Daily Current Affairs : 11-August-2023

In recent years, the global emphasis on renewable energy sources has led nations to explore innovative solutions that not only address environmental concerns but also reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In this context, India has taken a significant step towards sustainable energy production through the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana. This scheme aims to revolutionize the bioethanol sector, thereby contributing to a greener future and enhanced energy security.

Understanding Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan – Vatavaran Anukool Fasal Awashesh Nivaran) Yojana is a comprehensive initiative introduced by the Indian Government to promote the production of bioethanol. This initiative seeks to provide financial support for the establishment of Second Generation (2G) ethanol projects across the nation, specifically utilizing lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstock. The scheme has been allocated a total financial outlay of Rs. 1969.50 crore for the period spanning from 2018-19 to 2023-24.

Objectives of the Scheme

The primary objectives of the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana are two-fold:

  1. Promotion of 2G Bioethanol Projects: The scheme envisions the setup of 12 Commercial scale Second Generation (2G) bioethanol projects and an additional 10 demonstration scale 2G bioethanol projects. These projects are designed to utilize non-food biomass feedstocks and other renewable feedstocks, aligning with the ethos of sustainable resource utilization.
  2. Enhancing Ethanol Availability: A pivotal goal of the scheme is to bolster the availability of ethanol in the country. This augmentation in ethanol availability directly contributes to the Ethanol Blending Petrol Programme, which aims to reduce the reliance on imported fossil fuels, thus improving energy security.
Implementation Strategy

The Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana is strategically implemented in two distinct phases:

Phase-I (2018-19 to 2022-23):

  • Six commercial scale 2G ethanol projects
  • Five demonstration scale 2G ethanol projects

Phase-II (2020-21 to 2023-24):

  • Remaining six commercial scale 2G ethanol projects
  • Five demonstration scale 2G ethanol projects

Interested project developers keen on harnessing the benefits of the scheme are required to submit their proposals for evaluation by the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoP&NG). This step ensures that the proposed projects align with the scheme’s objectives and contribute positively to the nation’s sustainable energy goals.

Important Points:

  • Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana: Government initiative for bioethanol production
  • Aim: Support Second Generation (2G) ethanol projects using renewable feedstock
  • Financial outlay: Rs. 1969.50 crore for 2018-19 to 2023-24
  • Objectives:
    • 12 Commercial scale 2G Bioethanol projects
    • 10 demonstration scale 2G Bioethanol projects
  • Focus: Utilize non-food biomass and renewable feedstocks
  • Ethanol availability enhancement for Ethanol Blending Petrol Programme
  • Phases of Implementation:
    • Phase-I (2018-19 to 2022-23):
      • Six commercial scale 2G ethanol projects
      • Five demonstration scale 2G ethanol projects
    • Phase-II (2020-21 to 2023-24):
      • Remaining six commercial scale 2G ethanol projects
      • Five demonstration scale 2G ethanol projects
  • Proposal Evaluation: Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) review by MoP&NG
  • Contribution: Sustainable energy, reduced fossil fuel dependency, greener future
Why In News

Under the ambitious Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, several innovative bioethanol projects are being undertaken. These projects not only contribute to sustainable energy production but also align with the government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly solutions.

MCQs about Fostering Sustainable Energy through Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana

  1. What is the primary goal of the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana?
    A. Promoting the use of imported fossil fuels for energy production.
    B. Establishing First Generation (1G) ethanol projects across India.
    C. Enhancing the availability of bioethanol and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
    D. Supporting non-renewable feedstock utilization in energy projects.
    Correct Answer: C. Enhancing the availability of bioethanol and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
    Explanation: The Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana aims to bolster the availability of ethanol in India by promoting the production of bioethanol from renewable feedstocks, which aligns with the goal of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving energy security.
  2. What is the focus of the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana’s implementation strategy in Phase-II (2020-21 to 2023-24)?
    A. Implementing large-scale 1G ethanol projects.
    B. Establishing demonstration-scale wind energy projects.
    C. Promoting solar energy production in rural areas.
    D. Completing the remaining commercial and demonstration scale 2G ethanol projects.
    Correct Answer: D. Completing the remaining commercial and demonstration scale 2G ethanol projects.
    Explanation: In Phase-II of the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, the focus is on completing the remaining six commercial scale 2G ethanol projects and five demonstration scale 2G ethanol projects.
  3. Which feedstocks are targeted for use in the Second Generation (2G) bioethanol projects under the scheme?
    A. Food crops and grains.
    B. Non-food biomass and other renewable feedstocks.
    C. Imported fossil fuels.
    D. Conventional sources of energy.
    Correct Answer: B. Non-food biomass and other renewable feedstocks.
    Explanation: The Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana aims to promote the production of bioethanol using non-food biomass and other renewable feedstocks, thus aligning with sustainable resource utilization goals.
  4. How does the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana contribute to India’s energy security?
    A. By encouraging the use of imported fossil fuels.
    B. By increasing the reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
    C. By promoting the availability of bioethanol and reducing fossil fuel dependence.
    D. By focusing solely on wind and solar energy projects.
    Correct Answer: C. By promoting the availability of bioethanol and reducing fossil fuel dependence.
    Explanation: The scheme aims to enhance the availability of bioethanol, which directly contributes to the Ethanol Blending Petrol Programme, reducing the reliance on imported fossil fuels and improving energy security in India.

Boost up your confidence by appearing ourĀ Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading