Reports and Indices Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
According to the recently released Global Liveability Index 2025 by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the global average liveability score remained 76.1 out of 100, the same as last year. Copenhagen became the world’s most liveable city in 2025, ending Vienna’s three-year lead by scoring perfectly in stability, education, and infrastructure. Damascus continued to be the least liveable city globally. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) assessed 173 cities using 30 indicators grouped into factors like stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education, and infrastructure. The index shows how comfortable and liveable each city is for its residents.

Notes:
A recent Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 report ranked India among countries with best-practice-level graphic health warnings in 2024, as part of efforts to reduce tobacco use. Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 report was released by World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 report focuses on the MPOWER measures under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to reduce tobacco-related deaths. India’s cigarette packs have one of the world’s largest pictorial warnings at 85%, placing it in the highest category for ‘W’ (Warn) since 2016. India also leads in ‘O’ (Offer help to quit) and ranks second-highest in ‘M’ (Mass media) efforts.

Notes:
Recently, the National Statistics Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, released the “Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors (2011–12 to 2023–24)” on its website. The report covers Crop, Livestock, Forestry and Logging, Fishing and Aquaculture data at current and constant prices. Gross Value Added of agriculture rose by 225% from ₹1,502 thousand crore in 2011-12 to ₹4,878 thousand crore in 2023-24. Gross Value of Output grew 54.6% at constant prices from ₹1,908 thousand crore to ₹2,949 thousand crore in this period. Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana, and Haryana contributed 53% of cereals GVO.

Notes:
Recently, a World Bank report ranked India fourth in the world for income equality with a Gini Index of 25.5. Only the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and Belarus have better equality indicators. India’s Gini Index shows moderately low inequality, between 25 and 30. The Gini Index measures income, wealth, or consumption inequality, with 0 as perfect equality and 100 as maximum inequality. India’s Gini Index is lower than China at 35.7 and the United States at 41.8.

Notes:
Recently, NITI Aayog released the strategic report “A Roadmap for Strengthening State Science and Technology (S&T) Councils” to boost decentralized innovation in India. The report emphasizes transforming State S&T Councils into mission-oriented institutions that align science and technology with local development needs. It was developed through regional consultations, a national workshop, and multi-stakeholder engagement. The roadmap highlights the need for techno-administrative leadership and strong Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) data systems.

Notes:
Recently, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released its Frontier Report 2025 titled “The Weight of Time” on July 10, 2025. The report highlights the rising vulnerability of older adults to extreme weather, especially in urban areas and low- to middle-income countries. In India, people aged 65 and above experienced 2.1 to 4 more heatwave days per year between 1986–2005 and 2013–2022. The report warns that heat-related deaths in the elderly may rise by 370% by mid-century. The report calls for urban greenery, weather monitoring, disaster risk management, and community support systems.

Notes:
India has recently jumped eight places to rank 77th on the Henley Passport Index 2025, up from 85th in 2024. The number of visa-free countries for Indian passport holders has slightly increased to 59 from 57. The Philippines and Sri Lanka are the two new visa-free additions for Indian citizens. The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa. The data is compiled using statistics from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Singapore holds the top spot globally with visa-free access to 193 out of 227 locations.

Notes:
Recently, the Numbeo Safety Index 2025 ranked India at 67th with a safety score of 55.8. The Numbeo Safety Index is a real-time, user-based global ranking that reflects how safe people feel in their own countries. It considers factors like crime fear, crime incidents, and overall public safety perceptions. In 2025, the index covered 146 countries worldwide. Top countries in safety include Andorra (84.7), United Arab Emirates–UAE (84.5), Qatar (84.2), Taiwan (82.9), and Oman (81.7). These countries maintain high safety through strong law enforcement, political stability, and safety policies.

Notes:
Bengaluru topped in India in the 2025 Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) City Index, ranked 26th globally. It is the top AI hub in India, known for AI Research and Development (R&D) and data centers. Bengaluru attracts major foreign investment due to its strong startup ecosystem. Other top Indian cities include Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata. Indian cities need a clear AI roadmap and strong regulations to grow further. Globally, Singapore ranked 1st, followed by Seoul, Beijing, Dubai, and San Francisco. The 2025 Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) City Index is released by Counterpoint Research, a global technology market research firm.

Notes:
India became the world’s 5th largest aviation market, handling 211 million passengers in 2024. This was reported by International Air Transport Association (IATA) in its World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) 2024. India’s passenger traffic grew by 11.1%, overtaking Japan with 205 million passengers. The United States topped the list with 876 million passengers, followed by China (741 mn), UK (261 mn), and Spain (241 mn). The Mumbai-Delhi route ranked 7th busiest globally, with 5.9 million passengers.