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  • National Green Tribunal’s Role and Contributions

    Great Nicobar Mega Project Cleared by NGT

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    A special bench of the National Green Tribunal has declined to interfere with the environmental clearance granted to the ₹80,000 crore Great Nicobar Mega Infrastructure Project, citing its strategic importance and the presence of adequate safeguards.

    About Great Nicobar Island

    • The southernmost island of the Nicobar group
    • Located in the southeastern Bay of Bengal
    • Area: ~910 sq km
    • Largely covered with tropical rainforest
    • Ecologically sensitive and sparsely populated

    About the Great Nicobar Mega Project

    • Total project area: 166 sq km
    • Forest diversion: 130 sq km
    • Trees to be felled: Nearly 1 million

    Major Components:

    • International transshipment port
    • Integrated township
    • Civil and military airport
    • 450 MVA gas and solar based power plant

    Key Environmental Issues Raised

    • Violation of the Island Coastal Regulation Zone notification 2019
    • Development in prohibited ICRZ areas
    • Insufficient baseline environmental data
    • Threat to endemic biodiversity and coral reefs
      • The NGT relied on findings of a High Powered Committee constituted after its 2023 order.

    NGT’s Key Observations

    1. No part of the project falls in prohibited ICRZ areas as per committee findings
    2. Environmental clearance contains adequate safeguards
    3. Strategic importance of the project cannot be ignored
    4. Balanced approach required between ecology and development

    About Island Coastal Regulation Zone ICRZ

    • Notified under Environment Protection Act 1986
    • Regulates development in coastal areas of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands
    • Categorises areas such as ICRZ IA and IB with varying restrictions
    [2017] Which of the following is geographically closest to Great Nicobar? (a) Sumatra 

    (b) Borneo 

    (c) Java 

    (d) Sri Lanka

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  • Digital India Initiatives

    UPI One World Wallet Extended for Foreign Visitors

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    The National Payments Corporation of India has extended the UPI One World wallet facility to visitors from over 40 countries attending the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi from 16 to 20 February 2026.

    About UPI One World Wallet

    • A prepaid wallet based on the PPI UPI model designed for inbound international travellers.
    • Launched by: NPCI through authorised Prepaid Payment Instrument issuers.

    Key Features

    1. No Indian bank account or mobile number required: Foreign visitors can make UPI payments without opening an Indian bank account.
    2. Person to Merchant P2M Payments: Payments can be made by scanning UPI QR codes across India.
    3. Multiple Loading Options: Wallet can be loaded using various international payment methods.
    4. Availability Points: Available at New Delhi International Airport and NPCI Pavilion at Bharat Mandapam.
    5. Refund Facility: Unused balance can be transferred back to the original payment source as per forex rules.

    What is PPI?

    Prepaid Payment Instrument: A payment instrument where money is loaded in advance and used for transactions without direct linkage to a bank account for each payment.

    Significance

    • Promotes India’s digital public infrastructure globally
    • Facilitates seamless real time retail payments for foreign tourists
    • Reduces dependence on cash and currency exchange
    • Demonstrates scalability of UPI as a cross border payment solution

    About UPI

    • Unified Payments Interface UPI is a real time payment system developed by NPCI that enables instant fund transfers between bank accounts using mobile platforms. It is currently the world’s largest real time payment ecosystem.
    [2025] Consider the following countries: I. United Arab Emirates 

    II. France 

    III. Germany 

    IV. Singapore 

    V. Bangladesh 

    How many countries amongst the above are there other than India where international merchant payments are accepted under UPI? 

    (a) Only two (b) Only three (c) Only four (d) All the five

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Middle East

    [16th Februrary 2026] The Hindu OpED: The UAE-India corridor is sparking a growth story

    op-ed snap | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2017] The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries.

    Linkage: Energy cooperation with West Asia forms the backbone of India’s external economic strategy and remains central to supply stability and growth. Deepening ties with countries like the UAE reflect India’s shift from transactional oil imports to structured energy, investment, and renewable partnerships within its broader West Asia policy.

    Mentor’s Comment

    India-UAE relations have transitioned from energy trade to a multi-sector strategic economic relation. The partnership now spans trade, infrastructure, digital governance, financial integration, and AI cooperation. The development has implications for India’s industrial strategy, West Asia policy, and global supply chain positioning.

    Why in the News?

    The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE is witnessing rapid expansion beyond tariff reduction into infrastructure, energy transition, and digital cooperation. This reflects a structural shift in India’s West Asia policy toward deeper economic and strategic integration.

    What is the India-UAE CEPA?

    1. The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), became  effective from May 1, 2022.
    2. It has significantly boosted bilateral trade to over USD 80 billion by early 2025. 

    How does CEPA institutionalize trade liberalization and regulatory coordination?

    1. Trade Liberalization: It eliminates tariffs on 97% of UAE imports from India and 90% of India’s exports to the UAE, focusing on key sectors like gems, jewellery, textiles, and engineering. It accelerates non-oil trade growth. Example: $100 billion trade milestone achieved ahead of schedule.
    2. Regulatory Certainty: Ensures predictable investment conditions, strengthens long-term industrial commitments. Example: Revised target of $200 billion by 2030.
    3. Services Integration: Expands cooperation in financial services, logistics, and technology sectors.
    4. Energy Security Framework: Strengthens LNG supply chains through ADNOC-Indian Oil agreements.

    How does infrastructure collaboration strengthen supply-chain resilience?

    1. Logistics Expansion: DP World invests $5+ billion in Indian ports and logistics parks.
    2. Industrial Corridors: Facilitates warehousing, wholesale hubs, and regional export networks.
    3. Strategic Port Connectivity: Enhances India-West Asia-Africa trade flows.
    4. Urban Infrastructure Investment: Mubadala invests over $4 billion in renewable and technology sectors.

    How does the corridor reflect strategic autonomy and geoeconomic balancing?

    1. Diversified Partnerships: Reduces overdependence on traditional Western or regional trade blocs.
    2. West Asia Realignment: Aligns with India’s extended neighbourhood strategy.
    3. Diaspora Diplomacy: Utilizes 3.5 million Indian diaspora for economic and institutional integration.
    4. Energy-to-Technology Shift: Expands cooperation beyond hydrocarbons into AI and digital governance.

    How does digital and AI cooperation redefine bilateral governance architecture?

    1. Technology Integration: Establishes AI research collaboration including global AI summits.
    2. Digital Economy Expansion: Supports fintech, data centres, and digital trade frameworks.
    3. Regulatory Innovation: Promotes technology governance dialogue between emerging economies.
    4. Institutional Coordination: Strengthens policy synchronization in digital standards.

    How does financial integration enhance institutional accountability and capital flows?

    1. Sovereign Wealth Participation: Mubadala channels long-term capital into Indian growth sectors.
    2. Banking Sector Consolidation: Emirates NBD acquisition expands foreign banking footprint in India.
    3. Investment Diversification: Encourages renewable, healthcare, and technology investments.
    4. Financial Stability Linkages: Deepens cross-border capital market integration.

    What governance challenges arise from rapid corridor expansion?

    1. Regulatory Harmonization: Requires alignment in customs, standards, and dispute resolution.
    2. Energy Transition Balance: Ensures diversification beyond hydrocarbons.
    3. Strategic Risk Management: Balances geopolitical shifts in West Asia.
    4. Institutional Coordination: Requires Centre-State alignment in logistics and industrial corridors.

    Conclusion 

    The UAE-India corridor institutionalizes economic integration through trade liberalization, infrastructure expansion, financial interdependence, and digital cooperation. It strengthens India’s geoeconomic positioning in West Asia while demanding regulatory harmonization and strategic risk management.

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  • Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

    What are bio-based chemicals and enzymes

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Food Processing & Related Industries In India,Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    The Biotechnology for Economy, Employment and Environment (BioE3) Policy has prioritised bio-based chemicals and enzymes as strategic sectors. Bio-based chemicals and enzymes use renewable biological feedstocks and reduce dependence on fossil-based industrial inputs. The sector is important for India to cut petrochemical imports (e.g., $479.8 million acetic acid in 2023), strengthen energy security, and support climate goal.

    What are Bio-based chemicals and enzymes?

    1. Bio-based chemicals are industrial chemicals produced using biological feedstocks like sugarcane, corn, starch, or biomass residues, often through fermentation or enzymatic processes. 
    2. Examples include organic acids (such as lactic acid), bio-alcohols, solvents, surfactants, and intermediates used in plastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. 
    3. Enzymes are biological catalysts widely used in detergents, food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, pulp and paper, and increasingly in biomanufacturing. 
    4. Enzymes often work at lower temperatures and pressures, reducing energy use and emissions.

    How Do Bio-based Chemicals Align with India’s Energy Security and Industrial Policy Objectives?

    1. Import Substitution: Reduces dependence on petrochemical imports such as acetic acid valued at $479.8 million in 2023.
    2. Feedstock Utilisation: Leverages agricultural residues, sugarcane, and starch base to create industrial value chains.
    3. Manufacturing Expansion: Strengthens domestic production capacity in sustainable chemicals.
    4. Energy Efficiency: Enables lower temperature and pressure processing, reducing industrial energy consumption.
    5. Strategic Autonomy: Diversifies raw material base beyond fossil fuels.

    How Does the BioE3 Policy Institutionalise Bio-manufacturing as a Governance Priority?

    1. Policy Prioritisation: Places bio-based chemicals and enzymes under the Department of Biotechnology’s BioE3 framework.
    2. Economic Integration: Links biotechnology with employment generation and environmental sustainability.
    3. Sectoral Coordination: Aligns industrial biotechnology with manufacturing sector expansion.
    4. Innovation Ecosystem: Encourages microbial strategy development for chemical production.

    Does India Possess Institutional and Market Capacity to Scale Bio-based Production?

    1. Corporate Leadership: Praj Industries and Godrej Industries lead bio-chemical initiatives.
    2. Refinery Innovation: Godavari Biorefineries produces acetyls and intermediates such as acetic anhydride (ethyl acetate).
    3. Enzyme Market Consolidation: Top players account for over 75% market share.
    4. Key Industry Actors: Novozymes India, DuPont, DSM, Advanced Enzyme Technologies, BASF SE, and Ultreze Enzymes Private Limited operate in India.
    5. Fermentation Expertise: Strong pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing base supports scaling.

    What Governance and Regulatory Challenges Constrain Sectoral Expansion?

    1. Capital Intensity: Bio-refineries require high initial investment.
    2. Feedstock Volatility: Agricultural raw material supply fluctuates seasonally.
    3. Technology Dependence: Advanced microbial engineering still requires global collaboration.
    4. Regulatory Clearances: Multi-layer approvals delay commercial scaling.
    5. Market Competitiveness: Petrochemical alternatives remain cost-competitive due to legacy infrastructure.

    How Does Global Policy Context Shape India’s Strategic Choices?

    1. EU Bioeconomy Strategy: Integrates bio-based chemicals into circular economy and climate transformation goals.
    2. USDA BioPreferred Program: Mandates federal procurement preference for bio-based products.
    3. Climate Alignment: Links industrial decarbonisation with bio-manufacturing.
    4. Waste Reduction: Encourages conversion of biomass residues into chemicals.
    5. Global Competition: Positions bio-based chemicals as emerging industrial frontier.

    Conclusion

    Bio-based chemicals and enzymes integrate industrial growth with environmental sustainability. India’s agricultural base, fermentation expertise, and BioE3 policy provide structural advantage. Scaling requires regulatory reform, technology deepening, and feedstock security. The sector offers scope for import substitution, green growth, and strategic industrial positioning.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2023] Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage.

    Linkage: This PYQ tests understanding of industrial biotechnology in addressing energy security and reducing fossil fuel dependence under GS 3. Bio-based chemicals and enzymes similarly use microbial processes to enable green manufacturing and reduce petrochemical imports.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-United States

    Ambiguities in US-India trade deal

    Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    The interim U.S.-India trade deal follows U.S. tariff actions linked to India’s Russian oil imports. India’s decision to reduce tariffs and address non-tariff barriers signals a policy shift with implications for agricultural protection and strategic autonomy.

    Why Is the Interim U.S.-India Trade Deal a Significant Policy Shift?

    1. Tariff Reduction Commitment: India agreed to reduce tariffs on multiple U.S. industrial and agricultural goods despite maintaining higher average tariffs during earlier phases of trade tension.
    2. Policy Contrast: Marks departure from India’s protectionist posture adopted after U.S. tariffs of 25% on imports from India and additional penalties linked to Russian oil imports.
    3. Strategic Timing: Agreement concluded amid U.S. domestic trade assertiveness and global tariff disputes involving China and Brazil.
    4. Political Sensitivity: Occurs after public assurances that farmers’ interests would be protected in any trade arrangement.

    Does the Agreement Compromise India’s Agricultural Sovereignty and Farmer Protection?

    1. Agricultural Sensitivity: India committed to eliminate or reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers on selected U.S. farm products, including dairy and poultry-linked segments.
    2. Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs): U.S. has long objected to India’s sanitary and phytosanitary standards and restrictions on GM food imports.
    3. GM Policy Concerns: India has historically restricted Genetically Modified (GM) food imports; any dilution alters long-standing regulatory stance.
    4. Food Security Implications: Agricultural trade liberalisation affects MSP framework and rural livelihood stability.
    5. Political Credibility: Raises questions regarding alignment between executive assurances and negotiated outcomes.

    How Does the Deal Reflect Asymmetry in Trade Negotiation Outcomes?

    1. Tariff Asymmetry: India reduced tariffs from levels averaging around 12.5% on U.S. exports during earlier trade tensions.
    2. U.S. Retaliatory Leverage: U.S. maintained capacity to reimpose 25% additional tariffs linked to Russian oil purchases.
    3. Uneven Concessions: India addressed tariff and NTB issues; U.S. concessions remain limited in scope.
    4. Strategic Compliance: Unlike China and Brazil, India adopted an accommodative posture rather than counter-retaliation.

    Does the Agreement Affect India’s Strategic Autonomy and Energy Sovereignty?

    1. Energy Conditionality: U.S. imposed additional tariffs linked to India’s Russian crude imports.
    2. Surveillance Concerns: Directive to monitor oil imports introduces external scrutiny over sovereign energy decisions.
    3. Strategic Autonomy: Raises concerns regarding external influence over India’s foreign policy choices.
    4. Constitutional Dimension: Trade and foreign affairs fall under Union List; executive accountability becomes central.

    What Are the Governance and Institutional Accountability Implications?

    1. Executive Authority: Agreement negotiated through executive channels without parliamentary ratification requirement.
    2. Regulatory Oversight: Changes in Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) require coordination between Commerce Ministry, Agriculture Ministry, and food safety regulators.
    3. WTO Compatibility: Concessions must align with Most Favoured Nation (MFN) principles and Agreement on Agriculture norms.
    4. Federal Concerns: Agriculture is State List subject; trade concessions affect state-level farm economies.

    Does the Deal Strengthen India’s Global Trade Position or Create Structural Vulnerabilities?

    1. Market Access Gain: Reduction in U.S. tariffs provides export expansion opportunity in world’s largest economy.
    2. Competitive Pressure: Increased U.S. imports may challenge domestic manufacturers and agri-producers.
    3. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Precedent: Unlike previous FTAs, sensitive farm items were not fully insulated.
    4. Policy Precedent Risk: Sets template for future negotiations under pressure conditions.

    Conclusion

    The interim U.S.-India trade arrangement extends beyond tariff adjustments and enters the sensitive domain of agricultural market access and regulatory standards. Concessions relating to farm imports and non-tariff measures raise concerns over farmer protection, MSP stability, and food sovereignty. The long-term viability of the agreement will depend on whether India can secure economic gains without diluting agricultural safeguards or compromising strategic autonomy in a shifting global trade order.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2019] “What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy which would satisfy India’s national self-esteem and ambitions.” Explain with suitable examples.

    Linkage: This PYQ is highly relevant as it examines structural tensions in India-U.S. relations arising from strategic asymmetry and policy conditionalities. The interim trade arrangement, energy-linked pressures, and tariff negotiations reflect this friction between India’s strategic autonomy and U.S. global strategic expectations.

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  • Food Procurement and Distribution – PDS & NFSA, Shanta Kumar Committee, FCI restructuring, Buffer stock, etc.

    CBDC Based Public Distribution System Launched in Gujarat

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: PDS, Buffer Stock & Food Security

    Why in the News?

    The Union Home Minister launched a Central Bank Digital Currency based Public Distribution System in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This marks the integration of digital currency into the food security delivery mechanism.

    What is CBDC?

    • Central Bank Digital Currency is a digital form of sovereign currency issued and regulated by a central bank.
    • In India, the digital rupee is issued by the Reserve Bank of India.
    • It is different from cryptocurrency because it is legal tender and backed by the government.

    What is the Public Distribution System?

    • The Public Distribution System is a food security system that distributes subsidised food grains to eligible beneficiaries under the National Food Security framework.
    • Around 80 crore beneficiaries receive free food grains under the scheme.

    Key Features of CBDC Based PDS

    1. Digital transfer and settlement using CBDC.
    2. Reduction of leakages and middlemen.
    3. Transparent and traceable transactions.
    4. Faster and automated grain dispensing via Annapurna machine.
    5. Planned nationwide rollout within 3 to 4 years.

    The Annapurna machine reportedly dispenses 25 kg of food grains in about 35 seconds.

    Governance Linkages

    • Linked to Digital India initiative.
    • Inspired by Direct Benefit Transfer model.
    • Reflects the principle of minimum government maximum governance.
    • Strengthens last mile delivery through technology.

    Related Schemes Mentioned

    • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana providing 5 kg free food grains per person per month.
    • PM SVANidhi providing working capital loans to street vendors.
    [2024] Consider the following statements in respect of the digital rupee: 1. It is a sovereign currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in alignment with its monetary policy. 

    2. It appears as a liability on the RBI’s balance sheet. 

    3. It is insured against inflation by its very design. 

    4. It is freely convertible against commercial bank money and cash. 

    Which of the statements given above are correct? 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2 and 4

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-United States

    Indian Origin Leaders, Immigrants and the Global Ecosystem Debate

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News? 

    An opinion piece reflects on the rise of Indian origin CEOs in Fortune 500 firms and questions whether their success is due to Indian upbringing, organisational loyalty, or the enabling ecosystem of immigrant driven economies like the United States.

    Indian Origin CEOs: The Numbers

    • 11 Indian origin CEOs in Fortune 500 companies in 2025.
    • Previously 13 in 2024 and 16 in 2023.
    • 28 Indian origin CEOs in Forbes 2000 list.
    • Examples include: Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, Shantanu Narayen, and Arvind Krishna
    • However, this represents roughly 2 percent or less of total Fortune 500 leadership.

    Immigrant Founders and CEOs in the U.S.

    • Around 46 percent of Fortune 500 companies in 2025 were founded by immigrants or their children.
    • Of the 14 new companies entering Fortune 500 in 2025, 10 were immigrant founded.

    Diaspora Economic Impact

    Data from Migration Policy Institute shows:

    • 74 percent labour force participation among Indian immigrants in the U.S.
    • Higher representation in management, business, science and arts roles.
    • Median annual income of Indian immigrant households in 2023: $166,200
    • Compared to $78,700 for all immigrant households and $77,600 for native households.

    Remittances

    • India received $135 billion in remittances last year.
    • 27 percent came from Indians working in the U.S.
    [2019] In the context of India, which of the following factors is/are contributor/contributors to reducing the risk of a currency crisis? 1. The foreign currency earnings of India’s IT sector 

    2. Increasing the government expenditure 

    3. Remittances from Indians abroad 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

    (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • MGNREGA Scheme

    PIL Challenging VB-G RAM G Act, 2025

    Prelims Only | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Poverty & Hunger,Schemes For Vulnerable Sections

    Why in the News?

    A Public Interest Litigation has been filed before the Madras High Court challenging key provisions of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin Act, 2025, which replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005.

    Background

    • The earlier law, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, provided a statutory right to 100 days of wage employment to rural households and was regarded as one of the world’s largest social protection programmes.
    • The new Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act has altered the funding pattern, administrative control and implementation structure.
    • The matter is likely to be heard by a Division Bench of the Madras High Court.

    Key Issues Raised in the PIL

    • Change in Cost Sharing Ratio

        • Earlier under MGNREGA: Centre and States shared costs in 90:10 ratio.
        • Under new Act: 90:10 only for Northeastern and Himalayan States
        • 60:40 for other States
        • Petitioner argues this increases fiscal burden on States and weakens federal balance.

    • Reduction in Panchayat Autonomy

        • MGNREGA made Gram Panchayats principal implementing authority.
        • Linked to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment which strengthened local self government.
        • Allegation that the new Act dilutes decentralisation guarantees.

    • Constitutional Challenge

        • The petition claims certain provisions violate:
        • Article 14: Equality before law
        • Article 16: Equality of opportunity
        • Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty
        • Argument: Right to livelihood is part of Article 21 jurisprudence.

    • Specific Sections Challenged

      • Sections 3(1), 4(5), 5(1), 6(2), 22, 30, 34 and 37 of the new Act are alleged to be unjust and anti federal.
      • Section 3(1): Requires States to frame schemes consistent with the Act within six months of commencement.
    [2011] Among the following who are eligible to benefit from the “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act”? (a) Adult members of only the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe households 

    (b) Adult members of below poverty line (BPL) households 

    (c) Adult members of households of all backward communities 

    (d) Adult members of any household

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  • Electronic System Design and Manufacturing Sector – M-SIPS, National Policy on Electronics, etc.

    India’s Power Generation Capacity Update

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    India has added 52,537 MW of electricity generation capacity in the current financial year up to January 31, 2026. This is the highest ever annual capacity addition, taking total installed capacity to 5,20,510.95 MW.

    Key Data

    1. Total capacity addition (FY 2025-26 till Jan 31): 52,537 MW
    2. Previous record: 34,054 MW in FY 2024-25
    3. Total installed capacity (Jan 31, 2026): 5,20,510.95 MW
    4. Growth over last FY: More than 11 percent increase

    Breakup of Installed Capacity

    1. Renewable Energy:
      • 2,63,189.33 MW
      • Around 50.5 percent of total capacity
      • Solar: 34,955 MW added this year
      • Wind: 4,613 MW added
    2. Fossil Fuel Based:
      • 2,48,541.62 MW
      • Around 48 percent of total
    3. Nuclear Energy:
      • 8,780 MW
      • Around 1.6 percent

    Important Concepts for Prelims

    • Installed Capacity: Maximum electricity that can be generated under ideal conditions.
    • Renewable Energy Sources: Solar, wind, hydro, biomass etc.
    • Energy Mix: Composition of different energy sources in total generation capacity.

    Significance

    • India’s renewable share has crossed 50 percent of installed capacity.
    • Indicates progress toward climate commitments and energy transition goals.
    • Strengthens energy security and reduces fossil fuel dependence in long term.
    [2025] 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? 

    (a) I and II only (b) I and III only (c) II and III only (d) I, II and III

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    AI Impact Summit 2026

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    India is hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Prime Minister is inaugurating the India AI Impact Expo 2026, with participation from global tech leaders and representatives from nearly 100 countries.

    About AI Impact Summit 2026

    1. Edition: 4th AI Impact Summit.Previous editions were held in the U.K., South Korea and France. First time hosted in a Global South country.
    2. Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Same complex that hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit 2023.
    3. Theme Structure: Organized around three thematic chakras People, Planet and Progress

    Key Highlights

    • Participation of global tech CEOs including: Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, Demis Hassabis, Dario Amodei and Brad Smith
    • Attendance by global leaders including: Emmanuel Macron, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and António Guterres
    • Bilateral engagements on the sidelines.
    • Dedicated all women hackathon.
    • Leaders’ summit and Tech CEO roundtable.
    [2025] Consider the following statements regarding AI Action Summit held in Grand Palais, Paris in February 2025: I. Co-chaired with India, the event builds on the advances made at the Bletchley Park Summit held in 2023 and the Seoul Summit held in 2024. 

    II. Along with other countries, the US and UK also signed the declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

    (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II

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