General Studies Paper-3 Context India’s power sector is grappling with technical and administrative hurdles, compounded by macroeconomic constraints that could shape the nation’s economic trajectory. About Power Sector of India Installed Capacity and Energy Mix: As of mid-2025, India’s total installed power capacity has reached 476 GW, with non-fossil fuel sources contributing 49% of this mix. It includes: Thermal (Coal, Gas, Diesel): 240 GW; ~50.5 % Solar: 110.9 GW; ~23.3% Wind: 51.3GW; ~10.8% Hydro: 46.9GW; ~9.8% Nuclear: 8.8GW; ~1.8% Surge in Renewable Energy: Installed renewable capacity tripled — from 76 GW to over 226 GW between 2014 and 2025. Solar....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context The proposed amendments to key nuclear legislations which aim to address long-standing issues related to supplier liability and private sector participation in nuclear energy, have sparked debate in Parliament.   India’s Nuclear Energy Scenario India currently generates only about 3% of its electricity from nuclear sources (8.8 GW across 24 plants), and is projected to rise to 22,480 MW by 2031–32 and 100 GW by 2047 (Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat). The Union Budget 2025–26 allocated ₹20,000 crore for a Nuclear Energy Mission, including the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Bharat Small Reactors....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context Recently, the World Economic Forum (WEF) revealed that India secured 71st position in 2025, down from 63rd in 2024 and 67th in 2023 because of several ‘structural challenges’. India’s Global Standing in Energy Transition The World Economic Forum (WEF), in collaboration with Accenture, recently released its 2025 Fostering Effective Energy Transition report. It evaluates 118 countries based on the Energy Transition Index (ETI), which assesses their performance and readiness for clean energy transformation. India ranked 71st with an ETI score of 53.3, down from 63rd in 2024. Sweden retained the top spot with an ETI score....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context India’s power sector, long characterized by fragmented regulation, mounting debts, and inefficient distribution, is undergoing vital reforms to meet modern energy needs and ensure sustainable, reliable access for all. India’s Power Sector Installed Generation Capacity: India is the third-largest producer and consumer of electricity worldwide, with an installed power capacity of 466.24 GW as of January 31, 2025. India’s Coal Based Energy: It contributes nearly 55% to the national energy mix and fuels over 70% of total power generation. It has the fifth-largest coal reserves and is the second-largest consumer. Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂), a harmful pollutant....Read More

General Studies Paper -3 Context China’s transformation from the world’s largest polluter to a global clean energy superpower is the result of decades of strategic planning, massive state investment, and technological dominance across the renewable energy supply chain. About the Green Energy It has emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable development, as the world confronts the climate crisis. It refers to energy generated from natural, renewable sources that have minimal environmental impact and produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions. These sources include solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, biomass and geothermal energy. Global Landscape Globally, renewables provided 40.9% of electricity....Read More

General Studies Paper -3 Context: Discussions are ongoing in India to amend the nuclear liability framework, regulated by the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act (CLNDA), 2010, and the Atomic Energy Act (AEA), 1962. It aims to allow private companies to build and operate nuclear energy-generation facilities. About India’s clean energy transition goals and net-zero commitments necessitate ramping up non-fossil energy, including nuclear. The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 (CLNDA) assigns liability to suppliers, deterring foreign investment. The debate hinges on whether amending this law is necessary or whether the obstacles are deeper and more structural. Legal Reforms....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: The government is likely to move two crucial amendments in the laws governing the country’s atomic energy sector in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. Legal Reforms Underway Easing Nuclear Liability Law (Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010): Its objective is to limit the liability of equipment vendors in case of a nuclear accident. Key Proposed Changes: Monetary Cap: Liability may be capped to the original contract value. Time Limit: Introduce a statute of limitations for how long liability applies. Amendment to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962: Its objective is to allow private and foreign....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: World Solar Day, as observed on 3rd May, highlighted the transformative potential of solar energy, particularly in agriculture. About the Agriphotovoltaics Agriphotovoltaics (APVs) offer a dual solution for food and energy production by integrating solar panels with farming. It maximizes land-use efficiency, allowing crops to grow beneath elevated solar panels while generating electricity. Origins of Agriphotovoltaics: It was first proposed by German scientists Adolf Goetzberger and Armin Zastrow in 1981. The concept involves elevating solar modules to allow sunlight to reach crops while harnessing solar power. Benefits for Farmers APVs create microclimatic conditions that reduce water....Read More

General Studies Paper -3 Context: The US Department of Energy (DoE) has granted final approval for a US company to design and build nuclear power plants in India. About The India-US civil nuclear agreement was signed in 2007 but took 20 years of negotiations, legal clearances, and regulatory approvals to reach this stage. India had insisted on local design and manufacturing of nuclear plants, which the US has now agreed to. Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act 1962 also have to be initiated to enable private companies to enter nuclear generation as operators, which is currently restricted to only state-owned....Read More

General Studies Paper -3 Context: Recently, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has unveiled its annual publication, ‘Energy Statistics India 2025’, through the National Statistics Office (NSO). India’s Energy Scenario in 2025 Total Energy Supply and Demand: Supply: Approximately 1,800 Million Tonnes of Oil Equivalent (MToE), reflecting an annual increase of 4.5% compared to 2024. Demand: It is driven primarily by industrial growth (40%), transportation (25%), and residential consumption (20%). Energy Mix (Sources and Shares): Coal: 48% Oil: 28% Natural Gas: 8% Renewables (Solar, Wind, Hydro, Biomass): 12% Nuclear: 4% Fossil Fuel Reserves and Production (Total coal reserves:....Read More