Question 1

With reference to the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit, consider the following statements:

1. Agenda 21, an outcome of the summit, is a legally binding action plan for sustainable development.
2. The 'Forest Principles' presented at the summit provided a set of legally binding recommendations to conserve forestry.
3. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was one of the legally binding agreements opened for signature at the summit.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

None. All three statements are incorrect.

*   **Statement 1 is incorrect:** Agenda 21 is a comprehensive, non-binding action plan for sustainable development. It serves as a blueprint for action but does not impose legal obligations on signatory nations.
*   **Statement 2 is incorrect:** The 'Forest Principles' (formally, the Non-Legally Binding Authoritative Statement of Principles for a Global Consensus on the Management, Conservation and Sustainable Development of All Types of Forests) are, as their name suggests, explicitly non-legally binding.
*   **Statement 3 is incorrect:** While the Earth Summit called for its creation, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was not opened for signature at the 1992 summit. The convention was adopted in Paris in 1994. The two legally binding agreements that were opened for signature at the 1992 Earth Summit were the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Question 2

Consider the following statements regarding the regulation and promotion of green finance in India:

1. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) mandatory for the top 1000 listed entities by market capitalisation.
2. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has liberalised the External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) norms to enable firms to raise finance through green bonds.
3. India's Sovereign Green Bonds framework is designed to comply with the recommendations of the International Capital Market Association (ICMA).

How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) was made mandatory for the top 1000 listed entities by market capitalisation by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), not the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Statement 2 is incorrect. The liberalisation of External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) norms to enable firms to raise finance through green bonds was undertaken by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), not the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Statement 3 is correct. India's Sovereign Green Bonds framework is explicitly designed to be in compliance with the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) Green Bond Principles (2021).

Since only one of the above statements is correct, the correct option is 'a'.

Question 3

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: The principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) primarily addresses the concept of intra-generational equity.

Statement-II: Intra-generational equity refers to the duty of the present generation to preserve the environment and natural resources for future generations.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect. Statement-I is correct. Intra-generational equity refers to equity between people of the same generation, involving the judicious distribution of resources and promoting social and environmental justice. The principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), which acknowledges that all states are responsible for addressing global environmental degradation but not equally responsible due to different levels of economic development, is an application of this principle. It addresses the needs of developing countries within the current global context. Statement-II is incorrect. The definition provided, which is the duty of the present generation towards future generations to preserve the environment, describes inter-generational equity, not intra-generational equity.

Question 4

With reference to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), consider the following statements:

1. The MDGs were designed as an integrated set of goals, recognizing that action in one area would inherently affect outcomes in others.
2. One of the eight MDGs was to develop a global partnership for development.
3. The MDGs framework was established with a specific deadline of 2030 for the attainment of its goals.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. The concept of goals being 'integrated' where action in one area affects others is a defining feature of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), not the MDGs. Statement 2 is correct. The eighth and final MDG was indeed to 'Develop a global partnership for development'. Statement 3 is incorrect. The MDGs were set with a deadline of 2015. The 2030 deadline is associated with the subsequent Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, only one statement is correct.

Question 5

Consider the following statements regarding the institutional framework for sustainable development:

1. The United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) was established as a direct outcome of the Millennium Summit in 2000.
2. In India, the NITI Aayog is the designated body for monitoring the progress of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
3. The World Happiness Report is published by the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD).

How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) was mandated by the outcome document of the Rio+20 conference in 2012, not the Millennium Summit of 2000. Statement 2 is correct. NITI Aayog is responsible for monitoring the progress of SDGs within India. Statement 3 is incorrect. The World Happiness Report is published by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), not the UNCSD. Therefore, only one statement is correct.

Question 6

Consider the following statements regarding climate finance mechanisms:
1. The Adaptation Fund (AF) was established on the eve of the 1992 Earth Summit and is financed solely through a 2 per cent share of proceeds from Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects.
2. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) was established under the Kyoto Protocol at CoP 7 in Marrakech.
3. The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) is supervised and managed by the Adaptation Fund Board (AFB), with NABARD acting as its National Implementing Entity.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

None. All three statements are incorrect. Therefore, the correct option is 'None'.

1. **Statement 1 is incorrect.** The Adaptation Fund (AF) was established in 2001 under the Kyoto Protocol, not on the eve of the 1992 Earth Summit. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established around that time. Furthermore, the AF is financed by governments, private donors, and a 2% share of proceeds from Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects, not solely from the CDM proceeds.

2. **Statement 2 is incorrect.** The Green Climate Fund (GCF) was established at COP 16 in Cancun in 2010, within the UNFCCC framework. It was the Adaptation Fund (AF) that was established under the Kyoto Protocol at CoP 7 in Marrakech.

3. **Statement 3 is incorrect.** The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) is a domestic fund for India. The Adaptation Fund Board (AFB) supervises and manages the international Adaptation Fund (AF). NABARD was accredited as the National Implementing Entity for the international Adaptation Fund in India, not for the NAFCC.

Question 7

Consider the following statements regarding sustainable finance and energy regulation in India:
1. The 'Sustainable Finance Group' (SFG) was established within the regulatory ambit of SEBI to address climate change-related financial risks.
2. The price of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) is determined exclusively by market demand and supply on power exchanges, without any price controls.
3. The Social Stock Exchange, proposed for listing social enterprises, falls under the regulatory authority of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

None. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), not SEBI, has set up the ‘Sustainable Finance Group’ (SFG) within its Department of Regulation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the price of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) is not determined exclusively by market demand; it is subject to price controls in the form of a ‘floor price’ (minimum) and a ‘forbearance price’ (maximum) fixed by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC). Statement 3 is incorrect as the Social Stock Exchange was proposed to be created under the regulatory ambit of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), not the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Since all three statements are incorrect, the correct option is 'd'.

Question 8

Consider the following statements regarding the Spillover Index mentioned in the Sustainable Development Report:
Statement-I: A country with a high Spillover Index score is considered to have a significant negative impact on other countries' abilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Statement-II: The Spillover Index assesses environmental, social, economic, and security impacts, where a higher score indicates that a country causes more negative and fewer positive spillover effects.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are incorrect.. Statement-I is incorrect. The provided text explicitly states that 'A higher spillover score indicates a country causes more positive and fewer negative spillover effects.' Therefore, a high score signifies a positive impact, not a negative one. Statement-II is incorrect. While it correctly lists some dimensions assessed by the index, it incorrectly interprets the meaning of a high score. A higher score indicates *more positive* and *fewer negative* spillovers, which is the exact opposite of what the statement claims.

Question 9

With reference to the Green Credit Programme (GCP), consider the following statements:

1. The legal framework for the GCP is provided by the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
2. The programme is designed to be integrated with the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme 2023 to create a unified market for environmental credits.
3. The GCP is an initiative launched under the umbrella of the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statement 1 is correct. The text specifies that the Green Credit Rules, 2023, were notified under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. Statement 2 is incorrect. The text explicitly states that the Green Credit Initiative is 'independent of the carbon credit under Carbon Credit Trading Scheme 2023', not integrated with it. Statement 3 is correct. The passage mentions that the Green Credit Initiative was launched by India at COP 28 and is 'included under the Lifestyle for Environment or LIFE movement'. Therefore, two statements are correct.

Question 10

Consider the following statements regarding the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM):

Statement-I: The NGHM, launched in 2023, aims for a cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports of over ₹1 lakh crore and the creation of over 6 lakh jobs by 2030.

Statement-II: To achieve the outcomes mentioned in Statement-I, the mission targets the creation of a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 125 MMT per annum and an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 5 GW.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect. Statement-I is correct as it accurately reflects the stated outcomes of the National Green Hydrogen Mission: a cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports over ₹1 lakh crore and the creation of over 6 lakh jobs by 2030. Statement-II is incorrect because it swaps the figures for production capacity and renewable energy capacity. The mission's salient features include creating a green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT per annum and a renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW, not the other way around.

Question 11

Consider the following statements regarding sustainable development initiatives in India:

1. The SDG India Index is an exclusive initiative developed solely by NITI Aayog to measure sub-national progress on SDGs.
2. The 'Decarbonising Transport in Emerging Economies' project is a collaborative effort between NITI Aayog and the International Transport Forum (ITF).
3. The Indian Carbon Market (ICM) is expected to help India achieve its goal of reducing the Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statement 1 is incorrect. The text states that the SDG India Index was developed by NITI Aayog 'in collaboration with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the United Nations in India, and the Global Green Growth Institute'. The use of the word 'solely' makes the statement false. Statement 2 is correct. The passage clearly mentions that the ‘Decarbonising Transport in Emerging Economies’ project was launched by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the International Transport Forum (ITF). Statement 3 is correct. The text specifies that the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) is expected to play a crucial role in helping India achieve its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goal, which is to reduce the Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. Therefore, two statements are correct.

Question 12

Consider the following statements regarding the 'Green Tax' proposed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways:

1. Personal vehicles are to be charged Green Tax at the time of renewal of the fitness certificate after 8 years.
2. Transport vehicles could be charged Green Tax at the time of renewal of the Registration Certificate after 15 years.
3. A higher Green Tax, equivalent to 50% of the Road Tax, is proposed for vehicles being registered in highly polluted cities.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. The explanation needs to explicitly prove the correct option by identifying exactly which statements are correct and why.

*   **Statement 1 is incorrect.** This statement swaps the vehicle categories. The proposal is to charge Green Tax on **transport vehicles** older than 8 years at the time of renewal of the fitness certificate, not on personal vehicles.
*   **Statement 2 is incorrect.** This statement also swaps the vehicle categories. The proposal is to charge Green Tax on **personal vehicles** at the time of renewal of the Registration Certificate after 15 years, not on transport vehicles.
*   **Statement 3 is correct.** The proposal includes a provision to levy a higher Green Tax, specified as 50% of the Road Tax, for vehicles being registered in cities identified as highly polluted.

Since only Statement 3 is correct, the total number of correct statements is one.

Question 13

Consider the following statements regarding green economy initiatives in India:

1. The Methanol Economy program, aimed at converting coal reserves and municipal solid waste into methanol, was initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
2. Gujarat became the first state in India to initiate the measurement of Gross Environment Product (GEP).
3. WaterCredit, a microfinance tool for the water and sanitation sector, was launched as a global initiative by the World Bank.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

None. To determine the correct option, we must evaluate each statement individually.

- **Statement 1 is incorrect.** The Methanol Economy program was a flagship initiative championed by NITI Aayog, not the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The program's objective is to reduce India's crude oil import bill and greenhouse gas emissions by using methanol as a cleaner alternative fuel.

- **Statement 2 is incorrect.** Uttarakhand, not Gujarat, was the first state in India to announce its plan to measure the Gross Environment Product (GEP) to quantify the value of its natural resources and ecosystem services.

- **Statement 3 is incorrect.** WaterCredit is a pioneering microfinance initiative created and launched by Water.org, a non-profit organization, not the World Bank. It provides small loans to individuals and families for accessing safe water and sanitation.

Since all three statements (1, 2, and 3) are factually incorrect, the number of correct statements is zero. Therefore, the correct option is 'None'.

Question 14

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Green GDP is an index of economic growth calculated by adding the monetary value of environmental improvements and resource augmentation to a nation's traditional Gross Domestic Product.

Statement-II: The primary objective of calculating Green GDP is to measure a country's preparedness for sustainable economic development by internalizing the environmental consequences of growth.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct. Statement-I is incorrect. The calculation of Green GDP involves subtracting the cost of natural resource consumption, such as resource depletion and environmental degradation, from the final goods and services produced (the traditional GDP). It does not involve adding the value of environmental improvements.
Statement-II is correct. Green GDP is indeed a measure designed to assess how prepared a country is for sustainable economic development by taking into account the environmental consequences of that growth.

Question 15

Consider the following statements regarding climate finance:

1. Adaptation finance, which aims to reduce global carbon emissions, accounts for over 90 percent of global climate spending.
2. Mitigation finance aims to help human and ecological systems respond to the consequences of climate change.
3. The UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement all contain provisions necessitating financial assistance from countries with more financial resources to more vulnerable countries.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. Mitigation finance, not adaptation finance, aims to reduce global carbon emissions. It is mitigation finance that accounts for over 90 percent of global climate spending.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Adaptation finance, not mitigation finance, aims to respond to the consequences of climate change and reduce vulnerability.
Statement 3 is correct. International climate agreements such as the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement mandate financial assistance from developed countries with greater financial resources to developing and more vulnerable nations.

Question 16

With reference to India's updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submitted in 2022, consider the following goals:

1. To reduce the Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 50 per cent by 2030, from the 2005 level.
2. To achieve about 50 per cent of its total primary energy requirement from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
3. To create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.

How many of the above goals are correctly stated?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Statement 1 is incorrect. The goal is to reduce the Emissions Intensity of GDP by 45 per cent by 2030 from the 2005 level, not 50 per cent. Statement 2 is incorrect. The goal is to achieve about 50 per cent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources, not 50 per cent of total primary energy requirement. Statement 3 is correct. The NDC includes the goal to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. Therefore, only one of the statements is correct.

Question 17

Consider the following statements regarding international climate agreements:

1. The Kigali Amendment is an international agreement that aims to 'phase down' the use of unabated coal.
2. The Global Methane Pledge, launched at COP26, commits signatory nations to collectively cut down methane emissions by 30 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030.
3. India has successfully achieved the complete phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as a part of its commitments under the Montreal Protocol.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

None. Statement 1 is incorrect. The Glasgow Climate Pact, not the Kigali Amendment, mentions the 'phase down' of unabated coal usage. The Kigali Amendment pertains to the reduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Statement 2 is incorrect. The Global Methane Pledge aims to cut down methane emissions by 30 per cent from 2020 levels by 2030, not from 2005 levels. Statement 3 is incorrect. The text states that India has achieved the complete phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-141b, not hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The Kigali Amendment aims to cut the production and use of HFCs, which implies the process is ongoing and not yet a 'complete phase-out'. Therefore, none of the statements are correct.

Question 18

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: An Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) is a country's formal climate pledge that becomes its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) upon submission to the UNFCCC.
Statement-II: The transition of an INDC to an NDC is conditional upon a country's ratification of the Paris Agreement.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct. Statement-I is incorrect. An INDC does not automatically become an NDC merely upon submission to the UNFCCC. The text specifies a different condition for this transition. Statement-II is correct. The provided text explicitly states, 'The INDC will become the first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) when a country ratifies the Paris agreement.' This shows that ratification of the Paris Agreement is the necessary step for an INDC to become an NDC, thus making Statement-II a correct assertion and highlighting the error in Statement-I.

Question 19

With reference to the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), consider the following statements:

1. Its primary objective is to decarbonize the power generation sector through large-scale hydrogen combustion.
2. It aims to establish a comprehensive ecosystem for green hydrogen production and its subsequent utilization.
3. The mission is a key component of India's strategy to meet its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statement 1 is incorrect. The NGHM primarily targets hard-to-abate sectors like fertilizers, refining, and heavy industries, not the power sector. Statement 2 is correct as the mission focuses on creating a complete value chain. Statement 3 is correct as the mission is integral to achieving India's climate pledges under its NDCs.

Question 20

With reference to India's progress in renewable energy, consider the following statements:

1. India has achieved its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of sourcing a significant portion of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources ahead of its deadline.
2. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has been instrumental in significantly increasing the domestic manufacturing capacity for solar modules.
3. The cost competitiveness of solar power in India has been primarily driven by government subsidies rather than technology-driven cost reductions and reverse auctions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only. Statement 3 is incorrect. The cost competitiveness is due to dramatically falling technology costs and the mechanism of reverse auctions, not primarily government subsidies. Statements 1 and 2 are correct as India met its non-fossil capacity target early and the PLI scheme has successfully boosted domestic solar manufacturing.

Question 21

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: India's recent clean energy transition is significantly driven by the economic viability of solar and wind power, whose costs have fallen sharply over the last decade.

Statement-II: The Kigali Amendment, an international agreement ratified by India, aims to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

Both statements are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.. Both statements are independently correct. Statement-I accurately reflects that falling costs of renewables are driving the energy transition. Statement-II correctly describes the purpose of the Kigali Amendment. However, the phasing down of HFCs (used in refrigerants) does not explain the falling costs of solar and wind power generation; they are separate, parallel climate actions.

Question 22

With reference to the macroeconomic impacts of climate change, consider the following statements:
1. A global transition towards renewable energy is projected to cause significant economic disruptions in countries reliant on fossil fuels.
2. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall are expected to uniformly improve agricultural productivity for staple crops like rice across tropical Asia.
3. Increased frequency of extreme weather events directly contributes to a higher Average Annual Loss (AAL) as a percentage of GDP.

Accepted Answer

Only two. Statement 1 is correct as countries reliant on fossil fuels face job losses and revenue declines. Statement 2 is incorrect; it is a directional inversion, as rising heat and weather volatility are projected to reduce rice yields. Statement 3 is correct; AAL is a metric that quantifies annual economic losses from disasters, which increase with event frequency and intensity.

Question 23

Consider the following statements regarding international climate frameworks and institutions:
1. The Kigali Amendment is a legally binding agreement focused on phasing down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons.
2. The UNESCAP is an analytical body that provides reports on economic trends but does not set legally binding emission targets for member states.
3. India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are commitments developed independently of any international climate agreements.

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only. Statement 1 is correct; the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is legally binding and targets HFCs. Statement 2 is correct; UNESCAP is a regional commission of the UN for research and policy advice, not a treaty body with enforcement powers. Statement 3 is incorrect; India's NDCs are its formal commitments under the UNFCCC's Paris Agreement, not independent of it.

Question 24

Examine the following two statements:
Statement-I: Climate-induced productivity declines and infrastructure damage can strain a nation's fiscal position by reducing tax revenues and increasing public expenditure.
Statement-II: Central banks can exclusively mitigate these macroeconomic risks by adjusting the policy repo rate to control inflationary pressures arising from supply shocks.

Accepted Answer

Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.. Statement-I is correct; climate shocks impact economic activity, which in turn affects government finances through lower revenue and higher spending. Statement-II is incorrect due to the word 'exclusively'; while monetary policy plays a role, fiscal policy and macroprudential regulations are also critical for mitigation.

Sustainability and Climate Change - India and the World

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