Development

The opening chapter of Class 10 Economics (Understanding Economic Development). It explores what development means to different people, showing that developmental goals differ and can even conflict, and that people seek non-material goals such as freedom, security and respect besides income. It explains how countries and states are compared using average (per capita) income and the World Bank's classification, and why averages hide disparities in income distribution. Using the comparison of Haryana, Kerala and Bihar, it shows that income alone is inadequate and that health and education indicators — Infant Mortality Rate, literacy and attendance — and public facilities matter greatly. It introduces the UNDP's Human Development Index and closes with the sustainability of development, distinguishing renewable and non-renewable resources. A foundational and high-scoring chapter of the Board syllabus.