Important Reports and Index

News: India Skills Report 2025 shows that more than half of Indian graduates are now employable, which is an increase from 33% a decade ago.

About the Report

• The report has been released by Wheebox in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry, Association of Indian Universities and All India Council for Technical Education.
• It is based on the evaluation of 6.5 lakh candidates who participated in the Global Employability Test across India.
  • It also considers insights from over 1,000 corporations across 15 diverse industries.

Key Highlights of the Report

• The employability among Indian graduates has increased to 54.81% as against 51.25% recorded in the previous Global Employability Test.
• Maharashtra leads with 84% employability followed by Delhi, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
• Over half of Indian graduates are now employable, a major increase from 33% a decade ago.
  • This shift is underlined by India’s focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and automation, leading to reshaping of traditional jobs and creation of new opportunities.
• The rise of digital nomadism and hybrid work models open new opportunities for Indian talent to contribute to the global economy.

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Source: This post on India Employment Report 2024 has been created based on the article “Youth unemployment rates in India lower Than Global Levels” published in PIB on 26th November 2024.

Why in news?

The India Employment Report 2024 by the Institute for Human Development (IHD) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) highlights an improved employment scenario in India.

Major Findings of the report

1. Global Youth Unemployment Trends: In 2021, global youth unemployment was 15.6% (ILO’s Global Report Trends for Youth, 2022).

In 2023, the rate decreased to 13.3% (ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook Trends, 2024).

2. India’s Youth Unemployment: According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), India’s youth unemployment rate (ages 15-29) was 10.2% in 2023-24, lower than the global average.

3. Improving Worker Population Ratio (WPR): The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for youth increased from 31.4% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24, indicating growth in employment.

Formal Sector Employment Growth: Over 1.3 crore net subscribers joined the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) in 2023-24.

Between September 2017 and August 2024, 7.03 crore net subscribers joined the EPFO, showcasing increased formalization of employment.

About Institute for Human Development (IHD)

1. The Institute for Human Development (IHD) is a leading Indian research organization established in 1998, focusing on labor, employment, and socio-economic development.

2. It conducts research on issues like informal labor, migration, social protection, and human development, providing policy insights to address inequality and poverty.

3. It is known for its flagship India Human Development Report. IHD collaborates with national and international organizations to promote inclusive growth.

UPSC Syllabus: Report and Index, Indian Economy 

Source: This post on UNICEF SOWC-2024 Report has been created based on the article “Planetary crisis puts children at risk: UNICEF report” published in PIB on 7th November 2024.

Why in news?

The UNICEF report reveals that nearly one billion children, which is half the world’s child population, are living in countries that face high risks from climate and environmental hazards. The report predicts that three global forces: demographic shifts, climate crises, and frontier technologies will have a profound impact on children’s lives by 2050.

Highlights of the report

Climate crisis

1. The report highlights the intensification of climate destabilization, biodiversity loss, and pollution across the globe.

2. These environmental hazards uniquely impact children, as their developing bodies, including their brains, lungs, and immune systems, are especially vulnerable.

i) Air pollution harms children’s respiratory health, with effects that can last a lifetime.

ii) Rising temperatures increase mosquito populations, spreading diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika.

iii) Floods contaminate water supplies, leading to waterborne diseases that are a leading cause of death for children under five.

iv) Extreme weather events reduce food production, increasing the risk of food insecurity.

v) Climate-related disasters also negatively impact children’s mental health, causing feelings of helplessness, trauma, and anxiety.

Educational and Displacement Challenges

1. Since 2022, an estimated 400 million students around the world have experienced school closures due to extreme weather events.

2. This disruption violates children’s rights, stifles learning, and hinders economic growth.

3. Additionally, climate and environmental hazards have displaced millions of children from their homes, exposing them to increased vulnerabilities.

Demographic Shifts and Regional Impacts

1. The global child population is projected to stabilize at around 2.3 billion by the 2050s. However, this stabilization masks significant regional changes.

2. South Asia, eastern and southern Africa, and western and Central Africa will have the largest child populations.

3. These regions already struggle to meet children’s basic needs and face significant risks from climate change. They also lack adequate digital infrastructure to support their growing populations.

Frontier Technologies and Opportunities

1. The report outlines the potential for frontier technologies to improve children’s lives significantly. Advances in artificial intelligence, neurotechnology, renewable energy, and vaccines could enhance child welfare in the future.

2. Digitalization also offers opportunities to empower children, but it comes with risks, such as increased exposure to online sexual exploitation and abuse.

3. The report notes a stark digital divide, with over 95% of people in high-income countries connected to the internet, compared to just 26% in low-income countries.

4. This lack of access exacerbates inequalities, particularly in regions with rapidly growing child populations.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports and index 

Source: This post on WIPO 2024 Report has been created based on the article “India secures position in top 10 countries in Patents, Trademarks, and Industrial Designs: WIPO 2024 Report” 
published in PIB on 13th November 2024.

Why in news?

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) highlights India’s advances in the 2024 World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) report.

India has entered the top 10 globally for patents, trademarks, and industrial designs, reflecting its growing influence in intellectual property (IP).

Highlights of the report

1. India led the top 20 origins in 2023 with a 15.7% growth in patent applications, marking five consecutive years of double-digit increases.

2. India ranks sixth worldwide with 64,480 patent applications, over half of which (55.2%) were resident filings—a first for the nation.

3. Patent grants surged by 149.4% compared to 2022, showcasing rapid evolution in India’s IP ecosystem.

4. Industrial design applications increased by 36.4%, highlighting growth in manufacturing, product design, and creative industries. Textiles and Accessories, Tools and Machines, and Health and Cosmetics sectors contributed to nearly half of these filings.

5. Long-Term Growth in IP Filings: From 2018 to 2023, India’s patent and industrial design applications more than doubled, and trademark filings grew by 60%. India’s patent-to-GDP ratio increased from 144 to 381 over the last decade, illustrating IP growth alongside economic expansion.

6. Top Rankings in Trademarks: India ranked fourth globally in trademark filings, achieving a 6.1% increase in 2023, with nearly 90% from resident applicants.

Key sectors: Health (21.9%), Agriculture (15.3%), and Clothing (12.8%).

7. India’s trademark office holds the second-largest number of active registrations globally, with over 3.2 million trademarks in force.

6. Global IP Trends: Worldwide, 3.55 million patent applications were filed in 2023, marking a 2.7% increase from 2022, with strong contributions from Asia. China, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and India were major contributors, with a notable rise in resident filings, indicating a focus on local innovation.

UPSC Syllabus: Report and index

Source: The post World Solar Report is based on the article “ISA releases World Solar Report series” published in “PIB” on 6th November 2024

Why in the News?

Recently, during the 7th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), four key reports were released, focusing on the rapid advancements in solar energy and sustainable practices worldwide.

The four reports include the World Solar Market Report, World Investment Report, World Technology Report, and *Green Hydrogen Readiness Assessment for African Countries.

Key Highlights of Each Report:

1. World Solar Market Report: Unprecedented Growth in Solar Capacity:

i) Global Solar Capacity Surge: Since 2000, global solar capacity has expanded from 1.22 GW to an impressive 1,418.97 GW in 2023, marking a 40% annual growth rate. In 2023 alone, 345.83 GW was added, making up 75% of new renewable energy capacity worldwide.

ii) Manufacturing Exceeds Demand: By the end of 2024, solar manufacturing capacity is expected to surpass 1,100 GW, doubling anticipated PV panel demand. Prices for solar cells and advanced modules have dropped significantly, promoting affordability.

iii) Employment Growth: Solar industry jobs have reached 7.1 million, with solar contributing a substantial 44% increase from 2022 figures.

Solar capacity could reach between 5,457 and 7,203 GW by 2030, driven by international climate commitments.

2. World Investment Report: Shifts in Global Energy Investments

i) Rising Energy Investments: Total global energy investments have grown from $2.4 trillion in 2018 to an expected $3.1 trillion by 2024. Clean energy investments now outpace fossil fuel investments, reaching $2 trillion.

ii) Dominance of Solar Investments: Solar energy leads in renewable investments, accounting for 59% of total renewable energy investments in 2023, mainly due to reduced panel costs.

Regional Leadership: The APAC region leads global solar investment with $223 billion, followed by EMEA ($91 billion) and AMER ($78 billion).

3. World Technology Report: Advancements in Solar Technology

Record Efficiency in PV Modules: Monocrystalline solar PV modules have reached a new efficiency high of 24.9%. Multijunction perovskite cells promise higher efficiency and lower production costs, challenging traditional silicon panels.

Material Innovation: Solar manufacturing now uses 88% less silicon per watt than in 2004, highlighting strides in efficiency and environmental benefits.

Cost Reduction in Utility-Scale PV: The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for utility-scale solar has dropped by 90%, from $0.46/kWh in 2010 to $0.044/kWh in 2023.

4. Green Hydrogen Readiness in African Countries

Potential for Decarbonization: Green hydrogen, produced through renewable-powered electrolysis, offers an alternative to fossil fuels for industries like steel and fertilizer production, especially in Africa.

Country Assessments: Countries like Egypt, Morocco, and Namibia are evaluated for their green hydrogen potential, focusing on economic feasibility, financing, and risk management.

UPSC Syllabus: Report and index

Source: This post on Cyberfraud Losses Projected to Reach 0.7% of GDP has been created based on the article “Cyberfraud losses could amount to 0.7% of GDP, projects Ministry’s study” published in The Hindu on 24th October 2024.

Why in news?

A recent study by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Union Home Ministry, projects significant financial losses due to cyberfraud.

Findings of the study

1. ₹1.2 Lakh Crore Loss Expected: Over ₹1.2 lakh crore is expected to be lost to cyberfrauds in India over the next year, which could account for 0.7% of the country’s GDP.

2. Major Role of Mule Accounts: Mule bank accounts play a significant role in facilitating financial scams, often used to siphon funds through multiple accounts before the money is withdrawn.

3. International Scams Linked to China: A large portion of these frauds originate from China or Chinese-linked entities. However, some scams are domestically operated, with funds withdrawn from ATMs after being transferred through several accounts.

4. 4,000 Mule Accounts Detected Daily: The I4C’s Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System identifies around 4,000 mule bank accounts every day.

5. ATM Hotspots for Fraudulent Withdrawals: Eighteen ATM hotspots have been identified across India where fraudulent cash withdrawals take place. Overseas ATM withdrawals using debit cards linked to mule accounts have been reported in countries such as Dubai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Russia.

6. Emergence of Scam Hubs: Scam compounds resembling call centres have emerged in South East Asian countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. These hubs are used for investment scams, where fraudsters — often from India — make calls to unsuspecting individuals using Indian mobile numbers.

UPSC Syllabus: Report and index

Source: This post on BRICS Reaches Clean Energy Milestone by End of 2024 has been created based on the article “BRICS nations hit clean energy milestone: Fossil fuels to drop under 50% by end of 2024 for first time” published in Down to Earth on 23rd October 2024.

Why in news?

A report from the Global Energy Monitor highlights a significant turning point for the BRICS nations, where clean energy development is accelerating despite continued investments in coal, oil, and gas.

Major Energy Transition for BRICS

1. The BRICS group includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and recently added members Iran, UAE, Ethiopia, and Egypt. They are collectively responsible for a third of global GDP and carbon emission.

2. BRICS is now rapidly transitioning from coal, oil, and gas to renewable energy.

3. As per the report, BRICS nations will see fossil fuel capacity fall below 50% of their total installed power capacity by the end of 2024.

4. This marks the first time the BRICS group has crossed this milestone, showing a shift toward cleaner energy sources.

5. Non-Fossil Power Growth in 2024: In 2024, BRICS countries have added 190 GW of non-fossil power capacity, mostly from wind and solar.In contrast, only 72 GW of fossil fuel power is set to be added this year, showing a significant pivot toward renewables.

6. Renewable vs. Fossil Capacity:  By the end of the year, BRICS will have approximately 2,289 GW of renewable energy capacity, surpassing the 2,245 GW from fossil fuels. Comparatively, the European Union reached this 50% renewable energy mark in the early 2010s, and the G7 achieved it only last year.

BRICS Renewable Capacity Set to Triple by 2030

Rapid Expansion of Renewable Projects: BRICS nations are fast-tracking renewable energy projects, with 1,550 GW of wind and utility-scale solar either under construction or planned. Including hydropower, renewable projects outpace fossil fuel projects by nearly three to one.

Alignment with Global Climate Goals: BRICS is on track to nearly triple its renewable capacity by 2030, supporting global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. If current trends continue, BRICS could see a 2.5-fold increase in total renewable capacity by the end of the decade.

Challenges in the Clean Energy Transition

Continued Fossil Fuel Investments: Despite progress, BRICS countries, except for Ethiopia, are still developing new coal, oil, and gas projects. Planned projects could increase coal capacity by 36% and oil and gas capacity by 53%, posing a challenge to the renewable transition.

Balancing Act for BRICS: The ongoing investment in fossil fuels creates tension with environmental goals.  James Norman from Global Energy Monitor (GEM) emphasizes that while the clean energy transition is real, BRICS’ continued coal projects risk undermining their achievements in renewable energy.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports and index

Source: This post on World Bank Report Highlights Poverty and Climate Challenges has been created based on the article “Extreme weather obstacle to an equitable world, as 3.53 billion people continue to live in poverty” published in Down to Earth on 21st October 2024.

Why in news?

According to the World Bank’s latest report, extreme weather will be a significant obstacle to achieving a more equitable world, with 3.53 billion people still living in poverty in 2024.

Findings of the report

1. Climate shocks, including extreme weather events, devastate livelihoods and trap vulnerable populations in a cycle of poverty.

These shocks are especially difficult to recover from, particularly for those living in low-income countries without access to adequate infrastructure and resources.

2. In 2024, 692 million people are living in extreme poverty, defined as subsisting on less than $2.15 per day.

When measured against the higher poverty standard of $6.85 per day, 43.6% of the global population or approximately 3.53 billion people are classified as living in poverty.

3. The slow progress in poverty alleviation reflects a “polycrisis” caused by factors such as the pandemic, slow economic growth, increased conflict, and climate change.

4. In 2024, South Asia is home to 1.48 billion poor people, while Sub-Saharan Africa has 1.11 billion poor people. Together, these regions account for 73% of the global poor.

5. By 2030, 7.3% of the world’s population could still be living on less than $2.15 a day, which is more than double the global goal of reducing extreme poverty to 3%.

6. Long-Term Poverty Reduction Goals: It could take over a century to lift individuals above the $6.85 per day threshold, according to current projections.

7. Rising Income Disparities: The World Bank’s report warns of growing income inequality, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, with many countries in these regions showing Gini index scores above 40.

8. High Inequality in Southern and Central Africa: Inequality is most pronounced in Southern and Central Africa, exacerbating the challenge of poverty reduction.

9. Climate Shocks and Economic Growth

i) Vulnerability to Extreme Weather: South Asia, with 88.1% of its population exposed to climate risks, and Sub-Saharan Africa, home to the highest number of people at severe risk, are particularly vulnerable to climate shocks such as floods, heatwaves, and cyclones.

ii) Need for Inclusive Economic Growth: The World Bank emphasizes the importance of inclusive economic growth to lift people out of poverty. This growth must be complemented by investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and access to markets.

10. Building Resilience to Climate Impacts

i) Targeted Climate Adaptation Strategies: Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia require targeted adaptation strategies to withstand the impacts of extreme weather. The report calls for stronger social protection systems, including healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

ii) Progressive Fiscal Policies: Countries must adopt progressive fiscal policies that increase domestic revenue while reducing inequality, ensuring that vulnerable populations benefit from economic growth.

iii) Strengthening Insurance Mechanisms: To protect vulnerable populations from falling deeper into poverty during climate disasters, the report recommends strengthening insurance mechanisms and other safety nets.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports and Index

Source-This post on Global Hunger Index 2024 report is based on the article “What does the Global Hunger Index 2024 state about India?” published in “The Hindu” on 17th october 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, Global Hunger Index 2024 was released by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe. It indicates that India faces a ‘serious’ hunger situation, ranking 105th out of 127 countries.

India’s Hunger Situation in 2024

1. India scores 27.3, placing it at 105th out of 127 countries.

On this scale, a score under 9.9 represents low hunger levels, 10-19.9 signifies moderate hunger, 35-49.9 is alarming, and scores above 50 are classified as extremely alarming.

2. Indicators Used for Ranking:

India’s Efforts and Areas for Improvement

1. Political Will and Initiatives: The report acknowledges India’s initiatives like the National Food Security Act, Poshan Abhiyan, PMGKAY, and the National Mission for Natural Farming as significant steps toward addressing hunger and malnutrition.

2. Intergenerational Undernutrition: The report highlights a pattern of undernutrition passed down through generations, linking maternal malnutrition and low birth weight with high child wasting rates.

3. GDP Growth and Nutritional Security: The report notes that economic growth does not automatically translate into reduced hunger and emphasizes the need for pro-poor policies that also address social and economic inequalities.

 Proposed Solutions

1. Enhanced Social Safety Nets: Recommendations include expanding access to Public Distribution Scheme (PDS), PMGKAY, and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) for improved food security.

2. Investments in Agriculture and Diversified Food Production: Advocates for a holistic food systems approach that emphasizes ecological and nutritious crops like millets.

3. Maternal and Child Health Investments: Suggests improving sanitation, water, and hygiene to support better health outcomes for mothers and children.

4. Integration with Gender and Climate Change: Calls for policies that consider the interplay between nutrition, gender, and climate resilience.

UPSC Syllabus: Index and reports 

Source: This post on India’s Decline on the Academic Freedom Index has been created based on the article “India slipped on academic freedom index over the past decade: report” published in The Hindu on 8^th October 2024.

Why in news?

India’s Academic Freedom Index rankings have significantly declined over the past decade.

About Academic Freedom Index (AFI)

About: The Academic Freedom Index (AFI) offers a distinct approach to understanding and evaluating academic freedom globally.

Released by: Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi) in collaboration with Scholars at Risk (SAR) and V-Dem Institute (Varieties of Democracy)

Indicators: It measures actual levels of academic freedom using five key indicators: the freedom to conduct research and teach; the freedom of academic exchange and dissemination; institutional autonomy; campus integrity; and the freedom of academic and cultural expression.

Score Range: From 0 (indicating complete repression) to 1 (indicating full academic freedom).
Scores are derived from expert surveys and institutional data.

Annual report: The annual report, published as part of the “Free to Think” series by Scholars at Risk.

India’s Performance:

1. India’s score dropped from 0.6 to 0.2 between 2013 and 2023, marking the lowest score since the mid-1940s.

2. Scholars at Risk is a network of 665 universities worldwide, which monitors global threats to academic freedom.

3. The report states that the BJP-led Union government has been exerting political control over universities, often pushing a Hindu nationalist agenda.

4. Policies restricting student protests have been implemented, particularly at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and South Asian University (SAU).

UPSC Syllabus: Index and reports

Source- This post on the Comprehensive Overview of National Health Account (NHA) Estimates for 2020-21 and 2021-22 has been created based on the article “National Health Account (NHA) Estimates 2020-21 and 2021-22” published in “PIB” on 5th October 2024.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released the eighth and ninth editions of the National Health Account (NHA) estimates for the fiscal years 2020-21 and 2021-22.

Major findings

1. Government Health Expenditure (GHE): GHE has steadily increased. GHE as a percentage of GDP rose from 1.13% in 2014-15 to 1.84% in 2021-22.  The share of GHE in General Government Expenditure (GGE) also increased.

2. Decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE): The share of Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) in the Total Health Expenditure (THE) dropped significantly, from 62.6% in 2014-15 to 39.4% in 2021-22. This reduction highlights the success of government measures aimed at expanding healthcare access and reducing financial burdens on households.

3. Increased Government Share in Total Health Expenditure (THE): The government’s contribution to THE increased from 29% in 2014-15 to 48% in 2021-22. This rise points to greater reliance on public health services and a reduced financial burden on citizens. The growth in GHE aligns with government efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and enhance financial protection.

4. Growth in Social Security Expenditure (SSE) on Health: Social Security Expenditure (SSE), which includes government-funded health insurance and medical reimbursements, increased from 5.7% of THE in 2014-15 to 8.7% in 2021-22. The increase in SSE is key to reducing out-of-pocket expenses and ensuring that healthcare access does not lead to financial hardship or poverty.

5. Distribution of Current Health Expenditure (CHE): In 2020-21, the Union Government contributed Rs. 81,772 crores (12.33% of CHE), and state governments contributed Rs. 1,38,944 crores (20.94%). Contributions from enterprises, NGOs, and external donors also played a crucial role in supporting India’s healthcare system during this period.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports and Index

Source: The post on Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 is based on the article “Tourism Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024” published in “PIB” on 4th October 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 was released. 

About Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024

1. Published by:  The World Economic Forum

2. India’s Position: India has secured the 39th position among 119 countries in the TTDI 2024.

3. Improved Areas for India: India has shown significant improvements in the following areas: Prioritisation of Travel & Tourism, Safety & Security and Health & Hygiene

4. Government of India’s Initiatives: The Indian government is promoting tourism as a means of social inclusion, employment generation, and economic growth. Tourism is seen as a key sector in driving India’s goal to become a developed nation by 2047.

5. Measures to Boost FTAs: Key initiatives to increase FTAs include promotion of adventure and niche tourism, simplification of e-visa availability, introduction of a 24×7 multilingual tourist helpline, launch of ‘Paryatan Didi’ and ‘Paryatan Mitra’ on World Tourism Day 2024 to ensure a hospitable tourist experience.

6. Government Initiatives: Several initiatives have been undertaken to promote domestic tourism, such as Dekho Apna Desh, PRASHAD Scheme, Vibrant Village Programme, SWADESH 2.0 and Regional Connectivity Scheme (Udaan).

UPSC Syllabus: Reports and Index

Source – This post on Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024 is based on the article “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi hails India rising to 39th position in the Global Innovation Index 2024” published in PIB on 28th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, the Global Innovation Index (GII) was released by World Intellectual Property Organization.

About Global Innovation Index (GII)

 India’s Rise in the Global Innovation Index 2024

1. India’s Global Ranking: India climbed to 39th position among 133 global economies in the 2024 Global Innovation Index. The ranking highlights India’s growing innovation capabilities.

2. Regional and Economic Leadership: India is the top performer in Central and Southern Asia. It also ranks first among lower-middle-income economies worldwide.

3. Science and Technology Cluster Ranking: India secured 4th place in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Science and Technology Cluster Ranking. Major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai are listed among the world’s top 100 Science and Technology clusters.

4. Global Standing in Intangible Asset Intensity: India ranks 7th globally in intangible asset intensity, a key indicator of the country’s growing innovation strength.

5. Consistent Growth in Innovation: India’s position in the Global Innovation Index has steadily improved, rising from 81st in 2015 to 39th in 2024.

6. Innovation Outputs and Inputs in 2024: India ranks 33rd in innovation outputs, reflecting an improvement from last year. It ranks 44th in innovation inputs. India performs better in innovation outputs than in inputs, showcasing the strength of its innovative results.

UPSC Syllabus: Index and reports 

Source – This post on Asia Power Index is based on the article “India becomes 3rd Most Powerful Nation in Asia, Surpasses Japan in Asia Power Index” published in PIB on 26th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, Asia Power Index was released by the Lowy Institute. India has secured the position as the third most powerful nation in Asia, overtaking Japan in the 2024 Asia Power Index.

This reflects India’s growing geopolitical influence, driven by its expanding economy, youthful population, and increasing diplomatic engagement.

About Asia Power Index

1. The Asia Power Index was established by the Lowy Institute in 2018.

2. It measures power dynamics across the Asia-Pacific, evaluating 27 countries.

3. The 2024 edition includes Timor-Leste and provides an in-depth analysis of power distribution across the region. It examines both material resources and the influence countries exert on the international stage.

4. Criteria of Power Measurement: The Asia Power Index uses eight key measures across two broad categories:

UPSC Syllabus: Index and Reports

Source- This post on Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 is based on the article “India Achieves Tier 1 Status in Global Cybersecurity Index 2024” published in PIB on 20th September 2024.

Why in News?

India has attained Tier 1 status in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024.

About Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024

1. Published by: International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

2. Evaluation Criteria: The GCI 2024 assessed national efforts based on five pillars: Legal, Technical, Organizational, Capacity Development and Cooperation.

3. Comprehensive Evaluation: The index used an extensive questionnaire with 83 questions, covering 20 indicators, 64 sub-indicators, and 28 micro-indicators to assess each country’s cybersecurity landscape.

4. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) represented India in the GCI.

Key Achievements:

1.  India ranks among ‘role-modelling’ countries in cybersecurity with a score of 98.49 out of 100.

2.  India’s achievement places it at the top level of global cybersecurity rankings, reflecting its strong commitment to cyber resilience and secure digital infrastructure.

Government Initiatives Driving Success:

1. India has established robust frameworks for cybersecurity and cybercrime laws, ensuring the protection of critical digital infrastructure.

2.  Sector-specific Computer Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) provide technical support and incident reporting across various industries, strengthening India’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

3. Education: The integration of cybersecurity into primary and secondary education curricula has been a cornerstone of India’s strategy to cultivate an informed digital citizenry.

4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Targeted initiatives have raised awareness about secure online practices across private industry, public institutions, civil society, and academia.

5. Capacity Building: The Government of India has provided incentives and grants to promote skill development, research, and innovation within the cybersecurity industry.

6. Global Partnerships: India has engaged in numerous bilateral and multilateral collaborations, further strengthening its capabilities in capacity building and information sharing on the global stage.

UPSC Syllabus: Index and reports 

Source- This post on Justice Hema Committee Report has been created based on the article “What Justice Hema Committee report says, why its release was delayed” published in “The Indian Express” on 22 August 2024.

Why in News?

The Kerala government has recently released the Justice Hema Committee report. The report’s release was postponed for nearly five years, mainly due to concerns about the sensitive information it contained and the potential breach of privacy for those involved.

About the Justice Hema Committee

1. The Justice Hema Committee was formed by the Kerala government in July 2017.

2. It was formed in response to the abduction and sexual assault of a leading Malayalam actress, which highlighted the broader issue of discrimination against women in the Malayalam film industry.

3. The committee was tasked with investigating issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the industry.

Key Findings of the Justice Hema Committee Report

1. Prevalence of Sexual Harassment: The report reveals a pervasive culture of sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry, including the existence of the casting couch, vulgar comments, and instances where male co-actors would force themselves into the rooms of female colleagues.

2. Fear of Retribution: Many women in the industry do not report sexual harassment due to fear of retribution. The report notes that this fear is well-founded, with women also facing cyber harassment from fan clubs as a form of intimidation.

3. Influence of a Male-Dominated Mafia: The report highlights the existence of an all-male “mafia” of influential actors and producers who control the industry, wielding their power with impunity and suppressing any opposition.

4. Lack of Basic Facilities for Women: The report points out the inadequate facilities for women on film sets, such as the lack of proper toilets and changing rooms, which exposes women to health risks like urinary tract infections.

5. Gender Pay Disparity: The report attributes the gender pay gap in the industry to the absence of written contracts, which disproportionately affects women.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports and indices

Source- This post on Multidimensional Vulnerability Index has been created based on the article “UN launches new way to measure nations’ economic vulnerability” published in “The Hindu” on 19 August 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, the UN General Assembly officially launched the “Multidimensional Vulnerability Index” (MVI) aimed at providing small island states and developing nations with better access to low-interest financing.

About Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI)

UPSC Syllabus: Index

Source- This post on Findings of Migration Survey in India (2020-21) has been created based on the article “A snapshot of migration in India” published in “The Hindu” on 19 August 2024.

Why in News?

The findings of migration Survey in India (2020-21) were released recently.

Key Findings from the Migration Survey in India (2020-21)

UPSC Syllabus: Index and reports

Source- This post on the State of the World’s Forests 2024 has been created based on the article “State of the World’s Forests 2024: Global efforts curb deforestation, but threats to forests from wildfires and pests remain” published in “Down to Earth” on 27 July 2024.

The “State of the World’s Forests 2024” report, released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It provides a comprehensive analysis of global forest conditions and trends, revealing both positive developments and ongoing challenges.

 Key Highlights of the report

1.  The report highlights a decline in deforestation rates compared to previous decades. Several countries have shown significant improvements in forest conservation.

2. Forest Coverage: As of 2020, global forest coverage was approximately 4.1 billion hectares (ha), or 31 percent of the land area. Major contributors to global forest area include:

i) Russia, Brazil, Canada, the United States of America, and China are top five countries collectively accounting for 54 percent of the global forest area.

ii) Australia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, Peru, and India, among others, contributing to about two-thirds of the global forest area.

3. Deforestation Trends: Between 1990 and 2020, around 420 million hectares of forest were converted to other land uses. Deforestation rates decreased from 15.8 million hectares per year (1990-2002) to 10.2 million hectares per year (2015-2020).

4. Regional Deforestation Rates:

i) Africa: 4.41 million hectares

ii) South America: 2.95 million hectares

iii) Asia: 2.24 million hectares

5. Forest Area Gains: In 2020, ten countries recorded annual gains in forest area, including China, Australia, India, Chile, Viet Nam, Turkey, the United States of America, France, Italy, and Romania.

6. India ranked third globally in forest area gains, with an annual increase of 266,000 hectares from 2010-2020.

7. Mangrove Forests:

i) The global mangrove area was recorded at 14.8 million hectares, with South and Southeast Asia contributing almost 44 percent of the total.

ii) The rate of gross global mangrove loss decreased by 23 percent between 2000-2010 and 2010-2020, though the rate of gain in mangrove area also decreased slightly.

iii) Asia was a major contributor to both mangrove loss and gains.

8. Impact of Fires:

i) An estimated 340-370 million hectares of the earth’s land area are impacted by annual fires.

ii)  Satellite data revealed that total fires in 2023 emitted 6,687 megatons of carbon dioxide globally, more than double the emissions from the European Union’s fossil fuel consumption.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports 

Source- This post on the Status of Garment sector in India has been created based on the article “India’s garment export woes self-inflicted: report” published in “The Hindu” on 22 July 2024.

Recently, Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) published its report.

Status of Garment sector in India

1. A report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) highlights that India’s garment export sector is struggling due to high duties, import barriers, and complex customs procedures.

2. In 2023-24, garment exports were $14.5 billion, down from $15 billion in 2013-14, while Vietnam and Bangladesh saw significant growth in their exports.

Key highlights of the report:

1. Comparative Decline: Vietnam’s garment exports grew by 82% to $33.4 billion, and Bangladesh’s by 70% to $43.8 billion, whereas India’s exports decreased.

2. Import Restrictions: High duties and complicated import procedures for raw materials, especially synthetic fabrics, are major hurdles for Indian exporters.

3. Domestic Issues: Quality control orders for fabric imports have increased costs for exporters, forcing reliance on more expensive domestic supplies.

4. Procedural Complexity: Outdated customs and trade procedures require meticulous tracking of all imported materials, adding to exporters’ burdens.

5. PLI Scheme Ineffective: The production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for textiles, launched in 2021, has not attracted significant investment and needs revision.

6. Rising Imports: India’s garment and textiles imports grew to nearly $9.2 billion in 2023, with further increases expected if export declines are not addressed.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports and index

Source- This post on India’s lost 2.6 years’ life expectancy between 2019 and 2020 has been created based on the article “Covid-19: India lost 2.6 years’ life expectancy between 2019 and 2020” published in “Business Standard” on 20 July 2024.

In the aftermath of COVID-19, India experienced a significant decline in life expectancy, with the most substantial losses observed among socially disadvantaged groups.

Key Findings from the Study

1. India lost 2.6 years in life expectancy between 2019 and 2020, a decline greater than that observed in high-income countries.

2. The decline was more pronounced among females, who lost 3.1 years, compared to males, who lost 2.1 years.

3. Age-Specific Impact:

i) The decline in life expectancy was higher among individuals aged 50-60.

ii) There were significant increases in mortality in the age groups 0-19 and 60-79 among females, and in the age group 40-59 among males.

iii) In high-income countries, the decline in life expectancy was primarily due to increased mortality above age 60, especially above age 80.

4. Social Group Disparities:

i) Muslims experienced the largest decline in life expectancy, from 68.8 years in 2019 to 63.4 years in 2020, a loss of 5.4 years.

ii) Scheduled Tribes saw a reduction of 4.1 years.

ii) Scheduled Castes experienced a reduction of 2.7 years.

iv) Both OBCs and high caste Hindus experienced a decline of 1.3 years each.

5. Gender and Social Group Analysis:

i) Muslim females experienced a loss of 6.6 years in life expectancy, compared to a loss of 4.6 years for Muslim males.

ii) Scheduled Castes females experienced a loss of 4.6 years, compared to a loss of 1.1 years for SC males.

iii) Scheduled Tribes males experienced a higher loss of 5.4 years, compared to 2.7 years for ST females.

iv) Females from OBCs and high caste Hindus experienced a loss of 1.9 years each, compared to a loss of 0.7 years for OBC males and 0.9 years for high caste Hindu males.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports 

Source- This post on the SDG India Index Report has been created based on the article “India shows good progress on SDGs: NITI Aayog report” published in “The Hindu” on 13 July 2024.

Recently, NITI Aayog released its fourth evaluation report of India’s progress on the 16 sustainable development goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015 by all United Nations member countries.

About SDG India Index Report

1. It is released by NITI aayog.

2. The SDG India Index evaluates progress made across 16 goals on a scale of 1 to 100.

Performance of the states in SDG India Index

1.  India’s SDG score improved to 71 points in 2023-24 from 66 points in 2020-21.

2. Key Drivers: Progress in poverty reduction, economic growth, and climate action contributed to the improvement.

3. Top Performers: 

i) Kerala and Uttarakhand: Both states topped the SDG India Index with a score of 79 points each.

ii) Lowest Performers: Bihar was the worst performer with 57 points, followed by Jharkhand with 62 points.

iii) Highest Gains: Punjab, Manipur, West Bengal, and Assam recorded the highest increases, each gaining 8 points to scores of 76, 72, 70, and 65 respectively.

4. Achievements:

i) The goal of reducing poverty saw a significant increase in points.

ii)  There was notable progress in achieving decent work and fostering economic growth.

iii) Efforts to protect and manage life on land also showed a substantial improvement.

iv)  The goal of achieving gender equality recorded the smallest increase in points.

v)  Similarly, the goal related to peace, justice, and strong institutions saw minimal progress.

vi) The goal of reducing inequalities experienced a decline, dropping to 65 points in 2022-23 from 67 points in 2020-21.

vii) Inequality Trends: Despite a marginal drop in the Reduced Inequalities goal, overall inequality in India has decreased. The gap in consumption between the richest 10% and the bottom 10% has contracted.

viii) Taxpayer Increase: The number of taxpayers has increased, indicating economic progress.

ix) Zero Poverty: Increased by 8 points to 72, reflecting reduced extreme poverty and improved livelihoods across India.

x) Zero Hunger: Increased by 5 points to 52, but further focus is needed on providing nutritious food to address malnourishment, stunting, and low BMI scores.

5. Areas of Concern:

i) Gender Equality: Received the lowest score of 49 points, with only a 1-point increase from 2020-21.

ii) Issues: Low sex ratio at birth, women’s ownership of land and assets, and low participation of women in the labor force.

UPSC Syllabus: Indices and reports

Source- This post on the UN Report on India’s Population Growth has been created based on the article “India’s population to peak at 1.7bn in 2060s, decline afterwards; China and Japan’s population to reduce significantly” published in “LiveMint” on 12 July 2024.

Key Hilghlights of the UN Report on India’s Population Growth

Key Highlights on Indian Population

1. According to a UN report, India’s population is projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2100 which will be double that of China’s projected 633 million.

2. Current Population: India’s current population is estimated at 1.451 billion which is nine million more than previously estimated two years ago.

3. By 2085, India’s population will be 1.61 billion, twice that of China’s 806 million.

4. India’s Demographic Transition: India’s population is expected to peak at 1.701 billion in 2061. The working-age population in India will peak by 2049, reaching 1.027 million.

5. Fertility Rates: India’s fertility rate fell below the replacement level of 2.1 in 2020 and is currently at 1.962.

Key Highlights on the Global Population

1. Global Population Rankings by 2100: By 2100, India and China will be followed in population rankings by Pakistan with 511 million people, Nigeria with 477 million, the Democratic Republic of the Congo with 431 million, and the United States with 421 million. The population growth in the United States will primarily be driven by immigration.

2. Global Population Trends: The global population is projected to peak at 10.29 billion in 2084. An aging China is expected to lose around half of its population over the next 75 years. The global fertility rate in 2024 is 2.25 births per woman, which is below the replacement level in over half of all countries.

3. Immigration and Population Growth: Immigration is expected to be a major driver of population growth in 62 countries through 2100. Many countries have already experienced population peaks due to low fertility rates.

4. Life Expectancy: Life expectancy has returned to pre-pandemic levels and is projected to increase to 77.4 years by 2054. By 2054, more than half of global deaths are likely to occur at age 80 or higher.

5. Child Mortality: The number of deaths among children under five fell below 5 million for the first time in 2023. However, high levels of child mortality persist in regions such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan.

UPSC Syllabus: Report 

Source-This post on Holistic Progress Card has been created based on the article “New report card for Classes 9 -12 to cover post-school plans, entrance exams prep and college applications” published in “The Indian Express” on 1 July 2024.

Why in the news?

PARAKH, a standard-setting body under NCERT, recently released the Holistic Progress Card, a report card designed for secondary school students (Classes 9 to 12). Similar HPCs were earlier designed for students from classes 1 to 8.

About Holistic Progress Card

Objective-To transform evaluations by focusing on diverse skills and competencies, instead of just the performance in periodic pen-and-paper tests and exams.

Applicability-Classes 9 to 12

Implementation– It will not be used in the ongoing 2024-25 academic session.

Features-

A) Teachers and officials will receive training for its implementation. States have the option to either implement the HPC released by NCERT or adapt it according to their requirements..

B) The HPC differs from internal marks in Board exam evaluations. It reflects the child’s academic achievements over the years and is intended to enhance the Board exam results. It will be integrated with the Board results.

C)The progress card includes various sections like the one where students assess themselves on skills like ‘time management‘ and ‘plans after school‘.

D) It includes an ‘accomplishments inventory‘ covering academic skills such as independent work/research and critical and creative thinking, as well as life skills like understanding the value of money and budgeting etc.

E) It includes the teacher’s assessment of the student in group projects, the student’s reflections on their own performance, and peer feedback on their understanding and contributions to the project.

What is the significance of Holistic Progress Card for classes 9 to 12?

1) It will realign school report cards with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE).

Read More-Govt. releases pre-draft of National Curriculum Framework for school

2) It will contribute towards bringing equivalence across different boards.

UPSC Syllabus-Index and Reports

Source- This post “Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2024” has been created based in the World Bank’s article published on 12th June 2024.

Why in News?

According to the recently released “Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2024“, the the world is not on course to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 for energy by 2030.

SDG 7 aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy. The SDG 7 goal includes reaching universal access to electricity and clean cooking, doubling historic levels of efficiency improvements, and substantially increasing the share of renewables in the global energy mix.

About the Report and its important Findings

UPSC Syllabus- Reports and Indices

Source– This post on Global Gender Gap Report 2024 is based on the article “Gender Gap Report 2024: India fares worse than Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan; scores low in political parity indices”  published in “Down to Earth” on 14th June 2024.

Why in the News?

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released the Global Gender Gap Report 2024, highlighting persistent gender inequality across various sectors worldwide.

About Global Gender Gap Report 2024

1. The Global Gender Gap Report 2024 is published by the World Economic Forum.

2. It assesses gender parity across four key dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment.

3. It is the longest-standing index tracking the progress of numerous countries’ efforts towards closing these gaps over time since its inception in 2006.

Key findings of the report

1. The global gender gap score for all 146 countries included in this edition stands at 68.5%.

2. Among the 101 countries continuously covered since 2006, the gap has also improved by +0.1 points to reach 68.6%.

3. Despite progress, no country has achieved full gender parity. However, 97% of economies included in this edition have closed more than 60% of their gender gap (compared to 85% in 2006).

5. Top-Ranking Countries:

i) Iceland maintained its position as the most gender-equal country for the 14th consecutive year, with a gender gap score of 91.2%.

ii) Norway, Finland, and Sweden also rank high, consistently placing in the top five.

About India’s Performance

1.  India is ranked 129 in this year’s index. The ranking reflects a slight regression compared to the previous edition.

2. The decline is primarily due to small decreases in ‘Educational Attainment’ and ‘Political Empowerment.’ Despite the overall decline, there was a slight improvement in ‘Economic Participation and Opportunity.’

3. India ranks the third-lowest among South Asian economies. India fares worse than Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports 

Source– This post on Child Nutrition Report 2024 is based on the article “UNICEF: 1 in 4 young children lives in severe food poverty” published in “VOA” on 12th June 2024.

Why in the News?

According to the recently released Child Nutrition Report 2024, severe food poverty affects one in four children under age 5 around the world.

About Child Nutrition Report 2024

1. Published by: UNICEF.

2. Objective: It examines the status, trends, inequities, and drivers of child food poverty in early childhood.

3. It addresses the impact of global and local food and nutrition crises.

4. It concentrates on low- and middle-income countries where most children experiencing food poverty reside.

5. It explores the effects of child food poverty on undernutrition and poor development.

6. UNICEF defines Child Food Poverty as children’s inability to access and consume a nutritious and diverse diet in early childhood (first five years of life).

 Highlights of the 2024 Report

1. Global Impact: One in four children under age 5 worldwide (27% or 181 million) faces severe food poverty and is at risk of life-threatening malnutrition.

2. Regional Distribution: Over two-thirds of the 181 million young children living in severe food poverty are in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

3. Key Countries: 20 countries account for 65% of children living in severe food poverty:
– Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Somalia, South Africa, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Yemen.

4. Household Impact: Children in both poor and non-poor households face severe food poverty.

5. Economic Distribution: About half (97 million) of the children in severe food poverty live in middle- and upper-income households.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports 

Source- This post on World Wealth Report 2024 has been created based on the article “Wealth of HNWIs reached unprecedented levels in 2023: Capgemini study” published in “The Hindu” on 8 June 2024.

Why in the News?

The Capgemini Research Institute’s recently published World Wealth Report 2024.

About World Wealth Report 2024

1. Released By: Capgemini Research Institute.

2. Coverage: The report covers 71 countries, representing more than 98% of global gross national income and 99% of the world’s stock market capitalization.

Findings of the report

UPSC Syllabus: Reports

Source-This post on Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 has been created based on the article “India ranks 39th on the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development” published in “Times Travel” on 24 May 2024.

Why in News?

India has raised its ranking in the newly released Travel & Tourism Development Index compared to the previous report.

About Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024

1.This index is second edition and it has evolved from a flagship series produced by the World Economic Forum since 2007.

2. It is developed in partnership with the University of Surrey and incorporating insights from top Travel & Tourism (T&T) stakeholders, thought leaders, and data partners.

3. It evaluates the factors and policies that facilitate sustainable and resilient T&T development.

4. India holds the 39th position, making it the highest-ranked nation in South Asia and among other lower-middle-income economies. This is a notable rise from the 54th position in 2021.

2.  Factors Influencing India’s Improved Ranking:

a) Cultural and Natural Attractions: India’s rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes contribute significantly to its appeal as a travel destination.

b) Investments in Tourism: Increased investments in tourism infrastructure, along with efforts to enhance sustainability and safety in travel and tourism, have positively impacted India’s ranking.

c) Competitive Advantages: India is highly ranked for its price competitiveness (18th), air transport (26th), and ground and port infrastructure (25th).

It stands out as one of only three countries ranked in the top 10 across all resource pillars, with Natural Resources at 6th and Cultural and Non-Leisure Resources at 9th.

Challenges and Current Performance

a) Performance Decline Since 2019:  Despite the overall improvement, India’s TTDI score in 2024 is 2.1% lower than in 2019, influenced by global inflation and supply issues.

b) Recovery from Pandemic: While there has been a decline in price competition, and air transport and tourist services have not fully rebounded to 2019 levels, there is optimism as the sector begins to recover post-pandemic.

Global Tourism Trends and Outlook

The lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions and increased travel demand are expected to drive a significant resurgence in international tourist arrivals.

The travel and tourism sector’s contribution to global GDP is anticipated to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, boosting the global industry.

UPSC Syllabus:  Index and Reports 

Source-This post on Global Report on Internal Displacement 2024 (GRID-2024) is based on the article “Weather-related disasters continue to displace more than conflict and violence” published in “Down to Earth” on 17th May 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, Global Report on Internal Displacement 2024 (GRID-2024) was released by the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC).

Finding of the report

1. About the report: The report is published annually by the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) and documents internal displacements caused by conflict, violence, and disasters.

2. Increase in Total Internally Displaced People: According to the Global Report on Internal Displacement 2024 (GRID-2024), the number of internally displaced people increased to 75.9 million in 2023, up from 71.1 million in 2022.

3. Conflict and Violence: 

a) Displacements due to conflict and violence rose significantly in 2023, with 68.3 million people displaced by the end of the year, marking a 49% increase from 2022.

b) The main countries affected included Sudan, Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Colombia, and Yemen, which collectively host nearly half of the world’s internally displaced population.

4. Displacement Due to Natural Disasters

a) Displacements caused by disasters totaled 7.7 million by the end of 2023. Earthquakes accounted for a quarter of these displacements.

b) Significant disaster-related displacements were recorded across 148 countries and territories. Canada and New Zealand reported their highest figures ever.

5. Weather-Related Displacements

a) Although there was a one-third reduction in weather-related displacements in 2023 compared to 2022, they still constituted 56% of all displacements, with 2023 being the third highest year for such displacements in the last decade.

b) This decrease is attributed to the shift from La Nina to El Nino, with La Nina typically associated with more storms and floods, while El Nino often brings drier conditions and droughts.

6. Impact of Global Weather Phenomena on South Asia

a) South Asia, including India, reported its lowest internal displacements since 2018 with 3.7 million displacements, of which 3.6 million were due to disasters.

b) This reduction is linked to the onset of El Nino, which resulted in below-average rainfall during the monsoon and a weaker cyclone season. However, floods and storms continued to cause significant displacements.

7. The increase in conflict and violence-related displacements in 2023 marks a reversal of the previous trend where natural disasters were the primary cause of displacement.

8. The 2022 report highlighted a 40% increase in disaster displacements from the previous year, predominantly due to weather-related events like floods and storms during the prolonged La Nina period.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports

Source-This post on Internet Shutdowns in India in 2023 is based on the article “India records highest number of Internet shutdowns in 2023” published in “The Hindu” on 14th May 2024.

Why in the News?

As per the recent study, India had the highest number of Internet shutdowns globally for the sixth consecutive year.

About Internet Shutdowns in India in 2023

1. India recorded the highest number of Internet shutdowns worldwide for the sixth consecutive year, with 116 incidents in 2023.

The frequency of prolonged shutdowns (lasting over five days) increased dramatically, from 15% of all shutdowns in 2022 to over 41% in 2023.

2. Reasons for Shutdowns: The government often imposed these shutdowns due to reasons such as communal tensions, violence, and exams. Notably, these measures have been criticized both domestically and internationally.

3. Severe Case in Manipur: The longest Internet shutdown occurred in Manipur, amid severe human rights violations. This state experienced 47 of the shutdown orders.

4. Regional vs. Local Shutdowns: Increasingly, shutdowns are being implemented on a regional basis. In 2023, 64 orders affected multiple districts within the same state, including a statewide shutdown in Punjab during a manhunt for Amritpal Singh.

5. Impact on Marginalized Communities: The report emphasized the profound impact on marginalized groups, particularly women in Manipur. The lack of Internet access hindered efforts to document and report atrocities like murder, rape, and arson.

6. Publication of Orders: There was inconsistent compliance with the Supreme Court’s guidelines for publishing Internet shutdown orders, adding to the challenges of accountability.

7. Internet Freedom Over the Decade: Over the past ten years, India has seen over 500 Internet shutdowns, reflecting a frequent use of this contentious measure, especially during protests, exams, elections, and episodes of communal violence.

8. Global Comparison: Myanmar recorded the second-highest number of shutdowns (37), following its 2021 military coup. Iran, Palestine, and Ukraine also featured prominently in the report with numerous shutdowns.

UPSC Syllabus: Governance

Source-This post on World Press Freedom Index 2024 is based on the article “India’s press freedom has rapidly declined in recent years” published in “The Hindu” on 8th May 2024.

Why in the News?

In the World Press Freedom Index 2024, India is ranked 159 out of the 180 nations.

About World Press Freedom Index:

Findings of World Press Freedom Index 2024:

1. India’s Press Freedom Ranking: India is ranked 159th in the 2024. It was ranked 161st in the 2023. This ranking places India alongside nations like the occupied Palestinian territories, UAE, Turkey, and Russia, indicating poor press freedom.

2. India’s past performance: India has consistently ranked over 100 since 2003, showing a long-term trend of limited press freedom. The country’s press freedom situation has deteriorated rapidly in recent years.

3. Global Comparisons:

a) Scandinavian countries (Norway, Denmark, Sweden) top the rankings with the highest press freedom. Eritrea, Syria, and Afghanistan rank the lowest.

b) Among BRICS nations, Brazil and South Africa rank higher than India, whereas China and Russia are lower. In South Asia, India ranks lower than all countries except Bangladesh.

4. Global Trends: The global trend shows a decline in press freedom, with an average drop of 7.6 points worldwide, accompanied by an increase in political repression of journalists and media.

a) Press freedom remains robust primarily in European Union countries, which recently implemented their first media freedom law (EMFA). In contrast, the Maghreb and Middle East regions face the most severe government-imposed press restrictions. 

b) Bhutan, Hong Kong, and Afghanistan have seen significant declines in press freedom since 2019 whereas Central African Republic, Timor-Leste, and Montenegro have shown notable improvements.

Read more: World Press Freedom Index 2023

UPSC Syllabus: Index and reports

Source– This post on  World Press Freedom Index 2023 is based on the article “India press freedom score fell over the last year: RSF” published in “The Indian Express” on 4th May 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, World Press Freedom Index 2023 was released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). India’s ranking has dropped to 161 out of 180 countries.

About World Press Freedom Index 2023:

Highlights of the World Press Freedom Index 2023

1. Brief Overview of Ranking- According to the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, the situation is “very serious” in 31 countries, “difficult” in 42, “problematic” in 55, and “good” or “satisfactory” in 52 countries. Norway has maintained its top ranking in the World Press Freedom Index, for the seventh consecutive year.

2. Status of India’s Ranking- India’s press freedom ranking stands at 161 out of 180 countries. This marks a decline from “problematic” to “very bad,” with an 11-rank drop since the 2022 report.

3. Neighbouring countries of India having higher rankings- All neighboring countries have higher rankings than India, with the exceptions of Bangladesh (163), Myanmar (173), and China (179). Bhutan ranks at 90, Nepal at 95, Sri Lanka at 135, Pakistan at 150, and Afghanistan at 152.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports and index

Source- This post on Global Report on Food Crises 2024 (GRFC) is based on the article “Global Report on Food Crisis (GRFC) report” published in “Down to Earth” on 24th March 2024.

Why in the News?

According to the 2024 Global Report on Food Crisis (GRFC), nearly 282 million people faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 59 countries in 2023.

About Global Report on Food Crisis (GRFC)

1. About: The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2024 is published annually by the Food Security Information Network (FSIN).

2. Launched by: It is launched by the Global Network Against Food Crises which is a collaboration involving United Nations agencies, the European Union, the United States Agency for International Development, and non-governmental organizations working to address food crises.

3. Key findings from GRFC 2024: The report examined a population of 1.3 billion across 59 countries in 2023.

a) For the fifth consecutive year, the number of people experiencing acute food insecurity increased. This means they faced severe food shortages that threatened their lives or livelihoods, regardless of the causes or duration.

b) Nearly 282 million people in 59 countries suffered from high levels of acute food insecurity in 2023.

c) Conflicts, extreme weather events, and economic shocks were identified as the main drivers worsening food crises worldwide.

d) Conflict and insecurity were the primary causes in 20 countries which is directly impacting 135 million people, notably in places like the Gaza Strip and Sudan.

e) The Gaza Strip faced the most severe food crisis in the past eight years while Sudan also experienced a significant crisis, with almost a third of its population requiring emergency food assistance.

f) Extreme weather events affected 18 countries, with over 72 million people experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity.

g) The ten countries with the most severe food crises in 2023 were the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Sudan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Yemen, the Syrian Arab Republic, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar.

h) There were positive developments in 17 countries in 2023, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine, where the food situation improved.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports 

Source-This post on Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee is based on the article “Pivotal fourth session of negotiations on a global plastics treaty opens in Ottawa” published in “UNEP official website” on 24th March 2024.

Why in the News?

The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution opened in Canada’s capital, Ottawa.

About Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee

1. About: a) In March 2022, during the fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly, a landmark resolution was adopted to establish an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) addressing plastic pollution, particularly in marine environments. 

b) The INC has been scheduled to convene five times by the end of 2024 to formulate the specific content of the ILBI.

2. Aim: This instrument aims to encompass the entire life cycle of plastic, covering aspects such as production, design, and disposal.

3. Goal of the global plastics treaty: The goal of the global plastics treaty is to establish a framework of global standards concerning accountability, responsibilities, financing, material/chemical standards, and import/export restrictions, along with setting targets.

4. Implementing Agency: Countries will be responsible for implementing policies aligned with these global standards to achieve the set targets.

5. Focus- Their focus is on reducing unnecessary plastic usage while still employing it for critical purposes such as renewable energy.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment (International treaties)

Source-This post on Workers and the climate change risk has been created based on the article “More than 70% global workers exposed to climate change risks: ILO” published in “Business Standard” on 23 April 2024.

Why in the news?

As per the report of International Labour Organization (ILO), over 70% of workers worldwide face climate change risks, leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths yearly.

Key Findings of ILO report

1) ILO in its report titled “Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate” observed that many workers are already facing climate change risks at work, and these numbers may increase in the future.

2)  There is a need to review current laws or make new rules and advice in the backdrop of rising number of natural hazards due to climate change.

3) The number of workers facing rising temperatures has increased by about 5% in the last 20 years to 70.9%, the report found. It also mentioned other climate risks, like UV radiation and air pollution, affecting around 1.6 billion people each.

4) Air pollution leads to about 860,000 work-related deaths yearly for outdoor workers. Excessive heat causes around 18,970 occupational deaths annually, while UV radiation causes roughly 18,960 deaths due to non-melanoma skin cancer.

5) The report mentions that technologies aimed at combating climate change, such as solar panels and lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, can sometimes pose new risks because they contain harmful chemicals.

6) The report highlighted that the working poor, those in informal jobs, seasonal workers, and employees of small businesses will be the most affected by these changes.

Read more-ILO Report: “A Call for safer and healthier working environments

UPSC Syllabus-Index/Reports.

Source- This post on the World Cybercrime Index has been created based on the article “India ranks number 10 in cybercrime, study finds” published in “Economic Times” on 11 April 2024.

Why in the news?

Recently, an international team of researchers has compiled the ‘World Cybercrime Index’.

About World Cybercrime Index

1. The ‘World Cybercrime Index’ identifies the globe’s key cybercrime hotspots by ranking the most significant sources of cybercrime at a national level.

2. The index was developed through a collaborative effort between the University of Oxford and UNSW Canberra.

3. It is based on data collected from a survey involving 92 top global experts in cybercrime, who specialize in intelligence and investigations related to cyber activities.

4. It ranks roughly 100 countries and identifies key hotspots according to various categories of cybercrime.

5. The five major categories of cybercrime assessed by the study were technical products/services, attacks and extortion, Data/identity theft, Scams, cashing out/money laundering.

6. Key findings from the World Cybercrime Index:

a) Russia tops the list with the highest cybercriminal threat, followed by Ukraine, China, the USA, Nigeria, and Romania.

b) The United Kingdom (UK) ranks at number eight in terms of cybercrime threat.

c) India was ranked 10th in cybercrime, mostly involving scams that trick people into making advance payments.

d) The study indicated that certain types of cybercrime were linked to specific countries. For ex- the U.S.A was predominantly connected with data and identity theft crimes, whereas crimes involving technical products or services frequently traced back to China.

e) The study also found that countries that are cybercrime hubs “specialise” in particular categories. For ex- Russia and Ukraine are highly technical cybercrime hubs, whereas Nigerian cybercriminals are engaged in less technical forms of cybercrime.

f) The worldwide economic impact of cybercrime is projected to significantly increase over the next four years, escalating from $9.22 trillion in 2024 to $13.82 trillion by 2028.

Read more: Cyber attacks and Cyber Security in India 

UPSC Syllabus: Index and reports

Source– This post on IPEF’s Clean Economy Investor Forum  is based on the article “Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) to organise Clean Economy Investor Forum in Singapore” published in “PIB” on 10th April 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the IPEF organized a Clean Economy Investor Forum in Singapore.

About IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum

1. The IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum is one of the initiatives under the IPEF. The Forum aims to mobilize investments into sustainable infrastructure, climate technology and renewable energy projects.

2. It brings together the region’s top investors, philanthropies, financial institutions, innovative companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs.

3. Managed by: Invest India (India’s National Investment Promotion Agency).

What are opportunities for the Indian industry?

The Forum will have opportunity for the Indian industry in the two following track:

a) Climate Tech Track: This track is open for top climate tech companies and startups from member countries, including India, to present their innovations to global investors. It focuses on recognizing leading enterprises in climate technology.

b) Infrastructure Track: This track highlights ready-to-invest sustainable projects in energy (solar, wind, hydrogen), transport (EVs, charging stations), and waste management, to be showcased at the 2024 Forum in India.

About Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)

1. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is an economic initiative launched by U.S.A President Joe Biden in 2022.

2. Objective: It provides a platform for countries in the region to collaborate on advancing resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth, and aims to contribute to cooperation, stability and prosperity in the region.

3. Members: It has 14 partners – Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, U.S.A and Vietnam.

4. Nodal agency: Department of Commerce for the IPEF engagements

5. The IPEF comprises four pillars of cooperation namely: Trade, Supply Chain, Clean Economy and Fair Economy.

Read more: IPEF agreement

UPSC Syllabus: International Relations

Source– This post on Glycaemic index is based on the article “Strong link between high glycaemic index diet and diabetes, says study” published in “The Hindu” on 9th April 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently a study has found that consuming low glycaemic index diets might prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

About Glycemic index (GI) and Glycemic load (GL)

1. The glycemic index (GI) ranks foods containing carbohydrates according to their effect on blood glucose levels after eating.

2. High Glycemic Index (GI) foods are digested and absorbed by the body quickly, leading to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. For ex- Sugary foods and beverages, white bread, potatoes, and white rice.

3. Low and medium GI foods are digested more slowly, causing a more gradual increase in blood sugar levels. For ex- Fruits and vegetables, pulses, and whole grains like porridge oats.

Glycemic Index and Glycemic load advantages

1.The glycemic index (GI) is beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes as consuming low GI foods aids in managing blood glucose levels. 

2. The glycemic load (GL) evaluates the quality and quantity of carbohydrates in a particular food item and the amount of carbohydrate consumed in one serving.

Findings of the study

a) People with the highest Glycemic Load (GL) intake faced greater diabetes risks than those with the lowest.

b) The link between glycemic index (GI) and diabetes risk was notably stronger in individuals with higher body mass indexes (BMIs).

UPSC Syllabus: Index, Report and Summits.

Source-This post on Nuclear power is key to development-IIM Ahmedabad Study is based on the article “Nuclear power is key to development, says study” published in “The Hindu” on 4th April 2024.

Why in the News?

A recent study by academics at IIM Ahmedabad stated that India must prioritize investment in the energy sector and expand related infrastructure if it aims to become a developed nation by 2047 and achieve net zero emissions by 2070.

About the IIM Ahmedabad Study

1. Funded by– Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India.

2. Methodology applied:
a. The authors used mathematical models to figure out how much energy from different sources would be needed by 2030 and 2050 to achieve net zero emissions by 2070.
b. They also considered scenarios where India’s population reaches a human development index similar to Western European countries and the cost of energy access decreases.

What are the key findings of the Study?

1. Their calculations revealed that in the best-case scenario, emissions in 2070 would decrease to 0.55 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, achieving a ‘net zero’ outcome.

2. This would require nuclear power to increase five times from current levels to 30 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and 265 GW by 2050.

3. Between 2020 and 2070, India would require approximately Rs.150-200 lakh crore to fund these transformations.

Note– Currently, according to the Central Electricity Authority, solar energy constitutes 16% of India’s installed generation capacity, while coal accounts for 49%. Meanwhile, nuclear energy only makes up 1.6%.

UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

Source-This post on India risking ‘squandering’ demographic dividend: World Bank is based on the article “South Asia, India risk squandering demographic dividend: World Bank” published in “The Hindu” on 2nd February 2024.

Why in the News?

The World Bank, in its latest regional update titled “Jobs for Resilience”,  has stated that the South Asia region, including India and its neighbours, is not generating sufficient jobs to support its youthful populations.

This puts the South Asia region demographic dividend at risk, despite experiencing the world’s fastest economic growth, which is projected at 6.0-6.1% for 2024-25.

What observations has the World Bank made?

1. Decline in employment ratio:
a. The World Bank has observed that India failed to match its job creation with the expanding working-age population from 2000 to 2023.
b. Consequently, India experienced a more significant decline in its employment rate compared to any other nation in the region, except Nepal, until 2022.
c. In 2023, South Asia’s employment ratio was 59%, compared to 70% in other emerging markets. The World Bank has highlighted that South Asia was the only region where the proportion of employed working-age men decreased over the past two decades.

2. Low female participation– The employment rates for women in several South Asian countries, including India, rank among the lowest globally, at less than 40%.

3. Affected sectors– The poor employment patterns in the area mainly affected non-agricultural sectors like manufacturing and services.

4. Recommended Actions– The Bank has suggested boosting job creation by promoting women’s participation in the economy, enhancing trade openness, and enhancing educational standards.

UPSC Syllabus- Reports and Indices

Source: This article on the Food Waste Index Report 2024 is based on “Households across the world waste 1 billion meals a day, says UN report” which was published in “The Hindu” on 29^th March 2024.

Why in news?

Food Waste Index Report 2024, was launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme).

Findings of the report

1) According to the Food Waste Index Report 2024, households across the globe wasted over one billion meals a day in 2022.

2) Whereas, 783 million people struggled with hunger and a third of humanity faced food insecurity.

3) In 2022, 1.05 billion tonnes of food waste generated (including inedible parts) which amounts to 132 kilograms per capita and almost one-fifth of all food available to consumers.

4) Out of the total food wasted in 2022, 60% happened at the household level, with food services responsible for 28%, and retail 12%.

5) Many low- and middle-income countries continue to lack adequate systems for tracking progress to meet Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 of halving food waste by 2030, particularly in retail and food services.

6) It was found that food waste is not a “rich country problem”. Difference between average levels of household food waste for high-income, upper-middle, and lower-middle-income countries, was just 7 kg per capita.

8) Hotter countries appear to generate more food waste per capita in households. It is potentially due to higher consumption of fresh foods with substantial inedible parts and a lack of robust cold chains.

9) The report found that food loss and waste generated “8%-10%” of annual global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (almost five times that of the aviation sector).

The cost of both food loss and waste for the global economy was at $1 trillion.

10) As compared to urban areas, rural ones generally wasted less food, due to “greater diversion of food scraps to pets, livestock, and home composting”.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports

Source-This post on World Air Quality Report 2023 is based on the article “Delhi World’s Most Polluted Capital Again, India Has 3rd Worst Air Quality: Report” published in “ABP News” on 19th MARCH 2024.

Why in the News?

According to the World Air Quality Report 2023, Delhi was identified as the city with the poorest air quality.

About World Air Quality Report 2023

1. Published by– Swiss organisation IQAir.

2. Data collection – The data encompassed information from 7,812 sites across 134 countries, regions, and territories.

Key findings

1. India ranked third in terms of air quality, with an average annual concentration of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) at 54.4 micrograms per cubic meter.

2. India ranked lower than only two of its neighboring countries, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

3. Bangladesh had the highest pollution level globally, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 79.9 micrograms per cubic meter, while Pakistan ranked second with 73.7.

4. It also named Delhi as the world’s most polluted capital city for the fourth year in a row.

5. Begusarai in Bihar was identified as the most polluted metropolitan area globally.

6. India has ten of the top 11 most polluted cities globally, with the remaining one being Lahore in Pakistan.

7. 96 percent of India’s population faces PM2.5 levels that exceed the WHO annual guideline by more than seven times.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment/Reports & Indices

Source-This post on Employment status in India is based on the article “No major change in employment status or wages in 10 years” published in “The Hindu” on 18th March 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, a report by Bahutva Karnataka shows that the share of self-employed workers increased, while the share of those in formal employment remained low.

Findings of the report

i) Minimum wage: Many households still earn less than the proposed National Floor Level Minimum Wage (NFLMW). In 2019, an expert committee recommended the NFLMW to be at least ₹375 per day and ₹3,050 per week.

ii)  Widening Wage inequality: Widening Wage inequality has widened the gap between the rich and the poor.

a) According to World Inequality Database 2022, the top 1% and 10% of the population held 22% and 57% of the national income, respectively, while the bottom 50% held 12.7%.

b) There is negligible increase in wage earnings when adjusted for inflation.

iii) Low Formal Employment: The share of employment in the formal sector remained below 25%. The share of formal employment with social security and other advantages attached to it has remained stagnant.

iv) Increase in Self-Employment: The number of self-employed individuals has increased substantially.

a) The share of those who were self-employed remained above 50% by 2022-23.

b) The share of self-employed women was the highest in the share of employment. It also saw the highest growth of 8% points from 56.5% in 2011-12 to 64.3% in 2022-23.

v) Unpaid Labor: The report indicates an increase in the proportion of women working unpaid in family enterprises or farming. This increase indicates a lack of other remunerative job opportunities and stagnating household income.

vi) Gender Disparities Persist: Despite greater engagement in self-employment, disparities between genders remains. Women are frequently engaged in unpaid labour or informal work due to limited opportunities in the formal sector.

vii) Economic Stagnation Impact: Economic stagnation has resulted in restricted growth in formal sector employment. This drives many people, particularly women, to pursue self-employment and unpaid labour as alternative sources of income.

Read more: Present Status of Unemployment In India

UPSC Syllabus: Economy (Reports) 

Source-This post on INFAAR 2019-22 Report: First national report on AMR surveillance in India’s fisheries, livestock sectors is based on the article “FAO publishes first national report on AMR surveillance in India’s fisheries, livestock sectors” published in “DownToEarth” on 11th March 2024.

Why in the News?

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) released surveillance data of the Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR) for 2019-22.

INFAAR 2019-22 Report is the first national report on AMR surveillance in India’s fisheries and livestock sectors.

What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is the resistance of microorganisms (bacteria, virus, parasites and fungi) to an antimicrobial agent (antibiotics, fungicides, antiviral agents and parasiticides), to which they were first sensitive.

What are the key findings of the report?

Data collection:
a. The (INFAAR) collected data from 2019-2022, covering 3 aquaculture systems (freshwater, brackish-water and marine) and major food-producing animals.
b. Resistance was profiled for Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (CONS), Escherichia coli, Aeromonas species Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio sp.

1. Resistance pattern in fisheries sector:
a. Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus exhibited high resistance against penicillin across all systems.
b. Freshwater fish displayed significant resistance to ciprofloxacin (54.8%), while marine samples showed higher resistance to cefotaxime (54.1%).
c. Significant resistance was also observed in shrimp samples against ampicillin.

2. Resistance pattern in livestock sector:
a. E. coli and Staphylococcus isolates from various livestock were tested for antimicrobial resistance profiles. Increased resistance, especially in E. coli and Staphylococci, was noted in the livestock sector.
b. Isolates from poultry showed higher resistance rates to various antibiotics compared to those from other food animals.

UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology/Reports & Indices

Source– This post on India was the top arms importer in 2019-2023: SIPRI is based on the article “India world’s top arms importer between 2019-23: SIPRI” published in “The Hindu” on 12th March 2024.

Why in the News?

According to the latest data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India was the world’s leading arms importer for the period 2019-2023. India’s arms imports saw a 4.7% increase compared to the period from 2014 to 2018.

What are the key findings?

1. Russia remains India’s top supplier– Russia is still India’s main arms supplier, making up 36% of imports. However, it’s the first time since 1960-1964 that Russia’s deliveries comprised less than half of India’s arms imports in a five-year period.

Note– After Russia, France (33%) stands as India’s second-largest arms supplier, while the US (13%) ranks as the third-largest provider of weapons to India.

2. Asia and the Middle East are the leading importers– In 2019-2023, nine of the top ten arms importers, including India, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, were from Asia, Oceania, or the Middle East.

3. Increase in European arms imports
a. The report shows a notable 94% rise in European arms imports from 2014-2018 to 2019-2023 which is likely due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
b. In 2019-2023, European countries imported over half of their arms, 55%, from the U.S., which increased from 35% in 2014-2018.

4. U.S. and France top arms exports– The United States, the biggest arms supplier globally, experienced a 17% increase in exports from 2014-2018 to 2019-2023. Meanwhile, France became the world’s second-largest arms supplier, with exports growing by 47%.

About Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

About– It is an independent international institute headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, dedicated to researching conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament.

Vision– A world in which sources of insecurity are identified and understood, conflicts are prevented or resolved, and peace is sustained.

Established in 1966

UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

Source-This post on Democracy Report 2024 is based on the article “India ‘one of the worst autocratisers’: V-Dem report on democracy” published in “The Hindu” on 11th March 2024.

Why in the News?

The 2024 Democracy Report shows that India, previously labeled as an “electoral autocracy” in 2018, has worsened across many measures, confirming India’s status as a major autocracy.

About the Report

Released by– V-Dem Institute at Sweden’s University of Gothenburg

Data collection– This report is a joint effort that engages 4,200 scholars representing 180 countries. It draws from 31 million datasets spanning 1789 to 2023 and covers 202 countries.

Democracy Assessment Parameters– The report classifies countries into four regime types using the Liberal Democratic Index (LDI): Liberal Democracy, Electoral Democracy, Electoral Autocracy, and Closed Autocracy.

What are the key findings of the report?

India’s Performance
a. India is at rank 104 in Liberal Democratic Index (LDI), India ranks in the bottom 40-50% among the 179 countries reviewed.
b. It has slipped further down in the Electoral Democracy Index, to 110.
c. India is at rank 92 in Liberal Component Index.

Spreading of autocratization globally

1. The report notes a global trend of increasing autocratization, affecting 42 countries and 2.8 billion people, or 35% of the world’s population.

2. The report indicates that South and Central Asia has become the second most autocratic region globally. In regional terms, Bhutan stands as the sole liberal democracy.

3. India, with 18% of the world’s population, holds about half of the population in countries experiencing autocratization.

UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

Source-This post on Zero-food children has been created based on the article “Report turns spotlight on India’s ‘zero-food children” published in “The Hindu” on 8 March 2024.

Why in the news?

A recent study had ranked India as having the third-highest percentage of children who had not eaten any food for 24 hours.

About Zero-food children

It refers to those children who did not consume any animal milk, formula, or solid or semi-solid food during the last 24 hours.
This category is critical because, at approximately six months of age, breastfeeding alone is insufficient to meet the nutritional needs of a child.

Findings of recent studies

1) As per the study published recently in the peer-reviewed JAMA Network Open journal, India ranks third highest globally, with 19.3% of children not receiving food, following Guinea (21.8%) and Mali (20.5%). In terms of numbers, India has the highest number of zero-food children at more than six million.

2) As per the study of Lancet Discovery Science, Uttar Pradesh alone accounts for 28.4% of zero-food children in India followed by Bihar (14.2%), Maharashtra (7.1%), Rajasthan (6.5%), and Madhya Pradesh (6%).

What are the steps taken by government to curb malnutrition in India?

1) Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme: It was launched in 1975 to provide food, preschool education, primary healthcare, immunization, health checkups, and referral services to children under 6 years old and their mothers.
2) Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): It is a Centrally Sponsored DBT scheme with a cash incentive of ₹ 5000/- (in three instalments) being provided directly in the bank/post office account of Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers.
3) National Nutrition Mission (NNM): The government of India has launched the National Nutrition Mission (NNM), also known as POSHAN Abhiyaan, to eradicate malnutrition by the year 2022.
4) Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: The mission was launched in 2018 to accelerate anaemia decline by one to three percentage points annually.
5) Mid-day Meal (MDM) scheme: It aims to improve nutrition levels among school children in addition to increasing enrolment, retention, and attendance.
6) National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: It ensures food and nutrition security for the most vulnerable section of society.

UPSC Syllabus-Index & Reports.

Source-This post on World Poverty Clock: Key findings is based on the article “Less than 3% of India’s population now living under extreme poverty: World Poverty Clock” published in “The Hindu Businessline” on 2nd March 2024.

Why in the News?

According to recent data from the World Poverty Clock, India has made significant progress in reducing extreme poverty. Less than 3% of India’s population now lives below the poverty line.

This accomplishment is in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1.1 of eradicating extreme poverty by 2030.

What are the key findings of the World Poverty Clock?

1. The clock uses a daily income limit of $2.15 to present its findings.

2. Accordingly, the number of people in India living in extreme poverty decreased to about 3.44 crore in 2024 from 4.69 crore in 2022, making up 2.4% of the total population.

Note– The $2.15 per day poverty line, also called the extreme poverty line, represents national poverty lines in numerous poorest countries. It measures progress toward the World Bank’s goal of reducing extreme poverty to under 3% by 2030.

Niti Aayog recent paper on poverty

1. A recent paper by NITI Aayog, titled ‘Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-06,’ states that multidimensional poverty dropped significantly from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23. This led to 24.82 crore individuals escaping multidimensional poverty over nine years.

2. The paper studied how much multidimensional poverty existed in India between 2005-06 and 2022-23.

What is World Poverty Clock?

1. About– The World Poverty Clock offers real-time poverty forecasts until 2030 for almost every country globally.

2. Funding– Supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany.

3. Working mechanism:
a. The Clock illustrates the global count of individuals living in extreme poverty. It categorizes them by age, gender, and whether they reside in rural or urban areas.
b. Every second, some individuals rise out of poverty while others slip into it, and the Clock registers all these changes.

UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

Source-This post on Global Resource Outlook 2024 is based on the article “UNEA-6: Extraction & use of world’s resources has grown three times more in 50 years” published in “Down to Earth” on 1st March 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the Global Resource Outlook 2024 report has been published by UNEP.

Key findings of the report

1. Production and consumption of resources:

i) The consumption and use of resources is largely driven by demand in upper income countries. 

ii) Global production and consumption of material resources has grown more than three times over the last 50 year.

2. Extraction and processing of material resources

i) The extraction and processing of material resources accounts for over 55 per cent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 40 per cent of particulate matter poisoning the environment.

ii) The extraction and processing of agricultural crops and forestry products accounts for 90 per cent of land-related biodiversity loss and water stress and a one- third of GHG emissions.

iii) The extraction and processing of fossil fuels, metals and non-metallic minerals including sand, gravel and clay account for 35 per cent of global emissions. 

3. The report predicts that resource exploitation could increase by almost 60 per cent from 2020 levels by 2060 from 100 to 160 billion tonnes.

4. The report shows global inequality where low-income countries consume six times lesser materials compared to wealthy nations.

5. The report highlights that upper middle-income countries have more than doubled their resource utilization over the past five decades to facilitate their own infrastructure growth.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Source-This post on Lancet study on Global Obesity rates is based on the article “Obesity rates going up across the world: Lancet study” published in “The Hindu” on 29th February 2024.

Why in the News?

According to Lancet study on Global Obesity rates, the obesity rates among children and adolescents worldwide have increased four times from 1990 to 2022. Meanwhile, obesity rates among adults have more than doubled.

What are the key findings of the Study?

Study conducted by– NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).

Note– NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) is a global network of health scientists offering thorough and prompt data on risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs)

Worldwide Figures– More than one billion people worldwide are living with obesity. Specifically, in 2022, there were 159 million children and adolescents, as well as 879 million adults, who were obese.

India’s findings

1. Children and adolescents– The obesity rate for girls rose from 0.1% in 1990 to 3.1% in 2022, while for boys, it increased from 0.1% to 3.9%.

Note– In terms of obesity rates among girls and boys, India ranked 174th globally in 2022.

2. Adults– Among women, the obesity rate surged from 1.2% in 1990 to 9.8% in 2022, while among men, it rose from 0.5% to 5.4%.

Methodology used:
a. More than 1,500 researchers from 190+ countries analyzed weight and height data from over 220 million individuals aged five and older.
b. They used body mass index (BMI) to study global changes in obesity and underweight from 1990 to 2022.

Significance of the study:
a. This discovery is important given India’s existing high rates of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, strokes, and diabetes.
b. Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing these diseases, including Type 2 diabetes in teenagers, at an early age.

Note– Obesity, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), refers to an excessive accumulation of fat that can be harmful to health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is classified as obese.

UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices/Science & Technology

Source-This post on Report on Status of Leopard in India is based on the article “Leopard numbers show 8% rise from 2018 to 2022” published in “The Hindu” on 29th February 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the Environment Ministry, in collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), unveiled the fifth cycle of leopard population estimation in India.

Key findings of the Fifth cycle of leopard population estimation in India

1. Population Estimate:
a. India’s leopard population is estimated at 13,874, showing stability compared to the previous count. The numbers rose by 8% from 12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022.
b. However, this only covers 70% of leopard habitat, with the Himalayas and semi-arid regions not included in the survey.

2. Region-wise Trends– In Central India, the leopard population remains stable or shows slight growth, whereas in the Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains, there is a decline in population.

3. State-wise distribution:
a. The highest number of leopards were reported in Madhya Pradesh (3,907), followed by Maharashtra (1,985), Karnataka (1,879) and Tamil Nadu (1,070).
b. The tiger reserves or locations with the highest leopard populations include Nagarajunasagar Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, followed by Panna and Satpura in Madhya Pradesh.

4. Survey Methodology– The study targeted forested habitats across 18 states with tiger populations, employing foot surveys and camera traps. It captured over 4,70,81,881 photographs, resulting in 85,488 images of leopards.

About Leopard

Habitat: In India, the leopard is found in all forest types, from tropical rainforests to temperate deciduous and alpine coniferous forests. It is also found in dry scrubs and grasslands, the only exception being deserts and the mangroves of Sundarbans.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment (Species in news)/Reports & Indices

Source-This post on Grey Zone Warfare is based on the article “Grey-zone warfare latest entry in lexicon of warfare, says Chief of Defence Staff” published in “The Hindu” on 24th February 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, at the Raisina Dialogue, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan made a statement regarding grey-zone warfare, specifically in reference to China.

What is Grey Zone Warfare?

1. Grey Zone Warfare is a strategy where a country tries to gain an advantage without openly going to war.

2. It involves tactics like cyberattacks, misinformation, and economic pressure to weaken an opponent.

3. China has been skillfully using this strategy, especially against India and neighboring countries.

What are China’s Grey Zone Tactics against India?

1. South China Sea Activities- China employs naval and civilian vessels to assert its control over the South China Sea. It causes tensions with neighboring countries, including India.

2. Constructing infrastructure in border areas– China builds infrastructure and establishes villages close to India’s borders. It reinforces its territorial assertions and gains strategic benefits.

3. Investments in digital technologies- China directs investments into apps, media, and various digital platforms within India. This presence in the digital sphere holds the potential to mold public perceptions and narratives.

What is Raisina Dialogue?

1. About- Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-strategy.

2. Organized by– Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation(ORF).

3. Started- It was inaugurated in 2016. 2024 is the 9th Edition.

4. Theme for 2024- Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create.

5. Chief Guest- Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

UPSC Syllabus- International Relations/Summits

Source-This post on Munich Security Conference 2024 has been created based on the article “Munich Security Conference 2024: India is non-west but not anti-west, says EAM S Jaishankar” published in “WION” on 18 February 2024.

Why in the news?

World leaders have gathered for the Sixtieth (60th) Munich Security Conference, amidst the growing concerns about a continued war in Ukraine and threats to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) cohesion.

About Munich Security Conference

Description– It is the world’s leading forum for debating international security policy. It is often referred to as the ‘Davos of Defence’.

Objective– Its objective is to build trust and contribute to the peaceful resolution of conflicts, by sustaining a continuous and informal dialogue within the international security community.

Venue– It has been held in Munich, Germany, since 1963.

Frequency of conference– The conference is held annually in February.

Key features-
1) It is a venue for diplomatic initiatives to address the world’s most pressing security concerns.

2) It brings together security experts, politicians, military leaders and the defence industry from around the world.

3) It publishes the Munich Security Report. This is an annual report about figures, maps and research on crucial security challenges.

What is North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)?

Description– It is a transatlantic security alliance of 31 like-minded North American and European countries.

Origin- It was established by the North Atlantic Treaty (also called the Washington Treaty) on April 4, 1949.

Objective– Its objective is to protect peace and to guarantee the territorial integrity, political independence, and security of the member states.

Headquarters– Brussels, Belgium.

Most important article of the treaty– Article Five (V)– If an armed attack occurs against one of the member states, it should be considered an attack against all members. This article forms the core of the Alliance, a promise of collective defence.

Read more about- North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

UPSC Syllabus-International relation & summits.

Source– This post on First-ever Digital India futureSKILLS has been created based on the article “Ministry of Electronics & IT to hold first-ever Digital India futureSKILLS summit in Guwahati on Thursday” published in “PIB” on 14 February 2024.

Why in the news?

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is hosting the first-ever FutureSKILLS Summit in Guwahati on February 15, 2024.

About First-ever Digital India futureSKILLS Summit

Read more about- Skill Development

UPSC Syllabus- National Summits.

Source-This post on World Governments Summit 2024  is based on the article “Prime Minister’s participation in World Governments Summit 2024” published in “PIB” on 14th February 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, Prime Minister Modi has attended the World Government Summit 2024 in the UAE as a guest of honor. He was a guest of honor at the summit in 2018 as well.

What is World Governments Summit?

1. About– It is an annual event where leaders, policymakers, experts, and thinkers from around the world meet to discuss and tackle important global issues.

2. Started– It started in 2013 under the leadership of the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.

3. Location– It takes place every year in Dubai, UAE.

4. Summit activities focus– The Summit in its diverse activities explores how governments can use innovation and technology to solve global challenges for humanity in the future.

5. 2024 Theme: Shaping the Future Governments.

6. The summit agenda will also focus on six main themes:
a. Government Acceleration and Transformation
b. Artificial Intelligence and The Next Frontiers
c. Reimagining Development and Future Economies
d. Future Societies and Education
e. Sustainability and The New Global Shifts
f. Urbanization and Global Health Priorities

UPSC Syllabus- Index/reports/Summits

Source-This post on World Sustainable Development Summit has been created based on the article “Text of the Vice-President’s speech – World Sustainable Development Summit 2024, TERI” published in “PIB“on 7 February 2024.

Why in the news?

Vice-President of India has recently inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit in Delhi in February 2024.

About World Sustainable Development Summit

Introduction-It is an annual flagship multistakeholder convening. This was previously called as Delhi Sustainable Development Summit.

Established in – 2001.

Organized by – The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

Parties involved – Ministries of Earth Sciences, New and Renewable Energy and Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Objective – To mobilize opinion-makers to address issues concerning sustainable development and climate change.

NOTE-It is the only independently convened international summit on sustainable development and environment, based in the Global South.

Key facts about World Sustainable Development Summit-2024

1) Main theme – Leadership for Sustainable Development and Climate Justice.

2) Topics for Discussion  – Integrating SD, nature-based solutions, adaptation and resilience, sustainable consumption and lifestyles, addressing the energy trilemma, and climate action.

3) Important publication-“Vasundhara Magazine” – Its 14th edition titled ‘EquiClimate’, based on the theme ‘Climate Injustice: Vulnerabilities of the Vulnerable’ will be introduced.

4) Awareness generation -“Cool it for the climate” – As a behaviour change campaign, it organizes a poster-making competition for school students aimed to promote simple sustainable practices.

About The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

Established-It was established in 1974 as an information centre on energy issues.

Introduction-It is a leading think tank dedicated to conducting research for sustainable development of India and the Global South.

Areas of work-It is an independent, multi-dimensional organization, with capabilities in research, policy, consultancy, and implementation.

Objectives-1) Promoting efficient use of resources
2) Increasing access to and uptake of sustainable inputs and practices
3) Reducing the impact on environment and climate

Headquarter-It is headquartered in New Delhi.

UPSC Syllabus-Summits.

Source- This post on RBI Report-Finance of Panchayat Raj Institutions has been created based on the article “Higher autonomy of panchayats leads to better health outcomes” published in “The Hindu” on 5 February 2024.

Why in the news?

RBI has recently released “Finance of Panchayat Raj Institutions” report highlighting the significance of financial autonomy of Panchayats.

Key findings of the report

1) RBI study noted that panchayats earn only 1% of their income through taxes, with the rest being sourced from Central and State grants.

2) The report noted that Panchayats having more functional and financial autonomy perform well on health, nutrition and sanitation.

Chart 1 shows this relationship, that is, the higher the score on health, nutrition, and sanitation parameters, the lower the IMR.(Infant mortality rate). For example-Kerala has a high score and low IMR.

3) RBI uses devolution index prepared by MoPRs (ministry of Panchayat Raj) to checks whether these better-performing States also have greater autonomy at the panchayat level.(Chart-2). For example-Tamil Nadu has high devolution score and low IMR.

4) Chart 1 and 2 when read together shows that panchayats having higher devolution of power fare well in health outcomes in rural areas.

NOTE – The devolution index rates a State based on three parameters:-

1) The transfer of subjects such as drinking water, rural housing, family welfare, and women and child development under the control of panchayats.

2) The transfer of functionaries, that is, how many positions were filled by panchayats on their own.

3) The transfer of finances, that is, power of panchayats to raise its own funds and autonomy in decision-making.

UPSC Syllabus- Reports and Indices

Source-This post on RBI report on Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) is based on the article “Panchayats earn only 1% of their revenue through taxes” published in “The Hindu” on 24th January 2024.

Why in the News?

According to a report by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on the finances of Panchayati Raj Institutions for 2022-23, local taxes and fees contributed only 1.1 percent to Panchayats’ total revenue.

What are the key findings of the report?

1) Decline in Panchayat average revenue – According to the report, the average revenue per Panchayat (including taxes, non-taxes, and grants) stood at 21.2 lakh in 2020-21, increased to 23.2 lakh in 2021-22, and then slightly declined to 21.23 lakh in 2022-23.

2) Panchayat own revenue sources:
a. During the study period, the Panchayats’ own revenues (Local taxes and fees) accounted for merely 1.1 percent of their total revenue.
b. Non-tax revenue, primarily from Panchayati Raj programmes and interest earnings, constituted 3.3 per cent of the total revenue receipts.

3) Grant reliance:
a. Panchayats rely heavily on property taxes, fees, fines, and grants, with approximately 95% of their revenue coming from grants provided by higher levels of government.
b. Specifically, 80% of the revenue was from Central government grants; only 15% was from State government grants.

4) Low Expenditure:
a. The average Panchayat expenditure dropped from 17.3 lakh in 2020-21 to 12.5 lakh in 2022-23, mainly due to higher spending during the pandemic.
b. Goa, Karnataka, Odisha, Sikkim, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu recorded the highest average Panchayat expenditures.
c. The revenue expenditure of panchayats accounts for less than 0.6% of the gross state domestic product across all states.

What are the source of Finance for PRIs?

1) Grants from the Central Finance Commission (tax devolution) and other grants provided by the Central Government.

2) Revenue collected by the State government on behalf of local bodies (State Finance Commissions Transfer), including tolls, taxes, duties, and fees, as well as grants-in-aid.

3) As per Article 243-H, PRIs are empowered to levy, collect, and distribute taxes, duties, tolls, and fees.

UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation/Report & Indices

Source-This post is based on the article “Corruption index: India ranks 93 among 180 nations” published in “The Indian Express” on 31st January 2024.

Why in the News?

According to the latest report by Transparency International, India secured the 93rd position out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2023.

What is Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)?

What are the key findings of the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2023?

1) India’s rank worsened– In 2023, India secured the 93rd position among 180 countries, whereas in 2022, it held the 85th rank. India attained an overall score of 39 in 2023, slightly down from its score of 40 in 2022.

2) Top performer in Asian region– Singapore topped the Asian region with a score of 83, ranking fifth in the Index.

3) Other South Asian countries– Pakistan is ranked 133, While Sri Lanka is ranked 115 and Afghanistan is ranked 162.

4) Top rankers– Denmark at the top, followed by Finland, New Zealand and Norway.

5) Lowest rank – At rank 180 was Somalia with the lowest score of 11.

UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

Source-This post is based on the article “India’s multidimensional poverty rate down to 11.28% in 2022-23 from 29.17% in 2013-14” published in “The Indian Express” on 16th January 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, NITI Aayog has released a discussion paper ‘Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-06’.

What are the key findings of the NITI Aayog discussion paper?

Note: The discussion paper utilizes MPI data (MPI, 2023, released in July 2023) derived from the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) conducted in 2015-16 and 2019-21, along with NFHS-3 data from 2005-06, to analyze long-term poverty trends. You can also say that it is an updated version of previously released Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index 2023.

1) India has registered a significant decline in multidimensional poverty in India from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23 (a reduction of 17.89 percentage points).
– In numbers about 24.82 crore people escaped multidimensional Poverty in last 9 years.

2) Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 5.94 crore people escaping poverty followed by Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

3) The paper reveals a faster decline in the poverty headcount ratio from 2015-16 to 2019-21 (10.66% annual rate) compared to the period 2005-06 to 2015-16 (7.69% annual rate).

4) All 12 indicators of MPI have recorded significant improvement during the entire study period.

5) India is poised to achieve single-digit poverty rates by the year 2024.

6) India is likely to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1.2 (reducing multidimensional poverty by at least half) much ahead of 2030.

What is National Multidimensional Poverty Index(MPI)?

1) The National MPI is a metric used to evaluate poverty in a country by considering multiple dimensions beyond income or consumption expenditure.

2) Indicators- The index is based on three equally weighted dimensions – health, education and standard of living – which in turn are represented by 12 indicators.
– However, the National MPI covers 12 indicators while global MPI covers 10 indicators.

3) Methodology– The National MPI by Niti Aayog uses the Alkire Foster methodology to assess the decline in poverty rates.

UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

Source-This post is based on the article “Income inequality shrinks, Mobility on the Rise : SBI Research Report” published in “PIB” on 8th January 2024.

Why in the News?

According to SBI Research latest report, there has been a reduction in income inequality in India, signaling a favorable shift towards upward mobility and the expansion of the middle class.

What are the findings of the report?

1) Increasing tax base- The report, citing CBDT data, notes a continuous expansion in the Income Tax base. The number of tax filers increased to 74 million in AY 2022-23 from 70 million in AY 2021-22.

2) Decline in Gini Coefficient- Gini Coefficient(a measure of income inequality) has declined from 0.472 during Assessment Year 2014-15 to 0.402 for AY 2022-23.

3) Share of Top earners declined – The share of top earners with incomes exceeding Rs 10 crores and Rs 100 crores has decreased from 2013-14 to 2020-21.

4) Improving upward mobility – The drop in income inequality stems from significant upward mobility.  More than 36% of individuals originally in the lowest income bracket in FY14 have transitioned to higher income levels. It led to a notable 21% increase in their earnings from FY14 to FY21.

5) The report indicates rising female labour force participation.

6) Evident shifts in income levels for MSMEs and evolving consumption patterns in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic debunk the myth of K-shaped growth.

What is Gini coefficient?

1) The Gini coefficient, derived from the Lorenz curve, serves as an indicator of income or wealth inequality.

2) The coefficient ranges from 0 (0%) to 1 (100%), 0 representing perfect equality (where every resident in a country has the same income) and 1 representing perfect inequality (one resident earned all income and the rest earned nothing). Higher the value of Gini coefficient, higher the inequality.

UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy

Source-This post is based on the article “SC report exposes severe gaps in accessibility for people with disabilities at courts across India” published in “The Hindu” on 10th January 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the Supreme Court’s Centre for Research and Planning report highlights infrastructure deficiencies in Indian district courts. It raised concerns about obstacles faced by individuals with disabilities in seeking justice.

What are the findings of the report?

1) It highlighted that only 30.4% of court complexes have separate disabled-friendly toilets.

2) It reported that over half of the district court complexes nationwide lack ramps, while only 25.2% are equipped with wheelchairs.

3) It also highlighted that only 5.1% of district courts incorporate tactile paving to aid individuals with visual disabilities in navigating the court premises.

4) The report disclosed an infrastructure gap of 4,250 courtrooms across India. Only 20,831 courtrooms have been operational out of a sanctioned strength of 25,081 judges in the district judiciary.

Note- The report indicated that 73.5% of court premises are owned by the judiciary, 13.3% by the state government, 2.6% (626 courtrooms) are rented, and 10.6% are under construction.

What is the Centre for Research and Planning of the Supreme Court?

It is the Supreme Court’s in-house think tank,

Aim: Strengthening the knowledge infrastructure of the Supreme Court.

Mandate- To conduct cutting-edge research on fundamental jurisprudence, principles, doctrines of law, and judicial reforms, aiming to enhance justice delivery and uphold Judicial Independence.

UPSC Syllabus – Reports & Indices

Source- This post is based on the article “One-fifth of district courts in country lack separate toilets for women, says SC report” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd January 2024.

Why in the News?

Recent Supreme Court Report ‘State of the Judiciary‘ highlights the absence of women’s restrooms in almost 20% of District Court complexes nationwide.

What are the Key Findings of the Report?

1) Citing data from the National Judicial Data Grid, it highlighted that almost 20% of district court complexes in the country lack separate toilets for women.

2) It emphasized the need for women-friendly toilets, noting that just 6.7% have sanitary napkin vending machines.

3) It noted that court toilets have broken doors and inadequate water supply. It also highlighted the absence of a designated maintenance service in some cases.

4) It also highlighted lack of toilets for transgender individuals in most district courts, underscoring the importance of having “gender-inclusive toilets” in every court complex.

UPSC Syllabus – Polity and Nation/Reports & Indices

Source– This post is based on the article “Shri Piyush Goyal releases the “Logistics Ease Across Different State (LEADS) 2023” published in “PIB” on 16th December 2023.

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has released the Fifth edition of the LEADS annual exercise.

What is LEADS ranking ?

What are the Key Highlights of the 2023 LEADS Report?

The report includes 11 states and 2 UTs encompassing coastal, landlocked, North Eastern States and UTs.

Performance Highlights from LEADS 2023:

What is Logistics Performance Index of the World Bank?

Click Here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy/ Reports and Indices

Source: The post is based on the article “Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP): NITI Aayog releases the 1st Delta Ranking of ABP” published in “PIB” on 7th December 2023

Why in the News?

NITI Aayog has released the first Delta Ranking of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).

Note- It has also released the Aspirational District Programme (ADP) rankings for the month of October, 2023. Rayagada (Odisha) and Jamui (Bihar) have achieved the first and second ranks respectively. 

What is the Delta Ranking of the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)?

1) The Delta Ranking is a core strategy of the Programme based on the spirit of competitive and cooperative federalism.

2) It is calculated on the basis of performance of blocks and progress achieved in the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

3) Tiriyani Block in Telangana has secured the top position and Kaushambi Block in Uttar Pradesh ranked second.

4) The top rankers of ABP and ADP will be displayed on the Wall of Fame at NITI Aayog. It will display the projects undertaken by the blocks and districts to improve their indicators.

What is the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)?

What is the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP)?

Click Here to read

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes in News

Source: The post is based on the article “Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023: Road fatalities rise in India, despite global drop” published in “The Hindu” on 14th December 2023

Why in the News?

Recently, the Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 has been released.

What is the Global Status Report on Road Safety?

Released by: World Health Organization (WHO) 

Aim: To detail the scale of global road traffic deaths and progress in advancing laws, strategies and policies to reduce them around the world. 

Key Findings of the report:

1) Global Decline in Road Traffic Deaths: Between 2010 and 2021, road traffic deaths worldwide dropped by 5% to 1.19 million annually.

2) Countries making progress: Around 108 UN member countries reported a decrease in road traffic deaths. 10 countries achieved above 50% reduction in deaths. 35 countries reduced fatalities by 30-50%.

3) India: India, on the other hand, saw a 15% increase in road traffic fatalities rising from 1.34 lakh in 2010 to 1.54 lakh in 2021.

3) Impact on age groups: Road crashes remain a major cause of death among youth (5-29 years) and the 12th leading cause of deaths among all age groups.

4) Population Growth vs Road Fatalities: In the last decade, the global population increased by about 14 billion or 13% but road traffic deaths decreased by 5%. Therefore, the road fatality rate per 100,000 people has seen a reduction.

5) Vehicle Growth Impact: The global motor vehicle fleet increased by 160%. Therefore, the annual fatality rates per 1 lakh vehicles dropped from 79 deaths to 47 deaths marking a 41% reduction.

6) Higher road deaths in Low and Middle Income Countries: Nine in 10 deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries which is disproportionately higher when set against the number of vehicles and roads they have.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports in News

Source: The post is based on the article “Food Security and Nutrition Report 2023: 74% Indians could not afford healthy diet in 2021” published in “The Hindu” on 13th December 2023

Why in the News?

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has released a report titled “Asia Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2023: Statistics and Trends”.

What is the Asia Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2023 Report?

Released by: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Aim: To inform stakeholders on progress towards ending hunger, achieving food security and improving nutrition.

– The report is a glimpse of the progress in meeting Sustainable Development Goals and World Health Assembly (WHA) Global Nutrition Targets 2025.

Key Findings of the report:

Asia-Pacific Region:

1) During the pandemic and the “5Fs” crisis (food, feed, fuel, fertiliser, and finance), the Asia Pacific region experienced troubling statistics.

2) About half of the world’s undernourished people live in the Asia-Pacific region, with more women than men being food insecure.

3) Southern Asia has highest prevalence of undernourishment at 15.6 percent.

India:

1) Affordability of Healthy Diet: In 2021, over 74% of Indians (76.2% in 2020) could not afford a healthy diet.

2) Undernourishment: 16.6% of India’s population is undernourished, facing economic and social costs.

3) Prevalence of Child Malnutrition:
a. Stunting (low height for age): 31.7% of children under the age of five.
b. Wasting (low weight for height): 18.7% (the highest rate in the region)
c. Overweight: 2.8%.

4) Low Birth Weight: 27.4% (highest regional prevalence in the region)

5) Anaemia: 53% of women aged 15-49 had anaemia in 2019 (largest prevalence in the region)

6) Exclusive Breastfeeding: India has a higher prevalence (63.7%) of exclusive breastfeeding in infants (0-5 months) compared to the world average (47.7%).

UPSC Syllabus: Reports in News

Source– This post is based on the article “India Infrastructure Report 2023 released” published in “PIB” on 5th December 2023.

Why in the News?

Shri Venkaiah Naidu, former Vice-President of India, has released The India Infrastructure Report 2023 on Urban Planning and Development.

What is India Infrastructure Report?

1) The report focused on wide range of various complex issues related to urban planning and development along with solutions to make Indian cities sustainable.

2) It is a collaborative effort of the IDFC Foundation, Infrastructure Development Corporation (Karnataka) Ltd. (iDeCK) and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).

What are the Key highlights of the India Infrastructure Report 2023?

1) Role of digital technology– The report highlights the transformative role of digital technology in shaping India’s urban landscape with focus on areas like smart cities.

2) Financing urban development– It examines the financial dimensions of urban development, with a special emphasis on public-private partnerships (PPPs). The report also analyses the financial sustainability of urban local bodies.

3) Component of effective urban governance- Report focuses on transient-oriented development, regulation of floor space and land prices, etc.

4) It also laid out a roadmap on how to improve the existing cities through urban redevelopment which merited the attention of planners and policy-makers.

What is the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA)?

1) NIUA, established in 1976, is a Central Autonomous Body under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

2) It has been bridging the gap between research and practice on issues related to urbanization and suggest ways and mechanisms to address urban challenges in the country

UPSC Syllabus- Governance/ Reports and Indices

Source– This post is based on the article “Glaciers shrank 1 m a year in a decade: WMO” published in “The Hindu” on 6th December 2023.

Why in the News?

A recent report by World Meteorological Organisation ‘The Global Climate 2011-2020: A Decade of Acceleration’ highlights the impact of climate change from 2011-2020.

What re the Key highlights of the report?

1) The 2011-2020 decade, despite being the warmest recorded, saw the lowest number of deaths from extreme events. The decade marked the first since 1950 without a single short-term event causing 10,000 deaths or more.

2) Improved early warning systems, forecasting, and disaster management contributed to the decrease in casualties. India benefited from improved cyclone forecasting, enhancing preparedness and evacuation measures

3) The ozone hole visibly showed signs of recovery for the first time during this decade.

4) Glaciers globally shrank by approximately 1 meter per year on average from 2011 to 2020.
– Greenland and Antarctica lost 38% more ice from 2011 to 2020 compared to the 2001-2010 period.

5) While heatwaves were responsible for the highest number of human casualties, tropical cyclones caused the most economic damage.

6) Public and private climate finance nearly doubled during the decade. But it needed to increase by at least seven times by the end of 2011-20 to achieve climate objectives, including limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

What is WMO?

Click Here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Reports/Indices

Source- This post is based on the article “One-third of all 2022 suicides were of daily wage earners, farmers, says NCRB report” published in “The Hindu” on 4th December 2023

Why in the News?

Recently, NCRB has released the annual Crime in India report and the Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) report for 2022.

What are the Major Findings of the Crime in India report?

Increase in Cyber Crimes
1) It indicated a 24% surge in cyber crimes across India compared to 2021.

2) Bengaluru ranked the highest in cyber crimes. OTP and online bank frauds were the most common cybercrimes reported in the city

3) Cybercrime cases in Delhi almost tripled in 2022 . Most of the crimes related to offences such as publication and transmission of content depicting children in sexually explicit acts in electronic form.

Increase in crimes against SC and ST
1) It showed overall increase in crimes and atrocities committed upon Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST)

2) Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan continued to figure at the top with the highest incidents of crimes and atrocities committed upon SCs and STs.

3) Mizoram, which had reported no cases of atrocities against either SCs or STs in 2021, reported 34 cases of atrocities in 2022.

Source– This post is based on the article “Union Minister For Jal Shakti Releases Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report For The Country For The Year 2023.” published on “PIB” on 1st December 2023.

Why in the News?

The Union Minister of Jal Shakti has released the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report for the entire country for the year 2023.

What is Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report?

1. Aim– To determine the prevailing status of groundwater resources and the impact of ongoing groundwater management practices.

2. Conducted jointly by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and States/UTs.

3. Previously carried out in 1980, 1995, 2004, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2017, 2020 and 2022

What are the Highlights of Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report 2023?

1. Increase in ground water recharge: Total annual ground water recharge is 449.08 billion cubic meters (BCM), marking an increase of 11.48 BCM compared to 2022.

2. Increase in annual ground water extraction: Total annual ground water extraction for the entire country is 241.34 BCM.

3. Decrease in stage of groundwater extraction level: Currently stands at 59.23%.

Note- Stage of groundwater extraction is a measure of annual ground water extraction for all uses (irrigation, industrial and domestic uses) over annual extractable ground water resource

4. Out of total 6553 assessment units–
– 736 units (11.23%) have been categorized as ‘Over-exploited’ (where the annual ground water extraction is more than annual extractable ground water resource), witnessing a decline.
– 4793 units categorized as ‘Safe’

What are the initiatives taken by government to improve ground water resources?

1. Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal): Its a Rs. 6000 crore Central Sector Scheme, undertaken with World Bank assistance, for ensuring sustainable management of ground water resources.

2. Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): Launched in 2019, it aims to promote water conservation and water resource management in 256 water stressed districts in the country through targeted interventions

UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

Source: The post is based on the article “ILO Report: “A Call for safer and healthier working environments”” published in “The Hindu” on 28th November 2023

Why in the News?

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released a report titled “A Call for safer and healthier working environments”.

The report will be discussed at the 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work.

What are the key findings of the ILO report?

What is the International Labour Organization (ILO)?

Which are the ILO conventions ratified and not ratified by India?

Other ILO Conventions not ratified by India:
1) Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155)
2) Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No.187)

What is the 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work?

UPSC Syllabus: Reports in News

Source– This post is based on the article “The OECD Report on Climate Finance” published in “The Hindu” on 21 November 2023.

Why in the News?

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has published a new assessment report on climate finance ahead of the UN climate summit (COP28) in Dubai, UAE.

What is OECD?

Click Here to read

What is Climate Finance?

Click Here to read

What are the Key Findings of the Report?

UPSC Syllabus- Environment & International Organisations

Source: The post is based on the article “Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2023:India Slides Sharply, Worst Among the BRICS Group” published in “The Wire” on 15th November 2023

Why in the News?

The Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2023 has been released.

What is the Global Talent Competitiveness Index?

What are the key rankings of Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2023?

What are the reasons for India’s fall in GTCI 2023?

1) India’s business sentiment decline affected talent attraction domestically and internationally. This impacted ‘External Openness’ and ‘Internal Openness’ rankings.

2) Challenges persist in aligning available skills with market demands. This resulted in lower rankings for ‘Employability’ and ‘Vocational and Technical Skills’.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports/Index in News

Source: The post is based on the article “Logistics Performance Index (LPI):11 Stakeholder Ministries/Departments meets on Measures Taken and Action Plan for Improving India’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) Ranking” published in “PIB” on 18th November 2023

Why in the News?

Several Ministries recently held discussions on measures taken and action plans needed for improving India’s ranking in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI).

What is the Logistics Performance Index(LPI)?

What are the measures India is taking to improve its Logistics Performance Index(LPI) ranking?

1) PM Gati Shakti initiative: Launched in 2021, it is a national master plan for multimodal connectivity. It aims to reduce logistics costs and boost the economy by 2024-25.

2) National Logistics Policy (NLP): It was introduced in 2022 to solve transport issues, optimize manufacturing efficiency, and speed up last-mile delivery in the logistics sector.

3) Land Port Management System (LPMS): It was implemented by the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) to digitize operations and facilitate a secure electronic flow of information between all stakeholders at the Integrated check posts (ICPs). It has been successful in reducing the dwell time from 57 days to less than 24 hours.

– Note: Dwell time refers to the amount of time a ship or cargo spends at a port or terminal before being loaded or unloaded onto a vessel.

4) Ministry of Railways: It discussed railway initiatives including 100% electrification of railway tracks , increased CAPEX of INR 2.6 lakhs in FY24 and Eastern and Western dedicated freight corridors.

5) Ministry of Ports: It has taken several initiatives such as automation of weightbridges, improving scanning facilities at the ports and simplifying processes by creating Standard Operating Procedures (SoPS) across all the ports.

UPSC Syllabus: Index/Reports in News

Source– This post is based on the article “India’s heft in MSCIEM index: what it means” published in “Live mint” on 17th November 2023.

Why in the News?

India’s weightage on the MSCI Emerging Markets(EM) index will rise after inclusion of nine Indian stocks.

What is MSCI Emerging Markets Index?

How India performed in the Index?

1. India included in the index in 1994.

2. After inclusion of nine Indian stocks, India’s current representation in MSCI EM index will reached to 131 stocks.

3. India, has the second-highest weightage in the index after China’s.

UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

Source: The post is based on the article “Innovation Handshake: India and US launch ‘Innovation Handshake’ to deepen bilateral tech ties” published in “Business Standard” on 17th November 2023

Why in the News?

India has signed a memorandum of understanding(MoU) with the US on “Enhancing Innovation Ecosystems through an Innovation Handshake”.

What is an Innovation Handshake?

What is US-India Commercial Dialogue?

Commercial Dialogue(CD) is a dialogue at Ministerial level between India and the U.S.It involves regular government-to-government meetings to be held alongside private sector meetings.

Aim: To facilitate trade and maximize investment opportunities across a broad range of economic sectors.

UPSC Syllabus: International Relations

Source: The post is based on the article “9th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 to be held at Faridabad, Haryana” published in “PIB” on 16th November 2023

Why in the News?

The 9th edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 will be held at Faridabad, Haryana.

What is the India International Science Festival(IISF)?

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology

Source: The post is based on the article “World Governance Index: Need for World Bank’s governance indicators to be transparent” published in “Indian Express” on 16th November 2023

Why in the News?

Chief Economic Advisor has raised concerns over the use of Worldwide Governance Index Indicators in ratings assessment by credit ratings agencies. He has called for the World Governance Index to be more transparent and less subjective.

What is the World Governance Index?

What are the concerns of India related to the World Governance Index?

1) The World Bank compiles the World Governance Index Indicators using data from think tanks and organizations like Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Project and Freedom House. However, India has argued that these indicators have methodological problems as they are based on subjective opinions of some experts who do not have presence on the ground. For instance, US-based Freedom House has given India a score of 66 out of 100 and tagged it ‘partly free’. EIU 2022 Democracy Index ranked India at 46 and classed it as a ‘flawed democracy’. 

2) These indicators are then used by global rating agencies to assess governance levels while deciding on countries’ credit ratings. A lower credit rating increases the borrowing cost for countries. Hence, that’s why India has called for the World Governance Index to be more transparent and less subjective.

UPSC Syllabus: Index/Reports in News

Source– This post “THE INDO-PACIFIC REGIONAL DIALOGUE 2023” is based on the article “The Apex-level International outreach of the Indian Navy towards a prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific” published in “PIB” on 14 November 2023.

Why in the News?

The annual apex-level international conference of the Indian Navy – the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) – will be held in New Delhi from 15 to 17 November 2023.

What is Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD)?

UPSC Syllabus- IR(Summits)

Source: The post is based on the article “State of Application Security Report: Digital infra gaps drive surge in cyberattacks in India” published in “Business Standard” on 15th November 2023

Why in the News?

According to the State of Application Security Report, India has witnessed a 70% rise in cyberattacks in the third quarter (Q3) in 2023.

What is the State of Application Security Report?

Released by: Indusface, an app security solutions firm

Key Findings of the report:

1)India has experienced over 1.6 billion cyberattacks in the second quarter of 2023. This is an increase of 70% over the previous quarter.

2)Bot attack: It is a type of cyberattack that uses automated scripts to disrupt a site, steal data, make fraudulent purchases, or perform other malicious actions. India, US and UK emerged as top victims of bot attacks.

3)Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS): It is an attack where cybercriminals significantly increase traffic to the target website using an army of the compromised computers in order to deny service to the regular visitors to a site. This makes the website unavailable to the user, causing losses to the service provider. The top victims of DDoS attacks were India, the United States and Germany.

Why is India vulnerable to cyberattacks?

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology (Reports)

Source: The post is based on the article “NDC Synthesis Report: World is severely off track to limit planet-heating emissions” published in “The Hindu” on 15th November 2023

Why in the News?

The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Synthesis Report has been released.

What is the NDC Synthesis Report?

Released by: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC)

Purpose: The report has analyzed the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) of 195 Parties to the Paris Agreement.

Key Findings of the report:

1)If the current Nationally Determined Contributions(NDC) are implemented, global greenhouse gas emissions are set to increase 9% by 2030, compared to 2010 levels. 

2)This is a marginal improvement over last year’s assessment, which found countries were on a path to increase emissions by 10.6% by 2030, compared to 2010 levels.

3)But the studies have clearly indicated that emissions need to be cut by 43% by the end of 2030 compared to 2010 levels to meet the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.  

What is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC)?

UPSC Syllabus: Environment (Reports and Indices)

Source: The post is based on the article “World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH): India will host 33rd Conference of  WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and Pacific” published in “PIB” on 14th November 2023

Why in the News?

India is set to host the 33rd Conference of the WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific at New Delhi.

What is the WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific?

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has set up five Regional Commissions to express specific problems facing its Members in the different regions of the world.

The Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific is one of them. It organizes a Conference once every two years in one of the countries of the region.

These conferences aim to develop technical items and foster regional cooperation for the control of animal diseases.

The 33rd conference is being hosted by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying at New Delhi.

What is the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)?

UPSC Syllabus: International Organisations

Source: The post is based on the article “Open Doors 2023 report: India Reached An All-Time High In International Student Enrollment In The USA” published in “The Hindu” on 14th November 2023

Why in the News?

The Open Doors 2023 Report on International Educational Exchange has been released.

What is the Open Doors 2023 Report?

Released by: U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education (IIE)

Aim: To provide comprehensive information on international students studying at higher education institutions.

Key Findings of the report:

UPSC Syllabus: International Relations and Reports and Indices

Source: The post is based on the article “IQAir report: Delhi most polluted city in world” published in “The Hindu” on 14th November 2023

Why in the News?

IQAir has released the Air Quality Index(AQI).

What is the Air Quality Index(AQI)?

What are the key findings of the IQAir Air Quality Index(AQI)?

1)Most Polluted City: Delhi was the most polluted city in the world. It was followed by Lahore, Pakistan.

— Note: Air pollution in parts of Delhi was 30 times the safe limits prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO) contributed in part by the firecrackers.

2)Other Indian Cities in top 10 polluted cities: Kolkata was fourth on the list, followed by Mumbai in ninth place.

3)Cleanest City: Mexico City was declared the cleanest city in the world.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Source: The post is based on the article “INDUS-X: First INDUS-X Investors Meet held in Delhi ahead of 2+2 Indo-US Ministerial Dialogue” published in “PIB” on 9th November 2023

Why in the News?

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) has organized the first INDUS-X Investors Meet at New Delhi.

What is INDUS-X?

UPSC Syllabus: International Relations

Source: The post is based on the article “Production Gap Report :World will overshoot 2030 fossil fuel limit by twice over” published in “The Hindu” on 9th November 2023

Why in the News?

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has published the Production Gap Report 2023.

What is the Production Gap Report?

What are the key findings of the Production Gap Report 2023?

(1) Under the Paris Agreement, countries have committed to a long-term goal of limiting average global temperature to less than two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and even try to limit them further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

(2) However, the report analyzed the 20 major fossil fuel producing countries.

(3) It found that these countries plan to produce more than double the amount of fossil fuels in 2030 than would be consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C and 69% more than that would be consistent with 2 degrees Celsius.

What are the recommendations given by the Production Gap Report 2023?

(1) Increase transparency in the plans, projections and support for fossil fuel production.Align those plans with national and global climate goals;

(2)Aim for a near total phase-out of coal production and use by 2040 and a combined reduction in oil and gas production and use by three-quarters by 2050 from 2020 levels.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment (Reports and Indices)

Source– This post ” State of Climate Services Report for 2023” is based on the article “Health sector poorly equipped to prevent heat hazards & impacts of other extreme weather events, says WMO report” published in “DownToEarth” on 07 November 2023.

Why in the News?

A report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicated that the health sector is inadequately prepared to safeguard people from the effects of heat and other extreme weather events.

What is World Meteorological Organisation?

What is State of Climate Service report ?

What are the Key findings of the 2023 report?

Climate Change impact on Health
(1) Health of the most vulnerable countries and populations will be impacted by the extreme weather events resulting from climate change, including heatwaves, droughts, floods and wildfires.
(2) Around 50 per cent of excess mortality resulting from climate change by the year 2050 will occur in Africa (least emitter of global Green house Gas Emissions), according to the WMO report.

Lack of infrastructure and ineffective utilisation of Data.
(1) Less than 25 percent health ministries utlises the climate information & services to monitor climate-sensitive health risks.
(2) Around 74 per cent of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) provide data services for the health sector but it was not utilised effectively for the health sector.
(3) 85 percent of nations lack a formal agreement between the Ministry of Health and National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS)s to facilitate data sharing and collaboration.
(4) Only 26 countries have climate-informed, heat-health early warning systems.

Way Forward

As Petteri Taalas, secretary-general of the WMO wrote in the report there is limited cooperation and most government agencies dealing with health and climate need to develop and strengthen their partnerships.

UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Index

Source: The post is based on the article “India’s hypertension map: How different states, regions fare” published in “Indian Express” on 8th November 2023

Why in the News?

The recent analysis of the National Family Health Survey(NFHS) data has revealed substantial disparities in the prevalence, diagnosis, treatment and control of hypertension within Indian states and districts.

What is Hypertension?

What are the key findings of the data on Hypertension in India?

What is the significance of this district wise data on Hypertension?

Understanding the district-wise data helps state governments in allocating resources more effectively, identifying regions needing additional care or facilities.

What should be done to control Hypertension in India?

According to the WHO report on Hypertension, nearly 4.6 million deaths can be averted in India by 2040 if just half of the hypertension patients are able to control their blood pressure.

In line with this, the Government of India has launched an ambitious initiative to put 75 million people with hypertension or diabetes on treatment by 2025.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology (Health)

Source: The post is based on the article “Global TB Report: India had highest number of TB cases globally in 2022” published in “Indian Express” on 8th November 2023

Why in the News?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released the Global TB Report 2023.

What are the key findings of the Global TB Report 2023?

Globally:

India:

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology (Diseases), Reports and Indices

Source– This post “National Coal Index” is based on the article”National Coal Index Increases by 3.83 points in September” published in “PIB” on 7th November 2023.

Why in News?

The National Coal Index (NCI) has increased first time since April 2023.

What is National Coal Index?

What does the upward movement of the National Coal index indicates?

(1) It indicates rising demand of coal because of upcoming festive season and winter in the country.
(2) It will encourage coal producer to take maximum benefit by further scaling-up domestic coal production to meet the growing energy demands.

UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy (Reports & Index)

Source: The post is based on the article “World Local Production Forum”published in “PIB” on 7th November 2023

Why in the News?

The Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers is participating in the 2nd World Local Production Forum (WLPF) at The Hague, Netherlands.

What is the World Local Production Forum(WLPF)?

UPSC Syllabus: International Summits

Source: This post “Hunger hotspot” is based on the article”Hunger Hotspots: FAO-WFP early warnings on acute food insecurity | June-November 2023 Outlook” in “World food programme Report” on 29 May 2023.

Why in News?

FAO and WFP have warned that acute food insecurity is likely to deteriorate further in 18 hunger hotspots – comprising a total 22 countries – during from June to November 2023.

What is World Food programme?

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization. It was established in 1961. The aim of the organisation is to save lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity.

About the report

What are the key findings of the Report?

(1) Hotspots with highest concern- Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen remain hotspots of highest concern for the June to November 2023 outlook.
Haiti, the Sudan and Sahel region (Burkina Faso and Mali) have been included in this category for this edition, increasing the level of concern from very high in the last edition.

(2) Hotspots with very high concern- The Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Pakistan and the Syrian Arab Republic are hotspots of very high concern, and the alert is also extended to Myanmar in this edition.

(3) Other countries that Requires monitoring- Democratic Republic of Korea, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Colombia, Gambia and Senegal.

Factors causing food insecurity in these hotspots

(1) Violence- Population displacement, abandonment of agricultural land, loss of life and assets, disruption of trade and cropping and loss of access to markets caused by conflicts can worsen food insecurity.

(2) Natural Hazards- Extreme weather conditions and climate variability are likely to affect several parts of the world during the outlook period.

(3) Poor humanitarian access- Humanitarian access is limited in various ways, including administrative/bureaucratic impediments, movement restrictions, security constraints and physical constraints related to the environment.

Upsc Syllabus- Food security(Report)

Source: This post “Adaptation Gap Report 2023” is based on the article”Adaptation gap in developing countries widening even as extreme weather events worsen: UNEP“ published in “Down To Earth” on 2nd November 2023.

Why in News?

Recently, The Adaptation Gap Report 2023 was issued by the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP). According to the report, the world is underprepared, under invested and lacks the necessary planning for adaptation to climate change.

What is UNEP?

What is Adaptation Gap Report ? What are the findings of 2023 Report?

Key observations of the report
(1) Slowed climate Adaptation progress
(a) Countries need financing of $215 billion to $387 billion every year to adapt to climate change. But they have been receiving only $21.3 billion.
(b) The adaptation finance needs of developing countries are 10-18 times greater than what they have been receiving.

(2) Increasing Loss and damages
(a)A recent study indicates that the 55 most climate-vulnerable economies alone have already experienced losses and damages of more than US $500 billion in the last two decades.

Recommendations of the report
(1) Invest in adaptation and mitigation- Every billion invested in adaptation against coastal flooding leads to a USD 14 billion reduction in economic damages.

(2) COP 28 must deliver new momentum on adaptation and loss and damage –Policymakers, multilateral banks, investors and the private sector must ensure the same

UPSC syllabus- Environment

Source: The post is based on the article “NITI weighs discontinuing key water report launched 5 years ago” published in “Indian Express” on 6th November 2023

Why in the News?

NITI Aayog is said to have marked the Composite Water Management Index’ report for the year 2018-19 and 2019-20 for “internal use” after having publicly released the previous editions.

What is the Composite Water Management Index?

What does the latest Composite Water Management Index report say?

The latest Composite Water Management Index report maps the performance of states for 2018-19 and 2019-20.According to the report: 

1. Water scarcity is a “national problem”. 

2. The average annual per capita water availability is expected to reduce to 1,486 cubic meters per person per year by 2021 from 1,545 cubic meters per person per year in 2011.

– Note: As per the annual water availability norms, the availability value of less than 1,700 cubic meter/person/year indicates water shortage. Water availability below 1,000 cubic metre/ capita/ year is considered as “scarcity”.

3. Gujarat tops the list with continuous improvements year on year. It is closely followed by Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in terms of performance.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports/Index

Source: The post is based on the article “Prime Minister inaugurates World Food India 2023” published in “PIB” on 3rd November 2023

Why in the News?

The Prime Minister has inaugurated the second edition of the ‘World Food India 2023’ in New Delhi.

What is World Food India 2023?

What are the key focus pillars of World Food India 2023?

1. Shree Anna (Millets): Leveraging India’s Super Food for the World: Millets are ancient grains that have been part of India’s rich heritage for millennia.They are super foods that provide high nutrition, gluten-free options, climate resilience, and eco-friendliness.

– The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) with the aim of increasing the production and consumption of millets worldwide.

2. Exponential Food Processing: Positioning India as the Global Hub: India has a vision to become a global hub for food processing and create a competitive advantage for itself in the world food market. Financing Agri Food Value Chains, especially supporting MSMEs, is a key focus area.

3.Strategic Segments: Unlocking Potentials for Growth: India is one of the world’s largest producers and consumers of food products.

– India leads the world in the production of milk, bananas, mangoes, papayas, guavas, ginger, okra and buffalo meat. It ranks second in the production of rice, wheat, potatoes, garlic, cashew nuts.

4.Creating an Inclusive and Efficient Ecosystem: Removing barriers and establishing a coordinated framework for inclusive opportunities. In line with this, government has allowed 100% FDI under the automatic route in food processing industries in India

5.Sustainable Development for Prosperity: Embracing sustainable practices, renewable energy and eco-friendly agricultural and food processing methods for a more sustainable future.

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy (Food Processing Industry)

Source: The post is based on the article “Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems 2023” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd November 2023

Why in the News?

The sixth edition of the Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) 2023 report has been released.

What is the Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) 2023 report?

Released by: Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, a non-profit institution

Aim: To highlight the challenges and constraints faced by the Local Governments in Indian Cities.

Key Highlights from the report:

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and Governance

Source: The post is based on the article”India won’t meet UN targets to reduce premature mortality from major non-communicable diseases: ICMR-NCDIR“published in “DownToEarth” on 25 october 2023.

Why in the news?

According to an analysis by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India will likely miss reaching targets set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to reduce premature deaths from four major Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD)

What are the details of the ICMR study ?

What are the results of the ICMR study ?

(1) Decrease in premature mortality rate- The premature mortality rate of the four major non-communicable diseases is projected to decrease by 13.9 per cent from 2010 to 2025 in India.

(2) Decrease in premature deaths as compared to the SDG target- The premature deaths due to these four NCDs in India is projected at 15.6% from 2015 to 2030. However, the SDG target is to reduce 33% from 2015 to 2030.

(3) Higher UPoD among males- UPoD was higher among males, particularly around the age of 44, owing to risk factors such as tobacco use and alcohol consumption. (The WHO has defined the unconditional probability of dying (UPoD) from the four NCDs between the ages of 30 and 69 as the progress indicator for monitoring the reduction in premature mortality)

(4) Possible timeline of achieving the WHO and UN target- The target of 25 per cent (WHO) and 33 per cent (SDG) could possibly be reached by 2039 and 2053 in India.

(5) Regions of majority of deaths- Majority of these premature deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, resulting in productivity loss and economic impact.

What are the government initiatives to tackle this issue?

(1) National Program for Noncommunicable Diseases
(2) The National Tobacco Control Program
(3) The Eat Right India movement
(4) The National Health Policy of 2017,
(5) The National multi-sectoral action plan for prevention and control of Common NCDs 2017-2022.

Upsc syllabus – Science and Technology (Health)

Source: The post is based on the article “53 accidents, 19 deaths per hour in road crashes in 2022: Road Transport Ministry” published in “The Hindu” on 2nd November 2023

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways(MoRTH) has released a report titled ‘Road accidents in India -2022’.

What are the key findings of the report?

What do other reports say on Road Accidents in India?

According to the Save Life Foundation’s analysis, India ranks among the top 20 worst countries for road crashes.

According to the World Road Statistics 2022 from the International Road Federation, India was followed by China and the United States in terms of the total number of road fatalities.

UPSC Syllabus: Reports

Source: This post is based on the article “Bletchley Declaration” published in “Business standard” on Thursday November 2 2023.

Why in news ?

Twenty-nine countries such as the US, the UK, China, Australia, Brazil and India, along with the European union have agreed to work together to prevent “catastrophic harm, either deliberate or unintentional” which may arise from artificially intelligent computer models and engines.

What is Bletchley Declaration?

Central objective- The central objective of the Bletchley Declaration is to address risks and responsibilities associated with frontier AI in a comprehensive and collaborative manner.  The document emphasizes the necessity of aligning AI systems with human intent and urges a deeper exploration of AI’s full capabilities.

Member countries
Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Saudi, Arabia, Netherlands, Nigeria, The Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, and the European Union.

Significance

It was marked by an agreement which resolved to establish “a shared understanding of the opportunities and risks posed by frontier AI”. It includes: 

1) Identifying misuse: Acknowledgment of the substantial risks from potential intentional misuse or unintended issues of control of frontier AI — especially cybersecurity, biotechnology, and disinformation risks. 

2) Identifying risks: The declaration noted the potential for serious harm, deliberate or unintentional, stemming from the most significant capabilities of these AI models, as well as risks beyond frontier AI, including those of bias and privacy. 

3) Focusing on international cooperation: These risks are “best addressed through international cooperation”. As part of the agreement on international collaboration on frontier AI safety, future summits will be held annually.  

4) It highlights the importance of safeguarding human rights, transparency, explainability, fairness, accountability, regulation, safety, human oversight, ethics, bias mitigation, privacy, and data protection.

Challenges
• It reflects the complex negotiations between nations with conflicting interests and legal systems, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and China.

Upsc syllabus : GS 2-International relations

Source: This post is based on the article “In FSSAI index, nearly all major states slip on food safety compared to 2019” published in “ Indian Express” on 1^st November 2023.

Why in the News?

Recently Food safety and standards authority of India (FSSAI) published its fifth consecutive State Food Safety Index. This index is used to measure the performance of states across various parameters of food safety.

What is state food safety index? What is new parameter?

It is an index developed by FSSAI. It helps to measure to performance of states on five significant parameters of food safety. These include compliance, Human resources and institutional data, Food testing- infrastructure and surveillance, training & capacity building and consumer empowerment.

A new parameter is included in 2023 index “Improvement in SFSI rank”. The index is a dynamic quantitative and qualitative benchmarking model that provides an objective framework for evaluating food safety across all states/ UTs.

What is the parameter wise performance of large states ?

Key findings of the State food safety index

(1) After adjusting for a new parameter included in the 2023 index, 15 out of 20 states recorded lower 2023 scores compared to 2019.
(2) 19 out of 20 large states — including Maharashtra, Bihar, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh — recorded a drop in their 2023 scores from 2019.
(3) The worst drop has been recorded in the ‘Food Testing Infrastructure’ parameter, where the average score for all large states dropped to 7 points out of 17 in 2023 from 13 points out of 20 in 2019.
(4) The only parameter which recorded significant improvement was ‘Training and Capacity Building’, which was given the least weightage of 8 per cent in 2023 (10 per cent in previous years).

UPSC syllabus-Science and Technology (Health)

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Finance Minister inaugurates the first Global Conference on Cooperation in Enforcement Matters (GCCEM) in New Delhi” published in “PIB” on 31st October 2023

Why in the News?

The Union Minister for Finance has inaugurated the Global Conference on Cooperation in Enforcement Matters (GCCEM) in New Delhi.

What is the Global Conference on Cooperation in Enforcement Matters (GCCEM)?

What is the World Customs Organisation (WCO)?

UPSC Syllabus: Economy

Source: The post is based on the article “International Migration Outlook 2023: Nearly half a million Indians migrated to OECD countries in 2021” published in “Down To Earth” on 30th October 2023

Why in the News?

The International Migration Outlook 2023 has been released.

What is the International Migration Outlook 2023?

Released by: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Aim: To analyze the migration trends worldwide.

Key Highlights from the report:

UPSC Syllabus: International Relations

Source: The post is based on the article “World Energy Outlook 2023: Substantial cut likely in India’s CO2 emissions by 2050” published in “TOI” on 27th October 2023

Why in the News?

The International Energy Agency(IEA) has released the World Energy Outlook 2023.

What is the World Energy Outlook 2023?

Released by: International Energy Agency(IEA)

Aim: To provide in-depth analysis and strategic insights into every aspect of the global energy system.

Key Highlights from the report:

Globally: 

1.Fossil fuel share in the global energy supply is projected to reduce from around 80% to 73% by 2030. 

2.Investment in clean energy has risen by 40% since 2020.

3.In 2020, one in 25 cars sold was electric.in 2023, this is now one in 5. 

India:

India is expected to have the highest growth in energy demand over the next three decades.

But India’s industrial sector will emit 30% less CO2 by 2030 and passenger cars will emit 25% less CO2 per kilometer driven.

This is due to the government policies in addressing climate commitments through increased efficiency and new technologies.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: Renewable Energy

Source: The post is based on the article “Global Tax Evasion Report 2024” published in “EU” on 27th October 2023

Why in the News?

The European Union Tax Observatory has released ‘Global Tax Evasion Report 2024’.

What is the Global Tax Evasion Report 2024?

Released by: European Union Tax Observatory

Aim: To discuss tax evasion, the Global Minimum Tax (GMT) and measures to combat tax evasion.

Note: Tax evasion is the illegal act of not paying owed taxes to the government by under-reporting income, hiding money offshore or inflating deductions to reduce tax liability.

Key highlights of the report: 

Key recommendations of the report:

1.Global Minimum Tax for Billionaires: Proposes a global minimum tax of 2% on billionaires’ wealth to increase government revenue and reduce wealth inequality.

2.Reform Corporate Taxation: Reform international agreements on minimum corporate taxation by implementing a 25% tax rate and eliminating tax competition loopholes.

3.Unilateral Measures for Tax Collection: Implement unilateral measures to collect taxes from multinational companies and billionaires if global agreements fail.

4.Global Asset Registry: Work towards establishing a Global Asset Registry to enhance the fight against tax evasion.

5.Strengthen Economic Substance and Anti-Abuse Rules: Strengthen the application of economic substance and anti-abuse rules to deter tax avoidance and evasion.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: Taxation- Indian Economy

Source: The post is based on the article “ISA to release report on global adoption of solar technology in November” published in “The Hindu” on 26th October 2023

Why in the News?

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) will for the first time compile and release a ‘Global solar stocktake report’.

What is the Global solar Stocktake Report?

To be released by:  International Solar Alliance(ISA)

Inspired by:‘Global Stocktake’ of the United Nations Conference of Parties

Aim: To take stock of the progress made by countries in the solar energy sector.

Focus of the report: In 2020, there was about $300 billion invested in solar, and in 2022, it was around $380 billion. But most of the manufacturing is in China.The stocktake will explore ways to diversify this manufacturing.

What is a Global Solar Facility?

To be Launched by: International Solar Alliance(ISA)

Aim: To help reduce the remaining constraints related to contracts and financing for solar energy projects.

Focus area: To expand solar installations in Africa and then expand it to West Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Funds: It will have three funds: 1) payment guarantee fund 2) Insurance fund to mitigate project risks and 3) Investment fund for technical assistance.

How much gigawatts of solar photovoltaic panels have been installed globally?

As of 2022, global solar photovoltaic installations have reached 1,133 gigawatts (GW) with 191 GW added in 2022.

China accounts for about a quarter of this total solar photovoltaic installations followed by the United States.

India is also among the top five countries globally with 62 GW of installations.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: International Organizations

Source: The post is based on the article “Losses from extreme events over 31 years were $3.8 trillion” published in “The Hindu” on 25th October 2023

What is the News?

The Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) has released a report titled ‘The Impact of Disaster on Agriculture and Food Security’.

What are the key findings of the report?

Warmest Decade: In 2023, we saw the end of the warmest decade on record with a lot of extreme weather and disasters.These disasters were made worse by conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rising Disaster Frequency: Over the past 50 years, the number of extreme disaster events has increased significantly.

– In the 1970s, there were about 100 disasters per year, but in the last 20 years, it’s gone up to about 400 annually globally.

Impact on Agriculture: Agricultural activities and livelihoods depend on environmental conditions, natural resources, and ecosystems.

– But the agriculture sector is facing threats from hazards such as flooding, water scarcity, drought, and environmental degradation. 

– For instance, in Pakistan, exceptional monsoon rainfalls in 2022 led to nearly $4 billion in damages to the agricultural sector.

Agriculture losses due to disasters: Over the last 31 years, extreme events have caused around $3.8 trillion in losses to agriculture.

– Droughts are the biggest threat to agriculture, causing over 65% of losses.

– Floods, storms, cyclones, and volcanic activities each account for around 20% of losses.

Region wise differences: Asia has the highest economic losses from disasters (45%). Oceania experienced the lowest losses from disasters.

Source: The post is based on the article “PM unveils long-term blueprint for India’s maritime economy” published in “The Hindu” on 18th October 2023

What is the News?

The Prime Minister has inaugurated the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 in Mumbai.

What is the Global Maritime India Summit?

Organized by: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Aim: To boost the Indian maritime economy by promoting global and regional partnerships and facilitating investments.

The first Maritime India summit was held in 2016 in Mumbai while the Second Maritime Summit was held virtually in 2021.

What are the key highlights from the Global Maritime India Summit 2023?

Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: It is a 25-year blueprint for the Indian maritime blue economy. 

– The plan outlines strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing port facilities, promoting sustainable practices and facilitating international collaboration.

Tuna Tekra all-weather deep draft terminal: It is going to be built at Deendayal Port in Gujarat.

– The port will be developed through a public-private partnership(PPP) mode.

– The port will handle modern vessels with a capacity exceeding 18,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

– It will also serve as a key entry point for Indian trade along the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).

Source: The post is based on the article “1st P20 Summit hosted by India has been the most successful P20 Summit ever: Lok Sabha Speaker” published in “PIB” on 16th October 2023

What is the News?

The Prime Minister inaugurated the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit(P20) in New Delhi.

What is the P20 Summit?

Parliament 20(P20) Engagement Group was started during Canada’s G20 Presidency in 2010.

The group is led by Speakers from Parliaments of G20 countries.

Aim: To bring a parliamentary dimension to global governance, raise awareness, build political support for international commitments and ensure that these are effectively translated into national realities. 

Who hosted the 9th P20 Summit?

Hosted by: Parliament of India in cooperation with Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

Theme: ‘Parliaments for One Earth, One Family, One Future’. 

The summit hosted discussions on four subjects: 1) Accelerating SDGs 2) Sustainable Energy Transition 3) Women led Development and 4) Transformation in Peoples’ Lives through Public Digital Platforms. 

What is the Inter-Parliamentary Union(IPU)?

Click Here to read

Source: The post is based on the article “World Health Summit 2023” published in “PIB” on 16th October 2023

What is the News?

India’s Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare attended the World Health Summit 2023.

What is the World Health Summit?

World Health Summit is the unique international strategic forum for global health

Founded in: 2009 on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of Berlin’s Charité Hospital.

Held under: It is held under the patronage of the German Chancellor, President of the Republic of France, President of the European Commission and Director-General of the World Health Organization(WHO).

Held at: annually held in Berlin, Germany 

Aim: To set the agenda for a healthier future by inspiring innovative solutions for better health and wellbeing for all.

Theme for 2023: “A Defining Year for Global Health Action.”

What are the key highlights from the Health Minister’s address at the World Health Summit 2023?

Union Minister highlighted the steps taken by India to reduce the prevalence and impact of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs).Some of these steps are: 

National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD): It was launched under the National Health Mission (NHM) in 2010. It aims to strengthen infrastructure, human resource development, health promotion, early diagnosis, management and referral. 

75/25 initiative: It is aimed at screening and providing standard of care for 75 million individuals with hypertension and diabetes by 2025.

Budget 2023-24: The Outcome Budget document of the Union Budget for 2023-2024 has included hypertension and diabetes treatment as output indicators for the first time. 

Population-Based Screening(PBS): It is organized under the umbrella of Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) across Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC). 

– The individuals in the age groups of 30 years and above are targeted for risk assessment and screening of common NCDs (hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer).

National NCD portal: It is being used for prevention, control, screening and management of common NCDs. 

– Primary-level information is captured through this portal at public health facilities for reporting and monitoring individual-wise screening and compliance of treatment for NCDs. 

Source: The post is based on the article “Periodic Labour Force Survey(PLFS) Annual Report 2022-2023 Released” published in “PIB” on 10th October 2023

What is the News?

The National Sample Survey Office(NSSO) has released the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report 2022-23.

What is the Periodic Labour Force Survey(PLFS)?

Launched in: 2017 by National Sample Survey Office(NSSO)

Objectives: To estimate the key employment and unemployment indicators (viz. Worker Population Ratio(WPR), Labour Force Participation Rate(LFPR), Unemployment Rate(UER)) in the short time interval of three months for the urban areas only in the ‘Current Weekly Status’ (CWS).

– To estimate employment and unemployment indicators in both ‘Usual Status’ (ps+ss) and CWS in both rural and urban areas annually.

Click Here to read more about PLFS

What are the key findings of PLFS Annual Report 2022-23?

Labour Force Participation Rate(LFPR): It increased significantly over the last six years, from 36.9 per cent in 2017-18 to 57.9 percent in 2022-23.

– In rural areas, LFPR increased from 50.7% in 2017-18 to 60.8% in 2022-23 while for urban areas it increased from 47.6% to 50.4%. 

– LFPR for male in India increased from 75.8% in 2017-18 to 78.5% in 2022-23 and corresponding increase in LFPR for females was from 23.3% to 37.0%.

Worker Population Ratio (WPR): In rural areas, WPR increased from 48.1% in 2017-18 to 59.4% in 2022-23 while for urban areas it increased from 43.9% to 47.7%. 

– WPR for male in India increased from 71.2% in 2017-18 to 76.0% in 2022-23 and the corresponding increase in WPR for females was from 22.0% to 35.9%.

Unemployment Rate (UR): India’s unemployment rate dropped to a six-year low in the financial year July-June 2022-23 to 3.2 per cent.

– In rural areas, UR decreased from 5.3% in 2017-18 to 2.4% in 2022-23 while for urban areas it decreased from 7.7% to 5.4%. 

– UR for male in India decreased from 6.1% in 2017-18 to 3.3% in 2022-23 and corresponding decrease in UR for females was from 5.6% to 2.9%.

Source: The post is based on the article “India expanding censorship regime, creating uneven playing field: study” published in “The Hindu” on 6th October 2023

What is the News?

Freedom House, a Washington-based non-profit organization has released a report titled “Freedom on the Net 2023: The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence”.

What is the Freedom on the Net report?

Freedom on the Net is an annual study of human rights in the digital sphere. 

The report assesses internet freedom in 70 countries, accounting for almost 89 percent of the world’s internet users. 

This report covered developments between June 2022 and May 2023. 

What are the key findings of the Freedom on the Net report?

Source: The Hindu

Global Internet Freedom Decline: Internet freedom has declined globally for the 13th consecutive year.Out of 70 countries assessed, 29 have witnessed a deterioration in online human rights, while only 20 have shown improvements.

Worst country for Internet Freedom: China was ranked as the world’s worst environment for Internet freedom for the ninth consecutive year.Myanmar emerged as the world’s second most repressive country for online freedom.

– Iran also experienced a significant increase in digital repression, including Internet shutdowns and social media blockages during anti-government protests.

Legal Consequences for Online Expression: A record 55 countries saw individuals facing legal repercussions for online expression.

– The number of countries imposing arrests and long prison terms for online activities has risen from 18 in 2014 to 31 in 2023.

Elections as Triggers: Elections often serve as triggers for digital repression.Incumbent leaders frequently criminalize speech, block independent news sites, and control information to influence election outcomes.

What are the key findings of the report related to India?

India’s Censorship measures: India has incorporated censorship including the use of automated systems, into the country’s legal framework. 

– The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules require large social media platforms to use AI-based moderation tools for broadly defined types of content — such as speech that could undermine public order, decency, morality, or the country’s sovereignty, integrity, and security, or content that officials had previously ordered removed.

Censorship methods adopted by India: The report evaluates countries on five censorship methods — Internet connectivity restrictions, blocks on social media platforms, blocks on websites, blocks on VPNs, and forced removal of content.

– India engaged in all forms of censorship methods except one (VPN blocking).

Digital Freedom score: India received a score of 50 on a scale of 1 to 100 for Digital freedom where ‘100’ represented highest digital freedom.Iceland had the highest Internet freedom with a score of 94.

Source: The post is based on the article “India retains 40th rank in the Global Innovation Index 2023” published in “PIB” on 28th September 2023.

What is the News?

Global Innovation Index 2023 has been published by the World Intellectual Property Organization.

What is the Global Innovation Index?

Click Here to read

What are the key findings of Innovation Index 2023?

Source: Economic Times

Top Five countries: Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom and Singapore are the world’s most innovative economies in 2023.

India: India has maintained its 40th rank in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2023. In 2015, India stood at the 81st spot and has been rising in the past eight years.

– India ranked first among the 37 lower-middle group of income and first among the 10 economies in Central and South America.

– India holds top rankings in key indicators such as: ICT services exports (5th rank), flow of venture capital (6), graduates in science and engineering (11) and global corporate R&D investors (13).

– The areas where India needs to improve a lot are infrastructure (84th rank), business sophistication (57) and institutions (56).

Source: The post is based on the article “Greater one-horned rhinos thriving in India Nepal despite poaching threat Report” published in “The Week” on 26th September 2023.

What is the News?

The State of the Rhino Report, 2023 has been released by US-based International Rhino Foundation(IRF).

The report comes ahead of World Rhino Day, an annual global celebration of the five rhino species and their conservation on September 22.

What are the key findings of State of the Rhino Report, 2023?

Source: International Rhino Foundation(IRF)

Threats: Habitat loss, poaching and climate change continue to threaten the existence of all five rhino species.

– Rhino populations that were once considered less threatened have seemingly become the primary target of poaching efforts which are orchestrated by highly organized, transnational criminal syndicates.

Impact of Climate Change: In Africa, climate change-induced drought is causing myriad detrimental impacts.

– In Asia dramatically increased precipitation and longer monsoon periods could cause more direct deaths of rhinos and humans alike.

– Changing weather conditions and landscapes can also trigger an increase in invasive plant species, crowding out or overtaking native rhino food plants and causing general habitat degradation.

Greater One Horned Rhino: Greater one-horned rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis) reside primarily in India and Nepal, though there is a population that occasionally crosses into Bhutan. 

– Bhutan, India and Nepal work together to implement a trans-boundary management strategy for the greater one-horned rhino. 

– Thanks to this collaboration and strict government protection and management, the greater one-horned rhino population has steadily increased over the last century, and has grown about 20% over the last decade. 

Deaths of Greater One Horned Rhino: After reporting no poaching deaths in 2022, India has recorded two deaths of Greater One-Horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) until September 2023.

– The deaths were reported from Manas National Park and Kaziranga National Park. 

Source: The post is based on the article “Aadhaar unreliable in ‘hot, humid’ India: Moody’s”  published in The Hindu on 25th September 2023

What is the News?

Global rating major Moody’s Investors Service has released a report titled “Decentralized Finance and Digital Assets”.

What are the key findings of the report?

Source: The Hindu

Moody has acknowledged Aadhaar as the world’s largest digital ID program that assigns unique numbers to over 1.2 billion Indian residents using biometric and demographic data.

However, Moody has raised some concerns over Aadhar such as:

Biometric issues: Aadhar often results in service denials and the reliability of biometric technologies especially for manual laborers in hot, humid climates, is questionable.

– These remarks assume significance in view of the government’s adoption of Aadhaar for routing direct benefit transfers to beneficiaries of official welfare schemes and in particular, the use of Aadhaar-based payments for labourers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme.

Centralized Identification system: Aadhaar is a centralized identification system.This leads to the concentration of sensitive information with specific entities and increases the risks of data breaches.Hence, that’s why Moody has favoured adoption of decentralized ID (DID) systems.

– In decentralized ID (DID) systems, personal data is saved in a user’s digital wallet and identity verification takes place not via a single, centralized institution but on a decentralized digital ledger such as a blockchain.This increases privacy and reduces the amount of personal information held by intermediaries.

– For instance, Estonia, known for its fully digitalized public services has embraced SSI [Self-Sovereign Identity] to grant citizens complete control over their digital identities.

– However, digital IDs, centralized or not can have negative social repercussions, since they may strengthen group identities and political divides, particularly if offered by technology and social media companies with significant monopolistic influence.

Source: The post is based on the article “National Education Policy 2020 | Multiple entry, exit option in higher studies may not suit India: House panel”  published in The Hindu on 25th September 2023

What is the News?

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education has released a report titled ‘Implementation of the National Education Policy, 2020 in Higher Education’.

The committee has advised the Union government to hold discussions with stakeholders before implementing the option of multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME) under the national education policy(NEP). 

What is Multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME)?

Source: The Hindu

National education policy(NEP) proposes Multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME).

The system allows students to drop their course and resume it at a later stage as and when they desire or deem it worth pursuing. 

This arrangement will prove to be helpful for those students who cannot continue their studies due to financial, social or any other reason and desire to resume their studies when the conditions become favourable in due course of time.

What are the challenges in implementing MEME according to the Parliamentary Standing Committee?

Predicting Student Flow: MEME looks like a flexible system which is being operated by western educational institutions effectively.But it might not work well in the country.

– This is because in India, with its high population, it is challenging for institutions to predict how many students may exit or join midway.This uncertainty could disrupt the pupil-teacher ratio.

Uneven Distribution of Institutions: The uneven geographical distribution of higher educational institutions, especially in rural areas could create obstacles in implementing MEME effectively.

What are the recommendations given by the committee to implement MEME effectively?

Develop comprehensive guidelines and a well-defined framework for MEME options, including specific eligibility criteria, credit transfer mechanisms providing a clear road map for students pursuing different exit points.

Conduct wider consultations with universities, institutions, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to address the challenges and difficulties associated with MEME implementation.

How is the Kerala Government implementing MEME?

The Kerala government has decided not to implement MEME in colleges and universities in the State. 

The curriculum document of the State had said that the government would allow multiple entry, but exit will be allowed either after three years with a degree or after four years with honours degree.

Source: The post is based on the article “Panel calls for revising rules of construction around protected ASI monuments”  published in The Hindu on 23rd September 2023

What is the News?

The Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport Tourism and Culture has called for revising rules of construction around protected Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) monuments.

What are the rules of construction around protected ASI monuments?

​​The prohibited and restricted area provision was introduced in 2010 through an amendment to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958. 

It prohibits and regulates all activities like mining and construction around 100 metres and 300 metres. 

What are the observations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport Tourism and Culture on this?

The committee has observed that the provision of 100-metre prohibited area and 300-metre regulated area around all monuments protected by the ASI has pitted the local community against these heritage structures in many places as they find it difficult to carry out necessary repair work of their residential spaces.

The committee has asked the government to revise the rules to make them realistic.It has also recommended rationalizing the application of such rules based on the historical significance of the monuments.

The committee has also recommended that the list of all 3,691 ASI-protected monuments be rationalized and categorized based on their national significance, unique architectural value and specific heritage content.

Source: The post is based on the article “India wins bid to host 17th International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement”  published in PIB on 21st September 2023

What is the News?

India has won the bid to host the prestigious International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement (ICCC) at New Delhi in 2027.

What is the International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement(ICCC)?

International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement(ICCC) is the largest and most prestigious event of its kind which reviews the progress of research in the area of Cement and Concrete. 

The congresses have been held generally at intervals of four to six years since 1918.

The 9th Congress was organized at New Delhi in 1992 by National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM) and the present 16th ICCC is being held at Bangkok, Thailand.

What is the National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM)?

National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM) is an apex Research and Development organization under the administrative control of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

Purpose: It is dedicated to research, technology development & transfer, education & industrial services for cement, allied building materials & construction industries.

Significance: NCCBM has a proven track record of executing biennial NCB International Seminars/Conferences of similar magnitude, ensuring a seamless and memorable event.

India’s Cement Industry:

India is the fifth largest economy and is likely to become third largest by the next five years.

India’s cement industry is second largest in the world with installed cement capacity of 600 million tonnes. 

The cement industry in India plays a key role in the circular economy framework in the country by utilizing various industrial wastes and is having one of the lowest CO2 footprints and most energy efficient in the world. 

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Health Minister addresses annual meeting of the Friends of the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health”  published in PIB on 19th September 2023

What is the News?

The Union Health Minister addressed the annual meeting of the Friends of the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health on the occasion of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.

What is the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on NCDs (UNIATF)?

UNIATF was established by the UN Secretary-General in 2013 and placed under WHO’s leadership. 

Its role is to bring the United Nations system and other intergovernmental organizations together to support governments to meet the NCD-related SDG targets which includes mental health.

The Task Force supports governments to meet high-level commitments made at the United Nations General Assembly and the World Health Assembly, including the WHO Global NCD Action Plan 2013–2030. 

The task force reports each year to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

What are the key highlights from the Union Health Minister address to UNIATF?

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant global health problem, responsible for about 74% of all deaths worldwide, and in India, they account for 63% of all deaths.This places immense pressure on healthcare systems and has a substantial socioeconomic impact.

India’s approach towards tackling NCDs includes implementing the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).The strategy aims to provide standard care to 75 million people with hypertension and diabetes by 2025.

For every individual, a single Ayushman Bharat Health Account Number (ABHA-ID) is being maintained and tracking of every single individual with NCDs is done through National NCD Portal. 

Ayushman Bharat has introduced Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) that offer population-level interventions for the prevention, screening, control, and management of five common NCDs i.e., hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer. 

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana provides health assurance/ insurance coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Rs. 5 lakh coverage per family per year is provided to over 600 million beneficiaries.

Source: The post is based on the article “Fourth G20 Global Partnership For Financial Inclusion Meeting is scheduled to be held in Mumbai”  published in PIB on 14th September 2023

What is the News?

The Fourth G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) Meeting is being held in Mumbai 

What is Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion(GPFI)?

Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion(GPFI) was officially launched in 2010 in Seoul,South Korea.

It is an inclusive platform for all G20 countries, interested non-G20 countries and relevant stakeholders.

Purpose: To carry forward work on financial inclusion, including implementation of the G20 Financial Inclusion Action Plan, endorsed at the G20 Summit in Seoul.

GPFI’s efforts include helping countries put into practice the G20 Principles for Innovative Financial Inclusion, strengthening data for measuring financial inclusion, and developing methodologies for countries wishing to set targets.

The first G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) meeting under India’s G20 Presidency was held in 2023 in Kolkata,West Bengal. 

Source: The post is based on the article “President of India to Inaugurate ‘First Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights’ at ICAR Convention Centre, NASC Complex, New Delhi”  published in PIB on 12th September 2023

What is the News?

The President of India will inaugurate the first ‘Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights’ (GSFR) at the ICAR Convention Centre, National Agricultural Science Centre Complex in New Delhi.

What is the Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights'(GSFR)?

Organized by: Secretariat of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (International Treaty) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome.

Hosted by: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in collaboration with Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Authority, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) among others.

Aim: To contribute to the understanding of the challenges and opportunities of implementing farmers’ rights by the signatory countries and other stakeholders. 

Significance: India is hosting its first ‘Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights’.

– Note: India has been the first country in the world to include Farmers’ Rights in the context of Plant Variety Registration through its Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Act, 2001.