Understanding the Core Idea Solar energy is energy obtained from sunlight. This sunlight can be converted directly into electrical energy using a technology called Photovoltaic (PV) cells, commonly known as solar cells. How does a solar cell actually work? Solar cells are primarily made of silicon, a semiconductor material. This entire phenomenon is governed by…
Source: International Energy Agency (IEA), World Energy Outlook 2025 International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Outlook Report 2025 Energy security in a volatile world Why energy has become a national security issue Present global contradictions 📌 UPSC Angle:Energy security is no longer just “fuel availability” → it is geopolitics + technology + supply chains. Climate…
Statistics: Total Installed Power Capacity in India (As on 30 November 2025 | Source: Central Electricity Authority, GoI) Fuel-wise Installed Capacity Fuel TIC (MW) % of Total Coal 2,19,610 43.1% ↓ Gas 20,122 3.9% ↓ Lignite 6,620 1.3% ↓ Diesel 589 0.1% 🔴 Total Fossil Fuel 2,46,942 48.4% ↓ Renewable & Non-Fossil Sources Source TIC…
Cleaner fuels are those fuels which: They are especially relevant for: Alcohol-based Cleaner Fuels: Methanol & Ethanol Methanol and Ethanol: Basic Understanding Both methanol and ethanol are alcohols and are increasingly discussed as alternative transport fuels. 🔸 How are they produced? 🔸 A crucial future pathway Methanol vs Ethanol (Conceptual Comparison) Methanol Ethanol 👉 Common…
Broad Classification of Energy Sources All energy sources can be broadly classified into Conventional and Non-Conventional sources. Conventional Sources of Energy These are the traditionally used energy sources that have supported human civilization for centuries. They are further divided into: (a) Conventional Non-Renewable Sources These are mostly fossil fuels, formed over millions of years and…
Case Name (Year) Popular Name Core Issue / Theme Relevant Article(s) Key Judicial Principle / Doctrine Judgement Constitutional / Legal Impact Romesh Thappar vs. State of Madras (1950) Cross Roads case Freedom of press and circulation of ideas Article 19(1)(a), Article 19(2) Freedom of circulation Court held that freedom of speech and expression includes freedom…
– Cryptocurrency Trading and Article 19(1)(g) Background of the Case In April 2018, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a circular directing → Banks and regulated financial institutions → Not to deal in virtual currencies (VCs) → And not to provide services to individuals or businesses dealing in VCs Although: The circular was challenged…
– Criminalisation of Politics and Party Accountability Background of the Case Despite a series of earlier judgments—such as: ……the number of candidates with criminal antecedents contesting elections continued to rise. The Court noted a critical problem: This case was heard against that backdrop. Core Constitutional Concern How can democracy be protected when political parties repeatedly…
– Internet Shutdowns and Fundamental Rights Background of the Case Following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the Union Government imposed: Anuradha Bhasin, Executive Editor of Kashmir Times, challenged these restrictions, arguing that: Core Constitutional Questions Supreme Court’s Judgement The Supreme Court delivered a rights-sensitive yet security-conscious ruling. (a) Internet Is Protected Under…
– Ayodhya Land Dispute Background of the Case The dispute concerned 2.77 acres of land in Ayodhya, where: The litigation history spanned: In 2010, the Allahabad High Court → Divided the land into three equal parts→ Ram Lalla Virajman→ Nirmohi Akhara→ UP Sunni Central Waqf Board All parties appealed to the Supreme Court. Core Legal…
