Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
2. In the context of the recently introduced Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP), while ethanol blending can reduce carbon emissions and contribute to energy security, concerns persist regarding the potential implications for food security. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Live Mint
Why the question:
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution directed all mills and distilleries not to use sugarcane juice/syrup for making any ethanol “with immediate effect”.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about ethanol blending, economic and ecological benefits of ethanol blending and concerns associated with it.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining ethanol blending and the mechanism behind it.
Body:
First, write the economic benefits of ethanol blending – foreign exchange per year, energy security, self-reliance, increasing farmers’ incomes, employment generation, and greater investment opportunities. Mention the various initiatives of government to promote it.
Next, write about the ecological benefits – lower carbon emissions, better air quality and use of damaged foodgrains etc. Mention the various schemes for promotion of ethanol blending in India.
Next, write about the concerns associated with it – food security, lack of acceptance, costs etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to promote ethanol blending.
