Reports and Indices Current Affairs MCQs

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has released the Global Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance Report 2025. In 2023, one in six laboratory-confirmed bacterial infections worldwide were resistant to antibiotic treatments. Data from over 100 countries through the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) shows resistance rose in 40% of pathogen-antibiotic combinations between 2018–2023. The report covers eight bacterial pathogens including E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, affecting bloodstream, urinary, gastrointestinal infections, and gonorrhoea. Resistance is highest in South-East Asia and Eastern Mediterranean, with Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli and K. pneumoniae posing the greatest threat.

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The Mercer–Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Global Pension Index 2025 shows India’s pension system covers less than 25% of the workforce. Key schemes like the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), National Pension System (NPS), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) have limited reach, especially among informal and gig workers. India ranks 45th out of 47 countries, retaining a ‘D’ grade with a score of 43.8, slightly lower than 44 in 2024. The drop reflects weaknesses in sustainability, inclusiveness, and resilience to ageing and climate challenges. India’s pension system now stands among the world’s weakest, alongside Türkiye, Argentina, and the Philippines.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has overtaken China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) to rank 3rd globally in the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) 2025 rankings. The United States Air Force (USAF) ranks 1st, followed by Russia (2nd), while India (3rd) surpasses China (4th). The Indian Naval Aviation ranks 27th globally. The ranking reflects India’s growing air dominance and strategic strength in the Indo-Pacific region.

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The Global Firepower (GFP) Index 2025 ranks the world’s strongest militaries using over 60 factors like manpower, defense budgets, logistics, and technology. The United States ranks 1st, with over $860 billion defense budget, advanced technology, and global reach across land, sea, air, and cyber domains. Russia holds the 2nd position, backed by its massive tank, artillery, and nuclear arsenal, along with modernization of S-500 air defense and hypersonic missile programs. China ties with Russia, driven by rapid military modernization, focus on cyber warfare, and expansion of its blue-water navy. India ranks 4th, emphasizing Atmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous defense projects like Tejas Mk1A, Arihant-class submarines, and BrahMos upgrades.

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In the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026, nine of the top 10 Indian institutions — including seven IITs — saw a decline in ranks, while universities in China, Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia advanced. IIT Delhi remains India’s top-ranked institution at 59th, but dropped 15 places from last year’s 44th rank. IIT Bombay saw the sharpest fall, slipping 23 positions to rank 71, after leading among Indian institutions from 2021–2024. Chandigarh University was the only Indian institution to improve, rising from 120th to 109th rank. The University of Hong Kong topped the list globally, followed by Peking University (China) and National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) sharing third.

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The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) released the State of the Climate Update for COP30. 2025 is projected to be the 2nd or 3rd warmest year on record. The last 11 years, including 2025, are the warmest 11 years in recorded history. This indicates global efforts are not on track to meet the Paris Agreement climate goals. The period 2015–2025 will be the warmest 11-year span in 176 years. Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) reached record levels in 2024 and continue rising in 2025. Renewable energy adoption is expanding. Climate action plans are increasingly guided by science-based climate services

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The International Cryosphere Climate Initiative released the State of the Cryosphere Report 2025. The report covers five key cryosphere components: Ice Sheets, Mountain Glaciers and Snow, Polar Oceans, Sea Ice, and Permafrost. Greenland and Antarctic losses have quadrupled since the 1990s, causing sea-level rise that threatens infrastructure, homes, farmland, and livelihoods in coastal areas. Rising greenhouse gases weaken heat and carbon absorption and slow Antarctic Overturning Circulation (AOC) and Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). 273 gigatons of ice lost per year (2000–2023), threatening water, food, and security for billions. Extent and thickness declined 40–60% since 1979, impacting Arctic amplification, species, weather, and ocean currents.

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According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global TB Report 2025, India’s total tuberculosis (TB) cases have reduced by 21% in the last decade — nearly double the global average of 12%. TB cases in India dropped from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 187 per lakh in 2024. Mortality due to TB also declined from 28 per lakh in 2015 to 21 per lakh in 2024. The Health Ministry credited the progress to an improved case-finding approach that enhanced diagnosis and treatment coverage. There has been no significant rise in multidrug-resistant TB cases.

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In the latest Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026, released by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute and Climate Action Network at UN COP30, India slipped 13 places to 23rd position with a score of 61.31. India fell from a high to a medium performer due to no coal-exit deadline and continued coal block auctions. CCPI notes medium performance in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, Climate Policy and Energy Use, and low in Renewable Energy. India shows strong intent with 50% non-fossil capacity achieved early, rising renewable auctions and work on green finance taxonomy and a national carbon market.

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NITI Aayog has released a Report on Water Budgeting for Aspiration Blocks, highlighting the need for efficient planning of water use in the recent context. Water budgeting gives a clear picture of how much water is available from all sources and how it is being used. It helps identify areas where there is water shortage or surplus to ensure better planning. It highlights the demand–supply gap in water and supports long-term water security. It promotes Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) for sustainable use of water. Water budgeting is a key activity under the Atal Bhujal Yojana, which aims to improve groundwater management.