Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: 102
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests knowledge about India's standing on the Social Progress Index for the year 2014. The Social Progress Index measures how well countries provide for the social and environmental needs of their citizens beyond simple economic indicators such as gross domestic product. Knowing India's exact rank out of 132 countries helps learners understand how the country compares globally in basic human needs, foundations of wellbeing, and opportunity.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The Social Progress Index aggregates many indicators like nutrition, basic medical care, access to knowledge, personal rights, and environmental quality. Exam questions often focus on headline findings, such as the overall rank of a major country like India. The approach is mainly factual recall. However, understanding that India ranked relatively low despite economic growth provides useful context for essays and interviews related to inclusive development and quality of life.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note the key phrases: Social Progress Index, 2014, 132 countries, and India's position.
Step 2: Recall that India was placed in the lower half of the table, indicating significant room for improvement.
Step 3: Among the options 92, 98, 102, and 104, remember that study materials often highlight the specific figure of 102 for India.
Step 4: Select 102 as the correct option and verify mentally that it matches what is mentioned in trusted current affairs summaries.
Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, one can consult the official Social Progress Index report for 2014 or reliable news articles from that time which mention that India ranked 102nd out of 132 nations. Civil services preparatory books and economic survey commentaries also quote this figure when discussing social development gaps relative to India's economic size.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The rank 92 places India somewhat higher than it actually was and does not match official records. The rank 98, though close, is still inaccurate and might be a distractor for those who only remember that the rank was near 100. The rank 104 places India lower than the documented position. Only 102 correctly represents India's placement on the 2014 Social Progress Index.
Common Pitfalls:
Learners may remember only that India was around one hundred and then guess incorrectly among 98, 102, or 104. Another common confusion is mixing up India's ranks on different indices such as the Human Development Index, Global Hunger Index, or Gender Gap Index. Maintaining a separate short list of key numerical rankings for each exam year helps avoid mistakes in such number based questions.
Final Answer:
102
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