Development and environmental indicators – UGC NET Question

Statements A, C and D are correct and together provide a balanced view of development and environmental indicators. Statement A accurately defines the components of the Human Development Index, C explains the meaning of ecological footprint and D notes that broader progress indicators integrate social and environmental dimensions with economics. Statement B is incorrect because GDP alone cannot capture sustainability or quality of life, and statement E is wrong since a higher HDI does not automatically guarantee lower environmental impact. Thus the combination containing A, C and D only is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it includes only A and C, leaving out D. While A and C are true, D is also a correct statement as many alternative indicators explicitly incorporate social and ecological aspects. Omitting a true statement makes this combination incomplete and therefore wrong.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it adds statement E to A and C. Statement E falsely assumes a direct and guaranteed relationship between high HDI and low environmental impact, ignoring cases where high human development is achieved with intensive resource use. Including this incorrect statement invalidates the option.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it brings together A, C and D, all of which are conceptually sound. It recognises the multidimensional nature of human development, the ecological constraints captured by footprint measures and the attempt of newer indices to go beyond GDP. By excluding the false statements B and E, this option fully meets the requirement of the question.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it groups A, B, C and D and treats B as correct. GDP alone does not reflect environmental degradation, inequality or sustainability, so including B in the set of correct statements is conceptually wrong. Therefore this combination cannot be chosen.

Option E is incorrect because it combines B, C, D and E, both B and E being incorrect for the reasons mentioned. Although C and D are true, the presence of two false statements means the option fails to represent the set of correct statements. Hence it cannot be accepted as the right answer.