India's Global Benchmarking 2025-26: UPSC Current Affairs Analysis & Study Strategy

In-Depth Analysis

The Big Picture

India's 2025-26 benchmarking reveals a 'bi-modal' development trajectory. On one axis, India has cemented its status as a 'Technology and Strategic Powerhouse,' rising to 38th in the Global Innovation Index (GII) and becoming the 6th largest patent filer globally. On the other axis, it faces 'Social Governance Inertia,' remaining in the 'serious' hunger category (GHI rank 102nd) and 'very serious' press freedom category (rank 151st). This divergence suggests that while India's macroeconomic 'hard power' and intellectual capital are scaling rapidly, the distributive and institutional frameworks are struggling to keep pace with the technological surge.

Cross-Theme Insight

The 2025 data shows a significant decoupling between 'National Brand Value' and 'Human Development.' While India's soft power (32nd) and academic footprint (294 universities in QS Asia) are at historic highs, 'Grassroots Resilience'—measured by child wasting (18.7%) and the Network Readiness Index (45th)—indicates a digital and nutritional divide. The leap from 'technology consumer' to 'technology creator' (evidenced by the rise from 81st in 2015 to 38th in 2025 in GII) provides the fiscal headroom, but the GHI performance suggests that 'food surplus' has not yet translated into 'nutritional security' at the last mile.

Textbook vs Reality Gap

Standard textbooks like Nitin Singhania's 'Indian Economy' (p. 338) and NCERT 'Economics Class IX' (p. 31) accurately define the indicators for indices like GHI (Undernourishment, Wasting, Stunting, Mortality). However, they miss the '2025 Reality Gap': India is now a net food exporter and the 5th largest economy, yet its GHI rank (102nd) remains lower than several neighbors. Similarly, while Vivek Singh's 'Indian Economy' (p. 390) details the 2016 IPR Policy, the 2025 performance data shows India bypassing the policy's original targets to become a top-tier global innovation hub.

How This Theme Is Evolving

The trajectory from 2015 to 2025 shows a shift from 'Incrementalism' to 'Structural Leapfrogging' in tech-driven sectors (GII, NRI, CCPI). Conversely, social indicators show a 'Correctional' pattern where rankings are either stagnant or declining (Press Freedom, GHI), forcing a policy shift toward the 'National Multidimensional Poverty Index' (NITI Aayog) as a counter-narrative to international indices.

UPSC Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Pattern

UPSC has transitioned from asking 'Which organization publishes X?' (IAS 2016, NID 5583) to 'Trajectory and Indicator' based questions. Recent CDS papers (2024/2025, NID 13229, 9971) specifically test if India's rank has 'improved significantly' over a decade (2015-2024), requiring candidates to know not just the current rank, but the historical trend.

Probable Prelims Angles

• Global Innovation Index 2025 (WIPO): India's 38th rank and its status as a middle-income innovation leader.
• Global Hunger Index 2025 (Concern Worldwide/Welthungerhilfe): 102nd rank, 25.8 score, and the 4 specific indicators.
• Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025: India's 10th rank (Note: Top 3 spots remain vacant).
• QS Asia University Rankings 2025: India leading with 294 institutions, surpassing China.
• Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025: India's rank of 45th and its performance in the 'Technology' pillar.

Preparation Strategy

Key Connections

Sub-Themes and News Coverage (9 themes, 52 news items)

India's Performance in Global Indices (2025-2026)

Focus: A collection of reports and indices released in the 2025-2026 cycle that rank India's global standing across diverse sectors including corruption, press freedom, human development, and soft power.

UPSC Value: These items provide a comprehensive dataset of India's comparative global rankings, essential for evaluating progress in governance, social justice, and international relations.

12 news items in this theme:

• 2026-02-20 [International Relations] — India's Passport Ranking in 2026 Henley Passport Index
  India's passport has moved to the 75th position in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, rising 10 places from 85th in 2025, reflecting enhanced global mobility for Indian citizens. The index ranks 199 passports across 227 destinations using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), based on ease of entry without prior visa approval.
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  UPSC Angle: India's passport ranks 75th in the 2026 Henley Passport Index.

  Key Facts:

  • India's passport ranked 75th in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, up from 85th in 2025.
  • The index uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
• 2026-02-02 [International Relations] — India & Global Soft Power Index 2026
  In the Global Soft Power Index 2026, India was ranked 32nd with a score of 48. The index evaluated 193 UN countries across 55 parameters, with the United States topping the list.
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  UPSC Angle: In the Global Soft Power Index 2026, India was ranked 32nd.

  Key Facts:

  • India ranked 32nd in the Global Soft Power Index 2026 with a score of 48
  • The index evaluated 193 UN countries across 55 parameters
  • The United States topped the list
• 2026-01-18 [Polity & Governance] — India Improves in World Press Freedom Index 2025, Still Faces Challenges
  India's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index 2025 has improved to 151 out of 180 countries, up from 159 in 2024, but it remains in the 'very serious' category, indicating ongoing challenges to press freedom. The RSF Index assesses the degree of freedom journalists have, based on their ability to report independently and safely.
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  UPSC Angle: India improves in World Press Freedom Index but faces challenges.

  Key Facts:

  • India ranked 151st out of 180 countries in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index.
  • This is an improvement from 159 in 2024 and 161 in 2023.
  • India is still classified under the 'very serious' category.
  • The RSF Index evaluates journalists' ability to report independently and safely.
  • The 2025 report indicates journalism in India remains 'difficult'.
  • Editorial interference by media owners is reported as 'always' or 'often' present in 92 of the 180 countries surveyed.
• 2025-12-05 [Economy] — India's Human Development Index (HDI) Ranking
  India's HDI rank improved to 130 out of 193 countries in the 2025 Human Development Report, with its HDI value rising from 0.676 to 0.685. While still in the "medium human development" category, India is approaching the threshold for "high human development". Inequality continues to undercut India's human development achievements.
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  UPSC Angle: India's HDI rank improved to 130 out of 193 countries in 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • India ranked 130th out of 193 countries in the 2025 Human Development Report.
  • India's HDI value increased from 0.676 in 2022 to 0.685 in 2023.
  • India remains in the "medium human development" category.
  • Inequality has reduced India's HDI by 30.7%.
  • Life Expectancy: Increased to 72 years in 2023.
  • Expected Years of Schooling: Rose to 13 years.
  • Mean Years of Schooling: Improved to 9 years.
  • GNI per capita: Rose to $9,046.76 in 2023.
• 2025-11-26 [International Relations] — India's rank in the Global Commitment to Development Index (CDI) 2025
  India ranked 36 out of 40 countries in the Global Commitment to Development Index (CDI) 2025. The index, released by the Center for Global Development (CGD), assesses countries based on finance, trade, climate & global development.
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  UPSC Angle: India's rank in the Global Commitment to Development Index (CDI) 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • India Rank: 36 out of 40 countries
  • Index Type: Global Commitment to Development Index based on finance, trade, climate & global development
  • Released By: Center for Global Development (CGD)
  • Top Countries: Sweden ranked 1st, Germany ranked 2nd
• 2025-11-05 [Polity & Governance] — India's Press Freedom Index Ranking
  India has been ranked 151 out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2025, released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which is a marginal improvement from 159 in 2024 and 161 in 2023. Despite the improvement, India remains in the “very serious” category for press freedom, with concerns over media ownership concentration and political influence.
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  UPSC Angle: India's Press Freedom Index ranking: 151 out of 180.

  Key Facts:

  • India ranked 151 out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2025
  • Improved from 159 in 2024
  • Remains in 'very serious' category
  • Concerns over media ownership concentration and political influence
• 2025-10-04 [Environment & Ecology] — India 10th in Climate Change Performance Index 2025
  India ranked 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025, despite dropping two spots from last year. The CCPI assesses countries' efforts to combat climate change based on GHG emissions, renewable energy, energy use, and climate policy. While India shows strengths in renewable energy expansion and low per capita emissions, it faces challenges due to reliance on coal and limited inclusion of sectors like transport and housing in climate targets.
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  UPSC Angle: India ranked 10th in Climate Change Performance Index 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • Overall Rank: 10th
  • GHG Emissions: High (low per capita emissions)
  • Energy Use: High
  • Climate Policy: Medium
  • Renewable Energy: Low
  • Published by: Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and Climate Action Network
  • Denmark ranked 4th, the highest of all surveyed countries (No country in the top 3)
• 2025-08-31 [Economy] — India's Human Development Index (HDI) Ranking
  In the 2025 Human Development Report, India was ranked 130th out of 193 countries, improving from 133rd in 2022, with its HDI value increasing from 0.676 in 2022 to 0.685 in 2023. While India remains in the "medium human development" category, it is approaching the "high human development" threshold, with its life expectancy increasing from 58.6 years in 1990 to 72 years in 2023, and its gross national income per capita quadrupling from US$2,167 in 1990 to US$9,046 in 2023.
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  UPSC Angle: India's HDI ranking improved to 130th in 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • India ranked 130th out of 193 countries in the 2025 Human Development Report.
  • India's HDI value increased from 0.676 in 2022 to 0.685 in 2023.
  • India remains in the "medium human development" category but is approaching "high human development" (HDI ≥ 0.700).
  • Life expectancy in India increased from 58.6 years in 1990 to 72 years in 2023.
  • India's gross national income per capita quadrupled from US$2,167 in 1990 to US$9,046 in 2023.
• 2025-08-30 [Polity & Governance] — India's Ranking in World Press Freedom Index 2025
  India ranked 151st out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2025, released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Despite a marginal improvement from previous years, India remains in the "very serious" category for press freedom. The report highlights concerns over media ownership concentration and political influence affecting media plurality.
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  UPSC Angle: India ranked 151st in World Press Freedom Index 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • India's Rank: 151st out of 180 countries
  • Category: "Very serious" for press freedom
  • Concerns: Media ownership concentration, political influence
  • Global press freedom classified as being in a “difficult situation”
• 2025-06-25 [Economy] — India Ranks in Top 100 of Global SDG Index
  India has, for the first time, ranked in the top 100 (99th) in the Sustainable Development Report (SDR) 2025 released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). India's SDG Index score reached 67 points, demonstrating gradual but steady improvement across sectors. The Sustainable Development Report is the world’s most authoritative ranking on progress towards SDGs for 193 UN member states.
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  UPSC Angle: India ranks in top 100 of Global SDG Index.

  Key Facts:

  • India's rank in SDG Index 2025: 99th
  • India's SDG Index score: 67
  • Report released by: UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)
  • Edition: 10th
  • Focus of 2025 edition: Financing SDGs by 2030 and reforming the Global Financial Architecture (GFA)
  • India's rank in 2024: 109th
  • India's rank in 2017: 116th
  • Top SDG-performing countries: Finland, Sweden, and Denmark
  • SDG target achievement by 2030 (globally): 17%
  • Other South Asian Countries ranking: Bhutan (74th), Nepal (85th), Bangladesh (114th), Pakistan (140th)
  • India struggles with rising obesity (SDG 2), climate action (SDG 13), and press freedom (SDG 16)
  • India's Rank: 99th
  • Report: Sustainable Development Report (SDR) 2025
  • SDSN: UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
  • Progress Areas: digital infrastructure (SDG 9), healthcare (SDG 3), and electricity access (SDG 7)
  • Challenges: rising obesity (SDG 2), climate action (SDG 13), and press freedom (SDG 16)
  • India's SDG Index score reached 0 points
  • India improved from 109th in 2024 to 99th in 2025
  • Bhutan secured 74th place (70.5), Nepal 85th (68.6), Bangladesh 114th (63.9), and Pakistan 140th (57)
• 2025-06-07 [Economy] — India's HDI Ranking Improves
  India's Human Development Index (HDI) ranking improved from 133 in 2022 to 130 in 2023, with the HDI value rising from 0.676 to 0.685, as per the 2025 UNDP Human Development Report. Between 1990 and 2023, India's HDI increased from 0.446 to 0.685, a 53% rise.
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  UPSC Angle: India's HDI ranking improved to 130 in 2023.

  Key Facts:

  • HDI ranking: 130 in 2023 (from 133 in 2022)
  • HDI value: 0.685 in 2023 (from 0.676 in 2022)
  • HDI increase from 1990 to 2023: 53%
  • GNI per capita rose from $2,167 to $9,048 (PPP)
  • Life expectancy increased from 58.6 to 72 years
  • Expected years of schooling rose from 8.2 to 13 years
• 2025-05-23 [Economy] — India Ranks 130 in UNDP's Human Development Index
  India's HDI value rose from 0.676 in 2022 to 0.685 in 2023, ranking it 130 out of 193 countries, according to the UNDP's 2025 Human Development Report. This places India in the medium human development category, approaching the high human development threshold. Since 1990, India's HDI value has increased by over 53%, driven by economic growth and welfare initiatives.
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  UPSC Angle: India's 2023 HDI value and rank in UNDP's 2025 report.

  Key Facts:

  • India's HDI rank improved to 130 in 2023 from 133 in 2022.
  • India's HDI value rose to 0.685 in 2023.
  • India is in the medium human development category.
  • Since 1990, India’s HDI value has soared by over 53%.

India's 2025 Rankings in Technology, Innovation, and Strategic Power

Focus: Reports and indices released in 2025/2026 assessing India's global standing in economic capability, innovation, and network readiness.

UPSC Value: Useful for analyzing India's rising soft power and competitiveness in the technology and economic sectors (GS-3/GS-2).

9 news items in this theme:

• 2026-02-10 [Economy] — Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025: India Improves its Ranking
  India's rank improved to 45th (4 places improvement) in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025, with its score increasing to 54.43/100, reflecting stronger digital and network preparedness. The NRI assesses countries' use of ICT to promote economic growth, innovation, governance, and social development, covering 127 economies worldwide.
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  UPSC Angle: India's NRI 2025 rank improved to 45th.

  Key Facts:

  • India's rank in NRI 2025: 45th (4 places improvement)
  • India's score in NRI 2025: 54.43/100
  • NRI 2025 covers 127 economies worldwide
  • NRI is based on 4 pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact
  • India ranked 1st in annual investment in telecommunication services, AI scientific publications, ICT services exports, and e-commerce legislation
  • India secured 2nd rank in FTTH/building internet subscriptions, mobile broadband traffic, and international internet bandwidth
  • India placed 3rd in domestic market scale
  • India's rank in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025: 45th
  • India's NRI score in 2025: 54.43/100
  • Digital economy contribution to India's national income in 2024–25: 13.42%
  • Projected digital economy contribution to India's GDP by 2030: nearly one-fifth
  • Over 97% of Indian villages are covered by mobile connectivity as of 2025
  • 4.74 lakh 5G towers installed across 99.6% of districts as of 2025
  • 142 crore Aadhaar IDs generated as of April 2025
• 2025-11-30 [International Relations] — Asia Power Index 2025: India's Ranking
  According to the Asia Power Index 2025, India ranks third in economic capability and future resources. India's economic and military capabilities have increased, however, its weakest measure is defence networks, where it ranks 11th. India's economy has continued to grow strongly and made small gains in terms of its geopolitical relevance.
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  UPSC Angle: Asia Power Index 2025: India ranks third in economic capability.

  Key Facts:

  • India ranks third for economic capability and future resources
  • India's economic and military capability have both increased in the 2025 edition of the Asia Power Index
  • India's weakest measure is defence networks, where it sits at 11th
  • Asia Power Index 2025 Rank: Third
  • Economic Capability: India ranks third
  • Future Resources: India ranks third
  • Weakest Measure: Defence networks (11th rank)
• 2025-10-27 [International Relations] — India's Global Index Rankings in 2025
  In 2025, India holds the 4th position in the Global Firepower Index, indicating high military strength. However, it faces challenges in areas like the Environmental Performance Index, where it ranks very low. India ranks 102nd out of 123 countries with a score of 25.8 (Severe Category) in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2025.
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  UPSC Angle: India's ranking in Global Firepower Index and Environmental Performance Index.

  Key Facts:

  • Global Firepower Index: 4th
  • Environmental Performance Index: 176-180th/180
  • Global Innovation Index (GII) 40 / 132
  • India ranks 102nd out of 123 countries with a score of 25.8 (Severe Category) in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2025.
• 2025-09-18 [Economy] — India Rises to 38th in Global Innovation Index 2025
  India has risen to 38th place among 139 economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, a notable improvement from its 81st rank in 2015. According to the World Intellectual Property Organisation's (WIPO) GII 2025, R&D growth fell to 2.9% in 2024 and is projected to drop further to 2.3% in 2025. India holds the top rank among lower-middle-income economies and in the Central and Southern Asia region.
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  UPSC Angle: India rises to 38th in Global Innovation Index 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • R&D Growth: Fell to 2.9% in 2024, projected to slow to 2.3% in 2025
  • Top Innovator: Switzerland ranked 1st for the 15th consecutive year
  • India's Rank: 38th among 139 economies, up from 81st in 2015
  • China's Rank: Entered top 10 for the first time, ranked 10th globally
  • Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025
  • India
  • 38th rank
  • 139 economies
  • 81st rank in 2015
  • World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)
  • R&D growth 2024: 2.9%
  • R&D growth 2025 (projected): 2.3%
  • India ranks 38th in Global Innovation Index 2025
  • GDP growth projection of 6.5% for FY 2025
  • Standard and Poor's (S&P)
• 2025-08-18 [Economy] — India's ranking in global indexes
  In 2025, India holds mixed positions across various global indices, with strengths in areas like ICT services exports (1st) and innovation (38th in the Global Innovation Index). Challenges persist in areas such as press freedom (151/180) and gender equality. India ranks 10th in the Climate Change Performance Index.
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  UPSC Angle: India's ranking in global indexes: ICT services exports (1st).

  Key Facts:

  • Global Innovation Index 2025: India ranked 38th
  • World Press Freedom Index 2025: India ranked 151/180
  • Climate Change Performance Index 2025: India ranked 10th
  • Global Gender Gap Report 2025: India ranked 131/148
  • ICT Services Exports: India ranked 1st
  • Global Peace Index 2025: India ranks 115th
• 2025-07-22 [Science & Technology] — India's Science & Technology Sector Growth
  India's science and technology sector has seen significant growth in 2025, marked by increased funding for research and innovation. India rose to 38th position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, a significant jump from 81st in 2015. The Research, Development and Innovation Fund was launched with a total outlay of Rs 1.0 Lakh crore over six years.
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  UPSC Angle: India's Science & Technology sector growth, GII rank 38.

  Key Facts:

  • India rose to 38th position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025.
  • Research, Development and Innovation Fund launched with a total outlay of Rs 1.0 Lakh crore over six years; Rs 20,000 crore allocated for FY 2025-26.
  • National Quantum Mission (NQM) established operational hubs across 43 institutions by mid-2025.
  • IndiaAI Mission deployed 38,000 GPUs as of 2025.
  • India launched its first fully indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor in December 2025.
• 2025-07-11 [Economy] — India's Network Readiness Improved
  India has improved its ranking in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025, jumping four places to 45th. India ranks third in terms of domestic market size and second among low-middle income countries.
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  UPSC Angle: India improved its ranking in the Network Readiness Index 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025
  • Rank: 45th
  • Increase of four places compared to 2024
  • Score: 54.43 (2025)
  • Domestic market size: 3rd
  • Low-middle income countries: 2nd
• 2025-06-17 [Economy] — Network Readiness Index 2025: India Improves Ranking
  India has improved its ranking in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025, jumping four places to 45th. India improved its score from 53.63 out of 100 in 2024 to 43 out of 100 in 2025. India secured 1st rank in “Annual investment in telecommunication services”, “AI scientific publications”, “ICT services exports” and “E-commerce legislation”.
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  UPSC Angle: India improves ranking in Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025 to 45th.

  Key Facts:

  • India's rank in Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025: 45th.
  • India improved its score from 53.63 out of 100 in 2024 to 43 out of 100 in 2025.
  • India secured 1st rank in “Annual investment in telecommunication services”, “AI scientific publications”, “ICT services exports” and “E-commerce legislation”.
• 2025-05-15 [Science & Technology] — Network Readiness Index Report 2025
  India improved its score from 53.63 out of 100 in 2024 to 43 out of 100 in 2025 in the Network Readiness Index Report 2025. India secured 1st rank in “Annual investment in telecommunication services”, “AI scientific publications”, “ICT services exports” and “E-commerce legislation”.
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  UPSC Angle: India's improved ranking in the Network Readiness Index Report 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • India's score in 2025: 43 out of 100
  • India's score in 2024: 53.63 out of 100
  • Rank 1: Annual investment in telecommunication services
  • Rank 1: AI scientific publications
  • Rank 1: ICT services exports
  • Rank 1: E-commerce legislation

India's Performance in Global Hunger Index 2025

Focus: Multiple reports confirming India's specific ranking (102nd), score (25.8), and undernourishment statistics (12%) in the 2025 Global Hunger Index and related UN assessments.

UPSC Value: Essential for tracking India's progress on SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), understanding the components of the Global Hunger Index (stunting, wasting, mortality), and analyzing the consistency of nutritional data across international reports.

8 news items in this theme:

• 2026-02-15 [Economy] — India's Malnutrition Crisis Persists Despite Food Grain Availability
  Despite being a leading food grain exporter, India ranks 102 out of 123 countries in the 2025 Global Hunger Index, indicating a serious level of hunger. A significant proportion of children under five are stunted (32.9%) and wasted (18.7%), signaling lost potential and deepening inequality. The World Food Programme (WFP) continues its partnership with India to enhance food system efficiency, digital innovation, and climate resilience.
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  UPSC Angle: India ranks 102/123 in Global Hunger Index 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • India ranks 102 out of 123 countries in the 2025 Global Hunger Index.
  • 32.9% of children under five are stunted.
  • 18.7% of children under five are wasted.
  • WFP continues its 50-year partnership with the Government of India.
• 2026-02-06 [Economy] — India's Performance in Global Hunger Index 2025
  In the 2025 Global Hunger Index (GHI), India ranks 102nd out of 123 countries, with a score of 25.8 indicating a 'serious' level of hunger. Child wasting remains a significant concern, although there has been improvement in child mortality.
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  UPSC Angle: India's Global Hunger Index rank: 102/123, serious hunger level.

  Key Facts:

  • India ranks 102nd out of 123 countries in the 2025 Global Hunger Index.
  • India's 2025 GHI score is 25.8, indicating a 'serious' level of hunger.
  • 12.0% of the population is undernourished.
  • 32.9% of children under five are stunted.
  • 18.7% of children under five are wasted.
  • 2.8% of children die before their fifth birthday.
• 2025-12-05 [Economy] — India's Global Hunger Index Ranking
  In the 2025 Global Hunger Index, India ranked 102nd out of 123 countries with a score of 25.8, indicating a serious level of hunger. The GHI score is based on indicators including undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and child mortality.
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  UPSC Angle: India ranked 102nd in the 2025 Global Hunger Index.

  Key Facts:

  • India ranked 102nd out of 123 countries in the 2025 Global Hunger Index.
  • India's GHI score is 25.8, classified as 'serious'.
  • 12.0% of the population is undernourished.
  • 32.9% of children under five are stunted.
  • 18.7% of children under five are wasted.
  • 2.8% of children die before their fifth birthday.
• 2025-11-13 [Economy] — India Ranks 102nd in Global Hunger Index 2025
  In the 2025 Global Hunger Index (GHI), India ranks 102nd out of 123 countries, with a score of 25.8, indicating a 'serious' level of hunger. While there's been a slight improvement since 2016, progress towards achieving 'Zero Hunger' by 2030 is slow, and India continues to struggle with child malnutrition, inequality, and dietary deficiencies. The GHI is based on four indicators: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and child mortality.
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  UPSC Angle: India ranks 102nd in Global Hunger Index 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • India's 2025 GHI rank: 102nd out of 123 countries
  • India's 2025 GHI score: 25.8 ('serious' level of hunger)
  • 12.0% of the population is undernourished
  • 32.9% of children under five are stunted
  • 18.7% of children under five are wasted
  • 2.8% of children die before their fifth birthday
  • 172 million people in India are affected by undernourishment
  • Global GHI score in 2025 is 18.3, showing minimal improvement from 19.0 in 2016
  • At least 56 countries are not on track to achieve even low hunger by 2030
• 2025-08-19 [International Relations] — India drives global hunger decline
  The UN's 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition reports global undernourishment at 673 million in 2024, down from 688 million in 2023, with undernourishment now affecting 8.2% of people. Revised estimates using new National Sample Survey data reveal that undernourishment in India fell from 14.3% in 2020–22 to 12% in 2022–24.
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  UPSC Angle: India drives global hunger decline, UN report shows.

  Key Facts:

  • Global undernourishment at 673 million in 2024 (8.2% of the global population)
  • India's undernourishment fell from 14.3% in 2020–22 to 12% in 2022–24
• 2025-06-15 [Society & Culture] — India's Hunger Level Classified as Serious in 2025 Global Hunger Index
  In the 2025 Global Hunger Index, India ranks 102nd out of 123 countries, with a GHI score of 25.8, indicating a 'serious' level of hunger. The report notes that global progress against hunger has stalled since 2016, with conflict, climate change, and economic instability being major contributing factors. India's challenges include child malnutrition, inequality, and dietary deficiencies.
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  UPSC Angle: India's hunger level classified as serious in 2025 Global Hunger Index.

  Key Facts:

  • India's GHI Rank: 102nd out of 123
  • India's GHI Score: 25.8
  • Hunger Level: Serious
  • Undernourishment prevalence: 12.0%
  • Child stunting: 32.9%
  • Child wasting: 18.7%
  • Child mortality: 2.8%
• 2025-05-25 [Economy] — Global Hunger Index 2025: India's ranking and score
  In the 2025 Global Hunger Index, India ranks 102nd out of 123 countries with sufficient data, with a GHI score of 25.8, indicating a serious level of hunger. This is an improvement from its 2016 GHI score of 29.3, and shows considerable improvement relative to its 2000 and 2008 scores. The GHI score is based on four component indicators: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and child mortality.
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  UPSC Angle: India's ranking and score in the 2025 Global Hunger Index.

  Key Facts:

  • India ranks 102nd out of 123 countries in the 2025 Global Hunger Index.
  • India's GHI score is 25.8, which is considered serious.
  • 12.0% of the population is undernourished.
  • 32.9% of children under five are stunted.
  • 18.7% of children under five are wasted.
  • 2.8% of children die before their fifth birthday.
  • India's 2016 GHI score was 29.3.
  • India's 2000 and 2008 GHI scores were 38.1 and 34.6, respectively.
• 2025-05-10 [Economy] — India's nutritional status shows marginal improvement, faces serious hunger level
  Despite some progress, India's nutritional status has barely improved since 2015-16, with a 'serious' level of hunger according to the 2024 Global Hunger Index. Key challenges include micronutrient deficiencies, anemia among women, and a significant percentage of children being undernourished, stunted, or wasted, impacting national development and healthcare burden. The high cost of a healthy diet also affects a large section of the population.
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  UPSC Angle: India's nutritional status shows marginal improvement, faces serious hunger.

  Key Facts:

  • Global Hunger Index 2024: India has a level of hunger that is serious with a score of 27.3
  • 13.7% of the population is undernourished
  • 35.5% of children under five are stunted
  • 18.7% of children under five are wasted
  • 2.9% of children die before their fifth birthday
  • Children aged 6-59 months who are anemic: 67.1%
  • Children under five years of age who are stunted: 35.6%
  • Children under the age of five who are wasted: 19.3%
  • Children under five who are underweight: 32.1%
  • Children aged 6 to 23 months receiving an adequate diet: 11.3%
  • Institutional births: 88.6%
  • Almost 55.6% of the population in the country cannot afford a good healthy diet
  • In 2017, a nutritional diet cost $2.86 US (Purchasing Power Parity) which increased to $3.36 US in 2022

India's Performance on the 2025 Global Hunger Index

Focus: Multiple reports and updates analyzing India's specific ranking (102nd) and score (25.8) in the 2025 Global Hunger Index.

UPSC Value: Useful for tracking consistent data points regarding malnutrition, child wasting, and stunting for social issues essays.

5 news items in this theme:

• 2026-01-18 [Economy] — India's Global Hunger Index Ranking: Serious Category
  In the 2025 Global Hunger Index, India ranks 102nd out of 123 countries, with a score of 25.8, indicating a 'serious' level of hunger. Child wasting remains a significant concern, with a rate of 18.7 percent, while undernourishment affects 12.0 percent of the population.
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  UPSC Angle: India's Global Hunger Index ranking indicates a 'serious' level of hunger.

  Key Facts:

  • India ranks 102nd out of 123 countries in the 2025 Global Hunger Index.
  • India's GHI score is 25.8, classified as 'serious'.
  • The prevalence of undernourishment is 12.0 percent.
  • The child mortality value is 2.8 percent.
  • India's child wasting rate is 18.7 percent, the second highest in the report.
  • India's child stunting rate is 32.9 percent.
• 2026-01-01 [Economy] — India's Performance on the Global Hunger Index
  In the 2025 Global Hunger Index, India ranks 102nd out of 123 countries, with a score of 25.8, indicating a serious level of hunger. India's child wasting rate is 18.7 percent, child stunting rate is 32.9 percent, prevalence of undernourishment is 12.0 percent, and under-five mortality rate is 2.8 percent.
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  UPSC Angle: India's Global Hunger Index rank: 102/123, serious hunger level.

  Key Facts:

  • India's 2025 GHI rank: 102nd out of 123 countries
  • India's 2025 GHI score: 25.8 (serious)
  • Child wasting rate: 18.7 percent
  • Child stunting rate: 32.9 percent
  • Prevalence of undernourishment: 12.0 percent
  • Under-five mortality rate: 2.8 percent
• 2025-10-18 [Society & Culture] — India Ranks 102nd in Global Hunger Index 2025
  In the 2025 Global Hunger Index (GHI), India ranks 102nd out of 123 countries, with a score of 25.8, placing it in the "serious" category of hunger. India's child wasting rate is 18.7 percent, and its child stunting rate is 32.9 percent. The global GHI score is 18.3, showing minimal improvement since 2016, with at least 56 countries not on track to achieve low hunger by 2030.
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  UPSC Angle: India ranks 102nd in Global Hunger Index 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • India's Rank: 102nd out of 123 countries
  • GHI Score: 25.8 (serious category)
  • Child wasting rate: 18.7%
  • Child stunting rate: 32.9%
  • Prevalence of undernourishment: 12.0%
  • Under-five mortality rate: 2.8%
  • Global GHI score: 18.3
  • Report by: Concern Worldwide, Welthungerhilfe, and the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV)
  • 56 countries projected not to achieve “low hunger” status by 2030
  • GHI Score: 25.8
  • Category: Serious
  • 2024 Rank: 105th out of 127 countries
  • 2016 Score: 29.3
  • Last-ranked country: Somalia at 123rd
  • Top countries (scores below 5): Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Chile, and China
• 2025-07-19 [Economy] — India's Rank in Global Hunger Index 2025
  In the 2025 Global Hunger Index (GHI), India ranked 102nd out of 123 countries, with a score of 25.8, indicating a 'serious' level of hunger. While there's been improvement since 2016, India still faces challenges in child malnutrition, inequality, and dietary deficiencies, with a child wasting rate of 18.7 percent and a child stunting rate of 32.9 percent.
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  UPSC Angle: India ranked 102nd in Global Hunger Index 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • India's Rank: 102nd out of 123 countries
  • GHI Score: 25.8
  • Severity: Serious
  • Child wasting rate: 18.7%
  • Child stunting rate: 32.9%
  • Prevalence of undernourishment: 12.0%
  • Under-five mortality rate: 2.8%
  • 1 in 3 Indian children is stunted
  • 172 million people are undernourished, 13.5 million more than in 2016
• 2025-03-25 [Economy] — India's Global Hunger Index (GHI) Rank
  In the 2025 Global Hunger Index, India ranks 102nd out of 123 countries with sufficient data, with a score of 25.8, indicating a serious level of hunger. This is an improvement from 2016 but shows that progress towards eliminating hunger is slow, with India still facing challenges in child stunting and undernourishment.
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  UPSC Angle: India ranks 102nd in Global Hunger Index 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • India ranked 102nd out of 123 countries in the 2025 Global Hunger Index
  • India's GHI score is 25.8, categorized as 'serious'
  • 12.0% of the population is undernourished
  • 32.9% of children under five are stunted
  • 18.7% of children under five are wasted
  • 2.8% of children die before their fifth birthday

2025 Indian Corporate and Sectoral Valuation Benchmarks

Focus: Reports and data points quantifying the brand equity, market capitalization, and sectoral market sizes in India during 2025.

UPSC Value: Provides empirical data on the formalization of the Indian economy and the growing global footprint of domestic corporate brands and consumer sectors.

5 news items in this theme:

• 2025-11-21 [Economy] — HDFC Bank Becomes India's Most Valuable Brand Again
  HDFC Bank reclaimed the title of India's most valuable brand in the 2025 Kantar BrandZ Report, with a brand value of $44.9 billion, surpassing TCS. The bank's brand value has surged 377% since 2014. India's top 100 brands are together valued at $523.5 billion (13% of GDP).
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  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • HDFC Bank is India's most valuable brand with a value of $44.9 billion.
  • Surpassed TCS in the 2025 Kantar BrandZ Report.
  • Brand value surged 377% since 2014.
  • India's top 100 brands are valued at $523.5 billion (13% of GDP).
• 2025-07-17 [Economy] — India's Luxury Fashion Market Revival
  India's luxury apparel market is rebounding after a subdued performance in 2024, valued at $7.5 billion in 2024 and projected to grow to $10.7 billion by 2033. This growth is driven by rising disposable incomes and growing fashion consciousness. In May 2025, Aditya Birla Group demerged its fashion business for better segment focus.
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  UPSC Angle: India's Luxury Fashion Market Revival.

  Key Facts:

  • Luxury apparel market valued at $7.5 billion in 2024.
  • Projected to grow to $10.7 billion by 2033.
  • Aditya Birla Group demerged its fashion business in May 2025.
• 2025-06-30 [Economy] — Adani Group Fastest-Growing Indian Brand
  Adani Group was named the fastest-growing Indian brand in the Brand Finance India 100 2025 report, with its brand value surging by 82% to USD 6.5 billion. Tata Group retained its position as India's most valuable brand for 2025, with its brand value rising 10% to USD 31.6 billion.
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  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • Adani Group is the fastest-growing Indian brand.
  • Adani Group's brand value surged by 82% to USD 6.5 billion.
  • Tata Group is India's most valuable brand.
  • Tata Group's brand value rose 10% to USD 31.6 billion.
• 2025-04-17 [Economy] — Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Significance
  The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) mirrors India's economic growth as the 5th largest economy with a $3.5 trillion GDP. It has a market capitalization of ₹450 lakh crore (2025), drives inclusivity through retail participation (120 million investors, 2025), and supports capital formation for industries, MSMEs, and startups.
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  UPSC Angle: BSE mirrors India's economic growth.

  Key Facts:

  • India's GDP: $3.5 trillion
  • BSE Market capitalization: ₹450 lakh crore (2025)
  • Number of retail investors: 120 million (2025)
  • Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) inflows in FY24: ₹6.1 lakh crore
• 2025-03-28 [Economy] — India's E-Retail Market Value
  India’s e-commerce market value reaches $60 billion. The growth rate declines to 10-12% in 2024 from over 20% historically.
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  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • India’s e-commerce market value: $60 billion
  • Growth rate in 2024: 10-12%

India's Performance in Global Sectoral Indices (2025-26)

Focus: India's ranking in diverse global indices covering ethics, technology, mobility, and healthcare.

UPSC Value: Provides a comparative assessment of India's soft power and institutional capabilities across different sectors.

4 news items in this theme:

• 2026-01-22 [International Relations] — Responsible Nations Index 2026: India Ranked 16th Globally
  In the Responsible Nations Index 2026, India is the top-ranked Asian nation, securing the 16th position globally, ahead of South Korea (21), Thailand (24) and Kyrgyzstan (22). The top three countries in the index are Singapore (1), Switzerland (2), and Denmark (3). Nine of the top 10 countries are European, underscoring Europe's strength in institutional ethics.
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  UPSC Angle: India ranked 16th in Responsible Nations Index 2026.

  Key Facts:

  • India ranked 16th globally in the Responsible Nations Index 2026.
  • Singapore (1), Switzerland (2), and Denmark (3) are the top three countries.
  • India is the top-ranked Asian nation.
• 2026-01-15 [International Relations] — Henley Passport Index 2026: India Climbs to 80th Rank
  India's passport ranking has improved to 80th position in the Henley Passport Index 2026, up five spots from the previous year, now allowing visa-free access to 55 destinations. Singapore tops the index with access to 192 destinations, while Japan and South Korea are tied for second place. The index measures global mobility and highlights the power of a country's passport.
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  UPSC Angle: Henley Passport Index 2026: India climbs to 80th rank.

  Key Facts:

  • India's Rank: 80th (up from 85th last year)
  • Visa-free destinations: 55
  • Top Passport: Singapore (192 visa-free)
  • Japan/South Korea: Joint 2nd (188 visa-free)
  • Bottom Rank: Afghanistan (24 visa-free destinations)
• 2025-08-05 [Science & Technology] — Bengaluru Ranks 26th in Global AI City Index 2025
  Bengaluru has secured the 26th rank in the Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) City Index 2025, emerging as India's top AI R&D and data centre hub. The report, published by Counterpoint Research, evaluates cities based on their capacity, investment, and innovation in AI.
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  UPSC Angle: Bengaluru ranks 26th in Global AI City Index 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • Bengaluru
  • Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) City Index 2025
  • Counterpoint Research
• 2025-04-18 [Society & Culture] — AIIMS Delhi Ranks 97th Among World's Best Hospitals in 2024
  AIIMS, New Delhi, has secured the 97th position in the 2024 World's Best Hospitals ranking by Newsweek and Statista.
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  UPSC Angle: AIIMS Delhi ranks 97th among World's Best Hospitals in 2024.

  Key Facts:

  • AIIMS Delhi: Ranked 97th
  • Ranking: 2024 World's Best Hospitals
  • By: Newsweek and Statista

India's Intellectual Property and Innovation Performance 2025

Focus: Statistical trends and performance metrics regarding India's patent filings, IPR applications, and Global Innovation Index (GII) rankings.

UPSC Value: Critical for analyzing India's shift toward a knowledge-based economy and identifying the gap between high filing volumes and low R&D expenditure.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-12-25 [Economy] — India's Intellectual Property Filings Surge
  India's Intellectual Property (IPR) applications have surged by 20% year-on-year, reaching nearly 7.5 lakh in FY25, driven by domestic innovation. This includes over 5.3 lakh trademarks and over 40,000 designs, reflecting significant brand creation and R&D growth.
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  UPSC Angle: India's Intellectual Property applications surged by 20% year-on-year in FY25.

  Key Facts:

  • Total IPR applications in FY25: ~7.5 lakh
  • Increase YoY: ~20%
  • Trademarks: Over 5.3 lakh
  • Designs: Over 40,000
• 2025-11-20 [Science & Technology] — India 6th Largest Patent Filer Globally
  India has emerged as the world's 6th-largest patent filer, with over 64,000 patent applications. More than 55% of the patent filings are by resident Indian innovators, indicating a major shift from technology consumption to technology creation. India's position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) has improved significantly from 81st to 38th.
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  UPSC Angle: India is the world's 6th largest patent filer.

  Key Facts:

  • India is the world's 6th-largest patent filer, with over 64,000 patent applications.
• 2025-06-19 [Economy] — India Slips in Global Innovation Index 2025
  India has slipped two places in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, raising concerns about R&D funding and research quality. The decline is attributed to low R&D expenditure (less than 0.7% of GDP), weak academia-industry linkages, and lagging patent output and research quality.
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  UPSC Angle: India slips in Global Innovation Index 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • India slipped two places in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025.
  • Low R&D expenditure (less than 0.7% of GDP).
  • Weak linkages between academia and industry.
  • Patent output and research quality lagging behind peers.

2025-26 Benchmarking of Indian Institutional and Innovation Performance

Focus: A series of national and international performance indices released in late 2025 that evaluate the quality, competitiveness, and innovation output of Indian higher education and research institutions.

UPSC Value: These rankings are essential for analyzing India's progress in human capital development and research infrastructure, relevant for GS Paper 2 (Education) and GS Paper 3 (Science and Technology).

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-11-05 [Society & Culture] — QS Asia University Rankings 2026
  The QS Asia University Rankings 2026 edition covers over 900 universities across Asia, with India's representation reaching a high of 294 institutions, the second highest after China. China added 261 new institutions, overtaking India, which added 137 new entries this year. Nine of India's top ten institutions, including seven IITs, have seen a decline in rankings, despite improved scores due to tougher competition from other Asian countries.
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  UPSC Angle: QS Asia University Rankings 2026: India's representation at 294.

  Key Facts:

  • 900+: Universities covered in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026
  • 294: Number of Indian institutions in the rankings
  • 395: Number of Chinese institutions in the rankings
  • 261: New institutions added by China
  • 137: New institutions added by India
• 2025-10-04 [Economy] — Global Innovation Index 2025: India's Scorecard
  The Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), compares countries' innovation enablers and outputs. India ranks in the high-30s globally and remains the top performer in its region.
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  UPSC Angle: India's rank in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025.

  Key Facts:

  • Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 released by WIPO
  • India ranks in the high-30s globally
  • India is the top performer in its region
• 2025-09-05 [Polity & Governance] — National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025
  The Ministry of Education released the India Rankings 2025 under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), which was introduced in 2015. IIT Madras retains its 1st position in the Overall Category for the seventh consecutive year, and the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, tops the Universities Category for the tenth consecutive year.
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  UPSC Angle: NIRF 2025: IIT Madras retains 1st position.

  Key Facts:

  • Launched by: Ministry of Education
  • Year launched: 2015
  • IIT Madras: 1st in Overall Category (7th consecutive year)
  • Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru: Tops Universities Category (10th consecutive year)
  • Number of categories: 17

India's 2025 Global Economic Benchmarking

Focus: Quantitative assessments from 2025 that measure India's economic standing through global growth contribution percentages and international per capita income rankings.

UPSC Value: Understanding the contrast between India's high aggregate contribution to global growth and its relatively low per capita development metrics is essential for GS-III Economic Development analysis.

3 news items in this theme:

• 2025-10-14 [Economy] — India's Economic Growth and Global Contribution
  India is credited with contributing over 16% of global growth last year. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised its growth forecast to 6.8%. GST collection in India was ₹1.88 lakh crore.
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  UPSC Angle: India contributed 16% to global growth; RBI forecast 6.8%.

  Key Facts:

  • India's contribution to global growth: Over 16%.
  • RBI growth revision: 6.8%.
  • GST collection: ₹1.88 lakh crore.
• 2025-08-07 [Economy] — India's Contribution to Global GDP Growth
  RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that India contributes 18% to global GDP growth, compared to the US's 11%.
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  UPSC Angle: India contributes 18% to global GDP growth, US contributes 11%.

  Key Facts:

  • India contributes 18% to global GDP growth.
  • US contributes 11% to global GDP growth.
• 2025-06-23 [Economy] — India's Economic Indicators
  India's per capita income has risen to $12,131.8 in 2025 in PPP terms, improving its global ranking to 149th. Despite this, India ranks lowest among G20 countries in per capita GDP ($2,878) and PPP terms ($12,131.8). Nifty 50 is expected to be range-bound with a positive bias, resistances are seen at 25,225 and 25,280 and support between 25,000 and 24,950.
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  UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant

  Key Facts:

  • India's per capita income (PPP) is $12,131.8 in 2025, ranking 149th globally.
  • India's per capita GDP is $2,878, the lowest among G20 countries.
  • Nifty 50 resistances are seen at 25,225 and 25,280 and support between 25,000 and 24,950.