6th June 2025 – Current Affairs

1. Population Census 2027 – Polity

Why in News?

India is set to conduct its next Population Census by March 1, 2027, after a gap of 16 years since the last census in 2011. The announcement was made by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
This will be:

• India’s first fully digital census
• The first census post-Independence to include caste enumeration

Key Highlights

1. Timeline and Phases

• Commencement: April 1, 2026
• Phases:
  • Phase 1: House Listing and Housing Schedule
  • Phase 2: Population Enumeration (includes caste data)
• Reference Date:
  • October 1, 2026 for most of India
  • Different dates for Ladakh and snow-bound regions (J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand)

2. Legal Framework

• Conducted under the Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules, 1990
• Formal notification expected soon

3. Post-Census Impact

• Delimitation Process to begin after census data release in late 2027
• Necessary for:
  • Restructuring electoral constituencies before the 2029 General Elections
  • Implementing 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies, as per the Women’s Reservation Act

4. National Population Register (NPR)

• No update provided about NPR during this announcement, although it is crucial for compiling the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC/NRC)

5. Historical Context

• Last census conducted in 2011 (first phase in 2010)
• 2021 Census was postponed due to:
  • COVID-19 pandemic
  • Administrative challenges

6. Future Legislative Action

• Parliament will need to pass a new Delimitation Act to enable formation of a Delimitation Commission after census data release.

Significance and Implications

Digital Census

• Enhances efficiency, accuracy, and data security
• Streamlines data collection and reduces manual errors

Caste Enumeration

• Provides granular socio-economic data for informed policy-making and affirmative action
• Long-standing demand from several states and social groups

Delimitation and Women’s Reservation

• Ensures updated and representative electoral constituencies
• Facilitates implementation of 33% reservation for women in legislatures, improving gender representation

Challenges Ahead

• Managing data privacy concerns
• Ensuring digital inclusivity in remote and underdeveloped areas
• Political sensitivities around caste data and NPR/NRIC linkage

Summary

India will conduct its next Population Census in 2026–2027 after a 16-year gap. It will be India’s first fully digital census and the first since Independence to include caste-based enumeration. The process will occur in two phases and be governed by existing census laws. The data will be crucial for upcoming electoral delimitation and implementing the Women’s Reservation Act. While this marks a technological and political milestone, it also brings challenges regarding data handling, privacy, and potential socio-political implications.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The next population census of India will be conducted in which year?
   A. 2025
   B. 2026
   C. 2027
   D. 2029
   Answer: C. 2027
   
   
2. The Census in India is conducted under which Act?
   A. Representation of the People Act, 1951
   B. Census Act, 1948
   C. Delimitation Act, 2002
   D. Data Protection Act, 2023
   Answer: B. Census Act, 1948
   
   
3. The upcoming 2027 census will include which new feature for the first time?
   A. Digital voting
   B. Online voter registration
   C. Caste enumeration
   D. Aadhar verification of all citizens
   Answer: C. Caste enumeration
   

Mains

1. Discuss the significance of conducting a fully digital census in India. What are its potential benefits and challenges?
   
   
2. How will caste-based enumeration in the upcoming census impact policymaking and governance in India?
   
   
3. Critically examine the role of the census data in the electoral delimitation process. How does it influence democratic representation?
   
   
4. Analyse the relationship between the National Population Register (NPR), National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC), and the Census. What are the legal and political concerns involved?
   

2. Rising ‘Black Carbon’ Heating Himalayan Snow – Environment

Why in News?

A new study by Climate Trends, a think-tank, highlights a worrying rise in black carbon (BC) levels in the Himalayas over the past two decades.
This trend threatens the stability of Himalayan snow and glaciers, which are critical to freshwater supplies for nearly 2 billion people downstream.

Key Concepts

What is Black Carbon (BC)?

• A fine particulate pollutant produced by incomplete combustion of biomass (like cow dung, straw, wood) and fossil fuels (coal, diesel).
• It is an aerosol—not a greenhouse gas—but still a major contributor to warming.

Climate Impact

• Second-largest contributor to global warming after CO₂.
• Unlike CO₂, BC is short-lived in the atmosphere—meaning its reduction can yield quick climate benefits.
• Mechanism:
  • Absorbs sunlight → heats atmosphere.
  • When deposited on snow and ice → reduces albedo (reflectivity) → accelerates melting.

Health Impact

• Linked to heart disease, birth complications, and premature death.
• A major cause of air pollution-related illnesses in India.

Sources of Black Carbon in India

High-Emission States:

• Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra → due to agricultural practices and forest fires.

Key Findings of the Study (2000–2023)

Snow and Temperature Trends

• Snow Surface Temperature: Increased from -11.27°C to -7.13°C → faster snow and glacier melt.
• Regional Trends:
  • Eastern Himalayas warming fastest.
  • Central and Western Himalayas also affected but to a lesser degree.

Snow Depth Trends

• Average snow depth rose from 0.059 m to 0.117 m.
  This paradoxical increase is due to:
  • Increased precipitation as snow.
  • Wind redistribution of snow layers.
• Regional Comparison:
  • Western Himalayas → highest snow depth due to higher elevation and winter storms.
  • Eastern and Central Himalayas → lower snow depth → closer to BC pollution sources.

Impact of BC on Glaciers

• BC deposition → lowers snow reflectivity → increases heat absorption → accelerates glacier melt.
• Threat to water security:
  • Nearly 2 billion people in Asia depend on Himalayan glaciers for freshwater (for drinking, irrigation, hydropower).

Broader Significance & Implications

Climate Stability

• BC is driving faster regional warming in a climate-vulnerable region.
• Loss of Himalayan glaciers contributes to sea level rise and regional climate disruption.

Public Health

• Combustion-related BC emissions worsen air quality → severe public health risks.

Water Resources

• Melting glaciers → short-term floods → long-term drought risk as glaciers shrink.
• Threatens agriculture, hydropower, and livelihoods across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

Policy Challenges

• Reducing BC offers a fast mitigation option for regional warming.
• Need for:
  • Cleaner cookstoves and fuels.
  • Tighter vehicular emission norms.
  • Reducing open biomass burning.

Summary

A recent study shows black carbon levels in the Himalayas have risen significantly over the last two decades, accelerating glacier melt and regional warming.
Key sources include residential biomass burning, industrial emissions, and diesel vehicles.
This poses severe risks to climate stability, public health, and freshwater resources for nearly 2 billion people.
Reducing BC is a high-impact, short-term climate action opportunity for India and the Himalayan region.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following pollutants is classified as a short-lived climate pollutant?
   A.Methane
   B. Carbon dioxide
   C. Black carbon
   D. Nitrous oxide
   Answer: C. Black carbon
   
   
2. Black carbon contributes to glacier melting mainly through:
   A. Acid rain formation
   B. Increasing albedo
   C. Decreasing snow reflectivity
   D. Increasing snowfall
   Answer: C. Decreasing snow reflectivity
   
   
3. Which sector is the largest contributor to Black Carbon emissions in India?
   A. Power plants
   B. Residential biomass burning
   C. Industrial processes
   D. Diesel vehicles
   Answer: B. Residential biomass burning
   

Mains

1. Discuss the impact of black carbon on the Himalayan cryosphere and its broader environmental and socio-economic implications.
   
   
2. What are the main sources of black carbon emissions in India? Suggest measures to reduce its contribution to climate change.
   
   
3. Why is the reduction of black carbon emissions considered a short-term climate mitigation strategy? How can India leverage this opportunity?
   
   
4. Analyse the interlinkages between air pollution, black carbon emissions, and the melting of Himalayan glaciers. What policy interventions are needed?
   

3. Two New Ramsar Sites in Rajasthan – Environment

Why in News?

India has recently added two new wetlands — Khichan and Menar — to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.
This takes India’s total number of Ramsar sites to 91.

The New Ramsar Sites

1. Khichan Wetland (Phalodi District, Rajasthan)

• Famous for: Hosting thousands of migratory Demoiselle cranes.
• Key importance:
  • Crucial habitat for migratory birds.
  • Supports local biodiversity and helps maintain ecological balance.
  • Major birdwatching destination.

2. Menar Wetland (Near Udaipur, Rajasthan)

• Known as Rajasthan’s “Bird Village”.
• Community-led conservation success story.
• Notable bird species:
  • Cinereous vulture (Critically Endangered)
  • Himalayan griffon
  • Dalmatian pelican
  • Black-tailed godwit
• Highlights the role of local communities in wetland preservation.

About the Ramsar Conventio

Background

• Established: February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran.
• Purpose: Promote conservation and wise use of wetlands through international cooperation.

Key Objectives

• Identify and designate important wetlands.
• Promote sustainable management of wetlands.
• Facilitate scientific research and awareness.
• Encourage international collaboration.

India and the Ramsar Convention

India’s Progress

• Signatory: Since 1982.
• First Ramsar Site: Chilika Lake, Odisha (designated in 1981).
• Current tally:
  • 91 Ramsar sites.
  • Total area covered: 13.58 lakh hectares (~10% of India’s total wetland area).

Leading States

Criteria for Declaring Ramsar Sites

A wetland can be designated a Ramsar Site if it meets one or more of the following:

1. Unique or rare wetland types.
2. Habitat for vulnerable, endangered, or endemic species, especially migratory waterfowl.
3. Holds significant ecological, zoological, botanical, limnological, or hydrological value.
4. Supports scientific research and biodiversity conservation.
5. Provides ecosystem services like:
   • Flood control
   • Water purification
   • Groundwater recharge
   • Cultural and recreational value.
6. Supports sustainable livelihoods of local communities.
7. Faces threats that require international cooperation for its protection.

Other Key Facts about the Ramsar Convention

Summary

India has added Khichan and Menar in Rajasthan to its list of Ramsar sites, bringing the total to 91.
Khichan is famous for Demoiselle cranes, while Menar is a model of community-led conservation.
The Ramsar Convention promotes international cooperation to conserve wetlands, which are vital for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and local livelihoods.
India is an active participant, with wetlands contributing significantly to its ecological balance and sustainable development.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which Indian state has the highest number of Ramsar Sites?
   A. Rajasthan
   B. Tamil Nadu
   C.Uttar Pradesh
   D. Odisha
   Answer: B. Tamil Nadu
   
   
2. What is the primary purpose of the Ramsar Convention?
   A. Control of desertification
   B. Conservation of wetlands
   C. Prevention of oil spills
   D. Sustainable fishing
   Answer: B. Conservation of wetlands
   
   
3. Khichan Wetland in Rajasthan is known for hosting which species of migratory bird?
   A. Flamingo
   B. Demoiselle crane
   C. Black-necked crane
   C. Bar-headed goose
   Answer: B. Demoiselle crane
   
   
4. Which of the following is true about the Montreux Record?
   A. It tracks greenhouse gas emissions.
   B. It lists endangered animal species.
   C. It lists Ramsar sites requiring urgent conservation.
   D. It records international river treaties.
   Answer: C. It lists Ramsar sites requiring urgent conservation.
   

Mains

1. Discuss the ecological and socio-economic importance of Ramsar wetlands in India. Highlight recent examples of community-led wetland conservation.
   
   
2. Examine the role of the Ramsar Convention in promoting international cooperation for wetland conservation. How can India further strengthen its wetland protection efforts?
   
   
3. With reference to the addition of Khichan and Menar wetlands to the Ramsar list, analyse the challenges and opportunities in balancing conservation and sustainable development in wetland ecosystems.
   
   
4. What are the key criteria for declaring a wetland as a Ramsar site? Critically evaluate the impact of Ramsar designation on the management of Indian wetlands.
   

4. India Opposes ADB’s Funding to Pakistan – International Relations

Why in News?

India has strongly objected to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) recent approval of an $800 million loan to Pakistan under its Resource Mobilisation Reform Programme.

India’s concerns focus on:

• Pakistan’s increasing defense spending amid a shrinking tax base.
• The risk of misuse of international financial assistance.

India expects strict oversight to ensure the funds are not diverted from development to other purposes.

About the Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Establishment

• Founded in 1966 during a UN-led conference on Asian Economic Cooperation.
• Headquarters: Manila, Philippines.
• Functions as an official observer at the United Nations.

Objectives

• Reduce poverty in Asia-Pacific.
• Promote inclusive, sustainable economic growth.
• Support regional economic integration.

Functions

• Provides:
  • Loans (both concessional and non-concessional).
  • Grants.
  • Technical assistance.
• Conducts:
  • Policy dialogues.
  • Co-financing initiatives.

Funding Sources

• Issuance of bonds in global capital markets.
• Member country contributions.
• Loan repayments and retained earnings.

Membership & Shareholding

• 67 members in total.
• Major shareholders: CountryShareholding (%)Japan15.607%USA15.607%China6.444%India6.331%

Climate Goals

• Target: Mobilize $100 billion for climate finance from 2019 to 2030.
• Focus on promoting sustainable development through:
  • Green fuel projects.
  • Other climate-resilient infrastructure.

India’s Apprehensions About the Loan to Pakistan

1. Concerns over Financial Mismanagement

• Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio has fallen from:
  • 13% in 2017–18 → 9.2% in 2022–23.
• The Asia-Pacific average is ~19%, indicating:
  • Poor revenue collection.
  • Weak fiscal discipline.

2. Concerns over Rising Defense Expenditure

• Pakistan’s military spending has increased despite economic difficulties.
• India fears the ADB funds might indirectly support Pakistan’s defense sector, undermining regional peace.

3. Historical Opposition

• India has consistently opposed financial aid to Pakistan at forums like the:
  • International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• India is preparing a dossier to advocate for Pakistan’s possible re-entry into the FATF Grey List, citing risks of:
  • Terror financing.
  • Money laundering.

About FATF Grey List

• FATF (Financial Action Task Force): Global watchdog against money laundering and terror financing.
• Grey List: Countries under increased monitoring due to strategic deficiencies.
• Re-entry into the Grey List can hamper international financial support to a country.

Broader Implications

For India-Pakistan Relations

• Adds to ongoing bilateral tensions.
• Reflects India’s consistent policy of opposing unconditional international aid to Pakistan.

For International Institutions

• Raises questions about the oversight of multilateral financial assistance.
• Stresses the need to align aid with:
  • Governance reforms.
  • Fiscal responsibility.

For Regional Stability

• Funding without proper checks could:
  • Worsen regional security dynamics.
  • Undermine efforts to promote peace and stability in South Asia.

Summary

India has objected to the ADB’s $800 million loan to Pakistan, citing concerns about:

• Weak fiscal management.
• Rising defense expenditure.
• Risks of fund diversion.

India has a history of opposing unmonitored financial assistance to Pakistan and is preparing to advocate for Pakistan’s re-entry into the FATF Grey List.
The controversy highlights broader issues around the responsibility of international institutions in ensuring that aid fosters development, not militarization or misuse.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) was established in:
   A. 1945
   B. 1966
   C. 1971
   D. 1991
   Answer: B. 1966
   
   
2. Where is the headquarters of the Asian Development Bank located?
   A. Tokyo
   B. New York
   C. Manila
   D. Geneva
   Answer: C. Manila
   
   
3. Which country is NOT a major shareholder of the ADB?
   A. Japan
   B. USA
   C. China
   D. Russia
   Answer: D. Russia
   
   
4. The FATF Grey List refers to countries:
   A. With unstable political leadership.
   B. With deficient tax collection.
   C. Under monitoring for money laundering and terror financing.
   D. Facing food security issues.
   Answer: C. Under monitoring for money laundering and terror financing.
   

Mains

1. Examine the role of international financial institutions like ADB in promoting sustainable development. How can such assistance avoid exacerbating regional security challenges?
   
   
2. Critically analyse India’s objections to the recent ADB loan to Pakistan. What does this reflect about India’s broader diplomatic strategy towards international financial flows?
   
   
3. Discuss the significance of the FATF Grey List in international diplomacy. How does India leverage this mechanism in its policy towards Pakistan?
   
   
4. Highlight the governance and oversight challenges that arise when multilateral banks provide assistance to countries with weak fiscal institutions. Suggest safeguards to address such concerns.
   
   

5. Exacerbation of the Environmental Crisis in India – Environment

Why in News?

On the occasion of World Environment Day (June 5), there is renewed focus on how the past decade has shaped the trajectory of the environmental crisis in India and globally.

The world faces a triple planetary crisis:

• Carbon emissions
• Biodiversity loss
• Pollution

In India, this crisis is worsened by:

• Fossil fuel dependency
• Deforestation
• Poor waste management
  Marginalized communities suffer the most from the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change.

Key Environmental Challenges in India

1. Rising Carbon Emissions

• Global CO₂ emissions rose by ~10% between 2015–2024 (from 34.1 to 37.4 billion metric tonnes).
• India’s emissions rose from 2.33 to 3.12 billion metric tonnes due to continued reliance on coal and oil.
• India remains a major emitter, though per capita emissions are still below global averages.

2. Biodiversity Under Threat

India’s rich biodiversity is under severe threat from:

• Deforestation
• Wetland degradation
• Expansion of monoculture agriculture

Consequences:

• Increased mass extinctions and ecological disruptions.
• Critical impacts on biodiversity hotspots like:
  • Western Ghats
  • Northeast India

3. Persistent Pollution

• Air pollution: India ranks among the most polluted countries globally.
  • Delhi consistently tops global air pollution indexes.
• Causes:
  • Vehicular emissions
  • Industrial pollution
  • Crop stubble burning
  • Poor waste management

4. Fossil Fuel Dependency

• Nearly 70% of India’s electricity is generated from coal.
• This dependency drives:
  • Rising CO₂ emissions.
  • Poor air quality.
  • Health hazards.

5. Deforestation & Land Use Change

• Increasing forest clearances for:
  • Infrastructure (roads, dams, mining).
• Impact:
  • Loss of forest cover in biodiversity-rich areas.
  • Disruption of ecosystem services.
  • Threats to tribal communities and their livelihoods.

6. Agricultural Intensification

• Spread of high-input monocultures:
  • Damages ecosystems.
  • Pollutes water bodies with:
    • Nitrates
    • Pesticides
    • Plastics.
• Over-extraction of water resources.

7. Waste Mismanagement & Urbanisation

• Unchecked urban growth → unregulated landfills, untreated sewage.
• Rivers like Ganga and Yamuna are severely polluted.
• India produces 62 million tonnes of waste annually:
  • Only 20% processed correctly.
• Rapid urbanisation worsens:
  • Air pollution
  • Water contamination
  • Soil degradation

8. Overconsumption & Industrialisation

• Excessive consumption in the Global North externalizes environmental costs to the Global South (including India).
• Global supply chains shift pollution and ecological harm to poorer countries.

9. Disproportionate Impact on the Poor

• Marginalized communities are hit hardest by:
  • Air pollution (e.g. Delhi’s slums).
  • Water scarcity.
  • Extreme weather events (e.g. droughts in rural Maharashtra).
• Environmental injustice is increasing.

Global & National Responsibilities

Global North Accountability

• Wealthy nations should:
  • Drastically reduce emissions.
  • Provide climate finance to developing nations.
  • Stop outsourcing polluting industries.

Corporate Responsibility

• Enforce:
  • Stricter environmental laws.
  • Carbon taxes.
• Deny market access to companies violating green policies.

Ecological Development Models

• Promote ecological sustainability:
  • Support low-carbon livelihoods.
  • Encourage eco-friendly industries.

Promote Sustainable Practices

• Support:
  • Ecological agriculture (reducing monocultures).
  • Community-led conservation initiatives.
• Foster long-term environmental resilience.

Summary

India faces a deepening environmental crisis, driven by:

• Fossil fuel reliance
• Deforestation
• Pollution
• Unsustainable agriculture
• Urbanisation

Marginalized communities are the most vulnerable.
Solutions require:

• Local and community-driven action.
• Greater responsibility from the Global North.
• Stronger corporate accountability.
• An ecological shift in the development model to ensure sustainable and equitable growth.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. What percentage of India’s electricity is currently derived from coal?
   A. 40%
   B. 50%
   C. 60%
   D. 70%
   Answer: D. 70%
   
   
2. Which of the following is a key contributor to water pollution in Indian agricultural zones?
   A. Oil spills
   B. E-waste
   C. Nitrates and pesticides
   D. Thermal pollution
   Answer: C. Nitrates and pesticides
   
   
3. India produces how many million tonnes of waste annually?
   A. 30 million
   B. 42 million
   C. 62 million
   D. 80 million
   Answer: C. 62 million
   
   
4. The term triple planetary crisis refers to:
   A. Rising sea levels, volcanic eruptions, and desertification
   B. Carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, and pollution
   C. Overpopulation, pandemic spread, and space debris
   D. Nuclear proliferation, global warming, and terrorism
   Answer: B. Carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, and pollution
   

Mains

1. Critically examine the major factors driving the environmental crisis in India. Suggest sustainable pathways to address these challenges.
   
   
2. Discuss the role of marginalized communities in the face of climate change and environmental degradation. How can policies be designed to promote environmental justice in India?
   
   
3. Analyse the impact of overconsumption and global supply chains on the environmental crisis in developing countries like India. Suggest measures to promote corporate and international accountability.
   
   
4. How can India balance the goals of economic growth with the imperatives of ecological sustainability? Discuss with relevant examples.
   

6. Falling Short: India Must Ensure Technology Transfer in the EV Segment – Economy

Why in News?

India has recently announced a 15% reduction in import duties on fully built electric cars (CBUs) — conditional on manufacturers making local investments and achieving domestic value addition.

This move is part of the newly launched Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI).
It aims to boost domestic EV production and technology capabilities, while reducing import dependence.

Key Features of the SPMEPCI Scheme

Objectives

• Promote local EV manufacturing.
• Encourage technology transfer and domestic value addition.
• Attract global EV players to invest in India.

Key Provisions

Target Outcome

• Create an EV manufacturing ecosystem.
• Promote local partnerships with Indian suppliers.
• Strengthen battery and component manufacturing.

Importance of Technology Transfer

Why It Matters for India

• India entered the EV race late (2015), lagging behind China and the U.S..
• Technology gaps:
  • Battery technology.
  • Electric powertrains.
  • Software and control systems.
  • Charging infrastructure.

Lessons from China

• China’s success strategy:
  • Early subsidies.
  • Mandatory joint ventures with foreign firms.
  • Focus on battery manufacturing and domestic value chain.
• Result: China is now a global leader in EV adoption and battery innovation.

India’s Needs

• Strategic partnerships for:
  • Technology transfer.
  • R&D collaboration.
• Develop a domestic battery ecosystem to avoid long-term import dependence.
• Leverage policy frameworks to ensure technology absorption, not just assembly.

Challenges and Concerns

1. Risk of Technology Lock-in

• Without meaningful technology transfer, India risks being limited to assembly operations.
• Lack of local intellectual property and manufacturing know-how.

2. Competition and Market Readiness

• Global EV players like Tesla may dominate without contributing to the local ecosystem.
• Indian companies need government support to become globally competitive.

3. Battery Dependency

• Batteries form ~40-50% of EV cost.
• India currently imports lithium-ion batteries, mostly from China.
• Urgent need to establish domestic battery cell manufacturing.

Recommendations

• Mandate technology sharing clauses in investment agreements.
• Incentivize joint ventures with Indian firms.
• Expand schemes like PLI for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries.
• Foster public-private R&D collaborations.
• Focus on skilling to build a qualified EV workforce.

Summary

India’s new SPMEPCI scheme offers concessional import duties to attract global EV manufacturers, but success depends on ensuring robust technology transfer and domestic ecosystem development.

India must learn from China’s experience and prioritize building battery manufacturing capacity, local supply chains, and R&D capabilities.
Without these measures, India risks becoming an assembly hub rather than a true EV manufacturing leader.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Under the SPMEPCI scheme, the concessional import duty on fully built EVs is:
   A. 5%
   B. 10%
   C. 15%
   D. 20%
   Answer: C. 15%
   
   
2. The SPMEPCI scheme requires a minimum domestic value addition of:
   A. 10-20%
   B. 25-50%
   C. 50-75%
   D. 75-100%
   Answer: B. 25-50%
   
   
3. Which country is currently a global leader in EV battery manufacturing?
   A. USA
   B. Japan
   C. Germany
   D. China
   Answer: D. China
   
   
4. Batteries account for approximately what percentage of an EV’s total cost?
   A. 10%
   B. 20%
   C. 40-50%
   D. 60-70%
   Answer: C. 40-50%
   

Mains

1. Discuss the significance of technology transfer for India’s electric vehicle sector. How can India ensure that its EV policies promote genuine domestic capabilities rather than dependence on imports?
   
   
2. Analyse the lessons India can learn from China’s strategy in building a globally competitive EV industry. How can India adapt these lessons to its own industrial context?
   
   
3. Critically examine the key challenges facing India’s domestic battery manufacturing ecosystem. Suggest policy measures to address these challenges.
   
   
4. Evaluate the potential impact of the SPMEPCI scheme on India’s EV transition. What additional steps are necessary to foster a self-reliant and innovative EV industry?