UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

PM2.5 refers to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less. These particles can be solid or liquid and remain suspended in the air. Because of their very small size, they can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, reaching the bronchioles and alveoli, and are associated with serious health problems. Thus, the technically correct description is given in option B.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because PM2.5 refers to particles, not gases. Gaseous pollutants like sulphur dioxide or nitrogen oxides are categorised separately in air quality monitoring.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it clearly states that PM2.5 includes both solid and liquid particles whose diameter is less than or equal to 2.5 micrometres. This definition matches how PM2.5 is defined in environmental science and air pollution regulations.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since coarse dust particles visible to the naked eye are generally larger than 10 micrometres. PM2.5 is fine particulate matter that is not usually visible individually to the naked eye.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because ozone is a gaseous molecule and not classified as particulate matter. While ozone can be an air pollutant at ground level, it is not PM2.5.

Non conventional energy sources are those that differ from traditional fossil based sources and are often renewable. Solar,wind,geothermal and tidal energy fall in this category. These sources are promoted to reduce dependence on coal,oil and gas and to lower environmental impacts. Hence the description in the question clearly refers to non conventional energy.

Option A:
Conventional energy typically denotes traditional sources such as coal,oil,natural gas and large hydro. These have long been used and are often associated with high environmental costs. Therefore conventional is the opposite of what is described in the stem.

Option B:
Thermal energy refers to heat energy and can be produced by burning fossil fuels,using nuclear reactions or harnessing solar power. The term by itself does not indicate an alternative or renewable source. Thus it does not specifically match the idea in the question.

Option C:
Non conventional energy emphasises newer and often renewable sources that can substitute for fossil fuels. Because the stem lists solar,wind and geothermal as examples,this category is the most accurate. It captures both the alternative and low carbon nature of these sources.

Option D:
Nuclear energy is a large scale energy source based on nuclear fission. While it is sometimes considered an alternative to fossil fuels,it is usually not grouped with non conventional renewables like wind and solar in this context. Therefore it is not the best answer here.

Agenda 21 is a voluminous action plan adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992. It outlines measures for sustainable development at global,national and local levels. The document covers social,economic and environmental dimensions in a coordinated framework. Thus the description in the question matches Agenda 21.

Option A:
The Paris Plan is not the standard name for any major sustainable development action plan. It could loosely refer to outcomes from Paris meetings but not to the 1992 Earth Summit. Therefore it is not the right term here.

Option B:
The Kyoto Agenda is not a recognised formal document; Kyoto is mainly associated with the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. That protocol is about emission reductions,not a broad sustainable development action plan adopted in 1992. Hence it does not fit the question.

Option C:
The Rio Declaration contains a set of principles on environment and development but is not a detailed plan of action. While adopted at the same summit,it is distinct from Agenda 21. Therefore it does not correspond to the description given.

Option D:
Agenda 21 specifically refers to the programmatic document structured into 40 chapters covering different areas of sustainable development. Because the stem refers to a comprehensive plan adopted at Rio,this is the exact term required.

Project Tiger is a centrally sponsored scheme started in 1973 to ensure a viable population of tigers in India and protect them from extinction. It created and strengthened a network of tiger reserves across the country. The stem mentions conservation as the central aim,which directly points to tigers. Therefore “tiger populations” correctly completes the statement.

Option A:
Tiger populations serve as flagship species whose protection also conserves entire forest ecosystems. Project Tiger focuses on habitat improvement,anti-poaching and community involvement. These goals match the conservation emphasis of the question.

Option B:
Asian elephants are conserved through different programmes and elephant reserves. They are not the primary focus of Project Tiger,so Option B is incorrect here.

Option C:
The one horned rhinoceros has its own specialised conservation efforts,especially in Assam. It is not the species named in the title of Project Tiger.

Option D:
Blackbuck conservation is handled through protected areas and specific regional initiatives. This antelope species is not the target of Project Tiger,so Option D does not fit the stem.

Statements A and C are correct: CBDR-RC explicitly acknowledges historical responsibility and differing capabilities, and climate finance is designed to assist developing countries with mitigation and adaptation. Statements B and D are incorrect because obligations are differentiated under the UNFCCC and equity concerns are central in negotiations. Thus, the combination that includes A and C only is correct.

Option A:
Option A is correct as it selects the two statements reflecting the core equity principles and mechanisms of the climate regime while excluding those that deny differentiation and equity. It aligns with the conceptual treatment of climate justice in the unit.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it adds B, which falsely asserts identical mitigation responsibilities for all countries, ignoring differentiation between developed and developing parties.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since it includes D, which wrongly claims equity is irrelevant in climate talks, contrary to actual negotiation dynamics.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as it groups only incorrect statements B and D with one correct statement C, resulting in a mixed and unacceptable combination.

The sustainable livelihood approach looks at how people use various assets such as natural, human, social and financial capital to make a living. It stresses resilience to shocks, diversification of income and conservation of the resource base. The goal is to enable poor households to secure better livelihoods in a way that is environmentally sustainable. Therefore, the option highlighting assets, capabilities and non-degrading use of resources is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because short-term food aid, while important in emergencies, does not build long-term livelihood security. It addresses symptoms rather than underlying vulnerability.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it captures the central ideas of building assets and coping capacity while protecting the environment. This long-term view is central to sustainable livelihoods thinking.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since mass migration can increase urban stress and does not automatically create sustainable livelihoods. It may shift poverty from rural to urban areas.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because reliance on a single cash crop can increase risk and degrade soils. Sustainable livelihoods usually promote diversification and resource-conserving practices.

The very title of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act makes clear that its main purpose is to prevent and control water pollution. It establishes pollution control boards and regulatory mechanisms for this purpose. The stem refers to this 1974 legislation,so water is the correct completion.

Option A:
Air pollution is addressed in India by the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,1981. Although some institutions are shared with the Water Act,it is a separate law. Therefore air does not fit the specific act mentioned in the question.

Option B:
Water is the environmental medium explicitly targeted by the 1974 Act. It covers effluent standards, consent procedures and penalties for polluting water bodies. This focus matches exactly with the stem’s description.

Option C:
Noise pollution is regulated through different rules under the Environment (Protection) Act and other instruments,not primarily by the Water Act. Hence noise is not the appropriate answer here.

Option D:
Thermal pollution of water bodies is one type of water pollution but is only a subset of what the Act covers. The Act’s main thrust is broader water pollution control,so the general term water is more accurate.

Statements A, B and D capture the major elements of sustainable urban transport. A highlights the importance of public and non-motorised transport in cutting congestion and emissions, B stresses integrating land-use with transport to reduce travel demand and D notes the role of efficient and electric vehicles in lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Statement C is incorrect because sustainable transport seeks to reduce dependence on private cars, not increase it. Thus, the correct option is the one that includes A, B and D while excluding C.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it includes all the statements that align with sustainable mobility goals and excludes the one that contradicts them. It recognises demand management, better planning and cleaner technologies as central strategies. By leaving out C, it avoids treating increased car use as an indicator of sustainable transport.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it introduces statement C into an otherwise correct pair. Statement C wrongly suggests that sustainable transport policies aim to increase private car use, whereas policy frameworks advocate modal shift away from cars. Including this incorrect statement invalidates the combination.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it groups B, C and D and in doing so accepts C as correct. Although B and D are valid, the presence of C, which misrepresents sustainable transport policy, makes the option unacceptable.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it includes A, C and D and omits B. While A and D are correct, C is wrong and B is an important correct statement regarding integrated land-use and transport. This mixture of one false and one omitted correct statement means the option cannot be chosen.

Statements C and D are wrong. Urban agriculture can provide environmental benefits such as increased green cover and reduced food miles, so saying it always increases pollution is incorrect. Policies do not universally guarantee secure land and resources; many urban farmers face tenure insecurity and regulatory barriers. Statements A and B accurately describe activities and benefits of urban agriculture. Hence, the wrong statements together are C and D.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it singles out C only and ignores D, even though D is also clearly wrong. Many cities lack comprehensive policies to secure land and resources for urban farmers, so failing to mark D as wrong misses an important limitation.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it selects D only. While D is wrong, C is also incorrect in denying potential environmental benefits. Selecting only one of the two wrong statements does not fully answer the question.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since it treats A and C as wrong. Statement A correctly defines urban agriculture as involving plant and small animal production in and around cities. Grouping a correct definition with a wrong statement leads to an invalid combination.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it identifies both misleading statements together. It acknowledges that urban agriculture can have environmental benefits and that supportive policies are not universally guaranteed, which is consistent with empirical evidence.

Statements A, B, C and E are correct because they describe major applications of ICTs in mapping, communication, regulatory enforcement and transparency. Remote sensing and GIS track land changes, warning messages reach people quickly, monitoring systems help regulators and open data portals invite public scrutiny. Statement D is false since ICT use can also increase energy demand and e-waste, and F is false because ICT tools are central to climate modelling and data analysis. Therefore, the correct combination is A, B, C and E only.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it leaves out C and E, thereby ignoring the roles of ICTs in enforcement and open data governance. It restricts ICT benefits mainly to mapping and communication.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect since it includes D, which claims ICT always reduces energy use and e-waste. This is unrealistic, given the significant footprints of data centres, devices and electronic waste.

Option C:
Option C is correct as it encompasses the main beneficial applications while excluding overstated or dismissive claims in D and F. It reflects the nuanced role of ICTs as both tools and sources of environmental concern.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it accepts F and omits A. Ignoring A downplays a foundational use of ICT in environmental management, while accepting F denies the obvious centrality of ICT in climate research.

Global warming is conventionally defined as the rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface air and oceans over decades. This increase is driven primarily by human induced greenhouse gas emissions. The stem clearly points to a long term increase in average temperature,so “surface” is the correct qualifier. It aligns with how global warming is measured and discussed in climate science.

Option A:
The core refers to the innermost part of the Earth and its temperature changes do not capture climate trends experienced by living organisms. Global warming discussions rarely focus on core temperature,so Option A is inaccurate.

Option B:
Surface temperature records from land and sea provide the key empirical basis for assessing global warming. These datasets show a clear upward trend over the last century. This is precisely the aspect highlighted in the stem.

Option C:
The crust describes the solid outer shell of the Earth and its temperature is uneven and not used as the primary climate indicator. Thus Option C does not match the standard definition of global warming.

Option D:
The mantle is a deep interior layer and its thermal behaviour is largely independent of atmospheric greenhouse gas levels. It is not the focus of climate change discussions,so Option D is not appropriate.

Statements A, B, D and E are correct and capture both risks and opportunities of agricultural technologies. Overuse of chemicals can degrade soils and ecosystems, efficient irrigation saves water, integrated nutrient management supports fertility and impact assessment helps avoid unsustainable technologies. C is wrong because mechanisation and high-yielding varieties can affect soils, water and biodiversity, and F is wrong since farmers’ knowledge and participation are critical to appropriate technology adoption. Therefore, A, B, D and E only form the correct set.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it omits E, leaving out the role of environmental assessment in guiding sustainable technology choices. While A, B and D are true, they do not fully represent the planning dimension stressed in sustainable agriculture.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it groups the four statements that reflect current understanding of technology–environment interactions in agriculture. It excludes C and F, which present unrealistic or dismissive views of environmental consequences and farmer participation.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since it includes F, wrongly claiming that farmers’ knowledge is irrelevant, and omits A, which highlights serious effects of chemical overuse. The mix of missing and wrong elements makes this option unacceptable.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it includes C, which denies environmental consequences of modern technologies. Although A, D and E are true, accepting C undermines the ecological perspective essential to this topic.

Statements A, C and D correctly describe key features of Environmental Impact Assessment. Statement A highlights that EIA is a systematic process, C points to the role of public participation and D emphasises identification of mitigation measures to reduce negative impacts. Statement B is incorrect because EIA is normally carried out before project implementation to inform decision-making. Therefore, the combination containing A, C and D only is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it includes all the true statements about EIA while excluding the false one. It recognises that EIA is prospective in nature, involves stakeholders and leads to mitigation plans. By omitting statement B, which wrongly places EIA after project completion, this option fits the conceptual understanding used in environmental management.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it pairs A with B. While A is correct, B is wrong since EIA is not meant to be carried out after the project is fully constructed; such a timing would defeat its preventive purpose. Including a false statement makes the whole combination invalid.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it collects A, B and C. In this set, A and C are correct but B remains incorrect for the reason that EIA is done prior to project implementation. A correct combination must exclude B altogether rather than including it along with true statements.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it groups B, C and D. Although C and D are correct, the presence of B, which misrepresents the timing of EIA, means the option cannot be accepted. An answer containing even one false statement fails to represent the correct description of EIA.

Primary energy sources are found in nature and have not yet undergone any conversion or transformation process. Coal dug directly from mines is a primary energy source because it is used in its original form for combustion. In contrast, electricity, petrol and hydrogen are secondary forms of energy obtained by processing or converting primary sources. Therefore, coal as extracted from mines is correctly identified as a primary source, as stated in Option C.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect since electricity from coal is a secondary energy form; it results from converting the chemical energy in coal into electrical energy through generation processes.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because petrol is produced in refineries by processing crude oil. It is a secondary product derived from the primary fossil resource, not a primary energy source itself.

Option C:
Option C is correct because coal in the ground or freshly mined represents a natural energy resource that can be used directly for heating or electricity generation, illustrating its status as primary energy.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because hydrogen produced by electrolysis depends on electricity, which is itself generated from primary sources. In this context, hydrogen is a secondary energy carrier, not a primary source.

Statements B and F are wrong whereas A, C, D and E are correct. The ecological footprint depends on both population size and per capita consumption, so saying it depends only on size ignores lifestyle and technology effects. Likewise, technological change can reduce or increase environmental impact, so claiming it never plays any role is false. The other statements accurately describe pressures on resources, policy levers and the role of urbanisation in shaping impacts.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it marks only B as wrong and ignores F, which also misrepresents the role of technology. By failing to identify all incorrect statements, it does not answer the question fully.

Option B:
Option B is correct since it picks out exactly B and F as wrong, leaving the rest recognised as valid statements. It reflects the more nuanced understanding that both consumption and technology, along with population size, shape environmental impacts.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as it treats A, B and F together as wrong, even though A correctly points out increased pressure from very high population growth. Including A among wrong statements contradicts basic population–resource analysis.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it adds D and E to the list of wrong statements. D and E correctly describe carrying capacity and the effects of urbanisation, so grouping them with B and F undermines the conceptual clarity of the answer.