India’s cheapest power is here, the grid must catch up

Consider the following statements:

1. Gujarat has the largest solar park in India.
2. Kerala has a fully solar powered International Airport.
3. Goa has the largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 and 2
2. B. 2 only
3. C. 1 and 3
4. D. 3 only

Consider the following statements:

I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂/capita.
II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region.
III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO₂ emissions in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. I and III only
2. B. II only
3. C. II and III only
4. D. I, II and III

Consider the following statements about 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana':

I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector.
II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels.
III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and up-skilling, under scheme component of capacity building.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. A. I and II only
2. B. I and III only
3. C. II and III only
4. D. I, II and III

With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements:
1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

Which one of the following is the exhaust pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, powered by hydrogen?

1. A. Hydrogen peroxide
2. B. Hydronium
3. C. Oxygen
4. D. Water vapour

With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity. Consider the following statements:
1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.
2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.
3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements :
1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions.
2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.
4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 4 only
4. D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements :
1. None of them uses seawater.
2. None of them is set up in water-stressed district.
3. None of them is privately owned.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. A. Only one
2. B. Only two
3. C. All three
4. D. None

Consider the following statements : 

1. In India, the Biodiversity Management committees are key to the realization of the objectives of Nagoya Protocol.
2. The Biodiversity Management committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements:
1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in the electricity generation process.
2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
3. India has a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1, 2 and 3
4. D. None

Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.

Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.

How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.

Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.

Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer.

The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate.

What is identified as the primary impediment to India's full utilization of its abundant and cheap solar and wind power, according to the article?

1. A. High cost of solar and wind energy projects.
2. B. Lack of sufficient land for new transmission lines.
3. C. An inadequate and outdated electricity grid infrastructure.
4. D. Insufficient technological advancements in renewable energy generation.

Which of the following measures, if implemented, could unlock 1,000 GW of new clean energy in India without requiring additional land for transmission, as per the article?

1. A. Increasing subsidies for fossil fuel-based power plants.
2. B. Expanding the network of international power transmission lines.
3. C. Upgrading the existing grid with advanced technologies and adding storage solutions.
4. D. Prioritizing the development of new hydropower projects in remote areas.

According to the article, what is the approximate cost per kWh at which India can deliver firm clean power by pairing solar and wind with low battery costs?

1. A. ₹1.5 per kWh
2. B. ₹3.5 per kWh
3. C. ₹5.0 per kWh
4. D. ₹7.5 per kWh

"India's cheapest power is here, the grid must catch up." In light of this statement, discuss the critical role of grid modernization and energy storage solutions in accelerating India's clean energy transition and its implications for economic growth and energy security.

Structure your answer by first explaining the current challenge, then detailing the solutions (grid modernization, storage), and finally elaborating on their economic and energy security implications.

Despite solar and wind being India's cheapest power sources, their full potential remains unutilized due to infrastructural bottlenecks. Examine the policy and implementation challenges in upgrading India's electricity grid to effectively integrate large-scale renewable energy, and suggest measures for a sustainable energy future.

Begin by outlining the existing challenges, then delve into policy and implementation hurdles, and conclude with actionable recommendations for a sustainable energy future.