120. Which Union Territory had the largest slum population in Census 2011?
[SSC CGL Tier-I (17 September, Shift 1) — 2024]
(A) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(B) Chandigarh
(C) Puducherry
(D) Delhi
Answer: (D) Delhi
Explanation: Delhi recorded the highest total slum population among the Union Territories in Census 2011. Absolute slum population is not the same as the fraction of residents living in slums, a distinction important in urban-policy comparisons.
119. According to Malthus, population grows in which progression and food supply in which progression?
[UPPSC PCS Prelims GS-I — 2024]
(A) Exponential, linear
(B) Arithmetic, geometric
(C) Linear, exponential
(D) Geometric, arithmetic
Answer: (D) Geometric, arithmetic
Explanation: Malthus argued that population can grow geometrically while food supply expands arithmetically. This mismatch, in his theory, creates pressure on subsistence. Modern demographic transition and productivity growth complicate the prediction, but the two mathematical progressions remain its central claim.
118. Arrange Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh in descending order of Census 2011 population.
[UPPSC PCS Prelims GS-I — 2024]
(A) Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh
(B) West Bengal, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh
(C) Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh
(D) Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh
Answer: (D) Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh had the largest population, followed by Bihar, West Bengal and the pre-bifurcation Andhra Pradesh in this comparison. The year and boundary definition are vital, because Telangana separated from Andhra Pradesh in 2014.
117. Match these trade initiatives to years: GSTP; India–GCC FTA; India–Korea CEPA; seventh WTO trade-policy review. Which order is correct?
[SSC CGL Tier-I (17 September, Shift 1) — 2024]
(A) GSTP–2010, GCC–2021, Korea–1988, review–2004
(B) GSTP–1988, GCC–2021, Korea–2010, review–2004
(C) GSTP–2004, GCC–2010, Korea–2021, review–1988
(D) GSTP–1988, GCC–2004, Korea–2010, review–2021
Answer: (D) GSTP–1988, GCC–2004, Korea–2010, review–2021
Explanation: The Global System of Trade Preferences originated in 1988; India–GCC trade negotiations were linked to 2004; India–Korea CEPA dates to 2010; and India’s seventh WTO trade-policy review took place in 2021. Dates help differentiate agreements from reviews.
116. When did India announce the Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme for Least Developed Countries?
[SSC CGL Tier-I (11 September, Shift 1) — 2024]
(A) 2010
(B) 2009
(C) 2006
(D) 2008
Answer: (D) 2008
Explanation: India announced its Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme for Least Developed Countries in 2008. The initiative seeks to expand market access for eligible exports from the poorest economies, complementing multilateral efforts to integrate them into international trade.
115. Which problem was identified as a major challenge for foreign investors in India?
[SSC CGL Tier-I (9 September, Shift 1) — 2024]
(A) Excessive foreign competition
(B) Inconsistent regulatory environment
(C) Absence of skilled workers
(D) Absence of consumers
Answer: (B) Inconsistent regulatory environment
Explanation: Changes or inconsistencies in administrative requirements and rules can complicate long-term investment decisions. Foreign direct investors must assess licensing, tax administration and contract enforcement. The existence of a large consumer market does not eliminate regulatory uncertainty.
114. What was the automatic foreign-direct-investment approval ceiling in nine industrial categories referred to in the question?
[SSC CGL Tier-I (11 September, Shift 2) — 2024]
(A) Up to 51%
(B) Up to 60%
(C) Up to 41%
(D) Up to 74%
Answer: (D) Up to 74%
Explanation: The exam’s historical policy question specified an automatic approval limit of 74 percent for certain industrial categories. Investment caps are sector-specific and can change. The automatic route concerns the need for prior government clearance, not a guarantee of investment success.
113. What benefit do businesses commonly receive in India’s Special Economic Zones?
[SSC CGL Tier-I (24 September, Shift 1) — 2024]
(A) Tax and duty concessions
(B) Guaranteed market share
(C) Mandatory government orders
(D) Unrestricted foreign ownership in all activities
Answer: (A) Tax and duty concessions
Explanation: Special Economic Zones seek to attract investment and export activity through a distinct regulatory and fiscal framework. Depending on applicable law, approved units may receive customs-duty and tax benefits. SEZ status never guarantees buyers, contracts or unconditional ownership permissions.
112. Regarding the G20, are these correct: (1) it began as finance ministers’ and central-bank governors’ forum; (2) digital public infrastructure was an Indian presidency priority?
[UPSC CSE Prelims, GS Paper I — 2023]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
Explanation: The G20 was established in 1999 as a forum for finance ministers and central-bank governors and gained leaders-level prominence after 2008. India promoted digital public infrastructure during its 2023 presidency, including interoperable payment and identification platforms.
111. For the EU Stability and Growth Pact, how many are correct: it limits budget deficits; shares infrastructure; shares technologies?
[UPSC CSE Prelims, GS Paper I — 2023]
(A) Only one
(B) Only two
(C) All three
(D) None
Answer: (A) Only one
Explanation: The Stability and Growth Pact constrains excessive budget deficits and debt among EU members, particularly within the euro-area governance framework. It is not a treaty requiring EU countries to share infrastructure or technology. Hence just the fiscal statement holds.
