UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 40

Correct answer: Option B. The Montreal Protocol is the principal international agreement governing the phase-out and control of ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons. The Kyoto Protocol concerns greenhouse-gas emissions, the Nagoya Protocol addresses genetic resources and benefit-sharing, and Bretton Woods established post-war financial institutions. Therefore Montreal Protocol is correct. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “Bretton Woods Conference” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option B: “Montreal Protocol” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Option C: “Kyoto Protocol” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option D: “Nagoya Protocol” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Prelims takeaway: Focus on the precise institutional role, constitutional provision, geographical association, or technical definition being tested. UPSC questions often place a broadly familiar fact beside a narrowly incorrect qualifier; identifying that qualifier is essential for elimination.