Madhya Pradesh State PCS

• 23 Mar 2024

India’s First SSLNG Plant in Madhya Pradesh

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas dedicated to the nation India’s first small-scale liquefied natural gas (SSLNG) unit at GAIL (India) Ltd’s in Vijaipur, Madhya Pradesh.

Key Points

• The government aims to increase the share of natural gas in its primary energy mix to 15% by 2030 from a little more than 6% at present.
  • This is because natural gas is far less polluting than conventional hydrocarbons like coal and oil; it is also cheaper than oil, more than 85% of India’s requirement for which is met through costly imports.
  • Natural gas is seen as a key transition fuel in India’s journey towards green energy and future fuels.
• However, a major challenge in scaling up gas consumption lies in the transportation of gas to places that are not connected by the country’s natural gas pipeline grid.
• Small-Scale Liquefied Natural Gas (SSLNG):
  • It refers to the liquefaction of natural gas and its transportation using unconventional means in a significantly smaller-scale operation than the usual large-scale liquefaction, regasification, and transportation infrastructure and processes.
  • The SSLNG chain can start from a large-scale LNG import terminal from where the LNG, instead of being regasified and supplied through pipelines, can be transported to consumers by cryogenic road tankers or small vessels.
  • The chain can also start at locations with ample natural gas supply or production, where small liquefaction plants can be set up.
    • The SSLNG unit at Vijaipur, which is GAIL’s largest gas processing facility, is an example of the latter kind of location.

Justice Satyendra Kumar Singh Sworn in as New Lokayukta of Madhya Pradesh

Why in News?

Recently, Justice Satyendra Kumar Singh was appointed as the new Lokayukta (anti-corruption ombudsman) of Madhya Pradesh.

Key Points

• He took the oath of office in the ceremony administered by Governor Mangubhai Patel at Raj Bhavan.

Lokayukta

• The Lokayukta is the Indian Parliamentary Ombudsman, executed into power, through and for, each of the State Governments of India.
• It is an anti-corruption authority. The object of the Lokayukta system in a state is to investigate grievances, allegations against public servants.
• The origin of the Lokayukta can be drawn to the Ombudsman in Scandinavian countries.
• In India, the Administrative Reforms Commission, (1966-70), had recommended the creation of the Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayukta in the states.
• Before the passing of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act in 2013, several states in India passed laws for creating the Institution of 'Lokayukta'.
  • Maharashtra was first in this respect with its Lokayukta body established in 1971.