UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B and C together provide a realistic overview of research funding. Statement A is true because many calls for proposals explicitly reference national development priorities. Statement B is correct as peer review is standard practice for evaluating the quality and feasibility of research projects. Statement C is also true since acquiring funds from varied sources can reduce dependence on a single agency and widen research autonomy. Statement D is false because researchers often collaborate with and receive support from international agencies, subject to regulations. Therefore, A, B and C only form the correct combination.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it limits the answer to A and B and omits C, thereby failing to capture the importance of diversifying funding streams for long-term sustainability.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it selects A and C but excludes B, overlooking the crucial gatekeeping role of peer review in ensuring that funded projects meet quality standards.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it recognises that funding priorities, peer review and diversified support all shape the research landscape, while excluding D, which wrongly denies the possibility of international funding.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it includes D along with B and C and omits A, accepting the false blanket prohibition on international funding and leaving out the significance of national priorities in public funding.

The Economic Survey notes that India is highly vulnerable to climate impacts such as heatwaves, floods and changing monsoons, making adaptation a development necessity. At the same time, it points out that international finance flows for adaptation remain limited relative to needs. As a result, India has to allocate more domestic resources towards resilience, potentially crowding out other development priorities. This tension illustrates why climate finance and equity debates are central to discussions on people, development and environment.

Option A:
This option is incorrect because mitigation alone has not solved climate risks, and adaptation is still urgently required. The Survey explicitly brings adaptation “to the forefront” rather than dismissing it.

Option B:
This option is wrong as multiple documents highlight a shortfall, not a surplus, of adaptation finance. India and other developing countries argue that promised flows have not materialised adequately.

Option C:
This option misrepresents the empirical trends: analyses show adaptation-related expenditures have risen as a share of GDP, indicating increasing attention, not neglect.

Option D:
This option correctly captures the Survey’s emphasis that adaptation is both crucial and under-financed from international sources. It acknowledges the resulting pressure on domestic budgets and the need for supportive global climate finance arrangements.