1.Ethanol

Why in the news?

• The Centre has lifted restrictions on production of ethanol from sugarcane juice, b-heavy and c-heavy molasses for the next ethanol supply year that begins in November. 
• The Department of Food and Public Distribution and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas will review the diversion for ethanol periodically. 
• The department had restricted ethanol production since last December to ensure the domestic market had adequate supply of sugar.

About Ethanol:

• It is also known as ethyl alcohol.
• It is a biofuel produced from various sources such as sugarcane, corn, rice, wheat, and biomass. The production process involves the fermentation of sugars by yeasts or via petrochemical processes such as ethylene hydration.
• It is 99.9% pure alcohol that can be blended with petrol to create a cleaner fuel alternative.
• Apart from being a fuel additive, ethanol production yields valuable byproducts like Distillers' Dried Grain with Solubles, and Potash from Incineration Boiler Ash that find applications across various industries.
• Byproducts of Ethanol Production:
  • Distillers' Dried Grain with Solubles (DDGS):
    • It is a byproduct of grain-based ethanol production.
    • It is the residue left after the starch in grains is fermented and ethanol is extracted.
    • It is a valuable animal feed with high protein content and is used to supplement livestock diets.
  • Potash from Incineration Boiler Ash:
    • The ash remaining after Ethanol Production in the boiler contains up to 28% potash.
    • This ash is a rich source of potash and can be utilized as a fertilizer.
• Applications of Ethanol as Fuel:
  • It is used as a renewable and sustainable biofuel alternative to gasoline in the transportation sector.
  • It can be blended with petrol in various proportions, such as E10 (10% ethanol, 90% petrol) and E20 (20% ethanol, 80% petrol).
  • The Indian government has implemented the Ethanol Blending Programme to promote the use of ethanol as a renewable fuel. The program aims to blend ethanol with petrol to reduce the country's dependence on imported crude oil, cut carbon emissions, and boost farmers' incomes.
  • Its blending helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, contributing to cleaner air and mitigating climate change.

2.INS Arighat

Why in the news?

• India’s second nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighat, was commissioned into service at Visakhapatnam. 
• It joins the first such submarine, INS Arihant, which was commissioned in 2016.

About INS Arighat:

• It represents the second submarine of the Arihant class, following its predecessor, INS Arihant, which entered service in 2009. 
• It has been under construction since 2017 at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam.
• It is equipped to support and augment the capabilities of INS Arihant, contributing significantly to India’s underwater strategic deterrent.
• It boasts impressive specifications, combining stealth, firepower, and advanced technology to serve as a critical component of India’s underwater strategic deterrent.
• Key features include:
  • It displaces 6,000 tonnes and is 112 meters long.
  • It can achieve a maximum speed of 22–28 km/h on the surface and up to 44 km/h when submerged.
  • It is armed with up to four K-4 SLBMs (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles) with a range exceeding 3,500 km. or twelve K-15 SLBMs with a range of around 750 km. The K-15 missiles can be fitted with strategic nuclear warheads. Additionally, it is equipped with torpedoes.
  • It is powered by 83 MW pressurized water reactors, the submarine can remain submerged for extended periods, enhancing its stealth and operational flexibility.
  • It features advanced sonar systems, quiet propulsion, and state-of-the-art stealth technology, making it less detectable and more effective in carrying out its missions.
• Strategic Significance:
  • It enhances India’s strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific region. 
  • Its addition to the Indian Navy’s fleet provides a substantial boost to the country’s second-strike capability, forming a critical component of its nuclear triad. 
  • Its ability to carry a significant number of nuclear-capable missiles allows India to maintain a credible deterrent against potential adversaries.

3.Uttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers

Why in the news?

• A sudden downpour led to a flash flood in the Uttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers trekking route, sweeping away a concrete bridge over a stream and leaving 189 tourists stranded. 

About Uttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers:

• It is located in Chamoli in the state of Uttarakhand and is known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the variety of flora. 
• It lies completely in the temperate alpine zone. 
• It is nestled in the Pushpawati river valley which is in the upper expanses of Bhyundar Ganga river near Joshimath in Garhwal region. 
  • A small tributary of Pushpawati river originates from Tipra glacier from Gauri Parbat in the east and flows through the Valley of Flowers.
• It lies on the Zanskar range of the Himalayas with the highest point in the national park being Gauri Parbat at 6,719 m above sea level.
• It encompasses over 300 flower species indigenous to the Himalayas,like anemones, geraniums, blue poppies, and bluebells. These are accessible during the monsoon season from June to November.
  • The early signs of spring with blooming potentilla, wild rose, and primrose mark the beginning of the season as the snow starts to melt.
• It is home to rare animal species such as the grey langur, flying squirrel, Himalayan weasel, red fox, lime butterfly, snow leopard, Himalayan monal, Asiatic black bear, musk deer, brown bear and blue sheep. 
• Birds found in the park include Himalayan monal pheasant and other high-altitude birds.
• The Valley of Flowers National Park complements the rugged mountain wilderness of Nanda Devi National Park to the east. Together, they encompass a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalayas. Both parks are encompassed in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve which is further surrounded by a buffer zone.

4.SHeBox

Why in the news?

• The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched SHeBox, a centralised portal for registering and monitoring complaints of sexual harassment of women at the workplace. 
• It serves as a centralized repository of information related to Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) formed, encompassing both the government and private sectors. 
• It offers a common platform to file complaints, track their status, and ensure a time-bound processing of complaints by ICs. It also provides assured redressal of complaints and a streamlined process.

About SHe-box:

• It is an online complaint management system for registering complaints related to sexual harassment at workplace. 
• It was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. 
• The complaint management system has been developed to ensure the effective implementation of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (the SH Act), 2013.
• Once a complaint is submitted to the portal, it will be directly sent to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of the concerned Ministry/Department/PSU/Autonomous Body etc. having jurisdiction to inquire into the complaint. 
• Through this portal, WCD as well as complainant can monitor the progress of inquiry conducted by the ICC.
• Significance:
  • This portal is an initiative to provide a platform to women working or visiting any office of Central Government (Central Ministries, Departments, Public Sector Undertakings, Autonomous Bodies and Institutions etc.) to file complaints related to sexual harassment at workplace under the SH Act. 
  • Those who had already filed a written complaint with the concerned Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) constituted under the SH Act are also eligible to file their complaint through this portal. 
  • It is also an effort to provide speedier remedy to women facing sexual harassment at workplace as envisaged under the SH Act.

5.Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

Why in the news?

• India’s aviation safety regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) placed SpiceJet under enhanced surveillance on a day when the cash-strapped airline’s passengers were once again barred from checking in for their flights at the Dubai airport over delayed payments.

About Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA):

• It is a statutory body of the Government of India in the field of civil aviation primarily dealing with safety issues.
• It is an attached office of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• It is responsible for regulation of air transport services to/from/within India and for enforcement of civil air regulations, air safety and airworthiness standards.
• It also coordinates all regulatory functions with the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
• Its headquarters are located in New Delhi 
• Functions and Responsibilities of the DGCA:
  • It ensures the safety of passengers and crew members on all flights operating in India.
  • It conducts regular safety inspections of all airlines and aircraft to meet the required safety standards.
  • It also investigates any incidents or accidents that occur within the Indian airspace and takes appropriate action to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
  • It plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the Indian aviation industry. The organization works closely with airlines and airport operators to promote the industry’s growth and improve the overall travel experience for passengers.
  • It plays a crucial role in developing new airports and modernizing existing facilities to ensure that they can meet the growing demands of the aviation industry.
  • It is responsible for the regulation of air traffic in India. It works closely with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to ensure air traffic is managed safely and efficiently.
  • It plays a key role in developing new air traffic control systems and technologies to improve the overall efficiency of Indian airspace.
  • It is also responsible for issuing licenses and certificates to pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, and other aviation personnel.