Reports and Indices Current Affairs MCQs

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The Global Investment Trends Monitor report was recently released by UNCTAD. Global Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) increased by 11% to $1.4 trillion in 2024. However, FDI dropped 8% when excluding flows through European conduit economies. FDI to developing countries fell by 2%, marking a second consecutive decline for the Global South. Investments in SDG-related sectors dropped by 11% globally in 2024. India saw a 13% rise in FDI and growth in greenfield project announcements.

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NITI Aayog published the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025. It assesses fiscal health across 18 major Indian states using five sub-indices: Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability. Odisha ranked first with a score of 67.8, followed by Chhattisgarh (55.2) and Goa (53.6). Strong performers excel in revenue, expenditure, and debt management, while Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Kerala are the worst-performing states. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka were categorized as “front-runners,” while Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and Haryana are “performers.”

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UNICEF’s report, “Learning Interrupted: Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions,” was released on January 24, 2025. In 2024, at least 242 million students globally faced school disruptions due to climate events. The report analyzed disruptions in 85 countries, identifying 119 climate hazards impacting education. Heat waves caused the most disruptions, affecting 171 million students, especially in April, May, June, and July. Tropical cyclones, storms, floods, and droughts also contributed to school closures and delays. South Asia was the most affected region, with 128 million students impacted, followed by East Asia and Latin America. Nearly 1 billion children live in high-risk areas for climate-related disruptions.

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India leads the global index in digital well-being with a score of 67 out of 100. 58% of Indians are satisfied with their digital experiences, the highest among major countries. India has the strongest support networks for youth, with 9-12 sources of guidance. 78% of Indian Gen Z sought support, up from 65% in 2023. Parental engagement increased, with 70% of parents monitoring teens’ online activities.

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India ranked 22nd in International Shipments and 38th in the overall Logistics Performance Index (LPI) 2023. Indian Ports’ “Turn Around Time” is 0.9 days, better than countries like the USA, Australia, and Singapore. The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 aligns with the blue economy and aims to transform India’s maritime sector. Key initiatives include expanding port capacity, enhancing operational efficiency, sustainability through green projects, and promoting coastal tourism. The vision also focuses on shipbuilding, workforce training, and enhancing India’s global maritime presence.

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The “World Social Protection Report 2024-26” has been published by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024-26 states that India’s social protection coverage (excluding health) increased from 24% in 2021 to 49% in 2024. Social protection supports people facing risks like unemployment, disability, and poverty. It ensures security for children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. It helps in tackling poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. It aids climate adaptation and promotes sustainable economic practices. It also facilitates the transition to greener jobs.

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NITI Aayog launched the report “From Borrowers to Builders: Women’s Role in India’s Financial Growth Story.” The report, released by CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, highlights the rise in women’s financial awareness. By December 2024, 27 million women were monitoring their credit, a 42% increase from the previous year. The report was published by TransUnion CIBIL, NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), and MicroSave Consulting (MSC). WEP works on financial literacy, credit access, mentorship, and market linkages for women. Financing Women Collaborative (FWC) was formed to ensure inclusive financial access and seeks financial sector participation.

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The first-ever estimate of Gangetic dolphins in India recorded 6,327 individuals in the Ganga and its tributaries. Uttar Pradesh had the highest count with 2,397 dolphins, followed by Bihar (2,220), West Bengal (815 & 6235), Jharkhand (162), Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh (95), and Punjab (3). The Gangetic dolphin is a freshwater species found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems. Also known as Blind dolphin, Ganges susu, hihu, it is India’s National Aquatic Animal.

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International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released the report titled “India Financial System Stability Assessment”. IMF warns that stress in Non Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) may risk the financial system due to overexposure to power and infrastructure sectors. 63% of power sector loans in fiscal 2024 came from three major Infrastructure Financing Companies, up from 55% in 2019-20. 56% of NBFC lending was financed by market instruments, with the rest from bank borrowings. State-owned NBFCs like IREDA face higher risks. In a stagflation scenario, public sector banks (PSBs) may struggle to maintain a 9% capital adequacy ratio (CAR). IMF recommends equal regulation for state-owned and private NBFCs and better data sharing.

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The State of India’s Digital Economy (SIDE) Report 2025 by Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) highlights India’s digital growth. India is the 3rd-largest global economy but ranks 28th in digital user spending, showing a gap in per capita digital adoption. The CHIPS framework (Connect-Harness-Innovate-Protect-Sustain) measures digitalization across technology, economy, and society. India’s digital economy is growing twice as fast as its overall economy and may contribute 20% of GDP by 2029. India ranks 11th in AI research and 16th in AI infrastructure, while the US, China, South Korea, Singapore, and the Netherlands lead AI innovation. Overall, India ranks 8th globally in digital user economy when adjusted for economic size. ICRIER is an independent think tank researching economic growth, trade, digital economy, and climate change.