Consider the following countries: 1. Italy 2. Japan 3. Nigeria 4. South Korea 5. South Africa Which of the above countries are frequently mentioned in the media for their low birth rates, or ageing population or declining population ?
- A.1, 2 and 4
- B.1, 3 and 5
- C.2 and 4 only
- D.3 and 5 only
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is A, 1, 2 and 4. Italy, Japan and South Korea all have fertility rates far below the replacement level of about 2.1 children per woman, ageing people and shrinking numbers.
South Korea has the lowest fertility rate in the world, well under one child per woman. Japan's population has been falling since around 2010, and close to three in ten Japanese are aged 65 or over, the highest share among large countries. Italy has one of the lowest birth rates in Europe, and its towns have even offered cheap houses to attract residents. These countries face fewer workers, heavier pension costs and empty villages.
B and D are wrong because they include Nigeria and South Africa. Nigeria has one of the highest fertility rates in the world, over four children per woman, and a very young population; South Africa's population is still young and growing. C is wrong because it leaves out Italy.
Exam tip: Replacement fertility = 2.1; lowest = South Korea; ageing = Japan, Italy.
Practice Questions
View allConsider the following statements about river bridges connecting India with neighbouring countries :
1. 'Maitri Setu', built over Feni river, connects Ramgarh in India with Sabroom in Bangladesh.
2. Jhulaghat suspension bridge connects India with Myanmar.
3. Mechi bridge and its approaches connect Panitanki Bypass in India with Kakarvitta in Nepal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2
- B.2 and 3
- C.1 only
- D.3 only
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The Mechi bridge links Panitanki in India with Kakarvitta in Nepal; the other two statements get the places or the country wrong.
Read the full explanation →With reference to 'palm oil', consider the following statements:
1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia.
2. The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes.
3. The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Palm oil is used in cosmetics such as lipstick and perfume and as a feedstock for biodiesel, but the oil palm is native to West Africa, not Southeast Asia.
Read the full explanation →What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati?
- A.Recently discovered uranium deposits
- B.Tropical rain forests
- C.Underground cave systems
- D.Water reservoirs
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Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati are all dams with reservoirs built for irrigation in different parts of India. The Aliyar dam stands on the Aliyar river near Pollachi in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, at the foot of the Anamalai hills, and is part of the Parambikulam-Aliyar project.
Read the full explanation →India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect
- A.India to Central Asia to Europe via Iran
- B.India to Central Asia via China
- C.India to South-East Asia through Bangladesh and Myanmar
- D.India to Europe through Azerbaijan
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The INSTC links Indian ports by sea to Iran and then by rail and road northwards to Central Asia, Russia and on to Europe.
Read the full explanation →As per Census 2011, which one of the following is the correct descending order of States in India in respect of sex ratio (female per thousand of males)?
- A.West Bengal - Madhya Pradesh - Uttarakhand - Jammu and Kashmir
- B.Madhya Pradesh - West Bengal - Jammu and Kashmir - Uttarakhand
- C.Uttarakhand - West Bengal - Madhya Pradesh - Jammu and Kashmir
- D.West Bengal - Uttarakhand - Madhya Pradesh - Jammu and Kashmir
Show answer
In Census 2011 their sex ratios were about 963, 950, 931 and 889 females per 1,000 males. Census 2011 put India's overall sex ratio at 943.
Read the full explanation →