Read the passage and answer the questions that follow:

Earlier this week, European Union (EU) lawmakers laid the groundwork for the rollout of its proposed carbon border adjustment mechanism from 2026. Essentially a carbon border tax, it is shrouded in green principles of pricing carbon, reducing emissions and preventing carbon leakage to combat global warming. But in reality it is nothing but a tax against emerging economies like India exporting to the EU. True, the European bloc has ambitious climate targets of cutting greenhouse gases by 55% over this decade and seeks to withdraw free carbon allowances for its most polluting industries. However, by targeting imports of carbon-intensive goods such as aluminum, steel, cement, fertilizers and electricity it is imposing European emission standards on emerging economies. This is a clear violation of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities of international climate action. The rich countries of the global north bear historic responsibility for global warming. But after having achieved a high standard of living through centuries of polluting industries, they now want to slam the development door shut on the rest of the world. Further exemplifying this hypocrisy is the fact that when the Ukraine war pushed up energy prices last year, EU nations had no qualms falling back on dirty coal.

Plus, rich nations have done little to mobilise the targeted $100 billion for climate funding to developing nations transition to low-carbon pathways. Thus, India is right to object to the EU carbon tax. It should prepare retaliatory measures, including taking the matter to World Trade Organization (WTO) and flagging it as a non-tariff barrier.


1. The ambitious climate targets of the European bloc aim to

A. Withdraw free carbon allowances for its most polluting industries

B. Reduce emissions

C. Prevent carbon leakage

D. Use coal when energy prices rise

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(a) A, B and D only

(b) B and C only

(c) C and D only

(d) A, B and C only


2. European union's carbon border tax will come into effect.

(a) From 2030

(b) Immediately

(c) After a decade

(d) From 2026


3. The following exemplify the hypocrisy of the European Union's imposition of carbon tax

A. Rich countries of the global north have achieved a high standard of living through centuries of polluting industries.

B. Rich countries now wish to hamper the development of the emerging economies.

C. Rich countries violate the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities of international climate action.

D. Rich countries are not imposing European emission economies. standards on emerging

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(a) A and B only

(b) A, B and D only

(c) B, C and D only

(d) A, B and C only


4. Given below are two statements:

Statement I: The European block seeks to impose European emission standards emerging economics. on

Statement II: Rich nations are helping the developing nations transition to low-carbon pathways through climate funding.

In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are true.

(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are false.

(c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false.

(d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true.


5. India is right to object to the European Carbon tax because

A. It will affect its economic growth

B. India is not concerned about global warming

C. Rich nations have yet to mobilize $100 billion for climate funding to help developing countries pathways transition to low-carbon

D. Rich countries of the global north historic responsibility for global warming

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(a) B and C only

(b) A and D only

(c) A, C and D only

(d) A, B and D only



ANSWERS

1 - d

2 - d

3 - d

4 - c

5 - c