Environment and ecology
AI-Based Animal Warning System
▪ The Union government is planning to implement an AI-based early warning system across all railway lines passing through or near forests.
▪ The system aims to prevent wildlife deaths, including elephants, tigers, and other animals, caused by train collisions.
▪ The initiative is inspired by the successful AI system in Madukkarai, Tamil Nadu, which has enabled 2,800 safe elephant crossings with zero train collisions since February 2024.
▪ AI, radio collars, and satellite technology are being used to mitigate human-animal conflict.
▪ Gaj Gaurav Awards Presented To: Forest staff and mahouts from Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu for their contribution to elephant care and protection.
E20 Petrol
▪ A scheme to reduce environmental pollution and increase farmers’ income by mixing 20 percent ethanol extracted from sugarcane or corn with petrol.
▪ E20 fuel is the government’s initiative to mix 20% ethanol with petrol for use as fuel in vehicles. This program is part of India’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, promote biofuels, and reduce carbon emissions.
▪ E20 petrol fuel provides enhanced propulsion.
▪ Using E20 Petrol: E20 petrol gives about 30 percent lower carbon emissions than E10 petrol.
