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GeographyMediumAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2022, GK

In India, the period of steady population growth refers to the decade(s) of:

  1. A.1981-2011
  2. B.1951-1981
  3. C.1921-1951
  4. D.1911-1921

Correct answer

C. 1921-1951

Explanation

The correct answer is C, 1921-1951. In the standard division of India's population history, the three decades from 1921 to 1951 are called the period of steady population growth.

Census data from 1901 show four phases. From 1901 to 1921 the population was nearly stagnant, because high birth rates were cancelled out by high death rates from famines and epidemics such as the 1918 influenza. From 1921 to 1951 better sanitation and health care brought the death rate down, so the population grew steadily; 1921 is therefore called the year of the 'great divide'. From 1951 to 1981 came the population explosion, with growth above 2 per cent a year. After 1981 the growth rate stayed high but began to slow down.

A is wrong because 1981-2011 is the phase of high growth with clear signs of slowing. B is wrong because 1951-1981 is the phase of population explosion. D is wrong because 1911-1921 lies in the stagnant phase, and 1911-1921 is the only decade in which India's population actually fell.

Exam tip: 1901-21 stagnant, 1921-51 steady growth, 1951-81 explosion, after 1981 slowing; 1921 is the year of the great divide.

Practice Questions

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Q2.GeographyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2026, GKMedium

Consider the following statements with reference to earthquakes:

1. Collapse earthquakes are most common.

2. Tsunamis are waves generated by the tremors and not an earthquake in itself.

3. High magnitude earthquakes i.e. 8+ are quite rare whereas 'tiny' types occur almost every minute.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.1 and 3 only
  3. C.2 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 2 and 3 only

Statement 1 is false because tectonic earthquakes, not collapse earthquakes, are the most common type. Earthquakes are grouped by cause: tectonic (sliding of rocks along a fault), volcanic, collapse (the roofs of underground mines or caverns falling in), explosion (from nuclear or chemical blasts) and reservoir-induced.

Q3.GeographyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2016, GKMedium

With reference to earthquakes, which of the following statements are correct?

1. Earthquakes largely occur along the converging plate boundaries.

2. Point of origin of earthquake in lithosphere is known as focus/hypocentre.

3. Intensity of earthquake decreases with distance from the epicentre.

4. Epicentre of earthquake always remains over continents only.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.1, 2 and 3
  3. C.2 and 3 only
  4. D.1 and 4
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 1, 2 and 3

The first three statements are true, while statement 4 is false because many earthquakes have their epicentre under the sea.

Q5.GeographyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2026, GKMedium

Which of the following statements related to the stages of evolution of the present atmosphere are correct?

1. The first stage is marked by the loss of primordial atmosphere.

2. In the second stage, the hot interior of the earth contributed to the evolution of the atmosphere.

3. Finally, the composition of the atmosphere was modified by the living world through the process of photosynthesis.

Select the answer using the code given below:

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.1 and 3 only
  3. C.2 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

All three statements describe, in the right order, the three stages through which the present atmosphere of the Earth evolved.