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What is API ?

 An API stands for Application Programming Interface . It’s a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. Here’s a simple breakdown: What it does: An API acts like a bridge between two systems, enabling them to exchange data or functionality without needing to know the internal details of each other. Example: When you use a weather app, it calls an API from a weather service to get the latest forecast. The app doesn’t need to know how the weather service works internally—it just uses the API. Types of APIs: Web APIs: Used for communication over the internet (e.g., REST, GraphQL). Library APIs: Functions provided by programming libraries. Operating System APIs: Allow apps to interact with the OS (e.g., Windows API). For better understanding >>> Think of an API like a restaurant menu : you see the dishes (functions) you can order, but you don’t need to know how they’re cooked in the kitchen. <...

What are the key reasons for backing down of Thermal Power Plants and its impacts ?

Some of the Key Reasons and its impacts on Backing Down the Thermal Power Plants in any country is as following:  Cost Efficiency Solar tariff (₹2.80/kWh) vs thermal (₹3.22–₹4.62/kWh). Average savings: ₹1.04/kWh during solar hours. Regulatory Compliance Fulfillment of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) targets. Supports state and central decarbonization goals. Merit Order Dispatch Prioritizing lowest-cost generation sources. Solar is “must-run,” displacing thermal during peak solar generation. Environmental Sustainability Reduction in carbon emissions. Positive ESG impact for utilities and state. Impacts of Backing Down TPPs Positive Financial Savings: Lower procurement cost for DISCOMs will create impact on the DISCOMs financials and reduce the tariffs Carbon Reduction: Supports climate commitments and also to meet the COP targets that are agreed by individual countries. Regulatory Alignment: Meets RPO and renewable integration targets as per t...

What are Standard Schedule Rates ?

This term Standard Schedule Rates is commonly used in power utilities and government contracts to refer to predefined rates for materials, equipment, or services as per an approved schedule. These rates act as a benchmark for pricing and comparison across different utilities or vendors.    SSR = Standard Schedule Rates Further,  FAD Price likely refers to the actual price in the Purchase Order (Final Agreed/Approved Price) Note: will go in details, further

What is MBED concept ?

  “MBED concept” , which likely refers to MBED (Model-Based Engineering and Design) or Arm Mbed , depending on the context. Here are the two common interpretations: 1. MBED in Embedded Systems (Arm Mbed) Arm Mbed is an open-source platform and operating system for IoT devices based on ARM microcontrollers. It provides: Mbed OS : A lightweight RTOS for embedded devices. Mbed Studio : An IDE for development. Libraries and APIs for networking, security, and device management. Goal: Simplify development of connected devices using C++ and cloud integration. 2. MBED as Model-Based Engineering and Design Model-Based Engineering (MBE) or Model-Based Design (MBD) is a methodology used in system and software development . Key idea: Use models (mathematical or graphical representations) to design, simulate, and validate systems before implementation. Benefits: Faster prototyping. Reduced errors. Easier testing and verification. Common in automotive, aerospac...

Key Global Taxes Explained: Carbon, Digital, Sin, and More

Here are some of the different taxes that are present apart from the regular taxes that we pay to the government in our respective countries: 1. Super-Rich Tax Definition: A tax targeting individuals with extremely high wealth or income, often through wealth taxes or additional income tax surcharges. Purpose: Reduce income and wealth inequality, raise revenue for social programs. Examples: France proposed a “Zucman tax” on billionaires. U.S. proposals include a Billionaires Income Tax Act and state-level wealth taxes. Key Point: Effective rates for the ultra-rich can exceed 45–60% when considering global taxes, though loopholes allow avoidance strategies like foundations and offshore accounts. [truthout.org] , [taxfoundation.org] , [trp.tax] 2. Pigouvian Tax Definition: A tax imposed on activities that create negative externalities (costs to society not borne by the producer/consumer). Purpose: Internalize social costs and correct market inefficiencies. Examples:...

What Are Carbon Markets and its outline ?

Here’s a complete A-to-Z guide on Carbon Markets, structured from basic concepts to advanced strategies and future trends: A. What Are Carbon Markets? Carbon markets are systems where carbon credits —representing one metric ton of CO₂ (or equivalent greenhouse gases) reduced or removed—are bought and sold . They aim to put a price on carbon emissions , incentivizing reductions and funding climate action. Why they exist: To help achieve global climate goals under frameworks like the Paris Agreement , which targets limiting warming to 1.5°C. [agecon.mgc...fe.uky.edu] B. Types of Carbon Markets Compliance Markets Mandatory systems regulated by governments. Examples: EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) California Cap-and-Trade China’s National ETS Operates via cap-and-trade or carbon tax mechanisms. [carboncx.io] Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCM) Optional participation by companies or individuals to meet ESG or net-zero goals. Credits issued under standards like Verra...

How Electricity Prices are Determined ?

  1. Core Components of Electricity Pricing Electricity prices reflect the full cost of delivering power , which includes: Generation Costs : Fuel (coal, gas, oil), renewable integration, carbon pricing, and plant operating costs. Transmission & Distribution (T&D) : Infrastructure maintenance, grid modernization, and loss recovery. Regulatory & Policy Costs : Taxes, subsidies, renewable obligations, and cross-subsidies. Retail Add-ons : Metering, billing, and customer service charges. [eia.gov] , [energy.con...lation.com] 2. Market Structures and Price Formation Regulated Markets : Prices set by regulators using cost-plus or performance-based tariffs . Deregulated Markets : Prices formed via wholesale bidding in power exchanges and bilateral contracts. Wholesale vs Retail : Wholesale prices depend on marginal cost of generation , fuel prices, and grid constraints. Retail prices include wholesale cost + T&D + taxes + fixed charges. [nyiso.com] , [callmepow...

What is Energy Transition?

 Here is the comprehensive overview on the energy transition took place in the energy and power sector and how it is inter-connected with the other commodities is as follows: 1. What is Energy Transition? Energy Transition refers to the global shift from fossil fuel-based energy systems (coal, oil, gas) to renewable and low-carbon sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and green hydrogen. It involves structural changes in production, distribution, and consumption of energy to achieve sustainability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and meet climate targets like those in the Paris Agreement . Key pillars include: Decarbonization : Reducing CO₂ emissions. Energy Efficiency : Optimizing consumption. Energy Access & Security : Reliable and equitable supply. Technological Innovation : Smart grids, storage, AI-driven optimization. [en.wikipedia.org] , [ibm.com] , [diversegy.com] 2. History of Energy Transition Energy transitions have occurred throughout human history: ...

Green Hydrogen Tenders in India as on 2025

 Here’s a comprehensive update on Green Hydrogen tenders in India as of 2025: ✅ 1. Overall Tender Landscape Total tenders in 2025 : 465 live tenders for green hydrogen projects across India, including production plants, transmission systems, and infrastructure development. (Source: TenderDetail ) ✅ 2. Key Government Initiatives National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) : Launched in Jan 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore. Target: 5 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) by 2030. Incentives under SIGHT Scheme : Mode-1 Tranche-I : 4.12 lakh tonnes/year awarded to 10 companies. Electrolyser manufacturing : 1,500 MW/year capacity awarded to 8 companies. Subsidy: ₹50/kg (Year 1), ₹40/kg (Year 2), ₹30/kg (Year 3). (Source: PIB ) [pib.gov.in] ✅ 3. Major Auctions & Winners Second Auction under SIGHT (Jan 2025) : Capacity: 450,000 tonnes/year . Winners: Reliance Green Hydrogen, L&T Energy, Waaree Clean Energy, AM Green , Oriana Power (lowest incentive ...

What is Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act and its guidelines ?

Here’s a comprehensive timeline and current status of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act and its guidelines , from inception to the latest updates: 1. Origin and Purpose Proposed: 2000 by Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha. Enacted: 2003; implemented from July 2004 . Objective: Ensure fiscal discipline and macro-economic stability . Reduce fiscal deficit , revenue deficit , and public debt . Enhance transparency in fiscal operations. Initial Targets: Eliminate revenue deficit by 2008–09. Reduce fiscal deficit to 3% of GDP by 2008–09. 2. Key Features of FRBM Act Mandates presentation of: Medium-Term Fiscal Policy Statement Macroeconomic Framework Statement Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement with Union Budget. Prohibits borrowing from RBI except under exceptional circumstances. Introduced escape clause for ...