Sustainable Economic Development

1. The world’s largest floating solar power plant is located in

The world’s largest floating solar power plant is located in

[amp_mcq option1=”Madhya Pradesh” option2=”Rajasthan” option3=”Chhattisgarh” option4=”Andhra Pradesh” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC Combined Section Officer – 2021-22
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The world’s largest floating solar power plant under development is located in Madhya Pradesh.
A large-scale floating solar power plant with a planned capacity of 600 MW is being developed on the Omkareshwar reservoir on the Narmada river in Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh. This project is often cited as set to become the world’s largest floating solar plant upon completion.
Floating solar plants offer advantages such as reduced land use, lower water evaporation from the reservoir, and increased efficiency due to cooler temperatures. The Omkareshwar project is being developed in phases.

2. Which of the following is/are the measure/measures undertaken by the G

Which of the following is/are the measure/measures undertaken by the Government of India to promote the production of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG)?

  • 1. Central financial assistance for setting up of plants for generation of Bio-CNG
  • 2. Inclusion of CBG projects under Priority Sector Lending
  • 3. Concession on customs duty for the import of machinery required for setting up of projects

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1, 2 and 3″ option4=”1 only” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2024
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Statements 1, 2, and 3 are all measures undertaken by the Government of India to promote the production of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG).
The Government of India launched the SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) initiative in 2018 to boost the ecosystem for the production and establishment of CBG plants and the availability of CBG as an alternative transport fuel. This initiative includes several promotional measures.
1. Central financial assistance is provided under various schemes, often as viability gap funding or incentives for setting up CBG plants based on agricultural residue, cattle dung, etc.
2. CBG projects are included under the Priority Sector Lending guidelines by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), facilitating easier access to credit from banks for setting up these plants.
3. The government provides customs duty concessions and exemptions for the import of specific machinery and equipment required for CBG purification, compression, and bottling plants, particularly those not manufactured domestically, to reduce project costs and encourage investment.

3. Consider the following statements related to ‘Sovereign Green Bonds’:

Consider the following statements related to ‘Sovereign Green Bonds’:

  • 1. Union Budget 2021-22 announced the issue of these bonds
  • 2. The Government of India has approved a Sovereign Green Bonds Framework
  • 3. These bonds are meant to be issued for mobilizing resources for green projects
  • 4. These bonds are financial instruments that generate proceeds for investment in environmentally sustainable and climate suitable projects

How many of the above statements are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1″ option2=”2″ option3=”3″ option4=”4″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2023
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Three of the statements regarding Sovereign Green Bonds are correct.
Statement 1 is incorrect: The issue of Sovereign Green Bonds by the Government of India was announced in the Union Budget 2022-23, not 2021-22.
Statement 2 is correct: The Government of India approved a Sovereign Green Bonds Framework in late 2022 to guide the issuance of these bonds.
Statement 3 is correct: The purpose of issuing Sovereign Green Bonds is to mobilize resources specifically for public sector projects that help in reducing carbon intensity.
Statement 4 is correct: Sovereign Green Bonds are defined as financial instruments used to generate proceeds for investment in environmentally sustainable and climate-suitable projects. This is consistent with the purpose mentioned in statement 3.
The Sovereign Green Bond Framework was approved in November 2022, detailing the eligible green projects (e.g., renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, climate change adaptation, sustainable water/waste management) and outlining the process for selection, management of proceeds, and reporting. The first tranche of Sovereign Green Bonds was issued by the Reserve Bank of India on behalf of the government in January 2023.

4. Recently, the term “pumped-storage hydropower” is actually and appropr

Recently, the term “pumped-storage hydropower” is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Irrigation of terraced crop fields” option2=”Lift irrigation of cereal crops” option3=”Long duration energy storage” option4=”Rainwater harvesting system” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2024
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Pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) is a type of hydroelectric energy storage. It is used to balance energy supply and demand on the electricity grid. During periods of low electricity demand (e.g., at night), surplus electricity (often from renewable sources like solar or wind, or excess baseload power) is used to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir. When electricity demand is high, the stored water is released from the upper reservoir, flowing back down through turbines to generate electricity. This process is designed for storing large amounts of energy for relatively long durations (hours to days), making it a form of long duration energy storage.
The primary purpose of pumped-storage hydropower is to store electrical energy and release it when needed, acting as a large-scale battery for the power grid.
While dams and reservoirs are involved, the focus of PSH is energy storage and grid stability, not irrigation or rainwater harvesting directly, although reservoirs can serve multiple purposes. Its role in integrating intermittent renewable energy sources into the grid is becoming increasingly important.

5. Consider the following infrastructure sectors: 1. Affordable housing 2

Consider the following infrastructure sectors:
1. Affordable housing
2. Mass rapid transport
3. Health care
4. Renewable energy
On how many of the above does UNOPS Sustainable Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus for its investments?

[amp_mcq option1=”Only one” option2=”Only two” option3=”Only three” option4=”All four” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2023
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The UNOPS Sustainable Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focuses on attracting and enabling investment in sustainable infrastructure projects in developing countries to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainable infrastructure is essential across various sectors. UNOPS S3i aims to de-risk and facilitate investment in projects that have significant development impact and environmental sustainability.

Examining the listed sectors:
1. **Affordable housing:** Providing adequate and affordable housing is a key component of sustainable urban development (SDG 11) and poverty reduction (SDG 1). Sustainable infrastructure initiatives often include housing projects.
2. **Mass rapid transport:** Developing efficient and sustainable public transport systems is crucial for sustainable cities (SDG 11), reducing emissions (SDG 13), and facilitating economic activity. It is a major area of focus for sustainable infrastructure investment.
3. **Health care:** Building and improving healthcare infrastructure (hospitals, clinics, supply chains) is fundamental to achieving good health and well-being (SDG 3). Sustainable infrastructure initiatives recognize the importance of resilient and accessible health facilities.
4. **Renewable energy:** Investing in renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, etc.) is vital for ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy (SDG 7) and combating climate change (SDG 13). This is a core focus area for sustainable infrastructure investment globally, including for S3i.

Based on the mandate and typical focus areas of sustainable infrastructure development initiatives like UNOPS S3i which are aligned with the SDGs, all four sectors listed are critical areas for investment. UNOPS has indeed been involved in projects and partnerships related to these sectors through its S3i initiative. Therefore, the initiative focuses its investments on all four of the listed infrastructure sectors.

– UNOPS S3i initiative promotes investment in sustainable infrastructure for developing countries.
– The initiative’s focus aligns with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
– Affordable housing, mass rapid transport, healthcare, and renewable energy are all key sectors for sustainable infrastructure development.
– UNOPS S3i activities and partnerships cover these crucial sectors.
The S3i initiative works with various partners, including governments, investors, and development banks, to overcome barriers to private sector investment in sustainable infrastructure. Its focus areas reflect the pressing needs in developing countries for infrastructure that is not only functional but also environmentally sound, socially inclusive, and economically viable in the long term.

6. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Carbon markets are l

Consider the following statements:

  • Statement-I: Carbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread tools in the fight against climate change.
  • Statement-II: Carbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

[amp_mcq option1=”Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-1″ option2=”Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-1″ option3=”Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect” option4=”Statement-I is incorrect Statement-II is correct” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2023
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Statement-I suggests that carbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread tools in the fight against climate change. This statement is correct. Carbon pricing mechanisms, including cap-and-trade systems and carbon taxes (often discussed alongside markets), are increasingly being adopted or considered by countries and regions globally as a market-based approach to incentivize emission reductions efficiently. Major economies like the EU, China, and parts of the US and Canada have implemented or are developing carbon markets. International initiatives also promote carbon pricing. Given the global push for decarbonization, carbon markets are indeed becoming a widespread tool.

Statement-II claims that carbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State. This statement is a partial truth and can be misleading as a general description of carbon markets. While mechanisms like auctioning of emission allowances in a cap-and-trade system or collecting carbon taxes *do* transfer resources from polluting entities (often private sector) to the government (State), a significant part of the activity in carbon markets involves trading allowances or credits *between* private sector entities. For example, in a cap-and-trade system, a company that has reduced emissions below its allowance can sell its surplus allowances to a company that needs more allowances. This is a transfer of resources within the private sector. Similarly, buying carbon offsets from a project developed by a private entity involves private-to-private transfer. Therefore, stating that carbon markets *transfer resources from the private sector to the State* as a general characteristic is not accurate as it omits the significant private-to-private resource transfers. Thus, Statement-II is incorrect as a comprehensive description.

Since Statement-I is correct and Statement-II is incorrect, option C is the correct answer. Statement-II cannot be the explanation for Statement-I because the mechanism of resource transfer (even if it were accurately described) does not explain *why* carbon markets are widespread tools; they are widespread because they are seen as an economically efficient way to achieve emission reduction targets.

– Statement-I is correct; carbon markets are becoming a prominent global tool for climate action.
– Statement-II is incorrect as carbon markets involve significant resource transfers within the private sector, not solely from the private sector to the State.
– Statement-I being correct and Statement-II being incorrect leads to option C.
Carbon markets aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by putting a price on carbon. This price can be established through setting a cap on emissions and allowing entities to trade allowances (cap-and-trade) or by directly taxing emissions (carbon tax). The revenue generated from auctions or taxes can go to the government, but the trading component involves value flows based on market dynamics between participating entities.

7. Consider the following statements: 1. Gujarat has the largest solar pa

Consider the following statements:
1. Gujarat has the largest solar park in India.
2. Kerala has a fully solar powered International Airport.
3. Goa has the largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2″ option2=”2 only” option3=”1 and 3″ option4=”2 only” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2022
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The correct answer is B) 2 only.
Statement 1 is incorrect. At the time this question was likely framed (or based on standard knowledge from that period), Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan was considered the largest solar park in India (and one of the largest in the world) in terms of commissioned capacity. While Gujarat has significant solar capacity, it did not host the single largest solar park.
Statement 2 is correct. Cochin International Airport in Kerala is renowned for being the world’s first airport to be fully powered by solar energy, starting its solar power project operations in 2015.
Statement 3 is incorrect. As of around 2022, the largest floating solar projects in India were located in states like Telangana (NTPC Ramagundam) or Kerala (NTPC Kayamkulam), not Goa.
India has made significant strides in solar energy capacity addition, with large solar parks and innovative projects like fully solar-powered airports and floating solar installations. The rankings and sizes of projects can change as new capacity is commissioned.

8. Increase in absolute and per capita real GNP do not connote a higher l

Increase in absolute and per capita real GNP do not connote a higher level of economic development, if

[amp_mcq option1=”industrial output fails to keep pace with agricultural output.” option2=”agricultural output fails to keep pace with industrial output.” option3=”poverty and unemployment increase.” option4=”imports grow faster than exports.” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2018
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The correct answer is C.
Economic development is a broader concept than economic growth (measured by metrics like GNP/GDP). While growth in real per capita GNP indicates an increase in the average income/output per person, it does not guarantee improved living standards or overall welfare for all. If poverty and unemployment increase alongside GNP growth, it suggests that the benefits of growth are concentrated among certain segments of the population, inequality is rising, and structural issues prevent job creation. This scenario indicates that economic growth is not leading to inclusive or equitable development.
Economic development typically involves not just quantitative growth but also qualitative improvements in areas such as health, education, income distribution, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability. High GNP growth coupled with increasing poverty and unemployment points to a failure in translating economic expansion into broad-based improvements in human well-being.

9. ‘Net metering’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoti

‘Net metering’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the

[amp_mcq option1=”production and use of solar energy by the households/consumers” option2=”use of piped natural gas in the kitchens of households” option3=”installation of CNG kits in motor-cars” option4=”installation of water meters in urban households” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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‘Net metering’ is a billing mechanism applied to solar energy systems and other renewable energy systems.
It allows consumers who generate their own electricity (e.g., using rooftop solar panels) to send excess electricity back to the grid. The consumer’s electricity meter runs backward to provide a credit for the energy fed to the grid, or the utility tracks the credit separately. This credits the consumer for the energy produced, effectively promoting the production and use of renewable energy, particularly solar energy, by households and other consumers.
Net metering policies vary by region and utility but are designed to encourage investment in renewable energy generation by residential and commercial customers. It contrasts with gross metering, where all generated energy is exported to the grid and paid for separately from consumed energy.

10. Which one of the following issues the ‘Global Economic Prospects’ repo

Which one of the following issues the ‘Global Economic Prospects’ report periodically?

[amp_mcq option1=”The Asian Development Bank” option2=”The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development” option3=”The US Federal Reserve Bank” option4=”The World Bank” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2015
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The ‘Global Economic Prospects’ report is a flagship publication of The World Bank.
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global economy, including forecasts for growth, trade, and financial flows. It is released periodically, typically twice a year (in January and June).
The report covers both advanced and developing economies, highlighting key risks and opportunities for global economic development. It is a widely cited source for understanding the current state and future outlook of the world economy. Other international financial institutions and development banks publish their own reports, but ‘Global Economic Prospects’ is specifically associated with The World Bank.
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