India, South Asia's Worst Performing Country on Gender Equality

However, it was noted that India and China doubled output per capita in less than 20 years. The UNDP report said "Never in history have the living conditions and prospects of so many people changed so dramatically and so fast," as reported by TNN.

Overall, developing nations have been steadily improving their human development records. India, Bangladesh and China were noted to be among 40 countries that have done better on the HDI than was predicted for them in 1990. By 2030, more than 80 percent of the world's middle class is likely to be in the global South. In Asia, India and China will make up 75 percent of the middle class.

The human development records identify three drivers of human development transformation in the countries of the global South - proactive developmental states, tapping of global markets and determined social policy innovation.

Also Read: Where Do Indian Women Stand on Gender Equality?

Also Read: India's Safest Cities for Women