1. A higher share of non-fossil fuel capacity ensures a proportionate increase in electricity generation from such sources.
2. Industry and buildings together account for a majority share of total energy consumption in India.
3. Energy efficiency can play a role in moderating the rise in per capita energy consumption.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 – Incorrect: There is a clear gap between installed capacity and actual generation from non-fossil sources due to intermittency of solar and wind energy. Hence, higher capacity does not ensure proportionate generation.
Statement 2 – Correct: Industry accounts for nearly half of total energy consumption, and buildings contribute over 40%, together forming the dominant share in India’s energy demand.
Statement 3 – Correct: Energy efficiency helps moderate the rise in per capita energy consumption by optimising usage, especially as economic growth increases demand.
Reason (R): Renewable energy sources face intermittency issues and limitations related to storage technologies.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Assertion – Correct: Fossil fuels are expected to remain part of India’s energy mix in the near term due to rising energy demand and affordability constraints.
Reason – Correct: Renewable sources such as solar and wind are intermittent in nature, and current energy storage technologies are costly, limiting their ability to provide reliable base-load power.
Link between A and R: Since renewables cannot ensure continuous and stable supply at all times, fossil fuels remain necessary for grid stability and meeting uninterrupted demand. Hence, the reason directly explains the assertion.
| Scheme/Mechanism | Key Feature |
|---|---|
| 1. PAT Scheme | Assigns energy reduction targets to industries |
| 2. CCTS | Provides direct subsidies for renewable energy adoption |
| 3. Standards & Labelling | Influences consumer choices through star ratings |
Pair 1 – Correct: The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme assigns specific energy reduction targets to industries and promotes efficiency through compliance mechanisms.
Pair 2 – Incorrect: The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) does not provide direct subsidies. It operates as a market-based mechanism where entities earn and trade carbon credits based on emission reductions.
Pair 3 – Correct: The Standards and Labelling programme uses star ratings for appliances, influencing consumer behaviour towards more energy-efficient choices.
1. It focuses on optimising energy consumption rather than increasing energy production.
2. It reduces the need for large-scale investments in new energy generation infrastructure.
3. It eliminates the variability associated with renewable energy sources.
Select the correct answer:
Statement 1 – Correct: Demand-side management focuses on how energy is consumed rather than how it is produced. Energy efficiency directly targets consumption patterns.
Statement 2 – Correct: By lowering overall energy demand, efficiency reduces the need for large investments in new power plants and infrastructure, making it a cost-effective strategy.
Statement 3 – Incorrect: Energy efficiency does not address the intermittency of renewable energy sources, which is a supply-side issue related to generation variability and storage.
1. Margdarshika
2. Grain Storage
3. Cooperative Policy
4. NCDC
Which of the above are correctly matched with institutional strengthening of the cooperative sector?
1. Margdarshika – Correct: The initiative to establish 2 lakh new cooperatives expands the institutional base, directly strengthening the cooperative ecosystem.
2. Grain Storage – Correct: Although it appears infrastructure-focused, it operates within the cooperative framework, enhancing their operational capacity and viability.
3. Cooperative Policy – Correct: The policy aims to onboard a large population into cooperatives, strengthening institutional reach and participation.
4. NCDC – Correct: As a statutory body providing financial and institutional support, it plays a direct role in strengthening cooperative institutions.
1. The National Cooperative Development Corporation provides institutional support to cooperatives but does not directly engage in financing activities.
2. The Margdarshika Plan aims to expand cooperative institutions beyond agriculture into allied sectors such as dairy and fisheries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 – Incorrect: NCDC does provide institutional support, but the phrase “does not directly engage in financing” makes the statement incorrect. It actually extends financial assistance to cooperatives, making this a partial-truth trap.
Statement 2 – Correct: The Margdarshika Plan covers PACS as well as dairy and fishery cooperatives, showing expansion into allied sectors beyond core agriculture.