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Q1) Explain the difference between an agreement and a contract giving an

example of each.
Ans)
An agreement can be defined as an acceptance of an offer given by one party to another.
Every promise and set of promises that form any type of consideration for all the parties
involved is called an agreement. Here, promise refers to the acceptance of an offer or
proposal. The agreement comes into existence when an individual or an entity makes an
offer or proposal to a second individual or entity, and the latter accepts that offer with all
the required conditions. 
Agreement = Offer + Acceptance
Example: A offers to sell his Car to B for ₹ 2,00,000. So, when B accepts the offer, it
becomes an agreement.
A Contract can be defined as an agreement that is enforced by law involving at least two
parties, as such one party is entitled with some right and the other with some obligation.
An agreement is said to be a contract when it is abided by the law. It means that legal
obligations must be led by a contract. 
Contract = Agreement (Offer + Acceptance) + Enforceable by Law 
Example: A multiplex sells a ticket on 1st January 2022 to A for a movie show. The
Multiplex is under an obligation to organize a movie show on the given date. In case, the
Multiplex fails to fulfil its promise, A can take legal action against the multiplex owners.
Thus, A has a right against the Multiplex, and a corresponding duty is imposed on the
Multiplex.

Q2) List any six essential elements of a legally valid contract.

Ans)
The six essential elements of a legally valid contract are as follows (Write any six)
a) All agreements are contracts if the if they are made with the free consent of the parties
competent to contract, object of contract is lawful, for a lawful consideration and are not
declared void. All legal requirements like contract in writing, registration of documents and
signature of witnesses needs to be complied with.
b) Competent to contract means the person(s) of legal maturity, of sound mind and is not
disqualified by any law.
c) Sound mind means the person capable of understanding the contract and can form rational
judgments about its effect on his interests.
d) Consent by two or more persons means that they agree upon something with the same
understanding on all its aspects.
e) Free consent happens when it is free of any coercion, undue influence, fraud,
misrepresentation, or mistake.
f) Coercion is committing any unlawful act forbidden by Indian penal laws.
g) Undue influence (in entering a contract) happens when one of the parties hold such powers
as to dominate the decision of the other by apparent authority or the
other party is of weal disposition.
h) Fraud means suggesting something is true when it is not, concealing facts, making
promises with no intention of doing it or by doing anything fraudulent.
i) Misrepresentation means positively asserting something as true when it is not, breach of
duty to gain some advantage and causing someone to make a mistake.
j) An agreement arrived at by coercion is voidable; same is the case for fraud and
misrepresentation.
k) The agreement is also voidable if both the parties make mistake in understanding
substance of the agreement.
l) Lawful object of any agreement means that the object is not specifically forbidden in law.
(Example: agreement to supply prohibited drugs or make forbidden weapons)

Q3) Explain the concept of product safety with examples.


Ans)
Consumer is entitled to receive a safe product that does not cause any harm during use.
Safety has already been highlighted in the earlier discussion as well. An electrical product
like an iron or washing machine that gives an electrical shock to the user is an unsafe product.
Similarly, many children’s toys need to be so designed as to be safe for the type of use those
children generally do. No toxic material should be used in making the product. Even if the
children bite or press the toy on their face, no harm should result. Depending upon the type of
product, many safety considerations should go into the design of the product. Consumers can
also ask for certification that ensures quality and safety. Many goods are purchased for use
over a long period of time. The product must be able to give reasonably good and safe service
over the expected use by the consumer.

Q4) Explain the statement: All contracts are agreements but all agreements are
not contracts.
Ans)
An agreement enforceable by law is a contract. It means those agreements are enforceable by
law they are contracts others not. For example, an agreement to sell a bike may be a contract,
but an agreement to go to the movie may be a mere agreement not enforceable by law. To go
to a movie is a social agreement and social agreements are not enforceable by law.  

Q5) Explain the meaning of the term ‘Tort’ with examples.


Ans)
In the Oxford dictionary, you find the meaning of tort as “something wrong that somebody
does to somebody else that is not criminal but that can lead to action in a civil court”, Law of
torts apply in cases where a ‘civil wrong' has been committed by one person against another.
Defamation is a typical example of tort. The word ‘tort’ is derived from a Latin word
‘tortum’, meaning twisted or crooked.

Q6) Explain the concept of product safety with examples.


Ans)
Consumer is entitled to receive a safe product that does not cause any harm during use.
Safety has already been highlighted in the earlier discussion as well. An electrical product
like an iron or washing machine that gives an electrical shock to the user is an unsafe product.
Similarly, many children’s toys need to be so designed as to be safe for the type of use those
children generally do. No toxic material should be used in making the product. Even if the
children bite or press the toy on their face, no harm should result. Depending upon the type of
product, many safety considerations should go into the design of the product. Consumers can
also ask for certification that ensures quality and safety. Many goods are purchased for use
over a long period of time. The product must be able to give reasonably good and safe service
over the expected use by the consumer.

Q7) Discuss the importance of the environment for human survival.


Ans)
A clean environment is essential for human health and well-being. At the same time, the local
environment can also be a source of stressors - for example air pollution, noise, hazardous
chemicals - that negatively affect health. The health of the EU population is also adversely
affected by climate change, through heatwaves, floods, and changes in the distribution of
vector-borne diseases. At a broader level, climate change, loss of biodiversity, and land
degradation can also impact on human well-being by threatening the delivery of ecosystem
services, such as access to freshwater and food production.
Human health and well-being are intimately linked to the state of the environment. Good
quality natural environments provide basic needs, in terms of clean air and water, fertile land
for food production, and energy and material inputs for production. Green infrastructure also
serves to regulate climate and prevent flooding. Access to green and blue spaces also
provides important opportunities for recreation and supports well-being. 

Q8) List the steps involved in EIA of a project and explain what happens in
each step.
Ans)
EIA Process: The EIA process involves four steps:
• Screening
• Scoping
• Public Consultation
• Appraisal and Reporting
1. Screening: Screening is the process of initial scrutiny to decide upon whether
a full EIA report is required for the project. Scrutiny is thus required only for
category B projects. (Category A projects will mandatorily require EC report)
Based on guidelines issued by the MOEF the project proposal is studies and the
project is categorised as B1 or B2. In the case of B1 category projects, EIA is
required and in the case of category B2 projects no EIA is required. The
screening is thus limited to projects studied at state level only or falling under
the purview of SEIAA.
2. Scoping: Scoping is the process of developing Terms of Reference for the
appraisal Committee for EIA. The terms of reference will be developed to study
all the environmental issues relevant to the project.
3. Public Consultation: This can be done through local area consultation with
people affected by the project. The pollution control Boards can also invite
written response if deemed necessary.
4. Appraisal and Reporting: The expert advisory Committee, based on the terms
of reference, different data provided by the applicant and consultation with the
public and the different studies conducted by it will submit an appraisal report
to the MOEF or the SEIAA as the case may be. The environmental clearance
for the project may be given or the application for EC rejected depending upon
the report.

Q9) State the objectives of environmental protection act 1986.


Ans)
The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1986 was formulated after the Bhopal Gas tragedy
of 1984 to protect the Environment and human health. Two acts relating to the environment
existed before EPA was promulgated:
• Air (prevention and control of pollution) Act 1974
• Water (prevention and control of pollution) Act 1974
The Stockholm convention 1972 on human health and environment was another major
milestone in protecting the environment. India is also a signatory to the convention. The
convention focused on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) like DDT and pesticides which
remain in the environment for a long time and cause ill health and damage the environment.
The main aim of the act can be stated as:
• To initiate actions as per decisions taken in the Stockholm convention
• Enacting laws as per need to protect the environment
• Create an institutional authority and structure to regulate industry and act for any violation
• Coordinate activities by different agencies under existing laws for prevention and
control of pollution
• Set standards for emission by different industries
• Enforcing the environmental protection act and impose penalties for violation
• Attain the right to life in a healthy environment to every citizen of the country as assured in
the constitution.

Q10) Write briefly about different types of pollutions and the factors causing
them.
Ans)
Pollution is the contamination of the three elements—air, land, and water—of the biosphere.
This leads to many diseases of the life forms in the biosphere.
1. Air Pollution
Air pollution is due to the increased presence of solid particles, harmful liquids, and gases in
the air.
The major causes of air pollution in the megacities and urban sprawls
are as follows:
• Burning of fossil fuels in automobiles, cooking and heating devices, power stations using
coal
and many industries
• Extensive mining operations to extract coal and other minerals
• Wastes from nuclear fuels, biofuels, etc.

• Construction activities
• Decaying organic matter
• In war zones due to explosion of bombs and gunfire
• Natural disasters
2. Land Pollution
A major concern with land is the reduction in area of forest land, which is the habitat of a
wide variety of animals, birds, and insects, in addition to plants.
Land pollution is mainly due to intensive agricultural practices using chemical fertilizers and
pesticides. These pesticides damage the land and destroy the ecosystem thriving there. Land
pollution is also caused by excessive dumping of domestic and industrial waste in dumping
grounds. As more and more wastes is generated, more land is acquired for dumping. Mining
and other activities also damage the land.
3. Water Pollution
Water bodies form the lifeline of many communities in India. Ground water is also
extensively used by communities for various purposes. Many studies have indicated that most
of the small water bodies are severely polluted by the residue pesticides washed away from
land. They are not potable and cannot even be used for other purposes. There are many cases
of fluorosis in many communities due to the presence of high levels of fluoride. Fluorosis is
present in large quantities in deep borewell water.
Water also gets contaminated by industrial waste being discharged without treatment, and
leakage of sewage water into water bodies. Arsenic poisoning and metal contaminants have
been found in many water bodies.
4. Noise Pollution
A rather recent phenomenon in our country is noise pollution. This has become a serious
issue for many people.
All our celebrations have become just din and decibels. In religious festivals, marriages, and
any other kind of celebrations, noise-making is considered the best way to show that you are
doing it well or enjoying it.

Q11) List the functions of the central pollution control Board.


Ans)
The functions of CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) are:
• Advise the Central Government on any matter concerning prevention and control of water
and air pollution and improvement of the quality of air.
• Plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control or
abatement of water and air pollution;
• Co-ordinate the activities of the State Board and resolve disputes among them;
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and sponsor
investigation and research relating to problems of water and air pollution, and for their
prevention, control or abatement;
• Plan and organise training of persons engaged in programme on the prevention, control or
abatement of water and air pollution;
• Organise through mass media, a comprehensive mass awareness programme on the
prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution;
• Collect, compile, and publish technical and statistical data relating to water and air pollution
and the measures devised for their effective prevention, control, or abatement;
• Prepare manuals, codes and guidelines relating to treatment and disposal of sewage and
trade effluents as well as for stack gas cleaning devices, stacks, and ducts;
• Disseminate information in respect of matters relating to water and air pollution and their
prevention and control;
• Lay down, modify, or annul, in consultation with the State Governments concerned, the
standards for stream or well, and lay down standards for the quality of air; and
• Perform such other function as may be prescribed by the Government of India.

Q12) Briefly state the new provisions in the consumer protection Act 2019.
Ans)
The Consumer Protection Act 2019 (CPA 2019) is given in 8 chapters (31 sections) as:
CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY
CHAPTER II CONSUMER PROTECTION COUNCILS
CHAPTER III CENTRAL CONSUMER PROTECTION AUTHORITY
CHAPTER IV CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL COMMISSION
CHAPTER V MEDIATION
CHAPTER VI PRODUCT LIABILITY
CHAPTER VII OFFENCES AND PENALTIES
CHAPTER VIII MISCELLANEOUS
In 1986, consumers in general used to go to physical stores and purchase goods or services by
paying a price. By 2019, the purchase methods have considerably changed with several E-
commerce platforms having come into existence. In addition, telemarketing and multi-level
marketing became common. The CPA 2019 considers this change also. The Act provides:
• Enhanced protection to consumers from fraudulent or unfair trade practices;
• Covers consumers who purchase from online platforms/telemarketing or multilevel
marketing;
• Makes it easier for consumers to make a complaint against goods or service provider
allowing e-filing of complaints and online fighting of cases by video conferencing

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