Explain the global distribution of renewable energy resources. Assess India’s potential in harnessing these resources.

Question Understanding – Finding Information

Precise Syllabus Mapping: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India). (GS Paper – I)

Marks and words limit:

• The marks-oriented approach to answering (10-mark, 150-word) questions is to use Bullet Points (one idea per bullet point), Brainstorming, or a combination of both.
• The way to score good marks in questions worth (15 marks. 250 words) is to use the Heading and Subheading method while writing your answers.

 Directive words

• Explain → Describe patterns and reasons.
• Assess → Evaluate potential with strengths, constraints, and future scope.

Focal points of the questions

• Global distribution of renewable energy resources
• India’s resource potential and capacity to harness them
• This is Geography + Environment + Energy resources (GS-I oriented, not scheme-heavy)

Dos & Don’ts

Do for Maximum Marks

• Keep concise – GS-I expects geography, not policy detail
• Use glossary words: Insolation, Orographic conditions, Plate tectonics, Energy transition
• Add a small world map sketch showing: Solar belt, Wind belts, Geothermal zones
• Use map-based reasoning
• Classify resources clearly
• Link distribution to physical geography
• Assess India’s potential resource-wise
• Keep answer balanced & analytical
• Use examples, not data overload

Don’t do these Common Mistakes

• Do not write like GS-III (schemes, targets, budgets)
• Avoid excessive statistics
• Don’t ignore global distribution part
• Avoid policy jargon (unless briefly)
• Don’t list resources without explanation