UPSC CARE Mains Practice 10th March 2026
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Natural resources have often been associated with violent conflicts across the world. Discuss the role of the Kimberley Process in regulating the global diamond trade and evaluate how India can strengthen global diamond governance during its chairmanship. (GS Paper II – International Relations – International institutions and global governance – India’s role in global governance mechanisms)
- India’s energy transition reflects an evolving spectrum of energy sources including renewables, green hydrogen, nuclear power, and energy efficiency initiatives. Examine how these developments contribute to India’s energy security and climate commitments. (GS Paper III (Energy, Infrastructure, Climate Change) Renewable Energy Transition)
Q. Natural resources have often been associated with violent conflicts across the world. Discuss the role of the Kimberley Process in regulating the global diamond trade and evaluate how India can strengthen global diamond governance during its chairmanship. (GS Paper II – International Relations – International institutions and global governance – India’s role in global governance mechanisms)
Introduction:
Competition over valuable natural resources such as oil, minerals and diamonds has historically triggered violent conflicts. In several African countries, diamonds were used to finance insurgencies, leading to the emergence of “conflict diamonds”. To address this issue, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was established in 2003.
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Role of the Kimberley Process
The Kimberley Process is a global initiative that regulates the trade of rough diamonds to ensure they are conflict-free. Under the scheme, participating countries must certify diamond shipments through a verification system.
Currently, over 60 participants representing more than 99% of global rough diamond trade are part of the process. The scheme has significantly reduced the circulation of conflict diamonds in international markets.
Challenges
Despite its achievements, the Kimberley Process faces several limitations. Its definition of conflict diamonds is narrow and excludes issues such as human rights violations, child labour and environmental damage. Additionally, the system is voluntary and lacks strong enforcement mechanisms.
Role of India
As the 2026 chair of the Kimberley Process, India can play a significant role in reforming global diamond governance. India can promote greater transparency, introduce digital certification systems, expand the definition of conflict diamonds and strengthen monitoring mechanisms.
Conclusion:
Strengthening the Kimberley Process is essential to ensure ethical sourcing of diamonds and prevent natural resources from fueling conflicts. India’s leadership offers an opportunity to enhance transparency and accountability in the global diamond trade.
Q.India’s energy transition reflects an evolving spectrum of energy sources including renewables, green hydrogen, nuclear power, and energy efficiency initiatives. Examine how these developments contribute to India’s energy security and climate commitments. (GS Paper III (Energy, Infrastructure, Climate Change) Renewable Energy Transition)
(GS Paper III (Energy, Infrastructure, Climate Change) Renewable Energy Transition)
Introduction:
India’s energy system is undergoing a structural transformation to ensure reliable, affordable, cleaner, and secure energy supply. As one of the world’s top three energy consumers, India is diversifying its energy mix through renewable energy expansion, green hydrogen, nuclear power, energy efficiency, and power sector reforms to support growth while achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.
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Key Components of India’s Evolving Energy Spectrum
1. Renewable Energy Expansion
Renewable energy has become the backbone of India’s clean energy transition.
- India ranks 4th globally in renewable energy capacity (IRENA, 2025).
- Solar capacity increased from 3 GW (2014) to 140 GW (2026).
- Wind capacity reached 54.65 GW.
- Non-fossil fuel sources now account for over 50% of installed power capacity.
Major initiatives include:
- PM Surya Ghar – rooftop solar for 23.9 lakh households.
- PM-KUSUM Scheme – solar pumps for agriculture.
- Solar Parks Scheme – 55 parks with 40 GW capacity.
- PLI Scheme for domestic solar manufacturing.
2. Green Hydrogen: Next Frontier
Green hydrogen is critical for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, fertilisers, and transport.
- Target: 5 MMT green hydrogen production by 2030.
- Investment potential: ₹8 lakh crore.
- Emission reduction: 50 MMT annually.
Key initiatives include:
- National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023)
- Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (2025)
- Hydrogen mobility pilots and port-based projects.
3. Nuclear Energy for Baseload Power
Nuclear power provides stable, low-carbon baseload electricity.
- Current capacity: 8.78 GW
- Projected capacity: 22.38 GW by 2031-32
- Long-term target: 100 GW by 2047
The SHANTI Act, 2025 modernises the nuclear framework and supports Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
4. Energy Efficiency and Carbon Markets
Efficiency measures reduce emissions and energy demand.
- Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) promotes market-based emission reductions.
- UJALA Scheme distributed 36.87 crore LED bulbs, saving
- 47,883 million kWh electricity annually
- 3.88 million tonnes CO₂ emissions per year.
5. Power Sector Reforms and Digital Energy Infrastructure
Power sector reforms aim to improve distribution efficiency.
- SAUBHAGYA, DDUGJY and IPDS expanded electricity access.
- RDSS (₹3.03 lakh crore) strengthens DISCOM finances and infrastructure.
- 5.62 crore smart meters installed for efficient demand management.
The India Energy Stack (IES) enables digital energy markets and consumer participation.
Conclusion:
India’s energy transition is characterised by a diversified and phased approach, combining renewable expansion, clean technologies, energy efficiency, and institutional reforms. By integrating multiple energy sources with global cooperation and policy innovation, India is building a resilient, sustainable, and secure energy system aligned with its Net Zero 2070 commitment.
