UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B and D are correct because they describe the protective role of stratospheric ozone, the harmful impact of CFCs and the purpose of the Montreal Protocol. The ozone layer does absorb UV-B radiation, and CFCs are a major anthropogenic cause of its depletion, which led to international regulatory efforts. Statement C is incorrect because the most prominent and persistent ozone hole has historically been observed over Antarctica, not the Arctic. Thus, the correct combination of statements is A, B and D only.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because although A and B are true, it omits D, which is also a correct statement regarding the Montreal Protocol’s role in controlling ozone-depleting substances. Leaving out a correct statement means this option does not fully represent the set of correct statements.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it includes all four statements A, B, C and D, thereby treating C as correct. Since the largest well-known ozone hole is over Antarctica rather than the Arctic, statement C is factually wrong. Including a false statement invalidates the entire combination.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it collects only those statements that are consistent with established atmospheric science and international environmental policy. It recognises the protective function of ozone, the role of CFCs in depletion and the regulatory role of the Montreal Protocol while excluding the incorrect statement about the location of the largest ozone hole.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it assumes B, C and D are correct and omits A. Apart from incorrectly accepting C, this option also fails to include A, which accurately describes the UV-absorbing function of the ozone layer. The presence of a wrong statement and the exclusion of a correct one make this combination unacceptable.