UPSC Mains 2025 GS3 Q18: model answer
Write a review on India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution intended by India been updated in 2022 ?
What the question wants
Trace India's 2015 INDC, Panchamrit at COP26, and the 2022 updated NDC; assess progress.
How to structure it
Intro: Paris and NDCs. Body: (1) First NDC (2015); (2) COP26, Glasgow (2021): the Panchamrit; (3) Updated NDC (August 2022); (4) Review. Conclusion: India has kept its word on targets that are within its control.
- 1(1) First NDC (2015)
- 2(2) COP26, Glasgow (2021): the Panchamrit
- 3(3) Updated NDC (August 2022)
- 4(4) Review
Model answer
Under the Paris Agreement (2015), each country sets its own Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), to be raised over time. India's commitments reflect 'common but differentiated responsibilities'.
| Target | 2015 NDC | COP26 (2021) | Updated NDC (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emission intensity cut by 2030 (vs 2005) | 33–35% | 45% | 45% |
| Non-fossil share | 40% of capacity | 500 GW; 50% of energy needs | About 50% of capacity |
| Net zero | — | 2070 | LT-LEDS (2022) |
| Other | Forest sink 2.5–3 Gt | Cut 1 bn t projected emissions | LiFE movement |
First NDC (2015)
- Reduce emission intensity of GDP by 33–35% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
- 40% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.
- Additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes CO2-equivalent through forests and tree cover.
COP26, Glasgow (2021): the Panchamrit
- 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030.
- 50% of energy requirements from renewables by 2030.
- Cut one billion tonnes of projected emissions by 2030.
- Emission intensity down 45% by 2030.
- Net zero by 2070.
Updated NDC (August 2022)
- Emission intensity target raised to 45% by 2030 from 2005.
- About 50% of installed electric capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.
- Added mass movement for LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
- Sink target kept; adaptation and finance goals restated.
- India also submitted a Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy at COP27.
Review
- Progress: the 2015 intensity target was met early, and non-fossil capacity crossed 50% in 2025, five years ahead.
- Gaps: coal still dominates generation; forest sink accounting is debated; climate finance from developed countries has fallen short of promises.
- Adaptation needs (heatwaves, floods) are growing.
India has kept its word on targets that are within its control. A fair share of finance and technology from richer nations will decide how far it can go.
Keywords, cases and data to drop in
NDC 2015 Panchamrit 45% intensity 50% non-fossil capacity net zero 2070 LiFE LT-LEDS
Where most answers lose marks
- Mixing up 50% capacity and 50% energy targets.
- No review element.
Fresh examples from current affairs
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28 Sep 2026Learn the concept
Question text as printed in the official UPSC question paper: https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/GENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-III-QP-CSM-25-010925.pdf The model answer is original Battle IAS work; use it to learn structure, not to memorise.