Science and Technology Current Affairs UPSC

Science and Technology Current Affairs UPSC: November 4, 2024

Science and Technology Current Affairs UPSC: Stay updated with India’s latest advancements in solar energy and global leadership efforts in the International Solar Alliance.

Science and Technology Current Affairs UPSC: One-Liner Questions and Answers

1. What is India’s current installed solar capacity?
2. What is India’s renewable energy capacity target for 2030?
3. What new renewable energy goal has India set for green hydrogen production by 2030?
4. How many solar parks has India approved, and what is their combined capacity?
5. What is India’s goal for offshore wind energy by 2030?
6. What increase did the Union Budget 2024-25 allocate for solar projects?
7. What is the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana focused on?
8. How does the PM-KUSUM scheme benefit rural areas?
9. What initiative strengthens India’s solar manufacturing sector?
10. How much did global solar investments grow from 2018 to 2023?
11. What is the ISA’s “Towards 1000” strategy?
12. Who was re-elected as the President of ISA, and who is the Co-President?
13. How does the ISA aim to support solar adoption in least developed countries?
14. What is the STAR-C initiative launched by ISA?
15. In which seven countries has ISA established STAR Centres?

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Answers to Science and Technology Current Affairs UPSC Questions

1. What is India’s current installed solar capacity?
   India has reached an installed solar capacity of 90 GW, moving closer to its renewable energy goals.
2. What is India’s renewable energy capacity target for 2030?
   India aims to achieve a renewable energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030.
3. What new renewable energy goal has India set for green hydrogen production by 2030?
   India has set a goal to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, supported by 125 GW of renewable energy.
4. How many solar parks has India approved, and what is their combined capacity?
   India has approved 50 solar parks with a total capacity of approximately 37.5 GW.
5. What is India’s goal for offshore wind energy by 2030?
   India aims to develop offshore wind energy sites to reach a capacity of 30 GW by 2030.
6. What increase did the Union Budget 2024-25 allocate for solar projects?
   The Union Budget for 2024-25 included a 110% increase in funding for solar power projects.
7. What is the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana focused on?
   This initiative aims to support solar rooftop installations, enabling communities to generate renewable energy.
8. How does the PM-KUSUM scheme benefit rural areas?
   The PM-KUSUM scheme helps farmers irrigate with solar power and sell surplus energy, boosting rural livelihoods and sustainable agriculture.
9. What initiative strengthens India’s solar manufacturing sector?
   The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme supports India’s solar manufacturing sector, aiming for a self-reliant supply chain.
10. How much did global solar investments grow from 2018 to 2023?
    Global solar investments rose from $144 billion in 2018 to $393 billion in 2023 and are expected to reach $500 billion by 2024.
11. What is the ISA’s “Towards 1000” strategy?
    The “Towards 1000” strategy aims to mobilize $1,000 billion in solar investments, achieve 1,000 GW capacity, and reduce CO₂ emissions by 1,000 MT annually by 2030.
12. Who was re-elected as the President of ISA, and who is the Co-President?
    India was re-elected as ISA President, and France was elected as Co-President for the 2024-2026 term.
13. How does the ISA aim to support solar adoption in least developed countries?
    ISA assists least developed countries through Demonstration Projects, showcasing scalable solar technologies and building local capacity.
14. What is the STAR-C initiative launched by ISA?
    The STAR-C (Solar Technology Application Resource Centres) initiative aims to build a skilled solar workforce in ISA member countries.
15. In which seven countries has ISA established STAR Centres?
    ISA has launched STAR Centres in Ethiopia, Somalia, Cuba, Côte d’Ivoire, Kiribati, Ghana, and Bangladesh.

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Key Takeaways

• India’s solar capacity goal is to reach 500 GW by 2030.
• A significant 110% budget increase is allocated for solar projects in 2024-25.
• PM-KUSUM scheme enhances rural sustainability through solar-powered irrigation.
• ISA’s “Towards 1000” strategy aims to drive massive solar investments and emission reductions by 2030.
• STAR-C initiative supports the development of a skilled solar workforce in seven ISA member countries.

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