Introduction Are you preparing for UPSC 2025? Then this article is for you. It covers the most important 2025 UPSC Reports related to the economy, social justice, and India-specific developments. Moreover, these reports provide valuable insights for Prelims and Mains, especially in GS II and GS III. As a result, they help enrich your answers with facts, rankings, and policy data. In addition, understanding these reports improves your ability to write analytical essays and address current affairs questions with precision. Therefore, we have organized them category-wise to save your time and boost your preparation. Overall, this guide will make your UPSC prep smarter and more relevant. 1. SDG India Index 2023-24 About: Tracks progress made by Indian states and UTs toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Published By:NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the UN in India and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Category:Sustainable Development / Governance / Inter-State Comparison Key Features: Covers all 17 SDGs. Composite score based on over 100 indicators. States categorized as Aspirant (0–49), Performer (50–64), Front-runner (65–99), Achiever (100). India-Specific Insights: Kerala ranked 1st in SDG Index, followed by Himachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Bihar, Jharkhand, and Meghalaya are lowest-ranked. SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) show slow progress. 2. National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) About:A large-scale, multi-round survey covering population, health, and nutrition indicators across India. Published By:MoHFW in coordination with International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS). Category:Health / Demographics / Women & Child Development Key Features: Covers fertility, mortality, family planning, nutrition, and gender indicators. Data disaggregated by state, rural-urban, and gender. India-Specific Insights: Total Fertility Rate (TFR) dropped to 2.0 (below replacement level). Child stunting reduced to 35.5%; anemia among women rose to 57%. Institutional births: 89% nationally. Women’s empowerment indicators show progress in decision-making and mobile phone use. 3. Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) – India 2023 About:Measures poverty based on health, education, and living standards—beyond income. Published By:NITI Aayog, based on methodology from Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and UNDP. Category:Poverty / Social Justice / SDGs Key Features: India’s multidimensional poverty dropped from 24.85% (2015-16) to 14.96% (2019-21). Uses 12 indicators across 3 dimensions. Bihar, Jharkhand, and UP have the highest poverty levels. India-Specific Insights: 135 million people exited multidimensional poverty between 2015–21. Rural poverty remains higher than urban areas. 4. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023 About:Estimates key employment indicators like labor force participation rate, unemployment rate, and worker distribution. Published By:National Statistical Office (NSO) under MoSPI Category:Employment / Labour / Economy Key Features: Urban unemployment rate dropped to 6.6% in 2023. Female Labour Force Participation (FLFP) has improved. Significant informal sector participation (over 90%). India-Specific Insights: LFPR: 57.9% (2023), showing upward trend. Youth unemployment (15–29): Still relatively high. Gender gaps persist in employment quality and pay. 5. Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023 About:Assesses learning outcomes among school children (mostly rural) through field-based surveys. Published By:Pratham, an education-focused NGO. Category:Education / Human Development / Rural India Key Features: Focus on reading and arithmetic abilities among students aged 6–14. Non-schooling metrics: tuition, internet access, textbooks. India-Specific Insights: Reading skills still below grade level for many students in classes 3–5. COVID learning loss effects persist. Girls’ school attendance increased; digital divide evident. World Migration Report 2024 About:Tracks global trends in international migration and remittance flows, with focus on migrant experiences. Published By:International Organization for Migration (IOM) – A UN-related organization working on migration governance, humanitarian assistance, and border management. Category:Economy / Migration / International Relations Key Features: Biennial report since 2000. Analyzes global diaspora patterns and migrant worker challenges. Examines migration’s link to sustainable development. India-Specific Insights: India: Largest recipient of remittances – $111.2 billion in 2022. Home to ~18 million international migrants. Major migration corridors: UAE, USA, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh. COVID-19 triggered large-scale reverse migration, especially among informal workers. Special 301 Report 2024 About:Evaluates intellectual property (IP) enforcement of U.S. trading partners and their impact on American businesses. Published By:United States Trade Representative (USTR) – A U.S. government agency overseeing global trade agreements. Category:Economy / International Trade / Intellectual Property Rights Key Features: Flags countries with weak IP regimes. Classifies countries under “Watch List” or “Priority Watch List.” Emphasizes IP rights' role in economic growth. India-Specific Insights: Listed under Priority Watch List. Key issues: IP enforcement gaps, online piracy, backlog in trademark opposition, weak trade secret laws. USTR acknowledged progress but flagged systemic challenges. World Wealth Report 2024 About:Tracks global high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and wealth distribution trends. Published By:Capgemini Research Institute – A global leader in tech consulting and business analytics. Category:Economy / Inequality / Financial Markets Key Features: HNWI wealth grew by 4.7% in 2023. 22.8 million HNWIs globally. North America and APAC regions saw significant growth. India-Specific Insights: 3.6 million HNWIs in India (2023). India saw strong growth in market capitalization and national savings. Unemployment rate showed a marginal decline. World Investment Report 2024 About:Analyzes trends in foreign direct investment (FDI) worldwide and its impact on development. Published By:UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) – A UN body promoting sustainable trade and development. Category:Economy / FDI / Global Trade Key Features: Global FDI dropped by 2% in 2023. FDI to developing countries declined by 7%. SDG-aligned investments fell by 10%. Highlights slow reforms in international investment treaties. India-Specific Insights: India continues to attract FDI in tech and services. UNCTAD praises India's digital regulatory framework. Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024 About:Measures a country's innovation capacity and performance. Published By:World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) – In collaboration with Cornell University and INSEAD. Category:Economy / Science & Technology / Innovation Key Features: Covers 133 countries. 7 pillars: Institutions, Human Capital, Infrastructure, Market Sophistication, Business Sophistication, Knowledge, Creativity. 2024 Theme: Social Entrepreneurship. India-Specific Insights: Rank: 39 (up by 1 spot). 1st in ICT Services Exports. High scores in Unicorn count, VC funding, and AI research. Lagging in Market Sophistication and Human Capital. India Employment Report 2024 About:Analyzes employment trends in India, focusing on youth employment, education, and skill development. Published By:Institute for Human Development (IHD) and International Labour Organization (ILO). Category:Economy / Labour and Employment Key Features: 3rd edition of the report. Analyzes data from 2000, 2012, 2019, and 2022. Covers employment quality, structural changes, and gender disparity in the labor force. India-Specific Insights: Unemployment declined: 6% (2018) → 3.2% (2023). Youth unemployment fell from 17.8% to 10%. Female labor force participation rose to 37% (2023). Over 90% of employment remains informal. NEET rate (not in employment, education, or training): ~28% in 2022; higher among females. Rural Youth Employment Report 2024 About:Focuses on employment status, aspirations, and challenges of rural youth in India. Published By:Development Intelligence Unit (DIU) – A collaboration of Transform Rural India, Sambodhi Research, and Global Development Incubator. Category:Economy / Rural Development / Employment Key Features: Based on surveys from 5,169 rural youth (age 18–35). Identifies barriers and preferences for employment and entrepreneurship. India-Specific Insights: Half of male youth (18–25) are employed; 85% (26–35) employed. Only 25–40% of female youth are in paid work. Preferred jobs: Government, teaching, clerical, or small businesses. 70–85% of employed rural youth want to switch jobs due to dissatisfaction. High need for support in entrepreneurship (seed capital, skill training). Poverty, Prosperity and Planet Report 2024 About:Assesses global poverty in the post-pandemic world and outlines sustainable pathways out of the “polycrisis.” Published By:World Bank Category:Poverty / Sustainable Development / Economy Key Features: Defines “polycrisis” – overlapping issues like slow growth, fragility, and climate shocks. Offers strategies for poverty reduction and sustainable prosperity. India-Specific Insights: Extreme poverty reduced from 431M (1990) → 129M (2024). Yet, more Indians live below the poverty line today than in 1990 due to population growth. Global poverty stagnated since COVID-19. Only 16% of global FDI is aligned with poverty reduction. India’s contribution to global poverty is declining. Report on Currency and Finance 2023-24 About:Highlights India's progress in digital economy, fintech, and financial inclusion. Published By:Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Category:Banking / Digital Economy / Finance Key Features: Digital economy = 10% of GDP (expected to grow to 20% by 2026). India: Global leader in biometric ID (Aadhaar) and real-time digital payments (UPI). Smartphone penetration: 750M+ users, to reach 1 billion by 2026. Average monthly data usage: 24.1 GB/user – one of the highest globally. India-Specific Insights: India has the lowest cost of mobile data globally (₹13.32/GB). 3rd largest startup ecosystem with 100+ unicorns. Leads in fintech adoption, digital lockers, and consent-based data sharing. Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025 About:Assesses fiscal performance of Indian states on key financial parameters. Published By:NITI Aayog Category:Public Finance / Federalism / Fiscal Policy Key Features: 5 sub-indices: Revenue Mobilization, Quality of Expenditure, Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, Debt Sustainability. Data sourced from Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). India-Specific Insights: Odisha ranked 1st, followed by Chhattisgarh and Goa. High-performing states showed strong debt control and spending efficiency. States like Punjab and West Bengal face growing debt concerns. 2024-2025 Reports 1. Global Gender Gap Report 2024 Published By: World Economic Forum (WEF) Category: Social Issues & Social Justice Key Features: Benchmarks gender parity across countries in four key areas: economic participation, education, health, and political empowerment. India ranked 105th out of 127 countries. 2. State of the World's Children Report 2024 Published By: UNICEF Category: Social Issues & Social Justice Key Features: Focuses on global child health, nutrition, education, and protection issues. 3. Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 Published By: Pratham Foundation (NGO) Category: India (Education) Key Features: Evaluates schooling and learning levels in rural India. Increased government school enrollment but persistent learning gaps. 4. Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) Report 2024 Published By: National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Category: Social Issues & Social Justice Key Features: Provides cause-wise data on deaths and suicides in India, categorized by demographics and profession. 5. Global Hunger Index 2024 (GHI) Published By: Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe Category: Social Issues & Social Justice Key Features: Based on undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality. India ranked 105/127 in 2024. 6. World Press Freedom Index 2024 Published By: Reporters sans Frontières (RSF) Category: Governance Key Features: Assesses media freedom across 180 countries. Focuses on political, legal, economic, and safety indicators. 7. Asia Power Index 2024 Published By: The Lowy Institute Category: International Relations / Others Key Features: Ranks Asian countries based on power and influence using metrics like economy, diplomacy, defense. 8. World Migration Report 2024 Published By: International Organization for Migration (IOM) Category: Economy / International Relations Key Features: Tracks global migration patterns. India remains the top recipient of remittances and major migrant source. 9. Poverty, Prosperity and Planet Report 2024 Published By: World Bank Group Category: Economy Key Features: Highlights stagnation in global poverty reduction; defines extreme poverty as <$2.15/day. 10. World Investment Report 2024 Published By: UNCTAD Category: Economy Key Features: Reviews FDI trends, emerging global policies, and investment patterns. 11. A World of Debt 2024 Report Published By: UNCTAD Category: Economy / Finance Key Features: Discusses mounting global debt, especially in developing nations, and sustainable debt solutions. 12. Special 301 Report 2024 Published By: Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Category: Economy Key Features: Critiques IP protection worldwide; lists India under "Priority Watch List." 13. Global Innovation Index 2024 Published By: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Category: Economy Key Features: India improves in intangible asset intensity and unicorn creation but lags in Human Capital. 14. World Intellectual Property Indicators 2024 Published By: WIPO Category: Economy Key Features: Data on global patent filings, trademarks, and IP trends. 15. Network Readiness Index 2024 Published By: Portulans Institute & Oxford University Category: Economy Key Features: India entered top 50 with strong performance in ICT use and digital governance. 16. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24 Published By: NSSO, MoSPI Category: India (Economy / Labor) Key Features: Shows job growth and drop in unemployment rates; shift in workforce from manufacturing to agriculture. 17. India Skills Report 2025 (ISR) Published By: CII, Wheebox, AICTE Category: India (Economy / Labor) Key Features: Assesses employability, skill gaps, and hiring trends among Indian youth. 18. India Employment Report 2024 Published By: Institute for Human Development & ILO Category: Economy (India-specific) Key Features: Examines labor force trends, job quality, youth employment, and policy challenges. 19. Rural Youth Employment Report 2024 Published By: Development Intelligence Unit Category: Economy (India-specific) / Social Issues Key Features: Analyzes rural youth employment trends and preferences; 70–85% seek job change. 20. Report on Currency and Finance 2023-24 Published By: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Category: Economy (India-specific) Key Features: Focuses on India’s digital economy surge; predicts it to be 20% of GDP by 2026. 21. World Wealth Report 2024 Published By: Capgemini Research Institute Category: Economy Key Features: Tracks high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) and global wealth patterns. 22. Living Planet Report 2024 Published By: WWF & ZSL Category: Environment and Climate Change Key Features: Biodiversity index shows steep decline; habitat loss and climate change cited as major threats. 23. Climate Change Performance Index 2025 Published By: Germanwatch & Partners Category: Environment and Climate Change Key Features: India ranked 10th; low per capita emissions praised but scope for policy strengthening. 24. State of Global Air 2024 Published By: Health Effects Institute (HEI) & IHME Category: Environment and Climate Change Key Features: India has among the highest PM2.5 levels; air pollution a major health risk. 25. State of Ocean Report 2024 Published By: UNESCO’s IOC Category: Environment Key Features: Emphasizes warming oceans and marine biodiversity loss. 26. Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 Published By: International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Category: Others (Security) Key Features: India ranked 10th globally; strong cyber laws but needs more international coordination. 27. AI Innovation Report 2023 Published By: Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) Category: Science & Tech (India-specific) Key Features: Reviews India’s AI ecosystem including startups, research, and government support. 28. Fiscal Health Index 2025 Published By: NITI Aayog Category: Economy (India-specific) Key Features: Measures state-wise fiscal performance across multiple financial indicators. 29. Business Confidence Index 2025 Published By: NCAER Category: Economy (India-specific) Key Features: Captures business sentiment regarding macroeconomic outlook and investment climate. Report Name Published By Geothermal Atlas of India 2022 Geological Survey of India Global Gender Gap Report 2024 World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Risks Report World Economic Forum (WEF) State of the World's Children Report 2024 UNICEF Children's Climate Risk Index (CCRI) report UNICEF Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), 2024 Pratham Foundation (NGO) Global TB Report 2023 World Health Organisation (WHO) World Health Statistics World Health Organisation (WHO) Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India (ADSI) report National Crimes Records Bureau (NCRB) Elderly in India 2021 Report Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation World Poverty Clock Report World Data Lab (Vienna-based NGO) Global Hunger Index 2024 (GHI) Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe Good Governance Index (GGI) Union Home Ministry State of the Judiciary Report 2023 Supreme Court of India Internet shutdowns in 2023 Access Now World Press Freedom Index 2024 Reporters sans Frontieres (Reporters without Borders) Asia Power Index, 2024 The Lowy Institute World Migration Report 2024 International Organization for Migration (IOM) Multidimensional Vulnerability Index United Nations (UN) World Water Development report, 2023 United Nations (UN) The Sustainable Development Goals Report United Nations (UN) Business Ready Index (B-Ready) World Bank Group Poverty, Prosperity and Planet Report 2024 World Bank Group Country Climate and Development Reports - People in a Changing Climate World Bank Group Global Economic Prospects Report World Bank Group World Development Report World Bank Group India Development Update World Bank Group Migration and Development Brief (A Report on Remittances is a part of it) World Bank Group Global Financial Development Report World Bank Group Logistics Performance Index World Bank Group Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy (RISE) World Bank Group Poverty and Shared Prosperity Report World Bank Group Groundswell Report World Bank Group Global Human Capital Index World Bank Group International Debt Report (Formerly, International Debt Statistics) World Bank Group Women, Business and the Law Report World Bank Group World Investment Report, 2024 United Nations Trade & Development (UNCTAD) A World of Debt 2024 Report United Nations Trade & Development (UNCTAD) Trade & Development Report United Nations Trade & Development (UNCTAD) The Least Developed Countries Report United Nations Trade & Development (UNCTAD) Review of Maritime Transport United Nations Trade & Development (UNCTAD) The Technology and Innovation Report United Nations Trade & Development (UNCTAD) World Economic Situation and Prospects United Nations Trade & Development (UNCTAD) Special 301 Report 2024 Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Global Innovation Index 2024 World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI), 2024 World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Global Gender Gap in Innovation and Creativity World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Patent Landscape Report World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) World Intellectual Property Report World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024 Portulans Institute and Said Business School at the University of Oxford Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation India Skills Report 2025 (ISR 2025) Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Wheebox, and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) World Food and Agriculture Book UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) The State of the World's Forests UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) The State of Food and Agriculture UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Global Food Price Index UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Report on 'Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Forestry' UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) State Mining Index (SMI) Ministry of Mines Fiscal Health Index (FHI), 2025 Niti Aayog Responsible AI Niti Aayog SDG India Index Niti Aayog SDG Urban Index Niti Aayog Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) National Statistics Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) Payroll Reporting in India National Statistics Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) India Employment Report, 2024 The Institute for Human Development on labour and employment issues and ILO Rural Youth Employment Report, 2024 Development Intelligence Unit (Transform Rural India, Sambodhi Research, and the Global Development Incubator) Report on Currency and Finance Reserve Bank of India World Wealth Report, 2024 Capgemini Research Institute Living Planet Report (LPR), 2024 World Wide Fund (WWF) & Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Global Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Wetlands and people at risk IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Report on Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions in India European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), 2025 Germanwatch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International State of Global Air (SOGA) 2024 US-based Health Effects Institute (HEI) and Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation's Global Burden of Disease (GBD) project India State of Forest Report 2023 Forest Survey of India State of Ocean Report 2024 UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO) Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI Innovation Report 2023 Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Nuclear Security Review International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Nuclear Safety Review International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Nuclear Technology Review International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Global Status of Decommissioning of Nuclear Installations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Red Book International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) World Energy Outlook International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Investment Report International Energy Agency (IEA) Global Electric Vehicle Outlook International Energy Agency (IEA) Energy Technology Perspectives International Energy Agency (IEA) Clean Energy Transitions Programme International Energy Agency (IEA) Global Methane Tracker International Energy Agency (IEA) Net Zero by 2050 Report International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Transitions Outlook International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Renewable Capacity Statistics International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Renewables 2022: Global Status Report REN21 World Oil Outlook Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Corruption Perception Index Transparency International Death Penalty in India: Annual Statistics Report, 2022 Project 39A of the National Law University Global Hunger Index International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Global Food Policy Report International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) India Inequality Report: Digital Divide Oxfam India India Discrimination Report Oxfam India Commitment to Reducing Inequality Index Oxfam and Development Finance International Global Pension Index Melbourne Mercer + CFA Institute + Monash Centre for Financial Studies Global Estimates of Modern Slavery ILO, Walk Free Foundation and International Organization for Migration Rule of Law Index World Justice Project, US independent Multidisciplinary organisation Financial Secrecy Index Tax Justice Network, UK based advocacy group Internet Freedom Index / Freedom on the Net Report Freedom House Henley Passport Index Henley and Partners Global Crypto Adoption Index 2022 Chainalysis Index of Economic Freedom Heritage Foundation + Wall Street Journal Ecological Threat Report (ETR) Institute of Economics & Peace (IEP), Australia Global Peace Index Institute of Economics & Peace (IEP), Australia Global Terrorism Index Institute of Economics & Peace (IEP), Australia Worldwide Cost of Living Index Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), UK Global Democracy Index Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), UK Global Liveability Index Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), UK Inclusive Internet Index Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), UK Report on International Arms Transfers Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Multidimensional Poverty Index UNDP, Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2022 INSEAD, Portulans Institute and the Human Capital Leadership Institute of Singapore State of Global Air Report Health Effects Institute, Boston Social Progress Index Institute for Competitiveness and Social Progress Imperative World Inequality Report World Inequality Lab, Paris School of Economics International Religious Freedom Report US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Global Wealth Report Credit Suisse Group, a Switzerland-based multinational investment bank Ocean State Report (6th issue) 2022 Copernicus Marine Environmental Monitoring Service World University Rankings Quacquarelli Symonds Gross Domestic Climate Risk Report Cross Dependency Initiative (XDI) National Air Quality Index Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Comprehensive Environment Pollution Index (CEPI) Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) National Ambient Air Quality Standard Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) State Food Safety Index Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) All India Survey on Migration Labour Bureau All-India Quarterly establishment-based Employment Survey (AQEES) Labour Bureau Business Confidence Index National Council of Applied Economic Research
