If you are preparing for government and banking exams, it is imperative that you know India’s global rankings in various areas. These rankings reflect the economic development, social development, and international competitiveness of the country. Whether it is the ease of doing business, human development, or innovation, India’s position on the global stage is a recurring subject matter in competitive exams like UPSC, RBI Grade B, SBI PO, and IBPS.
But let’s be real—memorizing rankings can feel like cramming for a general knowledge marathon. Don’t get too worried. Let’s break it down so that you can understand it easily and recollect it effortlessly. After all, knowing this information will prove to be quite useful for your competitive exams.
Why Are Global Rankings Important for Competitive Exams?
India’s position in global rankings is a very popular topic asked for a lot of competitive exams. Why? Because the rankings indicate India’s strength, weakness, and success. Questions may be simple (e.g., “What is India’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index 2024?”) or analytical (e.g., “How would India’s Ease of Doing Business ranking affect foreign investment?”). Knowing these rankings firmly will give you an advantage over others.
Now, let us see India’s performance in significant world rankings and indices.
Human Development Index (HDI)
The HDI is published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and it measures life expectancy, education, and per capita income measure.
India’s Performance:
- India is ranked in the medium human development bracket.
- Improvements in literacy and healthcare have helped India rise.
- Health infrastructure and income inequality are still causes of concern
Exam Tip: Chances are high for questions on HDI components and the performance of India in relation to its regional peers being asked.
Global Innovation Index (GII)
The Global Innovation Index is published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and measures innovation capabilities in countries.
India’s Performance:
- India has been improving its rank year after year and is now one of the top innovative economies of developing nations.
- Highlighted sectors are IT services, scientific research, and startups.
- Weak points are the private sector’s low R&D expenditure.
Exam Tip: India’s new innovation system and its role in economic development are frequently asked questions in competitive exams.
Ease of Doing Business Index
Published by the World Bank, it measures business regulations and their impact on entrepreneurship.
India’s Performance:
- India has significantly enhanced its position due to tax, insolvency, and digital transaction reforms.
- Key advancements: Faster company registration, electronic tax returns, and better contract enforcement.
- Challenges: Bureaucracy and regulatory obstacles.
Exam Tip: Questions are likely to probe India’s reforms and their capacity to attract foreign investment.
Global Hunger Index (GHI)
Published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, the index measures levels of hunger across the globe.
India’s Performance:
- India’s ranking is still a cause for concern, showing high malnutrition.
- Initiatives such as Poshan Abhiyaan by the government are aimed at improved nutrition.
- Undernourishment and stunting among children continue to be areas of concern.
Exam Tip: Expect questions on food security programs and the progress of India in tackling malnutrition.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index
The SDG Index, published by the UN, monitors progress toward the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
India’s Performance:
- India is improving consistently but remains behind in gender equality and climate action.
- Adoption of renewable energy and poverty eradication are the strengths.
- Environment sustainability and education quality are the weaknesses.
Exam Tip: Analytical questions on India’s performance and initiatives to increase SDG scores should be sought out.
Global Competitiveness Index (GCI)
Reported by the World Economic Forum, this is an index measuring economies on growth potential and productivity.
India’s Performance
- Financial markets and digital competence have remained resilient in India.
- Government policies such as Make in India and Digital India are intended to enhance competitiveness.
- Improvement in areas required: Infrastructure and efficiency in the labor market.
Exam Tip: India’s economic reforms and their impact on international competitiveness are commonly tested.
How to Learn These Rankings Efficiently?
It doesn’t have to be a painful task to memorize rankings! It can be easy with these pointers:
- Mnemonic Device: HDI = “Health, Development, Income,” GII = “Genius Index for Innovation,” GHI = “Global Hunger Issues.”
- Link the Terms: Link the rankings with the government schemes. For example, Ease of Doing Business changes follow Startup India.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on financial news to remain informed about changes in rankings.
- Practice with Mock Tests: Regular quizzes on current affairs will help improve your memory.
Summing Up
Getting India’s international positions correct isn’t merely a matter of acing exams—it tells you about how policy impacts economic development and growth. Whether your career goal is in banking, policymaking, or the administrative track, being aware of this will serve you well. Organizers of these exams would like to be sure that you can evaluate the progress of India, identify setbacks, and suggest changes. You now have clear knowledge, so go ahead and answer those questions on the test confidently. You’re going to do well!
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