UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

The Economic Survey highlights that India, like many developing countries, is still working to eradicate poverty and expand basic infrastructure. At the same time, it faces growing climate impacts and international expectations on mitigation. This creates a dual challenge: sustaining high growth while decarbonising and adapting. The Survey also notes that some global narratives overlook equity and historical responsibility, which is why India stresses climate justice alongside ambition.

Option A:
This option oversimplifies by implying that development and climate action are mutually exclusive. Indian policy documents instead argue for integrating the two through strategies like green growth and just transitions.

Option B:
This option is incorrect because India is still a developing country with significant poverty and infrastructure needs; it cannot “ignore” climate impacts, which are already affecting its people and economy.

Option C:
India does face international scrutiny and pressure regarding emissions, especially as its economy grows. Claiming there is no pressure ignores debates in global forums.

Option D:
This option correctly states the core dilemma and the emphasis on equitable solutions. It captures India’s position that development and climate action must proceed together in a way that recognises different national circumstances.

The Survey notes that while adaptation is crucial for vulnerable countries, global finance flows remain inadequate and largely mitigation-centric. This leaves India and other developing nations to shoulder a large part of adaptation costs from their own budgets. Such a pattern raises concerns about climate justice, because those least responsible for emissions face both high impacts and high self-financed adaptation burdens. (VISION IAS)

Option A:
This option is incorrect; multiple reports show that adaptation finance is far below estimated needs and that countries still demand more concessional support.

Option B:
This option is incorrect because global climate finance flows are in fact skewed towards mitigation, not adaptation, so the statement reverses the actual pattern described in the Survey.

Option C:
This option rightly captures the Survey’s emphasis that adaptation finance lags behind and that mitigation receives a larger share of global climate funds. It also explains why India calls for parity between mitigation and adaptation finance in climate negotiations.

Option D:
This option is wrong because there is no automatic guarantee that all adaptation costs will be met by international funds; countries must mobilise domestic resources as well.