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All questions of India - People and Economy for UPSC CSE Exam

In the world, India is one of the
  • a)
    most urbanised.
  • b)
    least urbanised.
  • c)
    moderately urbanised.
  • d)
    most industrialised.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Gayatri Yadav answered
Level of urbanization increased from 27.81% in 2001 Census to 31.16% in 2011 Census. According to the UN the year 2007 witnessed the turning point when more than 50% of the world population were living in cities, for the first time in human history.

Average density of population in India, according to 2011 census, was
  • a)
    210
  • b)
    300
  • c)
    500
  • d)
    382
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Rajesh Gupta answered
- Density of population, is expressed as number of persons per unit area.
- It helps in getting a better understanding of the spatial distribution of population in relation to land.
- The density of population in India (2011) was 382 people per square kilometer and ranks third among the most densely populated countries of Asia following Bangladesh (1203 people per square kilometer in 2013) and Japan (350 people per square kilometer in 2011). There has been a steady increase of more than 200 people per square kilometer over the last 50 years as the density of population increased from 117 people per square kilometer.

The highest density of population, among the states of India, is found in
  • a)
    U.P.
  • b)
    Bihar.
  • c)
    Delhi. 
  • d)
    Punjab.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Rohit Jain answered
- The records of population density 2011 of India state that the density 2011 has increased from a figure of 324 to that of 382 per square kilometer.
- Bihar is the most thickly populated state (1106 persons/sq km.) followed by west bengal-1028 and Kerala 860.

Scattered settlements are found in
  • a)
    Bangladesh.
  • b)
    Japan.
  • c)
    Australia.
  • d)
    India.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

As the pressure of population is low; thus, man land ratio is very high, people live in large houses.

Where does Indira Gandhi Canal originate from?
  • a)
    Harike barrage
  • b)
    Bhakra nangal
  • c)
    Kosi barrage
  • d)
    Gobind sagar dam
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Rohit Jain answered
The correct option is A.
Aim of this ambitious project is to irrigate the thirsty desert land of Western Rajasthan with Himalaya's water and provide drinking water to crores of inhabitants of this area. Origin of this canal is from Harike barrage situated in Punjab. From Harike, 204 Km. long Indira Gandhi Feeder off-takes, which has 170 Km.

The highest number of tribes is found in
  • a)
    Goa.
  • b)
    Madhya Pradesh.
  • c)
    Mizoram.
  • d)
    Assam.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

The population of Scheduled Tribals (ST) in Madhya Pradesh is 20.27% ( 12.23 million); according to the 2001 census. Mizoram  (94.5%) has the highest proportion of Scheduled Tribes.

Migration out of the country and into the country from the other countries is called
  • a)
    national migration.
  • b)
    internal migration.
  • c)
    international migration.
  • d)
    foreign migration.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Preethi Sen answered
Migration out of the country and into the country from the other countries is called international migration. Migration within the country is called internal migration.

Which is the main reason for the male migration in India:?
  • a)
    Education
  • b)
    Business
  • c)
    Employment
  • d)
    Marriage
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Akshita Saha answered
Male migration in India is due to work and employment whereas the female population migrates mainly because of marriage.

Demographic factors that affect the distribution of population are
  • a)
    fertility rate.
  • b)
    plain areas.
  • c)
    religion.
  • d)
    industries.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Divya Mishra answered
An uneven spatial distribution of population in India suggests a close relationship between population and physical, socioeconomic and historical factors. Fertility rate, mortality rate and migration are the demographic factors that affect the distribution of population.

Rice research institute of India is situated at:
  • a)
    Cuttack
  • b)
    Kolkata
  • c)
    Chennai
  • d)
    Dehradun 
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Nandita Joshi answered
Rice research institute of India is situated at Cuttack.

Location of the Rice Research Institute:
The Rice Research Institute of India is located in Cuttack, Odisha. It is commonly known as the Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI).

Significance of the Rice Research Institute:
The Rice Research Institute plays a crucial role in the development and improvement of rice varieties and production techniques in India. It is responsible for conducting research and providing technical assistance to farmers and policymakers in the field of rice cultivation.

Research Activities at the Rice Research Institute:
The Rice Research Institute focuses on various research activities related to rice production and cultivation. Some of the key areas of research include:

1. Rice Breeding: The institute conducts research to develop new high-yielding and disease-resistant rice varieties. These varieties are designed to meet the specific needs and challenges of different regions in India.

2. Crop Management: The institute studies and develops efficient crop management practices, including the use of fertilizers, irrigation techniques, and pest control measures. This research aims to enhance the productivity and sustainability of rice cultivation.

3. Soil Health and Nutrient Management: The institute conducts studies on soil health and fertility to determine optimal nutrient management practices for rice cultivation. This research helps in maintaining soil fertility and improving crop yields.

4. Technology Development: The institute focuses on developing and promoting innovative technologies for rice cultivation. This includes the use of advanced machinery, precision farming techniques, and digital tools to optimize productivity and reduce production costs.

Collaboration and Outreach:
The Rice Research Institute collaborates with various national and international research organizations, universities, and agricultural institutes to exchange knowledge, expertise, and genetic resources. It also conducts training programs and workshops to disseminate research findings and impart technical skills to farmers and agricultural professionals.

Conclusion:
The Rice Research Institute of India, situated in Cuttack, plays a vital role in advancing rice cultivation and production in the country. Through its research activities and collaborations, it contributes to the development of improved rice varieties, sustainable farming practices, and the overall growth of the agricultural sector in India.

The state in India which has the highest concentration of Buddhists and Jains is
  • a)
    Gujarat.
  • b)
    Madhya Pradesh.
  • c)
    Maharashtra.
  • d)
    Rajasthan.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The largest concentration of Buddhism is in Maharashtra (58.3%), where (73.4%) of the total Buddhists in India reside. The percentage of Jain population to the total population is maximum in Maharashtra (1.3%), Rajasthan (1.2%), Delhi (1.1%) and Gujarat (1.0%).

After Hinduism, which religion in India has the maximum followers?
  • a)
    Sikhism
  • b)
    Buddhism
  • c)
    Islam
  • d)
    Jainism
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Prerna Nair answered
The religious groups of India include Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Zoroastrians, tribal and other indigenous faiths and beliefs. After Hinduism, Islam has the maximum followers in India.

A factor of low growth rate of population in India is
  • a)
    fall in death rate.
  • b)
    fall in birth rate.
  • c)
    fall in infant mortality rate.
  • d)
    increase in life expectancy.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Kunal Ghoshal answered
India's population growth rate was 1.2%, in 2013. The growth rate of population in India has been caused by annual birth rate, death rate and rate of migration.

A non- ferrous mineral is
  • a)
    iron ore.
  • b)
    copper.
  • c)
    manganese.
  • d)
    chromite.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Ferrous minerals contain a large percentage of the iron content. Non-ferrous minerals do not. Bauxite, copper, gold, lead, zinc, aluminium are some examples of non-ferrous minerals.

The Indian State/UT with highest density of population, according to 2011 census?
  • a)
    West Bengal
  • b)
    Kerala
  • c)
    Uttar Pradesh
  • d)
    Delhi
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavya Khanna answered
The National Capital Region area of Delhi possesses the highest of the population density 2011 among the states of India having a statistics of 11,297 per square kilometre.

The body managing Indian air ports is
  • a)
    Indian Air Port Authority.
  • b)
    Airport Authority of India.
  • c)
    Airport Managing Committee.
  • d)
    Indian Airways Authority.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Ishani Gupta answered
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) was formed on 1st April 1995 by merging the International Airports Authority of India and the National Airports Authority with a view to accelerate the integrated development, expansion and modernization of the operational, terminal and cargo facilities at the airports in the country conforming to international standards.

What were the reasons due to which the 8th Five Year Plan got delayed?
  • a)
    Political instability
  • b)
    Liberalisation
  • c)
    Democratisation
  • d)
    Both (A) and (B)
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Krish Sharma answered
The 8th Five Year Plan in India, which covered the period from 1992 to 1997, faced a significant delay due to a combination of political instability and liberalization measures introduced by the government. Both factors played a crucial role in the postponement of the plan's implementation.

1. Political Instability:
- During the early 1990s, India witnessed a period of political instability and frequent changes in government. This instability was primarily caused by coalition politics, with no single party enjoying a clear majority in the parliament.
- The frequent changes in government led to a lack of continuity and consistency in policy-making and planning. Each new government had its own priorities and agendas, which often resulted in delays and disruptions in the implementation of the Five Year Plan.
- The political instability also affected the decision-making process and coordination between different departments and ministries, further contributing to the delay in the plan's execution.

2. Liberalization:
- The 8th Five Year Plan coincided with the introduction of economic reforms and liberalization measures in India. The government initiated these reforms to open up the Indian economy, attract foreign investment, and stimulate growth.
- The liberalization measures included the dismantling of the license raj, reduction of trade barriers, and deregulation of various sectors. These changes aimed to promote competition, efficiency, and private sector participation in the economy.
- However, the process of liberalization required careful planning and coordination to ensure a smooth transition. The government had to reorient its policies and strategies to adapt to the changing economic landscape.
- The introduction of liberalization measures and the associated policy changes required additional time and resources, leading to delays in finalizing and implementing the 8th Five Year Plan.

In conclusion, the delay in the implementation of the 8th Five Year Plan can be attributed to the combination of political instability and the introduction of liberalization measures. The frequent changes in government and the need to adapt to the new economic reforms created significant challenges and disruptions in the planning and execution of the plan.

The richest mineral belt in India is the
  • a)
    north-eastern plateaus.
  • b)
    south-western plateaus.
  • c)
    north-western region.
  • d)
    Himalayan region.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Aryan Chavan answered
The Chhotanagpur plateau is indeed the single richest mineral belt of India. Also, it is one of the richest mineral containing area in the whole world. Chhotanagpur plateau has frequently been called the Ruhr of India after a similar mineral-rich area of that name (Ruhr) in Germany. Coal, iron ore, limestone bauxite and copper are the principle products of this belt.

Which one of the following is not included in HDI?
  • a)
    Longevity of life
  • b)
    Knowledge base
  • c)
    Standard of life
  • d)
    Economic activities
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sparsh Malik answered
Human development includes living a long and healthy life, to be educated and have access to resources needed for a decent standard of living. These are considered important aspects of human development.

Surface water is
  • a)
    pure.
  • b)
    impure.
  • c)
    salty.
  • d)
    brackish.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Rohit Jain answered
Surface water available from rivers, canals, lakes, etc., is never pure. It contains small quantities of suspended particles, organic and inorganic substances.

Which country is the second largest producer of sugarcane in the world?
  • a)
    Brazil
  • b)
    India
  • c)
    Indonesia
  • d)
    Mexico
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Lakshya Ias answered
Sugarcane is an indigenous plant of India India is the second largest sugarcane producer in the world, after Brazil. It accounts for 21% of the area and 22% of the total output of the world. 

Which is the state with the largest concentration of Christians in India?
  • a)
    Goa
  • b)
    Gujarat
  • c)
    Kerala
  • d)
    Karnataka
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Anisha Chopra answered
Chistians are mostly concentrated inrural areas of Kerala, Goa and in the hills of Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and Chotanagpur area.

Which of the following statements accurately describes the difference between the area under actual forest cover and the area classified as forest in land revenue records?
  • a)
    Actual forest cover is always larger than the designated forest area.
  • b)
    The designated forest area can increase without a corresponding increase in actual forest cover.
  • c)
    Actual forest cover and designated forest area are always the same.
  • d)
    The government does not classify any land as forest unless it has actual trees.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Nandita Joshi answered
Understanding Actual Forest Cover vs. Designated Forest Area
The distinction between actual forest cover and designated forest area is crucial for environmental management and policy-making.
Actual Forest Cover
- Refers to the land area currently covered by trees and forest vegetation.
- It can fluctuate due to natural factors (like wildfires or pests) and human activities (like deforestation or reforestation).
Designated Forest Area
- This is the area classified as forest in land revenue records, which may include regions that do not have significant tree cover.
- It is a legal designation and may not accurately reflect the ecological state of the land.
Why Option B is Correct
- The designated forest area can indeed increase without a corresponding increase in actual forest cover.
- This may occur due to policy changes or administrative decisions that reclassify land as forest, even if the land remains devoid of trees.
- For example, a government may designate an area as forest for conservation purposes, even if it is barren or has been cleared for agriculture.
Other Options Explained
- Option A is incorrect: Actual forest cover can be less than the designated forest area due to degradation.
- Option C is false: Actual forest cover and designated forest area often differ significantly.
- Option D is misleading: Land can be classified as forest even without mature trees present, based on legal definitions rather than ecological status.
Conclusion
Understanding these differences is essential for effective forest management and conservation strategies. It highlights the importance of accurate assessments of forest cover versus legal classifications.

Which one of the crops is fiber crop?
  • a)
    Sugarcane
  • b)
    Cotton
  • c)
    Tea
  • d)
    Rubber 
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Gayatri Yadav answered
Introduction:
A fiber crop is a plant that is cultivated primarily for the fibers it produces, which are used in various industries such as textile, paper, and rope manufacturing. These crops have long, strong, and durable fibers that can be spun into yarn or used directly in different applications. Among the given options, cotton is the correct answer as it is one of the most widely cultivated fiber crops in the world.

Explanation:
Cotton:
- Cotton is a natural fiber crop that is derived from the cotton plant, scientifically known as Gossypium.
- It is cultivated for its soft and fluffy fibers that grow in protective capsules known as bolls.
- These fibers are composed mainly of cellulose and are spun into yarn or thread to produce textiles.
- Cotton fibers have desirable properties such as strength, moisture absorption, and breathability, making them ideal for clothing, bedding, and various other textile applications.

Other options:
- Sugarcane: Sugarcane is primarily grown for its high sugar content and is used in the production of sugar, molasses, and ethanol. It does not produce fibers suitable for textile applications.
- Tea: Tea is an aromatic beverage made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. While tea leaves have certain fibrous components, they are not cultivated primarily for their fibers.
- Rubber: Rubber is obtained from the latex of rubber trees and is primarily used in the production of various rubber products. It does not produce fibers suitable for textile applications.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, cotton is the correct answer as it is a widely cultivated fiber crop known for its soft and durable fibers. The other options provided, such as sugarcane, tea, and rubber, are not fiber crops and are primarily used for different purposes.

Source of water pollution is
  • a)
    growing of crops.
  • b)
    use of pesticides and fertilisers.
  • c)
    combustion of coal.
  • d)
    urban run-off.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Soumya Bose answered
Sources of water pollution are sewage disposal, urban run-off, toxic effluents from industries, run-off over cultivated lands and nuclear power plants.

In India scattered settlements are found in :
  • a)
    Himachal Pradesh
  • b)
    Uttar Pradesh
  • c)
    Tamil Nadu
  • d)
    Punjab
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Soumya Bose answered
Hilly topography and uneven terrain is the major reason responsible for scattered settlement in Himachal Pradesh.

Acid rain is caused due to
  • a)
    air pollution.
  • b)
    water pollution.
  • c)
    land pollution.
  • d)
    noise pollution.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Kunal Verma answered
Air pollution can also cause acid rains. It is caused by airborne acidic pollutants and has highly destructive results.

The uneven pattern of development over space necessitates that the planners have a spatial perspective and draw the plans to reduce regional imbalance in development. This type of planning is known as :
  • a)
    sectoral planning
  • b)
    linear planning
  • c)
    regional planning
  • d)
    none of the Above
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Aryan Chavan answered
Regional Planning

Regional planning is the type of planning that is aimed at reducing regional imbalance in development. It is a comprehensive approach to development that takes into account the uneven pattern of development over space and aims to create a more balanced and equitable distribution of resources, infrastructure, and opportunities across different regions.

Uneven Pattern of Development

The uneven pattern of development refers to the fact that different regions within a country or a larger geographical area may have varying levels of economic, social, and infrastructural development. Some regions may be more developed with better infrastructure, higher economic activity, and greater access to services and opportunities, while others may be relatively underdeveloped, lacking in basic amenities and opportunities for growth.

Spatial Perspective

Planners need to have a spatial perspective in order to understand the geographical disparities and challenges that exist within a region. This involves analyzing the distribution of resources, population, economic activities, and infrastructure across different areas and identifying the areas that are lagging behind in terms of development. By adopting a spatial perspective, planners can gain insights into the specific needs and potential of different regions, allowing them to create more effective and targeted development plans.

Reducing Regional Imbalance

The main objective of regional planning is to reduce regional imbalance in development. This involves formulating strategies and policies that aim to bridge the gap between developed and underdeveloped regions, ensuring that every region has access to basic amenities, infrastructure, and opportunities for growth. Regional planning seeks to promote balanced and sustainable development by allocating resources and investments in a way that benefits all regions and minimizes regional disparities.

Conclusion

In summary, regional planning is the type of planning that is necessary to address the uneven pattern of development over space and reduce regional imbalance. By adopting a spatial perspective and drawing plans that take into account the specific needs and potential of different regions, planners can work towards creating a more balanced and equitable distribution of resources, infrastructure, and opportunities, ultimately leading to more sustainable and inclusive development.

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