Correct Option
The correct option is 2 only.
Explanation
The Human Development Report (HDR) is an annual publication that assesses the state of global development. It was launched in 1990 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the guidance of economists Mahbub ul Haq and Amartya Sen. The report introduced the Human Development Index (HDI) to shift the focus of development economics from national income accounting to people-centric policies.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Human Development Report is published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The World Bank publishes the 'World Development Report'.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The report uses the prefix 'Human' to emphasize that people are the real wealth of a nation. It asserts that the ultimate criteria for assessing the development of a country should be the well-being of its citizens and the enlargement of their choices, rather than economic growth alone.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The HDR does not rank countries based on military power. Instead, it ranks countries based on the Human Development Index (HDI), which measures achievement in three basic dimensions of human development:
- Long and healthy life (Life expectancy at birth).
- Knowledge (Mean years of schooling and Expected years of schooling).
- Decent standard of living (GNI per capita).
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: The Human Development Report is published by the UNDP to measure development based on the enlargement of people's choices and capabilities (Health, Education, Standard of Living), explicitly moving beyond economic metrics like GDP or military strength.