India emerged as the 3rd largest biofuel producer in the world

Current Context: The announcement of India becoming the third-largest biofuel producer was made on March 3, 2025, by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

• The report, titled "Biofuels Annual 2025", was released by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).

Key Highlights of the Report:

• Ethanol Blending: India achieved 19.6% ethanol blending in petrol as of January 2025, with a target of 20% by 2025.
• Economic Impact: The initiative saved ₹85,000 crore in foreign exchange and reduced CO2 emissions equivalent to planting 1.75 crore trees.
• Farmer Benefits: Boosted farmer incomes by utilizing sugarcane and agricultural residues for biofuel production.
• Infrastructure Development: Agreements with 131 ethanol plants to enhance production capacity and promote sustainable energy.

Question:

Q.1 Who announced that India has become the third-largest biofuel producer in the world on March 3, 2025?
a) Nitin Gadkari
b) Piyush Goyal
c) Hardeep Singh Puri
d) Dharmendra Pradhan

Answer: c) The announcement was made by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on March 3, 2025. He highlighted India's achievements in ethanol blending and biofuel production.