UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Early warning systems detect impending hazards and communicate timely information so that people can take protective action. Cyclone alerts broadcast before landfall give communities time to evacuate or secure property. The stem clearly describes this function,so “early warning” is the correct term. It is a key component of disaster risk reduction.

Option A:
Recovery refers to restoring livelihoods and infrastructure after a disaster has occurred. It does not capture the advance information sharing described in the question.

Option B:
Response includes immediate rescue and relief activities during or just after impact. Although related,it is activated after the warning,not the warning itself.

Option C:
Mitigation involves long term measures that reduce the potential impact of hazards,such as embankments or building codes. It is different from the communication systems that warn people of imminent events.

Option D:
Early warning saves lives by turning risk information into action through effective communication and preparedness. This is exactly the role depicted in the question stem.

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.

Disaster preparedness encompasses measures undertaken before a hazard strikes to ensure that people,systems and institutions can respond quickly and effectively. These include contingency planning,education,stockpiling and drills. The stem lists exactly such advance actions,so preparedness is the correct term. It is a critical phase of the disaster management cycle.

Option A:
Recovery occurs after a disaster and involves restoring livelihoods,services and infrastructure. It is a post event phase and therefore does not match the pre event focus of the question.

Option B:
Preparedness builds capacities so that warnings are heeded and response systems function smoothly when a hazard occurs. It reduces casualties and damages by ensuring that everyone knows what to do. This explanation aligns directly with the stem’s description.

Option C:
Relief refers to the immediate assistance given after a disaster,such as food,water,medical care and shelter. It follows the impact phase and therefore cannot fill the blank referring to advance actions.

Option D:
Reconstruction is the long term process of rebuilding homes,roads and other facilities after the emergency phase is over. It is not concerned with pre disaster planning,so it is not the right answer.

Statements A, B, C, D and F are correct and together highlight ecological buffers, planning tools, early warning and long-term sea-level threats. Statement E is wrong because many coastal communities possess traditional knowledge relevant to preparedness. The correct set therefore includes A, B, C, D and F while excluding E.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it includes all true statements and excludes E, which wrongly denies the existence of relevant traditional knowledge.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it omits F, missing sea-level rise as a key long-term coastal risk.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since it includes E (false).

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it omits B, underplaying vulnerability created by unplanned construction and vegetation removal.