Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
4. Adopting biofuels as an alternative source of energy can significantly improve farmers’ income, generate employment opportunities and reduce imports. Examine the role of National Biofuel Policy in promoting biofuels in the nation. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate.
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The Union Cabinet Wednesday advanced by five years its target for achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol. The amended National Biofuel Policy-2018 has now set the new target for 2025-26 instead of 2030, apart from allowing more feedstock for production of biofuels and export of biofuels in specific cases.
Demand of the question:
To write about the importance of biofuels and the role of National Biofuel Policy in promoting biofuels.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by defining biofuels.
Body:
First, write about the various advantages associated with biofuels.
Next, write about the National Biofuel Policy, 2018 – to propel the use of biofuels in India, discussion should debate about the availability of resources, technology etc. and justify that one policy alone would not change the energy scenario but a framework regulating the energy sector in a multi-pronged approach is the need of the hour.
Next, write about the recent changes to the policy and its implications.
Conclusion:
Conclude by giving a balanced opinion regarding biofuels.
