MCQ on Indian Geography for UPSC, Civil Services and TPSC, WBSC, APSC, TCS & TPS examinations

In migration studies, what is a 'Pull Factor'?

A factor that causes people to leave their place of origin.
A factor that attracts people to a new destination.
A factor related to seasonal movement of people.
A factor that defines a permanent change of residence.

Correct Option: B [ A factor that attracts people to a new destination. ]

Explanation: Pull factors are conditions that attract people to a new location. These include better job opportunities, improved living conditions, peace and stability, and security of life and property, making the destination seem more attractive than the place of origin.

What was India's Child Sex Ratio (females per thousand males in the 0-6 age group) according to the 2011 Census?

940
918
1084
879

Correct Option: B [ 918 ]

Explanation: The Child Sex Ratio, defined for the 0–6 years age group, was 918 females per thousand males in the 2011 Census. This figure was noted as the lowest since India's independence, with socio-cultural factors and pre-birth sex determination being contributing causes for the decline.

As per the 2011 census, how is a 'Main Worker' defined in terms of economic status?

A person who works for at least 30 days in a year.
A person who works for at least 183 days in a year.
A person who works for less than 183 days in a year.
A person who is unemployed.

Correct Option: B [ A person who works for at least 183 days in a year. ]

Explanation: According to the economic status classification in the 2011 census, a 'Main Worker' is a person who is employed for at least 183 days (or six months) in a year. In contrast, a 'Marginal Worker' is someone who works for less than 183 days in a year.

Which linguistic family do the majority of languages spoken in India belong to, accounting for about 73% of the population?

Sino-Tibetan (Kirata)
Austric (Nishada)
Dravidian (Dravida)
Indo-European (Aryan)

Correct Option: D [ Indo-European (Aryan) ]

Explanation: The Indo-European family of languages, specifically the Indo-Aryan branch, is spoken by about 73% of India's population. This includes major languages spoken in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa.

According to the 2011 religious composition data, what percentage of India's population is Muslim?

2.30%
14.23%
1.72%
79.80%

Correct Option: B [ 14.23% ]

Explanation: As per the 2011 Census, Muslims constitute 14.23% of the total population, making them the largest religious minority. Hindus form the majority at 79.80%. The Muslim population is notably concentrated in Jammu & Kashmir, parts of West Bengal, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Lakshadweep.

What percentage of India's total population was classified as urban in the 2011 Census?

25.7%
31.16%
45.2%
53.38%

Correct Option: B [ 31.16% ]

Explanation: According to the 2011 Census, the proportion of urban population in India is 31.16%. The proportion of the rural population was 68.8%. The urban population is showing a faster rate of growth over the decades.

In the 2011 census, which is the only state that registered a negative population growth rate?

Goa
Kerala
Sikkim
Nagaland

Correct Option: D [ Nagaland ]

Explanation: During the 2001-2011 period, Nagaland was the only state in the country where the population decreased. It registered a negative decadal growth rate of –0.47%.

Which year is referred to as the "great divide year" in India's demographic history?

1911
1921
1951
1981

Correct Option: B [ 1921 ]

Explanation: The year 1921 is known as the "great divide year". The period from 1901-1921 is referred to as a phase of stagnant growth, and it even recorded a negative growth rate during 1911-1921 due to high birth and death rates from factors like famine and disease.

As per the 2011 Census, which state has the highest sex ratio (females per 1000 males)?

Haryana
Kerala
Tamil Nadu
Bihar

Correct Option: B [ Kerala ]

Explanation: According to the 2011 census, Kerala is the only state where the number of females is more than males, with a sex ratio of 1084 females per 1000 males. Haryana had the lowest sex ratio at 879.

According to the 2011 Census, what is India's overall literacy rate?

61.8%
65.46%
74.04%
82.14%

Correct Option: C [ 74.04% ]

Explanation: The literacy rate in India as per the 2011 census is 74.04%. This includes a male literacy rate of over 70% (specifically 82.14%) and a female literacy rate of 65.46%.