Reports and Indices Current Affairs MCQs

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Finland is the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, as per the World Happiness Report 2025. Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden rank second, third, and fourth, respectively. Rankings are based on people’s self-assessment of their lives, in a study by the Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Oxford, in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. India ranks 118th overall but performs well in benevolence measures: 10th in volunteering, 57th in donations, and 74th in helping strangers. Afghanistan is the unhappiest country (147th), while Nepal (92nd) and Pakistan (109th) rank ahead of India.

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The Fiscal Health Index (FHI) by NITI Aayog assesses the fiscal health of Indian states. It covers 18 major states that contribute significantly to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), public expenditure, revenue, and fiscal stability. Odisha ranks first in the index, followed by Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, and Gujarat. As states handle two-thirds of public spending and one-third of total revenue, their fiscal health is crucial for national economic stability. The index uses data from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) for the financial year 2022-23 to compare and benchmark fiscal performance. It helps policymakers make informed decisions to improve fiscal sustainability and resilience. The index evaluates tax buoyancy, which measures how responsive a state’s tax revenue is to its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth. It assesses revenue generation, including own tax and non-tax receipts.

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India had the second highest maternal deaths in 2023, tied with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at 19,000, behind Nigeria with 75,000 deaths. The data comes from the Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000–2023 report by the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG), which includes World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Bank Group, and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). In 2023, 260,000 maternal deaths occurred worldwide, or 712 each day. India’s Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) dropped from 362 in 2000 to 80 in 2023—a 78% decline.

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NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) released a report titled “Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains”, highlighting India’s automotive strengths and roadmap to global leadership. India is the fourth-largest vehicle producer globally with 6 million vehicles produced annually, but holds only 3% share in global auto components trade worth USD 2 trillion. Challenges include high operational costs, low R&D investment, infrastructure gaps, and limited integration in Global Value Chains (GVCs). The report suggests fiscal support like Operational Expenditure (Opex) aid, Capital Expenditure (Capex) focus, skill development, and cluster-based R&D hubs.

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its Global Financial Stability Report warned that high geopolitical risks may affect global financial and economic stability. It highlighted threats like conflicts, cyberattacks, and resource competition disrupting global supply chains. Shifts in global power, new trade alliances, and investment centers are changing traditional economic dynamics. The global tax system is becoming fragmented as some countries adopt a minimum global tax while others move away from shared tax rules. Workforce challenges such as ageing populations, low birth rates, cultural tensions, and artificial intelligence (AI) integration are also stressing economies and labour markets. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) releases the Global Financial Stability Report. This report, published twice a year in April and October, provides an assessment of the global financial system and markets, including emerging market financing.

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In the India Skills Report 2025, Uttar Pradesh ranked first in mathematical skills and computer proficiency. 80% of youth across India are skilled in maths and computers, with Uttar Pradesh ahead of Andhra Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh also topped in critical thinking, followed by Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. In English proficiency, Maharashtra is first, Karnataka second, and Uttar Pradesh third. These results are based on the Global Employability Test (GATE), which assesses job-ready skills worldwide. In total employment, Maharashtra ranks first (84%), followed by Delhi, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh (70%).

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NITI Aayog released a report titled ‘Unlocking $25+ Billion Export Potential – India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector’. It highlights how the Hand and Power Tools sector can boost India’s economic growth. The global market for these tools is valued at $100 billion and may grow to $190 billion by 2035. India exports only $600 million in hand tools and $470 million in power tools, with very low market shares. The report suggests India can target $25 billion in exports and generate 35 lakh jobs by gaining 10% in power tools and 25% in hand tools. India can achieve this by encouraging innovation, supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and improving industrial infrastructure. The tools sector is a pillar of global manufacturing and can support India’s goal of becoming Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Growth in construction and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) markets can boost Make in India and expand India’s global footprint by $25 billion.

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The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) warned that the world economy is heading towards recession. Its report, Trade and Development Foresights 2025, highlighted growing trade tensions, financial instability, and uncertainty as key causes of the slowdown. The report titled “Trade and Development Foresights 2025: Under pressure – uncertainty reshapes global economic prospects” was released by the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The report predicts a global growth slowdown to 2.3% in 2025, indicating a potential recessionary path for the world economy. Rising tariffs are disrupting supply chains and increasing unpredictability in trade. This uncertainty has delayed investments and reduced job creation. UNCTAD called for strong international cooperation and better coordination of economic policies to protect development goals.

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The United Nations (UN) World Social Report 2025 warns of a global social crisis due to insecurity, inequality, and distrust. The report is published by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). It calls for a policy shift based on equity, economic security for all, and solidarity. Over 690 million people live in extreme poverty, with 2.8 billion at risk. Income inequality has increased in 52 out of 128 countries, including China and India. Trust in governments is declining globally, with 57% of people lacking confidence. Recommendations include focusing on people-centered development, investing in quality services, and ensuring trustworthy institutions.

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The State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Report, released by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA), reveals that Indigenous people receive less than 1% of international climate funding and are often excluded from climate solutions. Indigenous economies, which depend on agriculture, fishing, and forestry, face growing uncertainty, undermining economic self-sufficiency and sustainability. Disruption of ancestral lands and ecosystems affects traditional land-based practices, threatening environmental stewardship and sovereignty. Indigenous people are increasingly vulnerable to climate-related health issues due to limited access to healthcare and traditional food sources. Climate change also threatens the preservation of Indigenous languages, traditions, and cultural identities.