Delhi Government Proposes Incentives to Accelerate EV Adoption and Combat Pollution

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct as per the news. The Delhi government aims for 25% EV adoption by 2025. Statement 2 is incorrect. While FAME India (Phase II) does offer demand incentives, its primary focus is on supporting the development of EV charging infrastructure and providing incentives for public and commercial transport EVs, rather than solely direct financial incentives to individual buyers across all segments. It also promotes manufacturing. Statement 3 is correct. The National Vehicle Scrappage Policy (Voluntary Vehicle Fleet Modernization Programme) mandates the scrapping of government vehicles older than 15 years and commercial vehicles older than 20 years, while offering incentives for voluntary scrapping of private vehicles. Statement 4 is incorrect. Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms primarily regulate the *emission standards* for pollutants from internal combustion engines, not directly fuel efficiency standards, although improved engine technology to meet stricter emission norms can indirectly lead to better fuel efficiency. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Answer: B

Statement 1 is incorrect. Particulate Matter (PM2.5) is indeed emitted from vehicular exhaust and industrial processes, but biomass burning (e.g., stubble burning, domestic cooking with solid fuels) is also a significant contributor to PM2.5 pollution, especially in regions like the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Statement 2 is correct. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, meaning they do not directly emit pollutants like PM2.5, NOx, or CO from their exhaust pipes. However, their overall 'well-to-wheel' emissions depend on the source of electricity generation and battery manufacturing processes. Statement 3 is correct. The NCAP, launched in 2019, set a national target of 20%–30% reduction of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024, taking 2017 as the base year for comparison. This target has since been revised for some cities. Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Answer: B

The 'Polluter Pays Principle' is a fundamental principle of environmental law. It states that those who produce pollution should bear the costs of managing it to prevent damage to human health or the environment. This includes the costs of pollution control and remediation. The Supreme Court of India has incorporated this principle into Indian environmental jurisprudence. Option B correctly describes this principle. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they misrepresent the core tenet of the principle, which is about accountability for environmental damage and its costs, not just fines or government responsibility.