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?
- (a) 1911–1921
- (b) 1941–1951
- (c) 1961–1971
- (d) 1971–1981 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• The natural growth rate is calculated by subtracting the death rate from the birth rate for each period.
• For 1911–1921, the growth rate is 48.1 - 35.5 = 12.6.
• For 1941–1951, the growth rate is 39.9 - 27.4 = 12.5.
• For 1961–1971, the growth rate is 41.1 - 18.9 = 22.2.
• For 1971–1981, the growth rate is 37.1 - 14.8 = 22.3.
• Comparing the calculated values, 22.3 is the highest, corresponding to the period 1971–1981.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1911–1921
- The natural growth rate for 1911–1921 is 12.6, which is significantly lower than the maximum value of 22.3.
- (b) 1941–1951
- The natural growth rate for 1941–1951 is 12.5, which is lower than the maximum value of 22.3.
- (c) 1961–1971
- The natural growth rate for 1961–1971 is 22.2, which is slightly lower than the maximum value of 22.3 for 1971–1981.
Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.