UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

The AR6 Synthesis stresses that risks do not rise in a step-wise manner at a single threshold but increase progressively with each additional fraction of a degree. As temperatures rise, more people and ecosystems face heat, floods, droughts and sea-level impacts. The report also warns that some systems, such as low-lying islands and certain ecosystems, may reach hard limits to adaptation. Thus, the statement that each increment of warming raises multiple risks is the closest to the scientific assessment.

Option A:
This option is incorrect because it treats 2°C as a magic line below which nothing changes. In reality, evidence shows substantial differences in impacts between 1.1°C, 1.5°C and 2°C. Therefore, this is an oversimplification.

Option B:
This option is correct as it reflects the idea that risks grow steadily with rising temperature and that adaptation cannot fully protect all systems. It highlights both the gradual increase in hazards and the existence of limits, which are key messages of AR6.

Option C:
This option wrongly assumes perfect adaptation, which the report explicitly rejects. Many societies lack resources and capacity, and some impacts cannot be fully adapted to. Hence, it underestimates climate risk.

Option D:
This option is incorrect because AR6 documents changes in health, ecosystems and cultural values along with economic losses. Focusing only on economic risks ignores large parts of the assessment.

Studies and official warnings show that heatwaves are becoming longer, more frequent and more intense across many Indian regions. Climate change raises baseline temperatures while urban heat islands make cities particularly dangerous. These trends increase health risks and reduce labour productivity, especially for outdoor workers and the urban poor, underscoring the need for early-warning systems, cool shelters and resilient urban design.

Option A:
This option is incorrect because human health impacts are a central concern; mortality and illness during heatwaves are well documented.

Option B:
This option correctly connects physical hazards with social vulnerability and highlights why adaptation planning is crucial in a warming climate.

Option C:
Extreme heat generally increases electricity demand for cooling and can strain power systems; it does not “automatically” help mitigation.

Option D:
Scientific assessments attribute a significant portion of recent heat extremes to human-induced climate change, especially greenhouse gas emissions, so this statement is misleading.

Statements A, B, D and E correctly express key ethical principles: ethics committees protect participants, informed consent demands adequate information, participants must have the right to withdraw and vulnerable groups require special safeguards. Statement C is false because coercing participation violates autonomy and ethical guidelines, regardless of concerns about bias. Thus, the combination that includes A, B, D and E and excludes C is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it omits E, failing to acknowledge the particular responsibilities involved in working with vulnerable populations such as children or persons with disabilities.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it leaves out A, not explicitly describing the formal role of ethics committees in reviewing and monitoring research proposals.

Option C:
Option C is incomplete as it omits B, and therefore does not clearly emphasise the need for informed consent information as part of ethical practice.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it gathers all true statements about ethical review and consent, while rejecting C, which endorses coercion. It reflects established international norms for research with human participants.

Studies and official warnings show that heatwaves in India are becoming more frequent, intense and prolonged. Climate change raises baseline temperatures, while urban heat islands amplify local extremes. These conditions increase risks of dehydration, heat stroke and mortality, particularly among outdoor workers, the elderly and the urban poor. Consequently, heat action plans, early warning systems and urban design measures are now central components of adaptation strategies.

Option A:
This option is incorrect because heatwaves have well-documented impacts on human health, including increased mortality and hospital admissions. Ignoring human impacts overlooks key concerns for public policy.

Option B:
This option misrepresents current scientific understanding; while natural variability plays a role, climate change has made many recent heat extremes more likely and more intense.

Option C:
This option correctly summarises how climate change and urbanisation interact to amplify heat risks and why adaptation measures are essential. It links physical hazards with social vulnerability and development planning.

Option D:
This option is wrong because extreme heat often increases electricity demand for cooling, which can stress power systems and raise emissions if supplied by fossil fuels. There are clear risks, not automatic mitigation benefits.