Reports and Indices Current Affairs MCQs

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According to report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India leads global arms imports with a 4.7% growth from 2014-2018 to 2019-2023. Russia remains India’s primary arms supplier, but its share fell below 50% for the first time since 1960-64. India sourced 36% of its arms imports from Russia. The US supplied 55% of Europe’s weapons, while Japan’s imports rose by 155%, and South Korea’s by 6.5%. China’s imports decreased by 44%.

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The FAO’s inaugural national report on AMR surveillance in India’s fisheries and livestock sectors (2019-22) highlights the critical role of antibiotic use in food animal production in driving Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR). Low resistance levels were observed to less commonly used antibiotics like chloramphenicol, but significant resistance to macrolides and quinolones was noted. The report underscores the necessity for prudent antibiotic usage in aquaculture and livestock production.

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The ‘Global Methane Tracker 2024’ by the International Energy Agency (IEA) reveals persistent high methane emissions from fossil fuels despite efforts. It aims to reduce methane emissions across the energy sector through the Global Methane Pledge. Methane, more potent than CO2 in trapping heat, contributes to 30% of global temperature rise. The 2024 tracker provides country-level estimates, highlighting natural sources contributing 40% and human activities, primarily agriculture and energy sectors, contributing 60%.

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India’s total fertility rate (TFR) is projected to plummet to 1.29 children per woman by 2050 and further to 1.04 by 2100, as per a Lancet study. The decline signifies a substantial drop from 6.18 children per woman in 1950. India currently falls below the replacement level of fertility, with a TFR of 1.91 in 2021, below the required 2.1. This trend aligns with global projections of declining fertility rates worldwide.

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The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) released its 3rd Food Waste Index Report in 2024, revealing that in 2022, 1.05 billion metric tonnes of food, 19% of the global supply, were wasted. This waste contrasts starkly with 783 million people experiencing hunger worldwide. The report emphasizes the need to tackle food waste to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 12.3. Households are the largest contributors, responsible for 60% of wastage. Annual per capita food wastage is estimated at 79 kg.

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The 2024 WHO Global Hepatitis Report highlights India’s high prevalence, with 2.9 crore cases of hepatitis B and 0.55 crore cases of hepatitis C. Released during the World Hepatitis Summit, WHO aims to eliminate hepatitis by 2030. The report underscores the importance of awareness, vaccination, and healthcare. In 2022, India saw 50,000 new hepatitis B cases, 1.4 lakh hepatitis C cases, and 1.23 lakh deaths. Diagnosis and treatment rates remain low, emphasizing the need for urgent action.

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Hurun Research Institute’s “Global Unicorn Index 2024” ranks startups founded in the 2000s. India, with 67 unicorns in 2023 (down from 68 in 2022), ranks third globally. The USA leads with 703, followed by China with 340. India lacks unicorns in Aerospace/SpaceTech. Unicorns are privately held, venture-capital backed startups valued at $1 billion. Factors behind India’s unicorn decline include a startup ecosystem slowdown and unsustainable growth. India’s initiatives include the Fund of Funds for Startups Scheme and tax exemptions for startups since April 2016.

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The World Trade Organization’s Global Trade Outlook and Statistics Report indicates early signs of trade fragmentation. In 2023, intermediate goods trade decreased by 6%, contrasting with stagnant non-intermediate trade. China’s share of Asian trading partners for parts and accessories slightly dropped. Disruptions in key shipping routes, such as the Panama and Suez Canals, are challenging global trade resilience. Traffic diversion via the Cape of Good Hope adds approximately 10 days to Asia-Europe journeys.

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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.