UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Large-scale LED deployment reduces electricity consumption for lighting, which is a major urban end-use. Lower energy use translates into reduced emissions intensity of GDP when the power system still relies partly on fossil fuels. Such efficiency improvements also free up electricity for other productive uses, supporting development. The initiative therefore aligns well with India’s Panchamrit commitments on emissions intensity and clean energy, as well as with broader goals of sustainable urbanisation. (The Times of India)

Option A:
This option correctly links LED rollouts to India’s climate and development vision, where efficiency measures reduce emissions while improving services. It recognises that efficient public lighting contributes to both mitigation and better quality of life.

Option B:
This option is incorrect because the LED programme supports, rather than undermines, the growth of renewables by lowering demand growth and improving system flexibility. Phasing out renewables in favour of coal would contradict India’s stated climate targets.

Option C:
The purpose of the programme is to reduce energy use for a given level of lighting, not to encourage unnecessary lighting. While careful planning is needed to avoid light pollution, the policy focus is efficiency, not more wasteful illumination.

Option D:
Replacing grid-based lighting with diesel generators would increase emissions and costs, going against the rationale for LED deployment. The initiative is about cleaner and more efficient electricity use, not shifting to more polluting fuels.