The term 'Intended Nationally Determined Contributions' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
Answer & explanation
Answer: (b) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change
Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) were the climate action plans that countries submitted under the UNFCCC in 2015, ahead of the Paris conference (COP 21). Each country set its own emission and adaptation goals, and under the Paris Agreement these became Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
- ✓ (b) INDCs are climate pledges made under the UNFCCC. India submitted its INDC on 2 October 2015, promising to cut the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 per cent by 2030 from the 2005 level.
- ✗ (d) The Sustainable Development Goals (2015) are tracked through voluntary national reviews at the UN, not through 'nationally determined contributions'.
- ✗ (c) Capital subscribed to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is simply called a capital subscription; it has nothing to do with the climate term INDC.
Remember · INDC (2015, pre-Paris pledge) → NDC once a country joins the Paris Agreement; every Party must prepare, communicate and maintain successive NDCs (Article 4.2).
Sources
- UNFCCC, Decision 1/CP.21 (Adoption of the Paris Agreement), FCCC/CP/2015/10/Add.1, para 12 ↗ “II. Intended nationally determined contributions 12. Welcomes the intended nationally determined contributions that have been communicated by Parties in accordance with decision 1/CP.19, paragraph 2(b);”
- PIB: 2015 - Landmark Year for India in Climate Change Initiatives: Economic Survey 2015-16 ↗ “India also submitted its ambitious Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) to the UNFCCC on 2nd October 2015.”
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2016, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·