1. India Surpasses Japan to Claim Third Spot in Global Solar Power Generation Race
Tags: Reports
According to Ember, India surpassed Japan in 2023 to become the world's third-largest solar power generator. This significant achievement reflects India's rapid growth in renewable energy.
An Overview of the News
The Global Electricity Review 2024 provided a comprehensive analysis of global power generation systems in 2023.
It included data from 80 countries, covering 92% of global electricity demand.
Record Solar Power Share:
Solar power's contribution to global electricity production reached a record 5.5% in 2023.
India experienced the fourth-largest increase in solar generation globally, with a rise of 18 TWh.
Leading Countries in Solar Growth:
China, the United States, Brazil, and India accounted for 75% of the overall solar power growth in 2023.
India's remarkable growth trajectory propelled it into the top ranks of solar power generation.
India's Solar Capacity Expansion:
India has significantly expanded its solar generation capacity since 2015.
Its share of solar power surged from 0.5% in 2015 to 5.8% in 2023.
Global Solar Power Acceleration:
Solar power generation globally increased sixfold between 2015 and 2023.
India experienced a seventeen-fold increase in solar generation capacity during the same period.
Future Projections:
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that solar power will constitute 22% of global electricity generation by 2030.
Achieving this goal requires substantial efforts, including tripling global renewable capacity by 2030, as set at COP28.
India's Renewable Capacity Goals:
India aims to triple its renewable capacity by 2030, aligning with global targets.
However, Ember's analysis emphasizes the need for significant annual capacity additions to meet this ambitious target.
2. India Ranks 159th in World Press Freedom Index 2024; Norway Maintains Top Position
The World Press Freedom Index 2024, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), ranks India 159th out of 180 countries, with a score of 31.28.
An Overview of the News
Norway maintains its top position for the 8th consecutive year, with Denmark and Sweden following closely in 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.
The lowest three rankings are held by Eritrea (180th), Syria (179th), and Afghanistan (178th).
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) marked World Press Freedom Day 2024 on May 3rd by releasing a report titled "Press and Planet in Danger: Safety of Environmental Journalists; Trends, Challenges, and Recommendations."
About the UNESCO
Director-General : Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters: Paris, France
Establishment: 1945
Membership: Consists of 194 Members and 12 Associate Members
3. New York Retains Title as World's Wealthiest City in 2024 Report
Tags: Reports
New York City, USA, maintains its position as the wealthiest city globally, according to the 2024 World's Wealthiest Cities Report by Henley & Partners.
An Overview of the News
The Bay Area in California, USA, secures the second spot, with Tokyo, Japan; Singapore; and London, UK, following closely at 3rd, 4th, and 5th positions, respectively.
Mumbai, Maharashtra, and Delhi are the only Indian cities among the top 50, ranked 24th and 37th, respectively.
The USA leads as the wealthiest country with 11 cities in the top 50.
China dominates the list with 5 mainland cities, along with Hong Kong and Taipei featured in the top 50.
Shenzhen, China, experiences the fastest growth in millionaires, with a 140% increase over the last decade.
Top 10 Wealthiest Cities
New York City, USA: 349,500 millionaires, 48% growth (2013–2023).
The Bay Area, USA: 305,700 millionaires, 82% growth.
Tokyo, Japan: 298,300 millionaires, -5% growth.
Singapore: 244,800 millionaires, 64% growth.
London, UK: 227,000 millionaires, -10% growth.
Los Angeles, USA: 212,100 millionaires, 45% growth.
Paris & Île-de-France, France: 165,000 millionaires, 12% growth.
Sydney, Australia: 147,000 millionaires, 34% growth.
Hong Kong, Hong Kong (SAR China): 143,400 millionaires, -4% growth.
Beijing, China: 125,600 millionaires, 90% growth.
About Henley & Partners:
CEO - Dr. Juerg Steffen
Headquarters - London, UK
4. 2023: Global Military Spending Peaks at $2443bn; US Leads, India 4th: SIPRI Report
Tags: Reports Economics/Business
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) published its 'Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2023' report on April 22, 2024.
An Overview of the News
Global military expenditure reached an unprecedented USD 2443 billion in 2023, marking the ninth consecutive year of increase.
This surge represents a notable 6.8% rise in real terms from the previous year, the most substantial year-on-year increase since 2009.
The top five countries contributing to this expenditure in 2023 were the United States of America (USA), China, Russia, India, and Saudi Arabia, collectively responsible for 61% of the world's military spending.
India secured the fourth position among global military spenders in 2023, with a total expenditure of USD 83.6 billion. This figure reflects a 4.2% increase from 2022 and a substantial 44% rise from 2014.
In 2023, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members, including the USA, contributed a combined total of USD 1341 billion to global military spending, comprising approximately 55% of the overall expenditure.
SIPRI:
It provides data, analysis and recommendations on armed conflicts, military spending and arms trade.
SIPRI also focuses on disarmament and arms control.
Its function is to contribute to global peace and security initiatives.
Headquarters - Solna
Founded - 6 May 1966
Director - Dan Smith
Chair - Stefan Löfven
Founders - Tage Erlander, Alva Myrdal
5. UN DESA Report: $4.2 Trillion Investment Gap for Sustainable Development
Tags: Reports
On April 9, 2024, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) issued the 9th edition of the 'Financing for Sustainable Development Report 2024 (FSDR 2024)'.
An Overview of the News
The report, developed by the Inter-agency Task Force on Financing for Development, centers on the theme 'Financing for Development at a Crossroads'.
An estimated USD 4.2 trillion in investments is now deemed necessary to address the development financing gap, compared to the pre-COVID-19 estimate of USD 2.5 trillion.
Significance of Economic Transitions:
The report underscores the critical role of economic transitions in realizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the need for unprecedented investment levels.
Collaborative Production:
'FSDR 2024' is a collaborative endeavor involving the Inter-agency Task Force on Financing for Development (IATF), comprising various UN agencies and international organizations.
Debt Servicing Expenses for LDCs:
Between 2023 and 2025, Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are projected to face debt servicing costs amounting to USD 40 billion, representing a notable increase of over 50% (USD 26 billion) from 2022.
About UN DESA:
The head of UN DESA is the Under-Secretary-General (USG) for Economic and Social Affairs, currently held by Li Junhua.
Its headquarters are situated in New York, United States (US), established in 1948.
6. Moody's Report: India's GDP to Slide to 6.1% in 2024
Tags: Reports
Moody's Analytics report titled "APAC Outlook: Listening Through the Noise" forecasts India's GDP to decline to 6.1% in 2024 from the 7.7% growth observed in 2023.
An Overview of the News
Output in India is noted to be 4% lower than it would have been without the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, which includes supply disruptions and international conflicts.
Economies in the South and Southeast (SE) Asia region are expected to experience robust output gains in 2024, although their performance is somewhat inflated due to delays in the post-pandemic rebound.
The overall APAC region is projected to achieve a growth rate of 3.8% in 2024, while the global economy is expected to grow by 2.5%.
China and India face greater uncertainty regarding inflation, according to the report.
India's Consumer Price Index inflation rate, at around 5%, is close to the inflation target range of 2% to 6% set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), indicating no clear trend toward easing price pressures.
7. JNU Leads Indian Institutions in Global Development Studies Rankings: QS Report 2024
Tags: Reports
The 14th edition of QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, released on April 10, 2024, highlighted Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) as India's top-ranking institution in Development Studies, securing the 20th position globally.
An Overview of the News
Music was introduced as a new subject category in the 2024 rankings, diversifying the scope of evaluation.
This edition featured 55 individual subjects categorized into five broad areas: Arts & Humanities, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences & Management.
Harvard University of the United States (US) emerged as the leading institution in the four broad subject categories.
A total of 69 Indian universities were included in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject, contributing to 424 entries, marking a notable 19.4% increase from the previous year.
About Quacquarelli Symonds (QS):
The organization is headed by CEO Jessica Turner and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom (UK).
8. Finland tops the happiness ranking for the seventh year, Afghanistan in last place
The World Happiness Report, conducted annually by the United Nations, rates countries based on a variety of factors including life satisfaction, GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption.
An Overview of the News
Finland retained its title as the happiest country in 2024 for the seventh consecutive year, with other Nordic countries such as Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden also ranked in the top 10.
Situation in Afghanistan:
Afghanistan remains the unhappiest country facing ongoing humanitarian crises since the resurgence of the Taliban in 2020.
Ranking changes:
The United States and Germany fall out of the top 20 happiest countries, ranking 23rd and 24th, respectively, while Costa Rica and Kuwait enter the top 20.
India's ranking
India has maintained its ranking at 126th in the happiness index.
Factors Contributing to Finland's Happiness:
Finland's happiness is attributed to factors such as a strong connection to nature, a healthy work-life balance, an attainable sense of success, a strong welfare society, trust in state officials, low corruption levels, and accessible healthcare and education.
Top 10 happiest countries of 2024:
Rank | Country |
1. | Finland |
2. | Denmark |
3. | Iceland |
4. | Sweden |
5. | Israel |
6. | Netherlands |
7. | Norway |
8. | Luxemburg |
9. | Switzerland |
10. | Australia |
9. Begusarai Leads Global Ranking as Most Polluted City
Tags: Reports
Begusarai in Bihar has been identified as the most polluted city in the world in the World Air Quality Report 2023 by IQAir.
An Overview of the News
According to the report, 83 of the top 100 most polluted cities globally are located in India.
After Begusarai, Guwahati is the second most polluted city, while Delhi and Mullanpur (Punjab) are in the third and fourth positions respectively.
India's ranking in the Global Air Pollution Report
Globally, according to the list of 134 countries, India ranks third behind Bangladesh and Pakistan among the top five most polluted countries.
The World Air Quality Report underlines that India's PM2.5 level is 54.4 µg/m3, which is 10 times higher than WHO's annual guideline of PM2.5 refers to harmful fine particulate matter.
Impact of air pollution in South Asia
South Asia has emerged as the most affected region, hosting the top 10 most polluted cities globally, with factors such as climate conditions and cross-border haze increasing PM2.5 levels across Southeast Asia.
Of the 134 countries surveyed, only 7 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Iceland, meet WHO's annual PM2.5 guideline.
10. On top of the list of missing women in India: Maharashtra
Tags: Reports
Among all states, Maharashtra topped the list with the highest number of missing women in 2021, with a reported count of 56,498.
An Overview of the News
In 2021, a total of 375,058 women (above 18 years) were reported missing in India, according to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) as mentioned in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) press release.
Additionally, 90,113 girls (under the age of 18) were also reported missing in India during the same year.
The second-highest number of missing women was in Madhya Pradesh with 55,704 cases.
Following closely, West Bengal reported 50,998 missing women, while Odisha recorded 29,582 cases in the same year.
Compared to the previous year, in 2020, there were 320,393 women and 71,204 girls reported missing across the country.
Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra were the two states that witnessed the highest number of missing girls and women from 2019 to 2021.
In the three-year period from 2019 to 2021, a concerning total of 10,61,648 women and 2,51,430 girls went missing in India.
About Maharashtra
It is a state located in the western part of India and covers a significant part of the Deccan Plateau.
Chief Minister - Eknath Shinde
Governor - Ramesh Bais
