UPSC Prelims 2008 · General Studies
Question 13: Economy and Social Development
Which one of the following Union Ministries is implementing the Biodiesel Mission (as Nodal Ministry)?
AnswerThe answer is (d).
The Ministry of Rural Development was the nodal ministry for the National Biodiesel Mission announced after the Planning Commission's 2003 report on biofuels. The mission rested on growing jatropha and similar oil-bearing trees on wastelands, which suited a rural-development ministry because it promised plantation work and income for the rural poor. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas dealt with blending and marketing of the fuel.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Agriculture was not the nodal ministry for the Biodiesel Mission.
- (b) Science and Technology supported research but was not the nodal ministry.
- (c) The renewable energy ministry was not the nodal ministry for this mission in 2008.
- (d) Rural Development led the mission, built on wasteland plantations.
Worth knowing: Biofuel policy has moved to other ministries under later national biofuel policies, so this answer reflects the arrangement of the 2003-08 period.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2008, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.