Consider the following statements:Statement I: Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e.

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2025 UPSC Prelims Economy paper.

Q: How can I prepare for UPSC Prelims Economy?

To prepare for UPSC Prelims Economy, practice previous year questions (PYQs), understand concepts thoroughly, and solve mock tests regularly. This 2025 question covers Agriculture – Green Revolution, MSP, APMC & Land Reforms topic.

Q: What is the difficulty level of this question?

This UPSC Prelims 2025 Economy question has a medium difficulty level and is marked as an important question.

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Question

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?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: D Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correctStep by step solution:This question tests factual knowledge of global ethanol production and feedstock differences between major producers.Statement I: Of the two major ethanol producers, Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter. This statement is incorrect. The United States is the largest producer of ethanol in the world, primarily using corn as feedstock. Brazil is the second largest producer, mainly using sugarcane. Therefore, Brazil does not produce more ethanol than the United States.Statement II: Unlike in the United States of America where corn is the principal feedstock, sugarcane is the principal feedstock in Brazil. This statement is correct. The United States relies mainly on corn for ethanol production, whereas Brazil uses sugarcane, which has higher efficiency in ethanol yield and energy balance.Conclusion: Statement I is incorrect, while Statement II is correct.Why other options are incorrect:Option A: Incorrect because Statement I is false.Option B: Incorrect because Statement I is false.Option C: Incorrect because Statement II is correct.Key Concept:The United States is the largest ethanol producer globally, using corn as the primary feedstock under its Renewable Fuel Standard programme. Brazil is the second largest producer, using sugarcane, which offers a higher energy return and lower carbon emissions. Ethanol is widely used as a biofuel blended with petrol to reduce fossil fuel dependence and emissions.

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