PIB Summaries 13 August 2025

Content:

1. Documenting India’s Endangered Languages
2. Response to Concerns on 20% Ethanol Blending in Petrol and Beyond

Documenting India’s Endangered Languages

Context and Importance of Endangered Languages

• India is home to immense linguistic diversity, with 2,843 mother tongues recorded in the 2011 Census.
• Languages with fewer than 10,000 speakers are considered endangered; SPPEL currently identifies 117 such languages.
• Endangered languages are not just linguistic assets—they carry culture, oral traditions, ecological knowledge, rituals, and identity of communities.
• Example: Toda language (proto-South-Dravidian, Nilgiri Hills) connects the Toda tribe to their sacred landscape and ancestral knowledge.

Relevance : GS 1(Society ,Culture , Heritage)

Historical Background

• First systematic survey: George Abraham Grierson’s Linguistic Survey of India (1894–1928).
  • Documented 179 languages and 544 dialects across British India.
  • Laid the groundwork for understanding India’s linguistic diversity.
• Subsequent censuses expanded language mapping:
  • 1961 Census: 1,652 mother tongues.
  • 2011 Census: 2,843 mother tongues, of which 1,369 recognized, 1,474 unclassified.
• SPPEL builds upon this historical foundation to preserve languages that are under-documented or critically endangered.

Endangered Language Preservation in India

SPPEL (Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages)

• Implemented by Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, under the Ministry of Education.
• Objectives:
  • Document grammar, vocabulary, oral traditions.
  • Create audio-visual archives, pictorial glossaries, bi-/tri-lingual dictionaries.
  • Digitally archive materials for worldwide access.
  • Produce primers and educational material to promote early literacy in tribal languages.
• Current Status:
  • 117 endangered languages documented.
  • Target: Document ~500 lesser-known languages.

Other Government Initiatives

• National Education Policy 2020: Promotes multilingual studies and the three-language formula.
• Ministry of Tribal Affairs: Funding AI-based language preservation (TRI-ECE scheme).
• Ministry of Culture & allied organizations: Promote tribal arts, oral traditions, manuscripts, festivals, and literature festivals (e.g., UNMESHA).

Global Perspective

• UNESCO identifies ~50% of 7,000 global languages as endangered.
• 2022–2032 declared as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.
• International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (August 9) highlights rights, culture, and preservation.

AI and Indigenous Knowledge

• AI poses both opportunities and risks:
  • Risks: Exploitation of indigenous knowledge without consent, perpetuating colonial patterns.
  • Opportunities: Language revitalization, translation tools, ecological conservation.
• Examples:
  • Polynesian communities using AI for reef conservation.
  • Māori language revitalization in New Zealand.
  • India: TRI-ECE scheme developing AI translation tools for tribal languages (Bhashini, BITS Pilani, IITs).

Linguistic Diversity in India

By Zone

• Northern: 25 languages (Spiti, Jad, Gahri)
• Northeast: 43 languages (Aimol, Tangam, Sherdukpen)
• East-Central: 15 languages (Bhunjia, Bondo, Toto)
• West-Central: 5 languages (Nihali, Baradi, Bhala)
• Southern: 20 languages (Toda, Soliga, JenuKurumba)
• Andaman & Nicobar: 9 languages (Sentinelese, Onge, Shompen)

By Language Family

• Indo-European: 24 languages; 76.89% population
• Dravidian: 17 languages; 20.82% population
• Austro-Asiatic: 14 languages; 1.11% population
• Tibeto-Burmese: 66 languages; 1% population
• Semito-Hamitic: 1 language; 0.01% population
• Tribal languages distribution:
  • Tibeto-Burman (North/Northeast), Austro-Asiatic (Central/East), Dravidian (South), Indo-European (Elsewhere)

Multilingualism and Cultural Continuity

• India exhibits multilingualism:
  • Monolinguals: 89.59 crore
  • Bilinguals: 22.90 crore
  • Trilinguals: 8.60 crore (2011 Census)
• Dominated by major languages: Hindi, Bengali, Marathi.
• Endangered tribal languages face pressure from dominant languages, making preservation efforts essential.
• SPPEL and Ministry of Tribal Affairs promote trilingual/bilingual primers to maintain heritage while enabling education in dominant languages.

Documentation Process (SPPEL Model)

1. Recording Phase: Capture words, sentences, songs, stories.
2. Transcription & Analysis: Convert oral data to written form; analyze grammar and phonetics.
3. Grammar Construction: Systematic documentation of syntax, sentence formation.
4. Cultural Documentation: Rituals, festivals, livelihood practices, sacred traditions.
5. Digital Archiving: Metadata creation, digital repositories for global access.
6. Revitalization: Community-driven primers, educational materials for children.

Technological Support:

• High-end audio/video recording, linguistic software, digital repositories (e.g., Sanchika portal launched July 2025).
• Example of cultural documentation: “Panuha Not: The Pig Festival Chowra” (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).

Challenges in Language Preservation

• Declining number of native speakers, especially elders.
• Dominance of major languages in education and media reduces intergenerational transmission.
• Lack of native script (e.g., Toda language), requiring transliteration and creation of primers.
• Resource constraints in remote and tribal areas.
• Need for ethical AI deployment respecting consent and indigenous intellectual property.

Socio-Cultural Implications

• Loss of language = loss of oral history, rituals, ecological knowledge, worldview.
• Preserving languages supports human rights, cultural identity, cognitive diversity, and sustainable practices.
• Language preservation strengthens intergenerational continuity and community engagement with modern education while retaining cultural roots.

Key Takeaways

• India has a rich but fragile linguistic ecosystem, with urgent need for protection and revitalization.
• SPPEL provides a structured, technology-driven framework for documenting endangered languages.
• AI is a double-edged tool: can empower preservation but risks exploitation.
• Multilingualism initiatives, documentation, cultural mapping, and literacy programs are essential for sustainable preservation.
• Global and national efforts are converging to ensure that indigenous languages survive and thrive for future generations.

Response to Concerns on 20% Ethanol Blending in Petrol and Beyond

Context and Policy Background

• Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP): National initiative to blend ethanol with petrol to reduce dependency on crude oil and promote cleaner fuels.
• India’s energy transition aligns with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Net Zero by 2070 target.
• Biofuels and natural gas act as bridge fuels—non-disruptive transition options supporting climate and energy goals.
• Ethanol blending aims to:
  • Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
  • Promote energy security by reducing crude imports.
  • Boost rural economy and farmer incomes.

Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)

Environmental and Socio-Economic Benefits

• GHG Emission Reduction:
  • Sugarcane-based ethanol: 65% lower emissions than petrol.
  • Maize-based ethanol: 50% lower emissions than petrol (NITI Aayog study).
• CO₂ Reduction: E-20 adoption saves approx. 736 lakh tonnes CO₂, equivalent to planting 30 crore trees.
• Energy Security:
  • Crude oil substitution of ~245 lakh metric tonnes since 2014-15.
  • Foreign exchange savings: Rs. 1,44,087 crore (2014-15 to 2024-25).
  • Expected 2025-26 savings at 20% blending: Rs. 43,000 crore.
• Farmer Welfare:
  • Increased income for sugarcane and maize farmers.
  • Contributed to reducing farmer distress and suicides (e.g., Vidarbha region).
  • Farmers become “Urjadaatas” (energy contributors) in addition to “Annadatas” (food providers).

Technical Advantages of E-20

• Fuel Performance:
  • Higher octane (~108.5 vs petrol 84.4) → improved anti-knocking, better acceleration.
  • Higher heat of vaporization → reduces intake manifold temperature, increases air-fuel mixture density, boosting volumetric efficiency.
• Pollution Reduction:
  • Carbon emissions reduced by ~30% compared to E-10.
• Fuel Standards:
  • Regular petrol RON increased from 88 → 91 (BS-VI) → 95 with E-20.
• Vehicle Compatibility:
  • Some vehicles manufactured post-2009 already E-20 compatible.
  • Minimal efficiency drop in E-10 vehicles; negligible in E-20-compatible vehicles.

Addressing Concerns

• Mileage and Performance:
  • Influenced by multiple factors: driving habits, maintenance, tyre pressure, AC load.
  • Claims of “drastic efficiency drop” are misplaced.
• Vehicle Life:
  • Older vehicles may need occasional replacement of rubber parts/gaskets, inexpensive and routine during servicing.
• Insurance:
  • E-20 use does not invalidate vehicle insurance; misinformation on social media clarified by insurers.
• Price Concerns:
  • Ethanol price has risen over years:
    • C-heavy molasses ethanol: Rs. 46.66 → Rs. 57.97 (ESY 2021-22 to 2024-25).
    • Maize ethanol: Rs. 52.92 → Rs. 71.86 over same period.
  • Blended fuel pricing reflects cost realities; programme maintained despite ethanol being costlier than petrol.

Global Benchmarking

• Brazil: Successfully uses E27 for years without issues.
  • Vehicle manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, Hyundai produce vehicles compatible in both countries.
• Standards: BIS and Automotive Industry Standards ensure drivability, startability, metal/plastic compatibility.

Strategic and Policy Insights

• Gradual Implementation:
  • E-20 roadmap laid out in 2021 IMC report, giving time for vehicle technology and supply chain adjustments.
  • Government commitment to E-20 until 31 Oct 2026.
  • Decisions beyond E-20 pending IMC recommendations and stakeholder consultations.
• Energy Transition Philosophy:
  • Avoid reverting to E-0 petrol to prevent loss of pollution reduction and energy security gains.
• Integrated Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Collaboration with vehicle manufacturers, OMCs, ethanol producers, R&D agencies ensures smooth transition.

Economic Impact

• Direct benefit to farmers through procurement of ethanol.
• Reduction in foreign crude dependency translates into massive forex savings.
• Supports rural employment and maize/sugarcane cultivation viability.
• Reinforces India’s energy self-reliance and local value addition.

Communication and Public Perception

• Government actively debunks misinformation:
  • Efficiency, insurance, and cost concerns addressed with data.
  • Social media fear-mongering corrected via official clarifications.
• OEMs engage with consumers to provide support for vehicle tuning or parts replacement.

Summary: Key Takeaways

• E-20 is safe, environmentally beneficial, and economically advantageous.
• Supports climate targets, farmer incomes, and energy security.
• Performance and mileage concerns are largely unfounded; proper maintenance ensures optimal vehicle life.
• Global precedents and vehicle standards reinforce technical feasibility.
• Government maintains a carefully calibrated roadmap, engaging stakeholders before moving beyond E-20.