Context:
UN Statistical Commission adopts a new indicator on Minimum Dietary Diversity to track progress towards SDGs
Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD):
- An indicator that measures the variety and nutritional quality of food consumed.
- A binary (yes/no) indicator, determining whether an individual consumed at least 5 out of 10 essential food groups in the past 24 hours.
- 10 essential food groups under MDD – Grains, white roots, tubers, and plantains, pulses (beans, peas, lentils), nuts and seeds, milk and milk products, meat, poultry, and fish, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables, other fruits and vegetables.
- Specifically assesses 2 population groups – Children and Women of reproductive age
- Managed by – FAO and UNICEF.
United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC):
- Highest body of the global statistical system bringing together the Chief Statisticians from member states from around the world.
- Established in 1946.
- Headquarters – New York, USA.
- Holds annual sessions at UN Headquarters in New York.
- Functions –
- Setting statistical standards and the development of concepts and methods, including their implementation at the national and international level.
- Oversees the work of the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD).
- Functions as a commission under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
- Membership – Consists of 24 UN member countries, elected based on geographical representation.
- Each member serves a 4-year term.
- India was elected to the UNSC for a 4-year term starting January 1, 2024.
Source: DTE
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: According to the United Nations World Water Development Report, 2022, India extracts more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater withdrawal each year.
Statement-II: India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world’s population living in its territory.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
(b) Both Statement-1 and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for Statement I.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is incorrect. India uses about 89% of this groundwater for irrigation. Major share of total groundwater extracted by India is utilized for irrigation purposes and not for drinking and sanitation purposes.