Geography: CUET Mock Test - 2 - CUET MCQ

Gaddis: -

• The Gaddis are a tribal community primarily found in the Bharmaur region of Himachal Pradesh, India.
• This community is known for its semi-nomadic lifestyle, primarily engaging in animal husbandry and agriculture.
• They migrate to the lower Himalayan regions during the winter months and return to the higher pastures in the summer for grazing their livestock.
• The unique cultural practices, traditional costumes, and festivals of the Gaddis are significant to the cultural heritage of the Bharmaur region.

Additional Information

• Gonds: -
  • ​The Gonds are one of the largest tribal communities in India, primarily residing in the central and southern parts of the country, such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
  • Their primary occupation includes agriculture, foraging, and hunting.
  • Given their geographical distribution, the Gonds do not inhabit the Bharmaur region, making this option incorrect.
• Bhils: -
  • The Bhils are another major tribal community in India, found mostly in the western and central parts of the country, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. -
  • They are known for their archery skills, cultural richness, and have a history of being great warriors.
  • The Bhils do not reside in the Bharmaur region, which is located in the northern part of India, making this option incorrect.
• Santhals: -
  • The Santhals are a major tribal community primarily found in the eastern part of India, including states like Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha
  • They are known for their rich cultural heritage, dance forms, music, and craftsmanship.
  • The geographical location of the Santhal community does not align with the Bharmaur region, hence this option is incorrect.

Concept

• Pollution is any undesirable change in physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of air, land, water, or soil.
• Agents that bring about such an undesirable change are called pollutants.
• Pollution can be broadly classified into 4 types Air pollution, Water pollution, Noise pollution & Soil pollution.

Explanation

• In order to control environmental pollution, the Government of India has passed the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to protect and improve the quality of our environment (air, water, and soil).
• In India, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act came into force in 1981 but was amended in 1987 to include noise as an air pollutant.
• Realizing the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of the water bodies, the Government of India has passed the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 to safeguard our water resources.

C) Primary to secondary activities:

• This option most accurately describes the shift from an economy dominated by agriculture—a primary activity that involves the extraction and production of natural resources—to one focused on industry and manufacturing, which are secondary activities.
• The secondary sector includes activities that process, transform, and assemble raw materials into finished goods or semi-finished products.
• This transition represents a fundamental stage in the economic development and industrialization process of a country, as it moves from reliance on agriculture and raw material extraction towards more complex forms of economic activity involving manufacturing and production. 

D) All of the above

• The growth of all sectors—primary (agriculture, mining), secondary (manufacturing), and tertiary (services)—is directly influenced by advancements in technology and automation.
• Technology and automation have revolutionized how work is done across all sectors, leading to increased productivity, efficiency, and often, reshaped industries. 
• In the primary sector, advancements in technology like precision agriculture, automated harvesting machines, and drone monitoring of crops and livestock have significantly increased production efficiency and reduced labor costs.
• The secondary sector has been profoundly transformed by automation and technological advancements. Robotics, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and other automated systems have revolutionized production lines, especially in industries like automobile manufacturing, where they have led to significant increases in production speed and quality while reducing human error.
• In the tertiary sector, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and automation have transformed service provision. For example, in finance, automated trading systems and robo-advisors have changed how trading and investment advice are provided. In health care, telemedicine and AI diagnostic tools have opened new possibilities for service delivery.
• The impact of technology and automation across all sectors also emphasizes the importance of adapting educational and training programs to equip the workforce with the necessary skills.
• As automation takes over more routine tasks, there is an increased demand for skills that technology cannot easily replicate, such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
• Furthermore, policy responses are essential to address the challenges posed by technological unemployment and to ensure that the benefits of technological advancements are widely distributed across society.

The correct answer is A software developer creating new applications."
A ) A software developer creating new applications: This option best exemplifies a job in the tertiary sector because the tertiary sector, also known as the service sector, comprises activities and jobs that provide services rather than produce goods.

• Software development falls under this category as it involves creating, designing, and supporting software products, which are intangible goods.
• The service sector is expansive and includes not only technology-related services like software development but also education, healthcare, finance, retail, and many more areas that contribute to the economy through the provision of services.

B) A factory worker assembling cars is incorrect because this job is part of the secondary sector, which encompasses industrial and manufacturing activities. The secondary sector is characterized by the transformation of raw materials into finished goods or products, such as the assembly of cars from various components.
C) A farmer harvesting crops is not correct as farming falls under the primary sector. The primary sector of the economy involves jobs and activities that are directly connected to natural resources and raw materials, such as agriculture, mining, forestry, and fishing.
D) A miner extracting coal from a mine is also incorrect due to its categorization under the primary sector. Similar to farming, mining is an activity focused on extracting natural resources from the Earth, which is a defining characteristic of primary sector jobs.

• Understanding the distinctions between the sectors of the economy is crucial for analyzing economic structure and trends.
• The tertiary sector's growth, for instance, often signifies a shift towards a more developed economic state, as it implies a higher demand for and provision of various services, reflecting changes in consumers' preferences and needs, as well as technological advancements.
• In many advanced economies, the tertiary sector is the largest sector in terms of employment and GDP contribution, illustrating the transition from industrial-based to service-based economies.

Economic development and growth
Economic diversification refers to the process through which a country expands its economy beyond a limited scope of activities or sectors. In most contexts, this involves moving away from a heavy reliance on primary sector activities, such as agriculture and mining, to a more balanced mixture including secondary activities (manufacturing and processing) and tertiary activities (services).
C) Economic development and growth: Economic diversification is a positive indicator of economic development and growth for several reasons.

• As economies diversify and expand into manufacturing, processing, and service sectors, they typically experience an increase in productivity and innovation.
• Diversified economies are better able to withstand external shocks, like fluctuating commodity prices or global economic downturns, because they are not solely dependent on a single sector or commodity.
• Diversification also creates new job opportunities and facilitates skill development among the workforce, contributing to a rise in the standard of living and enhancing the economic stability of a country.
• This process is generally accompanied by increased investments in infrastructure and technology, further fueling economic growth.

C) A movement towards knowledge-based economic activities,"
It reflects a significant trend in modern economies where there is a growing emphasis on the quaternary sector. This sector is characterized by activities involving information services, research and development, financial planning, and other knowledge-driven services. Its rising importance underlines a transition in global economies towards innovation, intellectual services, and the management of information, indicative of a deeper reliance on intellectual capabilities and technological advancement for economic growth and competitiveness.

• The quaternary sector represents a part of the economy that focuses on the creation, dissemination, and application of information and knowledge.
• It encompasses services such as education, research, information technology, and other knowledge-based services that have become increasingly crucial in the 21st century.
• This sector thrives on the expertise and skills of individuals to innovate and drive forward technological advancements and efficiencies. 
• A movement towards knowledge-based economic activities suggests an evolution of the workforce and industries towards sectors that not only leverage but also prioritize information and technology.
• This transition is evident in the rapid growth of IT companies, the importance of R&D in maintaining competitive advantage, and the premium placed on education and skills in the global job market.
• Knowledge-based economic activities signify a shift from manual labor and production-based jobs to those requiring analytical skills, creativity, and specialized knowledge.

Possibilism (A): This concept, introduced by Vidal de la Blache, suggests that the natural environment provides possibilities or opportunities, but humans have the ability to adapt and shape their development based on their choices and technology. This matches description (i).
Environmental Determinism (B): Proposed by scholars like Friedrich Ratzel, it argues that human activities, culture, and societal development are primarily controlled by the natural environment (e.g., climate, topography). This aligns with description (ii).
Neo-Determinism (C): Also known as "stop-and-go determinism" (by Griffith Taylor), it offers a middle ground between possibilism and determinism, suggesting that nature sets limits, but humans can act within those limits. This fits description (iii).
Humanism (D): Associated with Yi-Fu Tuan, this approach emphasizes human emotions, values, perceptions, and creativity in shaping geographical understanding, matching description (iv).

• Carl Ritter (A): A German geographer who emphasized a scientific and systematic approach to studying geography, focusing on the relationship between humans and their environment. This matches (iv).
• Friedrich Ratzel (B): He developed the concept of Environmental Determinism, suggesting that the natural environment heavily influences societies and cultures. This aligns with (i).
• Vidal de la Blache (C): A French geographer who introduced the idea of Possibilism, arguing that humans can overcome environmental constraints through innovation and culture. This fits (ii).
• Yi-Fu Tuan (D): A modern geographer known for his humanistic approach, focusing on human perception, emotions, and experiences in geography. This corresponds to (iii).

The correct answer is B: (A)-(iv), (B)-(i), (C)-(ii), (D)-(iii).

Political Geography (A): This branch studies political boundaries, governance, nations, and geopolitical conflicts, aligning with (iii).
Social Geography (B): It focuses on social structures, cultural diversity, caste, ethnicity, and human interactions, matching (ii).
Economic Geography (C): This examines the spatial distribution of economic activities like trade, agriculture, and industry, fitting (i).
Urban Geography (D): It deals with the study of cities, urban processes, and patterns of urbanization, corresponding to (iv).

The Prayagraj (Allahabad) to Haldia stretch of the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system (1,620 km) is National Waterway 1 (NW-1), declared in 1986.

Veer Savarkar International Airport is in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The southernmost port in India is Kanyakumari Port (also known as Cape Comorin Port) in Tamil Nadu, located at the southern tip of the Indian mainland.

Inland waterways are indeed crucial in forested areas but are mainly used for heavy cargo like coal and timber, contradicting the reason given.

Highways are designed for smooth, wide access, and inland waterways serve regions with dense forests. Oceanic routes are not practical for short distances, and pipelines transport various liquids, not just water.

Transcontinental railways were built for economic and political reasons, and waterways are commonly used for heavy cargo. The Suez Canal links the Mediterranean with the Indian Ocean, not the Atlantic and Pacific.

Semi-clustered settlements are often formed due to various factors that influence their structure and location. Here are the main reasons for their formation:

• Segregation of a large compact village, where certain groups choose or are compelled to live away from the main cluster.
• Social and ethnic factors, leading to fragmentation within the community.
• Security concerns, as some communities prefer to settle in a clustered manner for protection against thefts and robberies.
• Geographical factors, such as the availability of water and the nature of the terrain, which can dictate settlement patterns.

After independence, several towns were developed as administrative headquarters.

• Chandigarh was specifically designed as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana.
• Other notable towns include Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, and Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat.
• These towns were established to facilitate better governance and administration.
• Additionally, industrial centres like Bhilai and Durgapur emerged to support economic growth.

After independence, several towns emerged as industrial centres in India.

• Bhilai is a prominent example, known for its steel plant.
• Other towns like Durgapur and Sindri also developed significant industries.
• These towns were established to boost economic growth and provide employment.
• Many older towns adapted to industrialisation, evolving their functions.

Transport cities are vital for export and import activities. They can be classified into two main types:

• Ports: These cities are primarily engaged in maritime trade. Examples include Kandla, Kochi, and Vishakhapatnam.
• Inland hubs: These cities facilitate transport within the country. Examples include Agra, Dhulia, and Itarsi.

Transport cities play a crucial role in enhancing trade and connectivity, making them essential for economic growth.

Statutory Towns: All administrative units that have been defined by statute as urban like Municipal Corporation, Municipality, Cantonment Board, Notified Town Area Committee, Town Panchayat, Nagar Palika etc., are known as Statutory Towns.

The British and other Europeans established several towns in India as trading ports. Key points include:

• Surat: One of the first major trading ports developed by the British.
• Goa: Known for its strategic coastal location and trade activities.
• Pondicherry: A significant port town that served as a trading hub.

These towns were crucial in establishing European trade networks in India, leading to the development of major cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.

- 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 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.

According to the provisional data released by Census India, the proportion of rural population declined from 72.19% in 2001 to 68.84% in 2011.

At present, Nearly 70% of the country's population lives in rural areas where, for the first time since Independence, the overall growth rate of population has sharply declined, according to the latest Census.

India is the second most populous country after China in the world with its total population of 1,210 million (2011). India’s population is larger than the total population of North America, South America and Australia put together.

The proportion of migrants decrease with the increasing distance from source area.

- 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.

The correct answer is Japan.

Key Points

• Of all the countries in the world, Japan has the most rapidly aging population in the history of the world.
  • It has the largest population of people over the age of 65.
  • With the oldest population in the world, Japan’s population consists of 28.79 percent of people over age 65.
  • At the present moment, more than one in four people in the country are over the age of 65.
• One theorized reason for Japan’s large elderly population is the post-war baby boom that affected the nation between 1947 and 1949, a time which was followed by a long period of low fertility rates.
  • Japan’s life expectancy is also the highest in the OECD, at 84.7 years, major reason behind this is the country´s low rates of cerebrovascular diseases and its citizens tending to adhere to a healthy diet and lifestyle.
• It is predicted that nearly one-third of the Japanese people (32.2%) will be senior citizens by 2030.
• After Japan, comes Italy and Finland.

Correct Answer: ​East Asia, South Asia, Europe. North America.

Key Points

East Asia:

• Approximately one-fourth of the world's population lives in the East Asia region comprising eastern parts of China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and the island of Taiwan. Five-sixths of the people in this region live in China.
• South Asia has the second-largest concentration of people. The region comprises India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
• More than 20% of the world's population lives in South Asia and India, the world's second-most populous country contains more than three-fourths of the people in this region.
• The world's third-largest population cluster encompasses about two dozen countries that occupy much of Europe from the United Kingdom to western Russia. Approximately 15% of the world's people live in this cluster.

North America:

• The largest concentration of people in the Western Hemisphere is in the Northeastern United States and South-Eastern Canada.
• Approximately 150 million people live in this region and like the Europeans, most Americans are urban dwellers and fewer than 5% are farmers.

Additional Information

​​South-East Asia:

• A third Asian population cluster and the world's fourth-largest comprise a series of islands that lie between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
• The largest concentration is on the island of Java (Indonesia) inhabited by more than 100 million people.
• Indonesia consists of more than 13,677 islands and is the fourth most populous country in the world. Included in this region is the Philippines.