Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Carbon markets are l

Statement-II claims that carbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State. This statement is a partial truth and can be misleading as a general description of carbon markets. While mechanisms like auctioning of emission allowances in a cap-and-trade system or collecting carbon taxes *do* transfer resources from polluting entities (often private sector) to the government (State), a significant part of the activity in carbon markets involves trading allowances or credits *between* private sector entities. For example, in a cap-and-trade system, a company that has reduced emissions below its allowance can sell its surplus allowances to a company that needs more allowances. This is a transfer of resources within the private sector. Similarly, buying carbon offsets from a project developed by a private entity involves private-to-private transfer. Therefore, stating that carbon markets *transfer resources from the private sector to the State* as a general characteristic is not accurate as it omits the significant private-to-private resource transfers. Thus, Statement-II is incorrect as a comprehensive description.

Since Statement-I is correct and Statement-II is incorrect, option C is the correct answer. Statement-II cannot be the explanation for Statement-I because the mechanism of resource transfer (even if it were accurately described) does not explain *why* carbon markets are widespread tools; they are widespread because they are seen as an economically efficient way to achieve emission reduction targets.