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 61–70 of 99 questions
Explanation
The System of Environmental-Economic Accounting is an international framework for organizing statistical data on the environment and its relationship with the economy. It allows nations to track resource use, emissions, and the stock of natural assets in a way that is consistent with national accounts. By integrating these datasets, policymakers can better understand the environmental consequences of economic activities.I. Conventional Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
II. Monetary value of natural resource depletion
III. Monetary cost of environmental pollution
Which of the following represents the correct mathematical relationship for Green GDP?
Explanation
The mathematical formula for Green GDP starts with the conventional Gross Domestic Product. From this total, the monetary value of natural resource depletion and the costs associated with environmental pollution are subtracted. This subtraction accounts for the "wear and tear" on nature, similar to how depreciation accounts for capital wear. The resulting figure represents the net economic gain after considering environmental costs.| Macroeconomic Indicators | Key Features |
|---|---|
| A. Nominal GDP | i. Accounts for the depreciation of man-made capital. |
| B. Real GDP | ii. Valued at current market prices without adjusting for inflation. |
| C. Green GDP | iii. Adjusted for changes in price levels (inflation). |
| D. Net Domestic Product | iv. Adjusted for the loss of biodiversity and costs of pollution. |
Explanation
Nominal GDP uses current prices, while Real GDP adjusts for inflation using a base year. Green GDP is a specialized metric that accounts for environmental damage and resource loss. Net Domestic Product specifically considers the depreciation of man-made capital like machinery. Each of these indicators provides a different lens through which to view the health and sustainability of a national economy.Explanation
A carbon footprint measures the total amount of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product. It is usually expressed in equivalent tons of CO2. This metric helps identify the primary sources of emissions and is essential for developing strategies to mitigate climate change. Reducing one’s carbon footprint is a key part of environmental responsibility.Explanation
The ecological footprint is measured in global hectares, which represent the average productivity of all biologically productive areas on Earth. This unit allows for a standardized comparison between human demand and nature’s supply. By calculating how many global hectares are needed to support a specific lifestyle, researchers can determine whether humanity is living within the ecological limits of the planet.Explanation
Biocapacity refers to the ability of an ecosystem to regenerate biological resources and absorb the waste materials generated by humans. It is a measure of the planet’s productive area, including forests, croplands, and fishing grounds. When human demand exceeds this capacity, the ecosystem becomes degraded. Comparing biocapacity to the ecological footprint helps identify whether a region is living sustainably or unsustainably.I. A country has an ecological deficit if its ecological footprint exceeds its biocapacity.
II. Carbon footprint is a sub-component of the total ecological footprint.
III. Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources in a year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year.
IV. An increase in the use of fossil fuels generally decreases the carbon footprint.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
An ecological deficit occurs when a nation’s demand for resources exceeds what its ecosystems can provide. The carbon footprint is a major component of this total footprint, reflecting the land needed to absorb CO2. Earth Overshoot Day marks the point where annual resource use exceeds regeneration. However, increasing fossil fuel use actually raises the carbon footprint rather than decreasing it.Explanation
If a nation’s ecological footprint is smaller than its available biocapacity, it is said to have an ecological reserve. This means the country’s natural ecosystems can produce more resources and absorb more waste than its population currently consumes. Such nations are in a relatively sustainable position, though they may still export their biocapacity to other regions through international trade of natural resources.Explanation
The trade-off debate focuses on the tension between achieving rapid economic growth and meeting climate mitigation targets. Developing nations often argue that strict emission limits could hinder their industrialization and poverty reduction efforts. Conversely, ignoring climate change leads to long-term economic damage. Finding a balanced path that allows for "green growth" without sacrificing development goals is a central challenge in modern global policy.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (b) Assigning a monetary value to non-market environmental goods and services. |
| 62 | (a) Economic-environmental integration. |
| 63 | (b) Green GDP = I - (II + III) |
| 64 | (a) A-ii, B-iii, C-iv, D-i |
| 65 | (a) Direct/indirect GHG emissions. |
| 66 | (b) Global hectares (gha) |
| 67 | (d) Ecosystem waste/resource capacity. |
| 68 | (c) I, II and III only |
| 69 | (b) Reserve |
| 70 | (d) Growth versus mitigation constraints. |
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.