22 January 2025 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. India’s Renewable Energy sector is a leading global force

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2094877&reg=3&lang=1 )

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Energy

Context

India’s renewable energy sector is rapidly advancing, with significant regional efforts to meet growing energy demands and environmental goals, supported by government initiatives and state-specific projects.

India’s Renewable Energy Growth

• India’s renewable energy sector is emerging as a global leader.
• The government is aiming to exceed the 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030.
• Renewable energy must play a larger role in India’s energy mix, as demand is expected to double by 2032.

Panchamrit Commitment

• The government is committed to the Panchamrit initiative from COP26, which aims for a sustainable energy future.
• India’s green hydrogen initiative and ₹32 lakh crore worth of investments in the renewable energy sector demonstrate the country’s long-term vision for a clean and energy-secure future.
• Rajasthan was allocated an additional 5,000 MW under the PM Kusum Scheme in January 2025.
• Incentive amounts were distributed to various Discoms (distribution companies) for promoting rooftop solar projects.

Milestones in Renewable Energy

• India has already surpassed 200 GW in renewable energy capacity, with solar energy leading at 97 GW, followed by wind at 48 GW, and hydroelectric at 52 GW.
• The country is focused on achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and 1,800 GW by 2047.

State Specific Goals

• Jammu & Kashmir is focusing on solar, small hydroelectric, and wind energy.
• Himachal Pradesh aims for 100% non-fossil fuel energy by 2026 and has already established a green hydrogen plant.

• Rajasthan has made significant strides in solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems (BESS), with 5000 MW being implemented under the PM KUSUM scheme.
• Haryana is also making substantial progress in renewable energy infrastructure.

Conclusion

• India is poised to lead the global renewable energy transition, ensuring a sustainable and energy-secure future for all. 

PYQ: Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain. (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2022)

Practice Question:  Discuss India’s renewable energy goals and the challenges faced by regional states in achieving these targets. How can state-level collaborations contribute to India’s energy transition? (150 Words /10 marks)

2. Space economy has grown to $8 billion and is projected to touch $44 billion in the next decade- Dr. Jitendra Singh

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2094838&reg=3&lang=1 )

Topic: GS2 – Governance, GS3 – Science and Technology

Context

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh discussed India’s advancements in space, biomanufacturing, governance, and climate action, highlighting key initiatives, growth sectors, and the nation’s leadership in innovation.

India’s Transformation in the Space Sector

• India’s space sector has seen significant growth, with the space economy expanding from $8 billion to an expected $44 billion in the next decade.
• Key milestones include the indigenous Gaganyaan Mission, Chandrayaan-4 (2027), Shukrayaan (2028), and the Indian Space Station (2030), showcasing India’s growing space capabilities.
• The sector has also been boosted by private investments and startups, fueling technological advancements like the SPADEX mission and Vyom Mitra robo mission, which are stepping stones for human space exploration.

Biomanufacturing and Bioeconomy Growth

• India is positioning itself as a leader in biomanufacturing, backed by resources from the Himalayas to the coast.
• The country has become one of the first to adopt a dedicated bio-economy policy and is focusing on innovation in recycling, manufacturing, and startups.
• The BIO-E3 policy is a key part of India’s strategy to lead in the bio-economy sector.

Citizen-Centric Governance and Digital Innovations

• The government has focused on citizen-centric governance through initiatives like Mission Karmayogi, which enhances bureaucracy through role-based capacity building.
• Digital innovations like the face-recognition-enabled digital life certificate have made citizens’ lives easier.

India’s Commitment to Climate Action

• India continues to lead in combating climate change through initiatives like Mission LiFE, which promotes sustainable living.
• The country has also made strides in preventive healthcare and meets global standards in addressing health and environmental concerns.

Conclusion 

Ongoing reforms, innovation, and public-private collaborations will drive future growth and sustainability.

India is positioning itself as a global leader in space, biomanufacturing, governance, and climate action.

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