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) 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:…
