Hydropower currently accounts for nearly one-quarter of the world's electricity production, with a total sum of 650,000 megawatts (MW) installed. It is not only a significant contributor in terms of the overall global energy balance, but is arguably the only renewable energy resource that is commercially exploitable on a large scale at present levels of technology.

Nepal is well endowed with enormous hydro-power resources. Nepal has roughly 83,000 MW of hydropower potential, half of which is economically feasible for development. Less then 1% of this capacity has been developed, while the demand for clean, renewable energy in Nepal, northern India, and southwest China is expected to at least double over the next decade. Demand for power in Nepal is outstripping supply by 25 MW or 10% per year. India's energy deficit is expected to reach 20,000 MW by 2010, and China's deficit will reach 330,000 MW by 2015.

Nepal is the major contributor of the Ganga Basin. The five major sub-basins inside Nepal are shown in table below. The annual discharge of outflowing rivers from Nepal to India is about 224 billion cubic meters. In a span of about 100 km, rivers lose a potential height of about 4,000 meters, thus providing a high linear density (33 MW/km) and large hydropower potential is shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Basin-wise hydropower potential in Nepal

This comparatively cheap source of power provides a distinct advantage for Nepal to embark on a program of rapid industrialization. So, Nepal’s Maoists-led-present government has ambitious plans of generating 10,000 MW of electricity within 10 years. This ambitious plan is not unachievable if gone towards right direction. One positive step in this regard is Nepal has opened this sector for private investment and Foreign Direct Investment.

India has tremendous pressure on supply of electrical power in line with its rapid economic growth. There is vast deficit of supply against demand. India’s plan to enter into Nuclear power generation through Indo-US Nuclear deal is the justification of such demand of cheap electricity energy. But if experts are to be believed, the nuclear power generation is not that cost effective and not easy especially due to its technological requirements and environmental constraints. So, tapping hydro power generation potential offered by neighboring country- Nepal should be viewed as a grand opportunity which is too costly to lose for India.

This is the right time for Indian government to take bold steps, by forging an alliance with Nepal in this hydro power sector. This is because present leadership of Nepal government has promised its people of economic revolution and Nepal’s leadership clearly understands that without India’s cooperation, it is not possible. So, the Nepalese leadership is expected to take India on board for tapping of hydro power development potential in the country.

India, no doubt, can further boost its economic growth by investing in hydro power generation in Nepal. Cheap electrical energy generated in Nepal can be transmitted through the power-highways. Nepal Electricity Authority and the International Leasing & Finance Services (IL&FS) of India have entered into an agreement to form joint venture companies’ (JVCs) for development of the following transmission links infrastructure development:

95 Butwal-Gorakhpur: 400 kV T/L to be completed by the end of 2008/09.

95 Duhabi-Purnea: 400 kV T/L to be completed by the end of the 2008/09.

95 Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur : 400 kV T/L to be completed by the year 2010/11

95 Anarmani-Silgudhi: 400 kV T/L to be completed by the year 2010/11.

More such developments are expected in times to come.

COMPARISON OF THERMAL AND HYDRO-PROJECTS

India has been more dependent on thermal power generation since long time. In terms of "bankability" (that is, the ability to raise finance to support a project), there are marked distinctions between hydro and other forms of power generation. If one excludes nuclear power as being, at least at present, an unsuitable candidate for independent power development on a number of grounds relating to environmental, safety and cost considerations, the principal comparison lies between hydro and fossil fuel thermal power stations.  Hydro remains a sound long-term investment whose shelf life is almost indefinite compared with the 15- to 20-year life cycle of a typical thermal power station.

THERMAL VS HYDRO- FACTORS AFFECTING BANKABILITY

In making such a comparison it is easy to see why hydro has fallen out of favor since liberalization of the power sector because it is perceived to be capital-intensive, slow to implement and risky.

But this scenario of financing is changing now. International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank affiliated group, has pledged loan for private hydro power generation entities and has already invested 10 per cent of the total investment in Khimti and Bhotekoshi Hydropower projects in Nepal. IFC has pledged to finance 25 per cent of the total fund required for two hydropower projects, bagged by two Indian companies also. India's GMR Energy Ltd has got the contract to work on the Arun-III (402 Mw) project whereas Sutlaj Vidyut Nigam has bagged the 300 Mw Upper Karnali project. Moreover, Power Development Fund (PDF) is developed which is a component of Nepal Power Development Project (PDP) agreed between Government of Nepal and the World Bank to finance private development of small and medium sized hydro schemes. The PDF is expected to provide long term financing for private sector hydropower developments in Nepal.

In India also, a sea change has occurred in the sphere of power development after promulgation of the Indian Electricity Act - 2003. The states have unbundled their monolithic power utilities and electricity has become a commodity for trade. Small hill states such as Himanchal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim have seen an upsurge in hydropower development especially on the strength of the very progressive incentives the developers are receiving for hydropower investment.

Apart from hydro power generation in these hill states, India should forge an alliance with Nepal, as with Bhutan, to tap hydro power potential in order to meet the country’s energy needs. Government should formulate power exchange policy and develop infrastructure. Once this policy comes into force, Indian private investors can benefit by investing in export-oriented-hydro power projects in Nepal. At present, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) also purchases electricity produced by Independent Power Producers (IPPs). NEA has fixed* the purchase rate for purchasing electricity from IPPs producing less than 5 MW. Licensing agreement and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is for 35 years (source: Hydro Power Policy 2001 of Nepal govt) and given the fact that the payback period from such project is 5 to 7 years, this licensing agreement period is more than sufficient from the investor’s perspective to cash on its investment.

* (PPA is readily signed with developers of plants 5 MW and below on standard terms. The standard terms are: wet season rate of NRs. 3 per kWh, dry season rate of NRs. 4.25 per kWh, purchase rates escalated till 5 years at 6% p.a., PPA validity of 35 years)

Nepal’s present government is likely to come up with new policies in this sector thereby easing the hurdles for the Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Nepal government has also entered into a series of bilateral agreements and has signed international conventions in order to guarantee the interest of investors. Some of those agreements and international conventions are:

• Bilateral agreements on investment protection with France, Germany and United Kingdom;
• Ratification of Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA);
• Ratification of New York Convention for the Enforcement of the Foreign             Arbitration Award;

• Bilateral agreements on the avoidance of double taxes with India, Norway and Thailand; and
• Power Exchange Treaty with India.

Various Acts and Regulations, as shown above, have been promulgated and international conventions and protocols have been endorsed to show its full commitment to the protection of investor’s interests in such investments. Since the large scale power development and evacuation involves more than one nation, it becomes necessary for a more coordinated involvement of bilateral and multi-national agencies. Such an involvement would encourage the business confidence of the private sector and, consequently, the flow of capital for development.

Hydropower is a renewable form of energy and it also has a potential to reduce the emission of green house gases from SAARC region. These factors also put Nepalese water resources in a good list for development. Nepal neither has a capability to invest by itself in large-scale multipurpose water resources projects nor has the capacity to absorb all the electricity produced by such projects. However, here is a need to develop these resources mainly for export to accelerate socio-economic development in Nepal and its neighboring countries. Therefore, it is high time to propagate the concept of regional benefits for hydropower development.

At a time, when Nepal is seeking help from developed countries for a sustainable development of its natural resources and improvement in quality of life of its citizens, it will be wise on Indian government’s and private sector’s part to make investment in hydro power development projects in Nepal.  

1. 
   
   Without quality time, your relationship will not survive. Carve out at least half an hour a night and at least one day a month when you the two of you spend time exclusively together.
   
   
2. 
   
   You will both need security, comfort. A good relationship is built on compromise and a great deal of give and take on both sides.
   
   
3. 
   
   Keep your dependence and independence in balance. Tell and show your partner how much you need him, but don’t cling, as that can make your partner trapped.
   
   
4. 
   
   Encourage him to listen to you, by showing appreciation when he does. By the same token, show interest when he talks to you. Be aware that most men aren’t mentally programmed for conversation in the way women are. They need more silence and internal time.
   
   
5. 
   
   Make him appreciate you. Don’t wait for a spontaneous compliment, but say something good about yourself and ask for his agreement.
   
   
6. 
   
   Teach him, exactly how to give you a fail-safe orgasm because it’s unlikely he’ll find out alone. If you don’t yet know, find out.
   
   
7. 
   
   Learn to do the one thing that is most likely to restore good feeling in your relationship---giving your partner a genuine, loving and approving smile.
   
   
8. 
   
   Often those subtle quirks that first attracted you to your partner can, with time, turn around and become annoying habits.
   
   
9. 
   
   Hidden resentments poison a relationship; so if something bothers you, say it. Remember that while men are wary of emotional conversations, they love to find solutions.
   
   
10. 
    
    Learn that punishing your partner won’t work. It may make you feel better to give him a hard time, but it will actually make him dig his heels in more.
    
    
11. 
    
    Money is the main cause of couple conflict. For a relationship to work, you need to address finances and work out a budget.
    
    
12. 
    
    If the domestic work is not divided fairly between you, it will cause friction in your relationship. Make a list of the domestic tasks, talk it through with your partner and mobilize the whole family to share the work.
    
    
13. 
    
    If you have children, involve your partner as much as possible with childcare –even if you feel he’s not as good as it at you are. It’s important to present a united front to your kids.
    
    
14. 
    
    Sort out your sex life. The sex may ebb and flow over the years, but if sex starts going downhill, don’t accept it. As soon as you notice a slide, question why and work at bringing the passion back.
    
    
15. 
    
    Don’t assume you won’t be tempted to have an affair as almost everyone is. You need to learn to resist. If you do stray, don’t feel it spells the end of your relationship. Most couples recover, particularly from one-night-stand, and often find that unrooting the cause of the affair helps them to get even closer. So, you need to learn to resist. But don’t think that an affair is the end of everything.
    
    
16. 
    
    Remember that boredom typically covers up anger. If you feel bored with him, ask yourself what you’re angry about.
    
    
17. 
    
    Be aware that men feel overwhelmed by emotion more than women do. If he’s angry or tearful, half an hour’s ‘unflooding’ time to himself will help get his balance back and make him more able to interact positively with you.
    
    
18. 
    
    Learn how to argue well. The trick is to never say anything that you wouldn’t want to hear said to you.
    
    
19. 
    
    Research suggests you need five positive experiences to erase the memory of one negative experience. So give five kind words for each bitchy comment. Give five hugs for each cold shoulder.
    
    
20. 
    
    Learn how to negotiate. Each of you states what you want, then both of you work together to find a way forward.

***

(Collected from Delhi Times, TOI)

Thangkas, which were made famous by the Tibetan scroll artists and later spread to India and Nepal, are enjoying their share of popularity in the art market even now. In fact, they are auctioned in the overseas auctions by a Christie’s and Sotheby’s at periodic intervals and sometimes draw tall bids.

“Some of the art traditions have seen their ups and downs. But, among those forms which have maintained a level of creative productivity is the thangka tradition. And, depending on their period, quality and condition, they attract a good deal of attention at international auctions.

Thangkas have been auctioned internationally for at least the past half a century. They have been known to draw tall bids and fetch prices up to $5,00,000. These are the ones which date back to the earlier centuries. The more recent ones, which reflect imagination and aestheticism, can sell for around $5,000 or a little above that,” an art market source told ET.

Thangkas usually dwell on Buddha’s life and teachings and other religious themes and adorn monastery interiors and prayer and meditation rooms. They are created by highly skilled artists. A single thangka which is intricate and detailed can well take years to produce.

“The contemporary thangka artists picked up the art of yantra dia-grams from their mentors and are drawing on this knowledge to pro-duce abstract and tantric thangkas. Prices of the new thangkas hinge on the artists who have created them. The colours are original and extracted from vegetable dyes and powder. They are not always commercially available in the market. Usually, the medium revolves around tempera on cloth,” the source said.

Interestingly, back in Bengal, AP Munshi, who was associated with the legendary film maker Satyajit Ray, had created his brand of thangkas. These can viewed now, along with other older thangkas, at Kolkata’s well-known Chitrakoot Art Gallery. There are about 30 thangkas on show at the gallery.

(Collected from The  Economic Times dated 28 Dec 2007)

(For more information, please visit www.thangkatushita.com)

Why is it that every relationship begins in the freedom of love and ends in the bondage of relationship?

Love comes like a strong breeze and carries away two Lovers to unknown dimensions. Lovers go through an experience peak and then need to settle down. In the process, they start feeling bored, craving the same peak yet again and again. When they don’t reach it, they feel frustrated and fall into the ditch of misery.

Peak in love are experienced when lovers open their wings to fly high into the sky together. There’s a whole sky of freedom and togetherness that they feel in each other’s company. But the moment they start clinging to each other and suppress freedom, love falls into an abysmal valley of misery. Then they wonder what happened to their love! The clinging starts clipping their wings, killing their love.

True love is unconditional and based on an individual’s freedom. Two persons can be very loving together. The more loving they are, the lower the possibility of any relationship. The more the loving they are, the greater the freedom between them. The more loving they are, the thinner the prospect of any demand, domination, expectation. Naturally then, there is no question of frustration.

Remember this: don’t have any expectations. Love because love is your own inner growth. When you love, you call your spring of growth closer. Your love will help you grow towards more light, more truth, more freedom. Love but don’t ever create a relationship!

A relationship is a part of the business world. A slight change in the situation and it evaporates. It has no solidity. If love comes spontaneously, suddenly, like a fountain, asking for nothing in return, then it is one of the greatest treasures. Love is fire. The purer it is, the better it burns all riddles, all problems. But love as a relationship creates problems, riddled with all sorts of undesirable things.

Remember this: love is capable of destroying everything else, just don’t let it become a relationship. If you do, love will disappear and in its place will come politics and manipulation. Then, your problems will only increase.

Osho says: “I am against all kinds of relationships. For example, I don’t like the word ‘friendship’ but I love the word ‘friendliness’. Friendliness is a quality within you; friendship becomes a burdensome relationship.”

Osho elaborates: “Friendship is a relationship. You can be in that relationship with a few people. Friendliness is a quality, not a relationship. It has nothing to do with anybody else. It is basically your inner quality. You can be friendly with many, many people. You can be friendly when you are alone. You can not be in friendship when you are alone----the other is needed-------but friendliness is a kind of fragrance. A flower blooms; nobody passes by, yet it is fragrant. It matters not whether anyone comes to know of it; being fragrant is its quality.”

-Swami Chaitanya Keerti.

***

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R’s:

·        Respect for self,

·        Respect for others and       

·        Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go to someplace you’ve never been before.