UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — India Ranks third globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity: Shri Pralhad Joshi

Q1. In the context of India being ranked third globally, the figure of 283.46 GW of 'non-fossil installed capacity' (as on 31 March 2026) is best defined as which of the following?

  • A. Renewable energy sources only, excluding nuclear power
  • B. Renewable energy sources plus nuclear power
  • C. Renewable energy plus nuclear and gas-based generation capacity
  • D. Only solar, wind and large-hydro capacity

Q2. India's third-place global ranking in renewable energy installed capacity was reported in which publication?

  • A. World Energy Outlook of the International Energy Agency
  • B. Renewables Global Status Report of REN21
  • C. Renewable Energy Statistics 2026 of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
  • D. Global Renewables Outlook of the International Solar Alliance

Q3. What was India's non-fossil energy capacity addition in FY 2025-26, described as the highest ever in a single year?

  • A. 44.61 GW
  • B. 50.00 GW
  • C. 55.29 GW
  • D. 283.46 GW

Q4. Consider the following statements comparing India's renewable energy capacity additions across financial years: 1. The 55.29 GW of non-fossil capacity added in FY 2025-26 was the highest in any single year. 2. The solar capacity addition of 44.61 GW in FY 2025-26 was nearly double the previous highest of 23.83 GW recorded in FY 2024-25. 3. The FY 2025-26 solar addition of 44.61 GW fell short of the year's target of 34 GW. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The 55.29 GW of non-fossil capacity added in FY 2025-26 was the highest in any single year.
  2. The solar capacity addition of 44.61 GW in FY 2025-26 was nearly double the previous highest of 23.83 GW recorded in FY 2024-25.
  3. The FY 2025-26 solar addition of 44.61 GW fell short of the year's target of 34 GW.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q5. Which of the following correctly describes the ministry responsible for India's renewable energy programmes?

  • A. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), which is solely responsible for all non-fossil capacity including nuclear and large hydro
  • B. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), though nuclear and large-hydro capacity fall outside its purview
  • C. The Ministry of Power, which handles all renewable and non-fossil sources
  • D. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Q6. Within India's renewable energy installed capacity (as on 31 March 2026), which single source is the largest?

  • A. Wind power
  • B. Large hydro power
  • C. Solar power
  • D. Bio-energy

Q7. Consider the following pairings of renewable energy sources with their installed capacity in India as on 31 March 2026: 1. Solar Power — 150.26 GW 2. Wind Power — 56.09 GW 3. Bio-energy — 5.17 GW 4. Large Hydro Power — 51.41 GW Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

  1. Solar Power — 150.26 GW
  2. Wind Power — 56.09 GW
  3. Bio-energy — 5.17 GW
  4. Large Hydro Power — 51.41 GW
  • A. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4