UPSC CSE Prelims
Population & Human Geography of India Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Showing solved Previous Year Questions for Chapter: Population & Human Geography of India
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Consider the following statements:
- ‘Right to the City’ is an agreed human right and the UN-Habitat monitors the commitments made by each country in this regard.
- ‘Right to the City’ gives every occupant of the city the right to reclaim public spaces and public participation in the city.
- ‘Right to the City’ means that the State cannot deny any public service or facility to the unauthorized colonies in the city.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — 2 and 3
The 'Right to the City' is a normative concept advocating inclusive urban citizenship, not a formally recognized universal human right with binding UN monitoring. Statement 1 is incorrect as UN-Habitat promotes this concept through the New Urban Agenda but does not monitor legally binding commitments. Statements 2 and 3 correctly capture the essence of this concept.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: 'Right to the City' is not an agreed universal human right; UN-Habitat does not monitor binding national commitments in this regard.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: This concept gives all inhabitants the right to reclaim public spaces, participate in governance, and shape their cities democratically.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: The concept promotes inclusive urban citizenship, meaning basic services cannot be denied even to unauthorized colonies; Indian courts have upheld this under Article 21 (Right to Life).
📝 Short Notes: Right to the City
- Origin: Concept developed by French philosopher Henri Lefebvre (1968); popularized in urban planning discourse.
- Definition: Right of all inhabitants to use, occupy, govern, and enjoy cities that are just, inclusive, safe, and sustainable.
- Key Principles: Inclusive citizenship, non-discrimination, social function of land, democratic participation in urban governance.
- UN-Habitat & New Urban Agenda (2016): Promotes the concept but it remains aspirational, not legally binding.
- Indian Context: Courts have held that basic services (water, sanitation) cannot be denied to slum/unauthorized dwellers under Article 21.
- Beneficiaries: Migrants, slum dwellers, informal workers, residents of unauthorized settlements—all recognized as rights-bearing urban citizens.
In the context of any country, which one of the following would be considered as part of its social capitals?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — The level of mutual trust and harmony in the society
Social capital refers to the networks, norms, and trust that enable participants to act together more effectively to pursue shared objectives. It is an intangible asset that measures the quality of social relationships, mutual trust, and cooperation within a community or society.
❌ Option 1 – Incorrect: The proportion of literates represents human capital (individual skills and knowledge), not social capital which focuses on collective relationships and trust.
❌ Option 2 – Incorrect: The stock of buildings, infrastructure, and machines constitutes physical capital, which refers to tangible assets used in production.
❌ Option 3 – Incorrect: The size of the working-age population is a demographic indicator and represents potential human capital, but does not reflect social connections or trust.
✅ Option 4 – Correct: The level of mutual trust and harmony directly captures the essence of social capital, which emphasizes the quality of social bonds, civic engagement, and cooperative relationships in society.
📝 Short Notes: Forms of Capital
| Type of Capital | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Capital | Tangible assets used in production | Buildings, machinery, infrastructure, tools |
| Human Capital | Skills, knowledge, and capabilities of individuals | Education level, literacy, training, health |
| Social Capital | Networks, trust, and norms enabling collective action | Mutual trust, community harmony, civic participation, social networks |
| Natural Capital | Natural resources and ecosystem services | Forests, minerals, water, air quality |
Consider the following specific stages of demographic transition associated with economic development:
- Low birth rate with a low death rate
- High birth rate with a high death rate
- High birth rate with a low death rate
Select the correct order of the above stages using the codes given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Stage 1 (High birth rate with high death rate): Pre-industrial societies with poor healthcare, sanitation and nutrition; population remains stable due to high mortality offsetting high fertility.
Stage 2 (High birth rate with low death rate): Improved healthcare, sanitation and food supply reduce mortality while birth rates remain high; results in rapid population growth (demographic explosion).
Stage 3 (Low birth rate with low death rate): Industrialized economies with improved education, urbanization, contraception availability and changing social norms; birth rates decline leading to population stabilization.
Correct sequence of demographic transition: 2 → 3 → 1
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