UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — ISMA suggests measures for the promotion of biofuel

Q1. In its pre-Budget 2026-27 recommendations (January 2026), the Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) sought a dedicated fund for converting sugar mills into integrated bio-energy hubs. The corpus suggested by ISMA was approximately:

  • A. Rs 200 crore
  • B. Rs 1,000 crore
  • C. Rs 2,000 crore
  • D. Rs 5,000 crore

Q2. With reference to the National Policy on Biofuels (NPB), 2018 and its 2022 amendment, consider the following statements: 1. The NPB 2018, as originally notified, fixed the target for 20% ethanol blending in petrol for the year 2030, which the 2022 amendment advanced to Ethanol Supply Year 2025-26. 2. The 2022 amendment expanded the basket of permissible feedstocks for ethanol production. 3. The 2022 amendment reclassified Second Generation (2G) ethanol from the category of 'Advanced Biofuels' to that of 'Basic Biofuels'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The NPB 2018, as originally notified, fixed the target for 20% ethanol blending in petrol for the year 2030, which the 2022 amendment advanced to Ethanol Supply Year 2025-26.
  2. The 2022 amendment expanded the basket of permissible feedstocks for ethanol production.
  3. The 2022 amendment reclassified Second Generation (2G) ethanol from the category of 'Advanced Biofuels' to that of 'Basic Biofuels'.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. Which one of the following is the nodal Union Ministry for the implementation of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme in India?

  • A. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
  • B. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
  • C. Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
  • D. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

Q4. Under the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018, which of the following are correctly categorised as 'Advanced Biofuels'? 1. First Generation (1G) bioethanol from sugarcane molasses 2. Second Generation (2G) ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass 3. Drop-in fuels produced from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) 4. Bio-CNG Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. First Generation (1G) bioethanol from sugarcane molasses
  2. Second Generation (2G) ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass
  3. Drop-in fuels produced from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
  4. Bio-CNG
  • A. 2 and 3 only
  • B. 2, 3 and 4
  • C. 1, 2 and 4
  • D. 3 and 4 only