Reports and Indices Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the Payment System Report for December 2024, analyzing payment transaction trends over the last five years. Digital payment transactions increased 94 times in volume and 3.5 times in value since 2013. UPI transactions saw a 74.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in volume and 68.14% CAGR in value over the last five years. Credit card numbers doubled, while debit cards remained stable. India joined Project Nexus for cross-border retail payments linking ASEAN nations with India. Payment systems in India facilitate monetary and financial transaction settlements.

Notes:
The Union Minister for Labour & Employment launched State and Union Territory Microsites under the e-Shram initiative and the Occupational Shortage Index (OSI). e-Shram Microsites are state-specific platforms linked to the national e-Shram database, providing workers seamless access to welfare programs and employment opportunities. The microsites offer multilingual support, real-time updates, and data-driven insights for policy-making. The OSI uses real-time labour data to address job market demand-supply gaps, helping align skills with industry needs and support skill development and job matching.

Notes:
World Economic Forum has published “Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network 2023-2024 Impact Report”. The report highlights key innovations tackling global challenges. It focuses on seven core areas, including AI, agriculture, health, biotechnology, and energy transition. Drones are being used to deliver healthcare in India. Autonomous mobility in Saudi Arabia has improved transport efficiency and safety. Alternative proteins, including plant-based and cultivated sources, are being developed for food security. The Saagu Baagu pilot in Telangana helped 7,000 chili farmers increase incomes and reduce agriculture’s environmental impact through agritech.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) released the report titled “Leveraging Space Technology for Agricultural Development and Food Security.” It highlights how space technologies can improve agriculture and food security amid global challenges. The report aligns with discussions in the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). It promotes agriculture-space partnerships for sustainable development under the 2030 Agenda. The publication serves as a key resource for stakeholders aiming to use space technology for food security.

Notes:
India ranked 96 out of 180 in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), with a score of 38. India’s score dropped from 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022, ranking 93rd in 2023. Among neighbors, Pakistan ranked 135, Sri Lanka 121, Bangladesh 149, and China 76. Denmark topped the list, followed by Finland and Singapore. Corruption threatens climate action by misusing funds and obstructing policies. 32 countries improved since 2012, but 148 stagnated or worsened. Over two-thirds of countries scored below 50, with a global average of 43. Corruption fuels authoritarianism, instability, and human rights violations.

Notes:
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the Devolution Index Report on 13th February 2025 at Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi. The Index assesses decentralization progress across States and Union Territories. It evaluates six key dimensions: Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Building, and Accountability. It examines Panchayats’ autonomy in decision-making under Article 243G of the Constitution. The Index strengthens cooperative federalism and local governance. It aids citizens, representatives, and officials in tracking Panchayat performance. It aligns with Viksit Bharat, promoting rural transformation and sustainable development.

Notes:
The UNCCD released a report on Land Restoration for International Peace and Security. It highlights that cooperation in managing shared natural resources can help prevent conflicts and foster political agreements. Land degradation causes economic loss, pushing affected communities into criminal activities like smuggling and human trafficking. Food insecurity due to crop failures and inflation can trigger political and economic instability, as seen in Somalia. It increases migration and displacement. Marginalized groups face discrimination and inequality. Weak land governance can escalate conflicts, as seen in disputes over the Amazon rainforest between Brazil, Peru, and Colombia.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.