Consider the following statements : I. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in India are less than 0·5 t CO2/capita. II. In terms of CO2 emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region. III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources 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 ✓ UPSC's answer
(d) I, II and III

Why the answer is (c)

• Statement I is wrong: India's per-capita CO2 emissions are about 1.9–2.0 tonnes a year — low by world standards (global average about 4.7 t) but well above 0.5 t.

• Statement II is correct: in CO2 from fuel combustion India is the second-largest emitter in the Asia-Pacific region after China, and the third-largest globally after China and the United States.

• Statement III is correct: electricity and heat production, dominated by coal-fired power plants, is the largest source of India's CO2, ahead of industry and transport.

• India's climate position rests on this contrast — high aggregate emissions but low per-capita and historical emissions.

• Hence II and III only, option (c).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) I and III only: Statement I is wrong: per-capita emissions are close to 2 t, not below 0.5 t.
(b) II only: Statement III on electricity and heat as the largest source is also correct.
(d) I, II and III: Statement I is wrong, so all three cannot be correct.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025, held on 25 May 2025. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.