Consider the following statements :

I. Carbon dioxide [latex]CO_2[/latex] emissions in India are less than [latex]0.5 \text{ t } \text{CO}_2/\text{capita}[/latex].
II. In terms of [latex]\text{CO}_2[/latex] emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region.
III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of [latex]\text{CO}_2[/latex] emissions in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) I and III only
(b) II only
(c) II and III only
(d) I, II and III

The correct answer is (c) II and III only.

Explanation

Statement I: Incorrect. This statement is factually wrong. According to recent data (e.g., from the World Bank and the International Energy Agency for 2021/2022), India’s per capita [latex]CO_2[/latex] emissions are approximately 1.9 tonnes. This is significantly higher than the “less than 0.5 t” threshold mentioned.
Statement II: Correct. In terms of total [latex]CO_2[/latex] emissions from fuel combustion within the Asia-Pacific region, China is the largest emitter. India is the second largest emitter in this region. (Globally, India is the third-largest emitter, after China and the USA).
Statement III: Correct. This is true. The “Electricity and Heat Production” sector is the single largest source of [latex]CO_2[/latex] emissions in India. This is due to the country’s heavy dependence on coal to generate the majority of its electricity.