The Human Development Report (HDR) 2023-2024 is the latest edition released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). As with previous editions, the report delves into pressing global challenges and provides policy recommendations to promote sustainable human development in an increasingly divided world.
About the HDR
- Released by: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Frequency: Annually since 1990
- Objective:
- Examine the major global challenges affecting human development.
- Provide actionable recommendations for policy to address these challenges.
The report not only serves as an indicator of progress but also as a blueprint for nations to navigate the complexities of modern development issues.
Human Development Index (HDI)
Overview
The Human Development Index (HDI) is the core statistical measure of the HDR. It was conceptualized and developed in 1990 by the Pakistani economist Mahbub ul-Haq. The HDI assesses a country’s achievement in three vital dimensions:
- Long and Healthy Life
- Knowledge
- Decent Standard of Living
Calculation Methodology
- Indicators: The HDI is computed by aggregating scores from four key indicators (each transformed into dimension indices) into a single value that ranges between 0 and 1.
- Significance:
- Offers a broader analysis than mere income data.
- Helps explain disparities in human development outcomes even when countries have similar Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
- Limitations:
- The HDI does not capture all elements of human development—insufficiently reflecting factors like inequality, poverty, human security, and empowerment.
- To address this, the HDR includes supplementary composite indices to analyze issues like gender disparities and racial inequality.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
About UNDP
The UNDP serves as the lead United Nations agency focused on international development and plays a pivotal role in guiding global progress towards sustainable development. Key points include:
- Global Footprint: Operates in 170 countries and territories.
- Mandate:
- Eradicate poverty and reduce inequality.
- Foster democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions.
- Promote sustainable development, peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.
- History:
- Established in 1966 through the merging of the United Nations Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance (EPTA) and the United Nations Special Fund.
- Signature Solutions: Implements six cross-cutting approaches aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- Headquarters: New York, USA
By connecting nations with requisite knowledge, experience, and resources, UNDP plays a transformative role in the global development arena.
Key Findings about India (HDR 2023-2024)
The report provides illuminating insights into India’s developmental trajectory:
- HDI Rank:
- 134 in 2022, a slight improvement from 135 in 2021 (notably, it was 130 in 2018).
- HDI Value:
- Increased from 0.633 (2021) to 0.644 (2022).
- Life Expectancy at Birth:
- Improved to 67.7 years (2022) from 67.2 years (2021).
- Expected Years of Schooling:
- Elevated to 12.6 years from 11.9 years.
- Mean Years of Schooling:
- Registered at 6.57 years.
- Gross National Income per Capita:
- Rose to $6,951 from $6,542.
- Human Development Category:
- Classified under Medium Human Development.
These indicators not only reflect progress but also highlight the challenges that persist, reinforcing the need for concerted policy efforts in education, healthcare, and economic reform.
Important for UPSC Aspirants
- Policy Implications:
Examine how the HDI informs policy choices by revealing why nations with comparable income levels may experience different social and developmental outcomes. - Holistic Development Assessment:
Understand the limitations of the HDI in capturing the complete spectrum of human development. The HDR supplements this by addressing inequalities, poverty, and other crucial aspects. - International Cooperation:
Delve into the report’s theme, “Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarised World,” to evaluate the challenges and opportunities for global collaboration in today’s fragmented world. - Case Analysis:
Analyze India’s performance over recent years to identify successful policy interventions and areas requiring further reform.
Conclusion
The Human Development Report (HDR) 2023-2024 is a vital resource that not only measures progress through the HDI but also provides nuanced insights into the broader facets of human development. For UPSC aspirants, the report offers essential data and analytical frameworks to understand the interplay between policy choices and developmental outcomes. Studying this report will deepen your understanding of global trends and national challenges, serving as a robust preparatory tool for both written examinations and interviews.
