UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Traditional chulhas burn biomass such as firewood, dung cakes and crop residues with poor combustion efficiency. In poorly ventilated kitchens, this produces high levels of smoke, particulates and harmful gases. Women and children, who spend more time near the hearth, face greater exposure and health risks. Thus, the use of biomass in traditional stoves is a major cause of indoor air pollution in rural areas.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because LPG in improved stoves burns more cleanly, producing far less smoke and particulates. It is promoted as a solution to indoor air pollution, not its main cause.

Option B:
Option B is correct since it reflects the common reality of smoky kitchens in many rural households. The combination of biomass fuels and inefficient stoves is central to indoor air pollution problems.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because solar cookers, when used, do not emit smoke. Their limitation is dependence on sunlight, not pollution.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect since electricity-based cooking devices emit no smoke at the point of use. Their environmental impact lies in how electricity is generated, not in indoor air quality.