UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B and C are correct and reflect the established link between energy choices and environmental outcomes. Fossil fuels emit carbon dioxide, efficiency measures cut demand and emissions and renewable sources help in mitigation. Statement D is clearly incorrect because energy policy is central to environmental protection through regulations, incentives and technology choices. Hence, the combination that includes A, B and C only is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it contains only A and B and ignores C. While A and B are accurate, C is also a correct statement since renewables contribute significantly to mitigation strategies. Leaving out a true statement makes the option incomplete.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it combines A, B and D and wrongly treats D as correct. By asserting that energy policy has no relevance for environmental protection, D contradicts the basic understanding of climate and energy governance. Including this false statement invalidates the option.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it groups A, C and D and again accepts D as valid. Although A and C are true, adding D undermines the environmental role of energy policy, so the option cannot be chosen.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it includes all the true statements—A, B and C—and excludes the false one. It recognises both the problems of fossil fuels and the solutions offered by efficiency and renewable energy. As a result, it fully satisfies the requirement of the question.

Renewable energy sources are those that are replenished naturally on a human time scale and are not depleted by regular use. Solar energy is derived from sunlight, which is essentially inexhaustible for human purposes. Using solar energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, solar energy is correctly identified as a renewable source, making option A correct.

Option A:
Option A is correct because solar energy relies on the continuous flow of solar radiation, which is naturally replenished each day. It does not get exhausted like fossil fuels and is considered a key pillar of sustainable energy transitions.

Option B:
Option B, coal, is a fossil fuel formed over millions of years and is non-renewable on human time scales. Once extracted and burnt, it cannot be quickly replaced.

Option C:
Option C, petroleum, is also a fossil fuel that is finite and non-renewable. Its extraction and use contribute significantly to air pollution and climate change.

Option D:
Option D, natural gas, while cleaner than coal and oil in terms of emissions, is still a fossil fuel and non-renewable. It also releases carbon dioxide when burned and can leak methane during extraction and transport.

Statements A, B and C are correct because renewable energy use, efficiency improvements and recognition of fossil fuel lock-in are all central ideas in discussions of low-carbon transitions. Statement D is incorrect since sustainable energy policies usually promote diversification and resilience, not dependence on a single source. Therefore, the only option that includes all three true statements and excludes the false one is A, B and C only.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it lists only A and B, leaving out C which is also correct. Lock-in of fossil infrastructure is an important barrier to transitions recognised in energy studies, so ignoring it gives an incomplete picture of the challenges.

Option B:
Option B is correct because it includes all the true statements (A, B and C) and excludes D, which falsely claims sustainable energy policies discourage diversification. This option matches the accepted understanding of low-carbon transitions.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since it groups C and D together and excludes A and B. Although C is correct, D is wrong because sustainable policies generally encourage a balanced energy mix. Selecting this combination misidentifies the overall set of correct statements.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it includes A, C and D but omits B. While A and C are true, D remains false, and excluding B ignores the key role of efficiency as the “first fuel”. A correct answer cannot contain D or leave out B.

Non-conventional energy sources are those that are relatively new, renewable and environmentally friendly compared with conventional fossil fuels. Solar photovoltaic power converts sunlight directly into electricity without combustion. It relies on an abundant, renewable resource and has low operational emissions. In India’s energy planning, solar PV is a key non-conventional source, making option B the correct choice.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because coal-based thermal power is a conventional energy source. It has been used for many decades and is associated with significant air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Option B:
Option B is correct since solar PV fits the criteria of renewable and non-conventional energy. Its expansion is central to meeting sustainable development and climate commitments.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as diesel generators run on petroleum, a conventional fossil fuel. They are typically used as backup and emit considerable pollutants.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because natural gas, though cleaner than coal, is still a fossil fuel. Combined cycle plants improve efficiency but remain conventional in terms of resource type.