UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — India’s first green methanol plant to turn Kutch’s most invasive weed into marine fuel

Q1. With reference to India's first green methanol plant being established at Kandla, consider the following statements: 1. The plant is being set up at the Deendayal Port Authority, a Major Port in Gujarat. 2. The feedstock for the plant is the biomass of Prosopis juliflora, an invasive shrub. 3. The plant uses biomass gasification technology to produce methanol via syngas. 4. The designed production capacity of the plant is 5 tonnes of green methanol per day. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. The plant is being set up at the Deendayal Port Authority, a Major Port in Gujarat.
  2. The feedstock for the plant is the biomass of Prosopis juliflora, an invasive shrub.
  3. The plant uses biomass gasification technology to produce methanol via syngas.
  4. The designed production capacity of the plant is 5 tonnes of green methanol per day.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 3 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q2. The standard definition of 'Green Methanol' notified in India in February 2026 was issued under which one of the following?

  • A. National Bio-Energy Programme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
  • B. National Green Hydrogen Mission of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
  • C. National Policy on Biofuels under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
  • D. Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

Q3. As per the standard notified by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in February 2026, 'Green Methanol' is best defined as methanol that is:

  • A. produced by gasification of any agricultural biomass, irrespective of the hydrogen source used
  • B. produced using green hydrogen derived from renewable energy, with non-biogenic GHG emissions not exceeding a specified threshold per kg of methanol
  • C. produced from natural gas, provided the carbon dioxide emitted is captured and stored underground
  • D. produced by blending fossil-route methanol with at least 20% bio-methanol from municipal solid waste

Q4. The Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla, which is hosting India's first green methanol plant, functions under the administrative control of which one of the following Union Ministries?

  • A. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
  • B. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
  • C. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
  • D. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change