Central Government approved allocation of how many million tonnes of rice from FCI for ethanol production in May 2025?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (B) 2.8 million tonnes
Explanation:
• Government approved 2.8 million tonnes of rice for ethanol production, aligned with the National Biofuel Policy 2018.
• Supports India's target of 20 percent ethanol blending (E20) by 2025–26.
• Reduces crude oil imports, improves energy security, and boosts cleaner fuel alternatives.
Information Booster:
• Ethanol sources: sugarcane juice, molasses, maize, damaged foodgrains, surplus rice.
• FCI releases stock unsuitable for PDS.
Additional Knowledge:
• Ethanol blending reduces carbon emissions by 40–50 percent.
• Helps in increasing farmers’ income through procurement.
• Oil Marketing Companies using ethanol: IOC, BPCL, HPCL.