UPSC Prelims Facts – 17-18 March 2024

UPSC Prelims Facts

India’s first Oil Palm Processing Mill inaugurated under NMEO-OP.

  • NMEO-OP – Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2021 to promote oil palm cultivation and reduce import burden on edible oils.
  • Objectives –
    • Increase area of oil palm to 10 lakh hectares. 
    • Increase in Crude Palm Oil production to 11.20 lakh tonnes.
  • Distribution of Palm Oil – Around 90% of world’s oil palm trees are grown in Malaysia and Indonesia.
  • Used in – Food products, detergents, cosmetics and biofuel.
  • Production in India – Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala accounts for 98% of total production.

Ethanol 100 fuel was launched by the Petroleum Ministry. 

  • Ethanol 100 – It is a blend of 92 to 94 percent ethanol, 4 to 5 percent motor spirit to provide colour to flame and 1.5 percent Co-solvent higher saturated alcohol.
  • Significance –
    • A cleaner and greener alternative to gasoline
    • Its high-octane rating makes it suitable for high-performance engines, ensuring enhanced efficiency and power output.
    • Significant reductions in foreign exchange savings.

Ministry of Home Affairs has been ranked among 10 top ministries in GRAI during 2023-24.

  • Objective – To present organisation-wise comparative picture and provide valuable insights about strengths and areas of improvement regarding grievance redressal mechanism.
  • Designed by – Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
  • Dimensions covered – Efficiency, Feedback, Domain and Organisational Commitment.

Maharashtra cabinet decided to ask Ministry of Railways to rename Mumbai Central station after him.

  • Nana Jagannath Shankarseth – Social reformer, educationist, and philanthropist
  • Described as – Architect of Mumbai (then Bombay).
  • Contributions –
    • First Indian to be nominated to Legislative Council of Bombay.
    • Founder of Bombay Association (1852).
    • Founded Native School of Bombay which evolved into prestigious Elphinstone College.

IEPFA invites comments from stakeholders to simplify, expedite and streamline claims settlement process.

  • IEPFA – Established in 2016 under provisions of Section 125 of Companies Act, 2013
  • Works under – Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
  • Mandate – It is entrusted with responsibility of promoting Investor Education and administration of IEPF fund.

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