“A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI”

(Highlights from the 2025 Human Development Report)

Introduction

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released its 2025 Human Development Report titled:

“A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI”

This report explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are shaping the future of human development. It emphasizes that in a world increasingly influenced by digital transformation, especially AI, human choices, empowerment, and equity are more critical than ever.

India’s Performance in Human Development (2025 Report)

HDI Rank and Category

• India ranks 130th out of 193 countries in the Human Development Index (HDI), improving by 3 positions from the previous report.

• India continues to fall under the "Medium Human Development" category.

• HDI value for India: 0.685

What is HDI?

The Human Development Index is a composite measure used by the UNDP to evaluate the progress of countries based on:

1. A long and healthy life (measured by life expectancy at birth)

2. Knowledge (measured by mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling)

3. A decent standard of living (measured by Gross National Income [GNI] per capita)

India’s Key Achievements

1. Life Expectancy

• India's life expectancy reached 72 years in 2023, the highest ever recorded since the HDI was first introduced.

2. Education

• Mean years of schooling in India is now 13 years, a significant increase from 8.2 years in 1990.

• Reflects broader access to education and improved literacy outcomes.

Challenges Despite Progress

1. Gross National Income (GNI) Per Capita

• India’s GNI per capita ranking is seven places lower than its HDI ranking.

• Indicates that economic well-being is not keeping pace with other development indicators.

2. Gender Inequality

• India ranks 102nd on the Gender Inequality Index (GII).

• Major concerns include:

  • Reproductive health access and outcomes

  • Low political participation of women

  • Gender gap in workforce participation

Global Human Development Trends

Slowing Progress

• For the first time since 1990, global human development progress has slowed to its weakest pace.

• The slowdown is attributed to:

  • Pandemic aftershocks

  • Conflicts

  • Climate change

  • Economic uncertainty

  • Digital divides

Widening Inequality

• The gap between countries with very high HDI and those with low HDI has widened.

• Disparities in healthcare, education, digital access, and economic opportunity have grown, particularly affecting the Global South.

AI and Human Development – Key Themes from the Report

• AI is a powerful tool, but its impact on development depends on how societies choose to use it.

• The report advocates for:

  • Ethical and inclusive AI development

  • Policies that protect vulnerable communities

  • Bridging the digital divide, especially in education and health

• The message is clear: technology must enhance human freedoms, not restrict them.

Conclusion

India’s steady improvement in life expectancy and education highlights positive development strides, but gender inequality and income disparities remain significant barriers. Globally, as AI transforms economies and societies, inclusive policies, ethical use of technology, and social justice are vital to ensuring human development keeps pace with innovation.