UPSC Mains 2018 · GS III · Q1 · 10 marks · 150 words

“Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the *sine qua non* to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” Comment on the progress made in India in this regard.

हिन्दी में

“वहनीय (ऐफोर्डेबल), विश्वसनीय, धारणीय तथा आधुनिक ऊर्जा तक पहुँच संधारणीय (सस्टेनबल) विकास लक्ष्यों (एस० डी० जी०) को प्राप्त करने के लिए अनिवार्य है।” भारत में इस संबंध में हुई प्रगति पर टिप्पणी कीजिए।

Energy

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: ““Net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 is an unrealistic target.” Evaluate this assertion in light of current global and Indian energy trends, and suggest alternative pathways for sustainable development.”

Rupam AroraAIR 384 · CSE 2025 · 175 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Net Zero CO2 emissions by 2050 has been a target set by European Union & USA. For India the target is 2070 as announced by PM Modi at COP 26 (Glasgow).

For EU & USA, the target is ambitious and might seem unrealistic although work is being done in the right direction:

Body · points and prose

Diagram
1) France: - focus on nuclear energy - International Solar Alliance started with India. 2) EU → Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism as a non-tariff barrier. 3) USA → focus on solar & nuclear energy (although trend towards fossil fuel energy is seen to return by current government)

Indian Context

  1. In 2025, Renewable Energy capacity has surpassed Traditional / Thermal Energy capacity.

  2. Commitment to Paris Agreement & Panchamrit Principles by focus on solar energy (PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana), carbon trading, carbon credits,

  3. International Solar Alliance. Floating Solar Parks in Omkareshwar. → to complete target of installed Capacity of 500 GW by renewables.

Other features for Co2 reduction → National Action Plan for Climate Change.

Way forward / Alternatives for Sustainable Development

  1. Zero Budget Natural Farming
  2. Nuclear Energy to be taken to 2nd stage by using Plutonium & Thorium based Fast Breeder Reactors and Small Modular Reactors
  3. Urban farming, vertical gardens.
  4. BS6 to be developed further to increase mileage and reduce fuel consumption.

Close · a way forward

None written.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper III, Q1. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.