INSIGHT UPSC QUIZ

GS Economy Basics of Indian Economy
Q.

The GDP of a country cannot be taken as an index of the welfare of the people of that country because:

1. The rise in GDP may be concentrated in the hands of very few individuals or firms.

2. Many activities in an economy are not evaluated in monetary terms.

3. It does not give information about the size of the economy.

4. Externalities do not have any market in which they can be bought and sold.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation:

ANSWER: (C) 

Statement 1 is correct.

  • If the GDP of the country is rising, the welfare may not rise as a consequence. This is because the rise in GDP may be concentrated in the hands of very few individuals or firms.

Statement 2 is correct.

  • Many activities in an economy are not evaluated in monetary terms. For example, the domestic services women perform at home are not paid for. This is a case of underestimation of GDP.

Statement 3 is not correct.

  • GDP is important because it gives information about the size of the economy and how an economy is performing. The growth rate of real GDP is often used as an indicator of the general health of the economy. 

Statement 4 is correct.

  • Externalities refer to the benefits (or harms) a firm or an individual causes to another for which they are not paid (or penalised). Externalities do not have any market in which they can be bought and sold.

More Questions Selected Just For You. Attempt Now!