The Investment Friendliness Index (IFI)

Source: PIBSubject: Economy Context: NITI Aayog launched the inaugural Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) to benchmark and promote state-level business reforms under the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. The Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) About The Investment Friendliness Index (IFI): What It Is? The Investment Friendliness Index is a comprehensive, structured, and evidence-based macroeconomic assessment framework. It evaluates …

“The future success of the GST regime depends more on improving tax efficiency than on increasing tax rates.” Assess the major structural challenges affecting GST efficiency. Outline measures to strengthen the GST framework.

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Q5. “The future success of the GST regime depends more on improving tax efficiency than on increasing tax rates.” Assess the major structural challenges affecting GST efficiency. Outline measures to strengthen the GST framework. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: …

The Improvement Notice Mechanism

Source: News on AirSubject: Miscellaneous Context: The Department of Consumer Affairs has introduced a facilitative Improvement Notice mechanism under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. The Improvement Notice Mechanism About The Improvement Notice Mechanism: What It Is? An Improvement Notice is a structured regulatory instrument issued by a field enforcement officer when a business commits an …

“The success of foreign direct investment lies not merely in attracting capital but in embedding investment within the domestic economy.” Examine the factors that influence FDI retention.

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment Q6. “The success of foreign direct investment lies not merely in attracting capital but in embedding investment within the domestic economy.” Examine the factors that influence FDI retention. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question India continues …

MSMEs are the backbone of India’s economy but remain peripheral in global trade integration. Critically examine. Suggest measures to enhance their export orientation.

Topic: changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth. Q4. MSMEs are the backbone of India’s economy but remain peripheral in global trade integration. Critically examine. Suggest measures to enhance their export orientation. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question MSMEs are central to India’s growth strategy, yet their weak …

Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Source:  IE Subject:  Important Bill and Act Context: The Union Cabinet has moved the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha, subsequently referring it to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed scrutiny. About Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026: What it is? The Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, is a strategic legislative …

10 years of StartUp India

Source:  ANI Subject:  Government Scheme Context: On National StartUp Day (16 January 2026), the Prime Minister of India extended greetings as India marked 10 years of the StartUp India initiative. About 10 years of StartUp India: What it is? A flagship initiative of Government of India to catalyse start up culture and build a strong, …

Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025

Source:  BS Context: Defence Minister released the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 in New Delhi. Effective from November 1, 2025, the new manual aims to simplify revenue procurement procedures worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore annually. About Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025: What it is? The Defence Procurement Manual 2025 is a comprehensive guideline for revenue …

Examine the rationale for introducing a presumptive taxation regime for foreign investors. Assess its likely impact on India’s ease of doing business and foreign direct investment flows.  Also propose measures to enhance predictability and stability in India’s international tax regime.

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment Q5. Examine the rationale for introducing a presumptive taxation regime for foreign investors. Assess its likely impact on India’s ease of doing business and foreign direct investment flows. Also propose measures to enhance predictability and stability in India’s international tax …

“India’s competitiveness in the global economy will ultimately be determined by the reform dynamism of its states”. In your view, what mechanisms can deepen state-level accountability in economic governance?

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment Q5. “India’s competitiveness in the global economy will ultimately be determined by the reform dynamism of its states”. In your view, what mechanisms can deepen state-level accountability in economic governance? (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question …

Identify the major direct tax reforms in the Income Tax Bill, 2025 and explain their impact on India’s investment climate. Highlight how the Bill’s simplification measures can improve compliance. Propose steps to balance ease of doing business with revenue needs.

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Q5. Identify the major direct tax reforms in the Income Tax Bill, 2025 and explain their impact on India’s investment climate. Highlight how the Bill’s simplification measures can improve compliance. Propose steps to balance ease of doing business with revenue …

Revised Guidelines Under The Biomass Programme

Context: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) revised guidelines under the Biomass Programme (Phase-I, 2021–26). Aim to streamline clean energy adoption, support MSMEs, and address stubble burning with more flexibility and financial incentives. About Revised Guidelines Under the Biomass Programme: Launched by: MNRE under National Bioenergy Programme Phase-I Term: 2021–22 to 2025–26 Objective: …

One Nation-One Port (ONOP) Initiative

Source:  LM Context: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the One Nation-One Port (ONOP) initiative to standardize and streamline port operations across India. About One Nation-One Port (ONOP) Initiative: What is it? A nationwide port standardization initiative designed to unify port documentation, streamline operations, and enhance global trade efficiency in India. Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping, …

“Bhu-Neer” Portal

Source:  PIB Context: The Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti launched the “Bhu-Neer” portal during the ceremonial conclusion of India Water Week 2024. About the “Bhu-Neer” Portal: Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti, developed by Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) in collaboration with NIC. Aim: To regulate, manage, and monitor groundwater resources transparently and efficiently, promoting sustainability. …

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 November 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 November 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles   InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These …

Dual Approval Exemption

Source: PIB Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued a notification addressing a long-standing industry demand by removing the requirement for dual compliance of Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent to Establish (CTE). Exempts Industries from Dual Approvals: Key Points What is Dual Approval? Dual approval refers to the mandatory requirement …

72% of MSMEs stagnant since past 5 years: Survey

GS Paper 3  Syllabus: changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.   Source: Indian Express    Context: A recent survey highlighted that over three-fourths of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are of the view that their business remained either stagnant or decreased or wound up during the last five years. …