Liquefied Petroleum Gas(LPG)
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a reduction of ₹100 in domestic LPG prices ahead of the Lok Sabha election, aiming to ease the financial burden on households, especially benefiting women. This is the second cut in prices in six months, with rates being slashed by ₹200 per cylinder in August. The Congress criticized the move, calling it an "election gimmick."
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
- Flammable hydrocarbon gas
- Consists of propane, butane, or a mixture of both
- Byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining
- Stored and transported under pressure as a liquid
- Vaporizes into a gas when released from its container
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
- Consists primarily of methane (typically over 90%)
- Extracted from underground natural gas reserves
- Stored and transported in high-pressure cylinders or tanks as a gas
- Remains in a gaseous state under pressure and must be compressed to fit into storage containers
Biogas
- Renewable energy source produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic materials
- Consists of methane (typically 50-70%), carbon dioxide, and small amounts of other gases like hydrogen sulfide and nitrogen
- Can be upgraded to biomethane, a purer form of methane, and injected into natural gas pipelines or used as vehicle fuel
Applications
- LPG: Heating, cooking, electricity generation
- CNG: Fuel for vehicles, particularly in buses, taxis, and fleet vehicles
- Biogas: Fuel for heating, cooking, hot water systems, vehicles, industrial applications
Practice Question – Prelims
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using codes given below the lists:
List-I (Fuel gases) List-II (Major constituents)
1. CNG -Carbon monoxide,Hydrogen
2. LPG - Butane, Propane
3. Coal gas -Methane, Ethane
4. Water-gas - Hydrogen, Methane, Carbon monoxide
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) A-ii, B-i, C-iii, D-iv
(b) A-ii, B-iv, C-iii, D-i
(c) A-iii, B-ii, C-iv, D-i
(d) A-iii, B-ii, C-i, D-iv
Importance of Gender Equality
Why in News?
Gender equality is crucial for sustainable energy development and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Women's participation in the energy sector faces barriers, leading to health risks and perpetuating energy poverty. Bridging this gap requires mainstreaming gender in energy policies and empowering women through initiatives like Women at the Forefront and Solar Mamas. Empowering women in the energy sector drives economic growth and environmental sustainability, fostering innovation and positive outcomes.
Practice Question – Mains GS – I
Discuss the role of gender equality in fostering sustainable development, with reference to its impact on socio-economic empowerment, environmental conservation, and inclusive policymaking?
Introduction
As per the UN Women, Gender Equality refers to the equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of women and men and girls and boys. It is considered both a human rights issue and a precondition for sustainable development.
Socio-economic empowerment
- Workforce Diversity: Gender equality enhances workforce diversity by ensuring equal opportunities.
- Entrepreneurship: Women engage in entrepreneurial activities when they have equal access to education and opportunities. Example: Kudumbashree initiative in Kerala.
- Poverty Alleviation: Gender-inclusive economic policies and initiatives can help break the cycle of poverty.
Impacts on environmental conservation
- Resource Management: Women-led water management committees in states like Rajasthan contribute to environmental conservation.
- Climate Resilience: Gender equality contributes to building climate-resilient communities. Example: "Mahila Mangal Dal" in Gujarat.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Women-led NGOs and community-based organizations play a crucial role in creating awareness. Examples: Chipko Movement and Vanastree Foundation.
Impacts on inclusive policymaking
- Representation in Decision-Making Bodies: Gender equality is reflected in local governance institutions like Panchayati Raj.
- Gender-Responsive Budgeting: Policies include budget allocations that address gender disparities.
- Legislation for Gender Equality: Laws promote gender equality and protect women's rights.
Conclusion
Recognizing and addressing gender disparities is not only a matter of justice but a strategic imperative for building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Brahmos Missile
Why in News?
The Indian Navy's new base on Minicoy Island, INS Jatayu, equipped with BrahMos missiles and radars, strengthens surveillance in the Arabian Sea. This enhances India's security amidst expanding Chinese naval presence. Karwar naval base upgrades further bolster naval capabilities.
Brahmos Missile
Long-range, nuclear-capable, supersonic cruise missile system capable of deployment from a variety of platforms including air, sea, and land. It can travel at speeds of up to Mach 3, making it one of the world’s fastest cruise missiles.
Characteristics
- Two-stage missile:
- 1st stage - Solid propellant booster engine.
- 2nd stage - Liquid ramjet stage.
- Operates on the "Fire & Forget" principle, ensuring it hits the designated target even without the launcher being in the line-of-sight of the target.
- Designed, developed, and produced by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture company set up by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India and Mashinostroyenia of Russia.
- Has a range of 290 kilometers, extended to 400 kilometers.
Special Features
- Ability to be integrated into multiple platforms.
- Low radar signature enhancing its stealth capabilities.
- Pinpoint accuracy ensuring assured destruction of the target.
Brahmos - II
Hypersonic cruise missile (HCM) designed to increase the offensive capabilities of the Indian Navy in the Indian Ocean region. Inspired by Russia's 3M22 Tsirkon anti-ship hypersonic cruise missile, it features advanced scramjet engine technology.
Characteristics
- Expected range of over 300 miles.
- Speeds of up to Mach 7.
- Launched from a variety of platforms including land, air, and sea.
Practice Question – Prelims
With reference to BrahMos missile systems, consider the following statements:
1. BrahMos is capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
2. It uses only liquid fuel-based engine for attaining high speeds.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
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