Science & Tech by Kumar Manish

The National Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC) has set the initial indicative targets for blending of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with aviation turbine fuel (ATF), potentially setting the ball rolling for introduction of compulsory blending mandates in the future. The decision is consistent with the required phase of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which will take effect in 2027. CORSIA, which applies to international flights, would mandate airlines worldwide to offset any increase in CO2 emissions above 2020 levels. SAF is derived from renewable resources such as agricultural waste, municipal solid waste, and forestry leftovers. This means that SAF has the potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% when compared to traditional jet fuel."

Cheetah Reintroduction Project The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh is set to become the second habitat for cheetahs in India, following the Kuno National Park,Madhya Pradesh.

The Smart Cities Mission : was launched on June 25, 2015 and was projected as one aimed at transforming the process of urban development in the country. Among its strategic components is 'area-based development, which includes city improvement (retrofitting), city renewal (redevelopment) and city extension (greenfield development), plus a pan-city initiative in which 'smart solutions' are applied covering larger parts of the city. Key focus areas of the scheme include construction of walkways, pedestrian crossings, cycling tracks, efficient waste-management systems, integrated traffic management and assessment.

Mains practice question How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it. (UPSC CSE 2023)