UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

E-waste refers to waste generated from discarded electronic devices, many of which contain hazardous substances such as heavy metals and plastics. Improper disposal can contaminate soil and water and affect human health. Responsible recycling and take-back policies are needed to manage e-waste sustainably. Hence, the materials described in the stem are e-waste.

Option A:
Option A, green energy, concerns renewable energy sources and does not describe discarded electronic devices.

Option B:
Option B is correct because environmental studies and ICT policy documents specifically label obsolete electronics as electronic waste or e-waste, emphasising their unique disposal challenges.

Option C:
Option C, biodegradable residue, refers to waste that can decompose naturally, whereas many electronic components persist in the environment for long periods.

Option D:
Option D, open data, denotes publicly accessible data sets and has no relation to physical waste.