*✍️India’s Transition to E25 Ethanol Blending*

*✍️ Why in News?*
♟️ The government is considering a graded transition from E20 to E25 petrol, while addressing concerns over vehicle compatibility, mileage and consumer readiness.

*✍️ Key Highlights*
♟️ Ethanol has a lower calorific value than petrol, leading to a drop in fuel economy, especially in older vehicles.
♟️ Due to its hygroscopic nature (absorbs moisture), higher ethanol blends may increase the risk of corrosion and affect engine components.
♟️ Higher blends offer benefits such as a higher octane number, lower emissions and reduced dependence on imported crude oil.

*✍️ Challenges*
♟️ Existing vehicles may require engine recalibration, material compatibility upgrades and fresh homologation for E25.
♟️ A rushed transition could impose higher costs on consumers and automobile manufacturers.

*✍️Way Forward*
♟️ Adopt a phased transition, strengthen BIS standards, promote flex-fuel vehicles, and ensure adequate stakeholder consultations before nationwide rollout.

*#UPSC #UPSCmains*
*#Economy* *#Environment*

*✍️RudraM-II Air-to-Surface Missile Successfully Flight-Tested*

*✍️ Why in Focus*
♟️ DRDO and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted flight-tests of the indigenous RudraM-II Air-to-Surface Missile, demonstrating its precision strike capability against ground targets.

*✍️ Key Highlights*
♟️ RudraM-II is an indigenously developed Air-to-Surface missile designed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, under DRDO.
♟️ The missile was tested from an airborne platform under extreme release conditions and successfully hit its predefined target with pin-point accuracy.
♟️ All mission objectives were achieved, as confirmed by data from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
♟️ Developed through collaboration among multiple DRDO laboratories, HAL, quality assurance agencies, and industry partners.
♟️ The successful test reflects India’s progress in advanced indigenous weapon systems and supports the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence.

*✍️ Significance*
♟️ Enhances the IAF’s capability to carry out precision strikes against high-value ground targets.
♟️ Strengthens India’s indigenous missile development ecosystem and strategic deterrence.
♟️ Reduces dependence on imported stand-off precision-guided munitions.

*✍️ Prelims Pointer*
♟️ DRDO Headquarters: New Delhi
♟️ Research Centre Imarat (RCI): Hyderabad
♟️ Integrated Test Range (ITR): Chandipur, Odisha.

*#UPSC #UPSCmains #UPSCNotes #ScienceandTechnology*