← AD (Town Planning)
Past Questions
What is the mandatory registration requirement under RERA?
A)
All residential projects
B)
Projects over 500 sqm
C)
Projects with more than 8 apartments
D)
Both a and b
Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), registration is mandatory for all real estate projects that exceed a specific threshold to prevent small-scale constructions from being overburdened by regulatory compliance. According to Section 3(2) of the Act, registration is NOT required for projects where the area of land, proposed to be developed across its entirety, does not exceed five hundred square meters. Conversely, this means that any project exceeding 500 square meters of land must be registered with the Authority.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) is incorrect because not 'all' residential projects require registration; those under 500 sqm are exempt.
- Option (c) is incorrect because the threshold for registration is based on the land area (sqm) or the number of apartments (usually 8 or more), but the 500 sqm rule is the primary land-based metric defined in the Act. While some state rules mention 8 apartments, the standard statutory threshold often cited in competitive exams regarding land area is 500 sqm.
- Option (d) is incorrect because (a) is false.
Data on ‘households with one or more married couples sharing a room with a person aged 12 years or more’ is used for computing:
A)
House density
B)
Housing shortage
C)
Housing price
D)
Housing affordability
The data described—'households with one or more married couples sharing a room with a person aged 12 years or more'—is a standard metric used to identify 'overcrowding.' In housing analysis and census data (such as those used by the UN and various national statistical offices), overcrowding is a primary indicator of a housing shortage. When families are forced to share rooms beyond a reasonable social or biological threshold (e.g., a married couple sharing a room with a teenager), it signifies that there are not enough adequate housing units available to accommodate the population's needs.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. House density: This refers to the number of housing units per unit of land area (e.g., units per acre), not the internal occupancy of a room.
- c. Housing price: This is a monetary value determined by market forces, not by the internal room-sharing arrangements of a household.
- d. Housing affordability: This is the relationship between household income and housing costs (e.g., spending more than 30% of income on rent/mortgage), not the physical overcrowding of a room.
After 2006 Amendment the EIA cycle comprises of four stages:
A)
Screening, Impact prediction, Public hearing, Appraisal
B)
Screening, Collection of baseline data, Risk assessment, Appraisal
C)
Screening, Impact prediction, Mitigation measures, EIA report
D)
Screening, Scoping, Public hearing, Appraisal
Under the EIA Notification 2006 (issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India), the Environmental Impact Assessment process is structured into four primary stages to determine the environmental feasibility of a project.
1. **Screening**: This is the first step to determine whether a project requires a full EIA study based on its category (Category A or B). Category A projects require mandatory EIA, while Category B projects are further screened to see if they require a full EIA (B1) or not (B2).
2. **Scoping**: In this stage, the 'Terms of Reference' (ToR) are determined. It defines the boundaries of the study and the specific environmental concerns that need to be addressed in the EIA report.
3. **Public Hearing**: This is a mandatory consultation process where the local affected people and stakeholders are informed about the project and are given an opportunity to voice their concerns and objections.
4. **Appraisal**: This is the final stage where the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) or State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) scrutinizes the final EIA report and the outcomes of the public hearing to recommend the grant or rejection of Environmental Clearance (EC).
Other options are incorrect because 'Impact prediction', 'Collection of baseline data', and 'Mitigation measures' are technical components/activities that occur *within* the Scoping and EIA report preparation phase, but they are not the overarching administrative 'stages' of the 2006 regulatory cycle.
What is an isogram on a map?
A)
A point representing the unique value of a quantity in an area
B)
A line representing the difference in elevation in two areas
C)
A line representing an equal value of a given quantity
D)
An area representing a range of temperatures
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Etymology: The term 'isogram' is derived from the Greek words 'isos' meaning 'equal' and 'gramma' meaning 'line'. 2. Definition: In cartography and geography, an isogram (or isoline) is a line drawn on a map connecting points that have the same value for a particular variable. 3. Examples: Common types of isograms include isotherms (equal temperature), isobars (equal atmospheric pressure), and contours/isohypses (equal elevation). 4. Analysis of options: Option (a) describes a point value, not a line. Option (b) describes a gradient or difference, whereas isograms represent constant values. Option (d) describes an area (choropleth or isarithmic area), whereas an isogram is specifically a line. Therefore, option (c) is the only accurate definition.
One hectare of biologically productive space with world average productivity is:
A)
An imperial hectare
B)
A global hectare
C)
A world hectare
D)
A continental hectare
The term 'global hectare' (gha) is a standardized unit used in calculating the Ecological Footprint. While a physical hectare is a fixed unit of area (10,000 square meters), a global hectare represents a hectare with world-average biological productivity. This allows researchers to compare different types of land (such as cropland, grazing land, and forest land) on a common scale by weighting them according to their ability to produce biomass and absorb carbon.
- Option (a) 'Imperial hectare' is not a recognized scientific term; hectares are metric, not imperial.
- Option (c) 'World hectare' is a descriptive phrase but not the formal technical term used in environmental science.
- Option (d) 'Continental hectare' is not a standard unit of measurement in ecology or sustainability metrics.
In the context of housing, ‘Ghettoism’ usually refers to:
A)
Unique lifestyles attributed to ethnic groups
B)
Social isolation or segregation of a specific group in a specific area
C)
Economical isolation or segregation of a specific group in a specific area
D)
Efficient transport planning
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Definition: In sociology and urban planning, 'Ghettoism' refers to the process or state of a minority group being forced or choosing to live in a particular section of a city. 2. Nature of Segregation: While economic factors often play a role, ghettoism is fundamentally a social phenomenon characterized by social isolation and segregation based on ethnicity, race, religion, or caste. 3. Evaluating Options: Option (a) describes cultural traits, not spatial segregation. Option (c) focuses solely on 'economical' isolation; while poverty is often present, ghettoism is defined by the social and spatial boundary created around a specific group. Option (d) is unrelated to the sociological concept of housing. 4. Conclusion: Option (b) accurately captures the essence of ghettoism as the social isolation or segregation of a specific group within a defined geographic area.
Urban Heat Island effect is mitigated by high:
A)
Building density
B)
Thermal mass
C)
Surface albedo
D)
Pavement thickness
The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect occurs when urban areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to the replacement of natural vegetation with heat-absorbing surfaces.
1. **Surface Albedo (Correct):** Albedo is the measure of the reflectivity of a surface. High albedo surfaces (such as white roofs or light-colored pavements) reflect a larger portion of solar radiation back into the atmosphere rather than absorbing it as heat. Increasing the surface albedo of a city directly reduces the amount of heat stored in the urban fabric, thereby mitigating the UHI effect.
2. **Building Density (Incorrect):** High building density typically exacerbates UHI. It creates 'urban canyons' that trap heat and reduce wind flow (ventilation), preventing the city from cooling down at night.
3. **Thermal Mass (Incorrect):** Thermal mass refers to the ability of a material to absorb and store heat. Materials like concrete and brick have high thermal mass; they absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, which is a primary driver of the UHI effect.
4. **Pavement Thickness (Incorrect):** Increasing pavement thickness generally increases the volume of material available to store heat (increasing thermal mass), which contributes to higher urban temperatures rather than mitigating them.
Which of the following is considered a key element of neighborhood living in a traditional society?
A)
Impersonal relationships and social distance
B)
High social and occupational mobility
C)
A strong sense of community sentiment and shared identity
D)
Focus on individual achievements and a lack of social hierarchy
In urban sociology, 'traditional society' is often analyzed through the lens of Ferdinand Tönnies' concept of 'Gemeinschaft' (Community). Traditional neighborhood living is characterized by strong primary group bonds, kinship, shared values, and a deep sense of collective identity.
- Option (a) is incorrect because impersonal relationships and social distance are hallmarks of 'Gesellschaft' (Society/Modern Urbanism), not traditional societies.
- Option (b) is incorrect because traditional societies typically exhibit low social and occupational mobility; roles are often ascribed (inherited) rather than achieved.
- Option (c) is correct as it describes the cohesive, interdependent nature of traditional neighborhood living where social integration is high.
- Option (d) is incorrect because traditional societies usually emphasize collective goals over individual achievements and typically maintain a rigid social hierarchy based on tradition or caste/class.
Slum Free City Plan of Action is part of
A)
RAY
B)
IAY
C)
PMAY
D)
IHSDP
The 'Slum Free City' approach and the associated 'Plan of Action' were central components of the Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP). IHSDP was launched by the Government of India to provide basic infrastructure and housing to slum dwellers in urban areas.
Breakdown of other options:
- RAY (Rajiv Awas Yojana): Launched later (2011) with the goal of making all cities slum-free, but it evolved from the foundations laid by IHSDP and JNNURM.
- IAY (Indira Awas Yojana): This was primarily a rural housing scheme (now merged into PMAY-G).
- PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana): A comprehensive housing scheme launched in 2015 focusing on 'Housing for All', which incorporates various slum redevelopment strategies but is not the origin of the specific 'Slum Free City Plan of Action' terminology associated with the earlier IHSDP framework.
Which Constitutional Amendment removed the right to property from Fundamental Rights?
A)
First Amendment
B)
Twenty-Fifth Amendment
C)
Forty-Fourth Amendment
D)
Forty-Second Amendment
The Right to Property was originally a Fundamental Right under Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31 of the Constitution of India. However, to facilitate land reforms and the redistribution of resources for the public good, the Government of India enacted the 44th Amendment Act in 1978. This amendment removed the Right to Property from the list of Fundamental Rights and inserted Article 300A in Part XII of the Constitution, redefining it as a 'Legal Right.' This means that while the state cannot deprive a person of their property without the authority of law, the person can no longer approach the Supreme Court directly under Article 32 for the violation of this specific right.
Analysis of other options:
- a. First Amendment (1951): Introduced the Ninth Schedule to protect land reform laws from judicial review.
- b. Twenty-Fifth Amendment (1971): Dealt with the restriction on acquiring property for compensation.
- d. Forty-Second Amendment (1976): Known as the 'Mini-Constitution,' it introduced several changes including the Preamble and Fundamental Duties, but did not remove the Right to Property.
Standards for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants is set by:
A)
The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986
B)
The Water Act (2000)
C)
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
D)
Environment (Protection) Act, 2000
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA) is an 'umbrella' legislation designed to provide a framework for the coordination of central and state authorities. 2. Under Section 3 of the EPA 1986, the Central Government is empowered to take all such measures as it deems necessary for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the environment. 3. Specifically, Section 3(2)(a) explicitly grants the Central Government the power to 'set standards for the emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from all sources'. 4. While 'Rules' (Option a) are used to implement these standards, the legal authority and the mandate to set these standards are derived from the Act itself. 5. Option b is incorrect as the Water Act (1974, not 2000) focuses specifically on water pollution. 6. Option d is incorrect as there is no 'Environment (Protection) Act, 2000'; the primary act was passed in 1986.
Which of the following is typically NOT a major objective of incorporating housing into a city’s master plan?
A)
Promoting social equity and inclusivity
B)
Ensuring adequate and affordable housing for all
C)
Maximizing land value through luxury developments only
D)
Addressing housing shortages and preventing slum formation
A city's Master Plan is a strategic document designed to guide the sustainable and equitable growth of an urban area. The primary objectives of incorporating housing into such a plan are based on public welfare, social stability, and sustainable urban management.
- Option (a) is a major objective: Urban planning aims to prevent segregation and ensure that different socio-economic groups have access to housing and services.
- Option (b) is a major objective: Providing affordable housing is a core pillar of urban governance to ensure that the workforce can live within reasonable proximity to their employment.
- Option (d) is a major objective: Proactive housing planning is the primary tool used by city planners to prevent the proliferation of slums and unplanned settlements.
- Option (c) is NOT a major objective: While land value increases are a byproduct of development, the goal of a public Master Plan is not to 'maximize' value exclusively through 'luxury developments only.' Such an approach would lead to gentrification, displacement of low-income residents, and a failure to meet the basic housing needs of the general population, which contradicts the fundamental principles of urban planning.
In land suitability analysis, slope is considered mainly because it affects:
A)
Visual quality
B)
Construction feasibility
C)
Land ownership pattern
D)
Property taxation
In land suitability analysis, slope (the gradient of the land) is a critical physical constraint. It directly impacts 'Construction feasibility' for several reasons: 1. Engineering Costs: Steeper slopes require expensive grading, terracing, and specialized retaining walls to create buildable pads. 2. Stability: High slopes increase the risk of landslides, soil erosion, and slope failure, making them unsuitable for heavy structures. 3. Accessibility: Slope affects the design and cost of road networks and infrastructure connectivity.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Visual quality: While slope can affect views (scenic value), land suitability analysis focuses on the functional and technical viability of the land rather than purely aesthetic preferences.
- c. Land ownership pattern: Ownership is a legal/administrative factor and is independent of the physical topography of the land.
- d. Property taxation: Taxation is a fiscal policy determined by government regulations and market value; while slope might influence market value, it does not 'affect' the taxation system itself in the context of suitability analysis.
The Habitat 67, a modular housing complex in Montreal is designed by:
A)
FL Wright
B)
Le Corbusier
C)
Louis Kahn
D)
Moshe Safdie
Habitat 67 is a world-renowned modular housing complex located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was designed by Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie as a pavilion for Expo 67 (the 1967 World's Fair). The project was an experiment in high-density urban living, utilizing prefabricated concrete modules to provide each residence with its own garden terrace and fresh air, challenging the traditional 'apartment block' design.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Frank Lloyd Wright: Known for organic architecture and works like Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum.
- b. Le Corbusier: A pioneer of modernism known for the 'Unité d'Habitation' (which influenced modular living) and the city of Chandigarh, but he did not design Habitat 67.
- c. Louis Kahn: Known for monumental civic architecture and the Salk Institute, focusing on geometry and light rather than modular prefabricated housing complexes like Habitat 67.
Broadacre City is associated with:
A)
FL Wright
B)
Le Corbusier
C)
Clarence Stein
D)
Ebenezer Howard
Broadacre City was a theoretical urban planning concept proposed by the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (FL Wright). Introduced in 1932, the concept envisioned a decentralized, low-density society where every family would be allotted one acre of land to live and farm, effectively eliminating the traditional concentrated city center in favor of a vast, gridded landscape.
Analysis of other options:
- b. Le Corbusier: Associated with the 'Ville Contemporaine' and 'Ville Radieuse' (Radiant City), which emphasized high-density vertical living and centralized planning, the opposite of Broadacre City.
- c. Clarence Stein: Associated with the 'Radburn' layout, which focused on the separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in suburban neighborhoods.
- d. Ebenezer Howard: The founder of the 'Garden City' movement, which proposed self-contained communities surrounded by greenbelts, rather than the extreme decentralization of Broadacre City.
How many local parks and playgrounds should be provided in a neighbourhood as per URDPFI?
A)
1-2
B)
2-3
C)
3-4
D)
2 only
According to the Urban Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) guidelines, the planning of a neighborhood unit is designed to ensure that basic amenities are within walking distance. For a standard neighborhood unit, the guidelines specify that there should be 2-3 local parks and playgrounds distributed within the area to ensure equitable access for all residents and to provide sufficient open space for recreation and children's play. Option 'a' (1-2) is insufficient for the standard neighborhood size, while 'c' (3-4) exceeds the typical minimum requirement for a single neighborhood unit. Option 'd' is too restrictive as it does not allow for the variation in neighborhood size.
Radburn planning is best known for:
A)
Underpass for pedestrians
B)
Grid iron roads
C)
Separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic
D)
State of the art Cul-de-sac
The Radburn layout, developed by Clarence Stein and Henry Wright in 1929 in Radburn, New Jersey, is a landmark in urban planning known as the 'Town for the Motor Age.' Its primary objective was to enhance safety and quality of life by completely separating pedestrian movement from vehicular traffic. This was achieved through a 'super-block' design where houses faced inward toward shared parklands and pedestrian paths, while vehicular access was relegated to the rear of the properties via cul-de-sacs.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a): While underpasses may be used to facilitate separation, they are a tool, not the defining principle of Radburn planning.
- Option (b): Grid iron roads are the opposite of Radburn planning; Radburn sought to move away from the traditional grid to reduce through-traffic in residential areas.
- Option (c): This is the core philosophy of the Radburn model—creating a safe environment for pedestrians by eliminating conflicts with cars.
- Option (d): While Radburn utilizes cul-de-sacs extensively, the cul-de-sac is a feature used to achieve the broader goal of traffic separation, rather than the primary reason the model is 'best known' for.
Under the CLSS (Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme) vertical of PMAY-U, what is the maximum carpet area permitted for a house to be eligible under the MIG-II category?
A)
110 sq. mt.
B)
150 sq. mt.
C)
200 sq. mt.
D)
120 sq. mt.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY-U), the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) defines eligibility based on income groups and the size of the house (carpet area). For the Middle Income Group (MIG), there are two sub-categories: MIG-I and MIG-II.
1. MIG-I: The maximum carpet area permitted is 110 sq. mt.
2. MIG-II: The maximum carpet area permitted is 120 sq. mt.
Therefore, for the MIG-II category, the maximum permitted carpet area is 120 sq. mt. Option (a) refers to MIG-I, while options (b) and (c) exceed the prescribed limits for the MIG category under the CLSS guidelines.
Which factor MOST limits the replicability of the Radburn model in dense Indian cities?
A)
High land cost and fragmented land ownership
B)
Climatic incompatibility
C)
Cultural resistance to auto-intensive towns
D)
Lack of professional planners
The Radburn model (developed in New Jersey, USA) is characterized by 'superblocks,' the complete separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and the use of cul-de-sacs with rear-facing garages. To implement this model, a planner requires large, contiguous tracts of land to design the internal pedestrian networks and the perimeter road system. In dense Indian cities, land is extremely expensive and ownership is highly fragmented into small, irregular parcels. This makes the large-scale land assembly required for 'superblocks' economically and legally nearly impossible.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. Climatic incompatibility: While climate affects building design, the basic layout of separated paths is not fundamentally incompatible with Indian climates.
- c. Cultural resistance to auto-intensive towns: Indian cities are already highly auto-intensive; the resistance would more likely be toward the low-density nature of Radburn, not the cars themselves.
- d. Lack of professional planners: India has a robust cadre of professional planners (ITBP, TCP, etc.); the limitation is physical and economic (land), not a lack of technical expertise.
A project that starts from scratch on unused land or in a new environment is called:
A)
Brownfield development
B)
Infill development
C)
Greenfield development
D)
Redevelopment
In urban planning and real estate development, projects are categorized based on the previous state of the land.
1. **Greenfield development (Correct):** This refers to building on land that has never been developed for urban use, such as agricultural land, forests, or open prairies. It starts 'from scratch' in a new environment.
2. **Brownfield development (Incorrect):** This refers to the redevelopment of land that was previously used for industrial or commercial purposes and may be contaminated. It requires remediation before new construction can occur.
3. **Infill development (Incorrect):** This is the process of developing vacant or underused parcels of land within existing urban areas. It aims to optimize land use and prevent urban sprawl.
4. **Redevelopment (Incorrect):** This involves the demolition of existing structures on a site to build new ones, typically to modernize the area or change the land use.
Which convention is called the Convention on Wetlands?
A)
Vienna Convention
B)
Bonn Convention
C)
Ramsar Convention
D)
Stockholm Convention
The Ramsar Convention, formally known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It was signed in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran.
Analysis of other options:
- a. Vienna Convention: Primarily refers to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985).
- b. Bonn Convention: Also known as the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).
- d. Stockholm Convention: A global treaty to protect human health and the environment from Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
Air pollution dispersion models depend heavily on:
A)
Wind speed and direction
B)
Population density
C)
Rainfall data
D)
Building height
Air pollution dispersion models (such as the Gaussian Plume Model) are mathematical simulations used to predict how pollutants spread in the atmosphere. The primary drivers of this movement are meteorological factors.
1. Wind Direction: Determines the path (trajectory) the pollutant plume will take from the source.
2. Wind Speed: Determines the initial dilution of the pollutant; higher wind speeds generally lead to faster transport and lower concentrations near the source.
While other factors play a role, they are secondary or specific to certain contexts:
- Population density (Option b) is used to assess the *impact* or health risk of pollution, but it does not affect how the pollution physically disperses.
- Rainfall data (Option c) relates to 'wet deposition' (the removal of pollutants), but the fundamental dispersion model depends first on wind.
- Building height (Option d) can cause 'downwash' or local turbulence, but it is a site-specific physical constraint rather than the primary driver of regional dispersion models.
As per UN-Habitat, slum household lacks the following: 1) Durable Housing & Sufficient Living Space, 2) Access to Safe Water & Sanitation, 3) Security of Tenure. Which of the following is true?
A)
1 & 2
B)
2 & 3
C)
1, 2 & 3
D)
None
UN-Habitat defines 'slums' based on a set of indicators that identify the lack of basic urban services. According to the UN-Habitat definition, a household is considered to be living in a slum if it lacks one or more of the following characteristics: 1) Durable housing (housing constructed from permanent materials), 2) Sufficient living space (overcrowding), 3) Access to safe water, 4) Access to adequate sanitation, and 5) Security of tenure. Since the question lists Durable Housing & Sufficient Living Space (1), Access to Safe Water & Sanitation (2), and Security of Tenure (3), all three are recognized components of the UN-Habitat slum definition. Therefore, all three statements are true.
The environment which has been modified by human activities is called:
A)
Natural environment
B)
Anthropogenic environment
C)
Modem environment
D)
Urban environment
The term 'Anthropogenic' is derived from the Greek words 'anthropos' (human) and 'genesis' (origin). In environmental science, an anthropogenic environment refers to any environment, process, or change that is caused or influenced by human activity.
Reasoning for other options:
- a. Natural environment: This refers to all living and non-living things occurring naturally, without human intervention.
- c. Modern environment: This is not a standard scientific term used to describe human-modified environments; it is a general descriptive term.
- d. Urban environment: While urban environments are indeed modified by humans, this is a specific subset of anthropogenic environments. The question asks for the general term for any environment modified by humans (which could include farmland, dams, or managed forests, not just cities). Therefore, 'Anthropogenic' is the most comprehensive and accurate scientific term.
The nine year old Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte, a singing prodigy from Mizoram received which of the following awards in December, 2025?
A)
Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
B)
Bal Shakti Puraskar
C)
Shaurya Chakra
D)
Nari Shakti Puraskar
Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte, a young singing prodigy from Mizoram, was honored with the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in December 2025. The Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is the highest civilian award for children in India, given by the President of India to recognize exceptional achievements of children in various fields, including Arts and Culture, Sports, Innovation, and Social Service.
Analysis of other options:
- b. Bal Shakti Puraskar: This is not the standard nomenclature for the national award given by the President for child achievements.
- c. Shaurya Chakra: This is a military decoration awarded for gallantry, not for artistic achievements.
- d. Nari Shakti Puraskar: This is an award given to women for their exceptional contribution to society, typically for adults, and not specifically a 'child' award for a nine-year-old prodigy.