Reports and Indices Current Affairs MCQs

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An international team led by the University of Oxford and UNSW Canberra introduces the inaugural ‘World Cybercrime Index’. Drawing from data collected through a survey of 92 experts, it ranks roughly 100 countries based on cybercrime prevalence. Key findings reveal concentrated threats, with Russia leading, followed by Ukraine, China, USA, Nigeria, and Romania. The score of India was recorded at 6.13 and was ranked 10th in the list of 15 countries. Cybercrime costs are projected to skyrocket, reaching $13.82 trillion by 2028.

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Earth Action released the Plastic Overshoot Day 2024 report, marking the point when global plastic waste surpasses manageable levels, leading to environmental harm. The Global Plastic Overshoot Day is projected for September 5th, with India’s on April 23rd. Key findings show a 7.11% increase in plastic waste since 2021, with 12 countries responsible for 60% of mismanaged waste. India, classified as a Low-Waste-Producing Polluter, faces challenges like improper disposal and additive use. Recommendations include local waste management infrastructure and policies like Extended Producer Responsibility.

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The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) released the 2024 State of the World’s Population report in April 2024. India leads with a population of 144.17 crore, expected to double in 77 years. 68% aged 15-64, with a Total Fertility Rate of 2.0. Life expectancy at birth is 71 and 74 years for men and women respectively. Child marriage rates were 23%, and women with disabilities face up to 10 times more gender-based violence. Marginalized communities are largely ignored despite 30 years of SRH progress.

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The WMO State of the Climate in Asia 2023, the fourth edition of annual climate reports, involved various institutions, including NMHSs, RCCs, and UN agencies. It highlights key climate indicators, impacts, and risks, addressing physical science, socio-economic, and policy aspects. In 2023, Asia experienced its second-highest mean temperature, extreme heat events, and record sea-surface temperature anomalies. Hydrometeorological hazards led to over 2,000 fatalities and affected millions, with floods and storms predominating.

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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) published the 2024 Global Education Monitoring Report: Gender report – Technology on her terms in France in 2024. The report examines the impact of technology on girls’ education opportunities and future technological development. It highlights ICT’s potential to overcome educational barriers for girls, citing the M-shule platform in Kenya. However, the digital divide persists, with fewer women owning mobile phones and having internet access compared to men.

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Nasscom’s recent release, the Patenting Trends in India report, coincided with World Intellectual Property Day. Celebrated annually on April 26, the day aims to highlight the importance of Intellectual Property (IP) rights in fostering innovation and creativity. Established in 2000 by WIPO, this year’s theme is ‘IP and the SDGs: Building Our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity’. The report revealed India’s significant patenting growth, with 83,000 patents filed in FY2023, a 24.6% increase, marking the highest growth rate in two decades.

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ISRO released the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) highlighting a rise in space object population. ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM), operational since 2022, ensures ISRO’s space asset safety. Globally, 3143 objects were launched, with five major break-up events. India launched 127 satellites by 2023 and successfully conducted seven ISRO missions, including Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L-1. Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres increased to protect spacecraft from close approaches.

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India’s World Press Freedom Index score declined from 36.62 to 31.28 in 2024, per Reporters Without Borders. This annual report assesses journalism freedoms across 180 nations. India’s rank improved from 161 to 159 due to others’ decline. However, India lags behind Turkey, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Despite a slight improvement in security, scores fell across other indicators, signaling challenges to press independence.

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The World Economic Forum’s report titled ‘Amplifying the Global Value of Earth Observation’ highlights Earth Observation (EO) technologies’ economic potential, estimating a $3.8 trillion contribution to global GDP from 2023-2030. EO encompasses remotely-sensed and in-situ data collection, offering insights across sectors. Agriculture benefits from precision techniques, while energy sectors utilize EO for forecasting and operations management. Mining gains insights for mineral exploration. EO also aids climate efforts, with applications like early wildfire detection and greenhouse gas monitoring, potentially reducing over 2 billion tonnes of CO2 annually by 2030.

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The 2024 World Wildlife Crime Report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime revealed rhinos and cedars as the most trafficked species from 2015-2021. Established in 1997, the UNODC combats drug abuse, trafficking, and crime worldwide. It strengthens international cooperation, promotes crime prevention, and aids criminal justice reform to combat transnational organized crime and corruption.