SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 30

Solution: The correct answer is Circular economy and advanced recycling.
Explanation:
☛ The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued the Draft Solid Waste Management Rules, 2024 to replace the earlier Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
☛ A central focus of the 2024 draft rules is transitioning from a traditional linear disposal model to a circular economy and promoting advanced recycling technologies.
☛ The draft places strong emphasis on resource recovery, enhanced material segregation at source, and minimizing landfill dependence by converting waste into valuable by-products or energy.
☛ It integrates mechanisms like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and scientific processing to ensure maximum reuse and recycling of solid waste streams.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Solid waste management rules in India are framed under the umbrella provisions of this Act.
☛ Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0: Aims to achieve 'Garbage Free' status for all cities through 100% scientific management of municipal solid waste.
☛ Legacy Waste Remediation: The guidelines mandate biomining and bioremediation to clear old dumpsites across the country.
☛ Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): Acts as the primary monitoring agency at the national level for the implementation of waste management rules.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Under which Act are Solid Waste Management Rules notified in India? → Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
☛ In which year were the first Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules notified in India? → 2000
☛ What term describes the environmental process of clearing old dumpsites using microorganisms? → Bioremediation
☛ Which statutory body monitors the enforcement of solid waste rules at the national level? → Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
☛ What is the primary target of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 regarding municipal waste? → Making all cities garbage-free