General Studies 2025 GS Paper III 10 marks 150 words Compulsory How

Q6

How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047 ? How can biotechnology can play a crucial role in this endeavour ? (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

भारत, वर्ष 2047 तक स्वच्छ प्रौद्योगिकी के माध्यम से ऊर्जा स्वतंत्रता कैसे प्राप्त कर सकता है ? जैव-प्रौद्योगिकी इस प्रयास में किस प्रकार महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा सकती है ? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)

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Directive word: How

This question asks you to how. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'how' demands a solution-oriented, process-driven response outlining pathways to energy independence. Structure: brief context on India's energy import dependence → two-pronged body addressing clean technology pathways (solar, wind, green hydrogen) and biotechnology applications (biofuels, algal bioenergy, waste-to-energy) → forward-looking conclusion linking to Amrit Kaal 2047 vision.

Key points expected

Specific clean technology pathways: renewable energy expansion (500 GW non-fossil by 2030), green hydrogen mission, energy storage solutions
Biotechnology interventions: second-generation bioethanol from agricultural residue, biodiesel from Jatropha/karanja, algal biofuel potential, microbial fuel cells
Integration mechanisms: bio-refineries, circular economy models, waste-to-energy plants under SATAT scheme
Policy anchors: National Biofuel Policy 2018, Green Hydrogen Mission, Bio-ethanol blending targets (E20 by 2025)
Challenges and mitigation: feedstock availability, cost competitiveness, R&D in synthetic biology for enhanced biofuel yields
2047 vision linkage: reduced import bill, energy security, rural employment generation, net-zero commitments

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Clearly distinguishes between clean technology (solar, wind, hydrogen) and biotechnology (biofuels, microbial processes) as complementary rather than overlapping categories; addresses both 'how' components with equal weightage	Covers both parts but conflates clean technology with biotechnology or gives disproportionate space to one; treats 'how' superficially as listing rather than process explanation	Misses one part entirely or misunderstands biotechnology's role; provides generic energy discussion without 2047 target orientation
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Precise technical accuracy on biofuel generations (1G/2G/3G), specific feedstocks (lignocellulosic biomass, microalgae), and clean tech targets; mentions current blending percentages or installed capacity figures	Broadly correct but vague on specifics; mentions biofuels without generation clarity or clean tech without concrete targets; minor technical inaccuracies	Significant factual errors (e.g., confusing biogas with biohydrogen, outdated targets); superficial content lacking technical substance
Structure & flow	20%	2	Tight 150-word discipline with clear demarcation: 40 words context, 55 words clean tech pathways, 55 words biotechnology role; seamless transition between sections; integrated conclusion	Recognizable structure but uneven weightage or abrupt shifts; word limit exceeded or significantly underutilized; conclusion merely summarises	Disorganized or fragmented; no clear separation between the two 'how' questions; rambles without progression toward 2047 target
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Specific Indian examples: Praj Industries' 2G ethanol plants, IOC's algae biofuel R&D, SATAT compressed biogas plants, current ethanol blending rate (~12%), or renewable capacity figures (175 GW achieved)	Generic mention of 'biofuel plants' or 'solar parks' without naming; outdated or approximate data; international examples without Indian relevance	No examples or data; purely theoretical response; irrelevant examples from unrelated sectors
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Forward-looking synthesis linking biotechnology-clean tech convergence to Atmanirbhar Bharat; identifies critical success factors (R&D investment, farmer buy-in, policy stability); nuanced acknowledgment of challenges	Standard optimistic conclusion on 2047 without specific linkages; restates points without synthesis; no critical perspective	Missing conclusion or abrupt ending; unrealistic projection without grounding; no analytical depth or policy insight

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