UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

A diversified livelihood strategy draws income and subsistence from multiple activities and sectors. This diversification reduces dependence on any single source and can enhance resilience to shocks. The stem lists several combined activities,which is characteristic of a diversified livelihood. Hence Option D is correct.

Option A:
Mono sectoral livelihoods depend heavily on one type of activity,such as only crop farming. This increases vulnerability to sector-specific shocks and is the opposite of what is described.

Option B:
Narrow livelihood strategies have limited options and flexibility,which again contradicts the multiple sources mentioned in the question.

Option C:
Single source livelihoods rely on one main income stream and therefore cannot match the multi-activity pattern given in the stem.

Option D:
Diversified strategies help households cope with climate variability,market changes and other risks. This function aligns closely with the Unit’s focus on vulnerability and resilience.

Statement C is wrong because the relationship between poverty and environment is complex and two-way: the poor can contribute to degradation due to necessity, but they are also disproportionately affected by environmental decline. Statements A, B and D are correct as they highlight dependence on common resources, the poverty-degradation spiral and the role of combined livelihood and conservation policies. Thus, the only statement that should be identified as wrong is C, making the combination C only the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it treats both A and C as wrong, even though statement A correctly describes how poor households rely on common property resources for basic needs. This dependence is central to many analyses of the poverty–environment link, so including A in the wrong set is unjustified.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it groups C and D as wrong. While C is indeed wrong, D is correct since integrated policies that provide livelihoods and encourage conservation are widely promoted as a way to address the vicious cycle. Misclassifying D undermines well-accepted policy approaches.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it isolates C as the only incorrect statement and recognises that A, B and D reflect mainstream understanding of the nexus. It respects the multidirectional nature of poverty–environment interactions that is emphasised in the unit.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as it includes A, C and D together as wrong statements. Both A and D are correct, so putting them with C in the wrong set contradicts the conceptual explanations of poverty, environment and policy responses.

Statements A, B and C are correct as they summarise the definition, geographic focus and control measures for land degradation and desertification. These processes reduce productivity and resilience, particularly in drylands. Statement D is incorrect because global and national programmes explicitly link combating desertification with poverty reduction and livelihood protection. Therefore, the combination A, B and C only is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete as it lists only A and B and omits C. Without mentioning key control measures, the answer does not show how degradation can be addressed.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it includes only B and C and leaves out A, which defines land degradation in general and is fundamental to the topic.

Option C:
Option C is correct since it includes all the true statements about what land degradation is, where desertification occurs and how these problems can be mitigated. It also correctly excludes D, which wrongly disconnects desertification from livelihoods.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as it groups A, C and D, accepting D as correct. Doing so would deny the strong poverty–environment link highlighted in international conventions and development policies.