IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Analysis
Archives
(PRELIMS Focus)
Subject: Polity – Judicial Reforms; Supreme Court Strength Amendment; Article 124; Parliament’s Power.
Why in News?
- Union Cabinet approved The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 to amend the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956
- The number of Supreme Court judges (excluding Chief Justice of India) will be increased from 33 to 37 (an increase of 4 judges)
Key Provisions
- Increase strength from present 33 to 37 (excluding CJI)
- Total strength including CJI: 38 (37 + CJI) – previously 34 (33 + CJI)
- Expenditure on salaries, supporting staff, and facilities to be met from Consolidated Fund of India
Constitutional and Statutory Framework
Article 124(1) of Constitution
- “There shall be a Supreme Court of India consisting of a Chief Justice of India and, until Parliament by law prescribes a larger number, of not more than seven other Judges…”
Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956
- Section 2 specifies maximum number of judges (excluding CJI)
- Can be amended by Parliament to increase strength (simple majority, not Article 368 amendment)
Historical Increases in Supreme Court Strength (Excluding CJI)
| Year | Increase | Total Strength (excluding CJI) |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 (Original) | – | 7 (as per Constitution) |
| 1956 (Act) | 3 | 10 |
| 1960 | 3 | 13 |
| 1977 | 4 | 17 |
| 1986 | 8 | 25 |
| 2008 | 5 | 30 |
| 2019 | 3 | 33 |
| 2026 (Proposed) | 4 | 37 |
Reason for Increase
- To allow Supreme Court to function more efficiently and effectively
- To ensure speedy justice – reduce pendency
- Increase in number of cases filed in SC over time
What is the Bill Called?
- The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026
Status
- Cabinet approved on May 5, 2026
- To be introduced in Parliament (likely in upcoming session)
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Original Act | Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 |
| Last amendment | 2019 (30 → 33) |
| Current proposal | 33 → 37 (increase of 4) |
| Total judges (incl. CJI) | 38 |
| Estimated additional expenditure | Met from Consolidated Fund of India |
Static-Dynamic Linkage
Static (Polity Syllabus)
- Article 124: Establishment and composition of Supreme Court
- Article 125: Salaries of Supreme Court judges (charged on Consolidated Fund)
- Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956: Originally fixed strength at 10 (excluding CJI)
- Sanctioned Strength vs Working Strength: 37 is sanctioned; working strength may be less due to vacancies
Dynamic (Current Affairs – May 2026)
- Cabinet approval date: May 5, 2026
- Increase of 4 judges (33 → 37, excluding CJI)
- Reason: Speedy justice, reduce pendency
- India’s SC judge strength to reach highest ever: 38 (including CJI)
- Bill to be introduced: The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026
Source/Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2258133®=3&lang=1
Subject: Polity – National Symbols; Modern History – Bankim Chandra Chatterjee; Governance – Criminal Law Amendment.
Why in News?
- Union Cabinet on May 5, 2026 cleared an amendment to The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971
- Amendment makes insult or obstruction to the singing of Vande Mataram (National Song) a punishable offence
- On February 6, 2026, MHA instructed States to sing/play all six stanzas of Vande Mataram (about three minutes long) at official events
Current Legal Framework (Pre-Amendment)
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971
- Currently covers insults to:
- National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana)
- National Flag
- Constitution of India
Punishment
- Imprisonment up to three years, or fine, or both
What the Amendment Does
- Adds Vande Mataram (National Song) to the list of national symbols protected under the Act
- Insult or obstruction to its singing will be punishable (same penalty: up to 3 years imprisonment or fine or both)
Vande Mataram: Background
What is Vande Mataram?
- National Song of India (along with Jana Gana Mana as National Anthem)
- Bengali poem written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (in 1875, published in novel Anandamath, 1882)
Musical Version
- First sung at 1896 Indian National Congress session (Kolkata)
- Music composed by Jadunath Bhattacharya
Constitutional Status
- No explicit constitutional provision naming Vande Mataram as National Song
- Constituent Assembly (January 24, 1950): Adopted Jana Gana Mana as National Anthem; declared Vande Mataram shall have equal status with Jana Gana Mana
Official Status (Government of India)
- Section 2 of the National Anthem Order, 2024: Vande Mataram declared as National Song
- Instructions (February 6, 2026): All six stanzas (approx. 3 minutes) to be sung/played at official events
Static-Dynamic Linkage
Static (Polity / Art & Culture Syllabus)
- National Symbols: Flag, Anthem, Song, Emblem, Animal, Bird, Flower, Tree, Aquatic Animal, River, Fruit
- Part IV of Constitution (DPSP): No specific directive on national song
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971: Original sign – Defamation of national symbols; applies to whole of India
- Constituent Assembly (Rajan Committee): Decision on National Anthem (January 24, 1950)
Dynamic (Current Affairs – May 2026)
- Cabinet approval: May 5, 2026
- MHA instructions: February 6, 2026 (all six stanzas at official events)
- Amendment adds Vande Mataram to the 1971 Act
- Punishment: Up to 3 years imprisonment + fine (same as existing penalties)
Source/Reference:
Subject: GS Paper III: Science & Technology (Quantum Computing, Emerging Technologies)
Why in News?
A team from Google has identified a radiation-induced error (“glitch”) that disrupts quantum computers, highlighting a major obstacle in scaling the technology.
Key Findings
- Cause: Ionising radiation (cosmic rays, environmental particles)
- Effect: Disrupts qubits by causing quantum decoherence (loss of quantum state)
- Even highly controlled systems at near-zero temperatures remain vulnerable
- Errors occur unpredictably, limiting reliability of long computations
Concept: Quantum Computing
- Uses qubits (can exist in superposition unlike classical bits)
- Enables exponential speed-ups in specific problems
- Requires extreme isolation to maintain coherence
Core Challenge: Decoherence
- Environmental disturbances collapse quantum states
- Radiation can trigger decoherence within milliseconds
- Major bottleneck in achieving fault-tolerant quantum computers
UPSC-Oriented Analysis
- Static-Dynamic Link: Quantum physics (superposition, entanglement) + emerging tech
- Possible MCQs:
- Causes of decoherence
- Features of qubits vs classical bits
- Challenges in quantum computing scalability
Source:
Subject: GS Paper I: Geography (Himalayan region, strategic passes), GS Paper III: Infrastructure & Defence (Border Roads Organisation)
Why in News?
Project Deepak of the Border Roads Organisation celebrated its 66th Raising Day on May 4, 2026, highlighting its long-standing role in developing strategic infrastructure in the Western Himalayas.
Key Facts & Features
- Established: 1961 (one of BRO’s oldest projects)
- Area of Responsibility: Himachal Pradesh—Shimla, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti
- Road Network: Maintains ~1,100 km of roads
- Key Projects:
- Historic Hindustan–Tibet Road
- Strategic Manali–Leh axis (critical for defence logistics)
- Strategic Importance: Enhances connectivity to remote border areas, ensuring troop mobility and supply lines
Disaster Management Role
- May 2023: Rescued ~300 motorists at Baralachala Pass
- July 2023: Evacuated ~250 civilians from Chandrataal
- Demonstrates dual role—infrastructure + humanitarian assistance
UPSC-Oriented Analysis
- Static-Dynamic Linkage: Himalayas + border infrastructure + internal security
- Possible Questions:
- Matching BRO projects with regions
- Strategic passes/roads in Himachal & Ladakh
- Role of BRO in disaster management
Source:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2257901®=3&lang=1
Subject: GS Paper III: Indian Economy (MSMEs, Credit Flow, Financial Schemes)
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet approved Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 in May 2026 to support businesses facing liquidity stress due to the West Asia conflict and global disruptions.
Key Features
- Target Credit Flow: ₹2.55 lakh crore (incl. ₹5,000 crore for airlines)
- Outlay: ~₹18,100 crore
- Coverage:
- 100% guarantee for MSMEs
- 90% guarantee for non-MSMEs & airlines
- Implementing Agency: National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd. (NCGTC)
- Loan Limit: Up to 20% of peak working capital (Q4 FY26), capped (₹100 crore for firms; higher for airlines)
- Validity: Loans sanctioned till 31 March 2027
Background
- Originally launched in 2020 (COVID-19) to provide collateral-free loans
- Revived as ECLGS 5.0—first non-pandemic version, triggered by geopolitical shocks
UPSC-Oriented Analysis
- Conceptual Angle: Credit guarantee ≠ direct subsidy; reduces lender risk
- Static-Dynamic Link: Banking + MSME sector + global shocks
- Possible MCQs:
- Nature of guarantee coverage
- Implementing agency (NCGTC)
- Difference between credit guarantee vs direct fiscal support
Source:
Subject: GS-II (International Relations), GS-III (Environment)
Why in News?
- In April 2026, Iran formally accused Israel of committing “ecocide” during strikes on its soil.
- This has revived a long-standing global debate on whether to recognize ecocide as a standalone international crime, alongside genocide and war crimes.
What is Ecocide?
- Definition: The term broadly refers to the mass damage and destruction of ecosystems—severe harm to nature that is widespread or long-term.
- Origin: Coined in 1970 by biologist Arthur W. Galston to describe the devastation caused by Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.
Key Examples of Ecocide
- Oil spills (e.g., Niger Delta), deforestation, industrial pollution, and the environmental impact of modern warfare.
Current Legal Status: Gaps in the Rome Statute
- ICC Framework: The Rome Statute (1998) currently lists only four international crimes: Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, War Crimes, and Aggression.
- The Gap: Environmental damage is only prosecutable during war (under “war crimes”). There is no mechanism to prosecute peacetime ecological destruction by corporations or states.
Key Debates & International Standings
- The “Fifth Crime” Proposal
- Lead Proponents: Small island nations like Vanuatu (vulnerable to climate change) and several EU countries are pushing for ecocide to be added to the Rome Statute.
- Diplomatic Hurdle: Inclusion requires a 2/3 majority vote in the Assembly of States Parties.
- The “Anthropocentric vs. Ecocentric” Debate
- Current Laws (Anthropocentric): Focus on human harm (e.g., displacement, poisoning water affecting humans).
- Ecocide (Ecocentric): Treats the environment as the direct victim. It focuses on the destruction of ecosystems for their own sake (e.g., biodiversity loss).
- Domestic & Regional Progress
- Domestic Laws: About 13 countries (e.g., Vietnam, France, Russia, Chile) have domestic laws against ecocide.
- Council of Europe (2025): Adopted the first-ever international treaty criminalizing severe environmental destruction (comparable to ecocide).
Challenges in Implementation
- Power Dynamics: Global powers like the US, China, and Russia are not ICC members, limiting the reach of international law.
- Political Will: Legal experts note that international law often relies on a “moral element” to shame powerful actors.
Source/Reference:
Subject: Defence – Indigenous Warship Building; CAG Audit; Project 17A Frigates; Naval Modernization; Import Dependency.
Why in News?
- INS Mahendragiri (sixth ship) delivered on April 30, 2026 – completing six deliveries in 17 months after earlier delays
- Project 17A is a ₹45,000 crore programme to build seven ‘Nilgiri’-class frigates
- Advanced complement to ‘Shivalik’ class frigates and precursor to Project 17B
What is Project 17A?
Definition
- Stealth frigate programme for Indian Navy
- Equipped with anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine capabilities
- Indigenous content: 75% by value
Ships (7 planned)
- Nilgiri, Udaygiri, Taragiri (commissioned 2024-2025), Mahendragiri (delivered April 30, 2026) – remaining expected by 2027-28
Key Challenges Highlighted (CAG Reports)
Design Changes
- Hundreds of design changes in previous warship classes during construction flagged by CAG
Delayed Deliveries
- Ships nominally complete but lacked critical components (engines, sensors)
- Delays allowed meeting commissioning dates on paper while hull unprepared for combat
Imported Critical Components
- 75% indigenous content but engines, sensors, radars, sonars – most imported
- Without these, vessels’ final integration withheld
Inadequate Supporting Infrastructure
- 2025 CAG report: Navy inducting platforms without building supporting infrastructure
Strategic Context: Indian Ocean Challenges
Energy Imports
- Most of India’s energy imports and Chinese naval deployments in Indian Ocean
2008 Mumbai Attacks Response – Chain of Static Sensors
- Radar hardware (imported parts) extended to Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Seychelles
- Part of detect-decide-respond system
Critical Gaps
- Naval satellites and underwater sensors provide ‘detect’ aspect
- But radars and sonars remain most imported – most delayed components
- Frigates cannot function as mobile sensors without them
Capability vs Threat Overlap
| Threat | Multi-role Frigate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Houthi drone/missile activity | Justifies some number of frigates |
| Piracy, smuggling | Overkill (Coast Guard sufficient) |
| PLA Navy submarine presence | Requires premium sensors – Indian hulls lack them |
| 26/11 scenario | Coast Guard + surveillance adequate |
Other Technical and Operational Gaps
- Chain of Static Sensors has incomplete coverage and overdue upgrades
- Domestic industrial ecosystem still depends on imports
- Investments potentially out of step with the threats they are meant to address
Static-Dynamic Linkage
Static (Defence/Polity Syllabus)
- CAG: Article 148 – Comptroller and Auditor General; audits expenditure of Navy
- Parliamentary Committees: Estimates Committee, Public Accounts Committee review CAG reports
- Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP): Indigenous content categories (IDDM, Indigenous, High-end Indigenous)
- Chain of Static Sensors: Initially installed 2010-2015 after Mumbai attacks (2008)
Dynamic (Current Affairs – May 2026)
- INS Mahendragiri delivered (April 30, 2026) – 6th of 7 ships
- Six deliveries in 17 months (after earlier delays) – rapid final completion
- CAG critiques – design changes, missing components, inadequate infrastructure
- 75% indigenous content – still import-dependent for critical sensors
- Threat mismatch – hulls without premium sensors less effective against submarines
- Sensor network gaps – Chain of Static Sensors incomplete, overdue upgrades
Source/Reference:
Subject: Ethics (GS-IV) – Moral Sentiments vs. Self-Interest; Economy (GS-III) – Behavioural Economics, Capitalism, Adam Smith.
Why in News?
- The “Das Adam Smith Problem” has gained renewed attention in economic and ethical discussions, particularly in the context of behavioral economics, critiques of neoliberal capitalism, and India’s own policy debates on striking a balance between market-driven growth and social welfare.
- The core question—whether humans are driven solely by self-interest or also by innate moral feelings—remains central to understanding institutional design, corporate ethics, and welfare policies.
What is the “Das Adam Smith Problem”?
Origin
- A 19th-century German interpretation of Smith’s work (the term “Das Adam Smith Problem” was coined by German scholars).
- It points to an apparent contradiction between two of Adam Smith’s major works:
- The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759) – Argues humans are endowed with sympathy (empathy/moral feelings) that guides moral judgment.
- An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (1776) – Argues that economic activity is driven by self-interest and the desire for personal gain.
The Perceived Contradiction
- One view of Smith (The Moral Philosopher): Humans are social beings, guided by an “impartial spectator” and a natural desire for mutual sympathy. Morality is not just rational calculation.
- Another view of Smith (The Father of Capitalism): In the marketplace, individuals pursuing their own gain are led by an “invisible hand” to promote public interest.
The “problem” is the apparent inconsistency between a moral psychology based on sympathy and an economic psychology based on self-interest.
Resolution of the Problem (Modern Scholarly Consensus)
Most contemporary Smith scholars (including Amartya Sen, Emma Rothschild) reject the existence of a real contradiction. They argue that the “problem” arises from a misreading of Smith’s work.
Key Points of Resolution
- Self-Interest is Not Greed: Smith did not advocate for raw, unbridled selfishness. In The Theory of Moral Sentiments, he argues that prudence, self-command, and justice constrain self-interest.
- Sympathy is the Foundation: Self-interested actions in the market are only effective and ethical when governed by the “sympathy” and moral rules derived from The Theory of Moral Sentiments. Without these moral foundations, markets would fail.
- Different Domains, Not Contradictory Theories:
- The Theory of Moral Sentiments: Explains the moral and social psychology of how we judge human behavior.
- The Wealth of Nations: Analyzes the economic mechanics of how people interact in commercial society.
- The “Impartial Spectator” (Moral Rules) and “Invisible Hand” (Market Outcomes): The “impartial spectator” is the internal moral compass preventing harmful self-interest, while the “invisible hand” describes the emergent order from those constrained, self-interested actions in a competitive market.
Source/Reference:
(MAINS Focus)
GS Paper III – Economy (External Sector; Inflation) | GS Paper II – International Relations
Exchange Rate Dynamics; Current Account Deficit (CAD); Capital Flows; Imported Inflation
Introduction
The rupee, around ₹95.36/$, has fallen ~5.6% this year, continuing last year’s slide, driven by twin pressures—high crude prices (Brent ~$113/bbl) widening the current account deficit and FPI outflows (~$21.2 bn) weakening capital flows—requiring careful macroeconomic management.
Main Body
The Scale of the Rupee’s Fall
Recent Depreciation:
- The rupee hovered around 95.36 per dollar during early trading on the day of the article.
- Since the beginning of the year, the currency has fallen by approximately 5.64%.
- Last year (2025), the rupee fell by roughly 5% against the dollar.
Drivers of the Fall:
- The West Asia conflict (ongoing Iran war) has rattled investor sentiment and disrupted energy markets.
- Fresh attacks in the region continue to weigh on the currency.
- However, the pressure predates the war—the rupee was already weakening in 2025.
Implications:
- A weaker rupee makes imports more expensive (especially crude oil, fertilisers, electronics, and capital goods).
- It benefits exporters (IT services, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and remittances) by making their goods cheaper in dollar terms.
- The net effect depends on the balance between import dependence and export competitiveness.
Current Account Pressure: Elevated Crude Oil Prices
Crude Oil Price Trends:
- Brent crude is currently around $113 per barrel.
- The price of the Indian crude oil basket averaged $114.48 per barrel in April 2026 (data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell).
Impact on Current Account Deficit (CAD):
- India imports nearly 85-90% of its crude oil requirements.
- Higher oil prices directly widen the trade deficit (imports increase in value).
- The CAD is projected to widen to around 2% of GDP in 2026-27.
Historical Comparison (Taper Tantrum Period):
- During the 2012-13 taper tantrum, India’s CAD had widened to 4.8% of GDP.
- The current projected CAD of 2% is considerably lower than that peak.
- However, financing even a 2% CAD is challenging in the current environment (capital outflows, global uncertainty).
Other Current Account Pressures:
- Remittances from the Gulf may decline due to the West Asia war (Indians employed there face income uncertainty).
- Exports to the region (16.4% of India’s merchandise exports in 2024-25) are also affected.
Capital Account Pressure: FPI Outflows
FPI Outflow Data:
- So far in the 2026 calendar year, foreign portfolio investors have taken out approximately $21.2 billion from Indian stock markets.
- This follows outflows of $18.9 billion in 2025 (the previous year).
Why FPIs Are Exiting:
- Global uncertainty due to the West Asia war and rising geopolitical risks.
- Higher interest rates in developed countries (US bonds offer attractive risk-free returns).
- Currency risk (depreciating rupee reduces returns for foreign investors when converted back to dollars).
Implications of Outflows:
- The stock market experiences downward pressure (lower demand for equities).
- The rupee depreciates further (higher demand for dollars to repatriate investments).
- The central bank’s ability to defend the rupee is constrained (it must use its foreign exchange reserves).
RBI’s Response and Constraints
Central Bank Actions (So Far):
- The RBI has been taking steps to ease the stress on the rupee (interventions in the foreign exchange market).
- Its short dollar book has swelled (meaning it has sold dollars from reserves to support the rupee).
Historical Precedent (Taper Tantrum, 2013):
- During the taper tantrum, the RBI facilitated capital inflows through various instruments.
- For example, funds were mobilised through Foreign Currency Non-Repatriable (FCNR-B) deposits, which brought in dollars from NRIs.
Current Constraints:
- Using reserves to defend the rupee is finite (India’s foreign exchange reserves are substantial but not unlimited).
- Raising interest rates to attract FPI inflows would hurt domestic growth (already under pressure).
- Imposing capital controls would signal weakness and deter future investment.
Domestic Spillovers: Inflation and Growth
Retail Fuel Prices Unadjusted (So Far):
- The government and oil marketing companies have not fully passed on higher global crude prices to retail fuel prices (petrol, diesel, domestic LPG).
- However, there are limits to the burden that can be borne by oil companies (under-recoveries) and the government (excise duty cuts).
Commercial LPG Price Hiked:
- A few days ago, the price of commercial LPG cylinders was raised by Rs 993.
- This will translate to higher input costs for restaurants, hotels, commercial kitchens, etc., feeding price pressures across the economy.
Retail Inflation (March 2026):
- Retail inflation edged up to 3.4% in March (from 3.2% in February).
- Higher fuel prices will push up inflation further.
Growth-Inflation Dynamics:
- A prolonged conflict will impact economic momentum (lower exports, higher input costs, reduced investment).
- The RBI faces a stagflation-like trade-off: raising rates to combat inflation will hurt growth; keeping rates low will allow inflation to rise.
Way Forward: Deft and Delicate Management
Short-Term Measures (Crisis Management):
- Selective intervention: Use reserves to curb excessive volatility, not to defend a specific exchange rate level.
- Facilitate remittances and NRI deposits: Launch special deposit schemes (like FCNR-B) to attract dollar inflows.
- Swap arrangements: Utilize currency swap lines with other central banks (Japan, UAE, etc.) to access dollars.
Medium-Term Measures (Reducing Vulnerability):
- Diversify crude oil imports: Reduce dependence on West Asia (increase sourcing from Russia, South America, US).
- Build strategic petroleum reserves: Expand cavern-based storage (currently only 1.5 days of demand) to buffer supply shocks.
- Rare earth extraction and renewable energy: Reduce import dependence for energy and critical minerals over the long term.
Fiscal Space:
- The government has limited room to cut excise duties on fuel (already reduced during election periods).
- Higher subsidy bills for fertilisers and LPG will strain the fiscal deficit.
RBI’s Balancing Act:
- The central bank must support the rupee without sacrificing growth or depleting reserves entirely.
- Communication is key: transparent messaging to prevent panic and anchor expectations.
Conclusion
The rupee has weakened ~5.6% this year (near ₹95/$), continuing 2025’s slide. Pressure comes from both sides: a widening current account deficit due to high crude (Brent ~$113/bbl) and heavy capital outflows (~$21.2 bn this year after $18.9 bn in 2025).
Rising fuel costs are adding to inflation, while the RBI’s interventions strain reserves.
India faces a tightrope—contain inflation, support growth, and stabilise the rupee with limited policy space.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
- Rupee depreciation reflects twin pressures on the current and capital accounts. Examine its causes in light of the West Asia conflict and existing structural weaknesses. What policy measures can the RBI and government adopt? (250 words, 15 marks)
GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology (Renewable Energy) | GS Paper III – Economy (Infrastructure)
Solar Energy; Battery Storage; Grid Stability; Renewable Integration
Introduction
India hit a record 256.1 GW demand (Apr 25), with solar peaking at 21.5% in the afternoon but only ~10.8% over the full day—and almost zero after sunset. Despite capacity rising from 15% to 28%, generation gains lag (5.6% → 10.8%).
lack of battery storage—evident as 2.3 TWh of solar was curtailed in 2025, wasting energy.
Main Body
The Achievement: Record Solar Generation at Peak
Record Peak Demand (April 25):
- India scaled a record peak demand of 256.1 GW.
- Solar plants supplied 21.5% of the afternoon load—an all-time high.
- This demonstrates that the country’s installed solar fleet can do real work when the sun is overhead.
Growth in Solar Capacity:
- Solar’s share of installed electric capacity has nearly doubled from about 15% in 2022 to nearly 28% in early 2026.
- This reflects India’s ambitious renewable energy targets (500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030).
The Positive Signal:
- Solar can meaningfully contribute to peak daytime demand.
- As summers become hotter and drier (IMD forecasts a below-normal monsoon at 92% of LPA), daytime demand will increase, and solar should be doing the heavy lifting.
The Gap: Solar After Sunset
- Day vs night gap: Solar was ~21.5% in afternoon but only ~10.8% daily and ~0.1% in evening.
- Mismatch: Capacity doubled (15% → 28%), but generation gains lag (5.6% → 10.8%).
- Core bottleneck: Lack of storage—solar can’t meet peak evening demand.
The Waste: Curtailed Solar Generation
- High curtailment: 2.3 TWh of solar wasted in 2025 (~18% of monthly output; 0.9 TWh in Oct alone).
- Cause: Grid limits and lack of storage force shutdown of excess midday solar, with compensation costs.
- Paradox: Power shortages persist even as usable solar energy is wasted.
The Economics: Battery Storage Costs Are Falling
- Tariffs down sharply: Battery storage costs fell ~33% in 2025, improving viability.
- Now cost-competitive: Solar + storage can rival coal, with further declines expected.
- Execution gap: Despite viability, storage deployment is minimal (~0.7 GWh vs 100+ GW solar).
The Urgency: Monsoon Forecast and Rising Demand
- Below-normal monsoon (92% LPA): Signals hotter, drier conditions—the first such warning in 11 years.
- Rising demand, limited solar role: Higher daytime demand, but solar can’t meet evening needs without storage.
- Double strain on grid: Lower hydropower + solar intermittency increases reliance on thermal power.
Way Forward: From Tendering to Commissioning
- Co-located storage mandate: Pair every new solar auction with on-site battery storage to ensure dispatchable power.
- From bids to build: Shift focus from aggressive tendering to timely commissioning.
- Fix financing gaps: Enable viable tariffs and funding models that include storage costs.
- Set clear storage targets: Scale up battery capacity with national targets (far beyond current levels).
- Broader ecosystem push: Expand pumped hydro, enable green hydrogen, promote demand shifting, and reform regulations to treat storage as a separate asset class.
Conclusion
India hit a record 256.1 GW demand (Apr 25), with solar peaking at 21.5% in the afternoon—but only 10.8% over 24 hours and almost negligible after sunset. Capacity has surged (15% → 28%), yet generation gains lag (5.6% → 10.8%).
The core issue isn’t solar expansion—it’s lack of battery storage. In 2025, 2.3 TWh of solar was curtailed, while just 0.7 GWh of storage is operational despite falling tariffs.
Without scaling storage and pairing it with solar projects, India’s energy transition remains incomplete—daytime gains won’t fix the evening deficit.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
- India’s solar push is constrained by inadequate storage. Critically examine the gap between solar capacity and battery storage, and suggest measures to meet evening peak demand. (250 words, 15 marks)
