UPSC Prelims 2003 · General Studies
Question 62: Economy and Social Development
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?
AnswerThe answer is (b).
In UNDP's Human Development Reports of the time, the Maldives ranked above Sri Lanka, followed by India and then Pakistan. Hence the sequence Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan. Remember that Sri Lanka and the Maldives lead South Asia, India sits in the middle, and Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh trail.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) India cannot be placed ahead of Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
- (b) Correct: Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan.
- (c) This puts Sri Lanka above the Maldives, which reverses the report of the time.
- (d) This puts Sri Lanka last, but it was well above India and Pakistan.
Worth knowing: HDI ranks change every year, and in recent reports Sri Lanka ranks above the Maldives, so the order holds only for the report of the time.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.