Comprehension : Comprehension

Q 166 / 466

UPSC CSE Prelims 2020

India has tremendous potential for solar energy. We all realize that we have to stop burning fossil fuels to meet our energy needs. But certain renewable resources are still going through their cost curves and learning curves to get required amount of output. The Indian Government has strongly committed to its targets of reducing emissions by 33 percent by 2030, and towards this it has initiated a strong push towards a gas-based economy and has also invested heavily in renewable energy. However,, business housed are wary of investing too heavily in renewable energy at a time when the technology is not yet ready.

Which one the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (C)

The passage explicitly states that renewable resources are currently undergoing "cost curves and learning curves" to achieve the required output. Furthermore, it highlights that business houses are hesitant to invest heavily in renewable energy because the technology is "not yet ready." This implies that a premature or accelerated market deployment of these resources, before their technological and economic viability is fully established, could lead to significant financial implications.

Incorrect Options:

  • Option (A): The passage discusses the challenges and strategic approaches (like a gas-based economy and renewable investment) towards achieving India's emission reduction target. It does not, however, conclude that the target is unlikely to be achieved. The focus is on the complexities of the transition, not the ultimate failure of the commitment.
  • Option (B): While the passage mentions the government's push towards a "gas-based economy," it does not advocate for importing gas as an alternative to investing in renewable resources. The two initiatives are presented as parallel efforts within India's energy strategy, not as mutually exclusive choices where one should supersede the other through imports.
  • Option (D): The passage notes India's push towards a "gas-based economy." However, it does not specifically infer that India should prioritize or increase efforts in the exploration of natural gas. The mention of a gas-based economy is part of the broader strategy for emission reduction, but the passage does not provide sufficient information to conclude that enhanced exploration is the most logical or rational inference.