Reports and Indices Current Affairs MCQs

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NITI Aayog has released the 4th edition of the SDG India Index 2023-24, assessing progress across 113 indicators for all States and Union Territories (UTs). India’s composite score improved from 66 in 2020-21 to 71 in 2023-24, with significant advancements in Goals 1, 8, and 13. Thirty-two States and UTs are classified as front-runners, while Uttarakhand and Kerala topped the list with scores of 79. Chandigarh is the leading Union Territory.

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The UNEP’s report “Navigating New Horizons” identifies critical global shifts exacerbating the triple planetary crisis of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. It highlights the interconnectedness of today’s global polycrisis, which includes wars, extreme weather, and pandemics, driven by globalization. Key issues addressed include changing human-environment relationships, resource scarcity impacting global security, technological innovations like AI, increased risks from autonomous weapons, mass displacement of 1.5% of the population, and rising eco-anxiety.

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The FAO’s “State of the World’s Forests 2024” report, themed “Accelerating forest solutions through innovation,” highlights a decline in deforestation rates to 10.2 million ha per year in 2015–2020 from 15.8 million ha in 1990–2000. India ranks 3rd for average annual net forest area gain (2010-2020). Non-Timber Forest Products support 275 million Indian livelihoods. Innovation is crucial for climate resilience, bioeconomy shifts, and leveraging non-wood forest products’ nutritional benefits.

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India ranks 39th in the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index by the World Economic Forum, up from an adjusted 38th in 2021. The country’s scores improved in travel prioritization, safety, and health. In 2022, India had 14.3 million international tourists, 1.47% of the global market, and 15.66% in Asia-Pacific. The Ministry of Tourism promotes India domestically and internationally through integrated marketing and participation in travel fairs.

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India remained the eighth-largest exporter of agricultural products in 2023, despite exports dropping from $55 billion in 2022 to $51 billion. This occurred amid a general decline in agricultural exports among most top ten exporting nations. The WTO Trade Statistics 2023 report shows that only Brazil, the European Union (EU), and Thailand saw growth. Brazil’s exports increased by 6% to $157 billion, the EU’s rose by 5% to $836 billion, and Thailand’s grew by 0.2%.

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NITI Aayog’s report, “Strategy for the development of Seaweed Value Chain,” highlights the importance of seaweeds, marine plants thriving in water bodies, cultivated in aquaculture. The fishing and aquaculture sector contributes 1.5% to India’s GDP. Seaweed farming has economic significance for bioactive compounds in food and pharmaceuticals, environmental benefits in carbon sequestration and climate resilience, and nutritional value with essential minerals and vitamins.

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The Union Ministry of Law & Justice released a report highlighting infrastructural issues in the judicial system. Key findings include inadequate courtroom space for 37.7% of judicial officers, a shortage of trained personnel, and insufficient digital infrastructure in legal offices. The report recommends creating an independent IT department for courts, emphasizing electronic case management, and establishing separate civil and criminal courts with distinct judicial officers.

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The UN General Assembly recently launched the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) to help small island states and developing countries access low-interest financing. The MVI is a new international benchmark for measuring vulnerability and resilience in sustainable development at the national level. It complements traditional metrics like GDP by addressing the specific needs of countries with unique vulnerabilities that don’t qualify for low-interest financing based solely on GDP per capita. The UN is working with small island developing states (SIDS) to develop and implement the MVI.

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The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) released the 2nd Edition of the Ozone and UV Bulletin on World Ozone Day (16 September). This day celebrates the Montreal Protocol and its amendment, the Kigali Agreement. The theme for this year is “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Actions.” Key findings show the ozone layer is recovering, with ozone-depleting substances (ODS) decreasing. Full recovery is expected by 2066 over Antarctica, 2045 over the Arctic, and 2040 globally. The Kigali Amendment could reduce global warming by 0.5°C by 2100. Ozone depletion is mainly caused by ODS, especially in the Antarctic.

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NITI Aayog released an Expert Group report titled ‘Future Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response —A Framework for Action’. The report offers a blueprint for rapid response to future public health emergencies. COVID-19 is not the last pandemic; 75% of future threats could be zoonotic. The report offers a 100-day response plan for pandemics, focusing on governance, data management, and partnerships. India’s efforts during COVID-19, like digital tools and R&D, were highlighted. The report recommends strengthening legislation, surveillance, and capacity-building. It involved consultations with over 60 experts and stakeholders. The framework aims to better prepare and manage future outbreaks effectively.