It’s time for Tamil Nadu to segregate solid waste at source

As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?

1. A. Waste generator has to segregate waste into five categories.
2. B. The Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only.
3. C. The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.
4. D. It is mandatory on the part of waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.

Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’?
1. The river basin is the unit of planning and management.
2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level.
3. One of the Chief Ministers of the State through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on a rotation basis.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

‘R2 Code of Practices constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of

1. A. environmentally responsible practices in electronics recycling industry.
2. B. ecological management of ‘wetlands of International Importance’ under the Ramsar Convention.
3. C. sustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degraded lands.
4. D. ‘Environmental Impact Assessment’ in the exploitation of natural resources

In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?

1. A. The Bio-medical Waste Management and Handling Rules, 1998
2. B. The Recycled Plastic Manufacturing and Usage Rules, 1999
3. C. The e-Waste Management and Handling Rules, 2011
4. D. The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011

Triclosan considered harmful when exposed to high levels for a long time, is most likely present in which of the following?

1. A. Food preservatives
2. B. Fruit-ripening substances
3. C. Reused plastic containers
4. D. Toiletries

In a multi-ethnic district where both economic competition and historical grievances frequently led to community tensions, a flashpoint has arisen with a Government decision to allocate land for a waste management facility near a tribal hamlet, sparking protests by the tribal community, which claimed that the land was sacred and critical to their cultural identity. At the same time, urban residents and local industries supported the project, citing severe solid waste challenges and health concerns due to lack of a proper disposal site. The conflict has escalated with road blockades, social media campaigns, and allegations of police excesses.

As a responsible Government official, you are tasked with resolving the situation through mediation, ensuring a sustainable outcome that balances environmental needs, tribal rights, and urban public health.

Consider the following statements with reference to the above:

1. A successful conflict resolution process must begin with acknowledging the cultural concerns of the protesting tribal community before discussing technical alternatives.
2. The Government should move ahead with the project without delay to address urban health concerns, which outweigh the sentiments of a small group.
3. Creating a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform — including tribal leaders, environmental experts, and municipal representatives — to build mutual understanding and help de-escalate tensions.
4. Conducting an independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and sharing findings transparently with both sides to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.

Which of the statements given above would contribute to the resolution process?

1. A. 1, 3 and 4 only
2. B. 2, 3 and 4 only
3. C. 1 and 2 only
4. D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the power plants using coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction.
2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement content of concrete.
3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only and does not contain any toxic elements.

Select the correct answer using the code given below

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 3 only

Consider the following:

I. Cigarette butts
II. Eyeglass lenses
III. Car tyres

How many of them contain plastic?

1. A. Only one
2. B. Only two
3. C. All the three
4. D. None

Consider the following statements :

Statement-I: Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution.
Statement-II: Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
2. B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
3. C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
4. D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Consider the following statements regarding Mercury pollution :
1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world.
2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution.
3. There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. A. Only one
2. B. Only two
3. C. All three
4. D. None

Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.

Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.

How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.

Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources.

Trace India’s consolidation process during early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education and international relations.

Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.

With reference to the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, as discussed in the article, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The rules emphasize 100% source segregation of waste. 2. They introduce the concept of environmental compensation based on the 'polluter pays' principle. 3. Digital tracking mechanisms are strengthened to monitor pollution from waste management projects. 4. The rules explicitly prohibit the setting up of waste-to-energy plants due to pollution concerns.

1. A. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. B. 1, 3 and 4 only
3. C. 2 and 4 only
4. D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Which of the following are identified as significant challenges in implementing effective solid waste management, particularly in the context of Tamil Nadu, according to the article? 1. Public resistance to waste-to-energy plants. 2. Difficulty in achieving 100% source segregation. 3. Shortage of skilled labour for waste collection and handling. 4. Lack of a robust legal framework for waste management.

1. A. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. B. 1, 3 and 4 only
3. C. 2 and 4 only
4. D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

The article highlights specific health risks associated with waste management. Who among the following groups is primarily mentioned as facing severe health risks due to unsegregated waste in dump yards?

1. A. Urban Local Body officials involved in waste management planning.
2. B. Residents living in close proximity to waste-to-energy plants.
3. C. Ragpickers collecting recyclable materials from dump yards.
4. D. Sanitation workers involved in door-to-door waste collection.

"The most important challenge to waste management in Tamil Nadu is source segregation." In light of this statement, discuss the multifaceted challenges faced by Urban Local Bodies in implementing effective solid waste management and suggest comprehensive solutions, drawing insights from the provided article.

Introduce the critical role of solid waste management, elaborate on challenges like source segregation, public resistance, infrastructure gaps, and labour shortages, then provide solutions including policy reforms, technological adoption, and community engagement.

The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, emphasize a multi-stakeholder approach for effective implementation. Analyze the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including government bodies, citizens, and civil society organizations, in achieving sustainable solid waste management, as outlined in the article.

Define the multi-stakeholder approach in SWM, detail the specific roles of Union government, ULBs, residents, residents' welfare associations, NGOs, and experts, and conclude with the importance of collaborative governance for successful implementation.