18-March-2024-Editorial

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2024

The Human Development Report (HDR) is an annual publication by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that assesses the global state of human development.

The 2023-24 HDR, titled ‘Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarised World,’ sheds light on various aspects of human development, offering insights into global inequalities and progress.

About the Human Development Report:

Origins:

• HDRs have been released since 1990, exploring different themes through the human development approach.
• Produced by the Human Development Report Office for the UNDP.

Human Development Index (HDI):

Composite index measuring average achievement in human development based on:

1. Life expectancy at birth
2. Expected years of schooling
3. Mean years of schooling
4. Gross national income (GNI)

Provides a snapshot of a country’s overall development status.

Key Highlights of the Report:

Global Performers:

• Top three countries: Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland.
• Bottom three countries: Somalia, South Sudan, and Central African Republic.
• Notable performances by bigger economies like the USA, UK, Japan, and Russia.
• The report excludes the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and Monaco.

Growth Disparity:

• Rich countries experience unprecedented development, while half of the world’s poorest nations lag behind.
• Inequality reduction trend reverses, leading to widening gaps between wealthy and poor nations.

Democracy Paradox:

• Support for democracy coexists with endorsement of leaders undermining democratic principles.
• Political polarisation and inward-looking policy approaches emerge due to a sense of powerlessness.

Global Inequalities:

• Economic concentration amplifies global inequalities.
• Dominance of a few countries in global trade and tech industry exacerbates disparities.

India’s Progress:

• Life Expectancy: Increased to 67.7 years in 2022 from 62.7 years the previous year, indicating improved healthcare and living conditions.
• Gross National Income (GNI) Per Capita: Rose to USD 6951, showing economic growth and rising standards of living.
• Expected Years of Schooling: Reaching 12.6 per individual, reflecting advancements in education access and quality.
• HDI Score: India achieved an HDI score of 0.644 in 2022, placing it at 134 out of 193 countries, indicating ‘medium human development’.
• Positive Change: From an HDI of 0.434 in 1990, India has seen a 48.4% improvement, signifying developmental progress.
• Gender Inequality: Notable strides made, with a Gender Inequality Index (GII) of 0.437, surpassing the global average, showcasing advancements in gender equality.
• Neighbouring Countries’ Comparison:
• Sri Lanka and China ranked higher in the ‘High Human Development’ category, while Bhutan and Bangladesh rank above India in the ‘Medium Human Development’ category.
• Nepal and Pakistan ranked lower than India, indicating varied levels of development among neighbouring nations.