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 …

Transport contributes significantly to India’s final energy demand and emissions. Analyse why decarbonising transport is structurally harder than decarbonising electricity. Suggest a sectoral sequencing strategy up to 2035.

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy Q5. Transport contributes significantly to India’s final energy demand and emissions. Analyse why decarbonising transport is structurally harder than decarbonising electricity. Suggest a sectoral sequencing strategy up to 2035. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question Transport is the most difficult pillar of India’s Net Zero 2070 pathway because …

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.

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 …

SBI launches ‘CHAKRA’ Centre of Excellence

Source: IE Subject: Economy Context: State Bank of India (SBI) has launched ‘CHAKRA’, a dedicated Centre of Excellence (CoE) to strengthen financing for eight critical sunrise sectors. About SBI launches ‘CHAKRA’ Centre of Excellence: What is CHAKRA? CHAKRA (Centre of Excellence) is a knowledge-led institutional platform created by SBI to enhance its capability in financing …

UPSC Editorial Analysis: India-Germany Relations

General Studies-2; Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.   Introduction The visit of Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India marks a significant departure from tradition, being his first major bilateral visit outside the EU and the US. It occurs amidst global shifts—US trade volatility (the “Trump era” legacy), tensions …

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 …

How can India achieve large-scale decarbonisation of the freight and logistics sector while ensuring economic growth and energy security?

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Q6. How can India achieve large-scale decarbonisation of the freight and logistics sector while ensuring economic growth and energy security? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question India’s Net Zero 2070 pledge and recent ICCT 2025 report projecting 9 GW e-truck charging demand make freight decarbonisation central to GS-3 …

Describe the sectoral applications of green hydrogen in India. How can its adoption reshape hard-to-abate industries and support sustainable economic growth?

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy Q6. Describe the sectoral applications of green hydrogen in India. How can its adoption reshape hard-to-abate industries and support sustainable economic growth? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question India is investing in green hydrogen to decarbonise industries, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and strengthen its position in the global …

Why the World Needs Better Green Technologies in 2025?

Syllabus: Climate and Energy Source:  TH Context: Amid climate pressures, geopolitical tensions, and India’s push for energy self-reliance, experts urge a shift from conventional solar tech to next-gen, efficient alternatives. About Why the World Needs Better Green Technologies in 2025: What Are Green Technologies? Green technologies refer to scientific innovations and engineering systems designed to …

India commissioned its first indigenously developed 1 MW green hydrogen plant

Source:  TOI Context: India commissioned its first indigenously developed 1 MW green hydrogen plant at Deendayal Port, Kandla — a milestone under the National Green Hydrogen Mission and Maritime India Vision 2030. About India commissioned its first indigenously developed 1 MW green hydrogen plant: What it is? A 1-megawatt green hydrogen facility, part of a …

India’s New Solar-Powered Device for Affordable Green Hydrogen Production

Source:  PIB Context: Indian scientists at Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru have developed a scalable solar-driven device for affordable green hydrogen production — a potential game-changer for clean energy. About Scalable Solar-Driven Device for Affordable Green Hydrogen Production: What Is the Innovation? Developed a next-gen device that splits water molecules to …

What role can hydrogen play in resolving the intermittency-flexibility paradox of renewables? How should India plan to scale this integration?

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy. Q5. What role can hydrogen play in resolving the intermittency-flexibility paradox of renewables? How should India plan to scale this integration? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question India’s rising renewable capacity and the policy push for hydrogen as a grid balancer under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Key …

Green Steel

Source:  TH  Context: The steel industry contributes 8% of global CO2 emissions. Decarbonization efforts have spurred innovations in green steel using renewable energy and sustainable practices. About Green Steel: What It Is: Green steel refers to steel produced using renewable energy and sustainable processes, minimizing carbon emissions. Various Methods in Prodcution: Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF): …

World Solar Report Series

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 …

Kalka-Shimla Narrow-Gauge Railway

Source:  TH Context: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the Indian government to explore the possibility of using green hydrogen to power the Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This initiative aligns with Himachal Pradesh’s goal to become a ‘green energy State’ by 2026, and would contribute to India’s climate …