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Q56 (IAS/2022) Science & Technology β€Ί New Materials, Energy & Environment-linked Tech β€Ί Advanced materials and nanotech Official Key

With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements : 1. Its fibres can be blended with wool and cotton fibres to reinforce their properties. 2. Containers made of it can be used to store any alcoholic beverage. 3. Bottles made of it can be recycled into other products. 4. Articles made of it can be easily disposed of by incineration without causing greenhouse gas emissions. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

Result
Your answer: β€”  Β·  Correct: A
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 1 (1 and 3). Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a versatile polymer with significant industrial applications.

  • Statement 1 is correct: PET fibres are commonly blended with natural fibres like cotton (to create polycot) and wool (to create polywool). This blending enhances the durability, wrinkle resistance, and tear strength of the natural fibres.
  • Statement 3 is correct: PET is 100% recyclable. Used bottles are crushed and processed into "flakes," which are then recycled into new containers, polyester fibres for carpets, or even clothing.

Why other statements are incorrect:

  • Statement 2: PET is generally unsuitable for long-term storage of high-concentration alcoholic beverages because alcohol can act as a solvent, potentially causing the leaching of chemicals like acetaldehyde and antimony into the drink.
  • Statement 4: Incineration of PET releases greenhouse gases like Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and can emit toxic gases if not controlled, contradicting the claim that it causes no emissions.
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PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements : 1…
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 2.5/10 Β· 2.5/10

This is a classic 'Applied Science' question where common sense outweighs rote learning. While Statement 1 and 3 are general observations (polycotton shirts, recycling bins), Statements 2 and 4 are 'Science Traps' designed to test your grasp of extreme absolutes ('any' alcohol, 'without' emissions). The strategy here is not to know PET chemistry, but to spot the violation of basic environmental laws.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Can polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers be blended with wool and cotton fibers to enhance or reinforce their properties?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 28: Manufacturing Industry and The Iron and Steel Industry > Groups of Industries > p. 279
Strength: 5/5
β€œSome of the most important products of this branch of industry include: acids, alkalis, gases, dye-stuffs, soap, paints, varnishes, solvents, detergents, fertilizers, insecticides, pharmaceuticals (drugs and medicines), glass, plastics, paper and pulp, synthetic fibres and synthetic oils. 6. Textiles. This is one of the oldest and the most widespread industries. It is the spinning and weaving of textile materials from cotton, wool, flax (linen), silk, jute, hemp and hairs. The existing textile centres have also developed artificial fibres from synthetic or nitrogenous materials, e.g. rayon, nylon, dacron, teteron, terylene, perlon (Plate 28.A). 7. Food processing industry.”
Why relevant

Lists synthetic fibres (e.g., dacron, teteron, terylene) alongside natural fibres in textile manufacture, showing synthetics are already integrated into textile production.

How to extend

A student could note PET is a common polyester (like dacron/terylene) and so infer that similar production/usage practices might allow blending with cotton/wool to modify properties.

Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 26: Agriculture > General > p. 257
Strength: 4/5
β€œ1. COTTON (Figs. 26.14a & b) (a) Cotton (Gossypium), 'King of fibres' is the most widely used textile fibre, for making clothes, furnishing fabrics, bed linen, industrial cloth and a host of other materials. It competes with wool, silk, rayon, nylon, other hard fibres and synthetic fibres in the market. (b) Cotton has many varieties, e.g. Sea-Island cotton (the best, long-stapled, over 45 mm/1* inches in length of staple). The Egyptian and Peruvian varieties are also highly priced with a staple length of over 29 mm (11 inches). The American upland cotton and those of Brazil and the U.S.S.R. are medium-stapled (22 mm to 29 mm, t inch to l[ inches).”
Why relevant

States cotton 'competes with' wool, silk, rayon, nylon and synthetic fibres, implying synthetic fibres are alternatives/co-used in the textile market.

How to extend

Using basic knowledge that competition often leads to blends/variants, a student could investigate whether cotton products are blended with synthetics to gain desired traits (e.g., strength, wrinkle resistance).

Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 26: Agriculture > Generrl > p. 258
Strength: 4/5
β€œ(a) Wool is the most important animal fibre of the temperate lands. Used for the woollen and worsted industry. It comes from many animals, chiefly sheep, the most numerous of all domesticated animals. Some wool is also derived from Cashmere goats, Angora goats, (mohair), Ilamas, alpacas, vicunas, camels and other hairy creatures. (b) Wool has insulating properties, keeps warm, absorbs moisture, resists wrinkling, of great durability and strength. It is highly desired in colder climates or upland regions. (c) Wool differs in thickness, lustre and durability. Best in Menno wool which originated in Spain and North Africa and is now reared in the southern continents, accounting for one-third of all wool (12-22 kgU-45 lb per Merino sheep per year).”
Why relevant

Describes wool's key properties (insulation, moisture absorption, durability), which are specific attributes manufacturers might want to retain or modify by blending.

How to extend

A student could consider which wool properties to enhance or protect (e.g., increase strength or wrinkle resistance) and whether adding a polyester like PET could plausibly provide those effects.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 10: Locational Factors of Economic Activities > textile industries > p. 33
Strength: 3/5
β€œβ€’ (ii) Mechanization has meant that textile manufacture can be done using unskilled labour. It is therefore an ideal industry for countries where there is no background of industrial skills. Textile industries are always among the frst to be developed by underdeveloped countries.β€’ (iii) Cotton is grown in a very large number of tropical and subtropical countries.β€’ (iv) Fibers are relatively light, non-perishable and easily transportable.β€’ (v) Textile industries are located mainly in relation to power and labour supplies. Tus the raw material location is of negligible advantage.”
Why relevant

Notes mechanization of textile manufacture and broad use of fibers, indicating production processes exist that can handle large-scale fibre processing and mixing.

How to extend

A student might infer that industrial spinning/weaving equipment can blend different fibre types (natural + synthetic) and so check technical sources on blending methods for PET with cotton/wool.

Statement 2
Are polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers suitable and approved for storing all types of alcoholic beverages?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > 4.4.1 Properties of Ethanol > p. 72
Strength: 5/5
β€œEthanol is a liquid at room temperature (refer to Table 4.1 for the melting and boiling points of ethanol). Ethanol is commonly called alcohol and is the active ingredient of all alcoholic drinks. In addition, because it is a good solvent, it is also used in medicines such as tincture iodine, cough syrups, and many tonics. Ethanol is also soluble in water in all proportions. Consumption of small quantities of dilute ethanol causes drunkenness. Even though this practice is condemned, it is a socially widespread practice. However, intake of even a small quantity of pure ethanol (called absolute alcohol) can be lethal.”
Why relevant

Ethanol is described as a good solvent and is soluble in water, indicating alcoholic liquids can interact chemically with container materials.

How to extend

A student could use this to check PET's chemical resistance to ethanol (especially at different strengths) to judge suitability for storing various alcoholic beverages.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Amendment rules eozz > p. 99
Strength: 4/5
β€œβ€’ R Classification of Plastics: β€’ Category 1: Rigid plastic packaging β€’ Category 2: Flexible plastic packaging of single layer or multilayer (more than one layer with different types of plastic), plastic sheets and covers made of plastic sheet, carry bags, plastic sachet or pouches. β€’ Category 3: Multi-layered plastic packaging (at least one layer of plastic and at least one layer of material other than plastic) and brand owners' for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the environment and preventing, controlling and abating environment pollution. β€’ A committee constituted by the CPCB under the chairmanship of CPCB chairman will recommend measures to the environment ministry for effective implementation of EPR, including amendments to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines.”
Why relevant

Provides a classification of plastics for packaging (rigid, flexible, multi-layered), implying different plastic structures are used for different packaging needs.

How to extend

A student could identify which package category PET bottles fall into and whether single-layer PET is appropriate for high‑alcohol products or if multi-layer/alternative materials are recommended.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.2.4 Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, zozo. > p. 98
Strength: 3/5
β€œ5.t2.4. Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, zozl, r The manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of foilowing single-use plastic, including poiysfyrene and expanded polystyrene, commodities shall be prohibited with effect from the rstJuly, zozz:- Single use plastic products oi- β€’ ear buds with plastic sticks, piastic sticks for balloons, plastic flags, candy sticks, ice-cream sticks, polystyrene flhermocoll for decoration;β€’ plates, cups, giasses, cutlery such as forks, spoons, knives, straw, trays, wrapping or packing films around sweet boxes, invitation cards, and cigarette packets, plastic or PVC banners less than roo micron, stirrers All Rights Reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form or by any means, with out permission in writing.”
Why relevant

Lists regulatory prohibitions on certain single-use plastic items, showing that legal/regulatory rules govern plastic use and disposal.

How to extend

A student could look up relevant food-contact or beverage-specific regulations to see approvals/restrictions for PET use with alcoholic beverages.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.1o.r. Plastic Waste > p. 84
Strength: 2/5
β€œr Plastics are considered to be one of the wonderful inventions of the twentieth century. They are widely used as packing and carry bags because of cost and convenience. But plastics are now considered as environmental hazard due to the 'Throw away culture'.”
Why relevant

Notes widespread use of plastics for packaging because of cost and convenience, but also highlights environmental concerns and 'throw away' culture.

How to extend

A student could weigh practical/common use of PET for drinks against concerns (e.g., reuse, leaching over time) to assess whether PET is commonly used or recommended for all beverage types.

Statement 3
Can polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles be recycled and converted into other products?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 17: Contemporary Issues > Recycling and Waste Reduction > p. 91
Presence: 4/5
β€œβ€’ (i) Recycle newspapers, cans, glass, and plastics.β€’ (ii) Buy products that are refillable and recyclable.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly lists recycling of bottles and plastics as an action to be taken.
  • Groups bottles with other recyclables (newspapers, cans, glass), implying routine recycling practice for plastics.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > E. Recycling and Waste > p. 31
Presence: 4/5
β€œ(xviii) Recycle newspapers, cans, bottles, glass and plastics. β€’ (xix) Buy products that are refllable and recyclable.β€’ (xx) Volunteer your time in locality, and beach clean-up campaigns.β€’ (xxi) Use cloth rags and diapers instead of paper diapers and paper towels.β€’ (xxii) Take your grocery bags back to the market for another trip home.”
Why this source?
  • Recommends recycling bottles and plastics as standard waste-management behaviour.
  • Pairs the advice with buying refillable and recyclable products, implying closed‑loop or reuse practices.
Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 13: Our Environment > Activity 13.9 > p. 216
Presence: 3/5
β€œβ€’ n Search the internet or library to find out what hazardous materials have to be dealt with while disposing of electronic items. How would these materials affect the environment?β€’ n Find out how plastics are recycled. Does the recycling process have any impact on the environment?”
Why this source?
  • Directs learners to find out how plastics are recycled, implying an established recycling process exists.
  • Asks about environmental impacts of the recycling process, linking recycling practice to downstream product or process considerations.
Statement 4
Can polyethylene terephthalate (PET) articles be safely incinerated without producing greenhouse gas emissions?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Additionally, as compared to thermal recovery (e.g., burning plastic with power recovery), recycling PET is the more environmentally friendly option (Chilton et al., 2010)."
Why this source?
  • Directly compares thermal recovery (burning) of plastics with recycling and states recycling is more environmentally friendly, implying burning produces emissions.
  • Specifically names 'burning plastic with power recovery' as thermal recovery, linking incineration to an inferior GHG outcome.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"in waste combustion; and Β€ in biological treatment Additionally, indirect greenhouse gas emissions are connected to waste through other functions such as Β€ energy consumption related to the production, transportation and use of the material;"
Why this source?
  • Lists 'in waste combustion' as a pathway associated with waste impacts, indicating combustion (incineration) is connected to greenhouse gas considerations.
  • States indirect greenhouse gas emissions are connected to waste management activities, reinforcing that incineration contributes to GHG emissions.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"in 2019, plastics generated  23 GLOBAL PLASTICS OUTLOOK Β© OECD 2022 1.8 gigatonnes (Gt) of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – 3.4% of global emissions – with 90% of these emissions coming from their production and conversion from fossil fuels."
Why this source?
  • Shows plastics already contribute substantial GHG emissions across their lifecycle, indicating waste-treatment choices (like incineration) affect overall emissions.
  • Notes the majority of plastics' lifecycle emissions come from production/conversion, but implies waste management (including combustion) is part of the lifecycle GHG picture.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > iv) Incineration plants > p. 86
Strength: 5/5
β€œβ€’ The process of burning waste in large furnaces at high temperature is known as incineration. In these plants the recyclable material is segregated and the rest of the material is burnt, producing ash.β€’ Burning garbage is not a clean process as it produces tonnes of toxic ash and pollutes the air and water. A large amount of the waste that is burnt here can be recovered and recycled.”
Why relevant

Defines incineration as burning waste at high temperature and states burning garbage produces toxic ash and air pollution.

How to extend

A student could extend this by noting that burning organic or carbon-containing materials (like plastics) typically produces combustion products and so would check whether PET combustion yields CO2 or other gases.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > 22.8 WASTE TO ENERGY > p. 294
Strength: 4/5
β€œIn today's era, there are increasing quantities of waste due to urbanization, industrialization and changes in life patterns which are harmful to the environment. In the recent past, development of technology has helped to reduce the amount of waste for its safe disposal and to generate electricity from it. Waste-to-energy has the potential to divert waste from landfills and generate clean power without the emission of harmful greenhouse gases. This significantly reduces the volume of waste that needs to be disposed of and can generate power Pyrolysis and gasification are emerging technologies apart from the common incineration and biomethanation.”
Why relevant

States that waste-to-energy can divert waste and 'generate clean power without the emission of harmful greenhouse gases' and contrasts incineration with emerging technologies like pyrolysis and gasification.

How to extend

One could treat this as a rule that some waste-to-energy routes claim lower GHG outputs and therefore compare standard incineration of PET with alternative processes (pyrolysis/gasification) to see if PET combustion emits GHGs.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > Solid Waste > p. 44
Strength: 4/5
β€œTe solid waste may be safely disposed of in the following ways: (i) open dumps, (ii) landflls, (iii) sanitary land flls, (iv) Incineration plants, (v) composting, (vi) vermiculture or earthworms farming, (vii) bioremediation or the use of micro-organisms (bacteria and fungi) to degrade the environmental contaminants into less toxic forms, and (viii) pyrolysis – a process of combustion in the absence of oxygen.”
Why relevant

Lists disposal methods and explicitly mentions pyrolysis β€” 'a process of combustion in the absence of oxygen.'

How to extend

A student could investigate whether PET under pyrolysis (oxygen-limited) produces different gaseous products (less CO2, more hydrocarbons or monomers) than open incineration.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Fugitive fuel emissions > p. 426
Strength: 3/5
β€œo Greenhouse-gas emissions as by-products or waste or loss in the process of fuel production, storage, or transport, such as methane given off during oil and gas drilling and refining, or leakage ' of natural gas from pipelines.”
Why relevant

Gives a general pattern that greenhouse-gas emissions can be by-products or losses in industrial processes.

How to extend

Apply this pattern to PET incineration by checking whether combustion of polymer feedstocks typically produces greenhouse gases as by-products.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Net Zero Emission > p. 425
Strength: 3/5
β€œ. Net zero means amount of greenhouse gas produced is equal to the amount of greenhouse gas removed from the atmosphere.”
Why relevant

Defines 'net zero' as produced greenhouse gas equalling removed greenhouse gas, highlighting that emissions can be balanced or offset.

How to extend

A student could use this to distinguish whether 'no greenhouse gas emissions' means zero direct emissions from incineration or could be achieved via offsets/capture after incinerating PET.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC targets ubiquitous materials (PET, LEDs, Teflon, Kevlar). The pattern is consistent: 'Usage' statements (can be blended, can be used for X) are usually broad and Correct. 'Safety/Absolute' statements (no emissions, safe for all) are usually Incorrect.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Logical Trap. Statements 1 and 3 are Sitters (General Observation). Statements 2 and 4 are Traps (Extreme Qualifiers). Solvable via elimination.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: 'Chemistry in Everyday Life' (NCERT Class 12) merged with 'Solid Waste Management' (Environment).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize these Polymer Siblings: 1. Thermoplastics (PET, PVC, Polystyrene) -> Recyclable. 2. Thermosetting (Bakelite, Melamine) -> Non-recyclable/Heat resistant. 3. Additives: BPA (Bisphenol A) in Polycarbonates (Endocrine disruptor). 4. Bioplastics: PLA (Polylactic Acid) vs PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not memorize the specific chemical resistance of every plastic. Instead, adopt the 'No Free Lunch' heuristic: No material is perfect for *all* uses (Statement 2), and no combustion process is free of emissions (Statement 4). If it sounds too good to be true, it's wrong.
Concept hooks from this question
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S1
πŸ‘‰ Natural vs synthetic textile fibres
πŸ’‘ The insight

Textile fibres are classified into natural (cotton, wool) and synthetic (polyester, nylon), a basic distinction relevant to questions about combining or substituting fibres.

High-yield for UPSC because questions often ask about industrial raw materials, textile sector composition and comparative advantages of fibre types; links to industry, agriculture and manufacturing topics and enables answering questions on material selection, import dependence and textile policy.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 26: Agriculture > General > p. 257
  • Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 26: Agriculture > Generrl > p. 258
  • Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 28: Manufacturing Industry and The Iron and Steel Industry > Groups of Industries > p. 279
πŸ”— Anchor: "Can polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers be blended with wool and cotton fibe..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S1
πŸ‘‰ Functional properties of wool
πŸ’‘ The insight

Wool provides insulation, moisture absorption, wrinkle resistance and durabilityβ€”key characteristics considered when evaluating blends or performance enhancements.

Useful for answering questions on suitability of fibres for different climates, garment uses and value addition in textile products; connects to topics on regional specialisation of wool production and downstream industries.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 26: Agriculture > Generrl > p. 258
πŸ”— Anchor: "Can polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers be blended with wool and cotton fibe..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S1
πŸ‘‰ Common polyester types used in textiles
πŸ’‘ The insight

Polyester variants such as Dacron and Terylene are established synthetic fibres in textile manufacture and are relevant when discussing polyester's role in the textile mix.

Important for questions on synthetic fibre technology, textile modernization and substitution effects; helps in understanding policy/industrial shifts toward synthetic fibre production and its implications for cotton/wool sectors.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 28: Manufacturing Industry and The Iron and Steel Industry > Groups of Industries > p. 279
πŸ”— Anchor: "Can polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers be blended with wool and cotton fibe..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S2
πŸ‘‰ Ethanol chemical properties (solvent, miscibility, toxicity)
πŸ’‘ The insight

Ethanol is a strong solvent, fully miscible with water, and is the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages β€” properties that determine how container materials interact with the liquid.

Understanding ethanol's solvent behaviour is high-yield for judging material compatibility and safety of packaging for beverages and pharmaceuticals; it connects chemistry fundamentals to applied questions on storage, contamination risk, and health implications.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > 4.4.1 Properties of Ethanol > p. 72
  • Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > Activity 4.8 > p. 73
πŸ”— Anchor: "Are polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers suitable and approved for storin..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S2
πŸ‘‰ Plastic classification and packaging categories
πŸ’‘ The insight

Plastics are classified into rigid, flexible and multi-layer packaging categories, which affect their performance and suitability for different liquid products.

Mastering plastic classification helps answer regulatory and technical questions about which polymer forms are appropriate for food and beverage packaging, links to manufacturing and waste-management policy, and aids in evaluating compliance/approval issues.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > Amendment rules eozz > p. 99
πŸ”— Anchor: "Are polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers suitable and approved for storin..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S2
πŸ‘‰ Single-use plastics regulation and environmental impact
πŸ’‘ The insight

Regulatory bans and restrictions on certain single-use plastics influence which plastic containers may be allowed or discouraged for consumer products.

Knowledge of plastic bans and environmental concerns is important for policy-oriented UPSC questions on waste management, packaging regulation, and sustainable alternatives; it ties environmental governance to industrial and consumer regulation.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.2.4 Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, zozo. > p. 98
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.1o.r. Plastic Waste > p. 84
πŸ”— Anchor: "Are polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers suitable and approved for storin..."
πŸ“Œ Adjacent topic to master
S3
πŸ‘‰ Plastics and bottle recycling
πŸ’‘ The insight

Recycling of bottles and plastics is the central practice relevant to whether PET bottles can be processed for reuse.

High-yield for UPSC environment/waste-management questions: explains a basic waste-management option and links to policy measures. Connects to circular economy, solid-waste management, and consumer-behaviour topics, enabling answers on practical recycling measures and policy recommendations.

πŸ“š Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 17: Contemporary Issues > Recycling and Waste Reduction > p. 91
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > E. Recycling and Waste > p. 31
πŸ”— Anchor: "Can polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles be recycled and converted into othe..."
πŸŒ‘ The Hidden Trap

Microplastics from Textiles. Since PET fibers are blended with cotton (Statement 1), the next logical question is on 'Microfiber shedding' during washing as a primary source of marine microplastics. Also, look out for 'Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)' which specifically targets PET bottle waste.

⚑ Elimination Cheat Code

Apply the 'Thermodynamics of Absolutes'. Statement 4 claims incineration causes 'no greenhouse gas emissions'. PET is a hydrocarbon (petroleum-based). Burning carbon *must* produce CO2. This violates the Law of Conservation of Mass. Eliminate 4. Statement 2 says 'any' alcoholic beverage. Alcohol is a solvent; strong solvents dissolve plastics. 'Any' is a red flag. Eliminate 2. Answer is A.

πŸ”— Mains Connection

Link this to GS-3 Environment (Plastic Waste Management Rules 2021). The ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUP) targets items with 'low utility and high littering potential' (straws, stirrers), but exempts PET bottles (high utility, recyclable). This explains why PET is regulated differently than PVC banners.

βœ“ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS Β· 2024 Β· Q17 Relevance score: -0.18

With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer products, consider the following statements : 1. PFAS are found to be widespread in drinking water, food and food packaging materials. 2. PFAS are not easily degraded in the environment. 3. Persistent exposure to PFAS can lead to bioaccumulation in animal bodies. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

IAS Β· 2021 Β· Q28 Relevance score: -4.22

With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements : 1. It is a product of oil refineries. 2. Some industries use it to generate power. 3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment. Which of the statements given above are correct?

IAS Β· 2023 Β· Q60 Relevance score: -4.33

With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements : 1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion. 2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation. 3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles. How many of the above statements are correct?

IAS Β· 2020 Β· Q51 Relevance score: -4.72

With reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements : 1. They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body. 2. They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of human body. 3. They can be used in biochemical sensors. 4. Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

CDS-I Β· 2024 Β· Q56 Relevance score: -4.87

The use of plastics has led to a number of environment-related problems. For this, which one of the following statements is correct?