Chapter 7 · Topic 7.3 · Prelims + Mains3 of 3
Global Issues: Climate diplomacy
Key points
- India's NDC (2022): 45% cut in emissions intensity from 2005 and about 50% non-fossil capacity by 2030.
- Non-fossil share reached 50.08% (242.78 GW) in June 2025, ahead of 2030.
- Net zero target: 2070. Non-fossil capacity target: 500 GW by 2030.
- ISA launched by India and France at COP21, Paris, 2015.
- Paris Agreement: well below 2°C, pursuing 1.5°C, in force 2016. Article 6 covers carbon markets.
- India is an Arctic Council observer.
Prelims box: facts and traps
| Item | Value | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Non-fossil share of installed capacity, June 2025 | 50.08% (242.78 GW) | Measured (PIB, 14 Jul 2025) |
| Emissions intensity of GDP, 2030 | 45% below 2005 | NDC target (2022) |
| Net zero | 2070 | Target |
- Trap: India did not sign the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health.
Climate diplomacy
Like a group project where each student picks their own share, the Paris Agreement (2015) lets countries choose. Every country sets its own Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), a self-chosen climate target. India’s updated NDC (Cabinet approval, PIB 3 August 2022) has two 2030 targets:
- cut the emissions intensity of GDP (pollution per rupee of output) by 45% from the 2005 level,
- reach about 50% of installed power capacity from non-fossil sources (solar, wind, hydro, nuclear).
India’s net-zero target year is 2070. Net zero means emitting no more than is removed from the air.
| Item | Value | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Non-fossil share of installed capacity, June 2025 | 50.08% (242.78 GW) | Measured (PIB, 14 Jul 2025) |
| Non-fossil share, 2030 | about 50% | NDC target (2022), reached early |
| Emissions intensity of GDP, 2030 | 45% below 2005 | NDC target (2022) |
| Non-fossil capacity, 2030 | 500 GW | Target |
| Net zero | 2070 | Target |
PIB, 3 August 2022 and 14 July 2025.
Mains 2022 said clean energy is the order of the day. India moved from a defensive stance, stressing ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’ (rich countries polluted more, so they should do more), to leadership: the International Solar Alliance, LiFE (lifestyle for environment), net zero by 2070 and stronger NDCs. It still asks rich countries for finance.
‘Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics.
Prelims 2016: the International Solar Alliance was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference in 2015 (COP21, Paris) by India and France. It does not include all UN members. Answer (a): 1 only.
Consider the following statements : 1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015. 2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
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Answer: (a) · UPSC official key
Prelims 2016 on the Paris Agreement of 2015: only the temperature aim is right (well below 2°C, pursuing 1.5°C). It was not signed by all UN members, it came into force in 2016, and the finance goal was USD 100 billion a year, not 1000 billion. Answer (b): 2 only.
With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017. 2. The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2°C or even 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. 3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (b) · UPSC official key
Prelims 2025: at COP28, the 28th UN Climate Change Conference, India did not sign the ‘Declaration on Climate and Health’. The declaration is not binding (Statement II is wrong), but India’s worry about health-care resilience (Statement III) explains its stand. Answer (c).
Consider the following statements : Statement I : At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), India refrained from signing the ‘Declaration on Climate and Health’. Statement II : The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health is a binding declaration; and if signed, it becomes mandatory to decarbonize health sector. Statement III : If India’s health sector is decarbonized, the resilience of its health-care system may be compromised. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
- Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
- Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
- Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
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Answer: (c) · UPSC official key
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement sets out cooperation between countries through carbon markets, where countries trade emission cuts (Articles 6.2 and 6.4), and non-market approaches (Article 6.8).
Prelims 2014: the ‘Arctic Council’ members are the eight Arctic states, including Denmark, the Russian Federation and the USA. Japan, the UK and India are observers. Answer (d): 1, 3 and 5. Melting ice opens new sea routes.
Consider the following countries : 1. Denmark 2. Japan 3. Russian Federation 4. United Kingdom 5. United States of America Which of the above are the members of the ‘Arctic Council’?
- 1, 2 and 3
- 2, 3 and 4
- 1, 4 and 5
- 1, 3 and 5
Show answer
Answer: (d) · UPSC official key
What UPSC asks: Prelims: NDCs, ISA, Arctic Council. Mains: India’s climate leadership.
Mains box: analysis and answer points
- Shift: from CBDR defence to leadership (ISA, LiFE, net zero 2070).
- Proof: 50% non-fossil capacity reached in June 2025.
- Next likely angle: Article 6 carbon markets and climate finance.
Practice
Practice MCQs (8)
Which one of the following was established by Security Council resolution 1373, adopted unanimously in September 2001?
Answer (c) & explanation
After the attacks of 11 September 2001 the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1373, which for the first time set up a dedicated Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) of the Council. Resolution 1373 also obliged all States to criminalise the financing of terrorism, freeze terrorist funds and deny safe haven. The CTC is assisted by an Executive Directorate (CTED), created later by resolution 1535 (2004).
In July 2023, India hosted the 14th Clean Energy Ministerial together with the 8th Mission Innovation ministerial, alongside the G20 Energy Transitions Ministers' Meeting, at
Answer (d) & explanation
PIB and the CEM secretariat record that CEM14/MI-8 was held in Goa from 19 to 22 July 2023, under the theme 'Advancing Clean Energy Together', back-to-back with the G20 Energy Transitions Ministers' Meeting of India's Presidency. The Clean Energy Ministerial itself was set up in 2009, with its first meeting in Washington in 2010.
Consider the following pairs: Initiative — Occasion of its launch
1. International Solar Alliance — COP21, Paris
2. Mission Innovation — COP21, Paris
3. Global Biofuels Alliance — G20 Summit, New Delhi
4. Green Grids Initiative - One Sun One World One Grid — COP27, Sharm el-Sheikh
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Answer (c) & explanation
Pairs 1 and 2 are correct: both the ISA and Mission Innovation were launched at COP21 in Paris on 30 November 2015. Pair 3 is correct: the Global Biofuels Alliance was launched at the G20 New Delhi Summit on 9 September 2023. Pair 4 is wrong: GGI-OSOWOG was launched by India and the UK at COP26 in Glasgow on 2 November 2021, not at COP27. So three pairs are correct.
With reference to the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, consider the following statements:
1. It was adopted by the General Assembly by consensus in 2006.
2. Respect for human rights and the rule of law as the fundamental basis of the fight against terrorism is one of its four pillars.
3. It is reviewed by the Security Council once every five years.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer (a) & explanation
The Strategy (A/RES/60/288) was adopted by consensus on 8 September 2006. Its four pillars are: addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism; preventing and combating terrorism; building States' capacity and strengthening the UN's role; and ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law. Statement 3 is wrong: it is the General Assembly that reviews the Strategy, every two years (the eighth review was resolution 77/298 of June 2023).
The United Kingdom's Integrated Review Refresh of March 2023 said that the UK had delivered on the 2021 ambition for a 'tilt' to the Indo-Pacific. What did it set as the new aim for the region?
Answer (d) & explanation
The Integrated Review Refresh of 13 March 2023 states: 'The UK has delivered on the IR2021 ambition for a tilt; the target we now have is to make this increased engagement stronger and enduring, and a permanent pillar of the UK's international policy.' It also speaks of putting the approach 'on a long-term strategic footing' and mentions the UK's ASEAN dialogue partner status and its CPTPP accession. The original 2021 review, 'Global Britain in a Competitive Age', introduced the 'Indo-Pacific tilt'. So the Refresh moved from a tilt to a lasting commitment.
With reference to UN Security Council resolution 2593 of 30 August 2021, consider the following statements:
1. It was adopted unanimously.
2. It was adopted during India's presidency of the Security Council.
3. It demanded that Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer (b) & explanation
Resolution 2593 was adopted on 30 August 2021, days after the Taliban took Kabul and the airport bombing of 26 August. India held the Council presidency that month. The vote was 13-0-2: China and Russia abstained, so statement 1 is wrong. The resolution demands that Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any country, or to shelter, train, plan or finance terrorist acts, and it refers to individuals and entities designated under resolution 1267 (1999), a list that includes Pakistan-based groups such as Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e- Mohammed. Hence 2 and 3 only.
Consider the following pairs: Document : Year of release
1. UK Integrated Review, 'Global Britain in a Competitive Age' : 2021
2. Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy : 2022
3. EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific : 2019
4. Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States (Biden administration) : 2018
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Answer (b) & explanation
Pair 1 is correct: the UK's Integrated Review 2021, 'Global Britain in a Competitive Age', introduced the Indo-Pacific 'tilt' that the 2023 Refresh said had been delivered. Pair 2 is correct: Global Affairs Canada launched Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy in Vancouver on 27 November 2022. Pair 3 is wrong: the EU's Joint Communication came on 16 September 2021, after Council Conclusions in April 2021. Pair 4 is wrong: the Biden administration's Indo-Pacific Strategy came in February 2022; 2018 is when the Pacific Command was renamed. So two pairs are correct.
Consider the following documents:
1. Germany's policy guidelines on the Indo-Pacific
2. The EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
3. Australia's Foreign Policy White Paper
4. India's Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative
Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of their adoption or launch, starting with the earliest?
Answer (d) & explanation
The dates are: Australia's Foreign Policy White Paper in 2017, which the IORA's Outlook on the Indo-Pacific lists first among member-state documents; India's IPOI, launched at the EAS in Bangkok on 4 November 2019; Germany's policy guidelines, adopted by the cabinet in September 2020; and the EU strategy, a Joint Communication of 16 September 2021. So the order is 3-4-1-2. Germany's guidelines themselves called for a European strategy, which is why the EU document came after them. Australia's early start reflects its 2013 Defence White Paper, which first spoke of an 'Indo-Pacific strategic arc'.
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In 150 words, explain the significance of Global Issues with one recent example.
Flashcards (4)
NDC 2030 intensity target?
45% below 2005.
Non-fossil share June 2025?
50.08% (measured).
ISA launched?
COP21, Paris, 2015.
Paris Article 6?
Carbon markets and non-market.
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