The Central Bank of India has recently employed the Swiss Challenge Method for the sale of its two non-performing assets (NPAs), collectively valued at Rs 251 crore. This unique method, often exercised in public project bids, initiates a competition process where an interested party first proposes a contract or a project bid.
How Does the Swiss Challenge Method Work?
Under the Swiss Challenge Method, after the initial proposal, the government publicizes the project details and calls for proposals from other interested parties. Upon receiving these additional bids, the initial proposer is granted a chance to match the best bid. If the original bidder fails to match this, the project is then awarded to the party offering the best bid.
Critical Success: Kakapo Parrot Breeding Season
Moving on from financial methods, there have been exciting developments in the world of conservation. The Kakapo Parrot, known scientifically as Strigops habroptila, and locally in New Zealand as the ‘night parrot’, is the heaviest parrot species in the world. These nocturnal, flightless birds are endemic to New Zealand and were believed to be extinct until some were rediscovered in 1970.
The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) has reported a significant success story for these critically endangered birds. The Kakapo has had its most successful breeding season this year, increasing their total adult population to 147. Research suggests that climate change could be altering these parrots’ breeding patterns.
| Kakapo Population Facts | |
|---|---|
| IUCN Status | Critically Endangered |
| CITES Appendix | 1 |
| Adult Population | 147 |
Power Surplus Status of India
Turning our attention towards energy, India possess an installed generation capacity of 344 GW, exceeding its peak demand of 170GW. Unfortunately, due to the lack of demand from distribution companies and transmission losses, there is a deficit during peak hours. As per data from 2018-19, against a demand of 177.02 GW, only 175.52 GW was available, indicating a deficit of 1.49 GW, or 0.8%. This restricts India’s status as a power surplus country.
Surplus power occurs when the electricity available with distribution companies exceeds the demand at any given time. A surplus could arise due to a decrease in the demand for power, for instance, during industrial slowdown. Conversely, it can result from an increase in the power supply, such as when a new generating station is added.
