2023 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2023 · GS Paper I

Question 23: Environment and Ecology

Consider the following statements :

  1. Statement-ICarbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread tools in the fight against climate change.
  2. Statement-IICarbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State.

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

aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

UPSC's key treats both statements as correct, with II not explaining I. Carbon markets, where emission allowances or credits are traded, are expected to become one of the most widespread climate tools because they put a price on carbon. Statement II is taken as true because payments for allowances, auctions and levies flow from firms to the State. But that transfer is not why carbon markets spread; their reach comes from pricing emissions.

  • I. Carbon markets are expected to be among the most widespread climate tools.
  • II. Per UPSC, payments flow from firms to the State; this does not explain Statement I.

How you could have got this

If you were sure Statement-I is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

What you needed to know: Carbon markets are expected to be among the most widespread climate tools.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Both are correct, but the transfer of money to the State does not explain the spread of carbon markets.
  • (b) Correct as per UPSC: both statements hold, and II is not the explanation.
  • (c) UPSC accepts Statement II as correct, so 'II incorrect' does not fit the key.
  • (d) Statement I is correct, so it cannot be called incorrect.

Worth knowing: Statement II is questionable because most carbon trading is between private parties, so the key's treating it as correct is open to dispute.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.