CUET UG Economics Booster Test 2 - Demographic Indicators -

🚀

CUET UG Economics Booster Test 2 - Demographic Indicators

⏱️ 30 Minutes

❓ 20 Questions

📌 Answers are locked once submitted — results and explanations appear at the end.

CUET UG Economics Booster Test 2 - Demographic Indicators

1 / 20

QUESTION 1 OF 20

Assertion (A): Out of every six persons living in this world, one is an Indian and another a Chinese.
Reason (R): India and China are the least populated countries globally.

Answer Review

1 Assertion (A): Out of every six persons living in this world, one is an Indian and another a Chinese.
Reason (R): India and China are the least populated countries globally.

A Both Assertion and Reason are false.

B Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason provides the correct explanation.

C Assertion is true, but Reason is false.

D Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

💡 Short Explanation

India and China together account for a large share of the world's population. Each country has approximately one-sixth of the world's population. They are the most populous, not the least populated, countries.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Assertion is true because the NCERT states that out of every six persons in the world, one is an Indian and another is a Chinese. This highlights the enormous demographic significance of these two countries. The Reason is false because India and China are not the least populated countries. On the contrary, they are the two most populous countries in the world, each having a population of around 1.4 billion people according to the demographic indicators. Therefore, the Assertion is true, while the Reason is false. Hence, Option C is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A. Both Assertion and Reason are false. → Incorrect because the Assertion is factually correct.
Option B. Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason provides the correct explanation. → Incorrect because the Reason is false.
Option D. Assertion is false, but Reason is true. → Incorrect because the Assertion is true and the Reason is false.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Elimination

Application:

Evaluate the Assertion and the Reason independently using NCERT demographic facts.

Final Logic:

The Assertion is true, but the Reason contradicts the NCERT; therefore, Option C is correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

"1 in 6 = India, 1 in 6 = China."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: Population Size and Global Population Share

2 With an estimated population of 1411 million and a density of 150 persons per sq. km, which country holds the lowest population density among the three neighbouring countries despite its massive geographical size?

A Pakistan

B India

C Bangladesh

D China

💡 Short Explanation

China has a population of about 1411 million. It occupies the largest geographical area among the three countries. Consequently, it has the lowest population density.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to the NCERT Demographic Indicators (2021–23), China's population is approximately 1411 million, and its population density is about 150 persons per square kilometre. Although China has a population comparable to India's, its vast land area spreads the population over a much larger geographical region. As a result, China has the lowest population density among India, China, and Pakistan. Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A. Pakistan → Incorrect because Pakistan's population density is approximately 300 persons per sq. km, which is higher than China's.
Option B. India → Incorrect because India has the highest population density (approximately 473 persons per sq. km) among the three countries.
Option C. Bangladesh → Incorrect because Bangladesh is not one of the three neighbouring countries being compared in this chapter.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Elimination

Application:

Compare the population density values of India, China, and Pakistan given in the NCERT demographic table.

Final Logic:

China's large geographical area results in the lowest population density (150 persons per sq. km); therefore, Option D is correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Largest Land = Lowest Density (China)."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: Population Density (Demographic Indicators 2021–23)

3 Which combination of statements is correct about Pakistan's demography?
1. Population is about 240 million.
2. Density is the lowest among the three countries.
3. Population accounts for roughly one-tenth of China or India.

A I and III

B I and II

C II and III

D I, II, and III

💡 Short Explanation

Pakistan's population is approximately 240 million. Its population is much smaller than that of India and China. China, not Pakistan, has the lowest population density.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to the NCERT demographic indicators: Statement I is correct because Pakistan's estimated population is approximately 240 million. Statement II is incorrect because China has the lowest population density (about 150 persons per sq. km), whereas Pakistan's density is around 300 persons per sq. km. Statement III is correct because Pakistan's population is described in the chapter as being roughly one-tenth of the population of India or China for comparative understanding. Therefore, only Statements I and III are correct. Hence, Option A is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B. I and II → Incorrect because Statement II is false.
Option C. II and III → Incorrect because Statement II is false.
Option D. I, II, and III → Incorrect because Statement II contradicts the NCERT.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Elimination

Application:

Evaluate each statement independently using the demographic indicators and eliminate options containing the incorrect statement.

Final Logic:

Only Statements I and III are correct; therefore, Option A is correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Pakistan = 240 Million + One-Tenth."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: Pakistan's Population and Demographic Indicators

4 Match the Population (in million) to the corresponding Country/Fact.

List I	List II
1. 1428	a. Pakistan
2. 1411	b. India
3. 240	c. China
4. Roughly one-tenth of India	d. Pakistan's comparative share

A 1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d

B 1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d

C 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d

D 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d

💡 Short Explanation

1428 million corresponds to India. 1411 million corresponds to China. 240 million corresponds to Pakistan. Pakistan's population is roughly one-tenth of India or China.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to the NCERT demographic indicators (2021–23): 1428 million → India (b) 1411 million → China (c) 240 million → Pakistan (a) Roughly one-tenth of India → Pakistan's comparative share (d) Thus, the correct matching is: 1 → b 2 → c 3 → a 4 → d Hence, Option B is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A. 1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d → Incorrect because the population figures for India, China, and Pakistan are mismatched.
Option C. 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d → Incorrect because 1428 million refers to India, not China.
Option D. 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d → Incorrect because 1411 million corresponds to China, while 240 million corresponds to Pakistan.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Option Grouping

Application:

Identify the known population figures of India, China, and Pakistan first, then match the remaining comparative fact.

Final Logic:

Only Option B correctly matches all four entries according to the NCERT demographic indicators.

🧠 Memory Trick

"India 1428 → China 1411 → Pakistan 240."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: Population Size (Demographic Indicators 2021–23)

5 While China's annual population growth is –0.10%, Pakistan records a significantly higher growth rate of _____, which is the highest among the three nations.

A 2.0%

B 0.81%

C 1.96%

D 3.4%

💡 Short Explanation

Pakistan has the highest annual population growth rate. India's growth rate is moderate at 0.81%. China's growth rate is –0.10%, the lowest among the three countries.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to the NCERT Demographic Indicators (2021–23): China's annual population growth rate is –0.10%, reflecting a decline in population growth. India's annual population growth rate is 0.81%. Pakistan records the highest annual population growth rate of 1.96%. Therefore, the blank should be filled with 1.96%. Hence, Option C is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A. 2.0% → Incorrect because the NCERT specifically mentions 1.96%.
Option B. 0.81% → Incorrect because this is India's annual population growth rate.
Option D. 3.4% → Incorrect because 3.4 is Pakistan's fertility rate, not its annual population growth rate.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Elimination

Application:

Differentiate between annual population growth rate and fertility rate, then recall the demographic indicators.

Final Logic:

Pakistan's annual population growth rate is 1.96%; therefore, Option C is correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Pakistan Growth = 1.96%."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: Annual Population Growth Rate (2021–23)

6 Arrange the countries in descending order based on their annual population growth rate (highest to lowest).

A China, India, Pakistan

B India, Pakistan, China

C Pakistan, China, India

D Pakistan, India, China

💡 Short Explanation

Pakistan has the highest annual population growth rate. India has a moderate growth rate. China has the lowest (negative) population growth rate.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to the NCERT Demographic Indicators (2021–23): Pakistan has the highest annual population growth rate (1.96%). India follows with 0.81%. China has the lowest growth rate (–0.10%). Therefore, arranging the countries from highest to lowest gives: Pakistan → India → China Hence, Option D is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A. China, India, Pakistan → Incorrect because China has the lowest, not the highest, growth rate.
Option B. India, Pakistan, China → Incorrect because Pakistan's growth rate is higher than India's.
Option C. Pakistan, China, India → Incorrect because India's growth rate is higher than China's.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Recall the annual population growth rates from the NCERT table and arrange them from highest to lowest.

Final Logic:

The correct descending order is Pakistan → India → China, making Option D the correct answer.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Pakistan Highest → India Middle → China Lowest."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: Comparative Annual Population Growth Rates (2021–23)

7 What demographic indicator provides evidence that the one-child norm successfully arrested China's population explosion?

A Annual growth of population at –0.10%

B Urbanisation at 65%

C High maternal mortality

D Density of 150

💡 Short Explanation

China's one-child norm significantly reduced population growth. The demographic indicators show a negative annual population growth rate. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the population control policy.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to the NCERT Demographic Indicators (2021–23), China's annual population growth rate is –0.10%. This negative growth rate reflects the long-term impact of the one-child norm, introduced in the late 1970s to control rapid population growth. The policy successfully slowed population growth, although it also created demographic challenges such as an ageing population. Therefore, Option A is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B. Urbanisation at 65% → Incorrect because urbanisation reflects the proportion of people living in urban areas and does not directly indicate population growth control.
Option C. High maternal mortality → Incorrect because maternal mortality is not the demographic indicator used to measure the success of the one-child policy.
Option D. Density of 150 → Incorrect because population density depends on both population and land area, not solely on population control measures.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Elimination

Application:

Identify the demographic indicator that directly measures changes in population growth.

Final Logic:

A negative annual population growth rate (–0.10%) directly reflects the impact of the one-child norm; therefore, Option A is correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

"One Child → –0.10% Growth."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: Population Growth and One-Child Policy

8 The one-child policy in China not only arrested population growth but also had a negative side effect on which specific demographic indicator?

A Urbanisation rate

B Sex ratio

C Density

D GDP per capita

💡 Short Explanation

The one-child policy contributed to demographic imbalance. Combined with son preference, it adversely affected the sex ratio. China experienced a decline in the proportion of females.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to the NCERT, the one-child policy, together with the prevailing son preference, contributed to a decline in the sex ratio in China. Many families preferred a male child, resulting in an imbalance between the number of males and females. Thus, while the policy successfully controlled population growth, it also produced undesirable demographic consequences. Therefore, Option B is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A. Urbanisation rate → Incorrect because urbanisation is influenced mainly by industrialisation and migration, not directly by the one-child policy.
Option C. Density → Incorrect because population density is determined by population relative to land area and is not the specific adverse demographic effect highlighted in the NCERT.
Option D. GDP per capita → Incorrect because GDP per capita is an economic indicator, not the demographic indicator discussed as a consequence of the one-child policy.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Recall the demographic consequence of the one-child policy specifically highlighted in the NCERT.

Final Logic:

The chapter identifies the sex ratio as the demographic indicator negatively affected by the one-child policy; therefore, Option B is correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

"One Child + Son Preference = Low Sex Ratio."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: One-Child Policy and Sex Ratio

9 If India's population is approximately 1428 million and its population density is 473 persons per sq. km, how does its density compare to China's population density of 150 persons per sq. km?

A Less than China

B Equal to China

C More than three times that of China

D Exactly twice that of China

💡 Short Explanation

India's population density is 473 persons per sq. km. China's population density is 150 persons per sq. km. India's density is a little more than three times China's density.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to the NCERT Demographic Indicators (2021–23): India's population density = 473 persons per sq. km China's population density = 150 persons per sq. km Comparing the two: 473/150≈3.15 Thus, India's population density is more than three times that of China. This reflects India's much greater concentration of population despite China's larger geographical area. Therefore, Option C is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A. Less than China → Incorrect because India's population density is much higher than China's.
Option B. Equal to China → Incorrect because the two densities are significantly different.
Option D. Exactly twice that of China → Incorrect because India's density is more than three times, not twice, China's density.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Dimensional/Unit Analysis

Application:

Compare the numerical values of population density (persons per sq. km) by calculating their ratio.

Final Logic:

Since 473 ÷ 150 ≈ 3.15, India's density is more than three times China's; therefore, Option C is correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

"473 ≈ 3 × 150."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: Comparative Population Density

10 Assertion (A): China has the lowest population density among India, Pakistan, and China.
Reason (R): China is geographically the largest nation among the three.

A Both Assertion and Reason are false.

B Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

C Assertion is true, but Reason is false.

D Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason provides the correct explanation.

💡 Short Explanation

China has the largest geographical area among the three countries. Its large land area spreads the population over a wider region. Consequently, China has the lowest population density.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The Assertion is true because the NCERT Demographic Indicators (2021–23) show that China has the lowest population density (150 persons per sq. km) among India, China, and Pakistan. The Reason is also true because China occupies the largest geographical area among the three countries. Although its population is comparable to India's, the much larger land area results in a lower population density. Therefore, the Reason correctly explains the Assertion. Hence, Option D is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A. Both Assertion and Reason are false. → Incorrect because both statements are factually correct.
Option B. Assertion is false, but Reason is true. → Incorrect because the Assertion is also true.
Option C. Assertion is true, but Reason is false. → Incorrect because the Reason is also true and correctly explains the Assertion.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Verify the truth of both statements using the NCERT demographic indicators and determine whether the Reason explains the Assertion.

Final Logic:

China's vast geographical area explains its lowest population density, making Option D the correct answer.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Largest Land → Lowest Density."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: Population Density and Geographical Area

11 Select the correct statement(s) regarding the sex ratio (females per 1000 males).
1. China is 898.
2. India is 930.
3. Pakistan is 948.

A I, II, and III

B I and II

C II and III

D I and III

💡 Short Explanation

The sex ratio measures the number of females per 1000 males. According to the demographic indicators, China, India, and Pakistan have sex ratios of 898, 930, and 948, respectively. All three statements are correct.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to the NCERT Demographic Indicators (2021–23): China's sex ratio = 898 females per 1000 males. India's sex ratio = 930 females per 1000 males. Pakistan's sex ratio = 948 females per 1000 males. These figures indicate that all three countries have a sex ratio biased against females, although Pakistan records a relatively higher sex ratio than India and China. Therefore, Statements I, II, and III are correct. Hence, Option A is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B. I and II → Incorrect because Statement III is also correct.
Option C. II and III → Incorrect because Statement I is also correct.
Option D. I and III → Incorrect because Statement II is also correct.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Elimination

Application:

Verify each numerical value using the NCERT demographic indicators and eliminate options that omit a correct statement.

Final Logic:

All three statements match the demographic data; therefore, Option A is correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

"China 898 → India 930 → Pakistan 948."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: Sex Ratio (Demographic Indicators 2021–23)

12 In India, China, and Pakistan, the sex ratio is biased against females. What deeply rooted cultural factor is cited by scholars for this deficit?

A Female emigration

B Son preference

C High female literacy

D One-child policy alone

💡 Short Explanation

The sex ratio is low in all three countries. The NCERT identifies son preference as the primary cultural reason. This factor exists across the region and is not limited to one country.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to the NCERT, the low sex ratio in India, China, and Pakistan is primarily attributed to the deeply rooted cultural practice of son preference. Families often place greater value on male children, which has contributed to demographic imbalances. Although China's one-child policy aggravated the problem, the chapter explains that son preference remains the fundamental cause across all three countries. Therefore, Option B is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A. Female emigration → Incorrect because migration is not identified as the principal cause of the low sex ratio.
Option C. High female literacy → Incorrect because higher female literacy does not lead to a lower sex ratio.
Option D. One-child policy alone → Incorrect because the one-child policy affected China, but the chapter states that the bias against females is present in all three countries due primarily to son preference.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Elimination

Application:

Identify the factor explicitly highlighted by the NCERT as the common cultural reason for the low sex ratio.

Final Logic:

The NCERT clearly identifies son preference as the primary cause; therefore, Option B is correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Son Preference = Low Sex Ratio."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: Causes of Low Sex Ratio

13 Arrange the following demographic indicators for China in ascending numerical value.
1. Fertility Rate
2. Annual Growth Rate
3. Population Density

A 1, 2, 3

B 3, 2, 1

C 2, 1, 3

D 2, 3, 1

💡 Short Explanation

China's annual population growth rate is –0.10%. Its fertility rate is 1.2. Its population density is 150 persons per sq. km.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to the NCERT Demographic Indicators (2021–23) for China: Annual Growth Rate = –0.10% Fertility Rate = 1.2 Population Density = 150 persons per sq. km Arranging these values from smallest to largest: –0.10 (Annual Growth Rate) 1.2 (Fertility Rate) 150 (Population Density) Thus, the correct sequence is: 2 → 1 → 3 Hence, Option C is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A. 1, 2, 3 → Incorrect because 1.2 is greater than –0.10.
Option B. 3, 2, 1 → Incorrect because 150 is the largest value, not the smallest.
Option D. 2, 3, 1 → Incorrect because 150 is greater than 1.2.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Dimensional/Unit Analysis

Application:

Compare the numerical values of the three demographic indicators and arrange them in ascending order.

Final Logic:

Since –0.10 < 1.2 < 150, the correct order is 2 → 1 → 3, making Option C correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Negative → One → Hundred."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: China's Demographic Indicators (2021–23)

14 Match the country with its corresponding fertility rate.

List I	List II
1. India	a. 1.2
2. China	b. 3.4
3. Pakistan	c. 2.0
4. Highest among the three	d. Pakistan

A 1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d

B 1-b, 2-c, 3-d, 4-a

C 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-d

D 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d

💡 Short Explanation

India's fertility rate is 2.0. China's fertility rate is 1.2. Pakistan's fertility rate is 3.4, the highest among the three.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to the NCERT Demographic Indicators (2021–23): India → 2.0 (c) China → 1.2 (a) Pakistan → 3.4 (b) Highest fertility rate → Pakistan (d) Thus, the correct matching is: 1 → c 2 → a 3 → b 4 → d Hence, Option D is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A. 1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d → Incorrect because India's and China's fertility rates are interchanged.
Option B. 1-b, 2-c, 3-d, 4-a → Incorrect because Pakistan's fertility rate and the "highest among the three" are mismatched.
Option C. 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-d → Incorrect because China's and Pakistan's fertility rates are interchanged.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Option Grouping

Application:

Identify the known fertility rates of each country first, then match the remaining comparative fact.

Final Logic:

Only Option D correctly matches all four entries according to the NCERT demographic indicators.

🧠 Memory Trick

"China 1.2 → India 2.0 → Pakistan 3.4."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: Fertility Rate (Demographic Indicators 2021–23)

15 What percentage of China's population is living in urban areas, distinguishing it as the most urbanised among the three countries?

A 65%

B 36%

C 38%

D 50%

💡 Short Explanation

China has the highest level of urbanisation among India, China, and Pakistan. Approximately 65% of China's population lives in urban areas. Rapid industrialisation and economic reforms contributed to this high urbanisation.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to the NCERT Demographic Indicators (2021–23), 65% of China's population resides in urban areas. This is the highest urbanisation level among the three neighbouring countries discussed in the chapter. China's rapid industrial growth, expansion of manufacturing, and urban development after the 1978 reforms accelerated rural-to-urban migration. Therefore, Option A is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B. 36% → Incorrect because 36% is India's urbanisation rate.
Option C. 38% → Incorrect because this figure corresponds to Pakistan's urbanisation rate, not China's.
Option D. 50% → Incorrect because this percentage is not given in the NCERT demographic indicators for China.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Elimination

Application:

Recall the urbanisation percentages for China, India, and Pakistan from the demographic indicators table.

Final Logic:

China has the highest urbanisation rate at 65%; therefore, Option A is correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

"China = 65% Urban."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: Urbanisation (Demographic Indicators 2021–23)

16 Despite rapid economic changes, India's urbanisation rate indicates that the majority of its population still resides in rural areas. What is the urbanisation percentage?

A 20%

B 36%

C 65%

D 38%

💡 Short Explanation

India has a moderate level of urbanisation. 36% of its population lives in urban areas. The majority of India's population continues to reside in rural areas.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to the NCERT Demographic Indicators (2021–23), 36% of India's population lives in urban areas. Since this is well below 50%, the majority of the population continues to reside in rural areas. Although urbanisation has increased over time, India remains less urbanised than China. Therefore, Option B is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A. 20% → Incorrect because it does not match the NCERT demographic data.
Option C. 65% → Incorrect because 65% is China's urbanisation rate.
Option D. 38% → Incorrect because 38% corresponds to Pakistan's urbanisation rate in the demographic indicators.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Elimination

Application:

Recall India's urbanisation percentage and distinguish it from those of China and Pakistan.

Final Logic:

India's urbanisation is 36%, making Option B the correct answer.

🧠 Memory Trick

"India = 36% Urban."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: Urbanisation in India (Demographic Indicators 2021–23)

📄 Passage

"Scholars point out the one-child norm introduced in China in the late 1970s as the major reason for low population growth. They also state that this measure led to a decline in the sex ratio, the proportion of females per 1000 males. However, from the table, you will notice that the sex ratio is low and biased against females in all three countries."

Based on the passage, the one-child norm was primarily introduced to control population. In which decade was it implemented?

A 1950s

B 1990s

C 1980s

D 1970s

💡 Short Explanation

China introduced the one-child norm in the late 1970s. The policy aimed to control rapid population growth. It significantly reduced China's population growth rate.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The passage clearly states that the one-child norm was introduced in the late 1970s. The policy was designed to slow China's rapidly increasing population and became one of the most significant demographic policies in the country's history. Although it successfully reduced population growth, it also contributed to issues such as a declining sex ratio and an ageing population. Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A. 1950s → Incorrect because the one-child norm had not yet been introduced.
Option B. 1990s → Incorrect because the policy was already in operation before this decade.
Option C. 1980s → Incorrect because although the policy continued during the 1980s, it was introduced in the late 1970s.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Read the passage carefully and identify the decade explicitly mentioned for the introduction of the policy.

Final Logic:

The passage clearly states late 1970s; therefore, Option D is correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Late 1970s = One-Child Begins."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: One-Child Norm in China

📄 Passage

The passage implies that while the one-child norm affected China's sex ratio, the bias against females is present in India and Pakistan as well. What does this suggest about the social implications across the region?

A Son preference is a shared cultural phenomenon beyond just legal policies.

B Only strict policies cause low sex ratios.

C India and Pakistan also had a one-child norm.

D Urbanisation improves the sex ratio.

💡 Short Explanation

The passage states that all three countries have a low sex ratio. China's one-child norm alone cannot explain this regional pattern. A common cultural preference for sons contributes to the imbalance.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

The passage explains that although China's one-child norm contributed to a decline in the sex ratio, India and Pakistan also have low sex ratios despite not implementing the same policy. This indicates that a broader cultural preference for sons exists across the region. The NCERT identifies son preference as the primary social factor responsible for the low sex ratio in all three countries. Therefore, Option A is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option B. Only strict policies cause low sex ratios. → Incorrect because the passage shows that India and Pakistan also experience low sex ratios without adopting the one-child policy.
Option C. India and Pakistan also had a one-child norm. → Incorrect because neither country implemented such a policy.
Option D. Urbanisation improves the sex ratio. → Incorrect because the passage does not associate urbanisation with improvements in the sex ratio.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Interpret the broader implication of the passage rather than focusing only on China's policy.

Final Logic:

The low sex ratio across all three countries points to a shared cultural preference for sons, making Option A the correct answer.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Low Sex Ratio Across Region = Son Preference."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: Son Preference and Sex Ratio

19 As a long-term implication of the arrested population growth, China faces a scenario where there will be more ________ people in proportion to young people.

A Urban

B Elderly

C Female

D Unemployed

💡 Short Explanation

China's one-child policy reduced population growth. Fewer births over several decades resulted in an ageing population. Consequently, the proportion of elderly people has increased relative to young people.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to the NCERT, the one-child norm successfully controlled China's population growth. However, one of its long-term demographic consequences was an ageing population. After several decades, China began to have more elderly people in proportion to young people, creating concerns regarding labour supply, dependency ratios, and social security. This demographic challenge later prompted China to relax the policy and permit couples to have two children. Therefore, Option B is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A. Urban → Incorrect because the passage discusses changes in age structure, not urbanisation.
Option C. Female → Incorrect because the long-term issue highlighted is the increase in the elderly population, not the proportion of females.
Option D. Unemployed → Incorrect because unemployment is not the demographic consequence discussed in the NCERT.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Contextual/Tonal Matching

Application:

Recall the long-term demographic consequence of China's one-child policy described in the chapter.

Final Logic:

The NCERT states that China will have more elderly people in proportion to young people; therefore, Option B is correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

"One Child → More Elderly."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: Age Structure and Ageing Population

20 Which statement logically explains why India does not face the same immediate ageing population crisis as China?

A India has a lower fertility rate than China.

B India has a lower population than China.

C India has a higher fertility rate (2.0) and moderate population growth, ensuring a steady youth population.

D India implemented the one-child norm later than China.

💡 Short Explanation

India has a higher fertility rate than China. Its population continues to grow at a moderate rate. This helps maintain a relatively younger population compared to China.

✅ Correct Answer Explanation

According to the NCERT demographic indicators: India's fertility rate is about 2.0, whereas China's is about 1.2. India also has a moderate annual population growth rate, while China has experienced extremely low (and recently negative) population growth. These demographic characteristics allow India to maintain a larger proportion of young people, preventing the immediate ageing population challenge experienced by China after decades of the one-child policy. Therefore, Option C is the correct answer.

❓ Why Other Options Are Incorrect

Option A. India has a lower fertility rate than China. → Incorrect because India has a higher fertility rate than China.
Option B. India has a lower population than China. → Incorrect because India currently has a population comparable to, and now slightly larger than, China's.
Option D. India implemented the one-child norm later than China. → Incorrect because India never implemented a national one-child norm.

🎯 Strategy

Used

Elimination

Application:

Compare India's fertility rate and population growth with China's using the NCERT demographic indicators.

Final Logic:

India's higher fertility rate and moderate population growth help sustain a younger population; therefore, Option C is correct.

🧠 Memory Trick

"Higher Fertility = Younger India."

📚 Class XII – Indian Economic Development – Chapter: Comparative Development Experiences of India and its Neighbours – Topic: Fertility Rate, Population Growth and Age Structure

CUET UG Economics Booster Test 2 - Demographic Indicators

Test Complete!

Answer Review