Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): There is a positive relationship between Human Development Index (HDI) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ranking of Indian States.

Reason (R): The underlying dimensions of SDG targets are closely related to education and health aspects.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

UPPSC PCS Prelims 2024 Official GS Paper-I

Answer 1

The Correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

Assertion (A): The Human Development Index (HDI) measures key aspects of human development, including income, education, and life expectancy. The SDGs ranking reflects progress in sustainable development, particularly goals related to health, education, and equality, which are closely linked to HDI indicators. States with better healthcare, education, and income levels tend to perform better on SDGs as well. Hence Correct.
Reason (R): SDGs include goals like Quality Education (SDG 4) and Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), which are fundamental for achieving human development as measured by the HDI. Improvements in education and health directly contribute to better HDI rankings and overall development. Hence Correct.
Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) provides a valid explanation for (A), as education and health dimensions are integral to both HDI and SDG rankings.