UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Many high-ambition countries and civil-society groups argue that without constraints on primary plastic production and strong control of toxic additives, pollution will continue to grow. Some major producer countries prefer a narrower treaty that emphasises waste management and voluntary measures. This disagreement over upstream production and chemicals versus downstream approaches has repeatedly stalled progress in recent negotiating sessions. (IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin)

Option A:
This option is incorrect because recycling is widely discussed; the conflict is not about mentioning it but about whether that alone is enough.

Option B:
This option correctly summarises the core divide between a life-cycle, production-focused approach and a weaker waste-only model.

Option C:
Oceans are already recognised as a key area affected by plastic pollution; there is no strong movement to exclude them entirely.

Option D:
No serious proposal suggests banning plastics in developing but not developed countries; the equity debate is about responsibilities and support, not such asymmetric bans.

Statements A, B and D are correct because climate agreements address mitigation and adaptation, most treaties require reporting and review and domestic measures are needed to give effect to international commitments. Statement C is incorrect since non-state actors such as NGOs, businesses and local bodies play important roles in implementation, monitoring and advocacy. Global environmental governance is multi-actor and multi-level. Hence, the combination A, B and D only is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete as it lists only A and B and omits D. Without acknowledging the need for national laws and institutions, it does not fully explain how agreements are implemented domestically.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it includes only B and D and leaves out A, which is a central statement about the objectives of climate agreements. Ignoring A makes the description of agreements less comprehensive.

Option C:
Option C is correct since it includes all three true statements and excludes C, which wrongly denies any role for non-state actors. It reflects the complex nature of contemporary environmental governance.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it accepts C along with A and D. Although A and D are true, endorsing C would ignore the important contributions of civil society and other actors to treaty implementation.