UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements C and D are wrong because older persons are widely recognised as highly vulnerable during heatwaves, and demographic shifts influence long-term demand and design for water, sanitation and waste services. A, B, E and F are correct in noting specific access needs, universal design, active ageing measures and the value of participation. Therefore, the option that identifies both C and D as wrong, while accepting the rest, is the correct one.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect since it singles out only C as wrong and ignores D, even though dismissing the implications of ageing for service planning contradicts demographic and planning evidence. By failing to include D, it underestimates long-term infrastructure challenges.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect as it selects only D, leaving C unchallenged. Statement C wrongly suggests that heatwave planning need not consider older persons, something strongly refuted by mortality and morbidity patterns in past heat events.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because it groups C, D and E together as wrong, even though E correctly highlights the benefits of walkability and seating for active ageing. Including a valid statement among wrong ones makes this combination conceptually inconsistent.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it identifies precisely the two statements that neglect vulnerability and planning implications, and it implicitly affirms the importance of design, services and participation for ageing populations in cities.

Statements A, B and D are correct as they reflect the text and spirit of SDG 11, which emphasises inclusive, safe, resilient, sustainable settlements, improved services and participatory governance. Statement C is incorrect because environmental quality, including air, green spaces and waste, is central to sustainable cities. Statement E is also wrong as SDG 11 applies to cities and human settlements of all sizes. Thus, the combination A, B and D only is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it omits D, which highlights participatory planning as a key strategy for implementing SDG 11. Without D, the governance aspect of sustainable cities is not addressed.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect since it includes C along with A and B, thereby accepting the false claim that sustainable cities initiatives ignore environmental concerns. In reality, environmental quality is one of their core pillars.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as it groups B, D and E and treats E as correct. While B and D are true, E wrongly limits SDG 11 to megacities and excludes smaller towns, which goes against the universal applicability of the SDGs.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it selects the three true statements and excludes C and E, both of which misrepresent the sustainable cities agenda. It captures social, service-related and governance dimensions of SDG 11.