Ideas of Development (VSAQs)

Social | 2. Ideas of Development – VSAQs:
Welcome to VSAQs in Chapter 2: Ideas of Development. This page contains the most important VSAQs in this chapter. Aim to secure top marks in your exams by understanding these clear and straightforward Very Short Answer Questions.


VSAQ-1 : Which criteria is used by the World Bank to classify the countries?

The World Bank classifies countries primarily based on per capita income or average income.


VSAQ-2 : Write two suggestions to improve the ranking of India in World Human Development index.

Suggestions to Improve India’s Ranking in the World Human Development Index

  1. Enhancing Education, Health, and Nutritional Facilities: Focusing on quality education, healthcare, and nutrition can uplift human development indicators. Improving access in rural and marginalized areas will lead to a more educated and healthier population.
  2. Reducing Gender Discrimination: Promoting gender equality and empowering women are crucial for human development. Addressing barriers in women’s education, healthcare, and economic opportunities will foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

VSAQ-3 : What do you meant by Per Capita Income?

  1. Per Capita Income refers to the average income earned by each individual in a country over a specific time period.
  2. It is calculated by dividing the total income of the country by its total population.
  3. This measure is used to assess the economic well-being and standard of living of a country’s population, offering insights into income distribution.
  4. A higher per capita income typically suggests a higher average income and a potentially higher standard of living for the country’s residents.

VSAQ-4 : What do you mean by Human Development Index (HDI)?

Definition of Human Development Index (HDI)

  1. The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index used to measure the overall development and well-being of a country’s population.
  2. It incorporates various factors, including life expectancy at birth, educational attainment (measured by mean and expected years of schooling), and per capita income.
  3. HDI serves as a tool for assessing and comparing the development levels of countries.
  4. A higher HDI value signifies better human development and a higher standard of living for the country’s population.

VSAQ-5 : What is UNDP?

UNDP stands for the United Nations Development Programme.


VSAQ-6 : What is Human Development Report?

Definition of Human Development Report (HDR)

  1. The Human Development Report (HDR) is a comprehensive document that evaluates and compares key factors such as education, health, and per capita income across different countries.
  2. It offers insights into the progress of human development in various nations.
  3. The HDR is a valuable resource for policymakers and the public to understand global development challenges and opportunities.
  4. It serves as a critical tool for assessing progress and establishing priorities to improve people’s lives around the world.

VSAQ-7 : On what basis standard of living is measured?

Basis for Measuring Standard of Living

  1. The standard of living is primarily measured by the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of a country.
  2. This metric assesses the average income and economic well-being of the population.
  3. Calculating it involves dividing the real GDP by the total population, providing an estimate of economic output per person.
  4. Real GDP per capita is essential for understanding and comparing economic prosperity and living conditions across different countries.

VSAQ-8 : Observe the following table and answer the questions (a) and (b).

RankStateLiteracy rateMale literacy rateFemale literacy rate
1Kerala94%96%92%
36Bihar64%73%53%

Analysis of Literacy Rate Data from the 2011 Census

  1. Description of the Table:
    • The table represents literacy rates in Kerala and Bihar, as per the 2011 census.
    • It includes overall literacy rate, as well as male and female literacy rates for each state.
  2. Reason for Low Female Literacy Rate:
    • A key reason for the lower female literacy rate is the lesser emphasis on girls’ education compared to boys in many states of India. This cultural bias leads to fewer educational opportunities for girls.

VSAQ-9 : Who proposed HDI and what does it mean?

Human Development Index (HDI): Origin and Meaning

  1. Origin of HDI: The Human Development Index (HDI) was proposed by economist Amartya Sen.
  2. Meaning of HDI:
    • HDI is a measurement tool used to assess a country’s overall development.
    • It encompasses factors like education, life expectancy, and income to offer a comprehensive view of development.
    • Countries with higher HDI scores are regarded as more developed, whereas those with lower scores are seen as less developed.

VSAQ-10 : What is NAR?

Definition of Net Attendance Rate (NAR)

  1. NAR stands for Net Attendance Rate.
  2. It denotes the percentage of children attending schools within a certain age group.
  3. The calculation specifically targets children aged 6-17 years.
  4. NAR is crucial for gauging the level of school attendance in a specific region or country.