1.Quantum Nonlocality

New study demonstrated that a universal standard for measuring quantum nonlocality is impossible.

Quantum nonlocality describes a strange connection between distant physical objects, one that doesn’t allow for faster-than-light communication.
- It describes a situation where particles that are entangled can influence each other instantaneously, regardless of the distance separating them.
- This phenomenon appears to violate the classical idea that information or influence cannot travel faster than the speed of light.
The new research broadens the potential applications of quantum non-local correlations, which are already used in secure communication, random number generation, and cryptographic key creation.
This discovery adds a new layer to the understanding of quantum mechanics, highlighting the complexity and uniqueness of quantum nonlocality as a valuable and diverse resource.

2.Orangutan

Malaysia has proposed that importers of Malaysian palm oil will be offered to “sponsor” one or more orangutans and the funds will be used for their conservation within Malaysia.

In its earlier move, Malaysia intends to gift orangutans to palm oil-purchasing countries as part of an initiative similar to China’s panda diplomacy.
However it was severely criticized by the animal welfare groups of Malaysia.

Characteristics: Orangutans are the largest arboreal mammal, spending most of their time in trees.
There are three species of Orangutan – the Bornean, Sumatran and Tapanuli – which differ a little in appearance and behavior.
Eating habitats : Orangutans mainly eat fruits, such as mangoes, lychees and figs, but they also feed on young leaves, flowers, insects, and even small mammals.
Habitat and Distribution: They can occur up to 1,500m above sea level, most are found in lowland areas and prefer forests in river valleys or floodplains.
- These great apes are only found in the wild on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
IUCN status: All three orangutan species are critically endangered.

Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) asked the Haryana government not to declare the results of its ongoing recruitment drive in the State till the completion of the Assembly polls.

It is like the rulebook for political parties and candidates during elections in India. It’s a set of guidelines published by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The MCC came into action as soon as the EC announced the election schedule.
It isn’t a statutory document enforceable by Parliament-made laws.
However, some actions listed in the MCC are also considered “electoral offences” and “corrupt practices” under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Election Campaign and Polling Behavior: It sets standards for how political parties and candidates should conduct themselves during election campaigns and polling.
Complaint Mechanism: It explains how parties can lodge complaints with EC observers in case of disputes.
Ministers in Power: When the MCC is in force, it even tells ministers from ruling parties how to behave.
Election Manifestos: Parties shouldn’t promise things that go against the ideals of our Constitution.

India is on its way to achieve its target of blending 20% of petrol with ethanol by 2025-26.

20% by 2025-26 would mean producing some 1,000 crore litres of ethanol for blending with petrol.
Taking stock in December 2023, India’s ethanol production capacity had already increased to 1,380 crore litres — some 875 crore litres capacity from sugarcane and 505 crore from foodgrains.
- This means the targeted total ethanol capacity is nearly achieved although with a greater sugarcane-based component.
Government policy is that maize as well as surplus rice and damaged grains will be used to feed grain-based distilleries.

Ethanol, an anhydrous ethyl alcohol having chemical formula of C2H5OH, can be produced from sugarcane, maize, wheat, etc which are having high starch content.
In India, ethanol is mainly produced from sugarcane molasses by fermentation process.
It can be mixed with gasoline to form different blends.

Ethanol blending refers to the practice of mixing ethanol with gasoline to create a fuel mixture that can be used in internal combustion engines.
There are a few common blends:
- E10: This is a mixture of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. It is the most common blend and is used widely in many countries.
- E15: This blend contains 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline.
- E85: This is a high-ethanol blend, consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It’s used in flex-fuel vehicles designed to run on higher ethanol content.
Significance: As the ethanol molecule contains oxygen, it allows the engine to more completely combust the fuel, resulting in fewer emissions and thereby reducing the occurrence of environmental pollution.
- Since ethanol is produced from plants that harness the power of the sun, ethanol is also considered as renewable fuel.

The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme was launched in 2003.
- The programme sought to promote the use of alternative and environment friendly fuels and to reduce import dependency for energy requirements.
Objectives
- Reduce Import Dependence: India aims to decrease its reliance on imported crude oil, thereby improving energy security.
- Environmental Benefits: Ethanol is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to gasoline, which helps in reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Support for Farmers: The program supports the agricultural sector by providing a market for ethanol, which is often derived from sugarcane, corn, or other crop.

Key Components
- Blending Targets: India has set specific targets for ethanol blending. For instance, the National Policy on Biofuels (2018) outlines a target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025.
- Phased Implementation: The blending targets are being rolled out in phases. Initially, the focus was on achieving a 10% ethanol blend (E10) by 2022, and the program is gradually moving towards higher blends like E20.
- Infrastructure Development: The government has been investing in the infrastructure necessary for ethanol production, storage, and distribution, including establishing more ethanol production facilities and blending units.
- Incentives and Support: Various financial incentives and support mechanisms are provided to encourage ethanol production and blending. This includes subsidies for ethanol producers and incentives for upgrading infrastructure.

Infrastructure: Developing the necessary infrastructure for large-scale ethanol production and blending can be complex and costly.
Feedstock Availability: Ensuring a steady and adequate supply of raw materials for ethanol production, such as sugarcane, can be challenging, especially in the face of changing agricultural conditions and market fluctuations.
Consumer Acceptance: Educating consumers and ensuring that vehicles can run efficiently on higher ethanol blends are also important for the program’s success.

India’s Ethanol Blending Program is a significant step towards a more sustainable and self-reliant energy future, aligning with broader goals of environmental protection and energy independence.