Living standard of people is best assessed by
**Core Concept**
The living standard of people refers to the overall quality of life, which encompasses various aspects such as income, access to healthcare, education, housing, and social welfare. A reliable indicator of living standard should provide a comprehensive understanding of the well-being of a population.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a widely accepted measure of living standard, as it incorporates multiple dimensions of well-being, including life expectancy, education, and income. HDI takes into account the average life expectancy at birth, the expected years of schooling, and the gross national income (GNI) per capita. This comprehensive approach provides a more accurate representation of living standard compared to single-factor indicators like income or GDP.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Income alone is an incomplete measure of living standard, as it does not account for disparities in wealth distribution, access to healthcare, or education.
**Option B:** GDP per capita is a flawed indicator of living standard, as it does not consider factors like income inequality, poverty, or environmental degradation.
**Option D:** Life expectancy alone is an inadequate measure of living standard, as it does not account for quality of life, education, or economic opportunities.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The HDI is a powerful tool for policymakers and researchers to evaluate the impact of development programs and track progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
**Correct Answer: C. HDI**