Latest Ranks and Reports 2026 covering Export Preparedness Index 2024, Henley Passport Index 2026, and India’s CPI inflation data with state-wise analysis.
Ranks and Reports: Key National and Global Indices Explained (Current Affairs)
Recent rankings and official reports provide a clear snapshot of how India and the world are performing across exports, global mobility, and inflation trends. The latest releases—from export readiness to passport power and price stability—carry important implications for policy, business, and citizens. Here is a clear, exam-oriented, and reader-friendly breakdown.
Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024: Measuring India’s Export Readiness
The NITI Aayog released the 4th Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024, a comprehensive assessment of how well Indian states and union territories are positioned to promote and sustain exports.
Top Performers
- Maharashtra ranked 1st among large states with a score of 68.01, reflecting strong industrial capacity, logistics, and policy support.
- Tamil Nadu secured 2nd place with 64.41, backed by diversified manufacturing and export-oriented clusters.
- Gujarat stood 3rd at 64.02, leveraging ports, trade facilitation, and business-friendly reforms.
- Among smaller states, Uttarakhand topped the list with 52.07, indicating steady progress despite geographical constraints.
Structure of EPI 2024
The index is built on a robust framework:
- 4 Pillars
- 13 Sub-pillars
- 70 Indicators
These indicators evaluate:
- Policy and Governance Support
- Export Infrastructure
- Business Ecosystem
- Export Performance Outcomes
Why EPI Matters
EPI promotes competitive federalism by encouraging states to learn from best practices and strengthen their export ecosystems. It directly supports India’s long-term ambition of achieving ₹1 trillion in merchandise exports by 2030, making exports a shared national priority rather than a central-only effort.
Henley Passport Index 2026: India’s Global Mobility Improves
The Henley Passport Index 2026 evaluates passports based on the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa.
India’s Position
- India ranked 80th, improving from 85th in the previous edition.
- Indian passport holders can access 55 destinations visa-free or with visa-on-arrival.
- Common destinations include Algeria and Niger, reflecting gradual diplomatic gains.
Global Leaders
- Singapore retained the top rank for the third consecutive year, offering access to 192 destinations.
- Japan and South Korea jointly held second place with 188 destinations.
- Europe dominated the top 10, with Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland occupying positions from third to fifth.
- USA ranked 10th (179 destinations), Malaysia stood 9th (180), while Canada, Iceland, and Lithuania shared 8th place (181).
Bottom of the Index
- Afghanistan ranked last with access to just 24 destinations, creating a 168-country gap between the strongest and weakest passports.
- Other least powerful passports include:
- Syria (26)
- Iraq (29)
- Pakistan & Yemen (31)
- Somalia (33)
- Nepal (35)
- Bangladesh (37)
Significance
Passport strength reflects a country’s diplomatic influence, security perception, and international trust. India’s rise, though modest, signals improving global engagement and mobility prospects.
CPI Inflation Report: December 2025 Snapshot
The National Statistical Office (NSO) released Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for December 2025, offering insights into inflation dynamics.
Key Inflation Numbers
- Retail inflation rose to 1.33%, up from 0.71% in November 2025.
- Food inflation remained in negative territory for the 7th consecutive month, recorded at -2.71%, though less negative than -3.91% in November.
- Core inflation (excluding food and fuel) surged to a 27-month high of 4.45%, up from 4.23%, signaling pressure from services and manufacturing costs.
State-wise Inflation (YoY)
- Kerala recorded the highest inflation at 9.49%, driven by services and housing costs.
- Karnataka followed at 2.99%.
- Andhra Pradesh stood at 2.71%.
- Tamil Nadu registered 2.67%.
What This Means
- Falling food prices helped keep headline inflation low.
- Rising core inflation indicates underlying demand-side pressures, which policymakers must monitor closely.
- State-level variations highlight the need for localized policy responses.
Overall Takeaway
- EPI 2024 highlights India’s export strengths and gaps, pushing states toward globally competitive trade ecosystems.
- Henley Passport Index 2026 shows India’s improving but still limited global mobility.
- CPI data reveals a unique mix of low headline inflation, negative food inflation, and rising core pressures.
Together, these ranks and reports provide a multidimensional view of India’s economic preparedness, global standing, and price stability, making them highly relevant for competitive exams, policymakers, and informed readers alike.
