Current Affairs Series for Mains-26 Topic-18 #GS3 ⛽ Ethanol Blending… — ABCD of UPSC by Vikas Dhayal — TG.ME

Current Affairs Series for Mains-26 Topic-18 #GS3 ⛽ Ethanol Blending Program (EBP) 📌 Context Union Minister advocated 100% Ethanol (E100) for energy self-reliance. Ethanol blending: 1.5% (2014) → 20% (2025) (13-fold increase). 🌾 Types of Ethanol 1G: Food crops (Sugarcane, Rice, Wheat, Maize, Sorghum). 2G: Agricultural residue, stubble, woody biomass. 3G: Algae (aquatic biomass). 4G: Engineered plants & microorganisms. ⚙️ About EBP Launched: 2003 Definition: Mixing ethanol with petrol. E20 Benefits: Better acceleration, ride quality, ~30% lower emissions than E10. 🚀 Need for Ethanol Blending 1. Energy Security 89% crude oil & 60% LPG imported. Reduces dependence on Strait of Hormuz. 2. Decentralized Energy Distilleries near farm belts → resilient domestic energy infrastructure. 3. Transition Fuel Drop-in fuel for ICE vehicles. Supports E20/E30/E100 & Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). 4. Stubble Burning Solution Promotes 2G & 3G ethanol from crop residue. Helps tackle North India's winter pollution. 5. Circular Economy Utilizes damaged grains & stubble. India generates 78.2 MT food waste/year → Waste-to-Wealth. ⚠️ Challenges 1. Food Security Food vs Fuel debate; diversion of food crops (FAO 2023). 2.High Water Footprint 1 L ethanol = 2,800–3,000 L water. Sugarcane-based ethanol stresses groundwater (Maharashtra, UP). 3. Environmental Concerns Water-intensive sugarcane affects aquifers. 4. Vehicle Compatibility Older vehicles incompatible beyond E20. E100: Lower energy density (45–55% less than petrol); engine corrosion risk 5. Supply Chain Issues Limited feedstock (especially North-East). Interstate movement restrictions 🏛️ Government Initiatives 🌱 PM JI-VAN Yojana: Support for 2G ethanol plants. 💰 Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme (EISS): Dedicated Ethanol Plants. 🧾 GST reduced: 18% → 5% on ethanol for EBP. 🚛 Industries (Development & Regulation) Act amendment: Easier interstate movement. ✅ Conclusion A phased transition can strengthen energy security, reduce oil imports, promote a circular economy, and advance India's net-zero goals(2070), while balancing food, water, and environmental security. 🚨Tap here to avail Compilations of GS-1,2,3 and 4 combined(covers all best copy snippets from 2019-2025)- Click here for samples You can also share your suggestions for important current affairs topics for mains-26 at @csetopper_helpline as per your reading of the newspaper and analysis of PYQs.