Test: Rural & Urban Livelihoods - UPSC MCQ

In the villages, most people depend on:

Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for many villagers. Here are some key points about this dependence:

• Agriculture provides food for families and income through the sale of crops.
• Many villagers engage in farming as their main occupation.
• Seasonal changes significantly affect agricultural productivity.
• Villagers often rely on traditional farming methods and local resources.

Overall, agriculture plays a crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of people in rural areas.

Non-Farming Activity:
The non-farming activity among the given options is pottery making.
Explanation:
Pottery making is a non-farming activity because it does not involve the cultivation of crops or raising livestock. Instead, it is a craft that involves shaping clay into various forms and then firing it to create pottery items such as pots, vases, and dishes.
Comparison with Other Options:
To further clarify the non-farming aspect of pottery making, let's compare it with the other options:
- Seeding: Seeding is a farming activity as it involves the process of sowing seeds into the soil for the purpose of growing crops.
- Irrigation: Irrigation is also a farming activity as it refers to the artificial application of water to the soil to support crop growth.
- Harvesting: Harvesting is a farming activity as it involves the gathering of mature crops from the fields.
- Pottery making: Pottery making, as mentioned earlier, is a non-farming activity that falls under the category of handicrafts or art.
Therefore, among the given options, pottery making is the non-farming activity.

Shops and Establishment Act governs the working conditions and rights of workers engaged in the unorganized sector. This includes wage payments, leaves and holidays, work hours, etc. Shop/Trade licenses are State subject and the rules differ accordingly and are given by the Municipal corporation.

Readymade clothes are primarily sold at garments' shops.

These shops offer a variety of clothing options, catering to different styles and preferences. Here are some key points about where readymade clothes can be found:

• Garments' shops are the main retailers for ready-to-wear clothing.
• These shops typically have a wide selection of items for men, women, and children.
• They often feature attractive displays to showcase their products.
• Some garments' shops may also sell accessories and footwear.

Other types of shops, such as shoe shops or chemist's shops, do not sell readymade clothing.

B is the correct option.Kalpattu is coastal village in Tamil Nadu. As the village is surrounded by low hills, paddy is the main crop here.

Terrace cultivation, method of growing crops on sides of hills or mountains by planting on graduated terraces built into the slope. Though labour-intensive, the method has been employed effectively to maximize arable land area in variable terrains and to reduce soil erosion and water loss

Main Occupation in Our Country

In our country, the main occupation of people is primarily in the field of agriculture.

Reasons for Agriculture being the Main Occupation

• Geographical Advantage: Our country has a diverse geography with fertile soil, suitable climate, and abundant water resources, making it favorable for agricultural activities.
• Population Dependency: A significant portion of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. It has been a traditional occupation that has been passed down through generations.
• Food Security: Agriculture plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for the nation. It provides the necessary food supply for the growing population.
• Economic Importance: Agriculture contributes significantly to the country's economy through the production of crops, livestock, and other agricultural products. It generates employment opportunities and contributes to foreign exchange earnings through exports.
• Rural Development: Agriculture is closely tied to rural development as it provides employment opportunities, improves infrastructure, and supports the overall growth of rural areas.
• Cultural Significance: Agriculture is deeply rooted in our culture and traditions. It is not just an occupation but also a way of life for many people, preserving our cultural heritage.

Other Occupations in the Country

• Servicing: While agriculture is the main occupation, the service sector has also seen significant growth in recent years. This includes jobs in the retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, and other service-oriented industries.
• Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector has also seen growth and contributes to the country's economy. It includes industries such as textiles, automobiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and more.
• Construction: With urbanization and infrastructure development, the construction sector has also witnessed growth, creating employment opportunities for people.
• Overall, while agriculture remains the main occupation in our country, other sectors such as servicing, manufacturing, and construction have also gained importance and contribute to the overall development of the nation.

 

There  are one crore street vendors  that are spread across India's 4,000-odd cities

- Excess of revenue over cost is known as Profit
- Loss  occurs when costs exceed revenue

The correct answer is C.

Reasons for crop failure do not include:

• Good quality manure - This contributes positively to crop growth.
• Good quality seeds - These are essential for healthy crops.

Thus, both options A and B are not causes of crop failure.