UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, C and D are correct and capture the key features of Integrated Water Resources Management. IWRM involves coordinated management across sectors, uses stakeholder participation to improve decisions and often relies on river-basin scale planning. Statement B is incorrect because ecological considerations are a central part of modern IWRM thinking, not something to be ignored. Thus, the combination containing A, C and D only is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it recognises the multi-dimensional and participatory nature of IWRM and excludes the statement that misrepresents its scope. It accurately reflects that IWRM balances human, economic and ecological needs at appropriate scales such as river basins.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it omits D, which is a valid statement regarding basin-level planning. Even though A and C are true, leaving out D gives an incomplete picture of how IWRM is operationalised in practice.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it includes all four statements, thereby accepting B as correct. Statement B falsely claims that IWRM ignores ecology, which directly contradicts the integrative vision of the approach.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect since it selects B, C and D as correct. While C and D are correct, B is not, and including it undermines the accuracy of the combination.

Statements A, B, D and E correctly reflect widely accepted descriptions of sustainable development, including the classic definition, three-pillar approach, equity dimensions and participatory decision-making. Statement C is incorrect because sustainable development stresses prudent and efficient resource use, not unlimited exploitation. Statement F is also incorrect since reducing poverty and inequality is integral to the sustainable development agenda. Therefore, the only combination that includes all and only the correct statements is A, B, D and E.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it selects the four statements that match key principles of sustainable development. It recognises the need to balance present and future needs, integrate economic, social and environmental goals and ensure fairness across and within generations. It also acknowledges the role of stakeholder participation, while rejecting resource overuse and neglect of poverty.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it adds C, which advocates unlimited exploitation of resources. Including C contradicts the very idea of sustainability, even though A, B and D are correct. It also omits E, so it leaves out the participatory aspect.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it accepts both C and F, which misrepresent sustainable development as endorsing unlimited exploitation and ignoring poverty/inequality. Although it includes some true statements (B and E), the presence of C and F and absence of A and D make the combination invalid.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect since it brings in F along with A, D and E. While A, D and E are true, F wrongly states that poverty and inequality concerns are ignored. This mixture of true and false statements prevents it from being the correct answer.