UPSC Prelims 2025 Q63: Environment & Ecology – Renewable Energy & Green Technologies
Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e., Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter.
Statement II: Unlike in the United States of America where corn is the principal feedstock for ethanol production, sugarcane is the principal feedstock for ethanol production in Brazil.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
- (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
- (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
- (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
Answer: (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
Explanation
Ethanol in Brazil and the United States
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| I. Of the two major ethanol producers, Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter | Incorrect | The United States is the largest producer, with over half of world output; Brazil is second |
| II. Corn is the principal feedstock in the United States, while sugarcane is the principal feedstock in Brazil | Correct | Corn in the US; sugarcane in Brazil |
World ethanol at a glance:
| Rank | Country | Main feedstock |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | Corn |
| 2 | Brazil | Sugarcane |
| 3 | India | Sugarcane molasses, grains |
India's programme: 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol (E20) under the Ethanol Blended Petrol programme.
Statement I is false and Statement II is true.
Answer: (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement I is false; the United States produces more ethanol than Brazil.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement I is not correct.
- (c) Incorrect. It is the reverse: Statement I is wrong and Statement II is right.
- (d) CORRECT. The US leads in output; corn (US) and sugarcane (Brazil) are the feedstocks.
Key point
Ethanol: United States is the largest producer (corn), Brazil second (sugarcane), India third; India targets 20 percent blending.
Remember
US is the top ethanol producer; Brazil is second.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Brazil leads because of its famous sugarcane ethanol programme.
- Swapping the feedstocks of the two countries.
- Forgetting that India is now the third-largest producer.
Exam tip
US: more ethanol, from corn. Brazil: less, from sugarcane.
Sources
- Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas — Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme
- NITI Aayog — Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-25