India’s Progress in Human Development Index 2025

Current Context: The 2025 Human Development Index (HDI) was released on May 6, 2025, by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

• India ranked 130th out of 193 countries, improving from 133rd in 2022. Switzerland retained the top position.

India’s Key Highlights:

• HDI Value: Increased from 0.676 (2022) to 0.685 (2023), moving closer to the high human development threshold (≥0.700).
• Life Expectancy: Reached 72 years, the highest recorded since the index began.
• Education: Expected schooling years rose to 13 years, up from 8.2 years in 1990.
• Economic Growth: Gross National Income (GNI) per capita surged from $2,167 in 1990 to $9,046 in 2023.
• Challenges: Inequality reduces India’s HDI by 30.7%, with income and gender disparities remaining significant.

Question:

Q.1 What is India's rank in the 2025 Human Development Index (HDI) released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)?
a) 130
b) 133
c) 127
d) 120

Answer: a) India improved its HDI ranking from 133rd in 2022 to 130th in 2025 among 193 countries, showing positive development trends.