UPSC CARE Mains Practice 5th February 2026
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Examine the significance of NDMA’s Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) guidelines in strengthening India’s disaster governance framework. (GS Paper III – Disaster Management)
- India’s heavy reliance on lithium-ion batteries poses challenges related to critical mineral dependence and supply security. In this context, examine the potential of sodium-ion battery technology as an alternative and discuss the policy measures required to integrate it into India’s energy transition. (GS Paper III – Science & Technology)
Q. Examine the significance of NDMA’s Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) guidelines in strengthening India’s disaster governance framework. (GS Paper III – Disaster Management)
Introduction:
The NDMA’s Disaster Victim Identification guidelines mark a major step toward scientific and humanitarian disaster management in India. By standardizing identification protocols, they enhance institutional preparedness while ensuring dignity and legal closure for victims’ families.
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Significance
1. Institutional Strengthening:
Provides a uniform national framework aligned with international standards, reducing confusion during mass fatality incidents.
2. Scientific Approach:
Integrates forensic odontology, archaeology, and DNA analysis, improving identification accuracy.
3. Humanitarian Perspective:
Ensures respectful handling of remains and psychological support, reinforcing the principle of the “dignity of the dead.”
4. Better Coordination:
Clarifies stakeholder roles, improving multi-agency response across administrative levels.
5. Disaster Preparedness:
Critical in the context of increasing climate-induced disasters, industrial accidents, and urban emergencies.
Challenges
• Infrastructure shortages (mortuaries, cold storage).
• Limited trained forensic personnel.
• Data gaps and absence of centralized biometric systems.
• Coordination issues at large disaster sites.
Way Forward
• Develop national biometric and health-data repositories.
• Invest in forensic capacity building.
• Deploy portable DNA technologies.
• Use digital tools and AI for faster identification.
Conclusion:
The DVI guidelines reflect India’s shift toward technology-driven and rights-based disaster governance. Effective implementation will enhance public trust, improve response efficiency, and ensure that humanitarian values remain central to disaster management.
Q. India’s heavy reliance on lithium-ion batteries poses challenges related to critical mineral dependence and supply security. In this context, examine the potential of sodium-ion battery technology as an alternative and discuss the policy measures required to integrate it into India’s energy transition. (GS Paper III – Science & Technology)
Introduction:
Energy storage has become a critical pillar of India’s clean energy transition, electric mobility push and digital economy. At present, lithium-ion batteries dominate this space due to their high energy density and maturity. However, India’s dependence on lithium-ion technology exposes structural vulnerabilities linked to critical mineral imports, geopolitical risks and supply-chain concentration. In this context, sodium-ion batteries (SiBs) are emerging as a strategic alternative that can enhance India’s long-term energy security.
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Why Lithium-Ion Dependence is a Constraint
- Critical mineral dependence: Lithium-ion batteries rely on lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite, minerals with uneven global distribution and concentrated refining capacity.
- Import vulnerability: India lacks proven commercial lithium reserves and has a weak upstream ecosystem, leading to persistent import dependence.
- Geopolitical and price risks: Rising global demand may intensify supply insecurity and price volatility.
- Safety concerns: Lithium-ion batteries are prone to thermal runaway and classified as “dangerous goods,” increasing logistics and compliance costs.
Potential of Sodium-Ion Batteries
- Material security: Sodium is abundantly available (e.g., soda ash) and geographically diversified, reducing critical mineral risk.
- Safety advantage: Sodium-ion batteries exhibit lower thermal runaway risk and can be stored and transported safely at zero volts.
- Manufacturing compatibility: Existing lithium-ion manufacturing lines can be adapted with minimal modifications, lowering capital costs.
- Cost competitiveness: Projections suggest sodium-ion batteries could undercut lithium-ion costs by 2035.
- Strategic fit: Particularly suitable for grid storage, stationary applications, and two- and three-wheeler EVs where ultra-high energy density is less critical.
Policy and Ecosystem Measures Needed
- Expand PLI and industrial incentives to explicitly include sodium-ion chemistries.
- Support upstream manufacturing of cathodes, anodes, electrolytes and separators for sodium-ion systems.
- Update standards, safety codes and certification frameworks to cover sodium-ion batteries.
- Promote pilot deployments in grid storage and public EV fleets.
- Fund R&D and demonstration projects to accelerate commercial readiness.
Conclusion:
Sodium-ion batteries are not a replacement but a strategic complement to lithium-ion technology. By integrating sodium-ion batteries into its policy, regulatory and industrial framework, India can reduce material vulnerabilities, enhance energy security and build a resilient, future-ready battery ecosystem aligned with its clean energy ambitions.