Off-Grid Prospects of Biofuel-Based Rural Electrification in India

Tapping non-conventional renewable energy resources for generation of electricity is the need of the hour, particularly in the developing countries. Renewable energy from photovoltaic, wind turbines and small hydroelectricity plants is eco-friendly and highly desirable for all countries. But, for the developing countries, such as, Sub-Sahara Africa where hardly 14.2% of rural electrification is available, these resources may prove a lifeline. Biofuels may be used as another safe resource for an off-grid electricity generation that covers about 60% of the requirement in Brazil. It may be a choice area for this purpose on small scales akin to the mini-grid system, particularly in the remote rural belts. It has been observed that Jatropha-derived fatty acid (de-esterified oil) is quite suitable for off-grid rural electrification in India. Bio-methanation of press cake (from Jatropha and other oilseeds) is another suitable material for harnessing off-grid electricity at a reduced level of environmental pollution. Several studies, Government reports, NGO projects and field studies show that the objective of rural electrification stands a bright prospect. It was found that there is a major gap in the available literature on the rural electrification through Jatropha cultivation. There is a lack of knowledge of how to make the best possible use of Jatropha for energy generation in India. This endeavor evaluates an Indian perspective of how biofuel-based off-grid electrification may brighten energy scenario, primarily in the rural habitats that comprise over 75% here. It has been also found that the costing of biodiesel is much cheaper than the petroleum-based diesel in near future.

Leisure Cards in England: An Unusual Combination of Commercial and Social Marketing?

The article examines how the mechanism of local Leisure Cards (LCs) operated by local authorities in England and Wales interestingly combine both commercial and social marketing functions. However, they could be much more potent in promoting sport in a sedentary and obesogenic society. Methods include national survey, case studies, and policy analysis. The article describes the quasicommercial marketing of the residents' tier of LCs, using loyalty devices, and the social marketing tier to attract deprived groups. It shows how tokenistic most card operations are, with few dedicated resources, and how the most effective cards carefully segment and target their markets; they offer a choice of sport, arts, and commercial activities, thereby attracting female and older users. The article argues that improved resources and clearer strategies could help usage of facilities and make a better contribution to very challenging government targets for increasing participation. It ponders the conundrum as to why social marketing has not been seen as useful in a field well used to commercial marketing. The article suggests that, unusually, LCs can combine commercial benefits to public leisure providers, and wider social benefits to frequently excluded groups. Although many cities offer tourists packages of discounts, and some social promotion program, there seems little or no research on their impact or efficacy in what is the most free-choice area of social life.