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UPSC Prelims 2026 GS Paper 1, question 100

Topic: Economy

Q100

Consider the following statements about Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) :

  1. MPI is calculated using Alkire-Foster methodology.

  2. MPI calculated by NITI Aayog has a total of twelve indicators.

  3. Maternal Health and Bank Account are common indicators in the MPI of NITI Aayog and MPI of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. (a) 1 and 2 onlyCorrect answer
  2. (b) 1, 2 and 3
  3. (c) 1 and 3 only
  4. (d) 2 only

Solution.

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

  1. Statement 1 is correct: both the Global MPI (UNDP and OPHI) and India's National MPI are computed using the Alkire-Foster dual-cutoff counting methodology.
  2. Statement 2 is correct: NITI Aayog's National MPI tracks 12 indicators grouped across three equally weighted dimensions (Health, Education, and Standard of Living).
  3. Statement 3 is incorrect: UNDP's Global MPI has only 10 indicators; Maternal Health and Bank Account are the two additional India-specific indicators introduced by NITI Aayog in the National MPI and are not part of the UNDP Global MPI.