Question

Which of the following aspects are true regarding the countries with low level of ‘human development'? Choose the most appropriate option. I. These countries are largely facing political turmoil.
II. These countries are facing social instability.
III. The number of countries in the low level category is the largest.
IV. The health status of the people of these countries is poor. Options:

• A. Only I, II and III are correct.
• B. Only I, II and IV are correct.
• C. Only I, III and IV are correct.
• D. Only II, III and IV are correct.

Hint:

Human Development Index (HDI) is published by the UNDP.
HDI is based on Health, Education and Standard of Living.
Low HDI countries generally suffer from poverty, political instability and poor healthcare.
Remember: Statement III is incorrect because low HDI countries are not the largest category.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
• Human Development refers to the process of enlarging people's choices and improving their quality of life.
• The Human Development Index (HDI) is prepared by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
• HDI is calculated on the basis of three important dimensions:
• Health (Life Expectancy)
• Education
• Standard of Living (Gross National Income per capita)
• Countries having a low Human Development Index generally experience poverty, poor health facilities, inadequate educational opportunities and political as well as social instability.
• Such countries face difficulty in achieving sustainable economic and social development.

Step 1: Evaluate Statement I
Statement I: These countries are largely facing political turmoil.
• Most countries with low human development suffer from political conflicts, weak governance and instability.
• Political unrest adversely affects economic growth and human welfare. Therefore, \[ \boxed{\text{Statement I is Correct.}} \]

Step 2: Evaluate Statement II
Statement II: These countries are facing social instability.
• Low HDI countries often face unemployment, poverty, inequality and social conflicts.
• These conditions create social instability. Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Statement II is Correct.}} \]

Step 3: Evaluate Statement III
Statement III: The number of countries in the low level category is the largest.
• This statement is incorrect.
• According to the Human Development Report, the largest number of countries belongs to the Medium and High Human Development categories, not the Low Human Development category. Therefore, \[ \boxed{\text{Statement III is Incorrect.}} \]

Step 4: Evaluate Statement IV
Statement IV: The health status of the people of these countries is poor.
• Poor healthcare facilities, malnutrition, inadequate sanitation and low life expectancy are common characteristics of countries with low HDI.
• Therefore, this statement is correct. Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Statement IV is Correct.}} \]

Step 5: Select the correct option
Only Statements I, II and IV are correct. Therefore, \[ \boxed{\text{Correct Answer = (B) Only I, II and IV are correct.}} \]