India successfully tested its hypersonic cruise missile (BrahMos-II variant) in January 2025, becoming the first country to operationalize scramjet-powered hypersonic cruise missile technology.

Sikkim became India's first state to achieve 100% renewable energy generation capacity in early 2025, primarily through hydroelectric and solar power projects.

India's Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for January 2025 was recorded at 3.2%, reflecting a cooling trend in price increases and remaining within RBI's target band.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced a major quantum computing initiative in collaboration with international partners to develop quantum solutions for enterprise applications.

India's RBI expanded its digital rupee (e-Rupee) initiative by launching the wholesale variant (e-Rupee-W) for interbank settlements and high-value wholesale transactions in 2025.

# Global Innovation Index 2025 – India's Ranking

India has consistently improved its position in the Global Innovation Index over recent years, reflecting its growing innovation ecosystem and technological advancement.

Step 1: Understanding the Global Innovation Index

The Global Innovation Index (GII) is an annual ranking published jointly by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Cornell University, and INSEAD that measures the innovation performance of countries based on indicators like R&D investment, patent filings, and technological infrastructure.

Step 2: India's Performance in GII 2025

In the Global Innovation Index 2025, India secured the 38th rank globally, demonstrating significant progress in its innovation capabilities. This ranking reflects India's investments in technology, startup ecosystem development, and research institutions across the country.

Final Answer: (D) 38th

India's foreign currency reserves exceeded $650 billion in February 2025, marking a significant milestone and reflecting strong external position and investor confidence.

India's renewable energy generation reached 42% of total electricity production in 2025, driven by aggressive solar and wind capacity additions under the National Action Plan.

The Unified Pension Scheme effective from April 2025 guarantees minimum pension of 50% of the average salary of the last 12 months of service, benefiting civil servants.

Budget 2025 allocated significant funds for precision agriculture, including soil health cards, use of AI/ML for crop optimization, and drone technology deployment in farming.