N-India shining?

In 2003, India faced an acute power shortage of 70,000MW. Seven years later, the country isn’t doing any better, although it is the fourth largest producer of power after USA, Russia and China. Despite power sector being an inherent part of industrial growth, India still lags behind demand and potential. Traditional technology of thermal power is by and large causing problems, with the high-ash content of coals from Central India and the high-Sulphur content of coals from the North-east. A report from Jharsuguda, Orissa, says India’s largest power plant of capacity 2400MW came into operation for a single day. The affair was restricted to the length of a T20 match, not because of intricacies in the Power Plant but, the smoke cloud and the ash rain that followed. Even though the country has the potential to outstrip standards previously set, environment concerns hinder progress.

Hydro-power is a viable alternative. But the river-sharing problems amongst the states and the neighbouring countries have put the option on hold. India claiming zilch expertise in tapping renewable sources of energy, bio-fuel and solar energy are restricted to High school Science text books with little practical relevance. Wind energy finds itself scattered in territories where it finds its solace.

On a last resort, India turned to the prohibited word, “N-Deal”. Currently producing 4500MW from 20 nuclear power stations, India is exploiting the power play to maximize output to 63,000 MW by 2032. The target would bring a closure to current crises, but as time advances with growth and technology, will it suffice the needs then?

With depleting Uranium resources, India had no place to look for and the blockade seemed tough to overcome by mere search of alternate routes. Thus, India had to sign the N-Pact in 2008, but, stood its ground firmly, ignoring the Non-Proliferation Treaty and making the stand clear that India meant only business. The blow came when India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill 2010 was written in American English. The Americans had already defended their stand in their engineering collapses which paved the way for extinction of certain species. Once again, they had been provided with the leeway, thanks to India’s Bill. Obviously, the recent handling of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and the Gulf of Mexico fiasco has not prompted our politicians to stay cautioned; achieving their target of abolishing power shortage has taken the centre-stage over strong legal issues.

No doubt nuclear energy is the fore-runner for the future, but, it cannot be at the cost of safety and credibility. Allowing France, USA, UK and Canada to set-up Indian Nuclear power stations and assisting in operation during smooth periods is not an issue. But, disembarking them during mishaps is not a reason to be proud of. Technology at the expense of lives is unacceptable and the weak link in these episodes is India’s Bill which in a way is the messiah for India’s power shortage.

Numero Uno India?

Test cricket is back on its feet again. The amazing finishes, rewriting of records, splendid bowling performances and dazzling batting display are all a part of the rekindled euphoria. Eight out of nine Test nations are playing some sizzling Tests in the current season. But, has India retained her No.1 team because of her superlative performance or because the other teams have fallen behind in the quality of their play?

With a last-minute breakthrough reminiscent of “Lagaan”, India won a crucial series against Australia last month, brought the eye-balls back to Test cricket. The mediocre Australian team was routed by an ordinary fielding side, which with great bat and ball display, clinched the Border-Gavaskar trophy 2-0. The question arises whether India are really a balanced no.1 side? Carrying the torch forward, India won comfortably against the No. 8 New Zealand, who were earlier thrashed 4-0 by Bangladesh in a Limited-overs One Day International (LODI) series. With nothing more to lose, the NZ team threatened the No.1 taggers time and again, but, lost it all in the final test. Here again, the Indians weren’t performing well enough depending on a specialist bowler to bail them out in batting, not once but twice.

Coming to the world scenario, let us take the UAE series being played between South Africa and Pakistan. Beset by controversies of chasing easy Euros over the runs/wickets, Pakistan was in no position to win the series, dubbing it as dead rubber even before it's start. Lacking the brutality to nail the coffin, South Africa at No.2 instills hope in Pakistan to pounce back. Clearly, a lack of focus is on display from South Africa as they fight their own blacks/non-blacks quota issue.

Having discussed the credibility of Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa, it is now time for the cricket’s king-turned-pauper West Indies. With rows over policies governing the players’, shifting the power balance in the team, the fresh looking No. 7 team under their young captain, are giving Sri Lanka a torrid time at home. Has the No. 3’s quality deteriorated due to the complacency that has set-in after their recent concluded Australian series? We will have to wait and watch.

With the humongous Ashes series starting now, and for the first time in the living memory of this correspondent, No. 4 England is having the upper-hand in away-Ashes. With Australian’s fluctuating performance in the recent past, England with its formidable side is to beat the No.5, in Australia.

The observations in all these brief descriptions carry a single inference - All the international teams have seen inexplicable dips in their performances and have given no room for predictions. The present state-of-affairs of “any team winning” does not augur well for India, being the No.1 test playing team. Despite this fact, India has fared well and maintained consistency in winning. But, the real test is the forthcoming away series in South Africa which will be the best starter to be enjoyed before the Grand Indian Run Feast – World Cup 2011.