Q.Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).
How to approach: Address all parts of the prompt systematically—covering positive dimensions, structural constraints, and a constructive Way Forward.
Practice & AI Tools for This Question
Wrote an answer to this PYQ? Check it with Vision AI in 3 mins or generate custom mind maps.
Introduction
India is a global leader in renewable energy, making rapid strides to expand its green energy capacity to meet growing demands sustainably. By focusing on solar, wind, biomass, and small hydro, India aims to transition to a low-carbon energy mix, reducing fossil fuel dependence and mitigating climate change.
Body
Current Status of Renewable Energy in India
- Installed Capacity: As of 2023, India's installed renewable energy capacity is around 125 GW (including 64 GW solar, 43 GW wind, 10 GW bio-power, and 5 GW small hydro), accounting for nearly 38% of total power capacity.
- Solar Energy: Remarkable progress has been made with mega solar parks, such as the Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan (over 2.2 GW capacity).
- Wind Energy: India ranks fourth globally in wind power capacity, led by states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
- Biomass and Small Hydropower: Play a key role in decentralized energy generation, particularly in rural and off-grid areas.
Targets to be Achieved
- 2030 Renewable Energy Target: India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 under its Paris Agreement commitments. This includes 280 GW solar, 140 GW wind, 10 GW bio-energy, and 5 GW small hydro.
- Solar Energy Target: A target of 280 GW solar capacity by 2030, focusing on utility-scale solar parks and rooftop solar.
- Wind Energy Target: Aiming for 140 GW of wind capacity by 2030, including offshore wind projects.
- Green Hydrogen Mission: Targets production of 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
Importance of the National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
- Energy Efficiency: Launched in 2015 under the UJALA scheme, it has revolutionized energy efficiency. LED bulbs consume significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs.
- Reduction in Energy Consumption: Over 360 million LEDs have been distributed as of 2023, saving an estimated 47 billion kWh annually.
- Cost Savings: Lowers electricity bills, making efficient lighting affordable for low-income households.
- Environmental Benefits: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by lowering electricity demand and fossil-fuel-based power generation.
- Boost to Domestic Manufacturing: Aligns with "Make in India" by fostering domestic LED manufacturing and creating jobs.
- Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP): Replaced over 10 million conventional streetlights with LEDs, improving public safety and reducing municipal costs.
- Scalability: Serves as a global model for large-scale energy efficiency initiatives.
Conclusion
India's renewable energy sector is on an ambitious growth trajectory. Targets like 500 GW by 2030 position India as a key player in the global energy transition, while initiatives like the National LED Programme (UJALA) demonstrate how demand-side energy efficiency can drive sustainable development.
Question Specifications, Marking Rubric & Syllabus Mapping
| Examination & Year | UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2016 (Question 11) |
|---|---|
| Paper & Syllabus Topic | General Studies Paper III — Economy, Environment, S&T & Security → Indian Economy, Agriculture & Infrastructure |
| Marks, Word Limit & Ideal Time | 12.5 Marks • 200 Words • Ideal Writing Time: 7–8 Minutes |
| Directive Word & Core Demand | Discuss: Conduct a comprehensive, 360-degree exploration of the topic covering multiple perspectives. |
| Recommended Structure Split | Intro: ~20–25 Words • Body: ~100 Words (3–4 dimensions) • Conclusion: ~20–25 Words |
| AI Practice & Evaluation Tools | Upload Handwritten Answer for 3-Min Vision AI Evaluation | Generate Custom Answer & Mind Map |
Related & Repeated UPSC Mains PYQs (6)
Past UPSC Mains questions connected to this node in the 3D PYQ Realm knowledge graph.
Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problems of conventional energy.
Should the pursuit of carbon credits and clean development mechanisms set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of a carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth.
Discuss the Namami Gange and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) programmes and causes of mixed results from the previous schemes. What quantum leaps can help preserve the river Ganga better than incremental inputs?
To what factors can be the recent dramatic fall in equipment cost and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for thermal power producers and related industry?
What are ‘Smart Cities’? Examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ’Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission
One of the intended objectives of Union Budget 2017-18 is to ‘transform, energize and clean India’. Analyze the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective?
More UPSC Mains PYQs on Indian Economy (GS3)
Build comprehensive topical mastery across Indian Economy, Agriculture & Infrastructure by practicing these related UPSC Mains questions.
Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth?
What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.
What were the factors responsible for the successful implementation of land reforms in some parts of the country? Elaborate.
Explain the role of millets for ensuring health and nutritional security in India.
Discuss the merits and demerits of the four ‘Labour Codes’ in the context of labour market reforms in India. What has been the progress so far in this regard?
What is the need for expanding the regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government’s UDAN Scheme and its achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Mains 2016 GS3 (Indian Economy)
How should I structure the answer for this UPSC Mains 2016 GS Paper III question on Indian Economy?
This 2016 GS Paper III question carries 12.5 marks with a 200-word limit and uses the "Discuss" directive. Address all parts of the prompt systematically—covering positive dimensions, structural constraints, and a constructive Way Forward. Follow the ideal word split (Intro: ~20–25 Words • Body: ~100 Words (3–4 dimensions) • Conclusion: ~20–25 Words) and aim to finish within 7–8 Minutes.
Which UPSC Mains syllabus topic does this 2016 question belong to?
This question is part of General Studies Paper III — Economy, Environment, S&T & Security under the syllabus module "Indian Economy, Agriculture & Infrastructure". You can explore all repeated questions from Indian Economy in Acme AI's 3D PYQ Realm or filter all Indian Economy PYQs on the Mains PYQ Directory.
How can I get my handwritten answer to this 2016 GS3 PYQ evaluated by AI?
Write your answer on standard UPSC margin sheets, scan it as a PDF or image, and click "Evaluate My Answer (AI)" on this page to open Acme AI's Vision Transformer evaluator (/upsc-answer-evaluation?subject=GS3). It evaluates your structure, directive alignment, diagrams/maps, and handwriting presentation in under 3 minutes with 99% human-examiner accuracy (20 free credits on signup).
Can I generate a custom mind map or Hindi model answer for this question?
Yes. Click "Generate Answer & Mind Map" on this page to open Acme AI's Answer Generator (/gen-ans) with this exact 2016 GS3 question pre-filled. You can generate custom topper-grade answers with embedded Mermaid flowcharts and mind maps in either English or Hindi.
AI-Powered Mains Mastery Suite
Turn Passive PYQ Reading into Active Answer Writing
Evaluate your handwritten UPSC Mains answers in 3 minutes with Vision AI or generate custom model answers with mind maps.
AI UPSC Mains Answer Evaluation
Practice writing any PYQ on paper and upload your handwritten scan (PDF or image) for instant, rubric-aligned UPSC examiner feedback.
- Direct Pixel Vision AI (Not Flat OCR): Evaluates your handwritten diagrams, maps, flowcharts, and spatial presentation
- 99% Human-Examiner Accuracy: Pinpoints missing dimensions, directive-word drift, and value-addition opportunities
- All Papers & 18 Optionals: Covers GS 1–4, Essay, Anthropology, PSIR, Sociology, Geography, History & more in English & Hindi
- Annotated Copy + Topper Benchmark: Visual margin ticks, remarks, and matched topper copy comparisons
AI UPSC Answer Generator & Mind Maps
Generate topper-grade model answers for any UPSC PYQ, current affairs editorial, or mock question—complete with visual mind maps and flowcharts.
- Embedded Mind Maps & Flowcharts: Automatically builds visual diagrams you can replicate in the exam hall for +1.5 extra marks
- Strict Directive & Word Discipline: Calibrated for 150-word (10M), 250-word (15M), and 1000-word Essay structures
- Committee, SC & Data Citations: Enriches body paragraphs with 2nd ARC, NITI Aayog, Constitutional Articles, and SDG hooks
- Auto-Matched Topper Copies & PYQs: Every generated answer links to similar past UPSC questions and ranker scripts
Join the Acme Mains Program (AMP 2027 — 45 Tests) or 1-on-1 Personal Mentorship with Avinash Sir.