Reports and Indices Current Affairs MCQs

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India ranked 24th out of 33 countries in the Free Speech Index, according to a survey by The Future of Free Speech, a U.S.-based think tank. The report, “Who in the World Supports Free Speech?”, highlights a global decline in support for controversial speech. India scored 62.6, ranking between South Africa (66.9) and Lebanon (61.8). The findings suggest a gap between public perception and actual free speech conditions in India.

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The National Statistics Office (NSO) released Energy Statistics India 2025 under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The report covers energy reserves, production, consumption, imports/exports, and includes tables, graphs, and sustainable energy indicators. A new chapter on Energy Account follows the System of Environmental Economic Accounting (SEEA) 2012 framework. In FY 2023-24, India’s Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES) grew by 7.8%, reaching 9,03,158 Kilo Tonnes of Oil Equivalent (KToE). India’s renewable energy potential is 21,09,655 Megawatt, with Wind Power leading at 55%, followed by Solar and Large Hydro. Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka hold over 50% of India’s renewable energy potential.

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India ranked 10th globally in private investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2023, as per the 2025 Technology and Innovation Report. The report was released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It focuses on key science, technology, and innovation issues relevant to developing countries, offering practical policy insights. The 2025 report is titled “Inclusive Artificial Intelligence for Development.” It aims to help governments understand the AI landscape and create inclusive policies for fair and balanced tech progress across society.

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The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) to measure the development of over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) in line with Localized Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs). Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) assesses progress across nine themes like poverty-free, healthy, child-friendly, water-sufficient, clean and green, women-friendly, and well-governed Panchayats. Gujarat leads with 346 Front Runner Gram Panchayats, followed by Telangana with 270. Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2022–23 shows 699 GPs as Front Runners, 77,298 as Performers, 1,32,392 as Aspirants, and 5,896 at Beginner level. The Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) uses 435 indicators aligned with the National Indicator Framework (NIF) by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

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The Amnesty International recently released the “Death Sentences and Executions 2024” Report. Amnesty International’s “Death Sentences and Executions 2024” report showed 1,518 recorded executions globally, the highest in nearly 10 years. This marked a 32% rise from 2023, and the highest total since 2015. Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia were responsible for 91% of known executions. Iran executed at least 972 people, Saudi Arabia at least 345, and Iraq saw a jump from 16 to at least 63. China, North Korea, and Vietnam were not included due to lack of official data. The death penalty was reportedly used to silence protesters, minorities, and even individuals with mental disabilities.

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In the India Skills Report 2025, Uttar Pradesh ranked first in mathematical skills and computer proficiency. 80% of youth across India are skilled in maths and computers, with Uttar Pradesh ahead of Andhra Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh also topped in critical thinking, followed by Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. In English proficiency, Maharashtra is first, Karnataka second, and Uttar Pradesh third. These results are based on the Global Employability Test (GATE), which assesses job-ready skills worldwide. In total employment, Maharashtra ranks first (84%), followed by Delhi, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh (70%).

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NITI Aayog released a report titled ‘Unlocking $25+ Billion Export Potential – India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector’. It highlights how the Hand and Power Tools sector can boost India’s economic growth. The global market for these tools is valued at $100 billion and may grow to $190 billion by 2035. India exports only $600 million in hand tools and $470 million in power tools, with very low market shares. The report suggests India can target $25 billion in exports and generate 35 lakh jobs by gaining 10% in power tools and 25% in hand tools. India can achieve this by encouraging innovation, supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and improving industrial infrastructure. The tools sector is a pillar of global manufacturing and can support India’s goal of becoming Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Growth in construction and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) markets can boost Make in India and expand India’s global footprint by $25 billion.

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently released its “World Economic Outlook (WEO): A Critical Juncture Among Policy Shift” report. The report cuts the global growth forecast to 2.8% and India’s to 6.2% from the earlier January 2025 update. This downgrade is due to global trade tensions and policy uncertainty. The report highlights rapid population ageing as a key concern for economies worldwide.

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The United Nations (UN) World Social Report 2025 warns of a global social crisis due to insecurity, inequality, and distrust. The report is published by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). It calls for a policy shift based on equity, economic security for all, and solidarity. Over 690 million people live in extreme poverty, with 2.8 billion at risk. Income inequality has increased in 52 out of 128 countries, including China and India. Trust in governments is declining globally, with 57% of people lacking confidence. Recommendations include focusing on people-centered development, investing in quality services, and ensuring trustworthy institutions.

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The State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Report, released by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA), reveals that Indigenous people receive less than 1% of international climate funding and are often excluded from climate solutions. Indigenous economies, which depend on agriculture, fishing, and forestry, face growing uncertainty, undermining economic self-sufficiency and sustainability. Disruption of ancestral lands and ecosystems affects traditional land-based practices, threatening environmental stewardship and sovereignty. Indigenous people are increasingly vulnerable to climate-related health issues due to limited access to healthcare and traditional food sources. Climate change also threatens the preservation of Indigenous languages, traditions, and cultural identities.