Is Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) petrol-based or kerosene-based?

Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), also known as jet fuel, is a specialised high-quality kerosene-based fuel refined specifically to power aircraft gas turbine engines. It is not petrol-based. ATF prices are influenced by global crude oil trends and geopolitical developments.

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and how is it produced?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a biofuel produced from sustainable feedstocks such as agricultural waste, used cooking oil, and other biomass sources. SAF has similar chemical properties to conventional Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) but significantly reduces lifecycle carbon emissions. Under the CORSIA framework, countries including India have set blending targets beginning 2027, starting with 1% blending and increasing thereafter.

How are Special Economic Zones (SEZs) administered in India?

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India operate under a three-tier administrative structure. The Board of Approval, headed by the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, is the apex body. At the zone level, the Approval Committee, chaired by the Development Commissioner, approves units and oversees operations. State governments also support SEZs by offering additional incentives such as subsidised land and tax waivers.

Who monitors the performance of SEZ units in India?

The performance of SEZ units is periodically monitored by the Approval Committee at the zone level, not by the Ministry of Finance. Units are liable for penal action under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act in case of violations.

Does coal dominate India’s power generation mix?

Yes, coal-based power plants dominate India’s electricity generation mix, contributing over 70% of total electricity generation. Gas-based power contributes only around 1–2%. Coal remains critical for meeting peak summer demand, especially during heatwaves.

Is gas-based power generation cheaper than coal and renewable energy in India?

No, power generated from gas-based units is generally more expensive than coal and renewable energy. However, gas plants are used for peak demand management due to their operational flexibility.

What are Ways and Means Advances (WMA)?

Ways and Means Advances (WMA) are short-term interest-bearing advances provided by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to the Central and State Governments to manage temporary mismatches between receipts and payments. WMAs are not permanent deficit financing mechanisms.

How many households availed MGNREGS in 2025–26?

In the fiscal year 2025–26, approximately 5.32 crore households availed benefits under MGNREGS. This represented an 8% decline compared to 5.78 crore households in the previous fiscal year. The data excluded West Bengal, where no work was undertaken under the scheme.

Is the MGNREGS being replaced in India?

The government has proposed replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) with the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (GRAMIN). Official announcements and implementation details continue to evolve.

Daily UPSC Prelims MCQs - Economy - 6th April 2026

Devesh
2 days ago
1 min read

Test your UPSC CSE 2026 preparation with today’s Economy (Every Monday) Quiz — covering aviation fuel, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), power generation, Ways and Means Advances (WMA), MGNREGS in the 2025–26 and more.

Previous UPSC Economy Quiz

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Daily UPSC Prelims MCQs - Economy - 6th April 2026

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