India up three spots to 130 among 193 nations in HDI, but inequality persists

Key Highlights:

• India ranked 130th out of 193 countries in the UNDP Human Development Report 2025, moving up from 133rd in 2022.

  • HDI value improved from 0.676 (2022) to 0.685 (2023); still in the medium category, close to high development threshold (0.700).

  • Gross National Income (GNI) per capita rose over 4 times from 1990 ($2,167.22) to 2023 ($9,046.76).

  • 135 million Indians exited multidimensional poverty (2015-21).

  • Life expectancy rose to 72 in 2023 (from 58.6 in 1990).

  • Inequality remains high; reduces HDI by 30.7% in India, among the highest losses in the region.

  • Female labour force participation and political representation still lag.

  • Global context: Slowest pace of HDI progress globally since 1990.

Detailed Insights:

• The report attributes India’s HDI progress to post-COVID economic recovery, health improvements, and poverty reduction.

  • The rise in life expectancy and income levels reflect long-term social development gains.

  • Despite overall gains, inequality, especially income and gender-based, undermines India’s development potential.

  • Global HDI progress has slowed down, highlighting widening gaps between low and high-HDI countries.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Human Development Index (HDI): Composite index measuring average achievement in key dimensions: health (life expectancy), education, and standard of living (GNI per capita).

  • Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): Captures simultaneous deprivations across health, education, and living standards.

Significance:

• India's HDI progress highlights success in poverty alleviation and public health reforms.

  • Persistent inequality calls for inclusive policy interventions, especially in gender equity and regional development.

  • Provides a benchmark to assess India's socio-economic policies vis-à-vis SDGs.

Mains Mock Question:

Despite steady improvement in India’s Human Development Index, inequality continues to hinder inclusive growth. Critically examine the challenges and suggest measures to ensure equitable human development.