📘 IAS Prelims 2025 — GS-I Q.38 | Classroom Explanation

(Environment & Ecology)

📌 Question

Q.38) Consider the following statements:

I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂ per capita.
II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in the Asia-Pacific region.
III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest source of CO₂ emissions in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) I and III only
(b) II only
(c) II and III only
(d) I, II and III

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✅ Correct Answer: (c)

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🧑‍🏫 Classroom Explanation

This question tests emissions data interpretation, sectoral emission sources, and comparative regional ranking, a recurring UPSC theme under Environment & Physical Geography.

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🔍 Statement-wise Analysis

❌ Statement I: Incorrect

• India’s per capita CO₂ emissions (2022):

• ≈ 2.0 tonnes per capita
• Not less than 0.5 t CO₂ per capita

• Comparison:

• Global average: ~4.7 t
• India: below global average, but not extremely low

➡️ Statement I is incorrect.

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✅ Statement II: Correct

• In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion:

• China → Rank 1 in Asia-Pacific
• India → Rank 2

• This reflects:

• Large population
• Rapid industrialisation
• Rising energy demand

➡️ Statement II is correct.

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✅ Statement III: Correct

• Electricity and heat production is the largest source of CO₂ emissions in India

• Key reasons:

• Heavy reliance on coal-based thermal power
• Coal dominates India’s energy mix

• Followed by:

• Manufacturing & construction
• Transport sector

➡️ Statement III is correct.

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🧮 Logical Elimination (UPSC Style)

• Statement I → ❌
• Statement II → ✅
• Statement III → ✅

➡️ Correct option: (c) II and III only

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🎯 Final Answer

✅ Correct Answer: (c)

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📦 Info Box — High-Value Add-Ons (Prelims Gold)

🌍 India’s Emissions Profile

• Per capita emissions:

• India: ~2.0 t
• USA: ~14.9 t
• China: ~8.0 t

• India’s climate position:

• Low per-capita emitter
• High absolute emitter due to population

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⚡ Sectoral CO₂ Emissions in India

1️⃣ Electricity & heat production (largest)
2️⃣ Manufacturing & construction
3️⃣ Transport
4️⃣ Residential & commercial

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🌱 Policy Relevance

• India’s strategy:

• Net-zero by 2070
• Emphasis on renewables + efficiency
• Equity-based climate negotiations

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⚠️ UPSC Trap Alerts

• Low per capita ≠ negligible emissions
• Asia-Pacific ranking ≠ global ranking
• Electricity sector dominates emissions in coal-dependent economies

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📍 GS Mapping (Corrected)

GS Paper I (Prelims)
Theme: Geography + Environment
Topic: Climate Change, Emissions Geography
Nature: Data-based + Conceptual

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