Logical Reasoning Questions for CLAT | QB Set 26

The shape of a five-year climate agenda for India

As the new government settles in, what it does to scale up climate action will affect every Ministry, new and old, and every sector, big and small. Some of its choices would be pivotal to how India structures its economic path in a sustainable way, positions itself as the voice of the Global South at the right tables, and fights for climate finance and justice over the next five years.

India’s transformation

Over the last decade, India has shown significant climate intent and progress on many fronts. It has moved on from being a hesitant participant reacting to developments in the global climate discourse to being a bold leader shaping narratives and institutions. First, it has laid the foundation for global institutions such as the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the Global Biofuels Alliance, as well as steering the Green Development Pact under its G20 presidency last year. Second, for the first time, India has started talking about holding absolute emissions targets and instituting additional Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) net-zero. With the target announced in 2021, India has acknowledged the importance of absolute emission reductions alongside emission intensity targets. The net-zero announcement has immediately created private market responses, policy-tweaks and debate with economists, sustainability-linked lending and bonds, corporate disclosures and other instruments. The creation of a carbon trading scheme for example, marginalises emission intensity and emphasises the focus on absolute emission reductions.

In the next five years, the government has to concentrate and accelerate at two ends: what we communicate at the international level and how we act at the national and subnational levels. The watchword should follow the mantra of “go higher, go wider, go deeper” to align its climate leadership with economic prowess.

A plan sheet for India

“Go higher” relates to India’s global leadership. The country could, sooner or later, host important international climate summits. If it were to host the United Nations Conference of Parties in 2028, it would need to be as successful as the G20 Presidency. In global negotiations, four years is not that far. Does India want the world to agree to new investment in land and water after 2030 as part of the decision text? Does it want a big commitment on adaptation finance so that developing countries can shield themselves against increasing heatwaves, storms, floods and droughts? It takes at least four to five years to achieve consensus on contentious issues.

Deciding on what could potentially be the big wins in 2028 and socialising these across stakeholders such as civil society and academics needs to start right away. Alongside, India should also not shy from claiming one of the roles as convenors of global climate finance. India can and should lead calls for additional annual financing to scale up adaptation finance, climate funds and other mechanisms.

State-level plans are important

Finally, going deeper implies that sub-national climate action is as significant and must be as efficient as that of the government. Some shoots are already visible. Several State governments, such as Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, have created climate departments and action plans, and several others have committed to net-zero. They need to be strengthened and replicated across the country.

At the sub-national level, India can collaborate with financial institutions, businesses, and civil society to design effective mechanisms through which states and cities can invest in climate-proof infrastructure. The government should provide a national framework for state climate action, perhaps through a Sixteenth Finance Commission. Incentivising climate action at the State level, whether by providing additional funding or technical assistance, is crucial for accelerating India’s climate transition.

Question -1) Which of the following best describes India’s role in global climate discourse according to the passage?
A. India has been a passive observer.
B. India has gradually become a hesitant participant.
C. India is now a bold leader shaping narratives.
D. India has always resisted global climate agreements.

Question -2) According to the passage, what is one outcome of India’s net-zero announcement?
A. Decreased international cooperation.
B. Increased debate on emission intensity targets.
C. Shift towards absolute emission reductions.
D. Reduced focus on sustainability-linked economic policies.

Question -3) Which initiative is mentioned in the passage as part of India’s efforts towards climate action?
A. International Wind Energy Alliance
B. Global Solar Power Alliance
C. Worldwide Biofuels Consortium
D. International Coal Consumption Forum

Question -4) According to the passage, what is the significance of creating an Indian emissions carbon trading scheme?
A. It aims to reduce international climate cooperation.
B. It operates independently of global climate goals.
C. It marginalizes sustainability-linked economic policies.
D. It supports long-term emission reduction efforts.

Question -5) What does the author suggest India should prioritize to align its climate leadership with economic prowess?
A. Focus solely on domestic energy targets.
B. Host international climate summits.
C. Withdraw from global climate agreements.
D. Increase dependence on fossil fuels.

Question -6) Based on the passage, why does the author emphasize the importance of state-level climate actions?
A. To centralize climate policy decisions.
B. To promote autonomous state actions.
C. To reduce global climate funding.
D. To avoid scientific modelling in policymaking.