Context:
The UN General Assembly has recently introduced a new “vulnerability” index to help small island and developing nations access low-interest financing.
Multidimensional Vulnerability Index:
- A framework developed to assess the vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
- Designed to complement traditional metrics like Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to better assess development
- Published by – United Nations.
- Aim – To provide enhanced understanding of the structural challenges encountered by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
- Launched during – 2023 Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, following extensive advocacy from the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and the UN.
- This shift is crucial for improving access to concessional financing and support for sustainable development initiatives.
- Indicators –
- Economic and Environmental Resilience – Assesses impacts of regional violence, refugee crises, demographic pressures, and resource availability (water, arable land).
- Social Indicators – Child mortality rates.
Source: The Hindu
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.
