UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — An energy transition driven by ethics

Q1. Following its post-2025 supply diversification in response to West Asia energy disruptions, from approximately how many countries does India now import crude oil?

  • A. 27 countries
  • B. 40 countries
  • C. 55 countries
  • D. 70 countries

Q2. With reference to India's energy transition performance in 2025 compared with the previous year, consider the following statements: 1. The renewable energy capacity added in 2025 (till November) was about 44.51 GW, nearly double the capacity added during the corresponding period a year earlier. 2. India crossed the milestone of 250 GW of non-fossil installed power capacity during 2025. 3. In November 2025, non-fossil sources accounted for less than 40% of India's total installed electricity capacity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The renewable energy capacity added in 2025 (till November) was about 44.51 GW, nearly double the capacity added during the corresponding period a year earlier.
  2. India crossed the milestone of 250 GW of non-fossil installed power capacity during 2025.
  3. In November 2025, non-fossil sources accounted for less than 40% of India's total installed electricity capacity.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. Which Union Ministry is the nodal agency responsible for operationalising India's renewable energy capacity targets that underpin its non-fossil electricity commitments?

  • A. Ministry of Power
  • B. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
  • C. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
  • D. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Q4. In the context of India's energy transition, the term 'Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)' most precisely refers to which one of the following?

  • A. Each country's self-defined climate action pledges submitted under the Paris Agreement, including emission-intensity and non-fossil capacity goals
  • B. Legally binding emission caps imposed on developing countries by the UNFCCC Secretariat
  • C. Annual financial contributions made by member states to the Green Climate Fund
  • D. Domestic carbon-credit quotas allocated to industries under India's carbon market

Q5. As on 31 March 2026, which single source accounted for the largest share of India's non-fossil installed power capacity?

  • A. Wind Power
  • B. Large Hydro Power
  • C. Solar Power
  • D. Nuclear Power