UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Cutting carbon emissions should not be the top priority: Survey

Q1. With reference to India's revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the period 2031-2035 communicated to the UNFCCC, consider the following: 1. Reduction of emission intensity of GDP by 47% from 2005 level by 2035. 2. 60% share of non-fossil fuel-based installed electric power capacity by 2035. 3. Achievement of economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 4. Complete phase-out of coal-based power generation by 2040. Which of the above is/are correctly identified as targets under the revised NDC?

  1. Reduction of emission intensity of GDP by 47% from 2005 level by 2035.
  2. 60% share of non-fossil fuel-based installed electric power capacity by 2035.
  3. Achievement of economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
  4. Complete phase-out of coal-based power generation by 2040.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1, 3 and 4
  • D. 2 only

Q2. India's revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the period 2031-2035, referenced by the Economic Survey 2025-26, was approved by which one of the following?

  • A. Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister
  • B. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
  • C. Prime Minister's Council on Climate Change
  • D. Apex Committee for Implementation of the Paris Agreement (AIPA)

Q3. With reference to Chapter 10 ('Climate and Environment: Adaptation Matters') of the Economic Survey 2025-26, consider the following statements: 1. It argues that mitigation should be subservient to adaptation in India's climate strategy. 2. It states that economic development is itself a form of climate adaptation. 3. It recommends an immediate, economy-wide binding domestic carbon tax on all industrial sectors as the principal climate policy instrument. 4. It highlights that India's per capita carbon emission is about one-third of the global average. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. It argues that mitigation should be subservient to adaptation in India's climate strategy.
  2. It states that economic development is itself a form of climate adaptation.
  3. It recommends an immediate, economy-wide binding domestic carbon tax on all industrial sectors as the principal climate policy instrument.
  4. It highlights that India's per capita carbon emission is about one-third of the global average.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 2 and 4
  • D. 1 and 3

Q4. In India's revised NDC for 2031-2035 referenced by the Economic Survey 2025-26, the headline target for the share of non-fossil fuel-based installed electric power capacity is:

  • A. 50% by 2030
  • B. 55% by 2035
  • C. 60% by 2035
  • D. 65% by 2040

Q5. Which one of the following is the nodal ministry of the Government of India responsible for communicating India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the UNFCCC?

  • A. Ministry of External Affairs
  • B. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
  • C. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
  • D. Ministry of Finance
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