UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Mission documents highlight that by 2030 the green hydrogen ecosystem is expected to attract investments of several lakh crore rupees and create hundreds of thousands of jobs. By substituting green hydrogen for imported fossil fuels such as LNG and ammonia, the mission can lower import bills and enhance energy security. It is also projected to avoid around 50 MMT of annual CO₂ emissions, contributing to India’s mitigation goals. These co-benefits make the mission central to a green industrial transition rather than a narrow export-only strategy. (hareda.gov.in)

Option A:
This option is incorrect because official estimates anticipate large investments and substantial job creation, not minimal impacts. The mission is designed precisely to unlock new economic opportunities.

Option B:
Increased fossil fuel imports and higher emissions would contradict the mission’s purpose. The strategy is to replace fossil-based feedstocks and fuels, thereby reducing import dependence and emissions.

Option C:
While exports are an important opportunity, the mission also focuses on domestic decarbonisation in sectors such as fertilisers, refining and steel. Limiting the benefits only to exports ignores this key aspect.

Option D:
This option correctly summarises the anticipated economic and environmental co-benefits of the mission. It reflects policy estimates regarding investment, jobs, import reduction and emission abatement, showing how climate action can support development.

Mission estimates suggest that by 2030 the green hydrogen ecosystem could attract investments exceeding ₹8 lakh crore and create over six lakh jobs. By substituting green hydrogen for imported fossil-based feedstocks and fuels, it can lower the import bill and enhance energy security. It is also expected to avoid roughly 50 MMT of CO₂ emissions per year, thereby supporting India’s mitigation goals while enabling new green industries. (Press Information Bureau)

Option A:
This option is incorrect because official projections emphasise very substantial investments and emission reductions, not “minimal” impacts.

Option B:
This option correctly captures the multiple economic and environmental benefits that the mission is expected to deliver, connecting climate action with jobs and energy security.

Option C:
Although exports are an opportunity, the mission also targets domestic decarbonisation in sectors like fertilisers, refineries and steel; it is not export-only.

Option D:
Green hydrogen depends on renewable power; it does not replace renewables but builds on their expansion, so this statement is conceptually wrong.