Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP)
India's Ethanol Blending Programme aims to mix ethanol (derived from diverse agricultural feedstocks like sugarcane, rice, maize via fermentation) with petro...
The Union Petroleum Ministry has refuted "misleading" and "unsubstantiated" social media claims regarding ethanol-blended petrol. It clarified that ethanol for fuel blending is produced through established industrial processes (fermentation from feedstocks like molasses, broken rice, and maize), not by directly mixing sugarcane juice with petrol. The Ministry also stated that modern vehicles are equipped with safeguards to prevent water entry into fuel tanks, countering claims about ethanol's hygroscopic nature causing engine issues. It emphasized that higher blending levels are implemented only after rigorous technical evaluation and consultation with automobile manufacturers and other stakeholders.
Durable syllabus ideas for revision — not article memory.
India's Ethanol Blending Programme aims to mix ethanol (derived from diverse agricultural feedstocks like sugarcane, rice, maize via fermentation) with petro...
Previous year Prelims questions on overlapping themes and topics.
Which one of the following is the exhaust pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, powered by hydrogen?
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) powered by hydrogen generate electricity by combining hydrogen (H₂) with oxygen (O₂) in a fuel cell. This process produces electricity, heat, and the only exhaust emission is water vapour (H₂O), making hydrogen fuel cells zero-emission.
Consider the following statements about 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana':
I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector.
II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels.
III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a major government initiative to expand rooftop solar adoption in the residential sector, while also building technical capacity across the country. ✅ Statement I: Correct
* The scheme targets the installation of 1 crore solar rooftop panels in households. ✅ Statement II: Correct
* The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE plans to train grassroots-level workers in installation, operation, and maintenance. ✅ Statement III: Correct
* The scheme aims to create over 3 lakh skilled workers through fresh skilling and up-skilling efforts.
With reference to green hydrogen, Consider the following statements :
1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
How many of the above statements are correct?
* Green hydrogen is any hydrogen that is produced from renewable energy. * Statement 1 is correct: Green hydrogen can be used as a direct fuel for internal combustion engines, replacing conventional fuels like gasoline or diesel. * Statement 2 is correct: Green hydrogen can be blended with natural gas and used as a fuel for various applications like heating, power generation, and industrial processes. * Statement 3 is correct: Green hydrogen can be used in hydrogen fuel cells to power electric vehicles, providing a clean and efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Therefore, all three statements regarding the uses of green hydrogen are correct.
Consider the following materials:
1. Agricultural residues
2. Corn grain
3. Wastewater treatment sludge
4. Wood mill waste
Which of the above can be used as feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel ?
* Agricultural residues: These include materials like crop stalks, husks, and leaves. They are a viable source of biomass that can be converted into biofuels, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). * Corn grain: Corn grain is a source of sugars that can be fermented to produce ethanol, a biofuel. While ethanol is primarily used in gasoline blends, it can also be further processed into SAF. * Wastewater treatment sludge: This sludge is rich in organic matter. Through processes like anaerobic digestion, it can produce biogas, which can be further converted into SAF. * Wood mill waste: This includes sawdust, wood chips, and bark. These lignocellulosic materials can be converted into biofuels through various thermochemical or biochemical processes, ultimately leading to SAF production. Therefore, all four materials can be used as feedstock for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements :
1. None of them uses seawater.
2. None of them is set up in water-stressed district.
3. None of them is privately owned.
How many of the above statements are correct?
* Statement 1 is incorrect: The Mundra Thermal Power Plant employs a closed-cycle induced draft circulating cooling water system that utilises seawater. Seawater is drawn from the Gulf of Kutch through robust glass reinforced pipes of significant diameter. In addition, purified seawater from a reverse osmosis plant is utilised by various supplementary systems. * Statement 2 is incorrect: According to recent research by WRI (World Resources Institute), 40 percent of India's thermal power plants are situated in regions experiencing significant water stress. This poses a challenge as these plants rely on water for cooling purposes. The scarcity of water is already causing disruptions in electricity generation in these areas, with 14 out of India's 20 largest thermal utilities having experienced at least one shutdown between 2013 and 2016 due to water shortages. * Statement 3 is incorrect: India has a total of 269 Thermal Power Plants, with 138 of them being owned by the public sector and the remaining 131 owned by the private sector.
Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR (National Institute for Research and Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build Resilience), a platform of institutions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is/are correct ?
1. Ecosystem Survey and Analysis is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata.
2. Research and Management of Ecosystem Service is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi.
3. Capacity Development Support is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is Correct: The National Institute for Research and Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build Resilience (NIRANTAR) is a collaborative platform under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Ecosystem Survey & Analysis is one of its four thematic verticals, and its lead institute is the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Kolkata. Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Research and Management of Ecosystem Service vertical is led by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun, not the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). The CZA is merely a participating institute under this vertical. Statement 3 is Correct: The Capacity Development Support vertical focuses on research, education, and capacity building. The lead institute for this vertical is the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity. Consider the following statements:
1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.
2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.
3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct: When pure hydrogen reacts with oxygen in a fuel cell, the only byproducts are water and heat. This is an advantage of hydrogen fuel cells, making them a clean energy source with minimal emissions. Statement 2 is incorrect: Fuel cells can be used for various applications, including powering small devices like laptops. Portable fuel cells are being developed for this purpose. While currently less common, they hold promise for the future. Statement 3 is incorrect: Fuel cells actually produce electricity in the form of Direct Current (DC). In some applications, an inverter might be needed to convert the DC output to AC for compatibility with the electrical grid. Therefore, the only correct answer is 1 only.
According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels?
1. Cassava
2. Damaged wheat grains
3. Groundnut seeds
4. Horse gram
5. Rotten potatoes
6. Sugar beet
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
The question is asking about the raw materials that can be used for the production of biofuels according to India's National Policy on Biofuels. Cassava is a starch-rich root vegetable that can be used to produce biofuel. Damaged wheat grains, which are unfit for human consumption, can also be used to produce biofuel. Groundnut seeds are not mentioned in the National Policy on Biofuels as a raw material for biofuel production. Horse gram is also not mentioned in the National Policy on Biofuels as a raw material for biofuel production. Rotten potatoes, which are unfit for human consumption, can be used to produce biofuel. Sugar beet is a plant whose root contains a high concentration of sucrose and it is grown commercially for sugar production. It can also be used to produce biofuel. Therefore, according to India's National Policy on Biofuels, Cassava, Damaged wheat grains, Rotten potatoes, and Sugar beet can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels.
Which organization has enacted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss?
✅ A. The European Union:
The Nature Restoration Law (NRL) is an EU legislative initiative adopted in 2024. It sets binding targets to restore ecosystems, fight climate change, and protect biodiversity across EU member states. ❌ B. The World Bank:
An international financial institution providing loans and grants; it does not enact laws like the NRL. ❌ C. OECD:
An organization promoting economic cooperation and policy coordination; it does not enact binding environmental laws such as the NRL. ❌ D. FAO:
A UN agency focused on hunger and agriculture; it does not enact regional laws like the NRL.
Consider the following statements:
Statement I:
Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases.
Statement II:
Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials as inputs.
Statement III:
Circular economy reduces wastage in the production process.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
A circular economy focuses on minimizing waste, reusing resources, and improving efficiency, all of which help lower greenhouse gas emissions and conserve raw materials. ✅ Statement I: Correct By reducing waste and energy use, the circular economy helps cut greenhouse gas emissions. ✅ Statement II: Correct It reduces the need for raw materials through reuse, recycling, and product life extension. ✅ Statement III: Correct It also lowers production waste using efficient and sustainable design and processes.
Previous year Mains questions mapped to overlapping GS syllabus topics.
Examine the evolving pattern of Centre-State financial relations in the context of planned development in India. How far have the recent reforms impacted the fiscal federalism in India?
Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Explain the significance of the 101st constitutional amendment act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism.
Account for legal and political factors responsible for the reduced frequency of using article 356 by the union government mid-1990s.
The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially. Comment.
While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy.” Comment.
The article explicitly states that ethanol is produced from 'a variety of other feedstocks as molasses, broken rice and maize', refuting claims about direct sugarcane juice mixing.
The article states, 'Responding to claims on social media about ethanol triggering its hygroscopic nature... the ministry emphasised that modern vehicles have safeguards to prevent any such occurrence.' It further clarified, 'Modern vehicles are equipped with design features and safeguards to prevent water entry into fuel tanks.'
The article clarifies, 'Ethanol used for fuel blending is produced through established industrial processes and conforms to stringent quality specifications before blending with petrol.' It also mentions 'fermentation, which leads to fermentation of the sugars present in the feedstocks.'
Introduce the context of ethanol blending and the government's clarification. Elaborate on how misinformation can undermine policy objectives and public confidence. Suggest strategies for proactive communication, fact-checking, and building trust in government initiatives.
Begin by outlining the objectives of India's ethanol blending program. Detail the technical evaluations, consultations with manufacturers, and quality specifications mentioned in the article as safeguards. Then, analyze the economic benefits (e.g., reduced oil import bill, farmer income) and environmental impacts (e.g., emissions reduction, land use) of such programs.