UPSC Prelims 2026 – Practice Set: South Asia & Climate Governance

 

UPSC Prelims 2026 – Practice Set: South Asia & Climate Governance

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Q1. With reference to the Paris Agreement (2015) and subsequent developments, consider the following statements:

1. The Paris Agreement legally binds all countries to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

2. The withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement has no impact on its future participation in COP meetings.

3. The Agreement allows countries to determine their own climate goals through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: C. 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 ❌: Paris Agreement does not legally bind countries to net-zero by 2050; it only requires submission and reporting of NDCs.

• Statement 2 ❌: Withdrawal affects participation; the US can attend COPs but loses formal voting and commitment status.

• Statement 3 ✅: Each country sets its own NDCs — a hallmark of the Agreement.

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Q2. Which of the following regional initiatives is correctly matched with its objective?

Initiative	Objective
(a) CDRI	Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure – to enhance resilience of infrastructure to climate and disaster risks.
(b) Sagarmatha Sambaad	A dialogue hosted by Maldives focusing on ocean governance.
(c) BIMSTEC	Regional platform for cooperation between South Asia and South-East Asia.

Choose the correct answer:

A. (a) only
B. (a) and (c) only
C. (b) and (c) only
D. (a), (b) and (c)

✅ Answer: B. (a) and (c) only

Explanation:

• (a) ✅ CDRI is an India-led global coalition to build disaster-resilient infrastructure.

• (b) ❌ Sagarmatha Sambaad is hosted by Nepal, not Maldives. It focuses on mountain vulnerabilities.

• (c) ✅ BIMSTEC links South and South-East Asia — Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand.

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Q3. The Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) under the UNFCCC seeks to:

A. Limit global temperature rise to below 2°C by 2100.
B. Develop universal and measurable indicators to assess adaptation progress.
C. Replace NDCs with regional climate plans.
D. Mandate uniform adaptation targets for all countries.

✅ Answer: B.

Explanation:
The GGA aims to create clear, simple, and multi-dimensional indicators to track adaptation efforts, especially for vulnerable countries — not to penalise them.

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Q4. According to the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), which of the following are correct observations about global climate initiatives since 2015?

1. Only around 5% of initiatives launched since 2015 have achieved their stated goals.

2. Fewer than one-third of initiatives focus exclusively on developing regions.

3. Most initiatives are clubbed with Global North countries.

Select the correct answer:

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:
CEEW findings:

• Just 5% of initiatives achieved their goals.

• Less than one in three focus solely on Africa, Asia, or Latin America.

• Most are mixed with developed nations, limiting Global South benefits.

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Q5. Consider the following pairs:

Climate Finance Mechanism	Key Feature
1. Green Climate Fund	Provides grants and concessional loans to developing countries.
2. Adaptation Fund	Finances adaptation projects under the Kyoto Protocol.
3. Loss and Damage Fund	Aims to address irreversible climate impacts in developing nations.

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 and 3 only

✅ Answer: C. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:
All three funds exist:

• GCF → grants + concessional loans;

• Adaptation Fund → under Kyoto;

• Loss and Damage Fund → new COP27 outcome for climate-vulnerable nations.

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Q6. With reference to South Asia’s climate vulnerabilities, which of the following is/are correctly matched?

Country	Primary Climate Threat
1. Nepal	Glacial lake outburst floods
2. Maldives	Coastal submergence
3. Sri Lanka	Heatwaves
4. India	Emerging drylands

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

✅ Answer: A. 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

• Nepal → GLOFs ✅

• Maldives → Coastal threats ✅

• India → Heatwaves ❌ (not Sri Lanka)

• Sri Lanka → Drylands and water stress ❌

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Q7. The term “Baku to Belém Roadmap to $1.3T”, recently seen in the news, refers to:

A. A trade agreement between OPEC nations and BRICS members.
B. A global financial commitment to achieve net-zero by 2050.
C. A proposed roadmap for mobilising $1.3 trillion in climate finance before COP30.
D. A South Asian initiative to create a shared renewable energy grid.

✅ Answer: C.

Explanation:
The Baku to Belém Roadmap outlines a $1.3 trillion climate finance mobilisation plan up to COP30, focusing on predictable, fair, and accountable delivery of funds.

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Q8. Which of the following best describes the principle of “Mutual Implementation” as mentioned in South Asia’s climate cooperation framework?

A. Equal distribution of funds among all developing countries.
B. Turning promises into tangible climate action across borders and sectors.
C. Shared responsibility between public and private entities for emissions control.
D. Coordinated international trade practices aligned with carbon neutrality.

✅ Answer: B.

Explanation:
“Mutual Implementation” = third pillar of South Asia’s climate diplomacy → ensuring that promises turn into actual implementation through cross-border cooperation.

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Q9. Which of the following technologies is/are mentioned as tools to strengthen South Asia’s climate resilience?

1. Artificial Intelligence

2. Blockchain

3. Remote Sensing

4. Quantum Computing

Select the correct answer:

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

✅ Answer: B. 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:
AI, Blockchain, and Remote Sensing were explicitly cited in the context of data cooperation and efficiency. Quantum Computing was not mentioned.

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Q10. Which of the following best expresses the phrase “Delivery is the new currency of trust”, as seen in climate diplomacy?

A. Countries must pay for carbon credits before seeking new commitments.
B. Future climate agreements will depend solely on the UN’s funding capacity.
C. Credibility in global climate governance will now depend on actual outcomes, not pledges.
D. Delivery of aid to vulnerable nations will determine their participation in COP meetings.

✅ Answer: C.