UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements C and F are wrong because they dismiss key aspects of how globalisation and environment interact. Saying global supply chains are irrelevant for footprint analysis ignores the idea of embodied resources and emissions in traded goods. Claiming civil society campaigns never influence corporate practices denies many documented changes spurred by consumer and NGO pressure. In contrast, A, B, D and E correctly describe potential relocation effects, environmental clauses, fair trade and livelihood changes. Thus, the wrong statements together are C and F only.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect as it marks only C as wrong and ignores F, which also clearly misstates the impact of civil society on corporate behaviour. By omitting F, it fails to fully identify the erroneous statements.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it singles out only F as wrong and overlooks C, which dismisses the importance of supply chain analysis for environmental footprints. Both C and F need to be recognised as incorrect.

Option C:
Option C is correct since it identifies exactly C and F as false while implicitly validating A, B, D and E. It aligns with the understanding that global supply chains and campaigns both matter in trade–environment discussions.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as it groups B, C and F as wrong even though B is a valid statement about environmental provisions in trade agreements. Including B among wrong statements contradicts how many trade treaties operate.

The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 serves as an umbrella law that gives the central government broad powers to protect and improve the environment. It authorises the setting of standards, regulation of industrial locations and discharges, control of hazardous substances and issuance of directions. Thus, it provides a comprehensive framework rather than dealing with a narrow issue alone.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because wildlife conservation is mainly covered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; the Environment (Protection) Act has a much wider scope beyond wildlife.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it recognises the Act as a broad, empowering statute that underpins many rules on pollution control, environmental standards and impact assessment.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since forest land diversion for projects is primarily governed by the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, not by the Environment (Protection) Act alone.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because pollution control boards were created mainly under the Water and Air Acts; the 1986 Act goes beyond merely setting up such institutions.

Statement C is wrong because many trade agreements do contain environmental chapters, side agreements or provisions, and global forums increasingly integrate environmental concerns into trade rules. Statements A, B, D and E are correct: they refer to pollution haven risks, eco-labelling, the influence of foreign standards on domestic practices and ongoing debates about a race to the bottom. Hence, the combination that identifies C alone as wrong is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect as it labels both A and C as wrong. Statement A is correct in noting that under certain conditions industries may relocate to jurisdictions with weaker environmental regulations, a concern captured in the “pollution haven” hypothesis. Including a correct statement in the wrong set makes this option invalid.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it treats both C and D as wrong. While C is false, D is correct since exporters often adjust production processes to meet environmental standards of importing countries. Misclassifying D contradicts empirical evidence on trade and regulation.

Option C:
Option C is correct since it isolates C as the single incorrect statement and implicitly accepts A, B, D and E as reflecting real trade–environment interactions and debates. It matches the nuanced view expected at UGC NET level.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as it groups B, C and D as wrong statements. B and D are both correct descriptions of how eco-labelling and external standards work, so this combination is inconsistent with the conceptual framework.

Option E is incorrect because it regards A, C and E as jointly wrong. E is correct in observing that there are ongoing debates about whether trade pressures can erode environmental standards, so including it in the wrong set makes the option unacceptable.

The Environment (Protection) Act was enacted after the Bhopal gas tragedy and to implement decisions from the Stockholm Conference. It gives the central government authority to set standards, regulate industrial locations, control hazardous substances and issue directions for environmental protection. Many later rules and notifications, including those on EIA and hazardous waste, are issued under this umbrella law.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because wildlife is specifically covered by the Wildlife (Protection) Act; the Environment (Protection) Act has a broader scope.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it recognises the wide-ranging powers and coordinating role provided by the Act.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect; forest diversion is mainly governed by the Forest (Conservation) Act, though environmental aspects may overlap.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because pollution control boards were created earlier under water and air pollution laws, not solely under this Act.

An ambient air quality standard specifies the maximum acceptable concentration of a pollutant in outdoor air over a defined time period. These standards are set to protect human health and the environment. The stem clearly refers to such permissible limits,so standard is the correct word.

Option A:
An inventory is a detailed list or accounting of emission sources and quantities. While useful for management,it does not itself state permissible limits or health based thresholds. Hence it is not suitable for the blank.

Option B:
A standard is a legally or administratively established benchmark against which actual air quality is compared. Ambient air quality standards guide regulatory action and monitoring. This is exactly what the stem describes,so this option is accurate.

Option C:
A profile usually means a descriptive representation of air quality conditions or emissions but does not inherently define acceptable limits. Therefore it is not equivalent to the concept in the question.

Option D:
A budget in environmental science may refer to the balance of emissions and removals of a pollutant or greenhouse gas. It is different from health based concentration limits,so it cannot fit the blank.

Many occupational health guidelines suggest that long-term exposure to sound levels of about 85 dB or higher can cause noise-induced hearing loss. Above this level, the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear can be damaged over time, so protective measures are required.

Option A:
Option A is correct because 85 dB is a widely used benchmark for continuous occupational noise that requires hearing protection and control measures.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect; 25 dB corresponds to very quiet environments and does not harm hearing.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because about 40 dB, typical of a quiet library, is generally safe and even desirable for concentration.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect; 10 dB is an extremely soft sound and poses no risk of hearing damage.