UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

A common conceptual expression in disaster studies is that risk results from the interaction between hazard and vulnerability,often simplified as risk equals hazard multiplied by vulnerability. This highlights that a severe hazard may not cause a disaster where vulnerability is low,and vice versa. It underscores the importance of reducing vulnerability through preparedness and mitigation. Therefore the description in the question corresponds to this multiplicative relationship.

Option A:
The expression risk equals hazard multiplied by vulnerability is not a precise mathematical law but a useful heuristic. It reminds planners that both natural processes and social conditions shape disaster outcomes. Because the stem mentions risk as a function of hazard,exposure and vulnerability,this formulation is the closest representation.

Option B:
Risk equals hazard minus capacity suggests a subtraction relationship that is not commonly used in standard disaster risk frameworks. It does not clearly convey the combined influence of hazard and vulnerability. Hence it is not the best answer.

Option C:
Risk equals hazard plus relief is conceptually incorrect,because relief is a response after a disaster,not a factor that creates risk. Relief actually aims to reduce suffering rather than increase risk. Therefore this option is inappropriate.

Option D:
Risk equals vulnerability divided by preparedness is also not a standard expression. While preparedness can reduce vulnerability,dividing one by the other does not capture the role of hazard itself. Thus it fails to summarise the widely used risk formulation referred to in the question.

Standard disaster risk frameworks express risk as a combination of hazard,exposure and vulnerability. Vulnerability captures the susceptibility of elements at risk to damage, given a hazard of certain intensity. The stem refers to this tripartite conceptualisation,so vulnerability correctly completes the expression.

Option A:
Vulnerability encompasses physical, social, economic and environmental factors that increase the likelihood of harm. Even with the same hazard and exposure, communities with lower vulnerability experience less disaster impact. This fits exactly with the role described in the question.

Option B:
Relief is the immediate assistance provided after a disaster and is part of response,not a component of risk. While important, it does not define the likelihood of loss before an event occurs.

Option C:
Reconstruction involves rebuilding infrastructure and livelihoods in the long term recovery phase. It takes place after a disaster has happened and is not part of the risk formula.

Option D:
Mitigation denotes measures taken to reduce disaster risk by lowering vulnerability or modifying hazards. It is an action applied to components of risk rather than one of those components itself.

Disaster risk arises when a potentially damaging physical event interacts with vulnerable people, infrastructure and ecosystems. A strong hazard in an uninhabited area may not create a disaster, whereas a moderate hazard in a very vulnerable community can be devastating. Therefore, risk is commonly conceptualised as a function or product of hazard and vulnerability, with exposure explicitly considered in many formulations.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because hazard alone does not determine risk; context and vulnerability matter greatly.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect since vulnerability without a triggering hazard does not lead to a disaster.

Option C:
Option C is correct as it captures the widely used risk equation linking hazard, vulnerability and exposure.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect; early warning and participation reduce risk, but they are not the definition of risk itself.