Govt. says ethanol blending backed by extensive trials and best practices as concerns linger despite clarifications

Consider the following statements
1. The quantity of imported edible oils is more than the domestic production of edible oils in the last five years.
2. The Government does not impose any customs duty on all the imported edible oils as a special case.

Which of the two statements given above is/are correct

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

Which of the following are the sources of income for the Reserve Bank of India?

I. Buying and selling Government bonds
II. Buying and selling foreign currency
III. Pension fund management
IV. Lending to private companies
V. Printing and distributing currency notes

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. A. I and II only
2. B. II, III and IV
3. C. I, III, IV and V
4. D. I, II and V

Consider the following statements:
1. Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) exchange rates are calculated by comparing the prices of the same basket of goods and services in different countries.
2. In terms of PPP dollars, India is the sixth largest economy in the world.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

With reference to the Indian economy, "Collateral Borrowing and Lending Obligations" are the instruments of :

1. A. Bond market
2. B. Forex market
3. C. Money market
4. D. Stock market

Consider the following statements in respect of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD):

I. It provides loans and guarantees to middle income countries.
II. It works single-handedly to help developing countries to reduce poverty.
III. It was established to help Europe rebuild after the World War II.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A. I and II only
2. B. II and III only
3. C. I and III only
4. D. I, II and III

In the context of India, which of the following factors is/are contributor/contributors to reducing the risk of a currency crisis?
1. The foreign currency earnings of India’s IT sector
2. Increasing the government expenditure
3. Remittances from Indians abroad

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 1 and 3 only
3. C. 2 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

Consider the following statements :
Statement-I : India accounts for 3.2% of global export of goods.
Statement-II :Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India's 'Production-linked Incentive' scheme.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and StatementII is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and StatementII is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. C. Statement-I is correct but StatementII is incorrect
4. D. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

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?

1. A. Only one
2. B. Only two
3. C. All three
4. D. None

Consider the following infrastructure sectors:
1. Affordable housing
2. Mass rapid transport
3. Health care
4. Renewable energy

On how many of the above does UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus for its investments?

1. A. Only one
2. B. Only two
3. C. Only three
4. D. All four

With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:

1. If the inflation is too high, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to buy government securities.
2. If the rupee is rapidly depreciating, RBI is likely to sell dollars in the market.
3. If interest rates in the USA or European Union were to fall, that is likely to induce RBI to buy dollars.

Which of the statements given below is/are correct?

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.

Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.

How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.

Discuss the evolution of collegium system in India. Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of the system of appointment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India and that of the USA.

Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.

Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.

With reference to India's Ethanol Blending Program (EBP), consider the following statements: 1. Petrol containing 20% ethanol blend (E20) was formally launched in February 2023. 2. Ethanol blending of 19.99% was achieved by December 2025. 3. The program aims to achieve 100% ethanol blending by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 1 and 2 only
3. C. 2 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

Consider the following organizations: 1. Automotive Research Institute of India (ARAI) 2. Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) 3. Society of Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) 4. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) 5. Indian Oil Which of the above were involved in the field trials for ethanol blending as per the article?

1. A. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
2. B. 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
3. C. 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
4. D. 2, 3, 4 and 5 only

Which of the following are stated economic benefits of India's ethanol blending program, as per the article? 1. Substitution of crude oil imports. 2. Expedited payments to farmers. 3. Savings in foreign exchange. 4. Reduction in central excise duty on all blended fuels. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1, 2 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Despite government clarifications and stated benefits, concerns persist regarding India's ethanol blending program. Discuss the government's rationale and the economic advantages of the program, while also addressing the public and political apprehensions surrounding its implementation.

Introduce the Ethanol Blending Program (EBP) and the context of ongoing concerns. Detail the government's defense, including field trials, ethanol's technical properties, and alignment with international practices. Elaborate on the economic benefits such as crude oil substitution, farmer payments, and foreign exchange savings. Finally, present the public and political apprehensions regarding engine corrosion, mileage drop, and mandatory implementation. Conclude with a balanced perspective on the policy's challenges and potential.

Analyze how India's ethanol blending program aligns with international best practices and contributes to the nation's energy security. What technical considerations, as highlighted by the government, support the viability of higher ethanol blends?

Begin by explaining the strategic importance of the Ethanol Blending Program (EBP) for India's energy security. Compare India's blending targets and practices with international examples like Brazil, Japan, Canada, and the U.S., highlighting the consistency. Detail the technical considerations supporting higher ethanol blends, such as ethanol's high octane number, superior anti-knock characteristics, higher power potential, and cooling effect, as validated by extensive field trials. Conclude on the overall strategic and technical rationale behind the program.