January 26, 2026 was observed as the International Day of Clean Energy. The day is linked to UN General Assembly resolution 77/327 and is meant to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy. For exam preparation, this current-affairs item connects environment, science and technology, energy policy, international organisations and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The India angle is important because the country has reported a rapid rise in installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources. Official data show that India achieved the milestone of 50% cumulative installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources in 2025, ahead of the 2030 timeline. As of December 31, 2025, total installed generation capacity was 513,730 MW, of which 266,788 MW, or 51.93%, came from non-fossil fuel sources. As of January 31, 2026, total installed capacity was reported at 520,510.95 MW, including 271,969.33 MW from non-fossil fuel sources. This gives aspirants a concrete data point for India’s clean-energy transition. One caution matters: these figures refer to installed capacity, not actual electricity generation, so the two should be kept separate in exam answers.
For RAS and UPSC prelims, the likely factual areas are the international day, the UN General Assembly resolution, energy transition and India’s non-fossil fuel capacity share. For mains, the issue links to energy security, pollution reduction, climate commitments, the energy needs of developing countries and the idea of a just transition. In static GK, it should be revised with renewable energy, solar expansion, nuclear power as part of non-fossil capacity and Sustainable Development Goal 7.