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

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 3: 1901-1921 period is often referred to as the "Stagnant Phase" in India’s demographic history. Both birth and death rates were high, leading to minimal population growth. The decade from 1911 to 1921 even witnessed a slight decline in population, primarily due to epidemics, famines, and the influenza pandemic of 1918-19. B is correctly matched with 1: 1921-1951 is known as the "Steady Growth Phase". This period saw a decline in death rates due to improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and transportation. However, birth rates remained high, resulting in a gradual increase in population. The population grew from approximately 251 million in 1921 to 361 million in 1951 C is correctly matched with 2: 1951-1981 is termed as the "Rapid High Growth Phase". This era experienced a significant surge in population. While death rates continued to decline, birth rates remained relatively high, leading to a sharp increase in population numbers. The population nearly doubled during these three decades, rising from about 361 million in 1951 to 683 million in 1981. D is correctly matched with 4: 1981-2001 is characterized by "High Growth with Definite Signs of Slowdown." Although the population continued to grow, the rate of growth began to decel-erate. This slowdown was attributed to a decline in birth rates due to increased adoption of family planning measures and rising awareness about population control. The decadal growth rate decreased from 24.8% during 1971-81 to 21.5% in 1991-2001.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Indian Railways is the fourth largest railway system in the world. The United States, China, and Russia have larger railway networks in terms of total track length.

Statement 2 is correct: National Highways in India make up only about 2% of the total road network but are designed to handle long-distance, high-speed travel. They carry approximately 45% of the country’s total road traffic and transport demand.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Kerala has a well-developed and dense road network but states like Goa and Tripura actually have higher road densities. Therefore, Kerala does not hold the record for the highest surface road density among Indian states.

Statement 4 is correct: Earlier, National Highway 7 (NH 7) was the longest highway in India. Following the renumbering of National Highways, NH 7 was merged into NH 44, which is now the longest National Highway in the country stretching from Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) to Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu)

Explanation

The exceptionally high population densities in both the Nile Valley and the island of Java are primarily attributable to the practice of intensive agriculture. The fertile soil, favorable climate, and availability of water have made these regions ideal for farming, which has historically supported large populations. Industrialization and urbanization are secondary factors, while topographic limitations have influenced but not caused the high population density. Region Key Natural Factor Primary Agricultural Practice Resulting Population Density Nile Valley Nutrient-rich silt from annual Nile floods Intensive cultivation of wheat, rice, cotton Sustained high density in a narrow fertile strip Java Fertile volcanic soil Intensive rice cultivation Among the high-est population densities globally

Explanation

Pair (d) is incorrectly matched: The Korba (or Korwa) tribe is not associated with Kodagu. Instead, this tribe primarily inhabits regions in central and eastern India, such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of Madhya Pradesh. Kodagu, on the other hand, is located in Karnataka and is well known as the homeland of the Kodava community, which is distinct from the Korba tribe. Pairs (a), (b) and (c) are correctly matched:

The Buksa, also known as Bhoksa, are indigenous people primarily residing in the Indian states of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. In Uttarakhand, they are concentrated in districts such as Dehradun, Nainital, and Pauri Garhwal. The Kol tribe is native to central India, with areas like Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh being among their regions of habitation. The Munda tribe is predominantly located on the Chhota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand. They form a major tribal community in this region.

Explanation

The Census of India is a decennial exercise conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, to collect demographic, social, and economic data about the population. Below are tables summarizing key census data for the states involved, for the years 1991, 2001, and 2011. Table 1. Population Density (persons per sq km) State 1991 Census 2001 Census 2011 Census West Bengal 767 903 1,029 Uttar Pradesh ~600 698 829 Table 2. Adult Literacy Rate (% of people aged 15 and above) State 1991 Census 2001 Census 2011 Census Bihar 38.48% 903 ~47% ~58.44% Table 3. Sex Ratio (number of females per 1,000 males) State 1991 Census 2001 Census 2011 Census Kerala 1,036 ~1,040 ~1,045 Himachal Pradesh ~976 ~980 ~990

Option (d) is correct: Bihar had the lowest literacy rate in India in the 1991 Census at around 38.48%.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is True: The Ganga Plain, a part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain supports one of the highest population densities in India. This is primarily due to its fertile alluvial soil, which makes the land highly productive for agriculture. The region benefits from abundant water resources, a favorable climate, and flat terrain, all of which have historically encouraged dense human settlements. Reason (R) is True: The Ganga is the most harnessed river in India, with its waters extensively used for irrigation, drinking, industrial purposes, and hydroelectric projects. This extensive harnessing has been pivotal for the region’s agricultural productivity and development. R is not the correct explanation of A: The reason alone does not directly explain the high population density in the Ganga Plain. Population density is influenced by a variety of factors, including geographical, historical, economic, and cultural factors. The availability of fertile land for agriculture, historical settlement patterns, economic opportunities, and cultural factors play significant roles in determining population density.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is True: Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of beef and has a significant cattle industry focused on meat production. The country’s vast grazing lands and favorable climate make it ideal for raising cattle for beef. According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), beef production is a major agricultural activity, and Australia exports a significant portion of its beef to international markets. In contrast, dairy farming, while still important, is smaller in scale compared to the beef industry. Reason (R) is True: It is true that meat, particularly beef and lamb, forms a significant part of the Australian diet. This dietary habit reflects the cultural preferences in Australia, where a majority of the population consumes meat. Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion(A):

The reason provided does not directly explain why cattle rearing in Australia is predominantly for meat production. The primary factors influencing this include:

Geographical and Climatic Conditions: Australia’s expansive rangelands and favorable climate support large-scale grazing, making beef cattle rearing more efficient and economically viable than dairy farming. Agricultural Practices: The country’s agricultural infrastructure and export orientation have historically promoted beef production, irrespective of the local dietary habits.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is False: The natural sex ratio at birth worldwide, including in India, favors male births. Typically, about 105 male births occur for every 100 female births. In India, this ratio is similar or sometimes even more skewed toward males, due to both biological factors and socio-cultural practices. For instance, data from the 2011 Census of India show an overall sex ratio of about 940 females per 1,000 males, indicating that more male children are born than female children. Reason (R) is True: Biologically, male infants are known to be more vulnerable to certain health complications, including infections and genetic disorders. Consequently, male children tend to have a slightly higher mortality rate in infancy compared to female children. This phenomenon is observed in many populations worldwide, including India.

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 2: Gujarat is the largest producer of cotton in India, followed by Maharashtra. It has favorable black soil and climate conditions for cotton cultivation. B is correctly matched with 1: Madhya Pradesh is the leading producer of gram (chickpea) in India, accounting for a significant share of the total production. C is correctly matched with 4: Kerala is known as the "Spice Garden of India" and is a major producer of black pepper. The state’s humid tropical climate is ideal for growing various spices, including black pepper. D is correctly matched with 3: West Bengal is a major producer of pineapple, particularly in regions like Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: Bauxite is the primary ore used in the production of alumina, which is then converted into aluminum. India, with its rich bauxite reserves--especially in states like Odisha and Andhra Pradesh--has long been a key exporter of this mineral. Historically, Italy was one of the major importers of Indian bauxite. However, by 1998, market dynamics shifted, and Canada emerged as the leading importer of Indian bauxite. This change is attributed to Canada’s robust aluminum industry, which has a steady demand for alumina, and its favorable trade relations with India.