UPSC CARE Mains Practice 13th April 2026

Mains Practice Questions for the Day

Q. The “Womaniya” initiative reflects a shift from financial inclusion to market inclusion for women entrepreneurs in India. Discuss its significance and challenges. (15 M)

(GS Paper II – Social Justice – Women Empowerment; GS Paper III – Economy – Inclusive Growth, MSMEs)

Introduction:

The Womaniya initiative, launched in 2019 on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), aims to provide direct market access to women-led micro and small enterprises (MSEs).

It represents a critical shift from merely enabling credit access to ensuring market integration and economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs.

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1.Key Features and Design of Womaniya

Womaniya offers a dedicated digital interface on GeM for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to sell products such as handicrafts, handloom, and services directly to government buyers.
It uses digital onboarding through Udyam registration, standardised product cataloguing, and ensures paperless, contactless procurement.
Time-bound payments and training workshops further enhance accessibility and participation.

2.Achievements and Impact

Over 2.1 lakh women entrepreneurs are registered, securing 13.7 lakh orders worth ₹28,000 crore.
Women-led enterprises now account for 5.6% of GeM orders, exceeding the mandated 3% procurement target.
The initiative has strengthened market independence by reducing reliance on intermediaries, enhanced supplier diversity, and created digital financial footprints, improving access to future credit.
It complements broader trends such as 10.05 crore women mobilised in 90 lakh SHGs, reinforcing grassroots entrepreneurship.

3.Significance for Women Empowerment and Economy

Womaniya promotes women-led development by integrating women into formal supply chains.
It enables economic agency, income generation, and enterprise formalisation.
By linking production to assured markets, it enhances sustainability of women enterprises and contributes to inclusive growth and MSME expansion.

4.Challenges and Limitations

Digital literacy gaps hinder effective participation, especially in rural areas.
Time poverty due to unpaid care work limits engagement.
There is information asymmetry regarding procurement processes and schemes. Limited decision-making autonomy and lack of collateral restrict scaling.
Additionally, many enterprises struggle to move beyond small-scale operations.

5.Way Forward

Developing vernacular and voice-enabled digital tools can improve accessibility.
Integrating digital transaction data (GeM, UPI) into credit systems can support scaling through flow-based lending.
Strengthening capacity building through SHGs and mentorship networks is essential.
Policies should focus on enterprise progression, not just entry, by linking market access with finance, skills, and infrastructure support.

Conclusion:

Womaniya represents a transformative step in shifting women from marginal participants to active contributors in formal markets. Sustained impact will depend on bridging digital, financial, and social barriers to ensure long-term enterprise growth and true economic empowerment.

Q. India’s rise as the world’s third-largest renewable energy producer reflects its commitment to clean energy transition. Discuss the significance of this achievement and the challenges in sustaining renewable energy growth. (15 M)

(GS Paper III – Economy, Environment – Energy Security, Renewable Energy, Climate Change)

Introduction:

India has emerged as the 3rd largest country globally in renewable energy (RE) installed capacity, after China and the United States. With a total non-fossil capacity of 283.5 GW, this milestone reflects India’s accelerating transition towards a low-carbon and sustainable energy system.

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1.Key Achievements and Data

India added a record 55.3 GW of non-fossil capacity in 2025–26, marking the highest annual expansion.
Renewable sources contributed up to 51.5% of peak electricity demand, indicating strong integration into the energy mix.
Growth has been driven significantly by solar energy, including 8.7 GW from rooftop solar, promoting decentralised energy access.
This progress aligns with India’s climate commitments, including achieving 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 and Net Zero by 2070.

2.Significance of the Achievement

The rise enhances energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
It contributes to climate change mitigation by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and supporting global commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Renewable energy expansion promotes sustainable development, job creation, and technological innovation.
It also strengthens India’s global leadership in climate diplomacy and positions it as a key player in the global energy transition.

3.Challenges in Renewable Energy

Expansion Intermittency of solar and wind energy poses challenges for grid stability.
Limited energy storage capacity and inadequate battery infrastructure hinder reliable supply.
Land acquisition and environmental concerns delay projects.
Financial stress in DISCOMs affects payment security and investor confidence.
Additionally, dependence on imports (e.g., solar modules) creates supply chain vulnerabilities.

4.Way Forward

Investing in energy storage systems (battery, green hydrogen) is essential to address intermittency.
Strengthening grid infrastructure and smart grids can improve integration.
Promoting domestic manufacturing (PLI schemes) will reduce import dependence.
Reforms in DISCOMs and innovative financing mechanisms are necessary.
Expanding rooftop solar and decentralised energy systems can enhance resilience and inclusivity.

Conclusion:

India’s achievement of becoming the third-largest renewable energy producer is a significant step toward sustainable development. However, sustained progress will require addressing structural challenges through innovation, policy reforms, and infrastructure strengthening to ensure a reliable and inclusive energy transition.