Reports and Indices Current Affairs MCQs

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The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025 by Transparency International shows global corruption worsening, with the average score falling to 42/100 and 122 of 182 countries below 50. Only five countries score above 80, compared with 12 a decade ago, showing a clear global decline in governance perceptions. India scores 39, ranking 91 out of 182 countries, remaining in the lower half; the score has fluctuated between 38–41 over the past decade. Despite being the world’s fourth-largest economy, India’s governance perception has not matched its economic growth.

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Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI – Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation) released PLFS 2025 report. PLFS (Periodic Labour Force Survey) was started in 2017 by National Statistical Office (NSO – National Statistical Office) to track jobs and unemployment. It provides data as Usual Status (365 days) and Current Weekly Status (7 days). LFPR (Labour Force Participation Rate) remained stable at 59.3% (Male 79.1%, Female 40%). WPR (Worker Population Ratio) was 57.4%, with rural female participation steady. UR (Unemployment Rate) declined to 3.1%, youth unemployment fell to 9.9%.

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A report by UNESCO titled “2026 GEM Report (Global Education Monitoring Report)” highlights global education gaps. Around 273 million children and youth were out of school in 2024, with more in conflict regions. About 1 in 6 school-age children is excluded, and only 2/3 complete secondary education. Conflicts, especially in West Asia, have worsened school closures and learning loss. Access does not ensure learning due to poor infrastructure, lack of teachers, and resources. Girls, disabled, rural, and displaced children face major barriers. Low funding and poor allocation hinder progress, especially in low-income countries. Digital divide limits access to technology-based learning.

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NITI Aayog released two reports— “Ease of Doing Research & Development in India” and “Survey Report on Ease of Doing R&D in India” on 9 April 2026 in New Delhi. The reports are based on consultations with 400+ institutions and inputs from 850+ scientists and researchers across India. The objective is to improve India’s Research and Development (R&D) ecosystem by making it more efficient, innovation-driven, and facilitative. The reports emphasize private sector participation, flexible systems, and a trust-based environment to boost India’s global leadership in science and innovation.

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Tracxn released the India Tech Annual Funding Report 2026, highlighting trends in India’s startup ecosystem. India’s tech startups raised USD 11.7 billion in FY26 (Financial Year 2025–26), showing an 18% decline from FY25 (USD 14.3B) but a 20% increase over FY24 (USD 9.7B). India ranked 4th globally, behind United States, United Kingdom, and China, but ahead of Germany and France.

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The Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2026 report recently released by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. The report warns of rising inflation and slowing growth due to the West Asia conflict. Inflation in developing Asia-Pacific economies is projected to rise to 4.6% in 2026 (from 3.5% in 2025), while growth may slow to 4% (from 4.6%). The conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has driven sharp increases in oil, gas, and fertiliser prices, raising inflation and weakening purchasing power. For India, high dependence on West Asian oil imports may increase the import bill, fuel inflation, and weaken the rupee, though growth is projected at 6.4% in 2026.

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According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India is the 5th largest military spender in the world in 2025. India spent 92.1 billion on defence, marking an 8.9% increase from the previous year. It accounts for 3.2% of global military expenditure. The top four spenders are United States, China, Russia, and Germany. Global military spending reached a record 2,887 billion (2.5% of global GDP). India remains the second-largest arms importer despite a decline in imports.

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NITI Aayog released the report “Moving Towards Effective City Government: A Framework for Million-Plus Cities.” India has 47 million-plus cities that house nearly one-third of the urban population and contribute about 60% of GDP. The report highlights challenges such as infrastructure deficits, poor service delivery, housing shortages, mobility issues, and environmental concerns. It notes that city governments have limited control over functions under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act.

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Bengaluru has been ranked the world’s fastest-growing major city through 2035, according to the latest report by global real estate advisory firm Savills. The report, part of Savills’ Growth Hubs Index under the Resilient Cities research programme, evaluated 245 global cities based on GDP growth projections, personal wealth, demographics, migration, and high-income households. Asia-Pacific cities dominate the rankings, with countries like Vietnam, China, and India leading, and cities such as Manila and Kuala Lumpur also featured in the top 20.

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The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2025 report. The number of establishments in the unincorporated non-agricultural sector increased from 7.34 crore in 2023–24 to 7.92 crore in 2025, registering 7.97% growth. The “Other Services” sector recorded the highest growth in establishments, followed by manufacturing and trade. The sector provided employment to around 12.81 crore workers, adding over 74.52 lakh jobs compared to the previous survey. Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra accounted for more than one-third of total employment in the sector.