✅ Answer: C) 121 croreIndia’s total population according to Census 2011 was 121.09 crore (1.21 billion). India is the 2nd most populous country in the world after China. The population growth rate during 2001-2011 was 17.7% — the lowest since 1951. India is expected to surpass China as the world’s most populous country (which happened in 2023 according to UN estimates).

✅ Answer: B) HaryanaHaryana has the lowest sex ratio in India at 879 females per 1000 males (Census 2011). This is due to female foeticide, son preference, and gender discrimination. Haryana also has the lowest child sex ratio (834). The “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” scheme was launched in Panipat, Haryana in 2015. Kerala has the highest sex ratio (1084). India’s overall sex ratio is 943.

✅ Answer: A) BiharBihar has the lowest literacy rate in India at 63.8% (Census 2011). This is due to poverty, lack of schools, child labour, and gender discrimination. Rajasthan has the lowest female literacy (52.7%). Kerala has the highest literacy (94%). India’s overall literacy rate is 74.04%. The Right to Education Act (2009) made education free and compulsory for children aged 6-14 years.

✅ Answer: C) 31%India’s urban population was 31.16% (37.7 crore) as per Census 2011, up from 27.8% in 2001. India has 53 cities with population over 10 lakh (million-plus cities). The largest urban agglomeration is Mumbai (1.84 crore). India’s urbanisation rate is lower than the world average (~55%). The UN projects India’s urban population to reach 50% by 2047.

✅ Answer: D) 500AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) covers 500 cities and towns. It was launched in June 2015 alongside the Smart Cities Mission. AMRUT focuses on providing basic urban services: water supply, sewerage, urban transport, parks, and street lighting. AMRUT 2.0 was launched in 2021 to make all cities “water secure.” The Smart Cities Mission covers 100 cities.

✅ Answer: A) Arunachal PradeshArunachal Pradesh has the lowest population density in India at 17 persons per sq km (Census 2011). This is due to its large area, hilly terrain, dense forests, and sparse population. Bihar has the highest density (1,106 persons/sq km). India’s average density is 382 persons/sq km. Among UTs, Delhi has the highest density (11,320 persons/sq km) and Andaman & Nicobar Islands the lowest.

✅ Answer: B) 2010 (TFR of 2.1)The National Population Policy 2000 aimed to achieve replacement level fertility (TFR of 2.1) by 2010. India’s TFR has declined from 5.9 (1950) to 2.0 (2020) — now below replacement level. The policy also aimed to reduce IMR to below 30 per 1000 live births and MMR to below 100 per lakh live births. India achieved these goals later than targeted but has made significant progress.

✅ Answer: A) MumbaiMumbai is the largest urban agglomeration in India with a population of 1.84 crore (Census 2011). Delhi is 2nd (1.63 crore). The top 5 urban agglomerations: Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru. However, Delhi NCT (National Capital Territory) has surpassed Mumbai as the most populous city in recent years. Mumbai is India’s financial capital and has the highest GDP among Indian cities.

✅ Answer: B) Factors that drive people away from origin and attract to destinationPush factors drive people away from their place of origin (poverty, unemployment, drought, floods, lack of facilities). Pull factors attract people to the destination (employment, better wages, education, healthcare, urban amenities). Rural-to-urban migration is the most common type in India. Major destination states: Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat. Major source states: UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, MP, Odisha.

✅ Answer: B) 10 yearsThe Census of India is conducted every 10 years (decennial census). The first census was conducted in 1872 under British rule. The first synchronous census was in 1881. Independent India’s first census was in 1951. The Census is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. The Census 2021 was delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic.