41. Which of the following can be considered as a non-economic indicator of development?
a) Infant mortality rate
b) Growth in industrial output
c) Foreign exchange reserves
d) Per capita income
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Answer: a) Infant mortality rate Explanation: Infant mortality rate (IMR) reflects the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births and is a non-economic indicator of a nation’s health and development status. It is widely used by organizations like the UNDP to evaluate quality of life. Countries like Norway have low IMR and high HDI.
42. Which of the following is used in calculating the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)?
a) Consumption expenditure
b) Access to education, health, and standard of living
c) Number of bank accounts
d) Food inflation rate
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Answer: b) Access to education, health, and standard of living Explanation:
The MPI, developed by UNDP and OPHI, measures acute multidimensional poverty using indicators like years of schooling, nutrition, child mortality, electricity, drinking water, etc. Unlike income-based poverty, it captures deprivations in key life areas.
43. What does the Gini Coefficient measure?
a) Environmental degradation
b) Gender ratio disparity
c) Income inequality
d) Employment elasticity
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Answer: c) Income inequality Explanation:
The Gini Coefficient ranges from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (perfect inequality) and is used to quantify the income gap in an economy. For example, South Africa has one of the highest Gini scores (~0.63), indicating extreme inequality despite growth.
44. Which of the following would most directly contribute to achieving SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)?
a) Reduction in tax rates
b) Improved maternal health care services
c) Increase in export subsidies
d) Expansion of highway projects
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Answer: b) Improved maternal health care services Explanation: SDG 3 targets the reduction of maternal and child mortality, combating diseases, and improving access to healthcare services. Providing prenatal care, vaccinations, and health infrastructure directly contributes to this goal.
45. Which of the following is considered a social infrastructure investment?
a) Railways
b) Telecom towers
c) Schools and hospitals
d) Industrial corridors
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Answer: c) Schools and hospitals Explanation: Social infrastructure includes investments that improve the quality of human life, such as education and healthcare facilities. For example, PM SHRI Schools or AIIMS expansion are examples of social infrastructure contributing to long-term development.
46. Which of the following best reflects inclusive development?
a) Rich-poor income gap widens
b) GDP increases but poverty remains
c) Development benefits only urban elite
d) Access to basic services for all sections of society
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Answer: d) Access to basic services for all sections of society Explanation: Inclusive development means that growth is broad-based and equitable, ensuring benefits for marginalized groups. Access to healthcare, education, clean water, financial inclusion, etc., must reach every section—rural, tribal, and urban poor.
47. Which of the following reforms is most aligned with improving India’s HDI ranking?
a) Doubling agricultural exports
b) Reducing corporate tax
c) Universal health coverage
d) Introduction of new stock exchange
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Answer: c) Universal health coverage Explanation:
Universal health coverage directly boosts life expectancy, a key HDI component. India’s Ayushman Bharat scheme aims to provide free secondary and tertiary care to millions, potentially improving health outcomes and the country’s HDI rank.
48. Which of the following policies is least likely to promote human development?
a) Free school meals
b) Public health campaigns
c) Expansion of elite golf courses
d) Rural electrification programs
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Answer: c) Expansion of elite golf courses Explanation:
While beneficial to tourism or luxury services, golf courses have negligible impact on mass human development. In contrast, health, nutrition, and infrastructure programs have direct developmental benefits.
49. Which of the following statements is correct regarding Human Capital?
a) It includes physical assets like machinery
b) It is created by investing in education and health
c) It is measured by trade surplus
d) It decreases with higher literacy
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Answer: b) It is created by investing in education and health Explanation: Human capital refers to the productive capacity of individuals, developed through health, education, and skill training. For instance, Skill India Mission aims to enhance this capital base to support India’s demographic dividend.
50. What is the purpose of the Social Progress Index (SPI)?
a) Measure of trade and financial openness
b) Evaluation of a country’s technological innovations
c) Assessment of social and environmental performance
d) Ranking based on industrial competitiveness
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Answer: c) Assessment of social and environmental performance Explanation:
The Social Progress Index evaluates how well countries meet the social and environmental needs of their citizens, independent of economic metrics. Indicators include shelter, personal freedom, education, and ecosystem sustainability. It complements GDP by highlighting quality of life gaps.
