UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 JULY 2026

The current affairs article focus on the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which expands duty-free trade, services access, and professional mobility while presenting implementation challenges. It also highlights India's push for innovation-led growth through higher R&D investment and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Other important topics include the Department of Space's workforce …

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 …