UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Traditional stoves often burn solid biomass incompletely, producing high levels of smoke, particulate matter and toxic gases. Poor ventilation traps these pollutants inside the house, exposing women and children to harmful concentrations for long periods. This leads to respiratory illnesses, eye irritation and other health problems. Therefore, such cooking practices are a major source of indoor air pollution.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because LPG burns more cleanly and, in a ventilated setting, emits far less smoke and particulates.

Option B:
Option B is correct since it identifies both the polluting fuels and the inefficient stoves and ventilation conditions that create hazardous indoor air.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect; solar cookers, when usable, do not emit smoke at the point of use.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because electric induction cooktops produce almost no direct indoor emissions, though electricity generation may cause outdoor pollution elsewhere.