UPSC Prelims 2003 Q62: Indian Economy – Human Development, Poverty & Employment Schemes
As per the Human Development Index given by UNDP,
which one of the following sequences of South Asian countries is correct, in the order of higher to
lower development?
- (a) India - Sri Lanka - Pakistan - Maldives
- (b) Maldives - Sri Lanka - India - Pakistan
- (c) Sri Lanka - Maldives - India - Pakistan
- (d) Maldives - India - Pakistan - Sri Lanka
Answer: (b) Maldives - Sri Lanka - India - Pakistan
Explanation
Human Development Index of South Asian countries
| Country | HDI rank (about 2002) |
|---|---|
| Maldives | Highest of these (about 84) |
| Sri Lanka | Next (about 89) |
| India | Next (about 124) |
| Pakistan | Lowest of these (about 138) |
In order of higher to lower HDI the sequence is Maldives - Sri Lanka - India - Pakistan.
Answer: (b) Maldives - Sri Lanka - India - Pakistan.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. India ranks below Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
- (b) CORRECT. Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan.
- (c) Incorrect. The Maldives rank above Sri Lanka.
- (d) Incorrect. Sri Lanka ranks above India and Pakistan.
Key point
South Asia HDI order then: Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh.
Remember
The Maldives and Sri Lanka rank above India and Pakistan in HDI.
Common mistakes
- Placing Sri Lanka first in the sequence.
- Putting India above Sri Lanka in the order.
- Mixing HDI with per capita income order.
Exam tip
Sri Lanka and the Maldives lead South Asia in HDI.
Sources
- United Nations Development Programme — Human Development Report 2002: Deepening Democracy in a Fragmented World
- Planning Commission, Government of India — National Human Development Report 2001