2020 CSAT, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2020 · CSAT
Question 52: Data Interpretation
Consider the following data :
| Year | Birthrate | Death rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1911–1921 | 48·1 | 35·5 |
| 1921–1931 | 46·4 | 36·3 |
| 1931–1941 | 45·2 | 31·2 |
| 1941–1951 | 39·9 | 27·4 |
| 1951–1961 | 41·7 | 22·8 |
| 1961–1971 | 41·1 | 18·9 |
| 1971–1981 | 37·1 | 14·8 |
For which period was the natural growth rate maximum?
a1911–1921
b1941–1951
c1961–1971
d1971–1981
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
Natural growth rate is birth rate minus death rate. For the periods in the options: 1911-21 gives 12.6, 1941-51 gives 12.5, 1961-71 gives 41.1 - 18.9 = 22.2, and 1971-81 gives 37.1 - 14.8 = 22.3. The highest is 22.3, in 1971-81, narrowly ahead of 1961-71. The other two are much lower.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) 48.1 - 35.5 = 12.6.
- (b) 39.9 - 27.4 = 12.5.
- (c) 41.1 - 18.9 = 22.2, just below the maximum.
- (d) Right: 37.1 - 14.8 = 22.3.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.