Set A - UPSC Prelims 2025 Solutions

QQuestion

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?

OOptions

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

✓Correct Answer

D) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

DDalvoy Solutions

Statement I: Incorrect. Between Brazil and the United States, the US actually produces more ethanol than Brazil. The US is the world's largest ethanol producer, primarily from corn, while Brazil is the second-largest producer.

Statement II: Correct. This accurately describes the different feedstocks used - the United States primarily uses corn for ethanol production, while Brazil predominantly uses sugarcane. This difference in feedstock reflects the agricultural strengths and climatic conditions of each country.

The feedstock difference is significant as sugarcane-based ethanol generally has better energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions compared to corn-based ethanol.

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SUPSC Prelims Strategy and Tips

For biofuel production questions, distinguish between production volumes (where US leads) and production methods/feedstocks (which vary by country's agricultural advantages).

SUPSC Prelims 2025 Syllabus Analysis

Environment & Ecology - Renewable energy and biofuels; Geography - Agricultural patterns

AUPSC Prelims 2025 Question Analysis

Medium difficulty - requires knowledge of global ethanol production statistics and feedstock differences

Question 63

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