Environmental Science- ICAR JRF/SRF 2024

• Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI): Formulated in 2009 by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in collaboration with IIT Delhi.
• Assessment Scope: CEPI scores environmental degradation across air, water, and land in industrial clusters to classify them into Critically Polluted Areas (CEPI $\gt 70$) and Severely Polluted Areas (CEPI between 60 and 70).

Correct option: (1) CPCB

• Origin of Environmental Auditing: Environmental auditing was pioneered in the United States (USA) during the late 1970s and early 1980s by industrial corporations seeking to assess internal compliance with rigorous federal statutes (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA).
• Global Adoption: Following US success, the methodology was formalized internationally by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and standardized under ISO 14010/14011.

Correct option: (1) USA

• Statement (I) is Correct: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex statutory body in India established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Headed by the Prime Minister of India, it formulates national policies, guidelines, and plans for proactive disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness.
• Statement (II) is Correct: The Union Cabinet approved the comprehensive National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM) on October 22, 2009, establishing a paradigm shift from relief-centric response to pre-disaster preparedness and risk reduction.
• Conclusion: Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.