Q. 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?
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
(d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
Correct Answer : (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
UPSC Prelims 2025 GS Paper's Solution
Explanation :
Statement I is incorrect. The United States is the world’s largest producer of ethanol, while Brazil ranks as the second largest. For instance, the United States produced over 15 billion gallons of ethanol in 2021 and 2022, making it the leading global producer.
Statement II is correct. In the United States, corn is the principal feedstock for ethanol production, accounting for approximately 97% of the ethanol produced. In contrast, sugarcane is the primary feedstock for ethanol production in Brazil, although corn ethanol production is growing in the country.
Therefore, Statement I is not correct, but Statement II is correct.
