Reports and Indices Current Affairs MCQs

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The World Wealth Report 2025, released by Capgemini Research Institute, shows India had 378,810 millionaires in 2024 with total wealth of $1.5 trillion. India’s high-net-worth individual (HNWI) wealth rose by 8.8 percent, with strong gains in the “millionaires next door” segment. India had 333,340 millionaires next door and 4,290 ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) in 2024. The report covers 71 countries and highlights U.S. leadership in wealth growth, while India and Japan led in Asia-Pacific.

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On June 5, 2025, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 8th edition of “EnviStats India 2025: Environment Statistics” during a national workshop in New Delhi. The report follows the Framework for the Development of Environment Statistics (FDES) 2013 and compiles data from various ministries and departments. Inland fish production rose from 61.36 lakh tonnes to 139.07 lakh tonnes, showing strong aquaculture growth. The publication includes data on Ramsar sites, population access to electricity, transport, sanitation, and environmental temperature changes. The highest government expenditure was on the Environment Sustainability Sector with Rs. 2433.24 crore in 2021-22.

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The World Energy Investment report 2025 is released by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Global energy investment in 2025 is projected to reach a record $3.3 trillion according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Investment report. Investment in clean energy like solar, nuclear, grids, storage, and efficiency is set to hit $2.2 trillion, which is double the amount invested in fossil fuels. China leads global energy investment, spending nearly as much as the European Union and the United States combined.

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The Global Drought Outlook 2025 was recently released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It warns that 40% of the world’s land area now faces more frequent and severe drought. Recent major droughts occurred in Europe (2022), California (2021), and the Horn of Africa including Somalia. The economic cost of an average drought is rising by 3% to 7.5% annually. Countries like India and Australia may face disruptions in hydroelectric power generation due to water shortages.

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India ranked 71st in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Energy Transition Index 2025, showing improvement in energy efficiency and investment capacity. The index assessed 118 countries, with Sweden ranked first, followed by Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Switzerland. China ranked 12th, the United States (US) 17th, and Pakistan 101st, while Congo was the lowest. India’s rank dropped from 63rd in 2024, but WEF said India showed one of the strongest improvements among large economies.

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Recently, the State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report highlighted that that extreme natural events in 2024 caused over 2,000 deaths in India. State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report was released by World Meteorological Organization (WMO). More than 450 people died due to intense heat waves, with temperatures nearing 50°C, especially in northern India. Asia’s average temperature in 2024 was 1.04°C above the 1991–2020 average, making it the warmest or second-warmest year on record. Four tropical cyclones formed in the north Indian Ocean in 2024—Remal, Dana, Fengal in the Bay of Bengal, and Asna in the Arabian Sea.

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The Hurun Global Unicorn Index 2025 reported a record 1,523 unicorns, which are privately held startup companies valued over $1 billion. This marks an increase of 70 unicorns compared to last year, with a total combined valuation of $5.6 trillion. The United States of America leads with 758 unicorns, including 55 new ones, and has six of the ten most valuable unicorns. China holds second place with 343 unicorns. India ranks third with 64 unicorns, with Bengaluru at rank 7 globally, Mumbai at 22, and Gurugram debuting at 27.

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Recently, NITI Aayog released the report “Chemical Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains.” It highlights India’s chemical sector potential but notes challenges like infrastructure gaps, regulatory delays, and 30% skill shortfall. India has a 3.5% share in global chemical value chains with a trade deficit of USD 31 billion in 2023. The report proposes world-class chemical hubs, better port infrastructure, and an operating expense subsidy scheme. It suggests boosting research and development, fast-tracking environmental clearance, and leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

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The North Eastern Region (NER) District Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index 2023–24 was released by NITI Aayog and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER) with support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 85% districts in NER showed an increase in composite scores compared to the previous edition. All districts in Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura achieved Front Runner status (scores between 65 and 99). Hnahthial district in Mizoram topped the region with a score of 81.43, while Longding in Arunachal Pradesh scored the lowest at 58.71.

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In July 2025, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) released the ‘Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks’ report. The report highlights how terrorist groups continue to misuse the global financial system to fund attacks. Key risk factors include lone actors, small terror cells needing low funds, porous borders in Africa and South Asia, and state-sponsored terrorism. Weak regulations in Free Trade Zones also increase the risk. Conventional methods include cash deals, Hawala, and informal systems used by groups like Al-Shabaab and Hamas. Emerging trends involve use of digital tools like social media, crowdfunding, Bitcoin, and online gaming for funds.