2011 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2011 · GS Paper I
Question 14: Economy and Social Development
India is regarded as a country with "Demographic Dividend". This is due to
aIts high population in the age group below 15 years
bIts high population in the age group of 15-64 years
cIts high population in the age group above 65 years
dIts high total population
AnswerThe answer is (b).
A demographic dividend is the boost to economic growth a country gets when the working-age share of its population, 15 to 64 years, is large compared with dependants, meaning children and the elderly. More earners and savers per dependant can raise output and income. India's population is young and its working-age group is large and growing, so it is described as having a dividend. Total size alone is not the test; age structure is.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Children below 15 are dependants; a large share of them is not the dividend.
- (b) Right: a large working-age population of 15 to 64 years.
- (c) People above 65 are dependants and do not create the dividend.
- (d) Total population size is not the measure; the age structure is.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2011, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.