Miscellaneous Questions of Economy and Society – Solved PYQs – UGC NET

1. Assertion–Reason: Suicides in Industrial Societies (PYQ – DEC 2014)

Assertion (A): Increased social disintegration leads to increased number of suicides in industrial societies.
Reason (R): Weaker influence of moral and social values on individuals results in more suicides.

Codes:
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation for (A)
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation for (A)
(C) (A) is true and (R) is false
(D) (A) is false and (R) is true

Correct Answer: (A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation for (A)

The question is based on the sociological theory of Émile Durkheim, particularly his classic work Suicide (1897). Durkheim argued that suicide is not merely an individual act resulting from personal psychological problems; it is strongly influenced by the nature of social relationships and the level of integration within society. He demonstrated that social facts and collective conditions play an important role in shaping individual behaviour.

According to Durkheim, social integration refers to the degree to which individuals feel connected to groups, communities, institutions, and shared social life. In modern industrial societies, rapid economic change, urbanization, migration, occupational specialization, and individualism often weaken traditional social bonds. When people become detached from family, religion, community, or other collective institutions, they may experience feelings of isolation and meaninglessness. This process of social disintegration increases the likelihood of suicide, making the Assertion correct.

The Reason is also correct because Durkheim emphasized the importance of moral regulation and shared values in maintaining social order. Social norms, collective beliefs, and moral obligations provide individuals with guidance, purpose, and a sense of belonging. When the influence of these moral and social values weakens, individuals may lose the support and direction necessary to cope with life’s difficulties. Such conditions create a greater risk of suicide, particularly in societies undergoing rapid social and economic transformation.

The Reason correctly explains the Assertion because increased social disintegration often means that collective moral values and social controls have become weaker. Durkheim described this condition through the concept of anomie, a state of normlessness in which individuals lack clear social guidance and regulation. Anomic conditions are common during periods of rapid industrial and social change, and they contribute to higher suicide rates. Durkheim’s analysis established a direct relationship between weakened social cohesion, declining moral regulation, and the rise of suicide in industrial societies, making both the Assertion and Reason true, with the Reason providing the correct explanation of the Assertion.

2. Which Special Category State had the highest growth rate in State Domestic Product during the 11th Five Year Plan? (PYQ – DEC 2015)

(A) Arunachal Pradesh
(B) Sikkim
(C) Uttarakhand
(D) Himachal Pradesh

Correct Answer: (B) Sikkim

During the 11th Five Year Plan (2007–2012), Sikkim recorded the highest growth rate in State Domestic Product (SDP/GSDP) among the Special Category States. Planning Commission reports indicated that Sikkim achieved exceptionally high economic growth during this period, outperforming not only other Special Category States but also most Indian states and union territories. Sikkim’s Gross State Domestic Product growth rate during the Eleventh Plan period was reported at around 31.6 percent, making it the fastest-growing state economy in the country during those years. 

The remarkable growth of Sikkim was driven by rapid expansion in the industrial sector, especially after the establishment of pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries encouraged through tax incentives and investment-friendly policies. Growth in hydroelectric power projects, improvements in infrastructure, rising tourism, and increased public investment also contributed significantly to the state’s economic performance. The state’s small population and economic base meant that large investments had a substantial impact on overall output and growth rates.

The concept of Special Category States was introduced to provide additional financial assistance to states facing geographical disadvantages, difficult terrain, low population density, strategic international borders, and infrastructural constraints. States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand received special support from the Central Government under the planning framework. Although these states benefited from special assistance, Sikkim emerged as the most successful in translating these advantages into rapid economic growth during the Eleventh Plan period. The state’s performance is often cited as an example of how targeted investments, industrial diversification, and effective utilization of central assistance can accelerate regional economic development.

4. Which is NOT a Millennium Development Goal? (PYQ – DEC 2015)

(A) Eradicate extreme poverty
(B) Housing for the poor
(C) Reduce child mortality
(D) Ensure environmental sustainability

Correct Answer: (B) Housing for the poor

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were a set of eight global development goals adopted by the United Nations in 2000 through the Millennium Declaration. These goals were designed to address major global challenges such as poverty, hunger, illiteracy, gender inequality, disease, and environmental degradation. The target period for achieving these goals was from 2000 to 2015.

The eight Millennium Development Goals were: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger, Achieve Universal Primary Education, Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women, Reduce Child Mortality, Improve Maternal Health, Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases, Ensure Environmental Sustainability, and Develop a Global Partnership for Development. Among the options given, both Eradicate extreme poverty, Reduce child mortality, and Ensure environmental sustainability were official MDGs.

Housing for the poor was not one of the eight Millennium Development Goals. Although issues related to housing and living conditions were indirectly connected to development concerns, they did not constitute a separate MDG. Under Goal 7, Ensure Environmental Sustainability, one of the targets aimed at achieving significant improvement in the lives of slum dwellers, which touched upon housing conditions. However, there was no independent Millennium Development Goal specifically titled “Housing for the poor.”

The MDGs played a significant role in shaping international development policies and measuring progress across countries. They brought global attention to issues of poverty reduction, health improvement, educational access, and environmental protection. In 2015, the MDGs were succeeded by the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), consisting of 17 goals and 169 targets, which expanded the development agenda to include issues such as sustainable cities, climate action, reduced inequalities, responsible consumption, and inclusive economic growth. The transition from MDGs to SDGs reflected a more comprehensive understanding of development that integrated economic, social, and environmental dimensions.