UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Need for inclusive, integrated climate action

Q1. Among the eight missions constituting the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), which one is the dedicated flagship mission for expanding renewable energy generation capacity?

• A. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
• B. National Solar Mission
• C. National Mission for a Green India
• D. National Water Mission

Q2. The 2025 WHO-WMO report on workplace heat stress relies on Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). WBGT is best described as which of the following?

• A. A composite heat-stress index combining air temperature, humidity, radiant heat and wind
• B. The air temperature measured in the shade using a dry-bulb thermometer alone
• C. An index of air temperature and relative humidity only, excluding radiation and wind
• D. The maximum daily surface temperature recorded by satellite thermal sensors

Q3. Consider the following statements about the WHO-WMO report 'Climate change and workplace heat stress' compared with earlier WHO guidance on the subject: 1. It is the first comprehensive global guidance on protecting workers from heat since WHO's earlier report several decades ago. 2. It was released jointly by WHO and the World Meteorological Organization in August 2025. 3. It concludes that fewer than 100 million workers worldwide are currently exposed to excessive heat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. It is the first comprehensive global guidance on protecting workers from heat since WHO's earlier report several decades ago.
2. It was released jointly by WHO and the World Meteorological Organization in August 2025.
3. It concludes that fewer than 100 million workers worldwide are currently exposed to excessive heat.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. India's Nationally Determined Contribution for 2031-2035, approved by the Union Cabinet, is to be communicated to the UNFCCC under which of the following instruments?

• A. The Kyoto Protocol
• B. The Montreal Protocol
• C. The Paris Agreement
• D. The Warsaw International Mechanism

Q5. Under India's updated NDC (2031-2035), what is the enhanced target for the share of non-fossil fuel based energy in installed electric power capacity to be achieved by 2035?

• A. 45%
• B. 50%
• C. 60%
• D. 47%

Q6. With reference to the NAMASTE scheme for sanitation workers, consider the following: 1. Profiling of sewer and septic tank workers 2. Health insurance coverage under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY 3. Provision of PPE kits and occupational safety devices 4. A guaranteed lifelong monthly pension for every registered sanitation worker Which of the above are correctly identified as components of the scheme?

1. Profiling of sewer and septic tank workers
2. Health insurance coverage under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
3. Provision of PPE kits and occupational safety devices
4. A guaranteed lifelong monthly pension for every registered sanitation worker

• A. 1, 2 and 3
• B. 2 and 4 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q7. Which ministry is the nodal ministry that operationalises the NAMASTE scheme for the safety and dignity of sanitation workers?

• A. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
• B. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• C. Ministry of Labour and Employment
• D. Ministry of Jal Shakti

Q8. With reference to the evolution of 'loss and damage' within the UNFCCC framework, consider the following: 1. The Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage was established in 2013. 2. Article 8 of the Paris Agreement recognises loss and damage as a distinct area. 3. The Loss and Damage Fund was agreed upon at COP27 in 2022. 4. A dedicated loss and damage funding provision was explicitly written into the original 1992 UNFCCC text. Which of the above is/are NOT correct?

1. The Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage was established in 2013.
2. Article 8 of the Paris Agreement recognises loss and damage as a distinct area.
3. The Loss and Damage Fund was agreed upon at COP27 in 2022.
4. A dedicated loss and damage funding provision was explicitly written into the original 1992 UNFCCC text.

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 3 only
• C. 4 only
• D. 2 and 3 only