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.

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.

Statements A, B and D are correct because ICT tools like remote sensing and GIS help monitor environmental change, ICTs improve information flows and green technologies need supportive policies and capacities. Statement C is incorrect as technology does not guarantee sustainability; outcomes depend on design, context and use. Hence, the combination A, B and D only is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it omits D, which rightly emphasises that enabling policies and capacity building are essential for adoption of environment-friendly technologies. Without D, the role of governance and institutions is underestimated.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because, although B and D are true, it leaves out A which reflects one of the most important environmental applications of ICT, namely remote sensing and GIS. The combination is therefore only partially correct.

Option C:
Option C is correct since it selects the three true statements and excludes C, which wrongly assumes automatic sustainability from any new technology. It aligns with a critical understanding of technology–environment relationships.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as it includes C along with the true statements. Accepting C implies that the mere presence of technology ensures sustainability, which is conceptually flawed.

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.

Statements A, B, D and E accurately portray the environmental implications and responsibilities associated with ICT, while C and F are misleading. Digitalisation does not automatically guarantee environmental benefit if the underlying energy sources are highly polluting. Green computing encourages efficiency, and procurement policies can factor in energy ratings and recyclability. Since environmental considerations are relevant to institutional ICT planning, F must be rejected, leaving A, B, D and E as the correct set.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it omits E, which notes that procurement decisions can incorporate sustainability criteria. Although A, B and D are true, excluding E weakens the description of organisational-level strategies for greener ICT.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it includes statement C, which makes an absolute claim that reducing paper is always environmentally beneficial regardless of electricity generation. It also omits statement E about sustainable procurement, so it does not represent the full correct set.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it keeps only those statements that recognise energy consumption, e-waste standards, green computing practices and sustainable purchasing. By excluding C’s absolutism and F’s disregard for environmental issues, it offers a balanced view of ICT and sustainability.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it combines B, D and E with F and thereby accepts the claim that environmental concerns are irrelevant. This contradicts global policy directions linking ICT expansion with environmental responsibility.