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20-Aug-2025
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INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) KEY (20/08/2025)

INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY

 
 
 
 
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Presidential reference and Tariffs  and its significance for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Lieutenant Governor,  Article 324 of the Constitution, Satellite Internet  important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for August 20, 2025
 
 
 
 
For Preliminary Examination:  Current events of national and international significance
 
For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity
 
Context:
 
A Presidential Reference Bench of five judges, headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, observed on Tuesday that the Supreme Court’s move to grant deemed assent to 10 crucial Tamil Nadu State Bills may have been a way to resolve an “egregious situation” created by the State’s Governor, who had sat on the Bills since 2020.
 
Read about:
 
Presidential reference
 
Governors and their powers
 
 
Key takeaways:
 
  • The President made a Reference to the Supreme Court under Article 143 of the Constitution, a month after a two-judge Bench delivered its April 8 verdict in the Tamil Nadu Governor case.
  • In that ruling, the Bench addressed a constitutional gap by prescribing fixed timelines for Governors and the President to either give assent, withhold approval, or reserve State Bills for reconsideration, as per Articles 200 and 201.
  • The Bench, led by Justice J.B. Pardiwala, also invoked Article 142 to declare that Tamil Nadu’s pending Bills would receive ‘deemed assent.’ It further ruled that any Bill kept pending with the President or a Governor beyond three months would automatically be considered approved.
  • During Tuesday’s hearing, Attorney General R. Venkataramani contended that the court had exceeded its jurisdiction by using Article 142 in this way. He argued that the Constitution itself does not prescribe any time limits for the President or Governors in processing State Bills, and therefore the Court’s powers under Article 142 cannot override constitutional provisions
Presidential Reference
 
 
  • A Presidential Reference is a special provision under Article 143 of the Indian Constitution, which allows the President of India to seek the opinion of the Supreme Court on questions of law or issues of public importance.
  • It is not a dispute in the usual sense but a way for the executive to obtain legal clarity on complex constitutional matters.
  • When the President feels that a particular issue involves ambiguity, conflict of interpretation, or could have significant implications for governance, he can formally refer it to the Supreme Court.
  • The Supreme Court, in turn, examines the question and provides its advisory opinion. This opinion is not binding on the President or the government, unlike the Court’s regular judgments. However, in practice, the government usually respects and follows the Court’s view because it carries great legal and moral authority.
  • The Presidential Reference has been used in several landmark instances, such as the Berubari case (1960) on the transfer of territory to Pakistan, the Ayodhya dispute (1993), and issues relating to judicial appointments.
  • This mechanism highlights the consultative relationship between the executive and the judiciary, ensuring that the highest constitutional authority can guide decision-making in situations where the law is unclear or silent.
 
Governors and their Powers
 
  • The Governor is the constitutional head of a state in India, appointed by the President under Article 155. Though the Governor holds office at the pleasure of the President, his role is often seen as that of a bridge between the Union and the State.
  • The Governor functions broadly as a nominal executive, with real power resting in the elected Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister.
  • The Governor’s powers can be classified into executive, legislative, judicial, and discretionary powers. In the executive sphere, the Governor appoints the Chief Minister and, on their advice, other ministers, the Advocate General, and the State Election Commissioner. The Governor also oversees the administration of the state and ensures that it functions in accordance with the Constitution.
  • In the legislative domain, the Governor summons, prorogues, and dissolves the State Legislature, and addresses it at the beginning of the first session after elections and each year.
  • Importantly, every Bill passed by the State Legislature requires the Governor’s assent to become law. The Governor may give assent, withhold it, reserve the Bill for the President’s consideration, or return it (if not a Money Bill) for reconsideration.
  • The judicial powers of the Governor include granting pardons, reprieves, and commutations for offences against laws falling under the state’s jurisdiction.
  • A distinctive feature of the Governor’s office is the exercise of discretionary powers, which can be controversial. These include reserving Bills for the President, recommending President’s Rule under Article 356, and deciding who should be invited to form a government when no party has a clear majority.
  • While intended to safeguard the Constitution, such powers often become a point of friction between the Governor and the elected state government.
 
 
 
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Sigfnificance
 
For Mains Examination: GS III - Economy
 
Context:
 
In early August, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that imports from India to the U.S. will be charged tariffs at 50%. This includes a 25% penalty for India’s oil purchases from Russia. The U.S. tariffs bring challenges to the Indian economy
 
Read about:
 
What is a Tariff?
 
Why the Government Imposes Tariffs?
 
 
Key takeaways:
 
 
  • In early August, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that imports from India would face a 50% tariff, which includes a 25% penalty linked to India’s oil trade with Russia. Such a move poses significant challenges for the Indian economy, raising questions about the country’s policy response.
  • Tariffs are essentially import taxes levied by one country on goods from another. For nearly two decades, the U.S.—the largest global export market—maintained average tariffs between 2–3%. This situation changed dramatically when President Trump announced a sharp tariff hike on April 2, 2024.
  • If these new U.S. tariffs on India are implemented, the cost of an Indian product will rise substantially for American buyers. For instance, a shirt exported from India at $10 would end up costing $15 in the U.S. market.
  • In comparison, competitors like Vietnam or Bangladesh would still be able to sell similar shirts for $12 or less, leaving Indian exports at a disadvantage. Initially, Trump’s tariff war targeted China, with tariffs as high as 145%.
  • However, after negotiations, U.S. duties on Chinese goods were reduced to 30%. Paradoxically, India—despite being considered a close U.S. partner—now faces some of the steepest tariffs, alongside Brazil.
  • For India, exports of textiles, pharmaceuticals, IT services, and other goods to the U.S. are vital in narrowing the trade deficit. Trump’s tariffs could cause job and income losses in the short term. At the same time, Washington is pressing New Delhi to open its markets further to U.S. farm products, particularly dairy, which could negatively impact Indian farmers.
  • The ongoing tariff war also demonstrates that cheap labour alone cannot guarantee long-term export competitiveness. China’s dominance stems from its scale of production, strong infrastructure, and technological edge.
  • It commands global market shares of over 36% in textiles and nearly 25% in machinery and electrical goods, whereas India’s shares stand at only 4.4% and 0.9%.
  • China’s deep integration into global supply chains and its control over strategic resources such as rare earths likely encouraged the U.S. to ease tensions with Beijing. Meanwhile, persistent uncertainty and tariff hikes elsewhere may discourage global firms from shifting operations to countries like India and Vietnam.
  • If India continues to rely mainly on its low-wage advantage, it risks remaining at the margins of global trade, constantly undercut by cheaper suppliers and vulnerable to protectionist policies of wealthier nations. Despite early progress, India’s IT and pharmaceutical sectors still focus largely on low-value work due to weak investment in research and innovation.
  • Another structural challenge lies in the shrinking demand from advanced economies. For decades, consumers in developed countries fueled export-led growth in nations like China. But with ageing populations, rising inequality, and protectionist barriers, Western markets are becoming less accessible.
  • The future growth of countries such as India and China must therefore come from domestic demand, requiring a transition where citizens are not just low-cost producers but also consumers with rising incomes. This transformation demands bold economic reforms, rapid wage growth, and a shift toward knowledge- and technology-driven industries.
  • India’s demographic advantage could play a decisive role here. One in every five young people in the world today lives in India. With around 120 million youths currently in higher education or training—comparable to Japan’s population—India’s young workforce could drive the global knowledge economy, provided the government implements robust skill development and policy initiatives.
  • The track record of Indian immigrants in the U.S. highlights this potential. Since the 1970s, engineers, doctors, and professionals trained in Indian universities have steadily migrated to the U.S., with their population growing from 0.3 million in 1982 to over 3.2 million by 2023.
  • Although they form just 1% of the U.S. population, their contributions in education, research, entrepreneurship, and corporate leadership have been disproportionately high, reinforcing America’s technological edge.
  • For the U.S., overlooking India’s strategic importance by focusing narrowly on trade numbers would be short-sighted. Restricting opportunities for young Indians through visas or employment barriers may eventually harm the U.S. more than India, as this talent pool represents one of the strongest drivers of global innovation and economic growth in the coming decades
 
Follow-Up Question
 

1.Recently, the U.S. imposed steep tariffs on Indian imports. Consider the following statements about tariffs and their implications:

  1. A tariff is a tax imposed on imports, which makes foreign goods more expensive in the domestic market.

  2. The U.S. had maintained an average tariff rate of about 2–3% for nearly two decades until 2024.

  3. India’s textile exports face higher U.S. tariffs compared to competitors like Vietnam and Bangladesh, reducing India’s price competitiveness.

  4. The U.S. tariffs on China were reduced from 145% to 30% after both countries agreed to ease tensions.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer (d)
 

  • Statement 1 is correct: Tariffs are import taxes, making foreign goods costlier.

  • Statement 2 is correct: The U.S. kept tariffs around 2–3% for two decades until 2024.

  • Statement 3 is correct: Indian goods become less competitive compared to Vietnam/Bangladesh due to higher tariffs.

  • Statement 4 is correct: The U.S. initially imposed 145% tariffs on China, which were later reduced to 30% after negotiations
 
 
 
For Preliminary Examination:  Union Territories, Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, Council of Ministers
 
For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity
 
Context:
 
The Union Home Ministry, in its affidavit before the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, has submitted that the power of the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) to nominate five members to the Legislative Assembly of J&K can be exercised by him without the aid and advice of its Council of Ministers.
 
Read about:
 
Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991
 
Lieutenant Governor
 
 
Key takeaways:
 
  • The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991 was enacted by Parliament to provide a framework for governance in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, following the 69th Constitutional Amendment which inserted Article 239AA into the Constitution.
  • This amendment gave Delhi a special status: it is not a full-fledged state, but it has an elected Legislative Assembly and a Council of Ministers headed by a Chief Minister.
  • The 1991 Act lays down provisions for the functioning of the Legislative Assembly, the relationship between the Lieutenant Governor (LG) and the elected government, and the extent of legislative and executive powers of Delhi’s institutions.
  • Under the Act, the Assembly can make laws on subjects in the State List and Concurrent List, except on public order, police, and land, which remain under the control of the Union Government.
  • A key feature of the Act is the role of the Lieutenant Governor, who acts as the representative of the President. While the LG is expected to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, the Act also allows the LG to refer certain matters of difference to the President, which has often been a source of tension between the elected government of Delhi and the Centre.
  • Over the years, the 1991 Act has been at the centre of constitutional debates and Supreme Court rulings regarding the balance of power between the LG and the elected government.
  • The Act was further amended in 2021 to clarify that the term “government” in Delhi means the Lieutenant Governor, effectively enhancing the LG’s role in administrative matters and curtailing the autonomy of the elected government.
  • Thus, the Act represents a unique experiment in India’s federal framework—granting democratic representation to Delhi’s citizens while ensuring central control over the capital’s critical functions, given its national and international importance
 
In the case of Jammu & Kashmir, Section 14 of the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 (amended in 2023) prescribes a total of 90 elected seats. Further, Sections 15, 15A, and 15B empower the Lieutenant Governor to nominate up to five members: two women, two Kashmiri migrants, and one displaced person from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)
 
 
Nominating Rajya Sabha Members
 
 
  • Rajya Sabha, which is the Upper House of Parliament, consists of both elected and nominated members. While the majority of members are elected by the elected representatives of State Legislative Assemblies through a system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote, the Constitution also provides for the nomination of members to this House.
  • Under Article 80 of the Indian Constitution, the President of India is empowered to nominate 12 members to the Rajya Sabha. These nominations are not arbitrary; rather, they are made on the aid and advice of the Union Council of Ministers.
  • The intention behind this provision is to ensure that the Rajya Sabha benefits from the expertise of distinguished individuals who may not be part of the regular electoral process but whose contributions are valuable to the functioning of Parliament.
  • The Constitution specifies that the nominated members should be drawn from fields such as literature, science, art, and social service. This ensures that the Rajya Sabha has representation from eminent personalities who have excelled in their respective areas and can enrich parliamentary debates with their knowledge, experience, and perspectives.
  • For instance, celebrated figures like Rukmini Devi Arundale (dance), Zakir Hussain (music), and M.S. Swaminathan (agricultural science) have served as nominated members in the past.
  • Nominated members of the Rajya Sabha enjoy the same rights and privileges as elected members, with one exception—they cannot participate in the election of the President of India, though they can vote in the election of the Vice President. Their presence ensures that specialized knowledge, cultural heritage, and social contributions are represented within the law-making process of the nation
 
Follow-Up Question
 
1.With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary Committees scrutinizes and reports to the House whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc., conferred by the Constitution or delegated by the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such delegation? (UPSC 2018)
A. Committee on Government Assurances
B. Committee on Subordinate Legislation
C. Rules Committee
D. Business Advisory Committee
 
Answer (B)
 

  • The Committee on Subordinate Legislation examines whether the powers to frame rules, regulations, sub-rules, and by-laws delegated to the Executive by Parliament are being exercised properly and within the limits of delegation.

  • The Committee on Government Assurances checks whether promises and assurances made by ministers in Parliament have been fulfilled.

  • The Rules Committee considers matters related to the rules of procedure of the House.

  • The Business Advisory Committee allocates time for different items of business to be discussed in the House.

👉 Hence, the committee responsible for scrutinising delegated legislation is the Committee on Subordinate Legislation.
 
 
 
For Preliminary Examination: Chief Election Commissioner, Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Article 124(4)
 
For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity
 
Context:
 
A day after the Election Commission of India’s (ECI’s) press conference dismissing allegations of electoral fraud as “baseless and invalid”, the INDIA bloc on Monday said it was considering moving a motion of removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) during the ongoing session of Parliament.
 
Read about:
 
Article 324 of the Constitution
 
Leader of Opposition
 
Key takeaways:
 
 
  • The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India is the head of the Election Commission, which is an autonomous constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution.
  • The Constitution provides for the office of the CEC but does not lay down a detailed procedure for appointment. Instead, it leaves the matter to be regulated by Parliament through law. However, in the absence of a specific parliamentary law on the subject, the appointment process is carried out under executive discretion.
  • Traditionally, the CEC is appointed by the President of India, acting on the aid and advice of the Union Council of Ministers, particularly the Prime Minister.
  • This has meant that, in practice, the central government of the day has a decisive role in selecting the individual.
  • The appointee is usually a senior civil servant, most often from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), with experience in public administration.
  • The issue of independence and impartiality in the appointment process has been a matter of debate, since the government’s dominance raises concerns about possible political influence.
  • In March 2023, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment, directing that until Parliament enacts a law, the CEC and Election Commissioners must be appointed by a committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha (or leader of the largest opposition party, if no formal LoP exists), and the Chief Justice of India. This was meant to ensure greater transparency and neutrality.
  • Subsequently, however, in December 2023, Parliament passed the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
  • This law replaced the Supreme Court’s arrangement with a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister, and the Leader of Opposition (or largest opposition party leader). Critics argue that this restored executive dominance in the appointment process, as the government has a two-to-one majority in the panel
 
Process of removal
 
  • Article 324(5) of the Constitution provides that the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) can only be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court judge.
  • This safeguard is reiterated in Section 11(2) of the 2023 Act. The provision also specifies that an Election Commissioner or Regional Commissioner may be removed only if the CEC recommends it.
  • This high threshold was intentionally designed to insulate the Election Commission of India (ECI) from political influence.
  • Under Article 124(4) of the Constitution, which outlines the removal procedure for Supreme Court judges, removal is permitted solely on grounds of “proved misbehaviour or incapacity.”
  • Misbehaviour generally refers to corrupt acts, abuse of power, or conduct inconsistent with the role of the CEC, while incapacity denotes the inability to carry out official duties.
  • The process begins with a notice of motion in either House of Parliament, explicitly alleging misbehaviour or incapacity.
  • Once admitted, a committee of enquiry investigates the charges. For the motion to succeed, it must be passed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in both Houses of Parliament.
  • If the motion passes, the President formally removes the CEC. In this matter, the President has no discretionary power, acting strictly in accordance with Parliament’s decision

 

Constitution and Election Commission of India
 

The Constitution includes a series of articles (Articles 324–329) that grant powers to the Election Commission and outline its possible roles and responsibilities.

  • Article 324: Grants the authority for overseeing, directing, and controlling the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.

  • Article 325: Prohibits exclusion from electoral rolls based on religion, race, caste, sex, or any of these factors.

  • Article 326: Establishes adult suffrage as the foundation for elections to the House of the People and State Legislative Assemblies.

  • Article 327: Allows Parliament to pass laws, in accordance with the Constitution, regarding all matters related to elections to Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies.

  • Article 328: Empowers state legislatures to enact laws concerning all matters related to elections to the state's legislative bodies.

  • Article 329: Prevents courts from interfering in electoral matters

 
Follow-Up Question
 
1.Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognized political parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 3 only
 
Answer (D)
 

  1. Incorrect – The Election Commission of India (ECI) is not a permanent five-member body. It consists of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and such number of other Election Commissioners as the President may decide. It has been a three-member body (CEC + 2 ECs) since 1993, not five.

  2. Incorrect – The Election Commission of India, not the Ministry of Home Affairs, decides the election schedule for general and bye-elections. The MHA provides logistical support like security forces.

  3. Correct – The ECI has the power to decide disputes regarding splits and mergers of recognized political parties under Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

👉 Hence, only Statement 3 is correct.
 
 
 
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
 
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science and Technology
 
Context:
 
In today’s increasingly digitised world, internet connectivity is an absolute necessity, across both military and civilian domains. With Elon Musk’s Starlink about to make its debut very soon in India, internet infrastructure is going to fundamentally change.
 
 
Read about:
 
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
 
Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO)
 
 
Key takeaways:
 
  • Satellite internet has emerged as an important technology to expand digital connectivity, especially in places where traditional modes like fiber optics or mobile towers cannot reach. Its necessity arises from both practical limitations of existing infrastructure and emerging demands of the digital economy.
  • One of the biggest challenges in India and across the world is the digital divide between urban and rural or remote areas. While cities are well connected through fiber and 4G/5G networks, large parts of hilly regions, deserts, islands, and border areas remain underserved because laying optical fiber cables or building terrestrial towers is expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes technically impossible.
  • Satellite internet directly beams connectivity from space to user terminals, bypassing ground-based infrastructure hurdles, and thus becomes crucial for universal internet access.
  • It also plays a vital role in disaster management and emergency communication. During floods, earthquakes, or cyclones, ground networks are often destroyed or disrupted.
  • In such cases, satellite internet can provide immediate connectivity for relief operations and coordination. Similarly, defense forces, remote research stations, shipping routes, and aviation sectors rely on satellite internet for reliable communication where terrestrial networks cannot operate.
  • Another necessity comes from the demand for low-latency, high-speed global coverage, which new-generation low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations like Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon’s Kuiper are promising.
  • Unlike older geostationary satellites, which suffered from high latency, LEO systems orbit closer to Earth and can provide faster internet suitable for modern applications such as video conferencing, online education, telemedicine, and even financial transactions.
  • For India in particular, satellite internet holds the potential to support the government’s goals under Digital India and BharatNet, by ensuring last-mile connectivity and boosting socio-economic inclusion. It can empower farmers with real-time data, enable remote learning for students, improve telehealth access in villages, and foster new opportunities in e-commerce and digital services
 
Applications of Satellite Internet
 
  • Satellite internet has wide-ranging applications because it can deliver connectivity without relying on conventional ground infrastructure. Its uses span across governance, economy, security, and social development.
  • It is particularly valuable for bridging the digital divide. Remote villages, islands, deserts, Himalayan regions, and tribal areas often remain cut off due to the difficulty of laying fiber optic cables or erecting telecom towers.
  • Satellite internet can connect these communities directly, enabling access to online education, telemedicine, e-governance services, and banking facilities, thereby supporting inclusive development.
  • In times of disasters and emergencies, such as earthquakes, floods, or cyclones, terrestrial communication networks often collapse. Satellite internet provides an independent and resilient backup, ensuring real-time coordination of rescue and relief operations.
  • Similarly, armed forces deployed in border areas, ships in the ocean, and aircraft in flight depend on satellite internet for seamless and secure communication.
  • Another crucial application lies in modern industries and commerce. E-commerce, logistics, agriculture, and mining operations in remote areas can benefit from reliable connectivity.
  • Farmers can receive weather forecasts, crop advisories, and market information in real time. Remote businesses and startups can access global markets through online platforms.
  • With the advent of low-earth orbit (LEO) constellations like OneWeb, Starlink, and Project Kuiper, satellite internet has also become useful for low-latency, high-speed applications.
  • These include video conferencing, cloud computing, online gaming, and remote work, which are difficult to support on older geostationary satellites.
  • Finally, it has a role in national security and strategic infrastructure. Satellite networks enhance secure communication for defense, border surveillance, and maritime domain awareness. They also support research expeditions in Antarctica or space-based projects where terrestrial internet cannot reach.
  • Thus, satellite internet is emerging as a complementary technology that ensures universal access, strengthens resilience during crises, and enables the digital economy to expand beyond urban centres
 
Follow Up Question
 
 
 1.With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)
1. PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four- staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 2
D. 3 only
 
Answer (A)
 

  • Correct. PSLV is typically used for Sun-synchronous/Polar orbits for Earth observation and resource monitoring; GSLV is primarily for placing heavier communication satellites into GTO/GEOSAT orbits.

  • Incorrect. Satellites that appear fixed in the sky are geostationary; PSLV mainly launches to polar/SSO, not GEO.

  • Incorrect. GSLV Mk III (now LVM3) is a three-stage vehicle: solid boosters, liquid core, and a cryogenic upper stage—not a four-stage solid/liquid/solid/liquid configuration
 
 
 
For Preliminary Examination:  Current events of national and international Significance
 
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science and technology, Environment and Ecology
 
Context:
 
Claiming that “a big step has been taken today”, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday inaugurated the state’s first green hydrogen plant in Gorakhpur, with the project aiming to produce 72,000 tonnes of green fuel in a year. In this context, let’s learn about India’s green hydrogen plants and the significance of hydrogen as a fuel.
 
Read about:
 
CNG (compressed natural gas) and PNG (piped natural gas)
 
Hydrogen as a fuel
 
 
Key takeaways:
 

Green Hydrogen Plant in Uttar Pradesh


  • The Chief Minister announced that Uttar Pradesh has inaugurated its first green hydrogen facility, which is also only the second of its kind in India. He highlighted that this initiative would mark a major step forward as the plant will enable the blending of green hydrogen with compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG).
  • As part of a pilot project, the plant will integrate 2% green hydrogen into the city gas distribution network (covering both CNG and PNG). Powered by a 2 MW renewable energy setup, hydrogen will be produced through electrolysis, which is expected to cut carbon emissions by nearly 500 tonnes.

India’s First Green Hydrogen Plant in the Stainless Steel Sector


  • On March 4, 2024, Union Minister for Steel and Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, virtually inaugurated India’s first commercial-scale green hydrogen facility in the stainless steel industry. The plant, located at Jindal Stainless Ltd.’s Hisar unit in Haryana, holds global significance as the first off-grid green hydrogen installation for stainless steel, and the first to combine rooftop and floating solar infrastructure.
  • This state-of-the-art facility is projected to cut carbon emissions by about 2,700 metric tonnes annually, and nearly 54,000 tonnes of CO2 over the next 20 years.

India’s First Make-in-India Green Hydrogen Plant in the Port Sector


  • The Deendayal Port Authority at Kandla recently commissioned the country’s first indigenously developed green hydrogen facility in the port sector, making Kandla the first Indian port to host a megawatt-scale hydrogen plant.
  • Designed entirely by Indian engineers, this plant forms the first module of a larger 10 MW project announced by the Prime Minister in May 2025. With an annual production capacity of 140 metric tonnes of green hydrogen, this initiative follows Kandla Port’s earlier achievement of launching India’s first indigenous electric green tug.

Hydrogen as a Fuel

  • Hydrogen is the most abundant element in nature, though it exists only in combined forms such as water. Extracting it is energy-intensive, but once obtained, it is a clean fuel. While the concept of hydrogen as an alternative energy source has existed for over a century, it gained serious attention only after the oil crises of the 1970s.
  • Hydrogen production is classified by colour codes. Most industrial hydrogen today is grey hydrogen, derived from fossil fuels. If the extraction process from fossil fuels is combined with carbon capture and storage, it is called blue hydrogen. In contrast, green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis of water powered by renewable energy, making it a virtually emission-free process.

Green hydrogen has significant advantages:

  • It is a clean-burning fuel that can decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, chemicals, and transport.

  • It allows renewable energy that cannot be stored or consumed by the grid to be productively utilized.

Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme

  • To promote exports and encourage domestic industries to shift to green hydrogen, the Government of India has introduced a certification scheme under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
  • Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi launched the framework on April 29, which sets up systems for measuring, monitoring, verifying, and certifying hydrogen production against standards defined in 2023.
  • The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), designated as the nodal agency, has also established a mechanism under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), allowing industries that adopt green hydrogen to earn and trade emission credits.
  • The 2023 MNRE standard caps emissions at 2 kg of COâ‚‚ per kg of hydrogen produced. This certification framework applies to hydrogen generated either by electrolysis powered with renewables or through biomass conversion
 
Follow Up Question
 
 
1.With reference to 'fuel cells' in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2015)
1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.
2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.
3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only       
B. 2 and 3 only         
C. 1 and 3 only       
D. 1, 2 and 3
 
Answer (A)
 

  • True. With pure hydrogen, fuel cells emit only water and heat as by-products.

  • False. Fuel cells scale both ways—used for buildings/vehicles and also small/portable devices (with micro fuel cells).

  • False. Fuel cells generate Direct Current (DC); AC requires an inverter
 
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