2024 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2024 · GS Paper I

Question 27: Economy and Social Development

Consider the following :

  1. 1.Battery storage
  2. 2.Biomass generators
  3. 3.Fuel cells
  4. 4.Rooftop solar photovoltaic units

How many of the above are considered “Distributed Energy Resources” ?

aOnly one
bOnly two
cOnly three
dAll four

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are small or medium sized generation and storage units connected to the grid close to where the power is used. Rooftop solar photovoltaic units, battery storage, fuel cells and biomass generators are all examples, so all four items qualify. Remember: DERs sit near the consumer, in contrast to large central power stations.

  • 1. Battery storage is a typical DER.
  • 2. Biomass generators supply local power and count as DERs.
  • 3. Fuel cells provide on-site power and count as DERs.
  • 4. Rooftop solar PV is the best known DER.

How you could have got this

No shortcut here: in a “how many” question, ruling out options doesn’t help. Every statement has to be judged.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong: all four items are DERs.
  • (b) Wrong: all four items are DERs.
  • (c) Wrong: the fourth item is also a DER.
  • (d) Right: battery storage, biomass generators, fuel cells and rooftop solar are all DERs.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious questionNext question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.