Previous Year Questions

Question :

Directions : Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

The concept of "Third World countries" has evolved significantly since its origin during the Cold War era. Initially used to describe nations that did not align with either the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or the Communist Bloc, the term today broadly refers to underdeveloped or developing countries - mostly in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific Islands. These regions are characterized by lower economic performance, limited industrialization, and ongoing socio-economic struggles. Countries across the globe are often categorized based on their economic development. These classifications typically fall into four broad groups. At the top are developed nations such as the United States, Canada, Japan, and members of the European Union. These countries enjoy high standards of living, stable economies, and advanced technological infrastructure. Following them are nations with steadily progressing economies, including China, India, Brazil, and Mexico. These emerging economies show consistent growth but still grapple with internal disparities.

The third category includes nations with inconsistent development records. This group largely comprises parts of Central America, the Caribbean, much of the Arab world, and the African continent. These countries may show progress in some areas but face setbacks due to political instability, corruption, or inadequate infrastructure. Finally, there are states suffering from protracted civil conflict, weak governance, or ____A____ regimes - Somalia and North Korea are prime examples. These so-called "failed states" experience severe developmental stagnation or regression. A key determinant in classifying nations economically is Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. The World Bank uses this metric to group countries into low-income, lower-middle-income, upper-middle-income, and high-income economies. Third World countries typically fall under the low- or lower-middle-income categories. In many cases, these nations also lack basic services such as healthcare, education, and access to clean water, further hindering their development efforts.

The United Nations identifies a subgroup within developing nations called Least Developed Countries (LDCs). These countries exhibit the lowest indicators of socioeconomic development and include Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Zambia. Factors contributing to their underdevelopment range from geographical disadvantages, such as being landlocked, to historical exploitation and ongoing political unrest. These countries often struggle with external debt, poor credit ratings, and weak infrastructure. Additionally, being landlocked presents serious constraints for some developing countries. Without direct access to the sea, these nations face higher trade costs and limited integration into global markets, which can slow economic growth even further. In retrospect, the use of the term "Third World" and its evolution sheds light on how economic and political narratives have shaped global development discourse. It also underscores the complexity and diversity of development challenges across regions and time. Despite these hurdles, many developing nations are making strides toward progress, with growing economies and improved living standards in some regions. However, global inequality remains a pressing issue, demanding continued attention and collaborative action.

Which of the following correctly matches a country group with its economic classification and development characteristics as described in the passage?