CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Bihar is the first state in the country to implement an ethanol promotion policy under the National Policy of Biofuels, 2018. The Policy was approved by the state cabinet in March 2021 and was subsequently tabled in the state legislature.

Detailed explanation-2: -First State in India, Bihar launches Ethanol Production Promotion Policy 2021.

Detailed explanation-3: -A “Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-25” was also released by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in June, 2021 which lays out a detailed pathway for achieving 20% ethanol blending. This roadmap also mentioned an intermediate milestone of 10% blending to be achieved by November, 2022.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Bihar government’s ethanol policy is aimed at encouraging sustainable and alternative fuels, thereby cutting India’s dependence on imports of fossil fuel oils. In addition, ethanol manufacturing units can offer a “sustainable source of income for farmers, entrepreneurs and workers”, according to the government.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Rajasthan Ethanol Production Promotion Policy-2021 was approved in the meeting with a view to encourage the establishment of ethanol production units in the state. This policy will promote the production of ethanol as a sustainable and alternative fuel.