UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B and D are correct: affluent overconsumption drives environmental degradation, behaviour changes in high-income groups can ease pressure on resources and media influence preferences and impacts. Statement C is incorrect because sustainable consumption is especially relevant for high-consuming groups, not only low-income households. Therefore, the combination A, B and D only is correct.

Option A:
Option A is correct as it includes all the true statements and excludes C, which misplaces the main responsibility for unsustainable consumption. It aligns with the distributive focus of the unit.

Option B:
Option B is incomplete since it omits D, thereby ignoring the important role media and advertising play in shaping consumption choices and environmental outcomes.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because, although B and D are true, it includes C which wrongly suggests sustainable consumption concerns only the poor in developing countries.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as it groups A, C and D and treats C as correct, undermining the emphasis on high-consuming groups in sustainability debates.

Statements A, B, C and E are correct, describing planning, social, ecological and analytical dimensions of urban resilience. Integrating risk into planning, using social protection, restoring ecosystems and conducting multi-hazard assessments all strengthen cities’ ability to cope with climate impacts. D is wrong because institutions and communities are central to resilience, and F is wrong as community participation improves relevance and ownership of plans. Therefore, A, B, C and E only is the correct combination.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it omits E, thereby ignoring the importance of multi-hazard assessments in understanding combined risks. Without E, the analytical basis of resilience planning is not fully captured.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it includes only B, C and E and leaves out A, which is fundamental in stating that planning and infrastructure must integrate climate risk. Excluding A weakens the description of what makes a city climate-resilient.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since it accepts F and omits B. Accepting F denies the value of community participation, while dropping B neglects the role of social protection for vulnerable groups.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it combines all the true statements and excludes D and F, which narrow resilience to physical assets and dismiss participation. It reflects the multi-dimensional approach to urban climate resilience emphasised in this unit.

The pledge announced around COP28 calls for tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030 compared to 2022 levels. It also aims to double the global average annual rate of energy-efficiency improvements. These twin goals are meant to accelerate decarbonisation of the power and end-use sectors while still supporting economic growth. They complement the broader Global Stocktake signals on transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Option A:
This option is correct because it states both parts of the pledge: a threefold increase in renewables and a doubling of efficiency gains. Together, they summarise the core quantitative ambition.

Option B:
This option is incorrect as it proposes reducing renewables and increasing fossil fuel subsidies, which runs counter to the spirit of the pledge.

Option C:
Tripling coal plants and weakening efficiency would increase emissions, not reduce them, so it contradicts the COP28 narrative.

Option D:
Focusing only on nuclear and ignoring renewables and efficiency does not match the text of the pledge. Nuclear may play a role, but it is not the sole focus.

Statements A, B, D and E are correct on emissions, access, policy instruments and jobs. Statement C is false because projects can have local impacts. Statement F is false because efficiency and renewables are often pursued together. Therefore A, B, D and E only is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it includes C (false) and omits E.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it includes F (false) and omits A.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it includes F (false) and omits B.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it includes A, B, D and E and excludes C and F.

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.

The Meendum Manjappai campaign encourages citizens to shift from disposable plastic carry bags to durable cloth bags. By making cloth bags easily available at subsidised rates through vending machines, the initiative reduces both cost and convenience barriers. This supports state and national efforts to curb single-use plastics and fosters a culture of reuse. The campaign thus links local behavioural change with broader environmental regulations.

Option A:
This option correctly reflects the core objective of the campaign, which is to popularise reusable bags as an alternative to single-use plastics. It recognises the behavioural and accessibility aspects of the policy.

Option B:
This option is incorrect because the campaign does not discourage waste segregation; in fact, reducing single-use plastics can complement better waste management, including segregation and recycling.

Option C:
The vending machines dispense cloth bags, not plastic products. The idea is to replace plastics, not promote their sale.

Option D:
While tourists might also use the bags, the campaign is aimed at the general public’s daily shopping habits, not just decorative souvenirs. Focusing only on tourism would miss its main behavioural goal.

COP27 concluded with governments agreeing to set up dedicated funding arrangements for loss and damage, including a new fund. This was significant because vulnerable countries had demanded such a mechanism for decades to help them cope with climate impacts that go beyond adaptation, such as devastating floods, storms and sea-level rise. The decision recognises historical responsibility and the need for solidarity with those least responsible for emissions yet hardest hit. It is therefore described as a milestone for climate justice in multilateral climate negotiations. (UNEP - UN Environment Programme)

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because the loss and damage discussions were not about subsidising fossil fuel exploration, which would worsen climate risks. Linking the new fund to exploration goes against the mitigation and justice objectives that shaped the COP27 outcome. This option reverses the actual intent of the decision.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it accurately summarises the COP27 decision to establish funding arrangements, including a loss and damage fund, targeted at particularly vulnerable countries. It captures both the creation of a new mechanism and its focus on addressing unavoidable climate harms. This aligns with official texts and with how media and experts described the outcome.

Option C:
Option C is wrong because COP27 did not cancel climate finance commitments; in fact, it reiterated the need for scaled-up support. Ending such obligations would undermine trust between developed and developing countries and contradict the overall direction of negotiations.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect since the Paris Agreement remains in force, and COP27 decisions operate within its framework. While adaptation received attention, it was not the sole focus, and no replacement treaty was adopted.

Mission LiFE is designed as a people-centric movement that nudges individuals and communities towards sustainable everyday choices. It emphasises reducing wasteful consumption of energy, water and materials, and encourages habits such as reuse, repair and sharing. By framing citizens as “Pro Planet People”, it links climate and environmental goals directly with development and well-being. (MyGov.in)

Option A:
This option correctly captures LiFE’s focus on lifestyle and behaviour change as a tool for climate action and sustainable development. It recognises that reducing wasteful consumption lowers environmental footprints without denying people a good quality of life.

Option B:
This option is incorrect because LiFE does not advocate expanding coal; instead, it seeks to reduce carbon-intensive consumption patterns that drive fossil fuel demand.

Option C:
Cash transfers are not the core instrument of LiFE; the initiative focuses on awareness, nudges and enabling green choices rather than general income support.

Option D:
Replacing environmental laws with voluntary corporate codes would weaken regulation, whereas LiFE is meant to complement, not substitute, formal environmental governance.

Physical water scarcity occurs where natural hydrological conditions cannot meet the demands placed on them, even with efficient use. It reflects absolute limits in supply relative to population and economic activities. Economic water scarcity arises where water resources exist but infrastructure, finance and governance are inadequate for people to obtain safe and reliable supplies. This distinction between natural limits and access constraints is correctly expressed in Option B.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it reverses the definitions. Poor management can aggravate both types of scarcity, but abundant resources with poor management fit better under economic and governance issues than pure physical scarcity.

Option B:
Option B is correct since it clearly separates situations of low natural availability from those where institutions and investments are lacking. Understanding this difference is important for designing appropriate water policies.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as it confuses water quality problems with scarcity types. Pollution can contribute to scarcity but does not define the physical versus economic distinction.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because water scarcity can affect both urban and rural areas, and the physical versus economic classification is not based solely on settlement type.

Statements A, B, C and E are correct as they describe how economic instruments change incentives and behaviour. Pollution taxes and tradable permits put a price on emissions, harmful subsidies can lead to overuse of resources and well-designed user charges can support efficiency and equity. D is wrong because economic instruments usually complement rather than completely replace regulation, and F is wrong since policy mixes often combine price, information and voluntary tools. Therefore, A, B, C and E only is the correct set.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it omits E, overlooking the important role of user charges in managing water and waste services. While A, B and C are correct, without E the answer misses a major application area of economic instruments.

Option B:
Option B is correct since it captures the main forms and uses of economic instruments while excluding simplistic or extreme claims in D and F. It reflects the integrated, mixed-instrument approach recommended in environmental economics.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as it includes F, which wrongly suggests economic tools cannot be combined with other approaches, and omits A, which describes a central instrument (pollution taxes). This combination is therefore incomplete and partially false.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it retains F and leaves out B. Ignoring emissions trading while accepting that economic instruments never mix with information campaigns contradicts real-world policy practice.

Statements A, B and C are correct and reflect the core ideas of climate justice and equity in global negotiations. A notes differentiated responsibility, B points to the historical role of developed countries and C refers to the principle embodying equity concerns. Statement D is incorrect because climate justice highlights that vulnerable communities and poorer countries often bear disproportionate impacts. Therefore, the combination with A, B and C only is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it includes only A and B and leaves out C. While A and B are true, C is also correct and central to the equity principle in climate agreements. By omitting C, the option fails to capture the full conceptual picture.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it selects A, B and D and erroneously accepts D as correct. D contradicts the basic claim of climate justice that vulnerability and inequality shape climate impacts, so including it invalidates the combination.

Option C:
Option C is correct since it combines all the true statements and excludes the false one. It accurately captures responsibility, historical emissions and the normative principle used in agreements. As such, it fully matches the unit’s emphasis on climate justice.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it brings together B, C and D and leaves out A. Besides omitting A, which is correct, it accepts D, which denies the link between socio-economic vulnerability and climate impacts. This makes the combination inconsistent with climate justice discourse.

When courts interpret the right to life to include the right to a clean and healthy environment,they are developing environmental jurisprudence. This body of case law integrates environmental protection into constitutional rights. The stem explicitly mentions the right to clean environment under Article 21,which is a hallmark of environmental jurisprudence in India. Therefore Option B is correct.

Option A:
Criminal jurisprudence deals with offences and penalties under criminal law and is not the main focus when expanding the scope of fundamental rights to include environmental aspects.

Option B:
Environmental jurisprudence uses judicial decisions to clarify and strengthen legal principles that safeguard the environment. This matches exactly the process described in the question.

Option C:
Commercial jurisprudence concerns trade,contracts and business transactions. It does not primarily involve constitutional interpretation of environmental rights.

Option D:
Contract jurisprudence focuses on agreements between parties and their enforceability. It is not the relevant branch of law when courts are reading environmental rights into Article 21.

The Sustainable Development Goals, adopted in 2015 under the UN 2030 Agenda, comprise 17 goals and 169 targets. They cover a wide spectrum of issues including poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water, energy, decent work, reduced inequalities, climate action, life below water and life on land, among others. The SDGs are universal, applying to all countries, and they integrate economic, social and environmental dimensions of development. Hence, option D accurately summarises their nature and scope.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it confuses SDGs with the earlier Millennium Development Goals, which were 8 in number. SDGs are 17 and much broader in thematic coverage.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as SDGs are meant to be universal, applying to both developed and developing countries. All nations are expected to work toward the goals, not just aid-receiving countries.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because several SDGs explicitly address environment and climate, such as Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and Goal 15 (Life on Land). Environmental sustainability is central to the SDG framework.

Option D:
Option D is correct since it states that there are 17 SDGs, that they are universal and that they integrate economic, social and environmental aspects. This captures the holistic and inclusive character of the SDG agenda.

Eutrophication occurs when excess nutrients, especially nitrates and phosphates, enter a water body. These nutrients stimulate dense growth of algae and aquatic plants, creating algal blooms. When the algae die and decompose, oxygen in the water is depleted, often leading to fish mortality. Thus, algal blooms followed by fish kills are characteristic signs of eutrophication.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because eutrophication produces excessive algae, not their sudden disappearance. Clear water usually indicates low nutrient levels.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it clearly links nutrient enrichment, algal growth and oxygen depletion. This sequence is widely documented in polluted lakes and reservoirs.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since crystal-clear water with low biological activity suggests oligotrophic conditions, not eutrophication. Such lakes are nutrient-poor, not nutrient-rich.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect; lakes do not rapidly become deserts due to eutrophication. They may become choked with plants and lose fish, but water remains present.

Surveys indicate that large majorities in multiple countries favour protecting at least 30% of land and sea by 2030. This suggests that political resistance may come more from specific interest groups or short-term concerns than from general public opposition. At the same time, respondents often stress fairness and the need for wealthier countries to shoulder more financial responsibility. Policy-makers can therefore build on this support to design equitable conservation strategies that align with people’s sense of justice. (The Guardian)

Option A:
This option is incorrect because the survey evidence shows broad support, not strong resistance, to expanding protected areas. Public opinion can be a facilitator rather than a barrier.

Option B:
This option is wrong since many respondents actually favour shared responsibility and greater support from wealthier nations for conservation in biodiversity-rich regions.

Option C:
This option correctly interprets the findings as an opportunity to pursue ambitious conservation policies grounded in equity. It highlights that public backing is conditional on fairness and adequate finance.

Option D:
The 30×30 goal covers both land and sea; public support is not restricted only to oceans. Surveys examine attitudes to protecting nature in a broad sense.