TNPSC Current Affairs October 17, 2020

www.tnpsc.academy – TNPSC Current Affairs October 17, 2020 (17/10/2020)

Topic: Latest Reports and Events

Global Hunger Index 2020

India has been ranked at 94 among 107 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2020.

Key facts:

Global Scenario:

Worldwide Hunger: Represented by a GHI score of 18.2 (moderate level), down from a 2000 GHI score of 28.2 (serious).

Factors:

The Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn, as well as a massive outbreak of desert locusts in the Horn of Africa and other crises, are exacerbating food and nutrition insecurity for millions of people.

It needs to be noted that 2020 GHI scores do not reflect the impact of Covid-19 on hunger and undernutrition.

The above mentioned crises come on top of existing hunger caused by conflict, climate extremes, and economic shocks (random, unpredictable events).

Region-wise Performance: Africa South of the Sahara and South Asia have the highest hunger and undernutrition levels among world regions, with 2020 GHI scores of 27.8 and 26.0, respectively—both considered serious.

SDG 2 Progress: The world is not on track to achieve the second Sustainable Development Goal – known as Zero Hunger for short – by 2030.

Indian Scenario:

Overall Performance:

With a score of 27.2, India has a level of hunger that is “serious”. It ranks 94 out of 107 countries in the Index. In 2019, India’s rank was 102 out of 117 countries.

Comparison with Other Countries:

India features behind Nepal (73), Pakistan (88), Bangladesh (75), Indonesia (70) among others.

Out of the total 107 countries, only 13 countries fare worse than India including countries like Rwanda (97), Nigeria (98), Afghanistan (99), Liberia (102), Mozambique (103), Chad (107) among others.

Global Hunger Index:

Annual Report: Jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe. It was first produced in 2006. It is published every October. The 2020 edition marks the 15th edition of the GHI.

It aims to comprehensively measure and track hunger at the global, regional, and country levels.

Calculation: The GHI scores are calculated each year to assess progress and setbacks in combating hunger. It is calculated on the basis of four indicators:

Undernourishment: Share of the population with insufficient caloric intake.

Child Wasting: Share of children under age five who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition.

Child Stunting: Share of children under age five who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition.

Child Mortality: The mortality rate of children under the age of five.

Topic: Places in News

Zojila tunnel

Union Transport Ministry has launched the first blasting for construction-related work at the Zojila tunnel that will provide all-year connectivity between Srinagar valley and Leh.

Key facts:

The Zojila is set to be Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel. It will connect Srinagar, Dras, Kargil and Leh via a tunnel through the famous Zojila Pass.

Located at more than 11,500 feet above sea level, the all-weather Zojila tunnel will be 14.15 km long and ensure road connectivity even during winters.

It will make the travel on the 434-km Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Section of NH-1 free from avalanches, enhance safety and reduce the travel time from more than 3 hours to just 15 minutes.