Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Q6. Explain the role of flex-fuel vehicles in strengthening India’s energy security. Discuss the factors that may influence consumer adoption. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question India’s push towards higher ethanol blending and the recent launch of flex-fuel vehicles have brought the issues of energy security, fuel diversification …
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy Q6. Analyse the economic and strategic implications of India’s target of achieving 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047. What are the major obstacles in achieving this target? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question India’s growing emphasis on nuclear energy as part of its clean energy transition and the …
Source: TH Subject: Science and Technology Context: India is re-evaluating its battery strategy amid rising concerns over critical mineral dependence, import vulnerability, and supply security linked to lithium-ion batteries. About Sodium-ion battery technology: What it is? Sodium-ion batteries (SiBs) are rechargeable batteries that store and release energy using sodium ions (Na⁺) as charge carriers instead …
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy Q5. Hydrogen adoption is constrained as much by safety infrastructure as by production capacity. Evaluate the safety risks in hydrogen value chains. Discuss why sensing and leak detection technologies are critical for scaling hydrogen. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question Hydrogen is being promoted as a key clean …
Source: News on Air Subject: International Organisation Context: The 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) concluded in Abu Dhabi, calling for an accelerated global shift towards renewables. About IRENA: What is IRENA? The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is the world’s only intergovernmental organisation dedicated exclusively to renewable energy. It acts as …
Source: ET Subject: Economics Context: Copper prices touched a record high of over USD 12,000 per tonne in 2025, driven by US tariff uncertainty, global supply disruptions and surging demand from AI, clean energy and EVs. About Copper: What it is? Copper (Cu) is a naturally occurring metallic element (Atomic number: 29) known for its …
Topic: Nuclear Energy Q6. Differentiate between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission. Explain why fusion remains technologically elusive despite its potential advantages. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Easy Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question Nuclear fusion has regained prominence in energy policy and scientific discourse due to recent experimental breakthroughs and its projected role in long-term clean energy …
Source: TOI Subject: Mapping Context: Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a strategic focus due to its rich rare earth element (REE) reserves along its coastline, crucial for clean energy, defence and semiconductor sectors. About Andhra’s Rare Earth Corridor: What it is? A continuous belt of rare earth–rich beach sand deposits containing monazite and other heavy …
Source: TH Context: India will host the 8th International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly from October 27–30, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. About India will host the 8th International Solar Alliance (ISA): What It Is? The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a global intergovernmental organisation that promotes solar energy deployment worldwide to ensure energy access, …
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Topic: Infrastructure: Energy. Q6. How does the PM E-Drive scheme seek to expand EV charging infrastructure in India? Examine the challenges in its implementation. Assess its likely impact on sustainable mobility and the clean energy transition. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question The government has recently launched the PM E-Drive scheme …
Syllabus: Nuclear Energy Source: TH Context: Researchers at the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar, unveiled a roadmap for India’s fusion energy programme. It proposes developing SST-Bharat, a superconducting tokamak aiming for a demonstration reactor by 2060. About India’s Fusion Energy Roadmap: What is Nuclear Fusion? Fusion vs. Fission: Unlike fission (splitting heavy atoms), fusion …
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy. Q6. Why is India accelerating its shift towards the E20 fuel mandate? Discuss its expected advantages and the key challenges in its implementation. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question The E20 mandate is a current policy move with environmental, economic, and technological implications, making it relevant for India’s …
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy Q6. India’s EV success may turn into an environmental paradox unless charging is decarbonized. Assess the systemic challenges of grid decarbonization. Outline key reforms needed to enable clean EV charging. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question: Rapid EV adoption in India has raised concerns over coal-based charging, turning …
Syllabus: Climate and Energy Source: FE Context: India has achieved 50% installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of its 2030 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) target under the Paris Agreement. About India has achieved 50% installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources: What is the 50% Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity Milestone? It refers …
Source: ET Context: Union Coal and Mines Minister unveiled the Aluminium Vision Document at the International Conference on Sustainable and Responsible Mining in Hyderabad to position India as a global aluminium production hub by 2047. About Aluminium Vision Document: What is it? A strategic policy roadmap to transform India’s aluminium industry for self-reliance, clean energy …
Syllabus: Renewable Energy Source: DD News Context: The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has crossed a milestone of 10 lakh solar-powered homes, with ₹4,770 crore in subsidies disbursed. Achievements of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: 10 Lakh Homes Powered: As of March 10, 2025, 10 lakh households have installed rooftop solar systems, reducing …
Source: DD News Context: The World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB), along with key partners, have launched Mission 300, an ambitious initiative to electrify 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. About Mission 300: What is Mission 300? Mission 300 is a large-scale electrification initiative aimed at providing electricity to 300 million …
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 November 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …
Syllabus: Energy and Environment Source: PIB Context: The International Solar Alliance (ISA), an international coalition focused on promoting solar energy solutions, released the 3rd edition of its World Solar Report series at the 7th Assembly, highlighting solar growth, investment trends, technological advancements, and green hydrogen’s potential in Africa. About ISA: Origin: Established in 2015 at …
