GS Paper III · Infrastructure
Renewable Energy Current Affairs for UPSC (GS Paper III)
From the syllabus: Infrastructure: energy, ports, roads, airports, railways etc.
Why it matters: This topic is vital for evaluating national climate commitments, grid integration challenges, and the rapid transition toward solar, wind, and green hydrogen alternatives.
In the news
October 2026
13 Oct 2026Telangana
Telangana Plans 5,800 MW Renewable Energy Procurement to Meet Soaring Power LoadThe Telangana government has finalized plans to procure 5,800 megawatts of renewable electricity to satisfy surging industrial and domestic peak loads. State distribution utilities intend to float bundled solar and wind contracts...
05 Oct 2026Andhra Pradesh
Rayalaseema Horticulture Hub and Clean Energy Investments LaunchedThe Andhra Pradesh government and Union ministers launched the Rayalaseema Horticulture Hub alongside the new Indian School of Agriculture to support dryland farmers with precision agriculture and export infrastructure. In addition,...
01 Oct 2026
Bihar Approves Green Hydrogen Policy 2026 Aligned with National MissionThe Bihar Cabinet has approved the Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy, 2026, aimed at promoting renewable energy production and reducing dependence on imported natural gas. The policy aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission 2023 to...
September 2026
24 Sep 2026
Refinery sector balances fossil transition and net-zero pushIndustry experts at the Hindu Sustainability Summit emphasized that India's refinery sector must manage the delicate transition from fossil fuels to clean energy while ensuring immediate energy security. Key strategies discussed include...
18 Sep 2026
Evaluation of India's E20 Biofuel Blend ExpansionA recent review of India's 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) rollout indicates that while the policy reduces raw crude imports, lower vehicle mileage has led to higher net fuel expenditure for consumers. Experts highlighted the need to...
17 Sep 2026
Analysis highlights hidden costs and trade-offs of India's E20 fuel pushA recent economic assessment of India's 20 percent ethanol-blended petrol (E20) push revealed that a drop in vehicle mileage offset consumer savings, costing vehicle owners additional money over three years. The report highlighted that...
10 Sep 2026
Government to Launch PM-KUSUM 2.0 to Promote AgrivoltaicsThe Union Government is expected to announce the PM-KUSUM 2.0 scheme soon, incorporating a dedicated component for agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics allows farmers to generate solar power while continuing crop cultivation on the same land,...
01 Sep 2026
Interlinkages Between Ethanol Blending and CAFE Norms HighlightedIndia's Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) standards and the target of 20 percent ethanol blending (E20) are shaping the nation's energy transition roadmap. Experts note that combining ethanol blending with stringent vehicle...
August 2026
31 Aug 2026
CAFE Norms and Biofuel Economics Drive Energy TransitionThe interplay between Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) norms, ethanol blending targets (E20), and sugarcane economics is reshaping India's automotive sector. CAFE regulations require manufacturers to reduce average carbon dioxide...
28 Aug 2026
Customs Duty Cuts Target Boost to Domestic Solar and Battery ManufacturingThe government has announced targeted customs duty exemptions on critical components including lithium-ion batteries and solar glass. This policy move aims to lower production costs for domestic clean energy manufacturers and reduce...
24 Aug 2026
Feedstock Sourcing Becomes Critical Lever for Compressed Bio-Gas ScalingIndustry experts highlighted that securing reliable feedstock sourcing is the most vital step to scale India's Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) ecosystem. Primary feedstocks such as agricultural residues (paddy and wheat straw), press mud from...
22 Aug 2026
Sustainability and Economic Impact of India's E20 Ethanol Blending DriveIndia's E20 initiative, targeting 20 percent ethanol blending with petrol, has reportedly saved around 2 lakh crore rupees in foreign exchange according to official disclosures. However, debate has intensified regarding its potential...
22 Aug 2026
India Outlines Priorities at BRICS Science and Technology MinisterialIndia called for stronger global technological collaboration during the BRICS Science and Technology Ministerial meeting under its 2026 BRICS Presidency. The theme chosen for India's presidency is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation,...
20 Aug 2026
Transition to E20 Ethanol Blended Petrol Faces Vehicle Compatibility IssuesIndia's rapid shift towards E20 fuel has triggered debate regarding potential mileage loss and mechanical wear on older vehicles. Concerns persist over moisture contamination and the unavailability of unblended petrol options for...
19 Aug 2026
Transition to E20 Fuel Raises Mechanical and Policy ConcernsIndia's push to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20) by 2025-26 has brought forward technical and consumer challenges. Automotive experts have flagged mileage drops, accelerated corrosion in older non-compliant engines, and...
18 Aug 2026
States Shift to Solar Subsidies to Reduce Discom BurdenSeveral state governments are redirecting funds from traditional electricity subsidies toward capital subsidies for rooftop solar installations. This strategic shift aims to lower overall financial losses incurred by state power...
17 Aug 2026
Floating Solar Pump Deployed in Tamil Nadu to Protect AquifersAlumni from IIT Madras have launched an innovative floating solar pump at Vishnupuram pond in Tamil Nadu to support sustainable agricultural irrigation. The system utilizes surface water during dam releases, reducing reliance on deep...
17 Aug 2026
States Redirect Power Subsidies Toward Rooftop Solar Capital ExpenditureMultiple state governments are shifting their strategy on power subsidies by redirecting funds toward capital expenditure for rooftop solar systems. By subsidizing home solar installations, states aim to reduce the recurring burden of...
01 Aug 2026
Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana for Floating SolarThe Union Cabinet has approved a new scheme to promote floating solar plants on water bodies across India. The project aims to install 5,000 MW of capacity by 2030-31, helping to preserve land resources while generating clean energy and...
01 Aug 2026
Impact of E20 Fuel on Indian VehiclesAs India pushes for 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20), experts have flagged concerns regarding fuel efficiency and engine wear. While newer vehicles are E20 compliant, older models face risks of corrosion in fuel systems and rubber...
July 2026
30 Jul 2026
India's Green Transition Hindered by Lack of Long-Duration Energy StorageExperts warn that India's green transition faces a critical bottleneck due to the absence of long-duration energy storage (LDES) solutions. While short-duration storage works for up to four hours, discharge durations exceeding six hours...
30 Jul 2026
Coal Ministry Pushes for Circular Economy via Scientific Mine ClosuresThe Ministry of Coal has announced plans to scientifically close more than 105 mines in the coming years, building on 42 mine closures completed over the past two years. These closures present new opportunities to integrate former...
23 Jul 2026
India Progresses Toward 2030 Renewable Energy GoalsUnion Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik confirmed in Parliament that India remains on track to meet its ambitious 2030 renewable energy targets. India has committed to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel...
20 Jul 2026
Ethanol Blending Mandate Faces Agricultural and Ecological ChallengesWhile India's E20 (20 percent ethanol blended petrol) mandate aims to reduce carbon emissions and crude imports, its heavy reliance on water-intensive sugarcane is raising ecological alarms. Experts warn that diverting fertile land and...
19 Jul 2026
Balancing Sustainability and Fuel Goals in India's E20 MandateAs India transitions towards a nation-wide 20 percent ethanol-blended petrol (E20) mandate, environmentalists are raising concerns over the heavy reliance on water-intensive sugarcane crops. This policy focus coincides with a slower...
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July 2026
16 Jul 2026
Gujarat Unveils Strategic Data Centre PolicyThe Gujarat government has announced a comprehensive Data Centre Policy aimed at positioning the state as a major digital infrastructure hub. The policy introduces enticing incentives, including power tariff concessions, stamp duty...
16 Jul 2026
Government Direct Investment in EV Manufacturer Ather EnergyThe Government of India has directly invested Rs 200 crore into electric vehicle manufacturer Ather Energy as part of a larger Rs 1,200 crore fundraising round. This strategic funding round was conducted in partnership with the Japan...
14 Jul 2026
Rising Carbon Emissions from Big Tech's Artificial Intelligence RaceSustainability reports from major technology corporations, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, reveal sharp increases in carbon emissions due to the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence. The power-hungry nature of data...
14 Jul 2026
The Role of Compressed Biogas in India's Energy TransitionWith India importing nearly 85 percent of its crude oil, the government is highlighting compressed biogas (CBG) as a crucial alternative for domestic energy security. Despite several national initiatives, progress in the biogas sector...
12 Jul 2026
India to Flag Off First Hydrogen TrainThe Prime Minister is set to flag off India's first hydrogen-powered train, marking a key milestone in the country's shift toward green transit. Hydrogen fuel cell trains emit only water vapour and warm air, making them a zero-emission...
12 Jul 2026
US Regulator Approves Earendil-1 Orbital Mirror MissionA US regulator has green-lighted the Earendil-1 mission, which aims to launch a massive reflective mirror into a non-geostationary orbit. Named after a character in J.R.R. Tolkien's Silmarillion, the satellite is designed to reflect...
08 Jul 2026
Brazil's Ethanol Blueprint and Lessons for IndiaAs India navigates challenges in its transition to a higher ethanol-blended fuel economy, experts point to Brazil's highly successful biofuel ecosystem. Brazil uses flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) and has a robust supply chain utilizing...
07 Jul 2026
The Technical and Policy Challenges of Ethanol Blending in IndiaAs India aggressively pursues its target of 20 percent ethanol-blended petrol, automotive experts have highlighted the challenges of engine corrosion and reduced fuel efficiency. While ethanol reduces carbon emissions and cuts India's...
07 Jul 2026
El Nino Weather Patterns Projected to Reduce India's Wind and Hydropower OutputA study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has warned that El Nino conditions could severely impact India's clean energy generation. Weak wind speeds and reduced rainfall are projected to lower wind and hydropower...
05 Jul 2026
Rigorous Testing Urged for E20 Compliant Vehicles Amid Consumer ConcernsIn light of rising consumer complaints and operational concerns, automotive experts have emphasized the need for thorough testing of E20 (20% ethanol blended petrol) compliant vehicles. Standard service protocols are being modified to...
04 Jul 2026
Fresh Carbon Emission Reduction Targets Issued for Iron and Steel SectorThe Ministry of Power and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have released fresh draft targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions in the domestic iron and steel sector. As a historically hard-to-abate sector, the...
04 Jul 2026
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities in Clean Mobility: Hacking of E-Rickshaw Battery AppsConcerns have surfaced across India's micro-mobility sector following reports of hackers using Chinese-developed mobile apps to remotely cut power to domestic e-rickshaws mid-transit. The security flaw highlights severe vulnerabilities...
Practise Renewable Energy
10 of our latest questions on this topic (out of 54).
Question 1 of 10
The Periyar Tiger Reserve, which is transitioning its transit fleet from diesel to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to curb pollution, is located in which state?
Mains practice
Sustaining India's economic growth and inclusive governance requires balancing agricultural vulnerability, clean energy transitions, and sustainable digital financial architecture. Analyze the key policy and regulatory challenges facing India in these interconnected sectors.
15 marks
Evaluate how strategic technological self-reliance, energy transition initiatives, and multilateral economic realignments contribute to safeguarding India's national sovereignty amidst escalating global tensions. Illustrate your answer with recent policy developments.
15 marks
In an increasingly uncertain geopolitical and environmental landscape, national resilience depends on strengthening domestic regulatory frameworks while safeguarding strategic resource and financial autonomy. Examine this statement with reference to transboundary natural resources, cross-border financial architectures, and the transition toward sustainable industrial technologies.
15 marks
Previous years' questions
Past exam questions sorted by topic are coming here. Until then, the full papers are in our previous papers library.