Sustainable Aviation Fuel & ATF Blending
- Context: The government has permitted the mixing of ethanol and synthetic hydrocarbons with Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).
- ATF (jet fuel) is mainly derived from the refining of crude oil.
About Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
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- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is an alternative liquid fuel made from various feedstocks such as used oils and fats, municipal waste, and non-food crops.
- Can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel
Blending Limits
- SAF can be mixed with ATF in proportions typically ranging from 10% to 50%, depending on the source and production process
India’s Targets
India plans to
- Achieve 1% SAF blending in international flights by 2027
- Increase to 2% by 2028
- Reach 5% by 2030
- These targets align with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, led by the International Civil Aviation Organization
Current Facts
- Tamil Nadu Village Habitations Improvement (THAI) scheme, which was specifically targeted at marginalised clusters to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources.
Disabled-Friendly Prisons in India- Context: The Supreme Court of India has instructed the formation of a high-level committee to design a roadmap for making prisons accessible to persons with disabilities.
- Committee Details: Led by Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, the panel will broaden its scope to address accessibility, assistive facilities, and security needs of disabled inmates.
- Constitutional Rights: Prisoners with disabilities continue to enjoy protections under Article 14 and Article 21, ensuring equality and a life with dignity even while in custody.
- Legal Protection: Any denial of rights is punishable under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Key Issues Faced by Disabled Prisoners
- Lack of Reliable Data: India does not maintain official statistics on prisoners with disabilities, unlike global estimates (WHO: ~16% population; U.S. prisons: up to 38%).
- Human Rights Concerns: Incidents involving G. N. Saibaba and Stan Swamy highlight denial of essential aids, medical care, and basic dignity.
- Institutional Shortcomings: Key reform efforts such as the Model Prison Manual, Mulla Committee, and the Prison Act 2023 have largely overlooked disability inclusion, despite addressing other vulnerable groups.
- Gap between Law and Practice: Although legal safeguards exist, their implementation within prisons remains weak and inadequate.
- Inadequate Infrastructure & Care: Most prisons lack ramps, assistive devices, specialised healthcare, and mental health services, worsening the living conditions of disabled inmates.
