CUET UG Categorised PYQ Geography Unit 3
Geography
📌 Answers are locked once submitted — results and explanations appear at the end.
QUESTION 1 OF 21
Which one of the following state of India has the lowest rank in the human development index according to Indian National Human Development Report 2011? (PYQ 2022)
QUESTION 2 OF 21
Which one of the following is not an approach to human development? (PYQ 2022)
QUESTION 3 OF 21
Read the following carefully with reference to Human Development in India: (PYQ 2022)
Statements:
A) Kerala is at the top in human development index.
B) States showing higher total literacy rates have huge gaps between male-female literacy.
C) Odisha is among the top five states in human development category.
D) India has been among the medium HDI category
QUESTION 4 OF 21
Identify correct statements about the Human Poverty Index. (PYQ 2023)
Statements:
A) It is a non-income measure.
B) The probability of not surviving till the age of 40 is considered.
C) It includes the number of small children who are underweight.
D) Often Human Development Index is more revealing than Human Poverty Index.
QUESTION 5 OF 21
Match List-I with List-II.
| List-I (Country) | List-II (Level of Human Development, 2017) |
|---|---|
| A. Switzerland | I. Medium |
| B. Niger | II. High |
| C. Brazil | III. Very High |
| D. Nepal | IV. Low |
QUESTION 6 OF 21
In the idea of human development, equity refers to the following (PYQ 2023)
QUESTION 7 OF 21
When and by whom Human Development Index was created? (PYQ 2023)
QUESTION 8 OF 21
Which one of the following states of India has the highest female literacy? (PYQ 2023)
QUESTION 9 OF 21
Choose indicators used to assess Human Development Index from below. (PYQ 2023)
Statements:
A) Purchasing Power
B) Happiness
C) Life expectancy at Birth
D) Gross Enrollment Ratio
QUESTION 10 OF 21
Which of the following approaches was initially proposed by the International Labour Organization? (PYQ 2023, 2024)
QUESTION 11 OF 21
________ has officially proclaimed the Gross National Happiness Index as the measure of the country's progress. (PYQ 2023)
QUESTION 12 OF 21
Identify the main features of capability approach to Human Development. (PYQ 2023)
Statements:
A) This is the oldest approach to Human Development.
B) This approach was initially proposed by International Labour Organisation.
C) This approach is associated with Prof. Amartya Sen.
D) Access to resources is the key to increasing human development.
QUESTION 13 OF 21
With respect to human development, continuity in the availability of opportunities means (PYQ 2023)
QUESTION 14 OF 21
Identify approaches to human development. (PYQ 2023, 2024)
Statements:
A) Welfare
B) Selective
C) Capability
D) Income
QUESTION 15 OF 21
Which programme was introduced by the Government of India to address the issue of decline in child sex ratio? (PYQ 2023)
QUESTION 16 OF 21
What is the objective of 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' Campaign? (PYQ 2023)
QUESTION 17 OF 21
Identify the correct statement about development (PYQ 2024)
QUESTION 18 OF 21
Which of the following is not one of the pillars of Human Development? (PYQ 2024)
QUESTION 19 OF 21
When and by whom was the first Human Development Report published? (PYQ 2024)
QUESTION 20 OF 21
Identify the correct statements about welfare approach of human development. (PYQ 2024)
Statements:
A) It looks at human beings as beneficiaries of all development activities.
B) It argues for higher government expenditure on education, health, and social amenities.
C) Its focus is on building human capabilities.
D) It considers government responsible for increasing levels of human development by maximising expenditure on welfare.
QUESTION 21 OF 21
Which of the following countries has the highest Human Development Index (2021)?(PYQ 2025)
Test Complete!
Answer Review
1 Which one of the following state of India has the lowest rank in the human development index according to Indian National Human Development Report 2011? (PYQ 2022)
Human Development Index includes health, education and income. Bihar ranked lowest among the given options. It faced challenges in literacy, income and health indicators. The answer is based on the National Human Development Report 2011.
(Detailed) → The correct answer is B) Bihar. → According to the Indian National Human Development Report 2011, Bihar had the lowest rank among the given states. → HDI is calculated using indicators such as health, education and standard of living. → Bihar's low ranking reflected weak performance in these indicators.
- Option A) Rajasthan → Rajasthan had development challenges but ranked above Bihar in this context.
- Option C) Chhattisgarh → Chhattisgarh also had lower HDI indicators but not the lowest among these options.
- Option D) Haryana → Haryana had a higher level of economic and human development than Bihar.
Used: HDI Ranking Recall
- Option A → Incorrect because Bihar ranked lower.
- Option B → Correct because Bihar had the lowest HDI rank in the given report.
- Option C → Incorrect because it was not the lowest among the given choices.
- Option D → Incorrect because Haryana had better HDI indicators.
- Final Answer → Option B.
2 Which one of the following is not an approach to human development? (PYQ 2022)
Human development has specific recognised approaches. Basic needs approach is one of them. Capability approach is linked with Amartya Sen. Need fulfilment approach is not a standard approach.
(Detailed) → The correct answer is C) Need fulfilment approach. → The important approaches to human development include income approach, welfare approach, basic needs approach and capability approach. → The capability approach focuses on increasing people's choices and freedoms. → Need fulfilment approach is not listed as a separate standard approach.
- Option A) Basic needs approach → This is a recognised approach to human development.
- Option B) Capability approach → This is a recognised approach associated with human freedom and capabilities.
- Option D) Welfare approach → This is also a recognised approach to human development.
Used: Odd One Out
- Option A → Incorrect because it is a valid approach.
- Option B → Incorrect because it is a valid approach.
- Option C → Correct because it is not a standard approach.
- Option D → Incorrect because it is a valid approach.
- Final Answer → Option C.
3 Read the following carefully with reference to Human Development in India: (PYQ 2022)
Statements:
A) Kerala is at the top in human development index.
B) States showing higher total literacy rates have huge gaps between male-female literacy.
C) Odisha is among the top five states in human development category.
D) India has been among the medium HDI category
Kerala ranks high in human development. India is generally placed in the medium HDI category. Higher literacy states usually have lower gender literacy gaps. Odisha is not among the top five HDI states.
(Detailed) → The correct answer is C) A and D only. → Kerala has been at the top in India's human development indicators due to high literacy, health and social development. → India has been placed in the medium human development category. → Hence, statements A and D are correct.
- Statement B → Incorrect because higher literacy states usually have smaller male-female literacy gaps.
- Statement C → Incorrect because Odisha is not among the top five states in HDI.
- Option A) → Incorrect because it includes statement B.
- Option B) → Incorrect because it includes statement C.
- Option D) → Incorrect because both B and C are wrong.
Used: Statement Elimination
- (A) → Correct.
- (B) → Incorrect.
- (C) → Incorrect.
- (D) → Correct.
- Final Answer → Option C.
4 Identify correct statements about the Human Poverty Index. (PYQ 2023)
Statements:
A) It is a non-income measure.
B) The probability of not surviving till the age of 40 is considered.
C) It includes the number of small children who are underweight.
D) Often Human Development Index is more revealing than Human Poverty Index.
Human Poverty Index is a non-income measure. It measures deprivation in human development. It includes survival and underweight children. HPI is often more revealing than HDI.
(Detailed) → The correct answer is A) A, B, C only. → HPI measures deprivation instead of average achievements. → It includes probability of not surviving till age 40. → It also includes indicators like underweight children and lack of access to basic needs.
- Statement D→ Incorrect because Human Poverty Index is often more revealing than Human Development Index.
- Option B) B, C, D only→ Incorrect because it includes D and misses A.
- Option C) A, C, D only→ Incorrect because it includes D and misses B.
- Option D) A, B, D only→ Incorrect because it includes D and misses C.
Used: Statement Elimination
- A → Correct.
- B → Correct.
- C → Correct.
- D → Incorrect.
- Final Answer → Option A.
5 Match List-I with List-II.
| List-I (Country) | List-II (Level of Human Development, 2017) |
|---|---|
| A. Switzerland | I. Medium |
| B. Niger | II. High |
| C. Brazil | III. Very High |
| D. Nepal | IV. Low |
Switzerland has very high human development. Niger has low human development. Brazil falls under high human development. Nepal falls under medium human development.
(Detailed) → The correct answer is D) A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I. Switzerland is a highly developed country and belongs to the very high HDI group. Niger has low HDI. Brazil is placed in the high category, while Nepal is in the medium category.
- Option A) A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV→ It wrongly places Niger in very high category.
- Option B) A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV→ It wrongly places Switzerland in medium category.
- Option C) A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I→ It wrongly places Switzerland in low category.
Used: Extreme Pair Elimination
- Option A → Incorrect because Niger is not very high.
- Option B → Incorrect because Switzerland is not medium.
- Option C → Incorrect because Switzerland is not low.
- Option D → Correct because Switzerland is very high and Niger is low.
- Final Answer → Option D.
6 In the idea of human development, equity refers to the following (PYQ 2023)
Equity means fairness. It provides equal access to opportunities. It removes discrimination based on caste, gender or income. It is one pillar of human development.
(Detailed) → The correct answer is A) Making equal access to opportunities available to everybody. Equity in human development means that all people should get equal access to opportunities. Development becomes meaningful only when opportunities are available to everyone fairly.
- Option B) Continuity in the availability of opportunities→ This refers to sustainability.
- Option C) Efforts to increase the people knowledge→ This is related to education and capacity building.
- Option D) People have the power to make choices→ This refers to empowerment.
Used: Keyword Matching
- Option A → Correct because equity means equal access.
- Option B → Incorrect because continuity means sustainability.
- Option C → Incorrect because it relates to knowledge.
- Option D → Incorrect because it defines empowerment.
- Final Answer → Option A.
7 When and by whom Human Development Index was created? (PYQ 2023)
HDI was introduced in 1990. It was created by Dr. Mahbub-ul-Haq. Amartya Sen contributed to the conceptual base. HDI measures health, education and standard of living.
(Detailed) → The correct answer is C) Dr. Mahbub-ul-Haq, 1990. → The Human Development Index was created by Dr. Mahbub-ul-Haq in 1990. It shifted the focus of development from only income to people's well-being and capabilities.
- Option A) Prof. A. Shaws, 1991 → This is not associated with the creation of HDI.
- Option B) Prof. Amartya Sen, 1990 → Amartya Sen contributed ideas, but the index is credited to Mahbub-ul-Haq.
- Option D) Prof. Amartya Sen, 1991 → This gives the wrong person and year for the creation of HDI.
Used: Person-Year Matching
- Option A → Incorrect because the person is not linked with HDI creation.
- Option B → Incorrect because Sen contributed but did not create the index.
- Option C → Correct because Mahbub-ul-Haq created HDI in 1990.
- Option D → Incorrect because both attribution and year are wrong.
- Final Answer → Option C.
8 Which one of the following states of India has the highest female literacy? (PYQ 2023)
Kerala has the highest literacy rate in India. It also has the highest female literacy among the given states. Education and social development are strong in Kerala. Female education is a major human development indicator.
(Detailed) → The correct answer is D) Kerala. → Kerala has the highest female literacy rate among Indian states. Its strong focus on education, health and social welfare has helped it perform well in human development indicators.
- Option A) Tamil Nadu → Tamil Nadu has good literacy but lower than Kerala.
- Option B) Punjab → Punjab does not have the highest female literacy.
- Option C) Haryana → Haryana has lower female literacy compared to Kerala.
Used: Direct Recall
- Option A → Incorrect because Tamil Nadu is below Kerala.
- Option B → Incorrect because Punjab is below Kerala.
- Option C → Incorrect because Haryana is below Kerala.
- Option D → Correct because Kerala has the highest female literacy.
- Final Answer → Option D.
9 Choose indicators used to assess Human Development Index from below. (PYQ 2023)
Statements:
A) Purchasing Power
B) Happiness
C) Life expectancy at Birth
D) Gross Enrollment Ratio
HDI measures health, education and standard of living. Life expectancy shows health. Gross Enrollment Ratio relates to education. Purchasing power relates to standard of living.
(Detailed) → The correct answer is B) A, C, D only. → Human Development Index uses indicators related to health, education and income. Life expectancy at birth measures health, Gross Enrollment Ratio represents education, and purchasing power represents access to resources.
- Option A) A, B, D only → It includes Happiness and misses Life expectancy.
- Option C) B, C, D only → It includes Happiness and misses Purchasing Power.
- Option D) B, A, C only → It includes Happiness and misses Gross Enrollment Ratio.
Used: Elimination
- Option A → Incorrect because Happiness is not an HDI indicator.
- Option B → Correct because A, C and D are HDI-related indicators.
- Option C → Incorrect because Happiness is not used in HDI.
- Option D → Incorrect because Happiness is included and education indicator is missing.
- Final Answer → Option B.
10 Which of the following approaches was initially proposed by the International Labour Organization? (PYQ 2023, 2024)
Focuses on six specific needs. Health, education, food, water supply, sanitation, and housing. Shifts focus from income to essential human requirements.
(Detailed) → Basic Needs Approach (1): This was proposed by the ILO. It emphasizes providing six basic requirements: health, education, food, water supply, sanitation, and housing. It ignores the question of human choices and focuses on the provision of these essential items to improve human development.
- Option B) Income Approach: One of the oldest methods, linking development directly to the level of income.
- Option C) Capability Approach: Associated with Prof. Amartya Sen; focuses on building human capabilities.
- Option D) Welfare Approach: Views humans as beneficiaries of government expenditure on health, education, and amenities.
Used: Substitution
- In the context of Human Development, "ILO" is always the keyword for "Basic Needs."
- Final Answer → Option A.
11 ________ has officially proclaimed the Gross National Happiness Index as the measure of the country's progress. (PYQ 2023)
Bhutan rejects GDP as the sole measure of progress. GNH emphasizes spiritual, physical, and social well-being. It highlights environmental and cultural preservation.
(Detailed) → The correct answer is D) Bhutan. → Bhutan is the only country in the world to officially use Gross National Happiness (GNH) as its primary measure of development. This concept suggests that material progress (money) should not come at the cost of the environment or culture. It focuses on sustainable development, cultural values, environmental conservation, and good governance.
- Options: A) Nepal, B) Bangladesh, C) Srilanka: All of these nations primarily use standard economic indicators like GDP or the Human Development Index (HDI) used by the UNDP.
Used: Contextual Matching
- Option D) → Bhutan is globally famous for its unique "Happiness" philosophy.
- Final Answer → Option D.
12 Identify the main features of capability approach to Human Development. (PYQ 2023)
Statements:
A) This is the oldest approach to Human Development.
B) This approach was initially proposed by International Labour Organisation.
C) This approach is associated with Prof. Amartya Sen.
D) Access to resources is the key to increasing human development.
Prof. Amartya Sen pioneered the Capability Approach. It emphasizes what people are "capable" of doing or being. Building human capabilities in health, education, and resource access is central.
(Detailed) → The correct answer is B) C and D only. → The Capability Approach was developed by Nobel Laureate Prof. Amartya Sen (C). It argues that development should be seen as the expansion of human freedoms and capabilities. Key to this is ensuring that people have access to resources (D), health, and education, which enables them to lead the lives they value.
- Option A) Incorrect: The "Income Approach" is the oldest approach.
- Option B) Incorrect: The "Basic Needs Approach" was proposed by the ILO.
- Options A, C & D: All include statement A or B, which are factually incorrect for this specific approach.
Used: Contextual Matching/Elimination
- Statement C → Sen is the definitive figure for Capability. Any option without C is out.
- Statement B → ILO is linked to "Basic Needs." Eliminate B.
- Final Answer → Option B.
13 With respect to human development, continuity in the availability of opportunities means (PYQ 2023)
Relates to the four pillars of human development. Focuses on the future generations. Ensures resources and opportunities don't run out.
(Detailed) → Sustainability in human development means the continuity in the availability of opportunities. To have sustainable human development, each generation must have the same opportunities. All environmental, financial, and human resources must be used keeping the future in mind so that the opportunities available today remain available for future generations.
- Option A) Equity: Refers to making equal access to opportunities available to everybody, regardless of gender, race, or income.
- Option C) Productivity: Refers to human labour productivity or efficiency in terms of human work.
- Option D) Empowerment: Refers to the power to make choices, derived from increasing freedom and capability.
Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching
- "Continuity" is the keyword for "Sustainability."
- Final Answer → Option B) Sustainability.
Sustainability = Sustaining opportunities for the future.
14 Identify approaches to human development. (PYQ 2023, 2024)
Statements:
A) Welfare
B) Selective
C) Capability
D) Income
There are four main ways of looking at human development. These approaches define how progress is measured. "Selective" is not a recognized technical approach in this framework.
(Detailed) → The recognized approaches to human development are: 1. The Income Approach (oldest), 2. The Welfare Approach (looks at humans as beneficiaries), 3. The Minimum Needs Approach (proposed by ILO), and 4. The Capability Approach (associated with Prof. Amartya Sen). "Selective" is not part of this geographical/economic classification.
- Option A, C, D: All these options include (B) Selective, which is an incorrect term in the context of Human Development approaches.
Used: Odd One Out
- Income, Welfare, and Capability are standard academic terms for HD.
- "Selective" sounds vague and non-technical in this list.
- Final Answer → Option B.
W-I-C (Welfare, Income, Capability) + Basic Needs.
15 Which programme was introduced by the Government of India to address the issue of decline in child sex ratio? (PYQ 2023)
Launched in 2015 to tackle the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR). Focuses on preventing gender-biased sex selective elimination. Aims to ensure survival, protection, and education of the girl child.
(Detailed) → "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) is a flagship scheme of the Government of India. It was initiated to address the alarming drop in the number of girls compared to boys (0-6 years) and to shift societal mindsets regarding the value of the girl child. It is a tri-ministerial effort involving Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, and Education.
- Option B) Beti Samjhao Beto Padhao: This is an incorrect phrasing; the program focuses on the girl child specifically.
- Option C) Beti Samjhao Beti Bachao: Incorrect terminology.
- Option D) Beti Batao Beti Badhao: Incorrect terminology.
Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching
- Option A → Matches the official government nomenclature used in textbooks.
- Options B, C, D → Rhyming but logically incorrect variations.
- Final Answer → Option A is the widely recognized social campaign name.
16 What is the objective of 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' Campaign? (PYQ 2023)
Launched in 2015 to combat declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR). Focuses on survival, protection, and education of the girl child. Aims to change societal mindsets regarding gender.
(Detailed) → The 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) scheme specifically targets social discrimination-such as female feticide-and the exclusion of girls from the education system. It is a tri-ministerial effort to ensure gender equality and empowerment.
- Option A) Challenges of adolescents: Addressed by schemes like Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK).
- Option C) Regional imbalances: Addressed by planning commissions and special area programs.
- Option D) Population explosion: Addressed by Family Planning and health policies.
Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching
- Beti = Girl/Female.
- Save/Educate = Fighting bias.
- Final Answer → Option B.
17 Identify the correct statement about development (PYQ 2024)
Growth is quantitative (increase/decrease in size/number). Development is qualitative (improvement in quality of life). Development occurs only when there is a positive addition to existing conditions.
(Detailed) → Development is a concept that implies "improvement." While "growth" can be positive or negative (e.g., a city's population can grow or shrink), "development" only happens when there is a positive qualitative change. For instance, if a city grows but lacks basic amenities, it has experienced growth without development.
- Option A) Development is a quantitative and value neutral change: This describes Growth, not development.
- Option B) Positive growth always leads to development: Incorrect; positive growth (e.g., more people) can occur alongside a decline in the quality of life (e.g., more slums).
- Option C) Development may have a positive or a negative sign: Only Growth has a sign (+ or -). Development is inherently positive.
Used: Extreme Word Filter
- Option A → "Value neutral" → Applies to Growth.
- Option B → "Always leads" → Too extreme/false (Growth ≠ Development).
- Option C → "Negative sign" → Development cannot be negative.
- Final Answer → Option D.
18 Which of the following is not one of the pillars of Human Development? (PYQ 2024)
There are four pillars of human development. Equity, Sustainability, Productivity, and Empowerment. "Affordability" is not a recognized pillar in this model.
(Detailed) → The concept of Human Development rests on four pillars: → Equity: Equal access to opportunities. → Sustainability: Continuity in the availability of opportunities. → Productivity: Human labor productivity in terms of capacity building. → Empowerment: The power to make choices. → Affordability (2) is often a consideration in economics, but it is not one of the fundamental pillars defined by Mahbub ul Haq and the UNDP.
- Option A) Equity: A core pillar.
- Option C) Sustainability: A core pillar.
- Option D) Empowerment: A core pillar.
Used: Substitution
- Recall the "Big Four" pillars from the NCERT textbook. Affordability is not on that list.
- Final Answer → Option B.
19 When and by whom was the first Human Development Report published? (PYQ 2024)
Created by Dr. Mahbub ul Haq. Published by the United Nations Development Programme. The first report was released in 1990.
(Detailed) → UNDP in 1990 (4): The concept of Human Development was introduced by Pakistani economist Dr. Mahbub ul Haq. He worked with Amartya Sen to create a measure that looked beyond just GDP. The first Human Development Report (HDR) was subsequently published by the UNDP in 1990 and has been released annually ever since.
- Options A, C) WHO: The World Health Organization is not the body that publishes the Human Development Report.
- Option B) UNDP in 1992: Correct organization, but the wrong year; the initiative started two years earlier.
Used: Substitution
- Standard fact: HDR is always associated with the 1990s (specifically the start) and the UNDP.
- Final Answer → Option D.
20 Identify the correct statements about welfare approach of human development. (PYQ 2024)
Statements:
A) It looks at human beings as beneficiaries of all development activities.
B) It argues for higher government expenditure on education, health, and social amenities.
C) Its focus is on building human capabilities.
D) It considers government responsible for increasing levels of human development by maximising expenditure on welfare.
The Welfare approach treats people as passive "recipients." It emphasizes state spending on public services. Building "capabilities" is the focus of the Capability Approach (Amartya Sen).
(Detailed) → Statement (A): Correct. People are seen as "targets" or beneficiaries. → Statement (B): Correct. It advocates for the state to provide basic needs. → Statement (C): Incorrect. Building human capabilities is specifically the Capability Approach championed by Prof. Amartya Sen, not the general Welfare approach. → Statement (D): Correct. The onus of development is placed entirely on government expenditure.
- Options B, C, D: These options include statement (C). While "capability" sounds like welfare, it is a distinct philosophical approach in human development theory that emphasizes "doing and being" rather than just "receiving."
Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching
- Capability = Amartya Sen.
- Welfare = State spending/Beneficiaries.
- Eliminate (C) to separate the two approaches.
- Final Answer → Option A.
21 Which of the following countries has the highest Human Development Index (2021)?(PYQ 2025)
HDI measures health, education, and standard of living. Switzerland consistently ranks at the top globally. European nations generally dominate the Very High Human Development category.
(Detailed) → The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index released by the UNDP. In the 2021/2022 report, Switzerland ranked number 1 in the world with an HDI value of 0.962. It scores exceptionally high across all three dimensions: life expectancy at birth, expected/mean years of schooling, and Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
Used: Option Grouping
- Switzerland & Germany → High Tier.
- Egypt & Nepal → Lower/Middle Tier.
- Compare Switzerland vs Germany → Switzerland is historically the leader.
- Final Answer → B