UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Environmental Impact Assessment is a systematic process used to identify and analyse the likely environmental consequences of a proposed project. It helps decision-makers consider alternatives, design mitigation measures and decide whether or not to approve a project. By assessing impacts in advance, EIA supports more informed and sustainable planning. Thus, its main purpose is to predict and evaluate environmental impacts before key decisions are taken, as stated in Option B.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because EIA does not aim to rush projects or bypass public consultation. In many jurisdictions, public participation is an integral part of the EIA process.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it highlights the anticipatory nature of EIA. Environmental consequences are examined before major decisions so that they can influence project design and approval.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because EIA is meant to complement, not replace, economic feasibility studies. Sound planning considers both economic and environmental aspects together.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect since no development project can have absolutely zero environmental impact. EIA seeks to minimise negative impacts and enhance positive ones, not to guarantee total absence of change.

Statements A, B and C are correct and summarise the origins and multi-level focus of Agenda 21. It arose from UNCED 1992, sets out a broad action plan and encourages local governments to prepare their own sustainability strategies. Statement D is incorrect because Agenda 21 explicitly integrates environmental, social and economic dimensions of development. Therefore, the combination that includes A, B and C while excluding D is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it leaves out C, even though C correctly explains the idea of Local Agenda 21 initiatives that extend the agenda to the municipal and community level. Without C, the answer underplays the decentralised aspect of Agenda 21.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it includes only B and C and omits A, which gives the crucial context of UNCED 1992 as the source of Agenda 21. Ignoring this historical element results in an incomplete combination.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it groups together all three accurate statements about Agenda 21 and rejects the narrow interpretation in D. It reflects the global-to-local and multi-dimensional nature of the action plan as presented in UGC NET materials.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it claims all four statements are correct, thereby accepting D as true. This would wrongly reduce Agenda 21 to purely environmental concerns, ignoring its explicit social and economic pillars.