Which of the following statement is incorrect regarding global indices as of July 2025?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) “A rise in GNI per capita alone can significantly improve HDI, even with falling life expectancy and education.”
Explanation:
· HDI is a composite measure: It encompasses three core dimensions—health (life expectancy), education, and standard of living (measured via GNI per capita).
· No single dimension dominates: Because HDI uses a geometric mean across the three—after normalizing them—an improvement in GNI per capita cannot offset declines in life expectancy and education ‘
· Balanced progress required: HDI rises only with simultaneous gains in health, education, and income; a singular increase in GNI per capita, while other indicators falter, does not significantly—or sustainably—increase HDI
Why the other statements are correct:
· (a) World Happiness Report 2024 highlights social support, life expectancy, and GDP per capita as key happiness factors→ The report uses six variables—including GDP per capita, social support, and healthy life expectancy—among others like freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.
· (b) AQI consistently above 200 signals general health risks and requires urgent policy action→ AQI values between 201–300 are categorized as "Very Unhealthy," indicating serious health risks for the general population and triggering health warnings Thus, a persistently high AQI indeed signifies urgent need for intervention.
· (c) Despite being discontinued, the Ease of Doing Business report remains influential for investors assessing startup procedures→ Even though the World Bank discontinued the report in 2021, it had been widely used, cited by policymakers, investors, and media, and continues to shape perceptions and discussions about the business climate.