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  • Israel Judicial Reform Explained: What is the crisis about?

    israel

    Central Idea

    • On July 24, the governing coalition in Israel’s Parliament (Knesset) passed a critical part of its judicial overhaul plan, aimed at curbing the Supreme Court’s oversight powers over government decisions.
    • This has sparked months of protests against the right-religious government’s plans to transform the judiciary.

    Judiciary Overhaul: The Crisis Trigger

    • Abolishing the “Reasonability Doctrine”: The Knesset legislation abolishes the “reasonable doctrine” used by the Supreme Court to assess government decisions and ministerial appointments. This doctrine allowed the court to determine the sensibility and fairness of government decisions and nullify them if deemed necessary.
    • Reasonability Doctrine in Other Countries: The reasonability standard is a legal standard used in several countries, including Australia, Canada, and the U.K., by top courts to evaluate government decisions.
    • Criticism and Justification: Supporters of the government argue that the reasonability standard is too abstract and prone to judicial overreach, justifying its removal. They claim that this change will prevent courts from interfering in executive decisions.

    Other Proposals in the Overhaul Plan

    • Curbing Judicial Review: The original overhaul plan included proposals to limit judicial review over legislation and empower Parliament to override court decisions with a majority vote of 61 out of 120.
    • Greater Control of Judicial Appointments: The government seeks to replace members of the Bar Association in the nine-member panel responsible for selecting judges with “public representatives” chosen by the government. This change would give the government a majority vote in the committee and more control over judicial appointments.
    • Ministers’ Autonomy from Legal Advisers: Another proposal seeks to remove the legal obligation for Ministers to follow the advice given by their legal advisers, including the Attorney-General’s guidance.

    Motivation behind the Overhaul

    • Right-Wing Government’s Agenda: Israel’s current government, composed of right-wing, ultra-Orthodox, and extreme-right parties, aims to strengthen its control over the judiciary. The right-wing leaders have criticized the judiciary for impeding their legislative agenda and settlement expansion in Palestinian territories.
    • Shift in Israel’s Polity: Over the years, Israel’s polity has shifted rightward, while the judiciary remained relatively independent. The right-wing has long advocated for bringing the courts under the Parliament’s ambit.
    • Influence of Think Tank: The Kohelet Policy Forum, a think tank backed by American and Israeli billionaires, has played a significant role in formulating the judicial reforms. Kohelet seeks to advance right-wing policy reforms in Israel and has pushed for the overhaul of the judiciary.

    Protests and Concerns

    • Undermining Democracy: Critics, including the Opposition and civil society, argue that the government’s actions are an attempt to undermine Israel’s democracy. They fear that concentrating power within the government, controlled by right-wing and religious parties, could lead to an authoritarian theocracy.
    • Tensions between Liberal and Orthodox Jews: Protests have spread to different groups, including military reservists, amid concerns that religious parties may undermine the courts and empower religious sections.
    • Supreme Court Review: Civil society groups have filed petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the legislation on the reasonability doctrine. The court, facing a constitutional showdown, will review the challenges, even though the law curtails its own powers.

    Conclusion

    • The passage of the judicial overhaul plan in Israel’s Knesset has significant implications for the country’s governance and democratic fabric.
    • The concentration of power within the government and curtailing the Supreme Court’s oversight powers has raised concerns about checks and balances.
    • Civil society’s petitions and the Supreme Court’s subsequent decisions will be crucial in determining the future course of Israel’s judiciary and its democratic institutions.

  • UNESCO endorses Banning Smartphones from Schools

    smartphone

    Central Idea

    • The UNESCO has released Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2023.
    • The report warned against the negative impacts of excessive screen time on children’s well-being and academic performance.

    What is UNESCO?
    Full Name United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
    Established November 16, 1945
    Headquarters Paris, France
    Director-General Audrey Azoulay
    Purpose To promote peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.
    Functions – Promoting education for all

    – Supporting scientific research

    – Safeguarding cultural heritage

    – Fostering freedom of expression

    – Promoting media development
    Membership Over 190 member states
    World Heritage Sites Over 1,100 designated sites worldwide
    Languages Official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish

    Working languages: English, French

    About Global Education Monitoring Report 2023

    • Established in 2002, the GEM Report is an editorially independent report, hosted and published by UNESCO.
    • At the 2015 World Education Forum, it received a mandate from 160 governments to monitor and report on progress on education SDG 4.0.
    • The report provides in-depth analysis and assessment of key education issues and challenges worldwide.
    • It also offers evidence-based insights and policy recommendations to improve education systems and outcomes.

    Concerns raised in the report

    • Ills of digital learning: The report highlights that learning benefits diminish if technology is used excessively or without qualified teachers’ involvement.
    • Equitable Learning: The report reveals that inequities in learning emerge when instruction becomes exclusively remote, affecting vulnerable students, especially in rural areas.
    • Evidence-based Approach: The report urges for sound, impartial evidence on technology’s impact in education, as most available evidence originates from technology companies and may be biased.
    • Long-term Costs and Sustainability: Countries need to consider the long-term costs of digital learning and connectivity. The expansion of the Edtech market should not overshadow unmet basic education needs.
    • Threats posed by AI: The growth of generative AI and technology necessitates digital literacy and critical thinking skills.
    • Protecting Children’s Rights: During the pandemic, many online education initiatives risked infringing on children’s rights.

    Key endorsements: Banning smartphones in schools

    • The report endorses banning smartphones in schools if technology integration does not improve learning or negatively affects student well-being.
    • Research indicates that banning mobile phones from schools can lead to better academic performance, especially among low-performing students.

  • US re-entry into UNESCO

    Central Idea

    • The US first lady held a flag-raising ceremony at UNESCO in Paris, marking Washington’s official re-entry.

    UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
    Established November 16, 1945
    Headquarters Paris, France
    Membership 195 member states and 10 associate members
    Mandate Promoting international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication
    Objectives
    • Ensuring an inclusive and equitable quality education for all
    •  Safeguarding cultural heritage
    •  Advancing scientific research and collaboration
    •  Promoting freedom of expression
    •  Fostering intercultural dialogue
    Notable Programs and Activities
    1.  World Heritage Program: Designates and preserves sites of outstanding universal value
    2.  Education for All Program: Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all
    3.  International Hydrological Program: Promoting sustainable water management and cooperation
    4.  Man and the Biosphere Program: Promoting sustainable development and Conservation of natural resources
    5.  Intangible Cultural Heritage Program: Safeguarding and promoting intangible cultural heritage

     

    A quick recap

    • US and Israel’s withdrawal: Last December, the United States and Israel decided to leave UNESCO.
    • Historical trajectory of engagement: The decisions should be viewed within a longer historical context.

    Reasons for Withdrawal

    • Anti-Semitic resolutions: The US and Israel cited several resolutions that they perceived as biased against Israel.
    • Disdain for multilateralism and ‘America First’ policy: The US demonstrated a lack of interest in multilateral organizations and prioritized its own interests.
    • Mounting arrears: The decision was based on mounting arrears, the need for reform, and perceived anti-Israel bias.
    • Lack of interest in paying UNESCO debts: The Trump administration had little incentive to pay off debts accumulated since the Obama administration froze contributions.

    Implications of the withdrawal

    • Impact on UNESCO’s daily workings: The departure of the US and Israel impaired the organization’s operations.
    • Limited consequence for Palestinians: The diplomatic victory for the Palestinian Authority was of little political or economic significance for Palestinians living under occupation.

    Why is the US now joining back?

    • Counterbalance China’s influence: The US aims to counterbalance China’s growing influence in shaping global policies on artificial intelligence and technology education.
    • Protect and promote US interests: Rejoining allows the US to protect and advance its interests in cultural heritage preservation, climate change initiatives, and girls’ education.
    • Reforms and diplomatic efforts: UNESCO’s management reforms and efforts to address concerns have contributed to the US decision to rejoin.
    • Bipartisan support for engagement: The decision to rejoin UNESCO has received bipartisan support within the US, ensuring long-term engagement regardless of future political changes.
    • Financial considerations and commitment: The US plans to fulfill financial obligations to UNESCO, including paying dues and arrears, demonstrating a commitment to supporting key initiatives within the organization.

    Conclusion

    • The decision of the United States to rejoin UNESCO reflects a strategic effort to counterbalance China’s influence, protect and promote American interests, and engage in international efforts for cultural preservation, climate change, and education.

  • India secures 80th rank on Henley Passport Index

    passport

    Central Idea

    • India has seen an improvement in its ranking on the Henley Passport Index 2023, climbing seven places to the 80th position from 87 last year.
    • However, despite the rise in ranking, the number of countries allowing visa-free access to Indian passport holders remains the same.

    What is Henley Passport Index?

    • The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking system that measures the strength and value of passports from different countries.
    • It is published by Henley & Partners, a global residence and citizenship advisory firm.
    • The index provides an annual ranking of passports based on the number of countries and territories their holders can travel to without requiring a visa or with visa-on-arrival access.

    How is it derived?

    • It takes into account data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other reliable sources.
    • The index includes 199 passports and 227 travel destinations.
    • It assigns a “visa-free score” to each passport, which represents the number of destinations that can be visited without obtaining a visa in advance.
    • The higher the visa-free score, the stronger the passport.

    India’s Passport Performance in 2023

    • India is ranked 80th in 2023.
    • In 2014, India ranked 76th with 52 countries granting visa-free access to Indian passport holders.
    • Since then, its ranking has fluctuated, with positions of 88th (2015), 85th (2016), 87th (2017), 81st (2018), 82nd (2019 and 2020), and 81st (2021).
    • In the Henley Openness Index, which measures the number of nations allowing visa-free access, India ranked 94th out of 97 countries for permitting visa-free access to only four nations.

    Global scenario

    • Singapore Takes the Lead: Singapore has replaced Japan as the country with the most powerful passport, allowing its citizens visa-free access to 192 out of 227 travel destinations globally.
    • Other Top Countries: Germany, Italy, and Spain share the second position. The third position is shared by Austria, Finland, France, Luxembourg, South Korea, and Sweden.
    • Japan’s Position: Japan, previously holding the top position for five years, dropped to third place on the Henley Passport Index.
    • Pakistan: The country known for terrorism and the recent economic crisis has been ranked at 100 in the list. Citizens of Pakistan can travel to just 33 countries without applying for a visa.

  • NATO Vilnius Summit, 2023: Key Takeaways

    nato

    Central Idea

    • The Vilnius Summit held in July 2023 was significant in assessing the progress made by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the past year and preparing for future conflicts.
    • While expectations were high regarding Ukraine’s membership timeline, the summit fell short in this regard.

    About NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
    Formation Established on April 4, 1949
    Members Consists of 30 member countries
    Headquarters Located in Brussels, Belgium
    Mission Safeguard freedom and security through political and military cooperation
    Key feature: Article 5 Mutual defense provision, attack on one is an attack on all
    Operations Involved in peacekeeping and crisis management operations worldwide
    NATO-Russia Relations Complex relationship with Russia, involving cooperation and tensions
    Evolving Security Challenges Adapts to address evolving security challenges like terrorism, cyber threats, and hybrid warfare

     

    Also read:

    NATO+5 Status and India

    Key takeaways from Vilnius Summit

    (1) NATO’s Response to Threats:

    • Russian Threat: The summit communique acknowledged Russia as the most significant and direct threat to the security, peace, and stability of NATO allies in the Euro-Atlantic area.
    • Concerns over Belarus and Iran: NATO expressed concerns about Belarus providing territory and infrastructure for Russian aggression against Ukraine. It also highlighted Iran’s delivery of Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to Russia for attacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine.

    (2) Recalibrations in the Baltic Sea:

    • Finland and Sweden’s Inclusion: The summit marked Finland’s first participation as a NATO member, while Turkey agreed to ratify Sweden’s bid to join the alliance.
    • Curbing Russian dominance: This paves the way for a strategic recalibration in the Baltic Sea region that was previously dominated by Russia.

    (3) Commitments to Ukraine:

    • Membership Timeline: Despite expectations, no concrete timeline for Ukraine’s NATO membership was provided.
    • Concrete Outcomes: Ukraine secured short-term and long-term security commitments from NATO members, including the creation of the NATO-Ukraine Council and a multi-year program to help upgrade Ukrainian forces.
    • Defense Support: Member states such as Germany, Norway, and France made commitments to support Ukraine’s defense, including financial assistance, military equipment, and bilateral security cooperation.

    (4) Concerns over China:

    • Beijing’s Threat: The summit reiterated NATO’s recognition of China as a threat to its security, interests, and values. It highlighted China’s opaque strategy, intentions, military build-up, and its support to Russia.
    • Indo-Pacific Engagement: NATO emphasized the importance of the Indo-Pacific region’s security, linking it to Euro-Atlantic security.

    (5) Defense Spending and Readiness:

    • Burden-Sharing: NATO acknowledged the need for increased defense spending beyond the 2 percent of GDP baseline due to the more contested security order.
    • Regional Defense Plans: Allies reached an agreement on regional defense plans to enhance the alliance’s readiness. The plans focus on upgrading forces, increasing interoperability, and addressing financial implications.

    Conclusion

    • Overall, the summit reaffirmed NATO’s relevance and strategic priorities in an evolving security landscape.

  • Genetic Resources Commission gathers in Rome

    genetic

    Central Idea

    • Delegates from around the world have convened in Rome, Italy for the 19th session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA).

    What is Commission on Genetic Resources?

    Description
    Establishment Established in 1983 by the FAO
    Membership 181 member countries including India
    Governing Body Bureau consisting of Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, and FAO representative
    Mandate Promote conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture
    ITPGRFA Responsible for implementing the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
    Functions Address specific areas such as plant genetic resources, animal genetic resources, and digital sequence information
    Global Goals Contributes to SDG 2 on Zero Hunger and sustainable agricultural development

     

    Focus areas

    • The session will focus on three main topics:
    1. Review of work on biodiversity, nutrition, and human health.
    2. Access and benefit-sharing for food and agriculture.
    3. Digital sequence information for food and agriculture.
    4. Biodiversity for food and agriculture.
    5. The role of genetic resources in mitigating and adapting to climate change.
    6. Forest genetic resources.
    7. Microorganism and invertebrate genetic resources, including pollinators and biological control agents.
    8. Animal genetic resources

  • India to launch Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)

    biofuel

    Central Idea

    • The upcoming 14th Clean Energy Ministerial and Eighth Mission Innovation (CEM14/MI-8) conference, taking place in Goa from July 19-22, 2023, aims to establish the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA).

    What are Biofuels?

     

    • Biofuels are a type of renewable energy derived from organic materials, such as plants, crops, and agricultural waste.
    • They are considered an alternative to traditional fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, because they areproduced from renewable biomass sources.

    There are several types of biofuels, including:

    1. Ethanol: It is a biofuel produced by fermenting and distilling sugars or starches found in crops like corn, sugarcane, and wheat. It is commonly used as a blending component in gasoline and can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, known as E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline).
    2. Biodiesel: It is a renewable fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking oils. It is typically used as a substitute for diesel fuel and can be blended with petroleum diesel or used in its pureform. Biodiesel has lower emissions of pollutants compared to petroleum diesel and can be used in conventional diesel engines without any modifications.
    3. Biogas: It is produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic waste materials such as agricultural residues, food waste, and animal manure. It primarily consists of methane and carbon dioxide. Biogas can be used for heating, electricity generation, or as a vehicle fuel after purification.

    What is Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)?

    • G20 Priority: The GBA is a crucial priority under India’s G20 Presidency.
    • Learning from ISA: The GBA draws inspiration from the International Solar Alliance (ISA), jointly initiated by India and France in 2015 to combat climate change through solar energy adoption.
    • Objective: This alliance will focus on promoting international collaboration and cooperation to encourage the acceptance and utilization of biofuels.
    • Core Members: The GBA, comprising Brazil, the US, and India, aims to impact the global energy architecture and achieve net-zero emissions.
    • Membership and Endorsement: Other nations can join the GBA by endorsing the foundation document, and membership is open to non-G20 countries.

    Focus Areas of GBA

    • Focus areas of the GBA include:
    1. The GBA will focus on strengthening markets and facilitating global biofuel trade.
    2. Concrete policy lessons will be shared, and technical support will be provided for national biofuel programs worldwide.
    3. The alliance will highlight successful cases and best practices in the biofuel industry.

    Significance of GBA

    • Addressing OPEC+: The initiative signals India’s focus on reducing dependence on conventional hydrocarbons and calls for increased production by the OPEC+
    • Transformative Opportunities: GBA offer transformative opportunities for economic growth, rural development, energy self-sufficiency, reduced air pollution, and clean energy transition.
    • Adoption of Sustainable Biofuels: The alliance aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable biofuels.

    India’s Biofuel Achievements

    • Milestone Achieved: In the fiscal year 2020-21, India produced 4.08 billion litres of ethanol, achieving a blending rate of 10.02% and resulting in a reduction of 2.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
    • Goals and Targets: India aims to achieve a blending rate of 12% by 2022-23 and a goal of 20% blending by 2025, requiring an expanded production capacity of ethanol to 17 billion litres.
    • Focus on Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG): India actively promotes compressed bio-gas (CBG) derived from waste through the Sustainable Alternative towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) program.
    • Target Deadline: India aims to install 5,000 CBG plants across the country by 2024.

    Biofuel Advancements in Aviation

    • First Commercial Passenger Flight: India conducted its first commercial passenger flight using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend produced domestically.
    • Program Committee Established: The Bio-Aviation Turbine Fuel Programme Committee has been established to advance the use of SAF in the aviation sector.
    • Blending Targets: India aims to achieve a 1% SAF blend in jet fuel by 2025, requiring 140 million liters of SAF per year, and a more ambitious target of a 5% blend would need approximately 700 million liters per year.

    Global response

    • Brazil’s Support: Brazil expressed support for the GBA and its goals to expand and strengthen sustainable biofuels markets.
    • Saudi Arabia’s Focus: Saudi, a major oil producer, has a focus on conventional hydrocarbons and has not favored the GBA.
    • Russia’s Opec+ Involvement: Russia, as part of the Opec+ group, has been implementing production cuts despite fragile global economic recovery.
    • China’s Opposition: China, a major biofuel producer, opposed the India-led initiative and boycotted a G20 meeting on tourism held in Srinagar.

    Conclusion

    • The establishment of GBA represents a significant step towards promoting international collaboration and the adoption of sustainable biofuels.
    • India’s achievements in biofuel production and advancements in aviation fuel provide a strong foundation for the alliance’s objectives.

  • UK signs CPTPP Trade Deal

    cptttp

    Central Idea

    • The UK has formally signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a major Indo-Pacific trade deal.
    • Joining the bloc is seen as the UK’s biggest trade deal since leaving the European Union.

    What is CPTPP?

    • The CPTPP, established in 2018, reduces trade barriers among 11 countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Vietnam.
    • Objectives of CPRPP include-
    1. Tariff Reduction and Market Opening: The agreement requires countries to eliminate or significantly reduce tariffs and make commitments to open services and investment markets.
    2. Addressing Competition and Intellectual Property: The CPTPP includes rules on competition, intellectual property rights, and protections for foreign companies.
    3. Expanding Membership: While the CPTPP aims to counter China’s regional dominance, China and other countries such as Taiwan, Ukraine, Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Ecuador have applied to join.

    Importance of CPTPP for the UK

    • Cutting Tariffs and Expanding Trade: The UK government anticipates reduced tariffs for UK exports to Asia Pacific countries. Joining the CPTPP expands trade opportunities, as the bloc represents 15% of global trade and a combined GDP of £12 trillion.
    • Post-Brexit Trade Strategy: After leaving the EU, the UK seeks to deepen trade ties with the Pacific region through its “Global Britain” strategy.
    • Seeking Faster-Growing Economies: The UK aims to establish trade deals with countries and blocs with faster-growing economies than the EU, given limitations in achieving agreements with major powers like China and the United States.

    Challenges and Criticisms

    • Economic Impact of Brexit: Critics argue that trade deals like the CPTPP will struggle to compensate for the economic damage caused by leaving the EU, which remains the UK’s largest trading bloc.
    • Long-Term Productivity Forecast: Brexit is projected to reduce the UK’s long-term productivity by 4%, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility.
    • Existing Trade Deals and Economic Boost: The UK already has trade deals with most CPTPP members, and the projected economic boost from joining the agreement is relatively modest at 0.08% annually.

    Recent Developments

    • Information Gathering Process: CPTPP members are assessing aspiring economies’ ability to meet the bloc’s high standards as part of the decision-making process for future membership.
    • Collective Decision-Making: The decision on new members and the timeline for their inclusion will be made collectively by existing CPTPP participants.

  • EU Nature Restoration Law faces backlash from Farmers

    eu nature restoration

    Central Idea

    • The EU Parliament’s approval of a nature restoration law has sparked backlash and debate over plans to protect endangered ecosystems.
    • The law is a crucial part of the European Green Deal and aims to address the extinction of species and restore damaged habitats.

    Nature Restoration Law: Why in news?

    • Objectives: The law aims to restore 30% of terrestrial, coastal, freshwater, and marine habitats by 2030, which are currently in poor condition.
    • Resistance: Farmers and conservative lawmakers strongly oppose the legislation, particularly concerning plans to restore drained peatlands. They argue that valuable agricultural land may be lost, leading to economic and social consequences and potential food security risks.

    Importance of Peatlands and Environmental Impact

    • Peatland Carbon Storage: Peatlands, wetland ecosystems formed over thousands of years, store more carbon than any other ecosystem. They absorb nearly twice as much carbon dioxide as all of the Earth’s forests combined.
    • Drained Peatlands: When peatlands are drained for agriculture or other purposes, they transition from being carbon sinks to significant greenhouse gas sources, contributing to emissions.
    • European Peatlands: More than half of Europe’s peatlands have been permanently damaged, leading to approximately 7% of the continent’s greenhouse gas emissions.

    Calls for Rewetting and Paradigm Shift

    • Rewetting Peatlands: The proposed legislation includes plans to rewet 50% of former peatlands in Europe, aiming to restore their environmental functions and mitigate climate change.
    • Paradigm Shift in Agriculture: Experts advocate for a paradigm shift in agriculture, moving away from farming on drained peatlands and investing in paludiculture (farming on wetlands), which is agriculture on rewetted peat soil. This approach would stop carbon emissions while improving soil and water quality.

    Political Challenges and Compromises

    • Opposition by Conservative Groups: Conservative groups, including the European People’s Party, seek to reduce the scope of wetland restoration plans and oppose the conversion of agricultural land.
    • Concerns and Dissemination of Misinformation: Critics claim that villages could be cleared for wetland restoration, leading to economic and social fallout. However, these claims have been labeled as misinformation and populist.

    Economic and Environmental Benefits

    • Long-Term Economic Return: The European Commission estimates that every euro invested in restoring natural resources would yield at least eight times the economic return over the long term.
    • Sustainable Land Use: While rewetted land may not support traditional monocultures, it could enable the growth of other crops, such as timber, grasses, and reeds for insulation materials and organic plastic substitutes. Revitalized areas could also become grazing grounds for alternative livestock.

    Conclusion

    • The approval of the EU nature restoration law has sparked a debate between environmental conservation and agricultural interests.
    • While farmers express concerns over the potential loss of agricultural land and economic impact, environmentalists argue for the restoration of threatened ecosystems and the long-term benefits of sustainable land use.
    • The implementation of the law will play a crucial role in achieving the ambitious climate and biodiversity targets set by the European Green Deal.

     

  • India sees significant reduction in Multidimensional Poverty

    Central Idea

    What is MPI?

    • The global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is an international measure of acute multidimensional poverty covering over 100 developing countries.
    • It complements traditional monetary poverty measures by capturing the acute deprivations in health, education, and living standards that a person faces simultaneously.
    • The global MPI was developed by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) for inclusion in UNDP’s flagship Human Development Report in 2010.
    • It has been published annually by OPHI and in the HDRs ever since.

    Components of MPI

    poverty, mpi

    Rapid Progress and Halving MPI Values

    • Achieving rapid progress: The report showcases that 25 countries, including India, successfully halved their global MPI values within 15 years, indicating that substantial progress is attainable.
    • Countries with notable progress: Besides India, other countries that achieved this feat include Cambodia, China, Congo, Honduras, Indonesia, Morocco, Serbia, and Vietnam.
    • Significance of halving MPI values: Halving the MPI values demonstrates a substantial reduction in multidimensional poverty, reflecting improvements across multiple indicators of well-being.

    Poverty Reduction: Key Stats

    • Decline in multidimensional poverty: In India, the number of people in multidimensional poverty decreased from approximately 645 million in 2005-06 to about 370 million in 2015-16 and further to 230 million in 2019-21.
    • Improvements across indicators: Deprivation in various indicators, such as nutrition, child mortality, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, and housing, witnessed significant declines in India.
    • Fastest progress among the poorest: The report highlights that the poorest states and disadvantaged groups, including children and individuals from marginalized castes, experienced the fastest progress in reducing poverty.

    Factors Contributing to Multidimensional Poverty

    • Multiple disadvantages: Poverty encompasses various factors such as poor health, lack of basic amenities, limited livelihood options, limited education, disempowerment, and vulnerability to climate change.
    • Holistic approach: Focusing solely on income as an indicator of poverty is insufficient. Multidimensional poverty measures offer a more comprehensive understanding of poverty by considering a range of disadvantages individuals face.
    • Targeting and priority setting: Multidimensional poverty measures provide valuable insights into different areas and sub-groups affected by poverty, aiding in the identification of national priorities and targeted interventions.

    Government Interventions for Poverty Alleviation

    • Food Security: The National Food Security Act of 2013 aims to provide subsidized food grains to two-thirds of India’s population.
    • Employment and Skilling: Initiatives such as the National Rural Livelihood Mission and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act provide employment opportunities and regular income for the rural poor.
    • Income Support: Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi aim to provide direct benefit transfers and minimum income support to the poor and farmers.

    Challenges Ahead

    • Pauperization and migrant workers: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated poverty, leading to increased pauperization of migrant workers.
    • Regional disparities: Rural areas continue to face a higher incidence of extreme poverty compared to urban areas.
    • Jobless growth: Despite economic development, a significant proportion of the population still suffers from multidimensional deprivation.
    • Resource limitations: Adequate allocation of resources for anti-poverty programs remains a challenge, and the availability of funds often dictates target curtailment.
    • Implementation bottlenecks: Proper implementation and targeting of poverty alleviation schemes have been persistent issues in India, with overlapping programs leading to inefficiencies.

    Conclusion

    • India’s progress in reducing multidimensional poverty is commendable, with substantial improvements across indicators.
    • However, the challenges of pauperization, regional disparities, job creation, resource allocation, and implementation bottlenecks must be addressed to achieve sustained poverty reduction and inclusive development.