UPSC CARE Mains Practice 31st March 2026
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Q. India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) reflects enhanced climate ambition. However, structural contradictions persist in its energy and industrial policy. Critically examine. (GS Paper III – Environment, Climate Change)
- Q. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime chokepoint in the global energy architecture. Discuss its geopolitical significance and examine the implications of instability in the region for India’s energy security.
Q. India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) reflects enhanced climate ambition. However, structural contradictions persist in its energy and industrial policy. Critically examine. (GS Paper III – Environment, Climate Change)
(GS Paper III – Environment, Climate Change)
Introduction:
India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) enhances its climate commitments by targeting 60% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2035, 47% reduction in emissions intensity, and 3.5–4 billion tonnes carbon sink. It reflects growing ambition in climate policy.
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Enhanced Climate Ambition
1. Higher Renewable Energy Targets
- Increased target from 50% (2030) to 60% (2035) non-fossil capacity
- Already achieved ~52% by 2026, showing early progress
2. Improved Emissions Efficiency
- Emissions intensity reduction target raised from 45% to 47%
- Reflects commitment to low-carbon economic growth
3. Expansion of Carbon Sink
- Target increased to 3.5–4 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent
- Supports climate mitigation through afforestation
4. Evidence of Progress
- CO₂ emissions growth slowed to 0.7% in 2025
- Power sector emissions declined by 3.8%
- Large renewable additions (solar, wind, hydro, nuclear)
Key Contradictions
1. Continued Fossil Fuel Expansion
- Plan to add 100 GW coal capacity
- Large investments in petrochemicals and coal-based steel
2. Emissions Metric Limitation
- Focus on emissions intensity, not absolute emissions
- Allows total emissions to increase with GDP growth
3. Grid and Infrastructure Gaps
- Around 37 GW renewable capacity stranded
- Weak transmission and storage systems
4. Industrial Emissions Rising
- Steel emissions up by 8%, cement by 10%
- Hard-to-abate sectors remain unaddressed
5. Carbon Sink Uncertainty
- Forest cover ~24%, below 33% target
- Reliability of tree-based carbon sinks debated
Way Forward
1. Align Energy and Industrial Policies
- Reduce dependence on coal and fossil-intensive sectors
2. Strengthen Grid Infrastructure
- Invest in transmission, storage, and flexibility
3. Focus on Industrial Decarbonisation
- Promote clean technologies in steel and cement
4. Improve Carbon Sink Quality
- Emphasise ecological restoration, not just plantation targets
Conclusion:
India’s updated NDC signals stronger intent, but real climate action depends on resolving policy contradictions. A shift from targets to system-wide transformation is essential for achieving sustainable and credible climate outcomes.
Q. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime chokepoint in the global energy architecture. Discuss its geopolitical significance and examine the implications of instability in the region for India’s energy security. (GS Paper III (Economy & Security)
(GS Paper III – Indian Economy)
Introduction:
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea. It facilitates nearly 20% of global oil trade and significant LNG flows, making it one of the most critical chokepoints in the world.
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Significance of PLFS 2025 Findings
1. Stability in labour market participation
The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for persons aged 15 years and above remained stable at 59.3%, while the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) stood at 57.4%, indicating continuity in labour market engagement.
2. Improvement in unemployment indicators
The Unemployment Rate (UR) for persons aged 15 years and above was 3.1%, while youth unemployment declined to 9.9% from 10.3% in the previous year. This suggests better labour absorption.
3. Better quality of employment
The share of regular wage/salaried employment rose to 23.6%, while self-employment declined to 56.2%. This points to gradual formalisation and greater income security.
4. Sectoral transition
Employment share in agriculture fell from 44.8% to 43.0%, while manufacturing and other services improved. This reflects slow but important structural transformation of the economy.
Major Challenges
1. Persistent gender barriers
Women continue to remain outside the labour force mainly due to child care and home-making responsibilities, unlike men, who largely cite education.
2. Low skill base
Only 4.2% of persons aged 15–59 reported formal vocational or technical training, showing weak skill formation.
3. High NEET population
About 25% of persons aged 15–29 were not in employment, education or training (NEET), which is a serious concern for India’s demographic dividend.
4. Comparability issue
From 2025, PLFS adopted a revamped sampling design and shifted to a calendar-year cycle, making strict comparison with previous annual reports difficult.
Way Forward
India must expand childcare support, promote women’s employment, strengthen vocational training, deepen job formalisation, and create targeted urban youth employment strategies. At the same time, PLFS-based policymaking should account for the revised methodology and use the data carefully.
Conclusion:
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to global energy flows and geopolitical dynamics. For India, ensuring energy security requires a multi-pronged approach combining diversification, resilience, and proactive diplomacy to mitigate risks arising from regional instability.
