UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

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.