Reports and Indices Current Affairs MCQs

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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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According to IQAir, Kathmandu is the most polluted city in the world as of May 2, 2024. IQAir is a Swiss technology company that monitors the pollution levels of 101 cities in real time. The Ministry of Health and Population of Nepal has advised residents to wear masks due to the alarming increase in air pollution in the Kathmandu valley. In 2023, IQAir’s World Air Quality report ranked India as the third most polluted country and New Delhi as the most polluted capital city.

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The Asian Development Bank’s report on Aging well in Asia highlights four vital aspects of older persons’ well-being: health, productive work, economic security, and social engagement. It reveals that developing Asia faces rapid aging, with the older population set to almost double to 25.2% by 2050. India’s challenges include low health insurance coverage (21%) for older individuals and heavy reliance (80%–90%) on private income and assets for retirement.

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The World Bank’s ‘Recipe for a Livable Planet’ report outlines strategies for achieving net zero emissions in the agrifood system. It defines the agrifood system’s scope from farm to table, highlighting its significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, with developing countries and China, Brazil, and India being major emitters. India’s emissions are mainly from livestock. Despite increased climate financing, agrifood projects receive only 4.3%. The report suggests doubling investments to $260 billion yearly by 2030 for emissions reduction.

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In 2023, global internal displacement rose to 75.9 million from 71.1 million the year before, as per the Global Report on Internal Displacement 2024 (GRID-2024) by the Geneva-based IDMC. The report cites 7.7 million displaced by disasters, a quarter due to earthquakes, and 68.3 million by conflict. Sudan, Syria, DRC, Colombia, and Yemen house nearly half of IDPs. Sudan alone records 9.1 million IDPs, with new displacements concentrated in Sudan, Palestinian territories, and DRC.

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The International Labour Organization (ILO) released a working paper on the “Financing gap for universal social protection,” estimating the gap at 3.3% of GDP annually for 133 low and middle-income countries (LMICs), totaling US$1.4 trillion per year. Universal Social Protection (USP) includes key guarantees for vulnerable groups and healthcare. India alone needs US$135.3 billion, with a financing gap of 3.3% of GDP and 11.8% of government expenditure.

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Air pollution poses severe health risks globally. Researchers from IIT Jodhpur published a study in Nature Communications, revealing insights into Northern India’s particulate matter (PM) sources. The study emphasizes the need to address local combustion processes, like biomass and fossil fuel burning, to reduce health impacts. Key findings include PM2.5 source identification, differentiation between emitted and atmospheric PM, and correlation of PM’s harmfulness with its oxidative potential, aiding policymakers in effective air quality strategies.

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The International Labour Organisation (ILO) released the 2024 Asia-Pacific Employment and Social Outlook report. Key highlights include an improved Employment to Population Ratio (EPR) in the region at 58.2% (2023), with Indian women contributing significantly. India faces an aging population, with the old age dependency ratio projected to increase from 0.10 to 0.22 by 2050. Accelerated productivity growth is crucial for India to achieve high-income status by 2050, with 76% of manufacturers reporting skilled labor shortages.

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The Global Food Policy Report 2024 by IFPRI reveals that 38% of Indians consume unhealthy foods, while only 28% eat all five recommended food groups. Malnutrition in India rose from 15.4% in 2011 to 16.6% in 2021. Adult overweight prevalence increased from 12.9% in 2006 to 16.4% in 2016. Processed food consumption is growing, with packaged foods’ share in household budgets nearly doubling to 12%.

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The Coal Ministry’s report “Greening Initiative in Coal & Lignite PSUs” showcases efforts by Coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to reduce environmental impacts through reclamation and afforestation. Key initiatives include extensive ecological restoration, seed ball plantation, seed casting via drones, and Miyawaki plantation, which involves densely planting native trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants. These measures aim to increase green cover in coal mining areas.