Microbiology

Option (A): True
The NGT Act 2010 is indeed grounded in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to a clean and healthy environment. Hence, the NGT draws constitutional support from Article 21.
Option (B): True
A retired Supreme Court Judge or a Chief Justice of a High Court is eligible to be appointed as the Chairperson of the NGT, as per Section 5 of the NGT Act 2010. Hence, this statement is correct.
Option (C): False
There is no “NGT Act 2017.” The correct act is the NGT Act 2010. Also, Article 361 deals with immunity of the President and Governors, not environmental protection. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Option (D): False
The NGT aims to dispose of cases within 6 months, not 45 days. So this statement is incorrect.
Final Answer: (A), (B)

Step 1: Evaluate Statement I.
- Odour problems in composting are caused by anaerobic pockets that develop inside the pile when oxygen is insufficient. - This produces methane, hydrogen sulphide, and volatile fatty acids → foul smell. - Hence, Statement I is correct.
Step 2: Evaluate Statement II.
- Complete biodegradation of all organic carbon within 14 days is not possible. - Composting usually takes several weeks to months depending on conditions. - Hence, Statement II is incorrect.
Step 3: Evaluate Statement III.
- At a high C/N ratio, there is excess carbon but insufficient nitrogen. - This slows down microbial growth, but does not lead to ammonia release. - Ammonia release occurs when C/N ratio is too low (excess nitrogen). - Hence, Statement III is incorrect.
Step 4: Evaluate Statement IV.
- The optimum moisture content for aerobic composting = 50–60%. - Too little moisture → microbes become inactive. - Too much moisture → oxygen diffusion reduces → anaerobic conditions. - Hence, Statement IV is correct.
Step 5: Conclude.
Correct statements = I and IV. Final Answer: