UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2025

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e., Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter. Statement II: Unlike in the United States of America where corn is the principal feedstock for ethanol production, sugarcane is the principal feedstock for ethanol production in Brazil. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
  2. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
  3. Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
  4. Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Answer

Correct Answer

Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Explanation

The United States is actually the world's largest ethanol producer, producing more ethanol than Brazil, making Statement I incorrect. However, it is true that corn is the principal feedstock in the US, while sugarcane is the principal feedstock in Brazil, making Statement II correct.

Topics: biofuels, economy, ethanol production