Question Details

Read the following passage and answer the given questions.

The strength of a nation is often measured not only by its economic output but by the stability, resilience, and well-being of its people. Economic growth stems from a combination of natural resources, infrastructure, governance, and, most critically, investments in human capital. Countries that prioritize education and healthcare lay the foundation for long-term prosperity.

A glaring truth in today’s global economy is that wealth alone cannot secure sustainable growth. Natural resource-rich nations may enjoy short-term revenue surges, but without strong institutions and a skilled, healthy workforce, such progress risks becoming fragile. Education equips individuals with the skills needed for innovation, adaptability, and competitiveness. Healthcare, in turn, ensures that citizens can contribute productively over the long term, reducing absenteeism and lowering the economic burden of disease.

For example, some resource-dependent nations have taken steps to diversify their economies by ________________ revenue into schools, training centers, hospitals, and public health programs. Angola, in recent years, has made efforts to invest in education and healthcare to reduce its dependency on oil exports. By enhancing human capital, it aims to strengthen productivity and attract investment in sectors beyond its primary industries. While challenges remain, such measures show the potential for transforming short-term gains into lasting national strength.

However, the global economic environment remains uncertain. Trade disruptions, fluctuating commodity prices, and geopolitical tensions can stall development plans, even in countries with ambitious social investment strategies. A grim example is when external shocks force governments to cut back on essential public spending, undermining years of progress in education and health sectors. The capacity to withstand such shocks depends heavily on diversified economies and robust fiscal planning.

National strength, therefore, is not built overnight. It requires consistent policies, transparent governance, and the vision to balance immediate economic needs with long-term development goals. By fostering a population that is educated, healthy, and capable of innovation, nations can ensure resilience in the face of global uncertainty.

In conclusion, economic growth flourishes when it rests on a solid social foundation. Investments in human capital — through education and healthcare — are not only moral imperatives but strategic economic decisions. Whether resource-rich or resource-poor, nations that prioritize these areas strengthen their position in the world and secure prosperity for future generations.

Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to national strength as per the passage?
(A) Investment in human capital such as education and healthcare.
(B) Strong governance that ensures consistent and transparent policy-making.
(C) High dependence on a single export-oriented sector for economic growth.

Options

A

Only A

B

Both B and C

C

Only C

D

Both A and B

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option C

Only C

Only C

Solution :

The correct option is Only C.

Let us analyze the statements based on the provided passage to identify which one is NOT a factor contributing to national strength:

1. Statement (A): "Investment in human capital such as education and healthcare."
The passage explicitly states: "Investments in human capital — through education and healthcare — are not only moral imperatives but strategic economic decisions." It also mentions that countries prioritizing these lay the foundation for long-term prosperity. Therefore, Statement (A) is a factor that contributes to national strength.

2. Statement (B): "Strong governance that ensures consistent and transparent policy-making."
The passage mentions: "It requires consistent policies, transparent governance, and the vision to balance immediate economic needs with long-term development goals." Thus, governance and policy-making are key factors contributing to national strength.

3. Statement (C): "High dependence on a single export-oriented sector for economic growth."
The passage describes high dependency on a single resource/export sector (such as Angola's dependency on oil exports) as a vulnerability. It states that progress in natural resource-rich nations "risks becoming fragile" without diversification and strong institutions, and that the capacity to withstand external shocks depends heavily on "diversified economies." Therefore, high dependence on a single export-oriented sector does not contribute to national strength; rather, it is a risk to be minimized.

Since only Statement (C) is NOT a factor contributing to national strength, the correct option is Only C.

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