UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

City HAPs typically include actions such as heat alerts issued in advance, training for health workers, mapping of vulnerable populations and setting up shaded or air-conditioned spaces for rest. They also promote simple behavioural measures like staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous activity during peak heat. These measures aim to reduce heat-related illness and mortality, especially among outdoor workers, the elderly and the urban poor.

Option A:
This option is incorrect because working during the hottest hours increases health risks and goes against HAP guidance.

Option B:
This option correctly describes a standard package of interventions found in many Heat Action Plans, combining early warning, communication and on-ground support.

Option C:
Reducing tree cover would remove natural shade and cooling, which is the opposite of what cities are advised to do.

Option D:
Avoiding water intake during heatwaves is dangerous; HAPs emphasise adequate hydration, not restriction.

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.

Statement D is the only wrong statement because higher urban temperatures clearly affect public health through heat stress and increase energy demand for cooling. Statements A, B and C correctly describe what the urban heat island is and outline mitigation and adaptation measures such as greening and heat action plans. Heat-related morbidity and mortality have been documented for vulnerable city populations. Therefore, identifying D alone as wrong is the correct choice.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it isolates D as the single incorrect statement while treating A, B and C as valid. It recognises that urban heat has serious health and energy implications and that planning must address these. This option matches the requirement to select the wrong statement or statements.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it treats both A and D as wrong. Statement A correctly defines the urban heat island phenomenon and is widely used in urban climate studies. Including A among wrong statements shows a misunderstanding of the basic concept.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it groups B and D as wrong. While D is wrong, B is correct since green infrastructure is a recognised strategy for cooling cities. Misclassifying B undermines accepted adaptation measures.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect as it treats C and D as wrong together. C accurately identifies heat action plans, early warning and cooling centres as important adaptation measures. Including C among wrong statements makes this option unacceptable.

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.