Prelims Focus – 19th March 2024

1.ETHANOL 100

Recent News:

The Petroleum Ministry has introduced a new type of automotive fuel called ‘ETHANOL 100’ at an IndianOil Retail Outlet.

Details about ETHANOL 100:

• Composition of ‘ETHANOL 100’: This fuel is a blend comprising 92-94% ethanol, 4-5% motor spirit (a type of gasoline), and 1.5% Co-solvent higher saturated alcohol. The high ethanol content is what primarily differentiates it from regular petrol.
• Environmental Benefits: With an estimated 63% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, ‘ETHANOL 100’ presents a significant improvement over traditional fossil fuels in terms of environmental impact. The use of ethanol, a biofuel, helps in lowering carbon emissions, thus contributing to the fight against climate change.
• Performance Aspect: The high-octane rating of ‘ETHANOL 100’ suggests that it is suitable for high-performance engines. Higher octane fuels can provide better engine efficiency and performance.
• Economic and Foreign Exchange Implications: By adopting ‘ETHANOL 100’, India can potentially reduce its dependency on imported fossil fuels, leading to significant savings in foreign exchange. This shift also supports the domestic agriculture sector, as ethanol is primarily produced from biomass and agricultural waste products.
• Challenges and Considerations: The widespread adoption of ‘ETHANOL 100’ would require modifications in vehicles to be compatible with higher ethanol blends. There might also be considerations regarding the availability and distribution of this fuel across the country.
  

2.Wolf Dog

Recent News:

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has asked state governments to stop issuing licences for breeding and selling dogs that are deemed dangerous to humans, including wolf dogs.

Details:

• The issue of wolf-dog hybrids in India is being discussed by the government, which is considering banning these animals. 
• The government claims that wolf dogs are dangerous, but experts are worried about the lack of information on breeding and the number of hybrid animals in the wild.

About Wolf Dog:

• Wolf-dogs are hybrids of domestic dogs and wolves like grey, eastern, red, or Ethiopian wolves. 
• Their traits and behaviours vary widely, depending on the mix of dog and wolf genetics. 
• Typically, they resemble wolves more, with thick coats, pointed ears, and straight tails. 
• Sizes vary based on the breeds involved. Wolf-dogs’ temperaments can range from docile, like domestic dogs, to showing strong wild wolf traits, making them unpredictable and challenging to train. 
• Ownership is often legally restricted or illegal due to their potential aggression and the need for specialised care, including ample space and mental stimulation. 
• Proper socialisation from a young age is crucial for them to be manageable pets, and they require owners experienced in canine behaviour.

3.ETHANOL 100

In News: The Ministry of Petroleum has recently launched ‘ETHANOL 100’, an automotive fuel, at the IndianOil Retail Outlet.

• • Ethanol 100 offers a cleaner, greener fuel choice with its blend of 92-94% ethanol, 4-5% motor spirit, and 1.5% Co-solvent higher saturated alcohol. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions with the aid of around 63% and is right for excessive-overall performance engines due to its high-octane rating. 

• Significance

• • With the release of ETHANOL a hundred at 183 IndianOil retailers, India is nearing its target of attaining 20% ethanol mixing by 2025-26. 
  • India’s Ethanol Blending Program will beautify farmer incomes and rural employment and also make contributions to environmental sustainability, with good sized discounts in CO2 emissions and forex savings.

4.India’s First Integrated Oil Palm Processing Unit

In News: India’s first integrated oil palm processing unit by 3F Oil Palm has recently started its commercial operations.

• • Situated in Arunachal Pradesh’s Roing, this undertaking aligns with Mission Palm Oil under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP).
  • It is an essential step in India’s journey toward self-reliance in edible oils.

• National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)

• • About: Centrally sponsored scheme launched in August 2021. Scheme gives financial subsidies to farmers for numerous activities related to oil palm cultivation.
    • Targets to grow oil palm to increase area of oil palm to 10 lakh hectares from 3.5 lakh ha during 2019-20 by 2025-26.  
    • Under NMEO-OP the price could be shared as 60:40 among the Central and the State Government for General states and 90:10 for NE states and UT.
  • Aim & Objectives: Increase India’s domestic production of edible oils by promoting the cultivation of oil palm timber, reduce dependence on imports and enhance farmers income and livelihood.

5.Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) 

In News: The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education conducted the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT), under the ULLAS Initiative.

• FLNAT is a national assessment test performed as a part of the ULLAS initiative.
• It aims to assess the foundational literacy and numeracy competencies of registered non-literate beginners aged 15 and above.
• The evaluation incorporates three subjects – Reading, Writing, and Numeracy – each wearing 50 marks, totalling 150 marks. This test is developed to evaluate the foundational literacy and numeracy skills of registered non-literate learners.

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