The blog
http://loksattafocussed.blogspot.com/2008/07/nuclear-deal-does-advantages-of-deal.html
was on the basis of my previous article on the same subject
http://loksattafocussed.blogspot.com/2008/07/nuclear-deal-what-is-it-all-about-what.html
This is a huge subject with loads of possibilities.
My focus was basically on, whether this deal is worthy enough to go for confidence motion?
First and foremost, the deal is not discussed on its merits or demerits either in parliament or with the public.
This is not the way, it should have been done.
Having said that, If it really means to go for confidence motion without discussions, it is clear that Nuclear deal is a better option than without it.
My first blog(on the same subject), and many of my posts on orkut communities have been unbiased and more about putting both sides on the fore.
After my own research on the subject, I became pretty sure that it is a good deal for India.
Now
@rangadu's questions
1) Every type of resource has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The general impression is, if we go for the nuclear deal, the renewable sources are not considered.
I dont understand this logic.
Its synonymous to investing only in mutual funds and nothing on real estate or any other funds. The point is, nuclear deal and other options are not mutually exclusive.
I think nuclear energy is just one of the many sources of energy for future.
Infact I am a big fan of solar energy, We have solar lamps and solar water heater in my home since last 12 years in Bangalore!!(To point that I am not biased on "nuclear only", actions speak more than words!!)
2) Nuclear Reactors safety is one of the biggest concerns, and the technology to handle these concerns is also sophisticated.
India will get help on this issue from few of the NSG countries.
The second part,
I dont agree that western countries rely only on 10% for nuclear energy.
Please tell me the source of this info.
please see this link
http://www.nei.org/resourcesandstats/nuclear_statistics/worldstatistics/
France depends on it by 76.8 % and US itself is not even in top 10.
Also see this link for state wise nuclear energy generation in US
http://www.nei.org/resourcesandstats/nuclear_statistics/usnuclearpowerplants/
3) To get original text of the deal
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/aug/90050.htm
I agree that UPA should have discussed more about educating Indians.
Well we can equally blame both Communists(Left) and BJP(Right) for this.
Each one is sticking to its own prejudicial agendas and means
"Left" says all americans are cruel
BJP says its not a great deal, but was it a less deal to not to discuss on the house??
And Congress thinks, aam admi cant understand, so why bother teaching them!!
All second rated politics!!
@ Tarun,
There is no question that all the countries are looking forward to a major break through in optimally and realistically switch to renewable and green sources.
India needs to invest heavily in this sector, it is investing heavily too.
It is giving tax break for solar companies
http://www.eetindia.co.in/ART_8800471042_1800008_NT_5d3f4644.HTM
Over $7 Billion would be invested in hyderabad alone by solar companies..
Ok, Now for more info
Please see this link, to know where do we stand
http://www.itpi.co.in/Resources/Renewable_energy/2004_World_Energy_Sources.jpg
Please see how much India is dependent on oil for energy
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/ene_oil_con-energy-oil-consumption
For more info on where we stand compared to rest of the world see
http://www.itpi.co.in/Resources/Renewable_energy/Renewable_energy.htm
Finally I would like to conclude with this link
http://www.worldaffairsboard.com/south-asian-defense-topics/45678-apolitical-view-nuclear-deal-indias-energy-security.html
Tell me if you need more!!!
:)
Aditya
Showing posts with label Current Affairs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Current Affairs. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Nuclear deal: Does Advantages of the deal outweigh the fears??
This blog is an edited version of
Missing the wood for the trees
http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/19/stories/2008071954661000.htm
Never in the history of Indian democracy have we politically fought on one single issue, to the extent that we have to go through floor testing.
Not even issues like Godhra carnage get this much of importance.
Is it really worth this privilege?
UPA did give a fairly impressive performance in its rule.
1) Economy on an average grew at 9%
2) pro poor policies like
---a) National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
---b) Farm Loan waiver(lets not get diverted into debate on this)
3) Initiatives in Education and Health
4) Improved transparency in govt
---a) Right To Information Act
But lately its been plagued by inflation issue.
Now, if we look at the nuclear deal and if we take a call on it. Its very hard to understand that it is worth risking the govt.
Now, lets turn the question around. Is it worth an issue, for which we can put the present inflation crisis behind and plunge the govt? Is it really so scary that we can put common man into difficulties by taking of the support to govt?
We have hardly had discussed the pros and cons of the deal in the parliament
CPI and other left parties just say no to anything thats american. So each one was biding their time. It was a case of "who blinks first"
So UPA did blink and got SP from backdoor. As mayavati was having SP for breakfast, lunch and dinner, they had better support the UPA.
Again there is hardly any need for any party to discuss the details of the deal, as each one is looking for "What we gonna get if we support or not support?"
1) impact on the country’s energy needs: the factors:
a) high oil prices touching $140 and more a barrel
b) maintaining high growth rates into the future
c) The national nuclear programme has been functioning in isolation for the last three decades.
--- so there is slow technological progress because of denial of knowledge.
d) non-availability of uranium
e) generation capacity even now remains at a little over 3,000 MW as against the target of 10,000 MW set for 2000
f) Uranium shortage has become so serious that even the low installed capacity is being operated at just 40 to 50 per cent
g) The target set for 2020 is 20,000 MW
h) Not only US but other countries such as Russia, France and the United Kingdom could supply us uranium
2) India gains access to high technology:
a) larger capacity reactors
b) monitoring and safety technology
c) The nuclear establishment will be able to participate in international collaborative research on thermonuclear reactors and the new fourth generation reactors
d) the three stage nuclear programme will get benefitted by plentiful resources of thorium for power generation and access to foreign technology
e) the civilian reactors would be placed under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards
f) strategic nuclear weapons programme would remain separate and outside the safeguards regime
1) closer strategic partnership with the U.S. which would mark a departure from the independent foreign policy.
a)But closer ties with US could be essential for the economic growth of the nation
b)In any case India is a huge market for US too, hence they are also dependent on the India to accelerate their slowly crawling GDP growth
c) other countries like Japan too are dependent on US strategically, but still their foriegn policy is independent. India with its huge muslim population, cannot back US on all its policies. thats the reality
d) deal with the U.S. is an essential first step towards diversifying cooperation and entering into similar deals with other nuclear suppliers such as Russia, France and the U.K.
2) the second objection: the deal will compromise India’s strategic autonomy and it will become virtually impossible to carry out another nuclear explosion
a) As of now, the government is committed in the deal to continuing with the policy of voluntary restraint on further nuclear explosions
b) the military program can continue as its being continued now.
c) the govt can build up the reserves in the event of sudden stoppage, so this is also not something that is different from what we are doing now. That is we are trying to build reserves even now.
advantages overwhelmingly outweigh any threat or flaw and it is as good a deal as any government can negotiate
Missing the wood for the trees
http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/19/stories/2008071954661000.htm
Never in the history of Indian democracy have we politically fought on one single issue, to the extent that we have to go through floor testing.
Not even issues like Godhra carnage get this much of importance.
Is it really worth this privilege?
UPA did give a fairly impressive performance in its rule.
1) Economy on an average grew at 9%
2) pro poor policies like
---a) National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
---b) Farm Loan waiver(lets not get diverted into debate on this)
3) Initiatives in Education and Health
4) Improved transparency in govt
---a) Right To Information Act
But lately its been plagued by inflation issue.
Now, if we look at the nuclear deal and if we take a call on it. Its very hard to understand that it is worth risking the govt.
Now, lets turn the question around. Is it worth an issue, for which we can put the present inflation crisis behind and plunge the govt? Is it really so scary that we can put common man into difficulties by taking of the support to govt?
"Deal was never really discussed"
We have hardly had discussed the pros and cons of the deal in the parliament
CPI and other left parties just say no to anything thats american. So each one was biding their time. It was a case of "who blinks first"
So UPA did blink and got SP from backdoor. As mayavati was having SP for breakfast, lunch and dinner, they had better support the UPA.
Again there is hardly any need for any party to discuss the details of the deal, as each one is looking for "What we gonna get if we support or not support?"
Now on the impact
1) impact on the country’s energy needs: the factors:
a) high oil prices touching $140 and more a barrel
b) maintaining high growth rates into the future
c) The national nuclear programme has been functioning in isolation for the last three decades.
--- so there is slow technological progress because of denial of knowledge.
d) non-availability of uranium
e) generation capacity even now remains at a little over 3,000 MW as against the target of 10,000 MW set for 2000
f) Uranium shortage has become so serious that even the low installed capacity is being operated at just 40 to 50 per cent
g) The target set for 2020 is 20,000 MW
h) Not only US but other countries such as Russia, France and the United Kingdom could supply us uranium
2) India gains access to high technology:
a) larger capacity reactors
b) monitoring and safety technology
c) The nuclear establishment will be able to participate in international collaborative research on thermonuclear reactors and the new fourth generation reactors
d) the three stage nuclear programme will get benefitted by plentiful resources of thorium for power generation and access to foreign technology
e) the civilian reactors would be placed under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards
f) strategic nuclear weapons programme would remain separate and outside the safeguards regime
objections raised by critics
1) closer strategic partnership with the U.S. which would mark a departure from the independent foreign policy.
a)But closer ties with US could be essential for the economic growth of the nation
b)In any case India is a huge market for US too, hence they are also dependent on the India to accelerate their slowly crawling GDP growth
c) other countries like Japan too are dependent on US strategically, but still their foriegn policy is independent. India with its huge muslim population, cannot back US on all its policies. thats the reality
d) deal with the U.S. is an essential first step towards diversifying cooperation and entering into similar deals with other nuclear suppliers such as Russia, France and the U.K.
2) the second objection: the deal will compromise India’s strategic autonomy and it will become virtually impossible to carry out another nuclear explosion
a) As of now, the government is committed in the deal to continuing with the policy of voluntary restraint on further nuclear explosions
b) the military program can continue as its being continued now.
c) the govt can build up the reserves in the event of sudden stoppage, so this is also not something that is different from what we are doing now. That is we are trying to build reserves even now.
advantages overwhelmingly outweigh any threat or flaw and it is as good a deal as any government can negotiate
Monday, July 14, 2008
Nuclear deal: What is it all about? What is hyde act?
Many of us dont know whats the actual deal about.
But recently there were few articles on this exact topic in "The Hindu".
I would like to draw your attention to one of the simplest(simply worded) of them.
I have brought out the significant points of the article, here.
"Judge the nuclear deal on facts, not convictions"
1) Hyde act
----a) If India performs the nuclear test, then the deal is over
----b) The quantity of Nuclear fuel supply to india is restricted to "Normal Operating Conditions" of all our nuclear reactors
---c) Strongly opposes India building its own reserve supplies, ie., India must be entirely dependent on fuel supply by USA
---d) Even if India do build its own reserve, it should not be enough to conduct a nuclear test, if US terminates the deal
---e) India must give a "specific future date" after which India will not produce "Weapon Grade Plutonium" even from our own unsafegaurded reactors.
---f) India must agree to follow "Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty" (FMCT)
---g) Furthermore, US will call for stricter guidelines for India with NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group)
---h) Also, India must have a foreign policy in concordant with US govt. This means, India has to even apply sanctions to Iran.
2) 123 agreement
---a) Full nuclear co-operation for Indian Civil Nuclear Program; Covers entire cycle from making uranium fuel to reprocessing spent fuel to extract plutonium.
---b) US does not supply technology and technical facilities; The 3 main steps are "uranium enrichment", "heavy water production" and "reprocessing"
---c) In the "reprocessing" step, we have to use our own technology and facilities only.
---d) we must provide all detailed drawings and other technical documentation, data, calculations, and so on to the International Atomic Energy Agency to review and clear.
---e) India has to accept a whole range of “arrangements and procedures” stipulated by the U.S. to run our own national plant
---f) India must sign another agreement under section 131 of US.Atomic Energy Act.
---g) There is no arbitration clause; ie., US or India can ditch the deal any point they like.
3) To operationalize the deal
---a) The reprocessing plant is estimated to cost us Rs 10,000 crores
There is a beautiful analysis in this article as to how these points affect.
There are other 2 articles which goes into depth of the deal too.
The 3 articles in The Hindu recently are
1) Parsing the India-specific safeguards agreement news analysis: On July 12th 2008 http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/12/stories/2008071254991000.htm
2) Does the IAEA agreement hide us from the Hyde Act?: On July 14th 2008 http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/14/stories/2008071455431000.htm
3)Judge the nuclear deal on facts, not convictions : On July 15th 2008
http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/15/stories/2008071555200900.htm
But recently there were few articles on this exact topic in "The Hindu".
I would like to draw your attention to one of the simplest(simply worded) of them.
I have brought out the significant points of the article, here.
"Judge the nuclear deal on facts, not convictions"
1) Hyde act
----a) If India performs the nuclear test, then the deal is over
----b) The quantity of Nuclear fuel supply to india is restricted to "Normal Operating Conditions" of all our nuclear reactors
---c) Strongly opposes India building its own reserve supplies, ie., India must be entirely dependent on fuel supply by USA
---d) Even if India do build its own reserve, it should not be enough to conduct a nuclear test, if US terminates the deal
---e) India must give a "specific future date" after which India will not produce "Weapon Grade Plutonium" even from our own unsafegaurded reactors.
---f) India must agree to follow "Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty" (FMCT)
---g) Furthermore, US will call for stricter guidelines for India with NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group)
---h) Also, India must have a foreign policy in concordant with US govt. This means, India has to even apply sanctions to Iran.
2) 123 agreement
---a) Full nuclear co-operation for Indian Civil Nuclear Program; Covers entire cycle from making uranium fuel to reprocessing spent fuel to extract plutonium.
---b) US does not supply technology and technical facilities; The 3 main steps are "uranium enrichment", "heavy water production" and "reprocessing"
---c) In the "reprocessing" step, we have to use our own technology and facilities only.
---d) we must provide all detailed drawings and other technical documentation, data, calculations, and so on to the International Atomic Energy Agency to review and clear.
---e) India has to accept a whole range of “arrangements and procedures” stipulated by the U.S. to run our own national plant
---f) India must sign another agreement under section 131 of US.Atomic Energy Act.
---g) There is no arbitration clause; ie., US or India can ditch the deal any point they like.
3) To operationalize the deal
---a) The reprocessing plant is estimated to cost us Rs 10,000 crores
There is a beautiful analysis in this article as to how these points affect.
There are other 2 articles which goes into depth of the deal too.
The 3 articles in The Hindu recently are
1) Parsing the India-specific safeguards agreement news analysis: On July 12th 2008 http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/12/stories/2008071254991000.htm
2) Does the IAEA agreement hide us from the Hyde Act?: On July 14th 2008 http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/14/stories/2008071455431000.htm
3)Judge the nuclear deal on facts, not convictions : On July 15th 2008
http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/15/stories/2008071555200900.htm
Saturday, July 5, 2008
RESERVATION.A boon or bane?
As India enters into it's 61st free year from the Britishers rule, all of those who are reading this article are in a position to analyze where INDIA stands.
Leaving aside the International stance,let us remember the TELUGU SLOGAN:" FIRST WIN THE SUPPORT OF YOUR FAMILY AND THEN WIN THE SOCIETY"... So how far did we climb the success graph in overcoming Poverty,unemployment,illiteracy,terrorism and various differences(language,regional,religion,caste,creed,sex based)etc?
I used to blame AMBEDKAR whenever i lost my seat in a good institute.Because i was of the prejudice that, he has ruined my opportunity of going to a good school by introducing the RESERVATIONS on caste basis.It is only later that i realized, he only started this policy, as there was a necessity during those days.It is the politicians who could not leave their vote bank that stuck to these RESERVATIONS. If the aim of the RESERVATIONS is to bring equality amongst all castes,then according to me, it is definitely not headed in that direction in the current scenario.As long as the EAMCET or IIT or IIPM or IB or IIIT counsellor asks "what caste are you from?Do you have any resevration?" i believe each one of us is forced to know what caste he/she belongs to at this point.
Till we passed out of high school not many of us knew what caste our bench mate was or the teacher was.Suddenly it is from the stage of INTERMEDIATE that the necessity to know what caste a student is arises. When you work hard and toil day and night to get a good rank and get into a good college/university you are told that your admission is denied because your seat was filled by a person whose rank is 1000000 or even more multiples of your rank.
What would be the feeling that arises out of the boy?( i am excluding girls as they have a 33% reservation...so even they can not claim to be peers to boys as long as they beg for reservation). Would the boy feel.."WOW!!! my society is doing justice by treating everyone equal.It is all right even if my hard work has gone futile. Is it ok even if i don't get into a good school."??????? If i empathize with the boy i would say:" What the fuck??i don't understand what you are talking about! I got a better rank.i am supposed to be given the seat.How can you give the seat to such a dumb fellow?".
Now again the loop goes back to cursing AMBEDKAR and those who enjoy the fruits of reservations. I have utmost respect to ARMY,CIVIL service people.They are entitled to reservation as they need to travel frequently and face a lot of adversities.But i was alarmed that a different set of religious people were entitled to those benefits.
It is a known fact that, this was the group that the ARMY is fighting at the borders.It is this group that has raided BHARAT(I am not using INDIA ,because i believe that term has been derived from the "EAST INDIA" company of the British) 17 times and forcefully demolished the religious idols and worship places.Not all people of this group are malevolent.But all those who are malevolent at the Border are from this group. In the coming future,all the Govt offices and Civils posts are going to be filled by these "incompetent" sectors.Yes i shall continue calling them "incompetent" as long as they fail to compete in the open category.Isn't a boy from a different sector being deprived of his privileges due to this method? i would suggest ECONOMIC HELP can be rendered by the govt,provided the student is meritorious irrespective of caste,creed,sex,region,religion.There should be no hard coded RESERVATIONS on any basis for that matter cos...after seeing what happened to the so called "DOWN TRODDEN" sections ...it shall be the turn of the Economically backward people to turn lazy.
Therefore i strongly urge every youth to think in this direction.HELP is OK...but RESERVATION is a demonic term that threatens the very existence of equality. I am happy that i am in the US.there is no scope for a rejection of my candidature when compared to a fellow Indian.I know that there would be a debate on this point.I strongly iterate that all the "PATRIOTS" support the Americans keeping us out or for that matter any other Nationalites treating us with contempt.In India, you show discrimination based on every aspect.So what is wrong in the people abroad showing a snobby face to you?Atleast they are a lot better cultured than we are. At this point,if anyone wishes to sing the national anthem and feels that they are having goosebumps and feel like trashing me for not being patriotic, fine.I am all game for it.I know that BHAARAT has a history of over 3000 years and its rich cultural heritage.But just as the adage goes," TAMARINDS DONT FALL DOWN TO MAGIC SPELLS." so there is no use of bragging about the GOLDEN PAST....instead open your eyes and see the future ahead...SHAPE your future also a PLATINUM ..!!!! Jai HIND!!
P.S: LOKSATTA's stand on RESERVATION is on basis of economical stage and not caste/region.This is what needs to be considered ultimately.
VOTE for CHANGE...VOTE for LOKSATTA!
Leaving aside the International stance,let us remember the TELUGU SLOGAN:" FIRST WIN THE SUPPORT OF YOUR FAMILY AND THEN WIN THE SOCIETY"... So how far did we climb the success graph in overcoming Poverty,unemployment,illiteracy,terrorism and various differences(language,regional,religion,caste,creed,sex based)etc?
I used to blame AMBEDKAR whenever i lost my seat in a good institute.Because i was of the prejudice that, he has ruined my opportunity of going to a good school by introducing the RESERVATIONS on caste basis.It is only later that i realized, he only started this policy, as there was a necessity during those days.It is the politicians who could not leave their vote bank that stuck to these RESERVATIONS. If the aim of the RESERVATIONS is to bring equality amongst all castes,then according to me, it is definitely not headed in that direction in the current scenario.As long as the EAMCET or IIT or IIPM or IB or IIIT counsellor asks "what caste are you from?Do you have any resevration?" i believe each one of us is forced to know what caste he/she belongs to at this point.
Till we passed out of high school not many of us knew what caste our bench mate was or the teacher was.Suddenly it is from the stage of INTERMEDIATE that the necessity to know what caste a student is arises. When you work hard and toil day and night to get a good rank and get into a good college/university you are told that your admission is denied because your seat was filled by a person whose rank is 1000000 or even more multiples of your rank.
What would be the feeling that arises out of the boy?( i am excluding girls as they have a 33% reservation...so even they can not claim to be peers to boys as long as they beg for reservation). Would the boy feel.."WOW!!! my society is doing justice by treating everyone equal.It is all right even if my hard work has gone futile. Is it ok even if i don't get into a good school."??????? If i empathize with the boy i would say:" What the fuck??i don't understand what you are talking about! I got a better rank.i am supposed to be given the seat.How can you give the seat to such a dumb fellow?".
Now again the loop goes back to cursing AMBEDKAR and those who enjoy the fruits of reservations. I have utmost respect to ARMY,CIVIL service people.They are entitled to reservation as they need to travel frequently and face a lot of adversities.But i was alarmed that a different set of religious people were entitled to those benefits.
It is a known fact that, this was the group that the ARMY is fighting at the borders.It is this group that has raided BHARAT(I am not using INDIA ,because i believe that term has been derived from the "EAST INDIA" company of the British) 17 times and forcefully demolished the religious idols and worship places.Not all people of this group are malevolent.But all those who are malevolent at the Border are from this group. In the coming future,all the Govt offices and Civils posts are going to be filled by these "incompetent" sectors.Yes i shall continue calling them "incompetent" as long as they fail to compete in the open category.Isn't a boy from a different sector being deprived of his privileges due to this method? i would suggest ECONOMIC HELP can be rendered by the govt,provided the student is meritorious irrespective of caste,creed,sex,region,religion.There should be no hard coded RESERVATIONS on any basis for that matter cos...after seeing what happened to the so called "DOWN TRODDEN" sections ...it shall be the turn of the Economically backward people to turn lazy.
Therefore i strongly urge every youth to think in this direction.HELP is OK...but RESERVATION is a demonic term that threatens the very existence of equality. I am happy that i am in the US.there is no scope for a rejection of my candidature when compared to a fellow Indian.I know that there would be a debate on this point.I strongly iterate that all the "PATRIOTS" support the Americans keeping us out or for that matter any other Nationalites treating us with contempt.In India, you show discrimination based on every aspect.So what is wrong in the people abroad showing a snobby face to you?Atleast they are a lot better cultured than we are. At this point,if anyone wishes to sing the national anthem and feels that they are having goosebumps and feel like trashing me for not being patriotic, fine.I am all game for it.I know that BHAARAT has a history of over 3000 years and its rich cultural heritage.But just as the adage goes," TAMARINDS DONT FALL DOWN TO MAGIC SPELLS." so there is no use of bragging about the GOLDEN PAST....instead open your eyes and see the future ahead...SHAPE your future also a PLATINUM ..!!!! Jai HIND!!
P.S: LOKSATTA's stand on RESERVATION is on basis of economical stage and not caste/region.This is what needs to be considered ultimately.
VOTE for CHANGE...VOTE for LOKSATTA!
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