Question

Read the below statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Mark the correct options:

Assertion (A): India's rank in the Global Happiness Index is lower than most South Asian neighbours.

Reason (R): India's GOP per capita is the lowest in South Asia,

• A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
• B. Both A and Rare true, but it is not the correct explanation of A.
• C. A is true, but R is false.
• D. A is false, but R is true

Answer 1

Answer:

C. A is true, but R is false.

Global Happiness Index Overview

• The World Happiness Report is published annually by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
• It ranks countries based on factors such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
• India consistently ranks lower in the index compared to several South Asian neighbors, including Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, often reflecting significant challenges in social progress metrics.

Analysis of India's Economic Standing

• The claim that India has the lowest GDP per capita in South Asia is false.
• Data from international financial institutions like the World Bank and IMF indicates that nations such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal often report lower GDP per capita figures than India.
• India is currently the fifth-largest economy in the world by nominal GDP, and its economic growth rate remains among the highest globally, distinguishing it from the claim made in the reason.

Exam-Oriented Context

• Candidates should distinguish between GDP (Gross Domestic Product), which measures the total economic output, and GDP per capita, which represents the average economic output per person.
• In competitive exams, assertions regarding global rankings often fluctuate based on the specific year of the report, while statements regarding economic indicators (like GDP per capita) must be cross-verified with official reports from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) or global bodies.