Which of the following best describes the impact of El Nino on India's power sector as per recent projections?

It creates a generation gap primarily due to reduced wind and hydropower output.

It increases the efficiency of solar power generation due to clearer skies.

It eliminates the need for coal-fired power plants.

It leads to a surplus of power due to reduced industrial demand.

What is the primary economic concern associated with a poor monsoon in India?

Potential food inflation and a decline in aggregate rural demand.

An immediate increase in the contribution of agriculture to the GVA.

A decrease in the Current Account Deficit due to reduced imports.

A surge in rural employment opportunities in the non-farm sector.

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7 July 2026

El Nino impact on India's power output

The topic provides critical data on the intersection of climate change, energy security, and agricultural stability, which are core themes for GS3 questions regarding infrastructure and economic resilience.

Notes

El Nino conditions in the equatorial Pacific are expected to strengthen through the monsoon, leading to below-normal rainfall.
CREA projects a potential power generation gap of 17.7 to 24 TWh over one year due to reduced wind and hydropower output and increased cooling demand.
India's non-fossil installed capacity reached 283.46 GW by March 31, 2025, with coal remaining the largest source at 42% of capacity.
Grid operators curtailed 2.1 TWh of solar and wind energy last year; 10 GWh of battery storage could have potentially averted this waste.
A poor monsoon impacts the economy via reduced agricultural output, lower rural income, and increased food inflation.
Agriculture employs 46% of India's workforce and contributes one-fifth of Gross Value Added (GVA).
Historical data shows 6 out of 11 instances of deficient monsoons since 2000 were El Nino years.
Drought-proofing strategies include expanding irrigation, investing in drought-resistant crops, and shifting from crop insurance to ex-ante risk reduction.

Part of a longer story

This is day 8 of 24 in El Nino impact on India's monsoon, which has been running since 21 June 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

Examine the impact of climate-induced weather patterns like El Nino on India's energy security and the challenges in transitioning to a renewable-heavy grid. 150 words

Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min

0 / 150 words 8:00
A deficient monsoon poses significant risks to India's macroeconomic stability. Discuss the transmission mechanisms through which agricultural distress affects the broader economy and evaluate the efficacy of current drought-proofing measures. 250 words

Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min

0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

Which of the following best describes the impact of El Nino on India's power sector as per recent projections?

What is the primary economic concern associated with a poor monsoon in India?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-07/el-nino-impact-on-india-s-power-output