Most Probable Questions for IAS, IPS, KAS , JKPSC Prelims✍👇

Qn.1) The government has approved a proposal to levy a ‘green tax’ on old vehicles, which among the following is/are possible benefits if this proposal is implemented?

1.  It will dissuade people from using vehicles which damage the environment.

2.  It will lead to a significant rise in the sale of electric vehicles in the country.

3.  It will reduce the pollution level, and make the polluter pay for pollution.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a)  1 and 3 only

(b)  3 only

(c)  2 and 3 only

(d)  1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a) 1 and 3 only

Explanation of Question: The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways has recommended a proposal to levy a ‘green tax’ on old vehicles.

It will help Combat Health Hazards by Vehicular Pollution: The major pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), photochemical oxidants, lead (Pb), particulate matter (PM), etc. can have direct as well as in-direct impact, like reduced visibility, cancers, respiratory and cardiovascular ailments, increased mortality, morbidity and impaired pulmonary function.

In Accordance with the "Polluter Pays Principle": It is the commonly accepted practise that those who produce pollution should bear the costs of managing it to prevent damage to human health or the environment.

For example, a factory that produces a potentially poisonous substance as a byproduct of its activities is usually held responsible for its safe disposal. Similarly, a Green tax is to be paid by the owners of pollution-causing vehicles.

The statement that It will lead to a significant rise in the sale of electric vehicles in the country is not a possible benefit of Green Tax. People have many other alternative options since Vehicles like strong hybrids and alternative fuels like CNG, ethanol, LPG etc along with EVs’s to be exempted from green tax. Hence statement 2 is also incorrect.