Test: Population- 2 - UPSC MCQ

The pivotal element of demography is population.
Demography is the study of human populations, their size, structure, and distribution, as well as the changes that occur in these populations over time. Population is the central focus of demography as it provides valuable insights into various aspects of human society and helps in understanding social, economic, and political phenomena.
Here are the reasons why population is the pivotal element of demography:
1. Size and composition: Population size and composition are crucial factors in demography. By analyzing population size, demographers can determine the potential demand for resources and services, such as healthcare, education, and housing. Population composition, including age, sex, race, and ethnicity, helps in understanding social dynamics, labor force trends, and cultural patterns.
2. Growth and decline: Demographers study population growth and decline to analyze demographic trends and patterns. Understanding population growth rates is essential for policymakers to plan for future needs, such as infrastructure development, social welfare, and employment opportunities. Population decline can also have significant implications for a society, including economic consequences and shifts in social structures.
3. Migration: Demography considers migration patterns, both internal and international, as they impact population dynamics. Migration influences population size, distribution, and composition, and it plays a crucial role in shaping social, economic, and cultural changes within and between regions.
4. Mortality and fertility: The study of mortality (death rates) and fertility (birth rates) is essential in demography. These factors help in determining population growth or decline and provide insights into health, healthcare systems, and family planning strategies. Understanding mortality and fertility patterns is vital for policymakers to develop effective healthcare policies and social programs.
5. Population aging: Demography focuses on population aging and its implications for societies. As the global population is rapidly aging, understanding the trends and consequences of population aging is crucial for governments and organizations to address issues related to healthcare, retirement, and social support systems.
In conclusion, population is the pivotal element of demography as it provides critical information about the size, composition, growth, migration, mortality, fertility, and aging of human populations. Demographers analyze these factors to gain insights into various aspects of society and to inform policymaking and planning for the future.

Recognising that the planning of families would improve individual health and welfare, the Government of India initiated a comprehensive Family Planning Programme in 1952. The Family Welfare Programme has sought to promote responsible and planned parenthood on a voluntary basis. The National Population Policy (NPP) 2000 is a culmination of years of planned efforts. The NPP 2000 provides a policy framework for imparting free and compulsory school education up to 14 years of age, reducing infant mortality rate to below 30 per 1000 live births, achieving universal immunisation of children against all vaccine preventable diseases, promoting delayed marriage for girls, and making family welfare a people-centred programme.

Statement: Almost half of the population lives in five states - UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh
Explanation:
- The statement is correct as it states that almost half of the population lives in five states.
- These five states are Uttar Pradesh (UP), Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh.
Statement: Five states are Punjab, Haryana, UP, Tamil Nadu and Kerala
Explanation:
- This statement is incorrect as it does not mention the correct states that account for almost half of the population.
Statement: Five states are J&K, Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar and West Bengal
Explanation:
- This statement is incorrect as it does not mention the correct states that account for almost half of the population.
Statement: None of the above
Explanation:
- This statement is incorrect as the first statement is correct.
Therefore, the correct answer is option A: Almost half of the population lives in five states - UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.

The magnitude of the population increase is measured by the population growth rate.
Explanation:
- Population growth rate is the measure of how fast a population is growing over a specific period of time. It is usually expressed as a percentage.
- The population growth rate takes into account both birth rate and death rate as they directly impact the change in population size.
- The birth rate refers to the number of births per 1,000 individuals in a population within a specific time period.
- The death rate refers to the number of deaths per 1,000 individuals in a population within a specific time period.
- The difference between the birth rate and the death rate gives the natural increase in population, which contributes to population growth.
- However, the population growth rate also takes into consideration other factors such as migration, which can further impact the overall population increase or decrease.
- Therefore, the most accurate measure of the magnitude of population increase is the population growth rate.
- Other options, such as birth rate and death rate, are important components in understanding population dynamics but do not directly measure the overall magnitude of population increase.

Explanation:
The year 1921 is referred to as the "year of great divide" because it marked a significant shift in population trends. Here is a detailed explanation of why option D is the correct answer:
Before 1921:
- Better health facilities led to a decrease in the death rate. This means that fewer people were dying.
- However, the birth rate remained high, meaning that the number of births was still high.
After 1921:
- Improved health facilities continued to reduce the death rate, leading to even fewer deaths.
- However, the birth rate remained high, indicating that the number of births remained high as well.
Key Points:
- Prior to 1921, the death rate decreased due to better health facilities, but the birth rate remained high.
- After 1921, the death rate continued to decrease with improved health facilities, but the birth rate remained high.
- This resulted in a significant demographic divide between the decreasing death rate and the high birth rate, hence the term "year of great divide."
Overall, the year 1921 is known as the "year of great divide" because it marked a significant contrast between the decreasing death rate and the persistently high birth rate, leading to a significant shift in population trends.

Explanation:
The correct statement is C: India's annual increase in population is not enough to neutralize efforts to conserve the resource endowment and environment.
Reasoning:
- Statement A: India has a very large population - This is correct as India is currently the second-most populous country in the world.
- Statement B: When a low annual rate is applied to a very large population, it yields a large absolute increase - This is correct as even a small percentage increase in a large population can result in a significant absolute increase.
- Statement D: None of the above - This is not the correct answer, as there is one statement that is incorrect.
Statement C is incorrect because efforts to conserve the resource endowment and environment can be neutralized if the annual increase in population is high and puts a strain on resources. However, the statement suggests that the annual increase in population is not enough to neutralize these efforts, which is not true.
Therefore, the correct answer is C: India's annual increase in population is not enough to neutralize efforts to conserve the resource endowment and environment.

The pace of population increase is measured as:
A: Percentage
- Population increase can be measured as a percentage change, which is calculated by taking the difference between the current population and the previous population, and then dividing it by the previous population.
- This percentage change indicates the rate at which the population is growing or decreasing over a specific period.
B: Range
- Range is not a measure of population increase. Range is the difference between the maximum and minimum values in a set of data, and it is typically used to measure the spread or variability of a dataset.
C: Mean
- Mean is not a measure of population increase. Mean is the average of a set of values, and it is used to summarize the central tendency of a dataset.
D: None of these
- This option is incorrect because population increase can be measured as a percentage.
Conclusion:
The correct answer is A: Percentage. Population increase is commonly measured as a percentage change, which indicates the rate at which the population is growing or decreasing over a specific period.

• Most Populated State (2001): Uttar Pradesh was the most populous state in India as per the 2001 Census.
• Most Densely Populated State (2001): West Bengal had the highest population density according to the 2001 Census.
• Most Thinly Populated State (2001): Arunachal Pradesh had the lowest population density, making it the most thinly populated state in India in 2001.

Sikkim has a population of just 0.6 million and Lakshadweep has only 64,429 people.

Common Disease among Indian Girls:
There are several common diseases that affect Indian girls. Among them, one of the most prevalent is anaemia. Here's a detailed explanation:
Anaemia:
- Anaemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or a low concentration of hemoglobin in the blood.
- It is a common health problem in India, especially among girls and women.
- The main cause of anaemia is iron deficiency, often due to poor nutrition and dietary habits.
- Lack of access to a balanced diet, especially foods rich in iron, such as green leafy vegetables, pulses, and nuts, contributes to the high prevalence of anaemia among Indian girls.
- Other factors that can lead to anaemia include worm infestations, menstruation, and pregnancy.
- Anaemia can have several adverse effects on an individual's health, including fatigue, weakness, poor concentration, and reduced immunity.
- It can also impact cognitive development and educational performance in girls.
Other diseases:
- While anaemia is a common disease among Indian girls, it is not the only one.
- Other prevalent diseases include polio, which is a viral infection that can cause paralysis, particularly in children.
- However, due to extensive vaccination campaigns, polio cases have significantly decreased in India.
- RBC (Red Blood Cell) is not a disease but a component of the blood, and mentioning it as a disease is incorrect.
Conclusion:
- In conclusion, anaemia is a common disease among Indian girls due to factors such as poor nutrition and iron deficiency.
- It is important to address this issue through awareness campaigns, improved access to nutritious food, and regular health check-ups to ensure early detection and treatment.

The most significant feature of the Indian population is the size of its adolescent population. It constitutes one-fifth of the total population of India. Adolescents are generally grouped in the age group of 10 to 19 years. They are the most important resource for the future.

Working-age groups (15-59) are economically productive and biologically reproductive.
Explanation:
The statement suggests that individuals within the working-age group, which is typically considered to be between the ages of 15 and 59, are both economically productive and biologically reproductive. Let's break down the statement and evaluate its accuracy:
Economically Productive:
- The working-age group is generally considered to be the most economically productive segment of the population.
- Individuals within this age range are typically in their prime working years and are more likely to be actively participating in the labor force.
- They have the physical and mental capacity to engage in various economic activities, such as employment, entrepreneurship, and contributing to the overall productivity of the economy.
Biologically Reproductive:
- The working-age group is also biologically capable of reproduction.
- Individuals within this age range have reached sexual maturity and are physically capable of conceiving and bearing children.
- However, it is important to note that the decision to reproduce is a personal choice and may vary among individuals within this age group.
Conclusion:
Based on the above analysis, it can be concluded that the statement is generally true. The working-age group (15-59) is indeed economically productive and biologically reproductive. However, it is important to consider individual variations and choices within this age group.

The other name for population structure is Population composition.
Population composition refers to the characteristics of a population, including age, sex, education level, occupation, and other demographic factors. It provides an understanding of how individuals are distributed within a population and how these characteristics vary across different groups.
Here is a detailed explanation of the other options mentioned:
A. Population density: Population density refers to the number of individuals per unit of area. It measures the concentration of people in a given space and is not synonymous with population structure.
B. Life expectancy: Life expectancy is the average number of years that an individual is expected to live. While life expectancy is a demographic indicator, it does not encompass the full scope of population structure.
C. Population composition: This is the correct answer. Population composition refers to the demographic characteristics of a population, such as age, sex, education level, occupation, religion, and ethnicity. It provides insights into the distribution of individuals within different groups and is an essential component of population structure analysis.
D. Growth rate: Growth rate measures the change in the size of a population over a specific period. It is a measure of population dynamics and does not directly correspond to population structure.
In summary, population composition is the other name for population structure, as it encompasses the demographic characteristics and distribution of individuals within a population.

Explanation:
The statement is True. The growth rate of the population does indicate the rate at which the population is growing. Here's why:
- The growth rate of a population is calculated by determining the change in population size over a specific period of time, usually one year. It is expressed as a percentage.
- A positive growth rate indicates that the population is increasing, while a negative growth rate indicates a decrease in population size.
- The growth rate provides valuable information about the pace of population growth, which is crucial for various purposes, such as urban planning, resource management, and policy-making.
- It helps to understand the demographic trends and predict future population sizes.
- The growth rate can also be used to compare populations in different regions or countries and assess their relative growth rates.
- Governments, organizations, and researchers often use population growth rates to analyze population dynamics and make informed decisions.
In conclusion, the growth rate of the population is an important indicator of population growth and provides valuable insights into demographic trends and future population sizes.

The most significant feature of the Indian population is the size of its


Adolescent population
- India has a large population of adolescents, which refers to individuals between the ages of 10 and 19.
- The size of this population group is significant because it has important implications for the country's social, economic, and health outcomes.
- Here are some key points that highlight the significance of the adolescent population in India:
1. Demographic Dividend: India's large population of adolescents represents a demographic dividend, which refers to the potential economic growth that can be achieved when there is a large proportion of working-age individuals in a population. This group can contribute to the country's workforce and productivity.
2. Educational Opportunities: The size of the adolescent population highlights the need to provide quality education and skill development opportunities to ensure that these individuals are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills for future employment.
3. Health and Well-being: Adolescents are a vulnerable group that requires specific attention to their health and well-being. Issues such as malnutrition, mental health, reproductive health, and substance abuse need to be addressed to ensure a healthy and productive future generation.
4. Social Development: Adolescents play a crucial role in shaping the social fabric of society. Investing in their development can lead to positive social change, empowerment, and gender equality.
5. Future Challenges and Opportunities: The size of the adolescent population also presents challenges such as unemployment, urbanization, and social inequalities. However, it also offers opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and social progress.
In conclusion, the size of the adolescent population in India is a significant feature of the Indian population. It has implications for the country's economic growth, education, health, social development, and future challenges and opportunities.