(c) All three statements are correct
Methylmercury is a highly toxic compound that primarily affects the nervous system.
This statement is correct. Methylmercury is known for its neurotoxic effects, which can cause severe damage to the nervous system.
The primary source of human exposure to Methylmercury is through the consumption of contaminated fish and shellfish.
This statement is correct. Methylmercury accumulates in aquatic food chains, making fish and shellfish the main sources of exposure for humans.
Methylmercury poisoning was first identified in Minamata Bay, Japan, due to industrial pollution.
This statement is correct. The Minamata disease, caused by Methylmercury poisoning, was first discovered in Minamata Bay, Japan, as a result of industrial discharge of mercury into the bay.

(b) Only two statements are correct (1st and 2nd)
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants: This convention, adopted in 2001 and became effective from 2004, aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which are chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms, and are toxic to humans and wildlife.
India is a party to the Stockholm Convention. India ratified the Convention in 2006 (Statement 3 is incorrect).

(b) Only two statements are correct (2nd and 3rd)
The Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024 do not mandate that all plastic packaging must be biodegradable by 2025. The rules focus on stricter criteria for biodegradable plastics but do not set such a specific deadline. (Statement 1 is incorrect)
The definition of “importer” has been expanded to include entities importing plastic raw materials for commercial purposes.
Manufacturers are required to obtain a certificate from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) before marketing compostable or biodegradable plastic products.
The rules do not specify the exact chemical tests required to establish the absence of microplastics in biodegradable plastics. (Statement 4 is incorrect)

(b) Only two statements are correct (1st and 3rd)
Bio-methanation is indeed a process that converts organic waste into biogas and compost. This process involves the anaerobic digestion of organic materials by microorganisms, producing biogas (a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide) and digestate, which can be used as compost.
Incineration of bio-waste is not considered environmentally friendly because it can produce harmful emissions, including dioxins and furans, which are hazardous to health and the environment. (Statement 2nd is correct)
Vermicomposting uses earthworms to decompose organic waste, resulting in nutrient-rich compost. This method is environmentally friendly and enhances soil fertility.

(b) Only two statements are correct
The Basel Convention aims to reduce the movement of hazardous waste between nations, particularly from developed to less developed countries, to protect human health and the environment.
The Basel Convention was adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1992. (Statement 2nd is incorrect)
The Convention includes provisions for the environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes.
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal is often referred to as the Basel Convention. It is an international treaty that regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and other wastes and their disposal. The Convention’s goals are to protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects resulting from the generation, transboundary movement, and disposal of hazardous wastes and other wastes.