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  • Extreme Poverty in India down to 5.3% in 2022-23: World Bank

    Why in the News?

    According to a new World Bank report, extreme poverty in India has fallen from 27.1% in 2011–12 to just 5.3% in 2022–23, based on a revised international poverty line.

    Understanding World Bank’s Poverty Lines:

    • The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than a fixed amount per person per day, adjusted using Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) to account for inflation and cost of living.
      • PPP compares currencies by showing how much money is needed in different countries to buy the same goods. It helps measure real cost of living and economic strength.
    • Previous thresholds:
      • $1.90 per day (2011 PPP)
      • $2.15 per day (2017 PPP)
    • Revised in June 2025:
      • Low-income countries: $3 per day
      • Lower middle-income countries (LMIC): $4.20 per day (up from $3.65)
      • Upper middle-income countries: $8.40 per day (up from $6.85)
    • Why it matters: These new thresholds help track progress in poverty reduction and align better with today’s economic conditions.

    India’s Progress and Challenges:

    • Reduction in Poverty:
      • At the $3/day level, poverty dropped from 27.1% (2011–12) to 5.3% (2022–23).
      • At the $2.15/day level, poverty fell from 16.2% to 2.3%, lifting 171 million people.
      • At the $4.20/day level, poverty declined from 61.8% to 28.1%, benefiting 378 million people.
    • Rural-Urban Trends:
      • Rural poverty dropped from 69% to 32.5%, and urban poverty from 43.5% to 17.2%.
      • The rural-urban gap narrowed from 25 to 15 percentage points.
    • Inequality Measures:
      • Consumption inequality improved (Gini fell from 28.8 to 25.5).
      • Income inequality, however, worsened (Gini rose from 52 to 62).
    • Employment Trends:
      • Since 2021–22, employment growth has outpaced the working-age population.
      • Urban unemployment dropped to 6.6%, the lowest since 2017–18, but youth unemployment remains high at 13.3%, and 29% among graduates.
    • State-Level Dynamics:
      • UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and MP contributed to 65% of the extreme poor (2011–12) and now represent 54% of the remaining poor.
    • Multidimensional Poverty:
      • Declined significantly from 53.8% in 2005–06 to 15.5% in 2022–23, reflecting progress in health, education, and living standards.
    [UPSC 2019] In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because:

    Options: (a) poverty rates vary from State to State (b) price levels vary from State to State* (c) Gross State Product varies from State to State (d) quality of public distribution varies from State to State

     

  • India elected to UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)  

    Why in the News?

    India has been elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the term 2026–2028.

    About the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):

    • Establishment: It is one of the 6 principal UN organs, created in 1945 under the UN Charter.
    • Mandate: It coordinates the UN’s economic, social, humanitarian, and cultural work.
    • Role: ECOSOC serves as the central platform for global policy dialogue, review, and development recommendations.
    • Composition: ECOSOC has 54 member states, elected by the UN General Assembly for three-year terms.
    • Decision-Making: Decisions are made by simple majority; no permanent members; presidency rotates annually.
    • Functions and Powers:
      • Coordination: Oversees 15 specialized agencies (e.g., WHO, ILO), 8 functional commissions, and 5 regional commissions.
      • Promotion Areas: Focuses on living standards, employment, human rights, education, healthcare, and environmental protection.
      • Engagement with NGOs: Grants consultative status to over 1,600 NGOs and organizes global conferences.
      • UN Oversight: Supervises agencies such as UNICEF, UNDP, and UNHCR.
    • Sessions and Meetings:
      • Main Sessions: Held each July, along with an organizational session.
      • Finance Dialogues: Hosts April meetings with finance ministers from the IMF and World Bank.
      • SDG Monitoring: Organizes the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) to track progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    • Legal and Institutional Details:
      • UN Charter Basis: Defined under Chapter X (Articles 61–72) of the Charter.
      • Headquarters: Located in New York.
      • Scope: ECOSOC is the largest and most complex UN body, shaping global development policy.

    India and ECOSOC:

    • Membership: India is serving its 18th term as a member, elected for the 2026–28 period.
    • Subsidiary Roles: India has held positions in bodies like the UN Statistical Commission, Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and UNAIDS Board.
    • Recent Milestone: India recently joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD), highlighting its data expertise.
    • Policy Priorities: India supports inclusive growth, SDG progress, and south-south cooperation through evidence-based multilateral leadership.
    [UPSC 2009] With reference to the United Nations, consider the following statements:

    1. The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of UN consists of 24 member States.

    2. It is elected by a 2/3 majority of The General Assembly for a 3-year term.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • Global Energy Investment Report, 2025

    Why in the News?

    China will lead global energy investments in 2025, making up over a quarter of total spending, says the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 10th edition Global Energy Investment Report, 2025.

    Back2Basics: International Energy Agency (IEA)

    • Establishment: The IEA was formed in 1974 under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in response to the 1973 oil crisis, with headquarters in Paris, France.
    • Membership: It has 31 member countries (e.g., US, UK, France, Japan) and 11 association countries like India, China, and Brazil.
    • India’s Role: India joined as an Association Country in 2017, gaining access to data-sharing, policy support, and technical cooperation.
    • Expanded Mission: The IEA now supports energy security, clean energy transitions, emissions tracking, and policy development.
    • Global Influence: Its major reports—World Energy Outlook, Net Zero by 2050, and Energy Technology Perspectives—guide governments and investors worldwide.

    About the Global Energy Investment Report:

    • Origin and Purpose: Officially titled World Energy Investment Report, is the IEA’s flagship annual publication.
    • Published since 2016: To assess investment flows across the global energy system.
    • Scope of Coverage: It tracks investments in fossil fuels, renewables, electricity supply, critical minerals, energy efficiency, R&D, and innovation financing.
    • Strategic Value: The report helps determine if current investments support climate goals and universal energy access.

    Global Energy Investment Report, 2025

    Key Highlights from the 2025 Report:

    • China’s Role: China will account for over 25% of global energy investment, with over $625 billion in clean energy, though it also approved 100 GW of new coal plants in 2024.
    • Global Trends: Clean energy investment will hit $2.2 trillion, over twice the amount spent on fossil fuels, yet still falls short of COP28 targets.
    • Africa’s Investment Gap: Africa’s fossil fuel investment dropped from $125 billion to $54 billion, and it still receives only 2% of global clean energy funds, mainly due to debt burdens.
    • India’s Position: India’s renewables investment rose from $13 billion (2015) to $37 billion (2025), while fossil fuel investment also increased. However, grid and storage spending declined to $25 billion.
    • Financing Barriers: India’s high cost of capital—80% above advanced economies—limits clean energy growth. The “Baku to Belem Roadmap” seeks to mobilize $1.3 trillion by 2035 for such regions.
    • Global Mismatch: While $1 trillion is spent annually on power generation, only $400 billion goes to grid infrastructure, affecting distribution capacity.
    [UPSC 2022] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Climate Group” is an international non-profit organisation that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them.

    2. The International Energy Agency in partnership with The Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”.

    3. EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.

    4.Some Indian companies are members of EP100.

    5. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the “Under2 Coalition”.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) 1,2,4 and 5 (b) 1,3 and 4 only* (c) 2,3 and 5 only (d) 1,2,3,4 and 5

     

  • India opposed to ADB’s funding to Pakistan

    Why in the News?

    India has strongly objected to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) decision to provide an $800 million loan to Pakistan under its Resource Mobilisation Reform Programme.

    About the Asian Development Bank (ADB):

    • Established: 1966, following a UN-led conference on Asian Economic Cooperation.
    • Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
    • Status: Official Observer at the United Nations
    • Objectives:
      • To reduce poverty in Asia and the Pacific.
      • To promote inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth and regional economic integration.
    • Functions:
      • Provides loans (hard and soft), grants, and technical assistance.
      • Offers direct funding to private sector projects with social benefits.
      • Supports countries through policy dialogues, co-financing, and advisory services.
    • Funding Sources:
      • Issues bonds on global capital markets.
      • Receives member contributions, loan repayments, and retained earnings.
    • Membership and Shareholding:
      • 67 members: 48 from Asia-Pacific.
      • Major shareholders: Japan and USA (each 15.607%), China (6.444%), India (6.331%), Australia (5.786%).
    • Climate Goals:
      • Aims to mobilize $100 billion for climate finance between 2019 and 2030.
      • Promotes sustainable development initiatives such as green fuel projects, including one in Pakistan funded partly by ADB.

    India’s concerns over ADB Funding:

    • India emphasized that Pakistan’s defense spending has risen significantly even as its tax-to-GDP ratio fell from 13% in 2017-18 to 9.2% in 2022-23.
    • This tax ratio is significantly below the Asia-Pacific average of 19%, suggesting poor revenue collection and financial mismanagement.
    • India stressed to ADB that it expects strict oversight mechanisms to be implemented to avoid diversion of funds.
    • India has previously opposed financial aid to Pakistan at other fora like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and is reportedly preparing a dossier to request Pakistan’s re-entry into the FATF grey list.
    [UPSC 2024] Which one of the following launched the ‘Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific’?

    (a) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) * (b) The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) (c) The New Development Bank (NDB) (d) The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)

     

  • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    Why in the news?

    As of May 17, Iran holds 408.6 kg of enriched uranium (near to the weapons-grade level) up to 60%, up sharply from 274.8 kg in February 2024, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    About the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):

    • What it is: The IAEA is an international organization that promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy and ensures it is not used for making nuclear weapons.
    • Establishment: It was created in 1957 following U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” speech. It is autonomous but reports to the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
    • Where it is based: Its headquarters is in Vienna, Austria, at the UN Office.
    • Members: The IAEA has 178 member countries, including India, which was a founding member.
    • Key Roles:
      • Promote peaceful nuclear technology use.
      • Prevent nuclear weapon development through safeguards.
      • Set safety and security standards for nuclear plants and materials.
    • Global Responsibilities:
      • It monitors the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to make sure countries don’t misuse nuclear materials.
      • It performs inspections, gives training, and supports countries in nuclear emergencies.
    • Recognition: In 2005, the IAEA won the Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the spread of nuclear weapons.

    IAEA and India:

    • India is a founding member: It supports the IAEA’s mission for peaceful nuclear development.
    • Nuclear Reactors Monitoring: Out of 22 nuclear reactors, 14 are monitored by the IAEA. These reactors use imported uranium from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Canada.
    • Obligations imposed: In 2014, under the Indo-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement, India accepted IAEA safeguards to show transparency.
    [UPSC 2020] In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not?

    Options: (a) Some use uranium and others use thorium (b) Some use imported uranium, and others use domestic supplies* (c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic (d) Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned

     

  • State of the World’s Animal Health Report, 2025 by WOAH

    Why in the News?

    The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) released the first-ever State of the World’s Animal Health report.

    Key Highlights of the Report:

    • India faces high risk from transboundary animal diseases, with 47% of global outbreaks between 2005–2023 being zoonotic, affecting both animals and humans.
    • African Swine Fever (ASF), which jumped 1,800 km to Sri Lanka in 2024, threatens India’s northeast pig-rearing regions already impacted in past years.
    • Avian Influenza (HPAI) saw outbreaks in non-poultry species surpass poultry in 2024; India’s dense poultry population makes cross-species transmission a growing concern.
    • Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), endemic in India, showed new serotype SAT 3 and SAT 1 activity in other countries, posing vaccine adaptation challenges.
    • Diseases like Lumpy Skin Disease and PPR, both reported in India earlier, are now spreading to new global regions, highlighting potential for reintroduction.
    • WOAH urges global action on vaccine equity, surveillance, and biosecurity, which align with India’s need to safeguard livelihoods, trade, and food security.

    About the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH):

    • Establishment: WOAH, formerly known as OIE, was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Paris, France.
    • Membership: It has 183 member countries, including India, and operates independently from the United Nations.
    • Mandate: WOAH is the global authority on animal health, working to control animal epidemics (epizootics) and improve global animal welfare.
    • Key Functions:
      • Runs the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) to track disease outbreaks.
      • Sets international health standards for trade in animals and animal products.
      • Promotes science-based animal welfare policies and transparent disease reporting.
      • Offers technical support to countries, especially developing nations.
    • Global Cooperation: Works with over 70 global partners, including the FAO.
    • India’s Role: India is a member and an active participant through the World Assembly of Delegates.
    [UPSC 2005] Which one of the following diseases of milching animals are infectious?

    1. Foot and Mouth disease

    2. Anthrax

    3. Black Quarter

    4. Cowpox

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4*

     

  • WHO members adopt ‘Pandemic Agreement’

    Why in the News?

    At the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva, the World Health Organisation (WHO) adopted a new Pandemic Agreement that aims to make the global response to future pandemics more equitable and effective.

    About the WHO Pandemic Agreement:

    • Adoption: It was unanimously adopted at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva after 3 years of negotiation since the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Legal Basis: It was adopted under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, making it only the second such legally binding agreement after the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (2003).
    • Primary Goal: To ensure fair and timely access to vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic tools during future pandemics.
    • Stakeholders: It promotes collaboration among countries, WHO, pharmaceutical firms, civil society, and other stakeholders.
    • Next Steps: It will come into force once ratified by at least 60 countries; the final annex is expected by May 2026.
    • Irritant: The US has not joined, raising concerns about the agreement’s global effectiveness.

    Key Highlights of the Agreement:

    • Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS): A new system will ensure quick virus sample sharing with companies, who must give 20% of vaccines and medicines to WHO—10% as donations and 10% at affordable prices.
    • Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL): A WHO-managed network will ensure emergency access to critical supplies during pandemics.
    • Coordinating Financial Mechanism: A funding system will support countries in pandemic preparedness and response.
    • Sustainable Local Production: Countries are encouraged to build vaccine and medicine production capacity to ensure rapid and equal access.
    • Technology and Knowledge Transfer: Supports technology sharing with developing nations using licensing, financing, and regulatory tools, coordinated via WHO-managed hubs.
    • Pandemic Prevention and Surveillance: Countries must improve early detection, routine vaccinations, and address lab safety, antimicrobial resistance, and zoonotic threats.
    • Respect for Sovereignty: The WHO will not enforce national policies like lockdowns, vaccine mandates, or travel bans; countries retain full control over responses.
    [UPSC 2022] In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements:

    1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.

    2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector-based platform.

    3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • [pib] 150 Years of Metre Convention 

    Why in the News?

    On May 20, 2025, the Department of Consumer Affairs celebrated World Metrology Day, marking the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention in Paris on May 20, 1875.

    About the Metre Convention:

    • Inception: Also called the Treaty of the Metre, it was signed in Paris on May 20, 1875, to establish a global system of standardised measurements.
    • 17 Founding Members: Argentina, Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden and Norway, Switzerland, Ottoman Empire (Turkiye), USA, and Venezuela.
    • Institutions Created: The treaty established the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), and two governing bodies—CGPM (General Conference on Weights and Measures) and CIPM (International Committee for Weights and Measures).
    • Early Prototypes: It created international prototypes of the metre and kilogram, stored at the BIPM; member countries received national copies for comparison.
    • Expansion in 1921: The Convention was extended to cover all physical quantities, forming the basis for the International System of Units (SI).
    • Global Reach: As of October 2024, there are 64 member states in the Convention.
    • Collaboration: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), European Space Agency (ESA) participate in the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

    India and the Convention:

    • Membership: India joined the Metre Convention in 1957 after passing the Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1956.
    • Participation Benefits: India gained the ability to participate in BIPM work, align with global systems, and ensure international recognition of its standards.
    • Recent Milestone: India is now the 13th country authorized to issue OIML (International Organisation of Legal Metrology) Certificates.
    [UPSC 2007] Consider the following statements:

    1. The series of the International Paper Sizes is based on A0 size whose area is 0.5 m² (approximately).

    2. The area of A4 size paper is 1/8th of that of the A0 size paper.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 *

     

  • Global Report on Food Crises, 2025

    Why in the News?

    The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2025 has revealed that more than 295 million people in 53 countries and territories faced acute hunger in 2024.

    About the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC):

    • Publication: The GRFC has been published every year since 2016 by the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC).
    • Supporting Organisations: It is backed by the Food Security Information Network (FSIN) and includes input from UN agencies, the EU, and various NGOs.
    • Purpose: Provides a consensus-based analysis of acute food insecurity and malnutrition worldwide.

    Key Highlights from GRFC 2025:

    • Scope: The 2025 report covers 65 countries, with complete data for 53. India was not included in the analysis.
    • Global Hunger Level: In 2024, 295 million people faced acute food insecurity, up 13.7 million from 2023 — the sixth consecutive year of rising hunger.
    • Severity: 23% of the analysed population experienced food insecurity, remaining above 20% for five years.
    • Catastrophic Hunger: A record 1.9 million people were in Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Phase 5—catastrophic levels of hunger.

    [UPSC 2023] Which of the following countries has been suffering from decades of civil strife and food shortages and was in the news in the recent past for its very severe famine?

    Options: (a) Angola (b) Costa Rica (c) Ecuador (d) Somalia *

     

  • [pib] Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM) 

    Why in the News?

    The Sixth Meeting of the Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM) was hosted by the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva.

    About Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM):

    • GFTM is an informal platform launched by India in May 2023 under the WHO to promote cooperation on traditional medicine.
    • It is coordinated via India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva; it hosts regular meetings to explore integration of traditional systems into health strategies.
    • It supports global efforts like the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, fostering knowledge exchange and research collaboration.
    • It focuses on policy development, capacity building, and scientific validation of traditional practices.
    • It builds momentum for global events such as the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit and World Health Assembly sessions.

    India’s Key Initiatives in Traditional Medicine:

    The National AYUSH Mission (NAM) promotes Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy through dedicated facilities and education. Key efforts include:

    • Establishment of Ayush Arogya Mandirs (wellness centres) for integrated care.
    • Expansion of insurance coverage for AYUSH treatments.
    • Promotion of collaborative research with DBT, DST, ICMR, and CSIR.
    • Use of AI, genomics, and bioinformatics to bolster scientific credibility.
    • Strengthening of global outreach via bilateral agreements, international events, and multilateral platforms.
    [UPSC 2019] How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?