Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
5. The ever-growing uncertainty of crude oil prices and geopolitical instability surrounding its supply, make it imperative for India to approach alternative fuels which are cleaner and cheaper on a mission mode. Critically Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
With Goldman Sachs projecting crude oil to reach $90 per barrel by the year-end, energy import-dependent economies are now in a tizzy.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the need for us to pursue alternative fuels aggressively over crude oil.
Directive word:
Critically analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context about the raising prices of crude.
Body:
First, mention the uncertainty regarding its prices and supply chain constraints – especially with respect to hostile geopolitical relations in the middle east. Bring out its impact on India.
Next, write about various alternative fuels in India and its ecological and economic advantages over conventional fuels.
Next, bring out the limitations of alternative fuels vis-à-vis crude oil which hinders it large scale deployment.
Conclusion:
Pass a comment on aggressively pursuing alternative fuels over crude oils – if it will be prudent policy decision.
