Questions & explanations
1. Consider the following statements about the Hazardous & Other Wastes Rules, 2016:
1. The rules apply to the entire lifecycle of hazardous waste from generation to disposal.
2. The rules require that all hazardous waste must be treated before disposal.
3. The rules allow the import of hazardous waste for co-processing in cement kilns.
Which of the statements above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Statement 1 is correct: the Rules cover the lifecycle from generation to disposal. Statement 2 is partially overstated — while the rules strongly mandate treatment before disposal, some waste types have specific provisions; however, this is broadly correct as a general principle. Statement 3 requires scrutiny: the rules allow import of hazardous waste for co-processing in cement kilns (as a form of recycling/recovery). However, such import is governed by specific provisions and requires permission. Under Schedule III and relevant amendments, co-processing of hazardous waste in cement kilns using imported waste is permissible with conditions. If Statement 3 is considered correct, then (d) applies. But the import prohibition under the rules is primarily for disposal, while recycling/co-processing imports are conditionally allowed. Statements 1 and 3 are defensible as correct; Statement 2's absolute framing ('all hazardous waste must be treated') is an overstatement (some waste can be recycled directly without separate treatment). The best defensible answer is (c) 1 and 3 only.
2. Consider the following statements about dioxins and furans: 1. They are unintentionally produced during waste incineration at high temperatures (>850°C). 2. They are persistent and bioaccumulate in the food chain. 3. They are not regulated under the Stockholm Convention. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 only
Statement 1 is nuanced: dioxins and furans are actually predominantly formed at lower incineration temperatures (250-400°C), especially during the cooling phase (de novo synthesis). Modern high-temperature incineration above 850°C with adequate residence time and rapid cooling actually DESTROYS dioxins. However, Statement 1 as written ('unintentionally produced during waste incineration at high temperatures') is misleading but could be read as 'produced during the incineration process' (including cooling). In standard exam context, Statement 1 is typically considered correct in the sense that waste incineration (as a process) produces dioxins. Statement 2 is correct: dioxins and furans are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that bioaccumulate through the food chain. Statement 3 is incorrect: dioxins and furans ARE regulated under the Stockholm Convention as unintentional POPs (Annex C). Hence Statements 1 and 2 are correct
3. Consider the following items:
1. Plastic carry bags less than 75 microns thickness
2. Plastic sticks for balloons
3. Plastic cups up to 200 ml
4. Plastic wrapping on gift boxes
Which of the above are banned under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 as amended in 2022?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 2, 3, and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
The Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021 banned identified single-use plastics from July 1, 2022. The banned items include earbuds with plastic sticks (item 2 = plastic sticks for balloons — banned), plastic cups with capacity up to 200 ml (item 3 — banned), and several other SUP items. Item 1 (plastic carry bags less than 75 microns) was addressed by thickness requirements, not an outright ban on all below-75-micron bags (bags below 50 microns banned earlier; 2021 amendment raised threshold). Item 4 (plastic wrapping on gift boxes) is specifically excluded from the SUP ban list. The notified banned list includes: plastic sticks for balloons, ice cream sticks, plastic cups/glasses up to 200 ml, plastic straws, plastic stirrers, and others. Items 2 and 3 are on the banned list; items 1 and 4 are not in the same category.
4. Which of the following is NOT a valid exception to the requirement of using a CBWTF under the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016?
- (a) A healthcare facility located in a remote area with no CBWTF within 75 km
- (b) A healthcare facility that has its own captive treatment and disposal facility
- (c) A healthcare facility that generates less than 10 kg of waste per day
- (d) A healthcare facility that uses only non-infectious waste
Answer: (c) A healthcare facility that generates less than 10 kg of waste per day
The Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 do not recognise 'generating less than 10 kg of waste per day' as a valid exception to CBWTF usage. The rules require all healthcare facilities to either use a CBWTF or have their own captive treatment and disposal facility (if no CBWTF within 75 km). There is no weight-based exemption. Healthcare facilities using only non-infectious waste is not a defined exception category either. Option (b) — having its own captive treatment and disposal facility — is a valid exception. Option (c) is NOT a valid exception because no such weight threshold exists. The question asks for what is NOT a valid exception; since (c) fabricates a non-existent exemption, it is the correct answer to the question: (b) is the valid exception and (c) is NOT.
5. Which of the following is NOT classified as e-waste under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016?
- (a) Old mobile phones
- (b) Defective laptops
- (c) Used batteries
- (d) Discarded refrigerators
Answer: (c) Used batteries
Under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, Schedule I lists the electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) covered. Used batteries are primarily governed by the Battery Waste Management Rules (2022) and Hazardous Waste Rules, not the E-Waste Rules. However, batteries that are part of electronic equipment (e.g., laptop batteries) are included in e-waste. Standalone used batteries (like dry cells) are NOT classified as e-waste under the E-Waste Rules. Old mobile phones and defective laptops are clearly e-waste; discarded refrigerators are listed EEE under the rules. Hence 'used batteries' (standalone) is NOT classified as e-waste — option (c).
6. Under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which of the following is NOT a category of e-waste?
- (a) Information Technology and Telecommunication Equipment
- (b) Consumer Electrical and Electronics
- (c) Medical Devices (excluding implanted and infected products)
- (d) All of the above are categories of e-waste
Answer: (d) All of the above are categories of e-waste
The E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 cover four schedules of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE): Schedule I includes IT and Telecom equipment, large/small household appliances, consumer electronics (Category 1-8 of annex), and medical devices (excluding implanted and infected products). All three listed categories — IT/Telecom Equipment, Consumer Electrical & Electronics, and Medical Devices (excluding implanted/infected) — are indeed categories of e-waste under the rules. If the question asks which is NOT a category, the answer would be none (all are categories), making (d) 'All of the above are categories' the correct statement.
7. Consider the following statements about the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: 1. It applies to the whole of India. 2. It provides for the establishment of State Pollution Control Boards. 3. It empowers the CPCB to declare air pollution control areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 2 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect because the Air Act extends to the whole of India but Jammu and Kashmir was excluded initially (though later extended). However as per current law it applies to all states. For UPSC note that the Act applies to the whole of India except J&K (until 2019). But since the question is tricky the correct answer is 2 and 3 only because statement 1 is not entirely correct historically. However many sources say it applies to whole India. To be safe we choose (b) as per typical UPSC interpretation. But the question likely expects that it applies to whole India. So statement 1 is correct now. So all three are correct?.
8. Consider the following statements regarding the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and water pollution:
1. The Act allows citizens to file complaints directly in court against polluters.
2. The Act provides for penalties including imprisonment for up to 5 years for violations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Statement 1: Under EPA 1986, citizens cannot file complaints directly in court against polluters without prior notice to the government. Section 19 requires a complaint to be filed only after giving 60 days' written notice to the Central Government or the concerned authority and the alleged offender. Only if no action is taken can a citizen proceed. So Statement 1 as stated (citizens file 'directly') is INCORRECT. Statement 2: Section 15 of EPA 1986 provides for penalties including imprisonment for up to 5 years for violations (or 7 years for continuing violations). This is correct. Only Statement 2 is correct — option (b).
9. A river in India has faecal coliform count of 600 MPN/100mL and dissolved oxygen of 5.5 mg/L. According to DBU classification, which is the highest class this water can be designated for?
- (a) Class A
- (b) Class B
- (c) Class C
- (d) Class D
Answer: (c) Class C
Class B requires faecal coliform ≤500 MPN/100mL and DO ≥5 mg/L. Here, coliform is 600 (>500), so it fails Class B. But it meets Class C (coliform ≤2500, DO ≥4 mg/L) and Class D (coliform not specified, DO ≥4 mg/L). The highest class it qualifies for is Class C? Since it fails B, the next highest is C. But check: Class A requires coliform ≤50 and DO ≥6; fails. So highest is Class C. However, the question asks 'highest class' based on given data. The answer should be (c) Class C. Class C coliform limit is 2500, so passes. DO 5.5 >4, passes. So Class C is the highest. But option (b) is Class B? No, correct answer is (c).
10. Consider the following statements about the Rotterdam Convention: 1. The Convention applies to all chemicals in international trade. 2. The PIC procedure is triggered only when a chemical is listed in Annex III of the Convention. 3. Developing countries can propose chemicals for inclusion in Annex III. Which of the statements is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: the Rotterdam Convention does not apply to all chemicals — it applies only to chemicals that are banned or severely restricted and listed in Annex III, plus those going through the PIC notification process. Statement 2 is correct: the PIC procedure is triggered only when a chemical is listed in Annex III. Statement 3 is correct: developing countries and countries with economies in transition can also propose chemicals for inclusion in Annex III. Options were missing (a)-(d) prefixes and have been standardised.
11. With reference to the Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 1989, consider the following statements:
1. The rules were framed under the authority of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. The rules regulated and restricted the import of hazardous waste into India, requiring prior permission.
3. The rules require prior informed consent (PIC) for transboundary movement of hazardous waste.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct. The Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 1989, were indeed framed under the authority of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The rules regulated and restricted the import of hazardous waste into India, requiring prior permission from the Central Government. Furthermore, the rules required prior permission from the Central Government for transboundary movement of hazardous waste (Rule 4), which is consistent with the principle of Prior Informed Consent (PIC).
12. Which of the following is NOT a category of hazardous waste under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016?
- (a) Waste containing cyanides
- (b) Waste from pharmaceutical manufacturing
- (c) Waste from textile industries
- (d) Waste containing lead compounds
Answer: (c) Waste from textile industries
Under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules 2016, Schedule I lists waste streams including waste containing cyanides, waste from pharmaceutical manufacturing, and waste containing lead compounds — all are listed as hazardous. Waste from textile industries in the general sense is NOT listed as a specific category of hazardous waste in Schedule I (textile dyeing effluents may be, but textile waste per se is not classified as Schedule I hazardous waste). Hence option (c) is NOT a category.