current affairs 2025

NITI Aayog Reports & New Economic Policies (2025)

by Prince Luthra Sir (UPSC CSE AIR 577) · 24 February 2025

8️⃣ NITI Aayog Reports & New Economic Policies (2025) 📑

🔹 Introduction

NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) is the government’s premier policy think tank, established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission. It advises the government on economic policies, sustainable development, and governance reforms.

Every year, NITI Aayog releases key reports and economic strategies that shape India’s growth trajectory, sectoral reforms, and policy-making. The 2025 reports focus on innovation, green growth, human capital development, and digital transformation.

🔹 Key NITI Aayog Reports & Economic Policies (2025)

✅ National Energy Policy (NEP) 2025 ⚡

Targets 50% of India’s energy capacity to come from renewables by 2030.
Expansion of Green Hydrogen projects under the National Hydrogen Mission.
Investment in solar, wind, and battery storage projects for energy security.

✅ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index 2025 🌍

India’s rank in SDG Index improved due to progress in poverty reduction, healthcare, and education.
Top-performing states: Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.
Low-performing states: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand due to poor indicators in health & education.

✅ Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) – Performance Review 📊

Focus on improving health, education, and agriculture in backward districts.
Use of AI & data analytics for targeted governance.
Reduction in infant mortality & malnutrition rates in priority districts.

✅ Digital India 2.0 Strategy 💻

Expansion of 5G & AI-based governance to boost the digital economy.
Increased investment in rural internet connectivity and digital literacy programs.
Integration of e-governance platforms for real-time citizen services.

✅ Blue Economy Vision 2025 🌊

Developing coastal economic zones, marine fisheries, and deep-sea exploration.
Promoting sustainable maritime transport & ocean resource conservation.
Collaboration with global institutions for ocean governance and climate resilience.

🔹 Prelims Focus Areas

Role of NITI Aayog & difference from Planning Commission
National Energy Policy & India’s renewable energy targets
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) & India’s performance
Aspirational Districts Programme – Key Indicators
Digital India & Blue Economy Initiatives

📌 MCQs on NITI Aayog Reports & Economic Policies (2025)

1️⃣ What is the primary goal of India’s National Energy Policy (NEP) 2025?

A) Achieve 100% fossil fuel-based energy production
B) Reduce dependence on nuclear energy
C) Ensure 50% of India’s energy capacity comes from renewable sources by 2030
D) Ban coal-based power plants

Tap here for Answer

Answer: C) Ensure 50% of India’s energy capacity comes from renewable sources by 2030

Explanation:

National Energy Policy (NEP) 2025 aims to increase renewable energy capacity to 50% by 2030 as part of India’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070.
Focus areas include solar, wind, green hydrogen, and battery storage.

2️⃣ Which states were ranked highest in the SDG India Index 2025?

A) Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh
B) Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
C) Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan
D) Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat

Tap here for Answer

Answer: B) Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu

Explanation:

The SDG India Index ranks states based on progress in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu topped the rankings due to strong performance in healthcare, education, and social welfare.

3️⃣ What is the objective of the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP)?

A) Promote industrial growth in urban areas
B) Improve governance in India’s most underdeveloped districts
C) Increase foreign direct investment (FDI) in agriculture
D) Encourage digital transactions in metropolitan cities

Tap here for Answer

Answer: B) Improve governance in India’s most underdeveloped districts

Explanation:

Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) aims to transform 112 backward districts by focusing on education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure.
It uses data-driven governance & AI-based monitoring to track progress.

4️⃣ What is the primary focus of Digital India 2.0 Strategy in 2025?

A) Implementation of blockchain in banking
B) Expansion of 5G & AI-based digital governance
C) Privatization of state-owned telecom companies
D) Establishment of cryptocurrency exchange platforms

Tap here for Answer

Answer: B) Expansion of 5G & AI-based digital governance

Explanation:

Digital India 2.0 focuses on expanding 5G technology, AI-driven governance, and rural digital literacy.
The goal is to improve connectivity, e-governance services, and smart city infrastructure.

5️⃣ What is the key objective of the Blue Economy Vision 2025?

A) Promote deep-sea mining and commercial fishing without regulations
B) Strengthen India’s maritime economy through sustainable ocean resource management
C) Reduce all economic activities along India’s coastline
D) Establish land-based blue economy parks

Tap here for Answer

Answer: B) Strengthen India’s maritime economy through sustainable ocean resource management

Explanation:

The Blue Economy Vision 2025 promotes sustainable marine fisheries, coastal economic zones, and ocean governance.
India aims to develop maritime infrastructure and enhance marine biodiversity conservation.

🚀 Conclusion

NITI Aayog’s 2025 reports highlight India’s push towards renewable energy, digital transformation, and sustainable development. Programs like ADP, Digital India 2.0, and the Blue Economy Vision align with global economic goals. India’s performance in SDGs and policy-driven governance improvements remain crucial for long-term growth.