Reports and Indices Current Affairs MCQs

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The AI Preparedness Index (AIPI) evaluates nations on digital infrastructure, human capital, technological innovation, and legal frameworks. As of 2023, Singapore leads with a score of 0.80, indicating its strong commitment to AI integration. In contrast, India ranks 72nd with a score of 0.49, despite having a significant number of AI startups and user engagement. This index highlights the disparities in AI readiness between advanced and emerging economies.

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The World Energy Employment 2024 report by the International Energy Agency highlights global energy employment surpassing broader labor market trends in 2023. Clean energy remains the main driver of job growth. In India, energy jobs account for over 8.5 million, or 1.5% of the total employment (566 million) in 2023. India’s energy sector relies heavily on informal labor. The clean energy workforce in India is expected to grow further, supported by government initiatives that promote job creation.

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India is ranked 23rd on the Sustainable Trade Index 2024. The index was created in 2022 by the Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Center and the Hinrich Foundation. It assesses 30 economies on readiness for global trade, focusing on economic, environmental, and societal pillars. Sustainable trade ensures mutual benefits for partners while balancing economic growth, social development, and environmental protection. New Zealand, the UK, and Australia are the top-performing nations on the index.

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United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) published the State of the World’s Children 2024 (SOWC-2024) report. The report highlights that nearly 1 billion children face high risks from climate and environmental hazards. SOWC is UNICEF’s annual flagship report analyzing global issues affecting children, including conflict, child labour, and disabilities. The 2024 report, launched on World Children’s Day (November 20), focuses on “Listen to the Future,” amplifying children’s voices on their aspirations. By 2050, India, China, Nigeria, and Pakistan will account for over one-third of the global child population. India is projected to have 350 million children, the largest share globally, despite a 106 million decline.

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The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025 was released by Germanwatch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International. The first three spots were left empty, with Denmark ranking fourth. India secured the 10th position. CCPI evaluates progress on global greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, energy use, and climate policies. It covers 63 countries and the European Union, focusing on the world’s largest emitters.

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International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Institute for Human Development (IHD) jointly published the India Employment Report 2024. The report shows an improved employment scenario in India. Global youth unemployment decreased from 15.6% in 2021 to 13.3% in 2023. India’s youth unemployment rate (ages 15-29) was 10.2% in 2023-24, lower than the global average. The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for youth increased from 31.4% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24, indicating more employment.

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Global Wage Report (2024-25) is released by International labour organization (ILO). It highlights wage trends, inequality, and real wage growth worldwide. Global real wage growth recovered in 2023 after a decline in 2022. Wage growth is faster in Asia-Pacific, Central/Western Asia, and Eastern Europe. 9.5% of Indian workers are low-paid wage earners. Wage inequality has generally declined but remains highest in low-income countries. Women and workers dominate low-wage jobs, with rising informal employment due to lack of formal jobs. Labour productivity has grown faster in high-income countries than real wages.

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World Bank released the 2024 International Debt Report (IDR). It covers external debt for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Total external debt of LMICs rose by 2.4% in 2023, reaching $8.8 trillion. Key factors driving this rise include high interest rates due to tight monetary policies in high-income countries, inflation, depreciating currencies, and global economic uncertainty. Countries like Bangladesh and India saw over 90% increases in interest payments. The rising debt strains budgets, affecting critical sectors like health, education, and environmental programs.

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The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) released the ‘Smuggling in India – Report 2023-24’ highlighting major trends in illegal trade. Cocaine trafficking has surged in India, with 47 cases recorded in 2023-24, up from 21 the previous year, using direct routes from South America and African countries. Black cocaine, a chemically masked variant, evades standard detection methods, posing a new challenge. Hydroponic marijuana is being smuggled from countries like the US and Thailand. Gold smuggling from West Asia, including UAE and Saudi Arabia, is rising, using diverse couriers, including families and foreign nationals. Established in 1957, DRI tackles smuggling of narcotics, gold, wildlife products, arms, and more, while also addressing customs fraud.

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The latest Consumer Confidence Survey (CCS) by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) shows weakened consumer confidence in the economy, employment, income, and spending. The survey indicates that consumer optimism drives higher spending, while pessimism can lead to recession. It is released bi-monthly by RBI. It uses the Current Situation Index (CSI) and Future Expectation Index (FEI) as key indicators. The FEI improved by 0.5 points to 121.9, indicating higher optimism for future spending. The CSI declined by 0.7 points to 94 in November 2024, reflecting weaker sentiments, except in household spending.