Important Facts For Prelims
India Energy Week
- 13 Feb 2023
- 5 min read
Why in News?
On February 6th, 2023, Indian Prime Minister (PM) inaugurated the India Energy Week (IEW) 2023 in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- The PM also launched E20 fuel at 84 Retail Outlets of Oil Marketing Companies in 11 States/UTs and flagged off the Green Mobility Rally organised by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)
What is the E-20 Ethanol Fuel and Green Mobility Rally?
- E-20 Ethanol Fuel:
- About:
- Ethanol Blending programme has been a key focus area of the Government to achieve Atma Nirbharta in the field of energy.
- E20 is a blend of 20% ethanol with petrol. The Government aims to achieve a complete 20% blending of ethanol by 2025, and HPCL and other oil marketing companies are setting up 2G-3G ethanol plants that will facilitate the progress.
- Achievement So Far:
- Due to the sustained efforts of the Government, Ethanol production capacity has seen six times increase since 2013-14.
- The achievements under Ethanol Blending Program & Biofuels Program have not only augmented India’s energy security but have also resulted in a host of other benefits including reduction of 318 Lakh Metric Tonnes of CO2 emissions and foreign exchange savings of around Rs 54,000 crore.
- About:
- Green Mobility Rally:
- The Green Mobility Rally's purpose was to raise public awareness for green fuels.
- Green mobility refers to the use of environmentally-friendly and sustainable transportation options to reduce carbon emissions and preserve natural resources.
- With proper policy support, industry action, market generation, increased investor interest and acceptance, India can position itself as a low-cost, zero-carbon manufacturing hub in green mobility, at the same time fulfilling its goal of economic development, job creation, and improved public health.
- Other Initiatives:
- The PM also launched the uniforms under the ‘Unbottled’ initiative of Indian Oil. These uniforms are made of recycled PET bottles.
- The PM also dedicated the twin-cooktop model of the Indian Oil’s Indoor Solar Cooking System and flagged off its commercial roll-out.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q1. In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements: (2019)
- The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions.
- H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
- Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.
- H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (b)
Q2. Given below are the names of four energy crops. Which one of them can be cultivated for ethanol? (2010)
(a) Jatropha
(b) Maize
(c) Pongamia
(d) Sunflower
Ans: (b)
Q3. According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels? (2020)
- Cassava
- Damaged wheat grains
- Groundnut seeds
- Horse gram
- Rotten potatoes
- Sugar beet
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only
(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q. National urban transport policy emphasises on moving people instead of moving vehicles. Discuss critically the success of various strategies of the government in this regard. (2014)