UPSC Prelims 2003·GS1·economy·economic sectors and 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?

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. AIndia—Sri Lanka—Pakistan—Maldives
  2. BMaldives—Sri Lanka—India—PakistanCorrect
  3. CSri Lanka—Maldives—India—Pakistan
  4. DMaldives—India—Pakistan—Sri Lanka

Explanation

The correct answer is B because it reflects the relative standing of these South Asian nations based on the three pillars of the Human Development Index: life expectancy, education, and per capita income. Historically and in recent reports, Maldives and Sri Lanka have consistently outperformed other South Asian countries, placing them in the High Human Development category. Maldives currently holds the highest rank in the region, followed closely by Sri Lanka. India falls into the Medium Human Development category and ranks significantly lower than the first two. Pakistan ranks even lower than India, often falling toward the bottom of the regional list. Therefore, the descending order of development is Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, and then Pakistan.
economy: As per the Human Development Index given by UNDP, which one of the following sequences of South Asian countries is corre
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