Category: Guide

There’s a lot we are dealing with in the global platform as we talk about the global cost of storage batteries and how they continue to fall. There have been many aspects to it and many changes over time that demand nothing but a little intervention. Yet when it comes to future energy storage methods, a look beyond lithium-ion batteries can open a pathway to a wealth of innovative solutions. That is partly because the current lithium-ion batteries achieve a maximum of storage that lasts for four hours. This makes it a very frustrating and tough ordeal for large-scale wind and solar power projects. This also furthermore creates a rift for baseload energy when wind and sun aren’t available.

Here is a look at the five breakthrough forms of energy storage that are being trialled by renewable energy companies looking for renewable alternatives to grid-scale energy.

1. Compressed air in use as renewable power storage.

Many companies use electricity to compress air with water. This, in turn, generates heat which is in turn stored. The heat, further when released, forces water through a turbine generator. This converts the energy back into electricity. The energy used to compress the air is generally renewable, and this results in a system that emits no emissions, making it a suitable alternative.

2. Liquid air storage for solar power.

If one wishes to, there are many alternatives that they can wish to choose from given the recent advancements in the field of science and the ways energy can be harvested. The power that is being talked about uses liquid air for energy storage. This form of energy is way cheaper and longer-lasting than lithium-ion batteries. Many places are now using a recent innovation to use off-peak electricity to chill air to around -196°C.

This is then followed by storing the same in metal tanks in a liquid state. It is also worth mentioning that pumping and heating turn the liquid back into gas. This releases energy to drive a turbine, and the result is creating clean electricity as and when needed. Various such initiatives are now taken to promote these healthy alternatives. Also, there are various setups by the commercial plants in many powerful countries that have already begun to take the initiative to make more amends to their power sources.

3. Gravitational mine energy that promotes the idea of renewable energy storage.

Many well-renowned names are experimenting with gravitational energy with the smart use of mine shafts. There are reportedly companies that are hard at work on a 50-ton demonstrator.

The process in talks uses renewable energy to lift a weight within a mine shaft. The weight could even be as huge as that of 3,000 tons. The weight then falls, which in turn releases electricity that lasts as long as eight hours. The winches and cables are also estimated to have a life of around five decades. This can be a potential winner for future energy storage. As more and more efforts pour in to perfect this, there’s a possible chance of this process taking over other forms of alternatives.

4. Future energy storage with the aid of pressurised water.

There have been many eminent power companies who have been brainstorming ideas to store energy using pressurised water. This plan in turn requires a steel-jacketed piston made of rock and concrete. The weight of this requirement may weigh up to 8.5 million tons.

The piston releases pressure that in turn unleashes the stored energy. It also drives a turbine creating electricity that lasts up to 16 hours. As the companies progress further there are possibilities of setting up a demonstration plant for this future energy storage method.

5. Tower block gravity

Mostly the giant Swiss companies are involved in this idea of alternative power source.  They have been constantly working on a more complex version of the Gravitricity model through various modifications like the use of tower blocks.

For starters, the storage process works by stacking thousands of 38-ton blocks. This is then sent to a tower that can reach up to 160m in height. Mostly a robotic crane is administered in the process which then plucks them off the tower and lowers them to the ground. The weight of the blocks is what is used to drive the generators. Though many were sceptical, the system can deliver as much as 80 MWh of electricity. This can produce power around 60,000 homes for an impressive span of 16 hours.

Many global leaders have put in efforts to balance the intermittency of renewable energy in electric grids. This has been achieved by utility-scale batteries, mostly lithium-based. But now as time goes by there are innovations to help in adding storage all the while making renewable energy more profitable,

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a code that comes under Article 44 of the Constitution. The UCC has the power for formulation of one law for the whole of the nation. This law shall be applicable for all communities irrespective of their faith, belief and religion. These codes delve into matters ranging from marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and so on. The code is solely aimed at the unification of India and shall endeavour to secure a single law for all the citizens throughout the territory of India.

This issue has been considered so important that it has been placed at the centre of political narrative and multiple debates for over a century. This also is to be kept in mind that the ruling party now, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has had it as their prime focus and has been pushing for its legislation in Parliament. The saffron party was the first to promise the implementation of Uniform Civil Code provided that it was elected to power.  

Importance of Article 44. 

The purpose of Article 44 of the Directive Principles in the Indian Constitution was to address bigotry. Discrimination was often faced by minorities and other vulnerable groups. The article somehow was a source of safeguarding and promoting harmony among diverse cultural groups spread across the country. Dr B R Ambedkar, while formulating the Constitution focused on the fact that a UCC is certainly desirable given the secular status of the country but for the moment it should remain voluntary. The UCC was incorporated in the Constitution as an aspect that would be later fulfilled when the nation would be at the social forefront of accepting it.

The story behind the Origin of Uniform Civil Code. 

The origin of the UCC dates back to colonial India when the country was ruled by the British government. There was apparent frustration among the ruling government given the vast diversity of the country and how almost every section had a rule for its governance, mostly influenced by religion. There were reports submitted in 1835 that thoroughly stressed uniformity in the codification of Indian law relating to crimes, evidence, and contracts. The emphasis was placed specifically on the fact that the personal laws of Hindus and Muslims be kept outside such codification.

These convoluted issues amalgamated together forced the British government to form the B N Rau Committee. This committee was given the power to code Hindu law in 1941. The task of questioning the necessity of common Hindu laws was handed over to the Hindu Law Committee. The committee, by scriptures, recommended a codified Hindu law, the focus was put on giving women equal rights. The 1937 Act was reviewed and this progressed into a civil code of marriage and succession for Hindus.

Know the personal laws that made UCC a necessity: 

 Laws that apply to a certain group of people mostly influenced by religion or other factors like caste, faith, and belief are known as personal laws. These laws are crafted after due consideration of customs and religious texts. The personal laws of Hindus and Muslims are sourced from their respective religious ancient texts.

 In Hinduism, personal laws govern legal issues related to inheritance, marriage, adoption, obligations of sons to pay their father’s debts, the partition of family property, and so on. In Islam, personal laws apply to matters relating to inheritance, succession, marriage, wakfs, dowry, divorce, and so on taking roots from Quran.

What reforms shall the Uniform Civil Code bring?

The UCC aims to protect vulnerable sections like women and other minorities, all the while promoting secularity via unity. When enacted the code will work to simplify laws while keeping away religious intervention. The code will simplify the complex laws making them one for all.  It shall apply to all citizens irrespective of their faith.

A traditional art form that originated from Rajasthan, the pichwai paintings have been there for almost five centuries. The paintings feature the life stories of Lord Krishna or Shreenath Ji. Intricate in their nature, these paintings use dark rich hues on fabrics and are made with unmatched precision, intricacy and devotion.

Dipped in deep religious roots, these paintings are more than mere wall hangings. The artist’s devotion to the craft and the stories behind the paintings puts a lot more into them. The rural artisans execute every piece of art with divine devotion. Though the stories of Lord Krishna are varied, some of the most common depictions include Lord Krishna in the incident featuring him holding the huge Govardhan hill on his tiny pinkie finger. Also quite often other forms of stories from the lives of Shri Krishna are taken up and represented in the most vivid and artistic ways. All these features coupled up have placed pichwai paintings as one of the most loved and appreciated pieces of paintings globally. Hence it isn’t unusual to come across a large number of people wanting to add these paintings on their house walls or deity worshipping rooms.

Deeper insight on these century-old firm of paintings:

The pichwai paintings originated somewhat 500 years ago in the town of Nathdwara, Rajasthan. They relate themselves to the mischiefs, wisdom and the miracles of Lord Krishna in his sheath avatar. An absolute charmer, Lord Krishna was unparalleled in the way he handled every form of life crises. From being the ultimate protector for his people to warding off every form of evil, to serving every devotee of his whenever called with love and utmost devotion, Lord Krishna had life stories that would go on and on. These paintings are an escapade of one of the most celebrated incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The love and devotion of the artists give the portraits an aura of spirituality and the results are intricate with a visually appealing finish. 

Authentic Pichwai paintings: 

Authentic pichwai paintings may take up to months before they are completed. Dipped in intricate designs and vivid colours, the effort that is required to complete these paintings turn them into nothing short of masterpieces. These paintings can look stunning in almost every part of the house. From the tales of Krishna to Radha ranu, gopis, cows, festivals like Sharad Purnima, Raas Leela, Govardhan Puja, Janamashtami Celebrations, Gopasthami, Nand Mahotsav, Holi and Diwali, the themes are endless. Such an enormous list of themes help you select the perfect picture of your backdrop. 

Modern modifications of Pichwai:

The greyscale

With modifications that almost all artforms have to go through, the pichwai paintings are no different. One can also opt for a greyscale version of these artworks. These works often explore the actual 24 divine forms of Shreenathji. The Mughal artwork or miniature styles are used to depict the Lord in his full glory. 

Pichwai silken variants

As the global market surges with new ideas to keep alive some of the oldest art forms, they go through modifications and such is the case with pichwai paintings. The imaginative zealots are looking into the process of using the same for natural fabrics to accentuate the positive impact of the same. The variants utilized are silk and paper at times combined with natural stones to bring alive the story of forests and Lord Krishna. Sometimes a monochromatic framework is used to give a raw look to the same.

The use of Pichwai for home decor needs. 

The pichwai paintings are an excellent way to illuminate your walls and bring in magnificence and spiritual fervour. It also accentuates the overall ambience of the house and deems it fit for forming spiritual connections, ensuring everyone’s well being. The labour-intensive process of creating these highly intricate paintings can easily uplift your home and its elegance instantly. Apart from gold foil, the other differential features of the pictures include – big and broad eyes, a big nose and a heavy body. The idea is sourced directly from the tales of Lord Krishna and bought into a beautiful, charming home decor item.

Who hasn’t heard about the famous Shani deva? The worshipper of karma and a devotee of Mahadeva. Feared by some, loved by others, Shani deva is referred to as Saturn. Also referred to as Shani mahadasha or Saturn mahadasha. The Saturn mahadasha always has had well-aquatinted effects on humans and is one of the most powerful planets in the world of astrology and predictions. The planet of Saturn is the judge of the other nine planets. Hence Saturn punishes real hard for people who are involved in unlawful activities, illegitimate or illicit activities. The planet Saturn does not tolerate injustice even to the smallest of extents.

Some vital information about Shani.

Though it’s quite a huge concept to get all of it at once, yet here’s some subtle explanation as to what are the pros and cons revolving around the Saturn Vimshottari Mahadasha that has been under your radar . The Saturn mahadasha has been known to run for 19 years, while Shani Sade, the sati runs for about seven and a half years. The planet Saturn is brought by the position of it in the birth chart. When debilitated, the Saturn Vishmottari Mahadasha could be both harmful combust and plagued by malefic realms. However, contrary to the most famous beliefs, Saturn does not always cause harm. The Saturn can work out wonders when it’s on its beneficial side of the show.

An introduction to Shani Dasha or Saturn Dasha.

The Shani Dasha can bring 19 years of pain, sorrow, agony, failure and agitation. You may experience ill-luck and maybe even grilled cause of negative influence of Saturn during its mahadasha. There’s no doubt in the fact that the administration period of Saturn could be extremely harmful. The influence becomes more strenuous when there’s an issue with the placement of Saturn is not in a favourable position in the birth chart. The planet Saturn can bring the harshest results during its major period. The results might differ in its antardasha period. The malefic antardasha of planets shall be more catastrophic as compared to benefic antardasha which can be moderate.

People with a bad Saturn mahadasha have to go through a lot of hardships and obstacles. The Shani mahadasha maybe at times deadly and can bring with itself health issues, both moveable and immovable property, homelessness, fraternal fights, deceits, disloyal friends, marital discord, robbery, burglary, litigation, enmity, enormous loans, legal punishment, divine punishment, losses and so on.

The positive outcome :

We have talked about the negative impact. But on the flip side, there’s a handful of a positive impact as well.  There can be 19 years of outstanding success, monetary profits, power and social status. Though not known to many, Saturn can also be incredibly benevolent and bring about phenomenal achievements in life. The planet Shani has the power to make you a fairly rich guy and push you to the pinnacle of success in no time.  Saturn is such a planet, who through his influence can either break or make lives.

Result of Saturn Mahadasha according to ascendant (Lagna).

The planet Saturn offers both results on both sides of the spectrum according to its position in the natal chart. The native can enjoy the good result but also should be open to experiencing some bad ones. If the planet Saturn has a bad house under his reign like 6th, 8th and 12th house but posited in the exaltation and own sign, then you will reap the good effect and result. The planet Saturn is the lord of the 10th house that rules the major events in one’s life like procuring a sought after career or job.