Reports and Indices Current Affairs MCQs

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The Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report is an annual publication by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It gives a detailed, evidence-based analysis of global education progress, challenges, and trends. The report was first launched in 2002 as the Education for All Global Monitoring Report and was renamed in 2016. Its main aim is to guide governments and stakeholders by offering policy recommendations to improve education systems. In the latest context, the GEM report shows that 272 million children are out of school globally, which is 21 million more than the previous estimate

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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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A record 54 Indian Institutes have been listed in the QS World University Rankings 2026, showing strong global progress in higher education. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi has emerged as the top-ranked Indian institute, jumping from 150th to 123rd position globally. This is the highest QS World University Ranking ever achieved by IIT Delhi. The QS rankings are based on data from over 16 million academic papers and feedback from 151,000 academics and 100,000 employers. They assess faculty quality, research strength, global partnerships, and student success.

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A recent Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 report ranked India among countries with best-practice-level graphic health warnings in 2024, as part of efforts to reduce tobacco use. Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 report was released by World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 report focuses on the MPOWER measures under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to reduce tobacco-related deaths. India’s cigarette packs have one of the world’s largest pictorial warnings at 85%, placing it in the highest category for ‘W’ (Warn) since 2016. India also leads in ‘O’ (Offer help to quit) and ranks second-highest in ‘M’ (Mass media) efforts.

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Recently, NITI Aayog released the third edition of its quarterly insights series, Future Front, titled India’s Data Imperative: The Pivot Towards Quality, in New Delhi. The report highlights the urgent need to improve data quality for stronger digital governance, better public trust, and efficient service delivery. It discusses the major issues caused by poor data quality and suggests simple and practical tools to improve it.

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Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the Financial Stability Report for June 2025. The Financial Stability Report is a twice-yearly report by the Reserve Bank of India. It shows the joint assessment of the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council on risks to financial stability and the strength of the Indian financial system. The report highlights that India continues to drive global growth due to solid economic fundamentals and wise policies. Risks include geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, and weather-related uncertainties.

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Recently, the National Statistics Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, released the “Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors (2011–12 to 2023–24)” on its website. The report covers Crop, Livestock, Forestry and Logging, Fishing and Aquaculture data at current and constant prices. Gross Value Added of agriculture rose by 225% from ₹1,502 thousand crore in 2011-12 to ₹4,878 thousand crore in 2023-24. Gross Value of Output grew 54.6% at constant prices from ₹1,908 thousand crore to ₹2,949 thousand crore in this period. Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana, and Haryana contributed 53% of cereals GVO.

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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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Recently, a World Bank report ranked India fourth in the world for income equality with a Gini Index of 25.5. Only the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, and Belarus have better equality indicators. India’s Gini Index shows moderately low inequality, between 25 and 30. The Gini Index measures income, wealth, or consumption inequality, with 0 as perfect equality and 100 as maximum inequality. India’s Gini Index is lower than China at 35.7 and the United States at 41.8.

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Recently, NITI Aayog released the strategic report “A Roadmap for Strengthening State Science and Technology (S&T) Councils” to boost decentralized innovation in India. The report emphasizes transforming State S&T Councils into mission-oriented institutions that align science and technology with local development needs. It was developed through regional consultations, a national workshop, and multi-stakeholder engagement. The roadmap highlights the need for techno-administrative leadership and strong Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) data systems.