Current Affairs-Topics

India becomes third-largest producer and consumer of ethanol

India has become the world's third-largest ethanol producer and consumer, thanks to significant government policy changes. The Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme has increased production capacity, leading to increased revenue for sugar mills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

India's Rise in Ethanol Production and Consumption

  • India has become the world's third-largest producer and consumer of ethanol
  • Achievement attributed to significant policy changes by the government
  • Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme has boosted production capacity
  • Last decade saw increased revenue for sugar mills from ethanol sales
  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions due to ethanol-blended petrol use
  • New distilleries in rural areas leading to direct and indirect job creation

Sugar Industry Growth and Farmer Benefits

  • Sugarcane cultivation area increased by 18% in the last decade
  • Sugarcane production rose by 40% in the same period
  • Introduction of Minimum Selling Price (MSP) for sugar in 2018
  • MSP protects interests of farmers and the sugar industry
  • Cane dues pendency at an all-time low, with 99% of Rs. 1.14 lakh crores paid to farmers
  • Farmers evolving from "Anna Dattas" (food providers) to "Urja Dattas" (energy providers)

Government Initiatives and Future Prospects

  • Commitment to a robust, sustainable sugar industry
  • Focus on innovation, public-private partnerships, and farmer-centric policies
  • Launch of National Green Hydrogen Mission with Rs. 19,744 crore outlay
  • India aims to become a global hub for green hydrogen production and export
  • Encouragement of sustainable packaging to promote Indian food globally
  • Collaboration opportunities with Brazil on biofuels production and use
  • Promotion of technology exchange and joint R&D in bioenergy sector
  • Opportunities in 2G&3G Ethanol, Green Hydrogen, and Bio-plastics
  • Global Biofuels Alliance offering new prospects for growth

Environmental and Economic Impact

  • Synergy between agriculture and green energy supporting sustainable future
  • Alignment with India's global climate goals of net-zero emissions by 2070
  • Early achievement of Paris Climate Agreement targets
  • Stable sugar prices benefiting consumers
  • Positive outlook for 2024-2025 sugar season due to good monsoon
  • India positioned as a global food basket
  • Potential for increased international cooperation in biofuels sector

More Related Articles

India’s Q1 GDP Estimate

India’s economy continues to show signs of robust recovery, and India’s Q1 GDP estimate for FY26 reflects this positive momentum. According to economists, the country is projected to g

Asset Monetisation India 2025

In a significant step to boost infrastructure funding, the Indian government has successfully raised ₹1,42,758 crore through Asset Monetisation India till FY25. This strategic move ensures that

India UK-FTA 2025

The India-United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) 2025, widely known as the India-UK FTA 2025, marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral trade relations. Th

US Secondary Tariffs on India

The 2025 US-Russia summit in Alaska concluded without a ceasefire agreement for Ukraine. While Russian President Vladimir Putin emerged politically stronger, US President Donald Trump offered no i

WPI Inflation India July 2025

India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation has been a key economic indicator closely monitored by policymakers, economists, and students preparing for competitive exams like SSC. For July

RBI Guidelines on AI in Financial Services

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Financial Services is transforming financial services globally, and India is no exception. From fraud detection to credit underwriting, AI in Financial Services is

PLI Scheme Electronics Exports

India’s electronics exports have witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, reflecting the country’s emergence as a global manufacturing powerhouse. According to Union Commerce and I

India's Retail Inflation Eases to 1.55%

India’s retail inflation eased to an over eight-year low of 1.55% in July 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country’s economic journey. This drop was largely supported by a

Latest Income Tax Billb Draft 2025

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has recently withdrawn the old draft of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, from the Lok Sabha and introduced a revised version in Parliament. This move comes afte

Tata AutoComp Acquisition of IAC

The Tata AutoComp acquisition of Slovakia-based IAC Group has become a key topic in recent current affairs, especially for students preparing for competitive exams like SSC, UPSC, and banking.

Toppers

anil kumar
Akshay kuamr
geeta kumari
shubham