UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

The 2022 notification banned a list of 19 single-use plastic items that typically have short useful lives but high littering potential. Examples include earbuds with plastic sticks, certain plates, cups, cutlery and decorative thermocol. By targeting these low-utility items first, the policy aims to reduce visible pollution while giving time to design alternatives and improve management for other plastic products.

Option A:
This option is incorrect because many plastic products, especially essential and regulated uses, remain allowed; the ban is selective.

Option B:
This option correctly states the focus on low-utility, high-litter items and illustrates the rationale behind the list.

Option C:
Export-oriented units are not the primary focus; the ban addresses domestic circulation of these items.

Option D:
Carry bags are regulated mainly through minimum thickness requirements rather than a blanket ban on thicker bags.

The Government of India notified a ban on a set of 19 identified single-use plastic items from 1 July 2022. These items were chosen because they typically have low utility but a high tendency to become litter, such as earbuds with plastic sticks, certain cutlery and decorative thermocol. The approach aims to eliminate the most problematic plastics while allowing time to improve design and regulation of other products. This selective ban is part of a broader strategy under the Plastic Waste Management Rules.

Option A:
This option correctly reflects the targeted nature of the 2022 ban, which focuses on low-utility, high-litter items. It aligns with official notifications and the list of prohibited products. The focus is on reducing visible litter and environmental harm without disrupting essential uses.

Option B:
This option is incorrect because the ban does not cover all forms of plastic; medical and some other essential uses are excluded. A complete ban would be impractical and was not notified.

Option C:
Plastic carry bags were subject to separate rules that increased minimum thickness requirements rather than banning all such bags above 120 microns. Therefore, this option confuses regulation with prohibition.

Option D:
The ban applies domestically and is not restricted to export-oriented units. In fact, export packaging may follow different rules, whereas the notified items are prohibited within the country’s regular markets and use contexts.