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Question

Read the below statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Mark the correct options:
Assertion (A): The Human Development Index can increase even if income drops.
Reason (R): Improvements in life expectancy and education can offset income decline.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Question Paper (25-Sep-2025) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Assertion Analysis: HDI and Income Trends

Assertion (A) proposes that the Human Development Index (HDI) value can improve even if a nation's per capita income experiences a reduction.

This statement is accurate as the HDI is calculated using multiple dimensions, not just economic output.

Reason Analysis: Factors Affecting HDI

Reason (R) explains that positive changes in life expectancy and educational attainment levels can compensate for a decrease in national income.

The HDI is built upon three fundamental dimensions:

  • Health: Measured by life expectancy at birth.
  • Education: Assessed through mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling.
  • Standard of Living: Represented by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.

Linking Reason to Assertion

Reason (R) provides a valid justification for Assertion (A). Significant advancements in public health systems leading to increased life expectancy or improvements in educational infrastructure and access, thereby boosting schooling years, can elevate the overall HDI score.

These improvements in non-income dimensions can offset a decline in GNI per capita. Thus, human development, as measured by the HDI, reflects broader progress in well-being beyond purely economic metrics. Both statements are true, and R correctly explains A.

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Similar Questions

  1. With reference to the theory of demographic transition, consider the following statements:

    1. For the initial two state of the demographic cycle, a high fertility rate and death rate would result in high population growth.
    2. In the third stage, both fertility and mortality factors would decline significantly.
    3. The demographic transition theory does not explicitly take into account the migration factor.
    4. Social and cultural factors can greatly affect the population, which can impact what the theory predicts.

    Which of the statements given above is/are CORRECT?

Important Questions from Human Development Indices and Concepts

  1. The number of deaths during the first 28 completed days of life per 1000 live births in a given year or period is defined as ______. 

  2. Which of the following is a characteristic of human wants in terms of economics?

  3. The problem of choice between relatively scarce commodities due to limited productive resources with the society can be illustrated with the help of a _______.

  4. Which branch of economics deals with the depletion of natural resources stock and pollution, which are a result of rapid economic development?

  5. An economy in which both, the private sector and the government are involved is known as a/an ______ economy.

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