Economic Growth, Development and Sustainable Development: RAS Prelims MCQs
99 RAS Prelims MCQs on economic growth, development and sustainable development test the national income aggregates and the difference between growth and development. Nominal and real GDP, GDP and GNP, NDP, national income, per capita income and the factors that raise growth are asked as definitions and relationships, and each explanation shows how the aggregates are linked.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 51–60 of 99 questions
Explanation
Intragenerational equity refers to the fair distribution of resources and opportunities among people living today. It emphasizes reducing the gap between the rich and the poor, both within and between nations. Sustainable development requires that poverty be eradicated and that all people have access to basic needs. Without addressing current inequalities, it is impossible to achieve a stable and sustainable global society.I. Conservation of biodiversity.
II. Integration of environmental considerations into economic planning.
III. Pursuit of economic growth without any ecological limits.
IV. Promotion of social equity and poverty eradication.
V. Reliance on non-renewable energy sources for rapid industrialization.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Sustainable development involves the conservation of biodiversity and the integration of environmental goals into economic policy. It also prioritizes social equity and the eradication of poverty. However, it does not support growth without ecological limits, as this would be inherently unsustainable. Furthermore, a key goal is to transition away from non-renewable energy sources rather than relying on them for rapid industrialization.| International Events | Key Outcomes/Themes |
|---|---|
| A. Stockholm Conference (1972) | i. Formulated Agenda 21 for sustainable development in the 21st century. |
| B. 1987 Commission Report | ii. First global conference making the environment a major issue. |
| C. Rio Earth Summit (1992) | iii. Coined the classic definition of Sustainable Development. |
| D. Johannesburg Summit (2002) | iv. Focused heavily on partnerships for sustainable development and poverty eradication. |
Explanation
The Stockholm Conference was the first major global meeting on the environment. The Brundtland Report provided the definitive definition of sustainable development. The Rio Earth Summit produced Agenda 21, a comprehensive plan for global action. The Johannesburg Summit focused on building partnerships to address poverty and sustainable resource use. Together, these events have shaped the modern international framework for environmental and social policy.Explanation
The Sustainable Development Goals are a set of 17 global objectives. SDG 1 aims to end poverty in all its forms everywhere, reflecting the most fundamental human challenge. SDG 2 focuses on ending hunger, achieving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture. These two goals are deeply interconnected, as poverty is a primary driver of malnutrition and food insecurity worldwide.Explanation
The Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The member states committed to achieving these targets within a fifteen-year timeframe. This ambitious global roadmap requires significant collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society to address climate change, inequality, and poverty by the end of the decade.Explanation
A fundamental difference between the two sets of goals is their scope of application. The Millennium Development Goals were primarily focused on developing nations, with developed countries providing support. In contrast, the Sustainable Development Goals are universal, applying to all countries regardless of their wealth. This reflects the understanding that sustainability is a global challenge that requires action from every nation.Assertion (A): The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are often described as indivisible and integrated.
Reason (R): Progress in one SDG is inherently linked to progress in others, meaning economic, social, and environmental dimensions must be balanced simultaneously.
Explanation
The Sustainable Development Goals are described as indivisible because they are deeply interconnected. For example, improving education often leads to better health outcomes and higher economic productivity. Conversely, failing to address climate change can undermine progress in poverty reduction. Therefore, the goals must be pursued as a package, ensuring that social, economic, and environmental progress are balanced and mutually reinforcing.Explanation
SDG 13 specifically calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. It involves strengthening resilience to climate-related hazards and integrating climate measures into national policies. This goal recognizes that climate change is a global emergency that threatens to reverse decades of development progress. It also emphasizes the importance of education and international cooperation in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.Explanation
Green GDP is an economic indicator that adjusts the standard Gross Domestic Product to reflect environmental factors. It subtracts the monetary value of natural resource depletion and the costs of environmental degradation from the total output. By accounting for the loss of biodiversity and the damage caused by pollution, Green GDP provides a more accurate measure of sustainable economic performance.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 51 | (d) Equity across future generations. |
| 52 | (c) Equity within current populations. |
| 53 | (a) I, II and IV only |
| 54 | (a) A-ii, B-iii, C-i, D-iv |
| 55 | (a) No Poverty; Zero Hunger |
| 56 | (c) 2030 |
| 57 | (a) Universal application of SDGs. |
| 58 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 59 | (b) Climate action |
| 60 | (c) Natural resource/environmental loss. |
Key facts from Economic Growth, Development and Sustainable Development
- Real GDP differs from nominal GDP because it is adjusted for price level changes (inflation).
- In the value-added method, the value of intermediate consumption is deducted from the value of output.
- GNP differs from GDP by the inclusion of net factor income from abroad.
- Net Domestic Product is obtained by deducting depreciation from Gross Domestic Product.
- National Income is equivalent to Net National Product at factor cost.
- Per capita income is national income divided by total population, and it masks welfare because it leaves out unpaid domestic work and leisure.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Economic Growth, Development and Sustainable Development?
This page has 99 practice MCQs on Economic Growth, Development and Sustainable Development (Indian Economy). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What is the difference between nominal and real GDP?
Nominal GDP is measured at current prices, and real GDP is adjusted for price level changes (inflation) by using the prices of a base year. Real GDP therefore shows the actual growth in the volume of output.
How does GNP differ from GDP?
GNP includes net factor income from abroad, that is income earned by a country’s residents abroad minus income earned by foreigners in the country. GDP counts only the output produced within the domestic territory.
What is National Income?
National Income is the Net National Product at factor cost. It is obtained from GDP by adding net factor income from abroad, deducting depreciation and subtracting indirect taxes net of subsidies.