UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Policy analyses explain that banning low-utility, high-litter items addresses the worst offenders in terms of environmental harm. At the same time, raising thickness standards for some remaining plastics is intended to encourage reuse and make collection and recycling easier. Together, these measures move the system gradually towards reduced disposability and more circular designs. They exemplify how regulatory mixes can balance practicality with environmental ambition in a large developing economy.

Option A:
This option correctly interprets the policy mix as targeting unnecessary items while improving the design of others to support reuse and circularity. It recognises the nuanced approach rather than an all-or-nothing ban.

Option B:
This option is incorrect because the government has not attempted to eliminate all plastics within a year; many essential and regulated uses remain. A sudden total ban would be neither practical nor reflected in the rules.

Option C:
Increasing waste generation is the opposite of the policy’s purpose. The measures aim to reduce litter and total plastic usage, while making remaining items more sustainable.

Option D:
The ban and related standards apply to domestically used items and do not revolve primarily around import–domestic distinctions. The focus is on product characteristics and environmental impact.

Statement C is the only wrong statement because the waste hierarchy places prevention and reduction at the top, not landfilling and incineration. Landfill and incineration are typically lower-priority options. Statements A, B, D, E and F are correct as they emphasise prevention, reuse, recycling, segregation, producer responsibility and the role of informal workers. Therefore, identifying C alone as wrong is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it treats both A and C as wrong, even though A accurately describes the top tier of the waste hierarchy. Including A among wrong statements contradicts standard waste management principles.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it combines C with E and wrongly classifies E as incorrect. E correctly notes that Extended Producer Responsibility can drive better product design and take-back systems to support higher steps of the hierarchy.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since it marks B, C and D as wrong; both B and D are true and central to effective waste management. Misclassifying them undermines the understanding of resource conservation and source segregation.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it singles out C, which reverses the hierarchy’s priority, and implicitly accepts all other statements as true. This matches accepted waste management frameworks used in policy and practice.

The campaign aims to make durable cloth bags easily accessible and affordable so that people do not rely on disposable plastic bags. By installing vending machines at public places, it reduces convenience barriers and normalises carrying reusable bags. This supports state and national efforts to curb single-use plastics and fosters a culture of reuse and waste prevention.

Option A:
This option correctly reflects the core objective of the initiative, which is to change everyday consumer behaviour away from plastic carry bags.

Option B:
This option is incorrect; the programme is explicitly against unnecessary plastic purchases.

Option C:
The campaign does not oppose waste segregation; reducing single-use plastics complements better waste management.

Option D:
While tourists may also use the bags, the initiative is primarily about habitual local shopping behaviour, not souvenirs.

The Meendum Manjappai campaign encourages citizens to shift from disposable plastic carry bags to durable cloth bags. By making cloth bags easily available at subsidised rates through vending machines, the initiative reduces both cost and convenience barriers. This supports state and national efforts to curb single-use plastics and fosters a culture of reuse. The campaign thus links local behavioural change with broader environmental regulations.

Option A:
This option correctly reflects the core objective of the campaign, which is to popularise reusable bags as an alternative to single-use plastics. It recognises the behavioural and accessibility aspects of the policy.

Option B:
This option is incorrect because the campaign does not discourage waste segregation; in fact, reducing single-use plastics can complement better waste management, including segregation and recycling.

Option C:
The vending machines dispense cloth bags, not plastic products. The idea is to replace plastics, not promote their sale.

Option D:
While tourists might also use the bags, the campaign is aimed at the general public’s daily shopping habits, not just decorative souvenirs. Focusing only on tourism would miss its main behavioural goal.