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General Studies 2022 GS Paper II 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Describe

GS Paper II — Q20

'Clean energy is the order of the day.' Describe briefly India's changing policy towards climate change in various international…

'Clean energy is the order of the day.' Describe briefly India's changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

'स्वच्छ ऊर्जा आज की जरूरत है।' भू-राजनीति के संदर्भ में, विभिन्न अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मंचों में जलवायु परिवर्तन की दिशा में भारत की बदलती नीति का संक्षिप्त वर्णन कीजिए। (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

Q20 of the 2022 UPSC Mains General Studies GS Paper II, as printed
The question as printed in the 2022 General Studies paper
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Model answer

Written by UPSC Answer Check against this question's marking rubric, to the 250-word length. UPSC does not publish answers for Mains — this is one way to score well, not an official key.

India’s climate diplomacy has evolved from a defensive posture anchored strictly in historical responsibility and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) to proactive climate leadership, aligning decarbonisation with strategic autonomy and geopolitical ambition.

From Kyoto to Paris: Shifting Paradigms During the Kyoto Protocol era, India operated within defensive coalitions like the G-77 and BASIC to resist legally binding mitigation commitments. However, by the 2015 Paris Agreement, India shifted toward constructive engagement, voluntarily adopting ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) while continuing to anchor climate justice.

Proactive Commitments at COP26 At Glasgow (COP26), India cemented its transition from a rule-taker to a rule-shaper through the Panchamrit declaration. It pledged to achieve Net-Zero emissions by 2070, establish 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity, and meet 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030, showcasing high domestic ambition.

Minilateralism and Global South Leadership India has institutionalised its leadership by spearheading global platforms such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Concurrently, it acts as the voice of the Global South by demanding predictable climate finance, urging developed economies to deliver $1 trillion annually in grant-based funding and technology transfers.

Geopolitical Balancing India strategically navigates great-power competition by collaborating on clean supply chains through the Quad Climate Working Group, while resisting protectionist Western policies such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

Thus, India’s climate policy harmonises energy security, domestic developmental space, and green technological leadership, positioning the nation as an indispensable bridge between the developed world and the Global South.

What "Describe" is asking you to do

Give a full, ordered account of the thing named — its parts, stages or mechanism — in the sequence in which it actually exists or occurs. Most describe questions come from the science optionals, where the marks sit in correct technical detail and, where the stem says so, a labelled diagram.

Structure that answers it

One-line identification of the subject → the parts or stages in their real order, each with its defining detail → labelled diagram where the subject is structural → closing line on function or significance

Where marks are lost

Loose general prose where the examiner is ticking named parts, correct terminology and their sequence; and in the General Studies papers, turning to evaluation before the description is finished.

All UPSC directive words, compared →

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Framework: GS2 International Relations. describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Analyzes the shift in India's stance with specific examples from COP/G20 and clear geopolitical reasoning.

Key points expected

  • Mention specific international fora (e.g., COP, G20, G77+China).
  • Explain the geopolitical context (e.g., US-China rivalry, Global South leadership).
  • Identify the shift in India's stance (e.g., from defensive to proactive).
  • Link policy changes to India's strategic interests or 'Clean Energy' goals.

Evaluation rubric

Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.

  1. The answer Trace India's evolving climate policy in international forums through a geopolitical lens. 15 marks · 250 words

    describe— define → structure or process in order → labelled diagram → significance

    Must cover

    • Mention specific international fora (e.g., COP, G20, G77+China).
    • Explain the geopolitical context (e.g., US-China rivalry, Global South leadership).
    • Identify the shift in India's stance (e.g., from defensive to proactive).
    • Link policy changes to India's strategic interests or 'Clean Energy' goals.

    Loses marks

    • Reciting general facts about climate change without policy analysis.
    • Ignoring the 'geopolitical context' aspect of the question.
    • Failing to mention specific international fora.

    Earns more

    • Reference to 'Panchamrit' or specific NDC targets.
    • Mention of India's role in the 'Mission LiFE' initiative.
    • Discussion of the 'Common but Differentiated Responsibilities' (CBDR) principle.
    • Reference to the 'Global Biofuels Alliance' or 'International Solar Alliance'.

    Extra mark

    • Citing specific data on India's renewable energy capacity.
    • Mentioning the 'Net Zero by 2070' commitment.

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