UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statement D is the only wrong statement because ICT use clearly affects energy consumption, resource use and e-waste generation, so it is linked to environmental sustainability. Statements A, B and C correctly identify concerns and mitigation strategies such as data centre energy use, efficient technologies and digital documents. Claiming that ICT has no relationship with sustainability ignores both negative impacts and opportunities for greener practices. Hence the option that selects only D as wrong is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it groups A and D as wrong statements. Statement A is true, as large data centres are known to consume substantial electricity and may contribute to emissions depending on the energy mix. Including this accurate statement with the false one makes the option invalid.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it labels B and D as wrong. While D is false, B correctly notes that energy-efficient hardware and cooling can reduce ICT’s environmental footprint. This combination misclassifies a genuine mitigation strategy as wrong.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it isolates D as the sole incorrect statement while accepting A, B and C as accurate. It acknowledges that ICT both poses environmental challenges and offers ways to reduce impact through efficiency and reduced paper use.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it includes A, B and D as wrong, thereby rejecting A and B, which are true. Considering genuine environmental issues and solutions as wrong contradicts the intent of the question.

Statement D is the only wrong statement because open burning or dumping of e-waste releases toxic substances and is not environmentally safe. Statements A, B and C correctly describe what constitutes e-waste, the dangers of improper disposal and the need for recycling and proper management. Sustainable ICT practice emphasises minimising harm through responsible handling of discarded devices. Thus, the option that selects only D as wrong is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it labels A and D as wrong. Statement A is true, as e-waste comprises various discarded electronic devices. Including a correct statement in the wrong set makes this combination invalid.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it groups B and D as wrong. While D is wrong, B is correct in noting the environmental and health risks of improper e-waste disposal. Mixing true and false statements prevents this option from being right.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it lists A, B and D as wrong statements. Both A and B correctly define e-waste and highlight associated hazards, so they should not be treated as wrong. Only D is incorrect.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it isolates D as the sole wrong statement. It reflects the scientific understanding that unsafe disposal practices harm people and ecosystems, and that responsible recycling and management are necessary.

Electronic waste refers specifically to discarded electrical and electronic equipment and their parts. Such waste often contains hazardous substances like heavy metals and brominated flame retardants. Improper handling can lead to serious environmental and health problems. Therefore the description in the question clearly fits electronic waste.

Option A:
Biomedical waste consists of materials generated from diagnosis,treatment and research activities in healthcare institutions. It includes contaminated dressings,sharps and pathological waste. Although hazardous,it is distinct from discarded electronic devices.

Option B:
Municipal solid waste is the general household and commercial refuse collected by urban local bodies. It includes food scraps,paper,plastics and similar items. While some electronics may enter this stream,the term is broader and not specific to electronic devices.

Option C:
Agricultural waste originates from farming activities,such as crop residues and animal manure. It does not usually include used computers or mobile phones. Hence it does not correspond to the description in the stem.

Option D:
Electronic waste,or e waste,includes obsolete computers,phones,televisions and related components. Because the stem lists exactly these kinds of items,this term matches the intended concept precisely.

Electronic waste refers to discarded electrical and electronic equipment and their components. Items like mobile phones, laptops, monitors and printed circuit boards often contain heavy metals and hazardous substances. Improper disposal can contaminate soil and water and expose workers to toxic materials. Therefore, discarded mobile phones and computer motherboards are typical examples of e-waste.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because vegetable peels are biodegradable organic waste, usually suitable for composting. They do not contain the electronic components associated with e-waste.

Option B:
Option B is correct since mobile phones and motherboards clearly fall into the category of obsolete electronic equipment. Their safe recycling requires specialised processes to recover valuable metals and manage toxins.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as bricks and concrete are construction and demolition waste. While bulky, they lack the electronic circuits and hazardous metals that define e-waste.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because garden leaves are green waste that can be composted or mulched. They do not pose the same toxic risks as discarded electronics.

E-waste is a growing environmental concern resulting from rapid obsolescence of ICT devices. It includes any discarded or end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment and their components. Such waste can release toxic substances if not handled properly. Therefore, the option describing unwanted electronic equipment correctly defines e-waste in ICT contexts.

Option A:
This option focuses on organic agricultural waste, which is managed through separate environmental processes such as composting. It is not specific to ICT and does not involve electronic components. Hence, it does not represent e-waste.

Option B:
This option correctly identifies e-waste as encompassing various ICT hardware that has reached the end of its useful life. Items like computers, monitors and phones contain metals and chemicals that require specialised recycling. This aligns with standard environmental discussions on e-waste.

Option C:
Paper waste from printing is indeed a concern but falls under general solid waste or paper waste, not e-waste. It does not involve electronic circuitry or hazardous materials unique to ICT devices.

Option D:
Plastic bottles are a form of plastic waste and contribute to pollution but are not classified as e-waste. The term specifically refers to electronic items rather than general plastic products.

E-waste refers to waste generated from discarded electronic devices, many of which contain hazardous substances such as heavy metals and plastics. Improper disposal can contaminate soil and water and affect human health. Responsible recycling and take-back policies are needed to manage e-waste sustainably. Hence, the materials described in the stem are e-waste.

Option A:
Option A, green energy, concerns renewable energy sources and does not describe discarded electronic devices.

Option B:
Option B is correct because environmental studies and ICT policy documents specifically label obsolete electronics as electronic waste or e-waste, emphasising their unique disposal challenges.

Option C:
Option C, biodegradable residue, refers to waste that can decompose naturally, whereas many electronic components persist in the environment for long periods.

Option D:
Option D, open data, denotes publicly accessible data sets and has no relation to physical waste.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requires manufacturers to take back or ensure proper collection and recycling of their products after use. Electronics are a common target because they contain hazardous as well as valuable materials. The stem mentions post consumer products requiring end of life management,which matches electronic waste. Therefore Option B is the correct answer.

Option A:
Fresh vegetables are perishable goods whose waste is usually biodegradable and handled through normal organic waste systems. They are not the primary focus of EPR frameworks,so Option A is not suitable.

Option B:
Electronic waste includes discarded computers,phones and appliances whose safe disposal and recycling need organised systems. EPR shifts some responsibility for these systems to producers,matching the concept in the question.

Option C:
Groundwater resources require regulation but are not “products” returned to producers. EPR is product oriented,so Option C does not fit.

Option D:
Open spaces are environmental amenities,not items manufactured and sold by producers. They are not managed through EPR policies,so Option D is incorrect.