Consider the following statements : 1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times. 2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Question

YESPYQ · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: Neither 1 nor 2. Population density is measured as the number of people living per square kilometer. Below is a table summarizing key de- mographic data from the three censuses : UPSC GS Paper-I PYQs 374 Census Year Population Density (persons/sq km) Annual Exponential Growth Rate (%) 1951 117 1.25 2001 324 1.93 2011 382 ~1.64 Statement 1 is incorrect : In 1951, the density was about 117 persons/sq km. By 2001, it had risen to 324 persons/sq km. Although this is a substantial increase, calculating the multipli- cation factor shows: = » 324 Factor 2.77 117 This means the density increased by roughly 2.77 times—which is less than three times. For additional context, the 2011 census reported a further increase to 382 persons/sq km, confirming a continuing but moderate increase. Statement 2 is incorrect : The annual growth rate (exponential) of India’s population has not doubled during this period. The growth rate was highest during the 1971 Census but gradually declined thereafter, indicating no doubling of the growth rate be- tween 1951 and 2001. The annual exponential

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