Question

Assertion (A): India signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol in August 2002.
Reason (R): India was reluctant to participate in global efforts of environment conservation.

• A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• B. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• C. Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
• D. Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Hint:

Under the Kyoto Protocol, developing nations like India and China were classified as non-Annex I countries, exempting them from legally binding greenhouse gas emission targets during the first commitment period.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Evaluating the Assertion (A):
The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty extending the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that commits state parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. India formally signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol on August 26, 2002. Therefore, Assertion (A) is True.

Step 2: Evaluating the Reason (R):
India has consistently been a highly proactive, constructive participant in global environmental conservation efforts. At the same time, India and other developing nations advocate for the principle of “Common But Differentiated Responsibilities” (CBDR). Under this, developed countries, who are historically responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, must take a leading role in emission reduction. India opposed binding emission cuts in 2002 because its per-capita emissions were extremely low compared to the West and it needed space for industrialization. Thus, calling India “reluctant” to protect the environment is factually incorrect and misleading. Hence, Reason (R) is False.

Step 3: Determining the Overall Validity:
Since Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false, Option (C) is the only correct answer.