence

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Activities for Improving Intelligence
Intelligence begins with reading. The more you will read, the more you will absorb and therefore the more intelligent you will get. Goals create structure in life and only through proper structure you can increase intelligence.

Activities for Improving Intelligence

  • Meditate – When you meditate you calm your brain. This peace and tranquillity are crucial in building intellect.
  • Make Notes – The body remembers by doing. So by making notes on everything you do, you will increase memory and intellect.
  • Play Sudoku – Playing Sudoku challenges your brain and helps you think logically. It is a brain game and according to the American Alzheimer’s Association and it might help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Stay Hydrated – Our brains depend on proper hydration to function properly. Brain cells require a
    delicate balance between water and other elements to operate at max efficiency. So try to keep your brain replenished and drink the medically recommended amount of water every day.
  • Minimize “Bad” Television – Watching TV nowadays with all of its reality shows or just simply watching re-runs is one of the worst things you can do for your intelligence. While it can be relaxing you don`t stimulate your thinking. Try tuning into a documentary or the news every now and then.
  • Exercise – Exercise keeps your body fine-tuned and energetic; it is a great way to increase your productivity
    and intelligence.
  • Mentally Simplify – Intelligence is the ability to acquire and apply knowledge or skill. So try uncluttered
    your thoughts and process information one piece at a time. You will find that you will not just be more productive but your mental capacity will increase.
  • Have a Good Breakfast – You can’t drive a car without fuel. Once you wake up and your tank is empty, eat a hearty breakfast to get yourself going again. Eating a healthy breakfast is directly linked to higher mental performance.
  • Eat Yogurt  – Certain bacteria have been scientifically linked to brain power. So it’s possible that by simply eating yoghurt you can promote the growth of neurons.
  • Get Enough Rest – Imagine your brain like a smartphone. No matter how efficient and wonderful it is, it
    eventually needs to recharge and shut down. A good night’s rest will do wonders in making you smarter.
  • Do Math Questions – The only reason people don’t like math is that it requires them to use their brains. By doing the math you exercise your brain and just like a muscle, through exercise it gets stronger and quicker.
  • Make Connections – Don’t wait for ideas to become clear. Always be on the edge and make connections between things.
  • Breathe – Oxygen is crucial to the brain and it can’t survive very long deprived of it. You should practice good breathing techniques and give your brain as much as oxygen as it needs.
  • Do Crosswords – Crosswords are very effective in making your brain work and exercise.
  • Take Breaks – Your brain is just a muscle and overworking it will only cause problems. Take periodic breaks to keep your brain fresh and productive. And never forget to sleep.
  • Refine Your Thinking – Don’t just think but think about how you are thinking when you think. It’s quite a handful of words, but it works. If you plan out your thinking process you will think more productively.
  • Eat Brain Food – There are many foods which have been associated with brain health, including dark green vegetables, fish oil and nuts. Try to incorporate as much as brain food into your diet.
  • Draw Diagrams and Charts –Try to organize your thoughts using diagrams and charts whenever possible. This reorganization is very helpful in increasing intellect.
  • Quiz Yourself – To become more intelligent try to always challenge yourself and push your brain to the limits. So if this simply means that by using your opposite hand you are challenging yourself; do it.
  • Keep Your Brain Working – Your brain should never stop working unless you are sleeping or taking periodic breaks as mentioned above. Keep your brain active, and clicking on all cylinders.
  • Get a Rubik’s Cube – A Rubik’s cube is a great way to exercise your brain and build intelligence.
  • Don’t take in too much Sugar – Too much sugar gives your brain short term jolt, but after the sugar rush is over the sugar crash is just not worth it.
  • Learn to Play an Instrument – Playing an instrument is a great way to increase your intellect. The reasoning behind it is that you’re triple-tasking: listening, reading and playing the instrument.
  • Work on Vocabulary – If you know more words you will be able to not just acquire more information but will be able to apply it more effectively as well.
  • Eat throughout the Day – Your brain needs fuel to function. Try to avoid being hungry and keep yourself well fed.
  • Focus – Intelligence is largely based on how much you can focus at one time. Practice focusing on tasks and avoid distractions.
  • Listen to Classical Music – According to the “Mozart Effect” by listening to classical music an improvement in productivity is induced.
  • Don’t Give Up – Anybody can become smarter and improve their intellect so never give up and keep trying.

Also, Read:

Human Intelligence: Interaction of Genetic and Environment

Motivational Quotes to Overcome the Fear of Failure

Motivational Quotes

Smart study- The most efficient way to success

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Smart study

Go and ask some of the so called “Veterans” in the market: “Can we crack UPSC in a year”. These are the common answers you will get from them….
Ek saal, bahut tough hai boss..(One year, it’s tough, dude)
Don’t you know UPSC means “Unpredictable Public Service  Commission”?
Ek saal….Bahut achha mazak tha, utna to sirf syllabus samajhne mein lag jata hain ( one year…. nice joke, that much time u require just to know its syllabus).

While on the other hand there are people who have cracked this exam, the so-called “toughest nut” in their first attempt that too with good ranks.
I think, 4-5 naam to aap ko bhi pata hoga. (Translation: Ignore, not relevant. )

Confused, isn’t it? You must be thinking “How is it possible? Why such a contradiction? If this examination can be cracked in a year, then why those seniors (veterans) were so pessimist. And if another way around, then there must be an ” Alladin Ka Chirag” which was luckily encountered by some of these aspirants and it helped them to get through within a year? ”

What If I tell that, those seniors were not pessimist, in fact, they were right.” and What if I tell that, there exists an “Alladin Ka Chirag” too.

Wait.. wait.. don’t scratch your head.
What? Me out of my mind… No, not at all.

Yes, it’s 100% true. There exists an “Alladin Ka Chirag” and it is called “SMART STUDY“. The smart study is the only thing which Veterans didn’t understand while these successful toppers have mastered it.

“Smart study”?

(Yaar smart city to suna tha, smart village bhi suna hai lekin, Ab ye naya smart study kya hai ?)
Actually, smart study is the most efficient and the most effective way of studying. If incorporated in one’s habit it helps in optimizing hard work and time.

How to study smartly?

I will explain it with an example.
Let’s say one day you woke up and found yourself alone in the middle of an ocean. There are water and only water everywhere you look. You don’t have any damn idea where the hell to move. Now there is two way in which one will respond to this situation.

In the first case, a person (the so-called veterans) will start peddling day and night without any idea where the hell is he going. (No it’s not a joke; there will be many amongst you who will be doing the same thing.)

While in the other case, one will first search for a COMPASS and then will look into the MAPS (Of course, when it will be available). Once fully clear about the direction and the shortest route to the nearest land, then only he will start peddling. Again he will keep referring the same again and again until he achieves his goal. By doing so he will save his energy and precious time. This is what we call a smart way of doing things.

In UPSC examination SYLLABUS is your “compass”. It will show you the direction. It will help you choose the right book and the right material from tons of materials being sold in the market in the name of UPSC. (You will thank me later for saving your home from becoming another library)

While PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS & TEST SERIES is your “maps”. In a given particular direction, it will provide you with the shortest path to clear this exam. It will help you in distinguishing between the important and the unimportant stuff (which UPSC will never ask in its wildest dream).

Wait-wait dear, it’s not over.

The most important thing you have missed here is that you have to keep referring the syllabus again and again. Along with it, keep solving questions throughout your preparation.

These two mantras if followed religiously and inculcated in your habits, it will be a cake walk for all of you to clear this exam and you will all come out with flying colours.

Best of luck…

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Commonwealth of Nations

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commonwealth of nations

The Commonwealth of Nations, commonly known as the Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of 53 member states that were mostly territories of the former British Empire. The Commonwealth of Nations operates intergovernmental consensus of the member states, organised through the Commonwealth Secretariat, and non-governmental organizations, organised through the Commonwealth Foundation.

The Commonwealth of Nations was formally constituted by the London Declaration in 1949, which established the member states as “free and equal”. The symbol of this free association is Queen Elizabeth II who is the Head of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Must Read: Nation and Nationality

The Commonwealth of Nations was first officially formed in 1931 when the Statute of Westminster gave legal recognition to the sovereignty of dominions. “British Commonwealth”, the original members were the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, and Newfoundland, although Australia and New Zealand did not adopt the statute until 1942 and 1947 respectively. The newest member is Rwanda, which joined on 29 November 2009. The most recent departure was The Gambia, which severed its connection with the Commonwealth on 3 October 2013.

Currently sixteen of the member states are Commonwealth realms with the Head of the Commonwealth of Nations also as their head of state, five others are monarchies with their own separate monarchs (Brunei, Lesotho, Malaysia, Swaziland, Tonga) and the rest are republics.

The Commonwealth of Nations has become a powerful voice in international forums, and has come to be known as a global opponent of racism, a promoter of democracy and good governance, an advocate of human rights and gender equality, a champion of small countries and participation of young people in development and a determined negotiator in working towards global economic systems which give a fairer deal to the poor.

Also Read: International Environmental Organizations

The Commonwealth’s current highest-priority aims are on the promotion of democracy and development, which built on those in Singapore and Harare and clarified their terms of reference, stating, “We are committed to democracy, good governance, human rights, gender equality, and a more equitable sharing of the benefits of globalization.” The Commonwealth website lists its areas of work as: Democracy, Economics, Education, Gender, Governance, Human Rights, Law, Small States, Sport, Sustainability, and Youth.

Commonwealth countries share many links outside government, with over a hundred Commonwealth-wide non-governmental organisations, notably for sport, culture, education, law and charity. The Association of Commonwealth Universities is an important vehicle for academic links. There are also many non-official associations that bring together individuals who work within the spheres of law and government, such as the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Don’t Miss: United Nations (UN) and its Principal Organs