Question

The term “Gross National Happiness (GNH)” is primarily associated with which country?

• A. Nepal
• B. Bhutan
• C. Sri Lanka
• D. Maldives

Hint:

GDP measures economic output, whereas GNH focuses on overall well-being and happiness. Bhutan is the country most closely associated with the GNH concept.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Gross National Happiness (GNH) is a unique development philosophy that emphasizes the well-being and happiness of citizens rather than focusing solely on economic growth. Questions related to international organizations, development indicators, and unique governance models are frequently asked in CUET General Aptitude Test (GAT). Unlike Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which measures economic production, GNH attempts to evaluate holistic development by considering social, cultural, environmental, and psychological well-being.

Step 1: Understand the meaning of Gross National Happiness. Traditional economic indicators focus on: \[ \text{Income} \] and \[ \text{Production} \] However, GNH focuses on:
• Sustainable development
• Environmental conservation
• Cultural preservation
• Good governance
• Psychological well-being Thus, GNH seeks to measure the quality of life rather than only economic prosperity.

Step 2: Identify the country associated with GNH. The concept was introduced by: \[ \text{King Jigme Singye Wangchuck} \] of Bhutan. The philosophy gained international recognition because Bhutan adopted happiness and well-being as key policy objectives.

Step 3: Examine the remaining options. Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Maldives have adopted various development indicators, but none is globally associated with Gross National Happiness. Therefore, these options can be eliminated.

Step 4: Final conclusion. Since Gross National Happiness originated in Bhutan and remains closely associated with its development philosophy: \[ \boxed{\text{Gross National Happiness} \rightarrow \text{Bhutan}} \] Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Option (B)}} \]