UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT Paper II · Q33 of 78 Comprehension medium

Passage

Passage – 2 The history of renewable energy suggests there is a steep learning curve, meaning that, as more is produced, costs fall rapidly because of economies of scale and learning by doing. The firms' green innovation is path-dependent : the more a firm does, the more it is likely to do in the future. The strongest evidence for this is the collapse in the price of solar energy, which became about 90% cheaper during the 2010s, repeatedly beating forecasts. Moving early and gradually gives economies more time to adjust, allowing them to reap the benefits of path-dependent green investment without much disruption. A late, more chaotic transition is costlier.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the passage ?

  1. (a) Economies of scale is essential for transition to green growth.
  2. (b) Modern technological progress is intensely linked to path-dependent innovations.
  3. (c) Countries with large economies are in a better position to adopt green technologies.
  4. (d) Timing plays a crucial role in the case of green technology development. ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• The passage establishes that renewable energy costs fall rapidly due to a steep learning curve and path-dependent innovation, where early action leads to further progress.

• It explicitly contrasts two scenarios: moving early and gradually allows economies to adjust and reap benefits with less disruption, while a late transition is described as chaotic and costlier.

• The core argument is that the timing of the transition (early vs. late) determines the economic efficiency and smoothness of the shift to green technologies.

• Therefore, the central idea is that timing is a critical factor in the successful development and adoption of green technology.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Economies of scale is essential for transition to green growth.
Economies of scale are mentioned as a mechanism for cost reduction, but the passage's main argument focuses on the timing of the transition rather than scale itself.
(b) Modern technological progress is intensely linked to path-dependent innovations.
While path-dependent innovation is discussed, the passage uses it to support the argument about the benefits of early action, not to define the general nature of technological progress.
(c) Countries with large economies are in a better position to adopt green technologies.
The passage does not claim that large economies are inherently better positioned; it argues that early movers benefit from path dependence regardless of initial size.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025, held on 25 May 2025. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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