Discuss the structural challenges in ensuring round-the-clock reliable electricity supply in India. Analyse the role of different energy sources in addressing these challenges. Outline a comprehensive policy framework to enhance grid resilience and energy security.

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy Q5. Discuss the structural challenges in ensuring round-the-clock reliable electricity supply in India. Analyse the role of different energy sources in addressing these challenges. Outline a comprehensive policy framework to enhance grid resilience and energy security. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question Rising peak demand, renewable expansion, and …

“The contraction in core sector output signals deeper macroeconomic challenges beyond cyclical slowdown.” Examine the recent trends. Analyse sectoral imbalances and evaluate policy responses required.

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Q4. “The contraction in core sector output signals deeper macroeconomic challenges beyond cyclical slowdown.” Examine the recent trends. Analyse sectoral imbalances and evaluate policy responses required. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question Recent contraction in core …

Explain the working mechanism of fast breeder reactors. Analyse their role in enhancing fuel efficiency. Evaluate their contribution to India’s nuclear strategy.

Topic: indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Q4. Explain the working mechanism of fast breeder reactors. Analyse their role in enhancing fuel efficiency. Evaluate their contribution to India’s nuclear strategy. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question Recent milestone of PFBR criticality (2026) has renewed focus on India’s nuclear strategy and …

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor

Source:  TH Subject:   Science and Technology Context: In a significant milestone for India’s nuclear energy ambitions, the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam achieved criticality. About Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor: What it is? A Fast Breeder Reactor is a high-efficiency nuclear reactor that uses fast neutrons to generate more fissile material (fuel) than it …

Discuss the significance of the U.S.–Iran ceasefire for regional stability in West Asia. Explain its implications for India’s foreign policy.

Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Q3. Discuss the significance of the U.S.–Iran ceasefire for regional stability in West Asia. Explain its implications for India’s foreign policy. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question Recent developments like the U.S.–Iran ceasefire (2026) highlight the intersection …

What were the major causes behind the 1973 oil crisis? Assess its impact on the industrial economies of the West.

Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, Q1. What were the major causes behind the 1973 oil crisis? Assess its impact on the industrial economies of the West. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question The 1973 oil crisis remains a landmark …

Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO)

Source:  News on Air Subject:  Miscellaneous Context: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a gazette notification allowing the distribution of Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) under the Public Distribution System (PDS) across 21 States and UTs, including Delhi and Gujarat. About Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO): What it is? Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) is …

“India’s West Asia policy has evolved from a reactive approach to a multi-dimensional strategic engagement”. Analyse this transformation in the context of recent regional conflicts. Discuss the measures required to strengthen India’s approach.

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Q4. “India’s West Asia policy has evolved from a reactive approach to a multi-dimensional strategic engagement”. Analyse this transformation in the context of recent regional conflicts. Discuss the measures required to strengthen India’s approach. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH …

Explain the significance of flex-fuel technologies in India’s energy transition. Analyse the challenges in their adoption. Suggest measures for large-scale implementation.

Topic: Infrastructure- Energy Q5. Explain the significance of flex-fuel technologies in India’s energy transition. Analyse the challenges in their adoption. Suggest measures for large-scale implementation. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question Recent global oil shocks and India’s push towards higher ethanol blending have brought flex-fuel technologies into focus as a key …

“In an interconnected world economy, regional conflicts increasingly generate systemic financial risks.” Examine this statement. Assess the impact of such conflicts on global investment flows and interest rates. Outline policy measures to mitigate these risks.

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment Q5. “In an interconnected world economy, regional conflicts increasingly generate systemic financial risks.” Examine this statement. Assess the impact of such conflicts on global investment flows and interest rates. Outline policy measures to mitigate these risks. (15 M) Difficulty Level: …

Discuss the geopolitical implications of expanding International Energy Agency membership beyond OECD countries. Analyse how this could affect global energy governance structures.

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. Q4. Discuss the geopolitical implications of expanding International Energy Agency membership beyond OECD countries. Analyse how this could affect global energy governance structures. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question The issue is relevant in the context of India’s formal request for …

The International Energy Agency (IEA)

Source:  IE Subject:  International Organisation Context: The International Energy Agency (IEA) ministerial meeting in Paris signalled that India’s bid for full membership has entered its final stages. About The International Energy Agency (IEA): What is the IEA? The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an intergovernmental organisation that works to ensure global energy security, reliable energy …

Strait of Hormuz

Source:  FP Subject:  Mapping Context: Iran temporarily shut parts of the Strait of Hormuz to conduct live-fire military drills named “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz.” This rare move coincided with indirect nuclear talks in Geneva and served as a strategic signal to the U.S. amid escalating regional tensions. About Strait of Hormuz: What …

In the era of sanctions and tariffs, energy policy has become a tool of economic coercion. Analyse how this changes India’s energy diplomacy. Outline safeguards to protect India’s strategic autonomy.

Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Q4. In the era of sanctions and tariffs, energy policy has become a tool of economic coercion. Analyse how this changes India’s energy diplomacy. Outline safeguards to protect India’s strategic autonomy. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question …

“India’s AI ambition will be constrained less by talent and more by compute, energy and institutional capacity”. Discuss.

Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT Q4. “India’s AI ambition will be constrained less by talent and more by compute, energy and institutional capacity”. Discuss. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question AI is now a strategic growth sector, but India’s ability to compete depends on whether it can build the …

With reference to the Draft National Electricity Policy 2026, describe the proposed changes in India’s electricity generation mix. Analyse the rationale for greater reliance on nuclear power. Discuss the implications for long-term energy security.

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy Q4. With reference to the Draft National Electricity Policy 2026, describe the proposed changes in India’s electricity generation mix. Analyse the rationale for greater reliance on nuclear power. Discuss the implications for long-term energy security. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question The Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 marks …

IRENA

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 …

Indian Railways becomes the biggest electrified rail system globally

Source:  News on Air Subject:  Economy Context: Indian Railways has become the largest electrified rail network in the world, with about 99.2% of its broad-gauge network electrified by November 2025. About Indian Railways becomes the biggest electrified rail system globally: What it is? Indian Railways is India’s national transporter, operating one of the world’s largest …

Differentiate between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission. Explain why fusion remains technologically elusive despite its potential advantages.

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 …