0What is Development?
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Development means improvement in the quality of life of people.
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It is not just economic growth, but also includes better living standards, education, health, and equality.
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Development is multi-dimensional – includes social, economic, and political aspects.
2. Indicators of Development
Development is measured using different indicators, which show how well people are living.
a) Economic Indicators
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Income per person – shows average earnings of people.
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Standard of living – access to goods, services, and facilities.
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Employment – more jobs indicate better development.
b) Social Indicators
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Health – life expectancy, child mortality, availability of healthcare.
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Education – literacy rate, school enrollment.
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Nutrition – adequate food and water.
c) Human Development Indicators
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Human Development Index (HDI) – combines income, education, and life expectancy.
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Focuses on overall well-being, not just money.
3. Factors Affecting Development
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Natural resources – availability of water, land, minerals.
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Infrastructure – roads, electricity, communication facilities.
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Education and skill – better education improves productivity.
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Health facilities – healthy population contributes more to development.
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Economic policies – government policies influence growth and equity.
4. Unequal Development
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Development is often unequal within and between countries.
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Some regions may have better resources, education, or industry, while others lag behind.
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Causes of unequal development include:
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Historical reasons (like colonial rule)
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Unequal access to education and healthcare
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Geographic disadvantages (droughts, floods, poor soil)
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5. Sustainable Development
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Development should meet the needs of the present without harming future generations.
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Focuses on:
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Environment protection
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Efficient use of resources
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Reducing poverty and inequality
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6. Key Points to Remember
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Development is more than economic growth.
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Income alone does not guarantee development.
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Indicators of development include health, education, and standard of living.
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Unequal development needs targeted policies to reduce disparities.
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Sustainable development ensures long-term well-being of people and environment.
