UPSC Prelims 2025 · GS Paper I
Question 38: Environment and Ecology
Consider the following statements :
- ICarbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0·5 t CO₂/capita.
- IIIn terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region.
- IIIElectricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO₂ emissions in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
India's per capita carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion are close to 2 tonnes, far above 0.5 tonnes, so Statement I is wrong, and well below the world average of about 4.5 tonnes. In total emissions from fuel combustion India is the third largest in the world and second in the Asia-Pacific region after China, so Statement II is correct. Electricity and heat producers, mainly coal-fired power plants, are the largest source of emissions in India, so Statement III is correct.
- I. India's per capita emissions are roughly 2 tonnes, not below 0.5 tonnes.
- II. India is second in Asia-Pacific after China.
- III. Electricity and heat production is the largest source.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement I is not correct, (a) and (d) go: each of them includes I.
What you needed to know: India's per capita emissions are roughly 2 tonnes, not below 0.5 tonnes.
- Then, if you were sure statement III is correct, (b) goes: it leaves III out.
What you needed to know: Electricity and heat production is the largest source.
Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statement 2.
This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.
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) Wrong: Statement I is incorrect, because per capita emissions are about 2 tonnes.
- (b) Wrong: statement III on electricity and heat is also correct.
- (c) Right: India ranks second in Asia-Pacific and power and heat are its largest emitters.
- (d) Wrong: statement I is incorrect.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.