UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is designed to simplify complex air quality data by translating pollutant concentrations into a single scale with associated health categories. It helps citizens understand whether air is good,moderate or hazardous on a given day. The stem describes a composite indicator that communicates air quality status,which matches the AQI. Thus Air Quality Index is the correct term.

Option A:
An emission inventory is a detailed list of pollutants released from various sources over a period. It is used for planning and modelling,but it does not directly provide a simple public facing status index as described in the question.

Option B:
Air Quality Index values are calculated using sub indices for pollutants like PM2.5,PM10, NO₂ and O₃ and then reporting the worst as the overall index. This method allows a quick health oriented interpretation. These features align with the stem’s emphasis on a single number and category.

Option C:
Stack height refers to the physical height of chimneys used to disperse pollutants more widely. It is an engineering design parameter,not an information tool for the public.

Option D:
Particulate factor is not a standard term for summarising air quality. While particulates are important pollutants, their levels alone do not create the overall air quality category mentioned in the question.

Statements A, B, C and E are correct because standards exist for air, water and noise, and regular monitoring is required to see whether actual conditions meet these limits. Statement D is false, since even legally binding standards require regulatory institutions, penalties and compliance mechanisms to be effective. Statement F is false too because public disclosure of data supports transparency and can create pressure for better enforcement. Therefore, the set that keeps A, B, C and E while excluding D and F is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect as it omits E and thereby ignores the crucial role of monitoring in making standards meaningful. Without E, there is no way to check compliance systematically.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect since it leaves out C, thus failing to mention noise standards, which are part of environmental quality frameworks, especially in urban areas.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it includes D, which wrongly suggests that standards never need enforcement mechanisms. Including D mixes a clearly false claim with correct statements.

Option D:
Option D is correct as it retains all the true statements about what standards are and how they are applied, while rejecting the idea that enforcement and public information do not matter.

The surveillance function of mass communication involves monitoring the environment and providing information about events such as disasters,weather and crises. TV news reports on natural disasters so that people can take precautions. This clearly illustrates the surveillance role of media.

Option A:
Correlation refers to interpreting and commenting on events,as in editorials,not merely reporting them.

Option B:
Surveillance gives early warning and general awareness,making option A the appropriate term for the function described.

Option C:
Entertainment includes programmes meant to amuse audiences and is not the primary purpose of disaster reporting.

Option D:
Mobilisation refers to rallying people for social or political action; while disaster news may lead to action,the primary function here is information.

Statements A, B, D and E are correct because emission inventories, monitoring networks, health impact assessments and intersectoral coordination are all pillars of effective air quality management. Statement C is wrong since sustainable transport options do reduce emissions, and F is wrong because informing the public can support both behavioural shifts and pressure for stronger policies. Therefore, the correct combination is A, B, D and E.

Option A:
Option A is correct as it selects exactly the statements that reflect standard air quality management practice, while excluding those that deny the role of transport measures and public information. It highlights science, health and governance aspects together.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it omits E and thereby underplays the necessity of coordination across transport, energy and land-use planning sectors, which is crucial for addressing complex pollution sources.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since it includes C, which falsely claims that promoting public and non-motorised transport has no impact. This contradicts evidence that mode shifts reduce vehicular emissions, so the option mixes true and false statements.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as it retains F, stating that public access to information is irrelevant, while excluding A. Removing A ignores a basic analytical tool and accepting F denies the role of transparency, so this combination is conceptually weak.