Consider the following statements : Statement 1 : The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the Arbor Day Foundation have recently recognized Hyderabad as 2020 Tree City of the World. Statement 2 : Hyderabad was selected for the recognition for a year following its commitment to grow and maintain the urban forests. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1
(b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct but Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1
(c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is not correct
(d) Statement 1 is not correct but Statement 2 is correct ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• In February 2021 Hyderabad was recognised as a '2020 Tree City of the World' by the Arbor Day Foundation and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the only Indian city that year.

• Statement 1 is wrong: the co-recogniser was the FAO, not the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).

• Statement 2 is correct: the recognition, valid for a year, rewards a city's commitment to plant and maintain urban forests, meeting five standards (responsibility, rules, knowledge, resources, celebration).

• Telangana's Haritha Haram plantation drive underpinned the award.

• Hence statement 1 is not correct but statement 2 is correct, option (d).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation…: Statement 1 is wrong: FAO, not UNCDF, co-recognised Hyderabad.
(b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct but Statement 2 is not the correct…: Statement 1 is wrong.
(c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is not correct: It is statement 1 that is wrong and statement 2 that is correct.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.