UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Contemporary disaster management frameworks stress that it is more effective to reduce risk before disasters occur than to focus only on relief afterwards. This involves identifying hazards, mitigating vulnerabilities, building preparedness and strengthening early warning and resilience. The key shift is from purely reactive relief to proactive risk reduction and preparedness.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because abandoning mitigation and preparedness would increase disaster losses and keep the approach reactive and short-term.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it describes the widely accepted move towards disaster risk reduction, mitigation and preparedness as emphasised in international frameworks like the Sendai Framework.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since modern practice encourages community participation and local capacity, not only top-down control.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because relying on fate and neglecting early warning systems contradicts the evidence-based, preventive approach of modern disaster management.

Statements A, C and D correctly capture core ideas in disaster risk reduction. Statement A presents the standard formulation of disaster risk as a function of hazard, vulnerability and capacity, C lists important non-structural measures and D stresses mainstreaming risk reduction into development planning. Statement B is incorrect because non-structural measures are also crucial, and statement E is wrong as preparedness involves planning, training and mitigation-oriented actions, not just response. Therefore, the combination that includes A, C and D only is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it includes A and C but excludes D. While A and C are correct, D is also a valid statement since integrating disaster risk reduction into development plans significantly lowers future vulnerabilities and losses. Leaving out a correct statement means this combination is incomplete.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it adds statement E to A and C. Statement E wrongly restricts disaster preparedness to emergency response, ignoring its preventive and capacity-building aspects. The presence of an incorrect statement makes this combination unacceptable.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it groups A, C and D, all of which align with widely accepted disaster management frameworks. It recognises the multi-dimensional nature of risk, the importance of non-structural measures and the need to integrate risk reduction into development. Since it excludes the incorrect statements B and E, this combination fully satisfies the requirement.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it includes statements A, B, C and D. Although A, C and D are correct, B is wrong because structural measures are not the only tools for risk reduction; behavioural, institutional and policy measures are equally important. Including a false statement makes this combination invalid.

Statement D is the only wrong statement because population ageing clearly has implications for planning services, infrastructure and resource use. Statements A, B, C, E and F are correct: ageing populations need adapted services, age-friendly design, they contribute to environmental action, heatwaves pose higher risks to them and DRR must consider ageing. Therefore, the correct answer is the combination that identifies D alone as wrong.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect as it groups A with D as wrong, even though A correctly highlights increased demand for adapted services in ageing societies. Treating A as wrong contradicts demographic and planning evidence.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it labels C and D as wrong together. C accurately points out that older persons often contribute knowledge and voluntary efforts, so including it with D is unjustified.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since it combines D with E as wrong. E is correct in noting that climate risks like heatwaves can disproportionately affect older urban residents, as seen in many city experiences.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it singles out D, which wrongly claims that ageing has no planning implications, and implicitly accepts A, B, C, E and F as true. It is consistent with the unit’s emphasis on demographic change and environmental planning.

Statements A, B, C and E are correct as they summarise the pillars of the Sendai Framework, the need for integration into development, local participation and ecosystem-based measures. Statement D is false because early warning without preparedness, capacity or structural measures cannot eliminate risk. Statement F is false since risk depends on the interaction of hazard, exposure and vulnerability. Therefore, the correct combination is A, B, C and E only.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it omits E and thus ignores ecosystem-based approaches like mangrove belts, which are now widely recognised in disaster risk reduction strategies.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it includes F, which wrongly states that exposure and vulnerability are irrelevant, contradicting the standard risk formula.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since it excludes A and therefore does not mention the global Sendai Framework, which is an important reference for policy.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it includes the core elements of contemporary DRR thinking and rejects statements that overstate the sufficiency of warnings or treat hazards as the only determinant of risk.

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 sets out priorities and targets to reduce disaster risks and losses in lives,livelihoods and assets. Its central focus is risk reduction,not just response. The stem clearly refers to global guidelines for disaster risk something,which must be reduction. Hence Option C is the correct option.

Option A:
Creation of risk is what the framework seeks to avoid,not promote. Policies that unintentionally increase risk are criticised in Sendai,so Option A contradicts the intent.

Option B:
Denial of risk occurs when societies ignore potential hazards,but the framework is about acknowledging and reducing them. Therefore Option B is not appropriate.

Option C:
Reduction reflects measures that lessen hazard exposure and vulnerability through better planning,governance and preparedness. This aligns exactly with the objectives described in the question.

Option D:
Privatisation refers to ownership arrangements and is not a central term in the Sendai document’s title or aims. Thus Option D does not fit the stem.

Statements A, B and D are correct because they show that disasters affect people differently based on social conditions and that community-based approaches can build resilience. Statement C is incorrect; it treats disasters as purely natural when in fact social and economic factors shape who is most affected. Thus, the combination including A, B and D only, and excluding C, is the correct set of statements.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because although A and B are true, it leaves out D, which correctly emphasises the importance of community-based disaster risk reduction. Without D, the option does not fully reflect approaches to reducing vulnerability.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it includes B and D but omits A. While B and D are true, A is also correct in recognising that marginalised groups are often more vulnerable. Leaving out A makes the combination incomplete.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it brings together A, B and D, all of which align with the social science understanding of disasters as interacting with inequalities. It also properly excludes C, which wrongly denies the role of social and economic conditions.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect since it groups A, C and D and treats C as true. The presence of C, which mischaracterises disasters as purely natural, makes the whole combination unacceptable despite including two correct statements.

Non-structural measures focus on policies, planning tools, information systems and community capacity rather than physical constructions. Land-use zoning can keep settlements away from high-risk zones, early warning systems alert people to impending hazards and awareness programmes help communities respond appropriately. Together these measures reduce disaster impacts without necessarily altering physical structures.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because dams and embankments are classic examples of structural measures that physically modify the environment to control hazards.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as retrofitting buildings with stronger designs is again a structural intervention aimed at enhancing physical resilience.

Option C:
Option C is correct since zoning, warnings and awareness operate through rules, information and behaviour change, making them non-structural tools in disaster mitigation.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because cyclone shelters are physical constructions that provide safe refuge and are therefore structural measures.

Mitigation refers to measures taken in advance to reduce the potential adverse impacts of hazards by limiting exposure or vulnerability. Structural interventions like embankments and stronger buildings are classic mitigation tools. The stem lists exactly such measures,so disaster risk mitigation is the correct concept. Therefore Option D is appropriate.

Option A:
Response involves immediate actions during or right after a disaster (rescue,relief),not advance structural measures.

Option B:
Recovery focuses on restoring services and livelihoods after a disaster,not on pre event strengthening.

Option C:
Preparedness includes planning,training and drills; it is about readiness rather than structural risk reduction measures like retrofitting.

Option D:
Mitigation reduces risk before hazards occur through measures such as embankments,shelters and retrofitting,exactly as described in the stem.

Adaptation consists of adjustments that reduce damage or increase resilience to the impacts of climate change. Building infrastructure designed to withstand coastal flooding and storm surges, together with effective early warning systems, helps communities live with sea-level rise and more intense storms.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because switching from coal to solar primarily reduces emissions and is therefore a mitigation measure.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect; better fuel efficiency lowers greenhouse gas emissions from transport and is also mitigation.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since a carbon tax is a policy instrument intended to reduce fossil fuel use and emissions, again falling under mitigation.

Option D:
Option D is correct as it focuses on coping with and reducing vulnerability to climate impacts, which is the essence of adaptation.

Statements A, B and D are correct: risk is seen as hazard–exposure–vulnerability, the Sendai Framework stresses prevention and resilience, and integrating DRR into development planning reduces future losses. Statement C is incorrect because non-structural measures like education, land-use planning and early warning are crucial complements to structural measures. Therefore, the option that includes A, B and D and excludes C is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete as it omits D, which correctly notes the importance of integrating DRR into development planning. Without D, the answer does not fully capture contemporary DRR practice.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect since it includes C along with A and B, treating structural measures as sufficient and dismissing non-structural measures. This contradicts modern DRR frameworks.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because, while A and D are true, it omits B which highlights the Sendai Framework, a key part of the syllabus. The set of correct statements is therefore not complete.

Option D:
Option D is correct as it groups all three true statements and excludes the false one. It presents a holistic understanding of disaster risk reduction, combining conceptual, institutional and policy aspects.

Effective disaster management recognises that communities are the first to face impacts and the first to respond. Local residents possess detailed knowledge of terrain, hazards and social networks that outside experts may lack. When they participate in risk assessment, planning, drills and early warning systems, measures become more realistic and widely accepted. Therefore, involving communities throughout the disaster management cycle harnesses local capacity and builds resilience, as stated in option D.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because treating disaster management as purely technical overlooks social, cultural and behavioural factors. Excluding communities can result in plans that fail during real events.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect since viewing people only as recipients of relief denies their agency and capabilities. Such a top-down approach misses opportunities for preparedness and risk reduction driven by communities themselves.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because hiding information increases vulnerability. Transparent risk communication allows people to take timely protective actions and reduces rumours and panic.

Option D:
Option D is correct as it emphasises participation, shared knowledge and empowerment. Community-based disaster risk management is widely promoted as a cornerstone of sustainable resilience.

Disaster resilience captures the capacity of communities and systems to withstand shocks,make adjustments and recover quickly after hazard events. The stem lists key components such as resisting,absorbing,adapting and recovering,which are central to resilience definitions. Therefore resilience is the correct term.

Option A:
Vulnerability refers to the propensity to suffer harm when exposed to a hazard. High vulnerability indicates weak capacity to cope,which is the opposite of resilience. Hence it is not suitable for the blank.

Option B:
Resilience emphasises learning and adaptation so that systems can emerge from disasters stronger or at least restored. It is a core concept in modern disaster risk reduction frameworks and matches the description given in the question.

Option C:
Hazard denotes the potentially damaging physical event itself and does not address the capacity of systems to respond. Thus it does not fit the stem.

Option D:
Exposure refers to people,property or systems located in hazard prone areas. It is a component of risk but not the property of recovery and adaptation described. Therefore it is not the correct option.