Human and Economic Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Geography)

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) accounts for the deaths of infants within the first year of life, not just within a month after birth. The mortality during the neonatal period (first 28 days) is a subset of infant mortality.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Infant Mortality Rate is defined as the number of infant deaths (under 1 year of age) per 1,000 live births in a given year, not per 100 live births.

Explanation

Population density is measured as the number of people living per square kilometer. Below is a table summarizing key demographic data from the three censuses:

Census Year Population Density (persons/sq km) Annual Exponential Growth Rate (%) 1951 117 1.25 2001 324 1.93 2011 382 ~1.64

Statement 1 is incorrect: In 1951, the density was about 117 persons/sq km. By 2001, it had risen to 324 persons/sq km. Although this is a substantial increase, calculating the multiplication factor shows: = × Factor 2.77 This means the density increased by roughly 2.77 times--which is less than three times. For additional context, the 2011 census reported a further increase to 382 persons/sq km, confirming a continuing but moderate increase.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The annual growth rate (exponential) of India’s population has not doubled during this period. The growth rate was highest during the 1971 Census but gradually declined thereafter, indicating no doubling of the growth rate between 1951 and 2001. The annual exponential growth rate is the average rate at which the population increases each year. The annual growth rate in 1951 was about 1.25%, and by 2001 it had risen to 1.93%. While this represents an increase, it is not a doubling of the rate. In fact, when we compare 1.25% and 1.93%, the rate has increased by a factor of about: × 1.93 1.54 1.25 In other words, it has increased by roughly 54%, not 100% (which would be doubling). Moreover, the trend into the 2011 census shows the growth rate has moderated to approximately 1.64% per annum (derived from a decadal growth of 17.7%), reinforcing that there has been no doubling.

Explanation

According to World Bank data, among the given South Asian countries, India has the highest population density. In 2008, its density was approximately 406. In comparison, Sri Lanka has population density roughly around 329, Pakistan about 246, and Nepal is around 208 persons per square kilometer.

Explanation

Median age refers to the age at which half the population is younger and half is older. It reflects the demographic profile of a country, with higher median ages indicating older populations. With respect to year in which question has been asked:

India: India, being a developing nation with a younger population and a higher birth rate, has the lowest median age among these countries. China: China’s population control policies (like the one-child policy) and the country’s demographic transition have resulted in a population that is older than India’s but younger than that of the USA and the UK. USA: The USA has a relatively older population compared to India and China due to factors such as higher life expectancy and a stable birth rate. Therefore, the median age is higher than those of India and China but lower than the UK’s. UK: The UK, being an industrialized and developed nation with an aging population, has the highest median age among the four countries. The population has a stable growth rate and a higher proportion of elderly individuals, making the median age of the UK the highest.

Explanation

India’s National Population Policy, 2000, sets a long-term objective to achieve a stable population by the year 2045. This goal aligns with sustainable economic growth, social development, and environmental protection. The policy emphasizes addressing unmet needs for contraception, healthcare infrastructure, and personnel, aiming to bring the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) to replacement levels by 2010. The medium-term objective is to achieve a TFR of 2.1 by 2010, and the long-term objective is to stabilize the population by 2045.

Explanation

In 2008, the percentage of persons above 65 years of age in India’s population was approximately in the range of 5-6%. According to the World Bank, approximately 7.07% of India’s population was aged 65 and above in 2023. This means that approximately 7.07% of India’s total population is currently aged 65 and above.

Explanation

According to the Census of India 2001, the percentage of rural population in various states was as follows:

Himachal Pradesh: 90.2% Bihar: 89.5% Orissa (now Odisha): 85.0% Uttar Pradesh: 79.2% Therefore, among the given options, Himachal Pradesh had the highest percentage of rural population to its total population in 2001.

Explanation

According to the Census of India 2001, the populations of the given regions were as follows:

Sikkim: 540,851 Mizoram: 888,573 Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry): 974,345 Chandigarh: 900,635 Therefore, among the options provided, Sikkim had the smallest population as per the 2001 Census. According to the Census of India 2011, the populations of the specified regions are Sikkim: 610,577, Mizoram: 1,097,206, Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry): 1,247,953 & Chandigarh: 1,055,450

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: India holds the largest livestock population in the world, with about 192.5 million cattle and a total bovine population of 307.5 million. India holds around 14-15% of the world’s cattle and leads globally in buffalo population. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Brazil has the second-largest cattle population globally, with approximately 194.4 million cattle. However, while Brazil excels in beef production and exports, its total livestock population (including cattle, poultry, goats, etc.) is less than India’s. China has a large livestock population, particularly in poultry and pigs. It is the world’s largest producer of pork and has a significant poultry industry. However, when considering total livestock (including cattle, buffaloes, goats, etc.), China still lags behind India. The United States has a significant cattle population (~94 million), focusing on beef production and exports. The USA also leads in poultry and pig farming, but its total livestock population is lower than India’s.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Chikmagalur, located in Karnataka, is renowned for its coffee production rather than sugar. The region’s elevation, rainfall, and temperature create ideal conditions for cultivating some of the finest coffee beans in the world. Today, Chikmagalur is one of India’s highest coffee-pro-ducing areas, with its culture and lifestyle deeply intertwined with coffee cultivation.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Mandya, also situated in Karnataka, is primarily known for its sugarcane cultivation and sugar production, not coffee. The district is home to several sugar factories and numerous jaggery-making units, underscoring its prominence in sugar production.