Environmental indicators and indices – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B, C, D and F are correct because they describe major indices and note that indicators help inform but do not replace judgement. Statement E is false since choices about what to measure and how to weight indicators always involve normative decisions. Hence, the combination that includes all correct statements and excludes E is correct.

Option A:
Option A is correct as it captures different measurement tools and emphasises cautious policy use, while rejecting the notion that index construction is entirely free of value judgements.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it leaves out F and therefore fails to highlight that contextual interpretation is necessary to avoid mechanical use of indices.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since it includes E, which wrongly claims that index design is purely objective, even though value choices are inherent in indicator selection.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as it omits B, so it loses the definition of ecological footprint, which is one of the key indicators discussed in this unit.