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.
Options :

• 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:

Remember: Developing countries like India and China were exempted from mandatory emission cuts under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol because historical contributions to greenhouse emissions originated primarily from industrialized/developed countries.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Environmental diplomacy in international relations balances global ecological responsibility with historical emission principles under 'Common But Differentiated Responsibilities' (CBDR).

Step 1: Evaluate Assertion (A).
India signed and ratified the 1997 Kyoto Protocol in August 2002. As a developing nation, India was exempted from binding greenhouse gas reduction targets in the first commitment period. Thus, Assertion (A) is true .

Step 2: Evaluate Reason (R).
India has consistently played an active and constructive role in international climate efforts, adhering to the principle of "Common But Differentiated Responsibilities." India was not reluctant, but rather advocated that developed nations (who historically caused emissions) should take primary responsibility. Thus, Reason (R) is false .

Step 3: Conclusion.
Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false, making Option (C) the correct choice.