Economy: Reports and Indices — OECD
1. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) — Overview
Context: The OECD is an international organization promoting policies to improve economic and social well-being worldwide. It provides a platform for governments to collaborate, share data, and develop economic policies. The OECD focuses on areas like economic growth, trade, education, innovation, and sustainable development. Formed in 1961, with 38 member countries, mainly high-income economies.
Key Facts about OECD:
- Formed: 1961
- Member Countries: 38 (mainly high-income economies)
- Focus Areas: Economic growth, trade, education, innovation, sustainable development
- Headquarters: Paris, France
2. Key OECD Reports
The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)
- About: PISA is a competency-based test designed to assess the ability of 15-year-old candidates.
- Frequency: Triennially
- Parameters: Measures student's literacy in reading, mathematics, and science, with a focus on their ability to apply this knowledge to real-life situations.
- India's Participation in PISA:
- First Participation (2009): India participated in the PISA 2009 round and ranked 72nd out of 73 countries, outranking only Kyrgyzstan.
- Post-2009: After 2009, India did not participate in PISA for several years.
- PISA-2022: India did not participate due to pandemic-induced school closure.
International Migration Outlook
- About: Analyses recent developments in migration movements and the labour market inclusion of immigrants in OECD countries.
- Frequency: Annual
- Key Findings of 2023 Report:
- India saw the highest migration flows to OECD countries in 2021 and 2022.
- In terms of nationalities, 0.13 million Indian citizens acquired the nationality of an OECD country in 2021.
- Inflows of refugees from Ukraine reached the highest level on record, OECD-wide.
- More than 10 million people have become either internally displaced or refugees in the OECD region.
Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI)
- About: SIGI measures discrimination against women in 179 countries, focusing on laws, social norms, and practices that limit their rights and opportunities.
- Frequency: Not Fixed
- Parameters: Four key dimensions:
- Discriminatory Family Code
- Restricted Physical Integrity
- Restricted Access to Productive and Financial Resources
- Restricted Civil Liberties
- Scoring: SIGI scores range from 0 to 1, with 0 indicating no discrimination and 1 indicating a very high level of discrimination against women.
- Highlights of the 2023 Report:
- 40% of women and girls live in countries with high or very high levels of discrimination in social institutions.
3. Summary: OECD Reports at a Glance
| Report | Frequency | Key Details / India's Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) | Triennially | Assesses 15-year-olds in Reading, Mathematics, Science; India ranked 72nd/73 (2009); No participation in 2022 |
| International Migration Outlook | Annual | India: highest migration flows to OECD (2021-22); 0.13M Indians acquired OECD nationality (2021) |
| Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) | Not Fixed | Measures discrimination against women in 179 countries; 4 dimensions; Score 0-1; 40% women in high discrimination countries |
Key Takeaways for UPSC
- OECD Founded: 1961
- OECD Member Countries: 38 (mainly high-income economies)
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment): Triennial test for 15-year-olds in Reading, Mathematics, Science; India ranked 72nd out of 73 in 2009 (only above Kyrgyzstan); India did not participate in 2022
- International Migration Outlook 2023: India saw highest migration flows to OECD countries in 2021-22; 0.13 million Indians acquired OECD nationality in 2021
- SIGI (Social Institutions and Gender Index): Measures discrimination against women in 179 countries; 4 dimensions (Family Code, Physical Integrity, Access to Resources, Civil Liberties); Score: 0 (no discrimination) to 1 (very high discrimination); 40% of women live in high/very high discrimination countries
High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (Chapter 4: OECD)
Q1. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) was formed in:
Correct Answer: B. The OECD was formed in 1961 and currently has 38 member countries, mainly high-income economies.
Q2. How many member countries does the OECD currently have?
Correct Answer: C. The OECD currently has 38 member countries, mainly high-income economies.
Q3. The OECD is headquartered in:
Correct Answer: C. The OECD is headquartered in Paris, France.
Q4. PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) assesses students of which age group?
Correct Answer: C. PISA is a competency-based test designed to assess the ability of 15-year-old candidates.
Q5. PISA is conducted with what frequency?
Correct Answer: C. PISA is conducted triennially (every three years).
Q6. India participated in PISA for the first time in which year?
Correct Answer: B. India participated in PISA for the first time in 2009 and ranked 72nd out of 73 countries, outranking only Kyrgyzstan.
Q7. Why did India not participate in PISA-2022?
Correct Answer: C. India did not participate in PISA-2022 due to pandemic-induced school closure.
Q8. According to the International Migration Outlook 2023, which country saw the highest migration flows to OECD countries in 2021-22?
Correct Answer: C. According to the International Migration Outlook 2023, India saw the highest migration flows to OECD countries in 2021 and 2022.
Q9. The Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) measures discrimination against women in how many countries?
Correct Answer: C. SIGI measures discrimination against women in 179 countries, focusing on laws, social norms, and practices that limit their rights and opportunities.
Q10. In the SIGI scoring system, a score of 0 indicates:
Correct Answer: C. SIGI scores range from 0 to 1, with 0 indicating no discrimination and 1 indicating a very high level of discrimination against women.