Reports and Indices Current Affairs MCQs

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The UNEP report “Raising Ambition, Accelerating Action: Towards Enhanced NDCs for Forests” highlights significant gaps in forest protection in current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). From 2019-2023, tropical deforestation emitted 5.6 billion tonnes of CO2 annually in the top 20 countries. Only 8 countries have quantified deforestation targets, and just 38% of UNFCCC Parties include forest conversion reduction measures. Agriculture and weak land-use policies are major deforestation drivers.

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The World Bank’s June 2024 Global Economic Prospects report revised India’s GDP growth forecast for 2024-25 to 6.6%, up from 6.4% in January. India is projected to remain the fastest-growing major economy in 2024-25. For 2025-26, the forecast increased to 6.7% from 6.5%. India’s economy grew by 8.2% in 2023-24, per the NSO. The Reserve Bank of India raised its 2024-25 forecast to 7.2%.

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In India’s new cabinet, only two out of 30 ministers are women, down from 10 previously. The Global Gender Gap Report 2024 by the World Economic Forum underscores global gender disparities. Iceland leads as the most gender-equal country for the 14th year, with India ranking 129th. India’s slight decline in the index reflects setbacks in educational attainment and political empowerment, despite marginal improvements in economic participation and opportunity.

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The United Nations reported a record 120 million people were forcibly displaced globally from early 2023 to May 2024, as per the UNHCR’s Global Trends report. By the end of 2023, 117.3 million individuals had fled due to persecution, conflict, and violence. Conflict continues to be a major factor in displacement, affecting countries like Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Palestine, Congo, Somalia, Haiti, Syria, and Armenia.

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India is ranked 63rd on the global Energy Transition Index 2024 by the World Economic Forum. The index monitors the global shift towards sustainable, secure, and accessible energy systems. Sweden tops the rankings, followed by Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, and France. Despite notable progress by emerging economies like Brazil and China, 83% of countries regressed in security, equity, or sustainability. The gap between advanced and developing economies is narrowing, despite disparities.

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The UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2024 reveals a 2% global decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) flows in 2023, with significant drops noted in India. Funding for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) investments via sustainable finance products is also slowing. Established in 1964, UNCTAD aids developing nations in accessing the advantages of a global economy equitably.

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The NSO released the “Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors (2011-12 to 2022-23).” Key highlights include agriculture’s 18.2% share of GVA in 2022-23. Sub-sector contributions are Crop (54.3%), Livestock (30.9%), Forestry (7.9%), and Fishing (6.9%). From 2011-12 to 2022-23, Crop’s share declined from 62.4% to 54.3%, while Livestock, Forestry, and Fishing output increased significantly.

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The IUCN report “Planet on the Move: Reimagining Conservation” emphasizes the need for a new conservation approach amidst migration, environmental change, and conflict. It highlights the nexus between these factors, urging integrated policies for human and wildlife migration. Recommendations include addressing migration and development needs while preserving biodiversity, creating legal mechanisms to protect environmental migrants, and enhancing synergies between laws for intersecting migrations.

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The UN Trade and Development recently released the Digital Economy Report 2024. It emphasizes the need for sustainable digitalization strategies. Internet users grew from 1 billion in 2005 to 5.4 billion in 2023. The ICT sector’s global GHG emissions were 1.5-3.2% in 2020. Digital-related waste surged 30% from 2010 to 2022, reaching 10.5 million tonnes. Data centers consumed 460 terawatts hours in 2022, expected to double by 2026. Critical mineral demand may surge by 500% by 2050. Recommendations include adopting circular economy models, enforcing environmental standards, investing in renewable energy, and promoting sustainable business models.

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The World Economic Forum (WEF) released “The Future of Financial Advice” report, highlighting the importance of traditional financial advisors despite the rise of finfluencers. Finfluencers, who provide financial advice via social media, influence many individuals’ financial decisions. Key reasons for their popularity include social media accessibility (used by 60% of the global population), diverse and inclusive content, and engaging educational formats like short videos and memes.