Reports and Indices Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Recently, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released its Frontier Report 2025 titled “The Weight of Time” on July 10, 2025. The report highlights the rising vulnerability of older adults to extreme weather, especially in urban areas and low- to middle-income countries. In India, people aged 65 and above experienced 2.1 to 4 more heatwave days per year between 1986–2005 and 2013–2022. The report warns that heat-related deaths in the elderly may rise by 370% by mid-century. The report calls for urban greenery, weather monitoring, disaster risk management, and community support systems.

Notes:
On July 15, 2025, World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that South Asia achieved its highest-ever child immunization coverage in 2024.. India reduced zero-dose children (no vaccine received) by 43%, from 1.6 million in 2023 to 0.9 million in 2024. Nepal cut zero-dose children by 52%, from 23,000 to 11,000. Pakistan achieved its highest Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis third-dose (DTP3) coverage at 87%. Afghanistan recorded the lowest regional coverage with a 1% drop.

Notes:
The World Bank recently released the report “Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India” in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It studied 24 Indian cities with a focus on Chennai, Indore, New Delhi, Lucknow, Surat, and Thiruvananthapuram. By 2030, 70% of new jobs in India are expected to come from cities, showing strong urban growth potential. India’s urban population may nearly double to 951 million by 2050, needing over 144 million new homes by 2070. Smart investments can prevent $5 billion in flood damage annually by 2030 and save $30 billion by 2070.

Notes:
Recently, the Numbeo Safety Index 2025 ranked India at 67th with a safety score of 55.8. The Numbeo Safety Index is a real-time, user-based global ranking that reflects how safe people feel in their own countries. It considers factors like crime fear, crime incidents, and overall public safety perceptions. In 2025, the index covered 146 countries worldwide. Top countries in safety include Andorra (84.7), United Arab Emirates–UAE (84.5), Qatar (84.2), Taiwan (82.9), and Oman (81.7). These countries maintain high safety through strong law enforcement, political stability, and safety policies.

Notes:
NITI Aayog released a report titled ‘Unlocking a $200 Billion Opportunity: Electric Vehicles in India’ to accelerate India’s electric mobility shift. India aims for 30% electric vehicle (EV) share in total vehicle sales by 2030. EV sales in India rose from 50,000 in 2016 to 2.08 million in 2024. In contrast, global EV sales rose from 918,000 in 2016 to 18.78 million in 2024. India’s EV penetration grew from one-fifth of global levels in 2020 to over two-fifth in 2024, showing steady progress. The report was based on 7 stakeholder consultations held at NITI Aayog. It highlights key challenges, strategic unlocks, and next steps to fast-track EV adoption.

Notes:
The global economy is changing due to geopolitical tensions and financial volatility. Nations are redefining competition based on growth, stability, and adaptability. The latest International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) shows developed economies facing challenges. Switzerland remains the most competitive economy globally with strengths in economic, business, and governance factors. Singapore ranks second, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) is third. India dropped to 41st place in 2025 from 39th in 2024. India performs well in economic performance and business efficiency.

Notes:
According to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), 12 out of 30 Chief Ministers (40%) in India have declared criminal cases against themselves. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has declared the highest number with 89 cases. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has declared 47 cases. Andhra Pradesh’s Chandrababu Naidu declared 19 cases, Karnataka’s Siddaramaiah 13, and Jharkhand’s Hemant Soren five. Maharashtra’s Devendra Fadnavis and Himachal Pradesh’s Sukhvinder Singh declared four each, Kerala’s Pinarayi Vijayan two, and Punjab’s Bhagwant Mann one. 10 Chief Ministers (33%) declared serious criminal cases like attempt to murder, kidnapping, bribery, and criminal intimidation.

Notes:
The 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) was released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), highlighting the world’s most peaceful countries. Iceland ranked first for the 18th consecutive year due to low crime, minimal militarisation, and strong community trust. Ireland secured second place, transforming from past conflicts through neutral military policies and strong social welfare. New Zealand rose to third, aided by strict gun laws, low terrorism, and Mori-rooted community spirit. India ranked 115th, facing challenges like regional disputes, urban crime, and internal tensions. The GPI highlights that India still needs to improve governance, social trust, and conflict resolution to achieve higher peace levels.