Paragraph: Each State in India faces a distinctive set of challenges….
Each State in India faces a distinctive set of challenges regarding the impact of warming, but also offers its own set of opportunities for reducing emissions depending on its natural resources. For example, coastal States need to take action to protect their shores from sea level rise, districts that are drier need to prepare for variable monsoon precipitation. Himalayan regions have their own unique challenges, and selected parts of peninsular India and offshore areas offer great opportunities for harnessing wind power. These various aspects need to be considered for developing clear and sustainable goals for the future.
Q1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and pragmatic message conveyed by the author of the passage?
(a) The mitigation and adaptation strategies to address/tackle the climate change is essentially the responsibility of each State.
(b) India is too diverse to implement any effective strategy or programme to address/tackle the climate change.
(c) It is basically the responsibility of the Union Government to implement the climate action plans and ensure net zero emissions.
(d) India needs to formulate effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies at the State/region level.
Q2. With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made:
I. Green energy production can be linked to/integrated with the climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
II. Effects of climate change are much more severe in coastal and mountainous regions.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II
UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT
Q1. Correct Answer: (d) India needs to formulate effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies at the State/region level.
Explanation: The passage clearly emphasizes that each state in India faces unique challenges and opportunities related to climate change. It highlights examples such as coastal states needing protection from sea-level rise, dry districts preparing for variable monsoon precipitation, Himalayan regions facing unique challenges, and certain peninsular and offshore areas having potential for wind power. Thus, the author logically suggests that India should develop climate strategies tailored specifically to the needs and resources of each state or region. Option (d) best captures this pragmatic and rational message.
Option-wise analysis: (a) Incorrect. The passage does not imply that climate change mitigation and adaptation are solely the responsibility of each state. Rather, it suggests region-specific strategies. (b) Incorrect. The passage does not suggest that India’s diversity makes it impossible to implement effective strategies. Instead, it emphasizes the need for region-specific approaches. (c) Incorrect. The passage does not explicitly state that climate action is primarily the Union Government’s responsibility. (d) Correct. This option aligns closely with the author’s message of developing region-specific strategies.
Hence, option (d) is correct.
Q2. Correct Answer: (a) I only
Explanation: Assumption I: “Green energy production can be linked to/integrated with the climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.”
- Valid assumption. The passage explicitly mentions that certain regions in peninsular India and offshore areas offer opportunities for harnessing wind power, clearly indicating that renewable energy (green energy) can be integrated into climate change mitigation strategies.
Assumption II: “Effects of climate change are much more severe in coastal and mountainous regions.”
- Invalid assumption. The passage mentions coastal and Himalayan regions as examples of areas facing unique challenges, but it does not explicitly state or imply that these regions face “much more severe” effects compared to other regions. It simply highlights their distinctive challenges.
Thus, only assumption I is valid.
Hence, option (a) “I only” is correct.
