Context:
Blockchain, smart materials, among innovative projects mooted in PM solar scheme
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana:
- A government initiative launched in 2024, aimed at providing free electricity to households in India through the installation of rooftop solar panels.
- Objective – Provide 300 units of free electricity per month to one crore households.
- Key Features –
- Subsidy – Up to 40% of the cost of solar panels.
- Implementation Period – Till FY 2026-27.
- Estimated Savings – Rs. 75,000 crore per year in electricity costs.
- Eligibility Criteria –
- Must be an Indian citizen.
- Must own a house with a suitable roof for solar panel installation.
- Must have a valid electricity connection.
- Must not have availed any other solar panel subsidy.
- Role of DISCOMs –
- Designated as State Implementation Agencies (SIAs).
- Responsible for net meter availability, timely inspection, and commissioning of installations.
- Incentives based on the achievement of additional grid-connected rooftop solar capacity beyond a baseline level.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
It is possible to produce algae-based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry?
1. Production of algae-based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.
2. Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuels production requires a high level of expertise/ technology until the construction is complete.
3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large-scale facilities, which may raise ecological and social concerns.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is not correct. The production of algae-based biofuels is possible in seas as well as on continents.
