Mains Paper 2: GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Why in the News
The World Happiness Report 2026 has been released.
Finland ranked as the happiest country for the 9th consecutive year.
India ranked 116th out of 147 countries.
Top 10 Happiest Countries
Finland
Iceland
Denmark
Costa Rica
Sweden
Norway
Netherlands
Israel
Luxembourg
Switzerland
Unhappiest Countries
Bottom-ranked: Afghanistan
Key Factors Used in Ranking
GDP per capita
Life expectancy
Social support
Freedom to make life choices
Generosity
Perception of corruption
Who publishes the World Happiness Report?
Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Oxford (lead publisher)
In partnership with:
Gallup
UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
An independent editorial board of experts
Major Findings
1. Social Media Impact
High usage linked to: Lower well-being, especially among teenagers
Teenage girls using >5 hours/day: Reported lower life satisfaction
2. Youth Happiness Decline
Decline observed in: USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
3. Why Finland Tops
High income with equitable distribution
Strong welfare state
High trust in institutions
Better life expectancy
4. Conflict and Happiness
Countries facing conflict: Lowest happiness levels
[2019] In the context of any country, which one of the following would be considered as part of its social capital? (a) The proportion of literates in the population (b) The stock of its buildings, other infrastructure and machines (c) The size of population in the working age group (d) The level of mutual trust and harmony in the society