✅ Answer: A) Uttar PradeshUttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India with a population of 19.98 crore (Census 2011). It accounts for about 16.5% of India’s total population. The top 5 most populous states: UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh. The least populous state is Sikkim (6.1 lakh). India’s total population in 2011 was 121.09 crore.

✅ Answer: A) KeralaKerala has the highest literacy rate in India at 94.0% (Census 2011). Kerala’s high literacy is due to its strong tradition of education, social reform movements, and government investment in education. The lowest literacy state is Bihar (63.8%). India’s overall literacy rate is 74.04%. Among UTs, Lakshadweep has the highest literacy (92.3%).

✅ Answer: A) Kerala (1084)Kerala has the highest sex ratio in India at 1084 females per 1000 males (Census 2011). This is due to high female literacy, better healthcare, and social awareness. The lowest sex ratio state is Haryana (879). India’s overall sex ratio is 943. Among UTs, Puducherry has the highest sex ratio (1037). The child sex ratio (0-6 years) is 919 nationally.

✅ Answer: B) 19211921 is called the “Year of Great Divide” in India’s population history. Before 1921, India’s population growth was stagnant (high birth rate + high death rate). After 1921, the death rate started declining while the birth rate remained high, leading to consistent population growth. The 1921 census showed a slight decline in population due to the 1918 influenza pandemic and famines.

✅ Answer: A) Bihar (1,106 persons/sq km)Bihar has the highest population density in India at 1,106 persons per sq km (Census 2011). This is due to its small area and large population. West Bengal is 2nd (1,028). The lowest density state is Arunachal Pradesh (17 persons/sq km). India’s average density is 382 persons/sq km. Among UTs, Delhi has the highest density (11,320 persons/sq km).

✅ Answer: B) Declining child sex ratioThe “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” scheme was launched in January 2015 by PM Narendra Modi to address the declining child sex ratio (0-6 years). India’s child sex ratio fell from 945 (2001) to 919 (2011). The scheme was initially launched in 100 districts with the lowest child sex ratio. Haryana (834), Rajasthan, and UP were focus states. It aims to prevent gender-biased sex selective elimination.

✅ Answer: B) RemittancesIndia is the world’s largest recipient of remittances (money sent by Indians living abroad). India received about $87 billion in remittances in 2021 (World Bank data). Major sources: USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK, Kuwait. Kerala, UP, Bihar, and Rajasthan are major remittance-receiving states. Remittances contribute significantly to India’s foreign exchange earnings and rural household incomes.

✅ Answer: B) 2015The Smart Cities Mission was launched in June 2015 by PM Narendra Modi. It aims to develop 100 smart cities with modern infrastructure, digital connectivity, and sustainable environment. Cities are selected through a competition (Smart City Challenge). The mission focuses on area-based development and pan-city solutions. AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) was also launched simultaneously for 500 cities.

✅ Answer: A) Dharavi, MumbaiDharavi in Mumbai is the largest slum in India and one of the largest in Asia. It has a population of about 6-10 lakh people in an area of just 2.1 sq km. Dharavi is known for its small-scale industries (leather, pottery, recycling). About 17% of India’s urban population lives in slums. Mumbai has the highest slum population among Indian cities. Dharavi redevelopment has been a long-pending project.

✅ Answer: B) Large working-age population providing economic advantageDemographic Dividend refers to the economic growth potential that arises when a country has a large proportion of working-age population (15-64 years) relative to dependents. India is currently experiencing its demographic dividend window (2020-2040). About 65% of India’s population is below 35 years. This provides a large labour force, higher savings, and increased consumption. India needs to invest in education and skill development to harness this dividend.