UPSC Static Quiz – Geography : 3 October 2024

Solution: b)

The growth rate of a population is the net change in population between two points in time and is typically expressed as a percentage. This rate is calculated based on the difference between the number of births, deaths, and migration over a given period (statement 1 is correct).

Natural growth of a population refers to the difference between the birth rate and the death rate within a population, not considering migration. It reflects how much a population increases or decreases due to natural factors such as births and deaths alone (statement 3 is correct).

However, negative growth occurs when the death rate exceeds the birth rate, leading to a decline in population, not the other way around. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect, as negative growth does not happen when birth rates are higher than death rates.

Solution: c)

Positive population growth occurs when the birth rate exceeds the death rate, or when there is inward migration that adds to the population. This increase in population can happen naturally, when the number of births surpasses the number of deaths in a given period, or through migration, where people move into a country or region, contributing to its population size.

In contrast, if the death rate were to exceed the birth rate, the population would decline. Similarly, when the birth rate equals the death rate, there would be no significant change in population size, leading to zero population growth.

Moreover, the fertility rate falling below the replacement level (approximately 2.1 children per woman) typically leads to a declining population over time, as fewer children are born to replace the older generations.

Solution: d)

The period of rapid population growth in India from 1951 to 1981 is often referred to as the period of population explosion. This unprecedented growth can be primarily attributed to declining mortality rates and high fertility rates. Significant advancements in healthcare, sanitation, and medical facilities during this period drastically reduced mortality rates. The availability of vaccines, improved healthcare infrastructure, and better control of diseases contributed to a longer life expectancy, causing a sharp decline in death rates.

Solution: a)

A synchronous census is one conducted simultaneously across the country (1-b).

A complete census covers the population with a focus on demographic, social, and economic attributes (2-c). A non-synchronous census happens at different times in different regions (3-a).

A partial census covers only parts of the population or regions (4-d).

Solution: c)

The beginning of the decline in India’s population growth rate after 1981 can be attributed primarily to declining fertility rates, driven by family planning efforts. The government launched several initiatives, including the promotion of contraception and awareness campaigns about the benefits of smaller families. The increased access to healthcare and education, especially for women, also played a crucial role in this shift. As families became more aware of the economic and social benefits of having fewer children, the fertility rate steadily declined.

Additionally, economic development during this period improved living standards, and with rising urbanization, there was a greater inclination toward smaller family sizes. This decline in fertility, along with improved child survival rates due to better healthcare, caused the overall population growth rate to slow down, marking a significant shift from the earlier decades characterized by rapid population growth or “population explosion.”