UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Renewable Energy Ministry demands sweeping powers

Question 1

Which ministry of the Government of India currently exercises the powers of the 'Central Government' under the Electricity Act, 2003, for matters concerning grid-connected renewable energy?

Accepted Answer

Ministry of Power

Answer

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

Answer

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Answer

Ministry of Coal

Question 2

With reference to the subjects allocated to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy under the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, consider the following:
1. Solar photovoltaic devices and their applications
2. Small/mini/micro hydel projects of and below 25 MW capacity
3. Large hydroelectric projects above 25 MW capacity
4. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA)
Which of the above are correctly identified as subjects allocated to MNRE?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 4 only

Answer

1, 3 and 4 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2, 3 and 4

Question 3

MNRE's 2026 submission to a parliamentary committee seeks recognition as the 'Central Government' for renewable energy matters under which one of the following statutes?

Accepted Answer

Electricity Act, 2003

Answer

Energy Conservation Act, 2001

Answer

Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948

Answer

National Tariff Policy Act, 2006

Question 4

In the context of India's commitments under the Paris Agreement, the term 'non-fossil fuel installed capacity' most accurately refers to:

Accepted Answer

Cumulative installed electricity generation capacity from sources other than coal, lignite, oil and natural gas — comprising renewables, large hydro and nuclear power

Answer

Actual electricity generated in a financial year from renewable energy sources, expressed in billion units

Answer

Installed capacity of grid-connected solar and wind projects alone, excluding hydro and nuclear

Answer

Renewable energy capacity certified by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Energy Conservation Act

Question 5

As of January 2026, which single source accounts for the largest share of India's renewable energy installed capacity?

Accepted Answer

Solar power

Answer

Wind power

Answer

Large hydroelectric power

Answer

Biomass and bagasse cogeneration

UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Renewable Energy Ministry demands sweeping powers

Q1. Which ministry of the Government of India currently exercises the powers of the 'Central Government' under the Electricity Act, 2003, for matters concerning grid-connected renewable energy?

Q3. MNRE's 2026 submission to a parliamentary committee seeks recognition as the 'Central Government' for renewable energy matters under which one of the following statutes?

Q4. In the context of India's commitments under the Paris Agreement, the term 'non-fossil fuel installed capacity' most accurately refers to:

Q5. As of January 2026, which single source accounts for the largest share of India's renewable energy installed capacity?