Mains Practice Questions for the Day
Q. Energy storage is becoming essential for India’s renewable energy transition. Discuss the need, challenges and way forward.
(GS Paper III: Science & Technology, Renewable Energy, Infrastructure and Energy Security)
Introduction:
India is rapidly expanding renewable energy, especially solar and wind. However, these sources are intermittent. Solar power is unavailable after sunset, while wind generation varies with weather. Therefore, energy storage has become essential for grid stability and reliable clean power.
Body
Need for Energy Storage
Energy storage helps store surplus renewable electricity and release it during peak demand. It reduces the mismatch between generation and consumption. It also supports round-the-clock renewable power for industries and improves grid reliability.
India’s renewable capacity is rising fast, and CEA projects a major increase in storage capacity by 2035–36. This shows that storage will be central to India’s clean energy future.
Challenges
India’s present storage capacity remains limited. Battery storage faces high cost and import dependence, especially for lithium-ion cells. Pumped hydro projects require land, environmental clearances and long construction time. There are also challenges related to transmission planning, grid flexibility and supply chain security.
Way Forward
India should promote both BESS and pumped hydro storage. Domestic battery manufacturing must be strengthened to reduce import dependence. Hybrid renewable projects with storage should be encouraged. Pumped storage projects should be fast-tracked with environmental safeguards. Smart grids, better forecasting and demand-side management are also necessary.
Conclusion:
Energy storage is the backbone of a renewable-heavy power system. Without it, India’s clean energy growth may face reliability challenges. A strong storage ecosystem will help India achieve energy security, climate goals and stable electricity supply.
Q. The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 reflect the tension between national environmental standards and decentralised governance. Discuss.
(GS Paper III – Environment Environmental Pollution, Waste Management, Urbanisation and Sustainable Development.)
Introduction:
India’s waste crisis has become a serious ecological and public health challenge. The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, which came into effect from April 1, 2026, seek to improve source segregation, scientific waste processing, landfill reduction, legacy waste remediation, circular economy and digital monitoring.
Body
Need for National Environmental Standards
A national framework is necessary because waste pollution affects public health, air quality, water bodies and climate. Landfills, open burning, plastic waste and leachate pollution require uniform minimum standards. The Rules can help in regulating bulk waste generators, improving scientific processing and promoting circular economy practices.
Article 253 also enables Parliament to make laws for implementing international obligations. However, such power should ideally create minimum environmental standards rather than a rigid operational model for all States and local bodies.
Concerns with Centralised Design
Waste management is a highly local function. It depends on geography, population density, local economy, land availability, citizen behaviour and informal waste-worker networks. A model suitable for a megacity may not suit a coastal panchayat, tribal hamlet or pilgrimage town.
Many Gram Panchayats lack staff, sanitation experts, waste vehicles, digital capacity and adequate funds. Hence, complex compliance requirements may result in paper reporting rather than cleaner villages.
Digital monitoring is useful, but excessive dashboard compliance may shift focus from service delivery to data entry.
Way Forward
The Centre should set minimum environmental standards, while States should design context-specific models. Local bodies need funds, staff, vehicles, training and technical support. Rural areas should focus on composting, periodic collection and cluster-level dry-waste management. Large cities need specialised waste-management authorities with citizen oversight.
Conclusion:
The 2026 Rules have important environmental goals, but their success depends on decentralised implementation. India needs a model based on national standards, State flexibility, empowered local bodies, predictable finance and citizen accountability.
