UPSC Mains 2018 GS3 Q1 — Energy and SDGs
"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. (Answer in 150 words)
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Source Map — where to read
"Energy sector was the prime contributor to emissions and with Total of total emissions in 2019 • Reduction of emission intensity of GDP by about 40% has been achieved between 2050 and 2060 against our voluntary pledge to reduce the emission intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, compared with the 2050 level. • India will continue to be a low-carbon economy (World Bank study). • India's primary focus is on "adaptation", with specific focus for "mitigation".…"
"3. 'Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is a sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)'. Comment on the progress made in India in this regard.' 4. 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. No question…"
"India also aims a target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel based energy by 2030. As of zoz3 the renewable capacity in India stands at 77.32 GW which includes 67 GW of solar energy and 4z GW of wind energy. Only zo%. India's installed renewable energy capacity has increased by over five and a half times, which is about 43 per cent of the country's total capacity (as on July 2003). All rights reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without permission in writing.…"
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"• r India has in place a detailed policy, regulatory, and legislative structure that relates strongly to GHG mitigation: The Integrated Energy Policy. was adopted in 2006, • r Some of its key provisions are: • r Promotion of energy efficiency in all sectors • r Emphasis on mass transport • t r Emphasis on renewables including biofuels plantations • r Accelerated development of nuclear and hydropower for clean energy • r Focused R&D on several clean energy related technologies.…"
How this topic is evolving
The focus has shifted from basic energy access (SDG 7) to energy as a strategic driver for a 'Sunrise Economy,' where green energy is no longer just a social good but an industrial catalyst. This is evidenced by the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) and the use of Sovereign Green Bonds to fund deep-tech R&D through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
While access to affordable and reliable energy remains a prerequisite for the SDGs, the pivot towards a 'Frontier-First' policy necessitates a shift from energy security to technological sovereignty. In this context, discuss how the National Green Hydrogen Mission and Green Hydrogen Certification (GHCI) can propel India into a global leadership role in the sunrise economy. (Answer in 250 words)
Why this framing: Introduction of Green Hydrogen Certification (GHCI) and the ₹50,000 Cr Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Comment
- Scope keywords
- affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energysine qua nonSustainable Development Goals (SDGs)progress made in India
- Implicit sub-parts
- Justification of how energy acts as a catalyst for other SDGs (e.g., health, education, gender equality).
- Evidence of India's progress across the four pillars: Affordability (PM-KUSUM/Ujala), Reliability (Saubhagya), Sustainability (RE targets), and Modernity (Green Hydrogen).
- Critical analysis of persistent gaps such as DISCOM health, grid stability, and dependence on coal.
- Way forward for achieving the 2030 energy agenda.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a generic essay on renewable energy without linking it specifically to the 'SDG' framework.
- Ignoring the 'Affordable' and 'Reliable' aspects by focusing solely on 'Sustainable' (Green) energy.
- Failing to mention specific government schemes like PM-KUSUM, ISA, or the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
- Neglecting the 'sine qua non' part—failing to explain why energy is the indispensable foundation for all other goals.
- Listing facts without 'Commenting' or providing an analytical perspective on the quality of progress.
- Dimensions required
- Socio-economic (Poverty and Health)Environmental (Climate Commitments/COP26-27)Infrastructure and TechnologyPolicy and GovernanceInternational/Geopolitical (ISA/One Sun One World One Grid)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 30 words to establish the energy-SDG nexus. Dedicate the bulk (80-90 words) to a balanced assessment of India's progress across the four specific adjectives mentioned. Reserve the final 30-40 words for identifying bottlenecks and a forward-looking conclusion.
How examiners have framed this topic over the years
Transitioned from assessing sectoral progress to examining deep-seated ethical tensions and the conflict between environmental sustainability and poverty alleviation.
In 2018, the examiner treated SDG 7 (Energy) as a broad foundational requirement for development; subsequently, in 2020 and 2021, the framing narrowed to test the alignment of specific national policies (NEP 2020) and infrastructure (Primary Health) with SDG 4 and SDG 3 respectively. Parallel to these sectoral queries, the 2020 GS3 question deepened the conceptual requirement by demanding an analysis of inter-generational equity. Most recently, in 2025, the lens shifted from 'synergy' to 'conflict,' requiring candidates to critique the friction between environmental protection and the immediate socio-economic needs of the poor.
PYQs this pattern was synthesized from
Answer Skeleton — fill this in
Introduction
Define SDG 7 as the "golden thread" that connects economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Explain its role as a prerequisite for goals like poverty alleviation (SDG 1), health (SDG 3), and climate action (SDG 13).
Body
Universal Access and Affordability
- PM Saubhagya: Achieving near-universal household electrification to boost rural productivity [Economic Survey 2023-24].
- PM Ujjwala Yojana: Bridging the clean cooking gap; providing over 10 crore LPG connections to reduce indoor air pollution [Yojana, Energy Security Issue].
- PM-KUSUM: De-dieselizing the farm sector through solar-powered pumps for energy-water-food nexus.
Transition to Sustainable Energy
- Panchamrit Commitments: Progress toward 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and 50% energy requirements from renewables [Shankar IAS, Environment].
- Solar Leadership: Development of ultra-mega solar parks and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) headquarters in India.
- Green Hydrogen Mission: Targeting 5 MMT annual production to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors.
Efficiency and Reliability
- UJALA Scheme: Largest LED distribution program globally, reducing carbon emissions and consumer bills [Economic Survey 2023-24].
- PAT (Perform, Achieve and Trade) Scheme: Enhancing energy efficiency in energy-intensive "Designated Consumers" [Shankar IAS, Environment].
- National Smart Grid Mission: Improving reliability and reducing Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses.
Institutional and Financial Framework
- RDSS Scheme: Improving the operational efficiency and financial sustainability of DISCOMs [PRS Legislative Research].
- PLI Schemes: Incentivizing domestic manufacturing of high-efficiency solar PV modules and Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries.
Conclusion
India has transitioned from energy deficiency to a surplus nation, yet challenges in grid integration and DISCOM health remain. Achieving 'Net Zero 2070' requires balancing rapid development with decentralized renewable energy to ensure no one is left behind.
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