CivilsInsight

RBI Reports and Surveys Introduction The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India’s central bank responsible for regulating monetary policy, banking systems, and financial stability. Apart from its regulatory role, RBI publishes several important reports and surveys that provide insights into: Banking sector health Financial stability State finances Consumer sentiment Macroeconomic trends These reports are widely used by: Policymakers Economists Researchers Government institutions UPSC frequently asks questions related to publisher, frequency, and purpose of RBI reports in the economy section. Major RBI Reports and Surveys 1️⃣ Financial Stability Report (FSR) Publisher: Reserve Bank of India The Financial Stability Report (FSR) assesses the stability and resilience of India’s financial system. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the banking sector, financial institutions, and systemic risks . Frequency Released twice a year (biannual). Key Areas Covered Banking sector performance...

NITI Aayog Indices Introduction Apart from global indices, India publishes several domestic development indices to measure the performance of states and Union Territories across sectors like health, education, water, innovation, and exports. Most of these indices are prepared by NITI Aayog , India’s premier policy think tank established in 2015 , replacing the Planning Commission. These indices promote: Competitive federalism Evidence-based policymaking Performance monitoring of states Policy reforms based on data UPSC frequently asks questions on publisher, objective, parameters, and top/bottom performers in these indices. 1️⃣ SDG India Index Publisher: NITI Aayog The SDG India Index measures the progress of Indian states and Union Territories toward achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development . Latest Edition SDG India Index 2023–24 Top Performing States Kerala Himachal Pradesh Tam...

1️⃣ What is the Global Food Security Index? The Global Food Security Index (GFSI) measures how secure a country's food system is. It evaluates whether people have: • Access to food • Availability of food • Quality and safety of food • Stability of food systems Important: It measures food system strength , not hunger outcomes. 2️⃣ Who Publishes It? Published by: Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Supported by: Corteva Agriscience Prelims trap: It is NOT published by: ❌ FAO ❌ World Bank ❌ UNDP Many aspirants confuse this. 3️⃣ Indicators Used The index evaluates four major pillars: 1️⃣ Affordability Ability of people to purchase food. 2️⃣ Availability Food supply and agricultural infrastructure. 3️⃣ Quality & Safety Nutrition quality and food standards. 4️⃣ Sustainability & Adaptation Resilience of food systems to climate change. UPSC may ask which pillars are included. 4️⃣ India’s Latest Rank 📌 Global Food Security Index 2022 India ranked ...

1️⃣ What is the Logistics Performance Index? The Logistics Performance Index (LPI) measures how efficiently countries move goods across and within borders. It evaluates the quality of logistics systems including: • Customs clearance • Infrastructure • Shipping and transport • Logistics services • Tracking of shipments • Delivery timeliness It essentially measures the efficiency of supply chains and trade logistics . 2️⃣ Who Publishes It? Published by: World Bank Prelims trap: Do not confuse it with indices published by WEF or UNDP. 3️⃣ Indicators Used The LPI evaluates six key components: 1️⃣ Customs efficiency 2️⃣ Quality of trade and transport infrastructure 3️⃣ Ease of arranging international shipments 4️⃣ Competence of logistics services 5️⃣ Tracking and tracing ability 6️⃣ Timeliness of shipments UPSC may ask which of these are included. 4️⃣ India’s Latest Rank 📌 Logistics Performance Index 2023 India ranked 38th out of 139 countries This was a sign...

1️⃣ What is the Multidimensional Poverty Index? The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) measures poverty across multiple dimensions, not just income. It identifies overlapping deprivations faced by households in: • Health • Education • Living standards So it captures poverty beyond monetary income. 2️⃣ Who Publishes It? Published jointly by: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) Prelims trap: It is NOT published by World Bank or IMF. 3️⃣ Dimensions Used in MPI MPI uses three dimensions : Health • Nutrition • Child mortality Education • Years of schooling • School attendance Living Standards • Cooking fuel • Sanitation • Drinking water • Electricity • Housing • Assets UPSC may ask which indicators are included. 4️⃣ India’s Latest Performance 📌 Global MPI Report 2024 India has made significant progress in reducing multidimensional poverty. Over 400 million people moved out of multidim...

1️⃣ What is the Global Climate Risk Index? The Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) measures the extent to which countries are affected by extreme weather events. It looks at the impact of: • Floods • Cyclones • Heat waves • Storms • Other climate-related disasters Important: It measures vulnerability and impact , not environmental performance. 2️⃣ Who Publishes It? Published by: Germanwatch Germanwatch is a German environmental think tank. Prelims trap: It is NOT published by ❌ UNEP ❌ UNFCCC ❌ World Bank ❌ IPCC 3️⃣ What Does It Measure? The index evaluates the impact of extreme weather events using indicators such as: • Number of deaths due to extreme weather • Economic losses • Losses relative to GDP • Number of affected people UPSC may ask which of these indicators are included. 4️⃣ India’s Latest Rank 📌 Global Climate Risk Index 2021 (latest comprehensive ranking) India ranked 7th among countries most affected by extreme weather events during the perio...

1️⃣ What is the Democracy Index? The Democracy Index measures the state of democracy in countries. It evaluates how democratic a political system is based on several political and civil indicators. Countries are classified into categories like: • Full democracies • Flawed democracies • Hybrid regimes • Authoritarian regimes UPSC sometimes asks this classification. 2️⃣ Who Publishes It? Published annually by: Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) The EIU is the research and analysis division of The Economist Group . Prelims trap: It is NOT published by ❌ United Nations ❌ World Bank ❌ Freedom House 3️⃣ Indicators Used The index evaluates five broad categories: • Electoral process and pluralism • Functioning of government • Political participation • Political culture • Civil liberties UPSC may ask which of these are parameters. 4️⃣ India’s Latest Rank 📌 Democracy Index 2023 India ranked 41st out of 167 countries India is classified as a “flawed democracy.” T...