UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Mitigation refers to efforts taken before a disaster to reduce its potential impact. These include structural measures such as dams,embankments and safe building codes as well as non structural measures like land use planning. The aim is to lessen damage even if a hazard occurs. Therefore the description in the question is best captured by the term mitigation.

Option A:
Mitigation involves proactive risk reduction rather than post disaster action. By addressing underlying vulnerabilities,it can significantly limit loss of life and property. This long term focus distinguishes mitigation from other phases of disaster management and makes it the correct answer.

Option B:
Recovery refers to measures taken after a disaster to restore normalcy and rebuild affected communities. It includes rehabilitation and reconstruction activities. Although important,it does not describe the pre disaster risk reduction strategies highlighted in the stem.

Option C:
Relief usually denotes immediate assistance after a disaster,such as food,shelter and medical aid. It is reactive and short term in nature. Hence it does not match the long term structural and non structural strategies described.

Option D:
Reconstruction focuses on rebuilding damaged infrastructure and housing after the disaster has struck. It is part of the post disaster phase,not a preventive strategy. Therefore it is not the correct term for the measures mentioned in the question.

Non-structural measures rely on policies, planning, regulations and awareness rather than physical structures. Land-use zoning keeps settlements and critical facilities away from floodplains, fault lines or landslide-prone slopes. Building codes ensure that whatever is built meets safety standards. Together they reduce exposure and vulnerability before hazards strike.

Option A:
Option A is a structural measure because it involves constructing physical defences such as embankments.

Option B:
Option B is also structural, as it strengthens physical buildings through engineering modifications.

Option C:
Option C is correct since zoning and codes are regulatory and planning tools, classic examples of non-structural mitigation.

Option D:
Option D is structural because cyclone shelters are actual buildings designed to withstand storms.

Statements A, B and D are correct: risk is seen as hazard–exposure–vulnerability, the Sendai Framework stresses prevention and resilience, and integrating DRR into development planning reduces future losses. Statement C is incorrect because non-structural measures like education, land-use planning and early warning are crucial complements to structural measures. Therefore, the option that includes A, B and D and excludes C is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete as it omits D, which correctly notes the importance of integrating DRR into development planning. Without D, the answer does not fully capture contemporary DRR practice.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect since it includes C along with A and B, treating structural measures as sufficient and dismissing non-structural measures. This contradicts modern DRR frameworks.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because, while A and D are true, it omits B which highlights the Sendai Framework, a key part of the syllabus. The set of correct statements is therefore not complete.

Option D:
Option D is correct as it groups all three true statements and excludes the false one. It presents a holistic understanding of disaster risk reduction, combining conceptual, institutional and policy aspects.

Statements A, B, C, D and F are correct because they define risk components, show how development choices increase risk, stress DRR measures and recognise build back better. Statement E is wrong because disasters are shaped by vulnerability and exposure linked to development.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect as it omits D.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it omits C.

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

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it includes E (false).