Indian Economy Current Affairs Updates For UPSC IAS Mains 2024 Examination
On this page you will find articles that falls under subject Indian Economy for UPSC IAS Mains 2024 examination
India aims for growth with increased capital expenditure
Source: The post India aims for growth with increased capital expenditure has been created, based on the article “Government needs to spend – for India to grow” published in “ Indian Express” on 31st January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy- Government Budgeting. Context: The article discusses India’s goal of a $5-trillion economy and… Continue reading India aims for growth with increased capital expenditure
India launches mission to secure critical minerals
Source: The post India launches mission to secure critical minerals has been created, based on the article “Critical efforts: New critical minerals mission must engage private sector” published in “Business Standard” on 31st January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Infrastructures Context: The article discusses India’s new National Critical Mineral Mission. The government will invest… Continue reading India launches mission to secure critical minerals
India’s declining defence budget
Source: The post India’s declining defence budget has been created, based on the article “For Nirmala Sitharaman, a wishlist from the armed forces” published in “Indian Express” on 30th January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Government Budgeting. Context: The article discusses India’s declining defence budget as a share of government spending and GDP. It highlights… Continue reading India’s declining defence budget
Understanding Economic Growth and Slowdown (2004-2011 vs. 2011-2023)
This post on Understanding Economic Growth and Slowdown (2004-2011 vs. 2011-2023) has been created based on article “How can the Budget arrest growth decline?” published in The Hindu on 30th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3- Economic Development Context: The article examines India’s economic slowdown and explores how fiscal policy, particularly government expenditure,… Continue reading Understanding Economic Growth and Slowdown (2004-2011 vs. 2011-2023)
MGNREGS and the Need for Adequate Funding
This post on MGNREGS and the Need for Adequate Funding has been created based on article “Stifling demand” published in The Hindu on 30th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3- Economic Development Context: The article discusses the current challenges faced by the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), a flagship rural… Continue reading MGNREGS and the Need for Adequate Funding
Bridging the Milk Divide for a Nutritionally Secure India
This post on Bridging the Milk Divide for a Nutritionally Secure India has been created based on article “Bridge the milk divide for a nutritionally secure India” published in The Hindu on 30th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3- Economic Development Context: This article discusses the inequalities in milk consumption across different socio-economic,… Continue reading Bridging the Milk Divide for a Nutritionally Secure India
Wheat prices are rising despite government efforts
Source: The post Wheat prices are rising despite government efforts has been created, based on the article “GRAINY PICTURE: Several questions arise from the recent trend of wheat prices” published in “Business Standard” on 29th January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security… Continue reading Wheat prices are rising despite government efforts
Debate surrounding MSP
This post on Debate surrounding MSP has been created based on article “MSP is not enough. Government should become key player in markets to relieve farmer distress” published in The Indian Express on 28th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3- Indian Economy Context: The article discusses the ongoing debate surrounding the demand for… Continue reading Debate surrounding MSP
Why India Should Take a Conservative Approach to Growth Ahead of Budget 2025
This post on Why India Should Take a Conservative Approach to Growth Ahead of Budget 2025 has been created based on article “Ahead of Budget 2025, why India should take a conservative approach to growth” published in The Indian Express on 28th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3- Indian Economy Context: The article… Continue reading Why India Should Take a Conservative Approach to Growth Ahead of Budget 2025
India’s Budget Priorities for Achieving Climate Goals
Source: The post India’s Budget Priorities for Achieving Climate Goals has been created, based on the article “The Union Budget as a turning point for climate action” published in “The Hindu” on 28th January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy-Budget and Environment Context: The article discusses India’s need to prioritize climate action in the… Continue reading India’s Budget Priorities for Achieving Climate Goals
State of the Indian Economy Before Budget 2025-26
This post on State of the Indian Economy Before Budget 2025-26 has been created based on article “State of economy before the Budget” published on The Indian express on 27th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3-Economy Context: The article provides an analysis of India’s economic condition leading up to the Union Budget announcement.… Continue reading State of the Indian Economy Before Budget 2025-26
Current state of India’s tax system
This post on Current state of India’s tax system has been created based on article “Our tax system retards growth. It’s time for an overhaul” published in The Indian Express on 27th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3- Indian Economy Context:The article critiques the current state of India’s tax system, particularly its Goods… Continue reading Current state of India’s tax system
India’s Economic Challenges and Policy Reform Needs
Source: The post India’s Economic Challenges and Policy Reform Needs has been created, based on the article “Behind India’s economic slowdown, our very own Deep State” published in “Indian Express” on 24 January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation, of resources, growth, development and employment. Context: The… Continue reading India’s Economic Challenges and Policy Reform Needs
CRR below 4% might be risky for India’s banking system
Source: The post CRR below 4% might be risky for India’s banking system has been created, based on the article “Managing liquidity: No case for CRR cuts” published in “Business Standard” on 22nd January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy-Banking Context: The article explains the current liquidity deficit in India’s banking system, the role… Continue reading CRR below 4% might be risky for India’s banking system
India’s ethanol program progress and challenges
Source: The post India’s ethanol program progress and challenges has been created, based on the article “Blending dilemma: Conflicting priorities on flex-fuel need clear policy” published in “Business Standard” on 22nd January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Infrastructures- Energy Context: The article discusses India’s ethanol-blending program aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependence, emissions, and crude… Continue reading India’s ethanol program progress and challenges
India’s potential to leverage global trends for its growth.
Source: The post India’s potential to leverage global trends for its growth has been created, based on the article “We should grab opportunities held out by uncertainty” published in “Live mint” on 21st January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy- growth and development Context: The article highlights five global trends shaping 2025: digital transformation,… Continue reading India’s potential to leverage global trends for its growth.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)
This post has been created on Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) is based on article “Recasting insolvency resolution” published in The Hindu on 20th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3-Economy Context: The article critically examines the state of India’s insolvency resolution framework under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016, highlighting its challenges… Continue reading Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)
India’s Economic Slowdown Requires Structural Issue Fix
Source: The post India’s Economic Slowdown Requires Structural Issue Fix has been created, based on the article “A different economic question” published in “Indian Express” on 20th January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy- Growth and Development Context: The article highlights India’s economic slowdown as driven by both structural and distributional issues. It points… Continue reading India’s Economic Slowdown Requires Structural Issue Fix
Current state of India’s economic growth
Source: This post on Current state of India’s economic growth has been created based on article “‘To fix economy, boost consumption’ ” published in The Hindu on 18th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3- Indian Economy Context: This article highlights the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) assessment of India’s economic challenges and potential… Continue reading Current state of India’s economic growth
India’s Real Growth Rate and Forecast
Source: This post on India’s Real Growth Rate and Forecast has been created based on article “India’s real growth rate and the forecast” published in The Hindu on 18th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 3- Indian Economy Context: This article evaluates India’s economic performance in 2024-25 and provides projections for its growth trajectory… Continue reading India’s Real Growth Rate and Forecast
How to Boost Investment and Economic Growth
Source: The post How to Boost Investment and Economic Growth has been created, based on the article “Why the budget must prioritise incentives, not just resources” published in “Indian Express” on 18th January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation, of resources, growth, development Context: The article highlights… Continue reading How to Boost Investment and Economic Growth
India’s Economic Challenges and Policy Solutions 2025
Source: The post India’s Economic Challenges and Policy Solutions 2025 has been created, based on the article “A macro tight rope walk” published in “Business Standard” on 17th January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy- growth and development Context: The article discusses India’s economic challenges in 2025, including global financial pressures, slower domestic growth,… Continue reading India’s Economic Challenges and Policy Solutions 2025
India’s Growing Inequality and Economic Struggles
Source: The post India’s Growing Inequality and Economic Struggles has been created, based on the article “Our economy seems to have gotten even more K-shaped” published in “Live mint” on 16th January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Indian Economy Context: The article highlights India’s growing economic inequality, with luxury spending rising among the wealthy,… Continue reading India’s Growing Inequality and Economic Struggles
India’s Startup Growth Opportunities and Key Challenges
Source: The post India’s Startup Growth Opportunities and Key Challenges has been created, based on the article “How India can become the world’s leading startup ecosystem” published in “Indian Express” on 16th January 2025 UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy-Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation, of resources, growth, development and employment. Context: The… Continue reading India’s Startup Growth Opportunities and Key Challenges
J&K Infra Push
Source: This post on J&K Infra Push has been created based on article “Express view on J&K infra push: Delhi and Valley” published in The Indian Express on 15th January 2025. UPSC Syllabus topic- GS Paper 3- Economy Context: The article examines the Indian government’s infrastructure development efforts in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in the… Continue reading J&K Infra Push
How to read Indian Economy for UPSC
In UPSC IAS preparation, one subject which most of the students find very difficult to start with and understand is Indian Economy. They mostly struggle with the approach, textbooks to follow and how to read Indian Economy related news in the newspaper.
Indian Economy consists of both static as well current affairs. In this subject, textbook will build your basic understanding and help you to solve around 3-5 % of the total questions asked in the UPSC Prelims exam. Students need to refer multiple sources to better understand Indian Economy and fetch good marks in both UPSC Prelims and Mains. Every year around 10-15% questions are asked in UPSC Prelims exam from static portion, current affairs (schemes) and India Year Book. It has even increased up to 30 % in 2018 and 2019 UPSC Prelims exam. So, in any case students cannot avoid this subject as it is as important as History, Polity and Geography.
In this article, we will discuss in detail about the study approach of Indian Economy. This article would be very helpful for those who are scared of this subject and always try to run away from this. Once you will understand the basic concepts of Indian Economy, you will start enjoying this subject and eventually you will have a good command over this subject.
Before starting any subject in UPSC IAS preparation, it is advisable for all the students to see the past year trend of both UPSC Prelims and Mains questions. Indian Economy is part of both UPSC IAS Prelims Syllabus and UPSC Mains Syllabus. Hence, it becomes very important for the students to study this subject with right approach and have a good understanding over the topics asked in the exam.
In the following table, we will see the total number of questions asked in the UPSC Prelims exam in last 6 years from Indian Economy:
prelims 2021 – 14
2022 – 18
2023 – 12
| Year | Total number of questions asked |
| 2020
| 14
|
| 2019
| 28
|
| 2018
| 29
|
| 2017
| 14
|
| 2016
| 15
|
| 2015
| 21
|
Overview of the UPSC IAS syllabus for Indian Economy:
| Phase | Syllabus |
| UPSC Prelims- General Studies (Paper I)
| Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc.
|
| UPSC Mains- General Studies (Paper III)
| Economic Development
|
Study approach of Indian Economy subject for UPSC IAS:
- Read the syllabus: Students need to go through the syllabus of Indian Economy for both UPSC Prelims and Mains. It will give them a detailed guideline about what they have to read and what they have to leave. Print the syllabus and stick that in that in your study table.
- Start with the basic NCERT textbooks: To understand the basic concepts. One should start the preparation of Indian Economy with NCERT textbooks. One simply read the book, highlight the important point and revise them. Notes making is not much important here. Following are the NCERT textbooks which one need to read:
- Class IX NCERT textbook ‘Economics’
- Class X NCERT textbook ‘Understanding Economic Development’.
- class XI NCERT textbook ‘Indian Economic Development’.
- Class XII NCERT textbook ‘Introductory Microeconomics’.
- class XII NCERT textbook ‘Introductory Macroeconomics’ (Most important).
- Take a step forward with advance book: To cover each topic thoroughly and understand everything in detail, students need to refer one advance book for Indian Polity. ‘Indian Economy’ by Ramesh Singh is simple and good book to understand the topics. Here also, one should not run behind taking notes of each topic. Highlighting the things and multiple revision would be helpful for students.
- Current Affairs: Indian Economy is totally linked with current affairs. Topics like SLR, RR, GDP are current based. One must refer monthly current affairs magazine to cover current based issues. One thing is very important to note that, no current affairs magazine can substitute the Newspapers. To cover Indian Economy related news, “Economic Times or Business Standards” would be recommendable.
- Refer other miscellaneous materials: After reading Economic Survey and Budget, your preparation will be complete. Economy Survey and Budget will give you basic idea about How our country is developing. What is growth, what is the expenditure and revenue? This will help you in both UPSC Prelims and Mains. One can also refer Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) magazine. This is completely optional and will only be helpful when you have completed and revised the other things.
- Focus more on Government Schemes and some important topics of Indian Economy: UPSC every year ask lots of questions on Government Schemes related to Indian Economy. Students must cover every schemes thoroughly and they can also make short notes on them and revise them. Some important topics of Indian Economy on which students need to focus more are:
- National income accounting, GDP, GNP, inflation, balance of payment, fiscal policy, monetary policy, RBI, PSL, NBFC.
- Finance commission – terms of references, themes.
- International organizations – World Bank, IMF, WTO, UNCTAD, WEF and their reports. Bodies like G-15, G-7, G-33, etc.
- Basic economic terms, demographic dividend, inclusive growth.
- Taking help of online sources: Students should utilize the benefits of integration of technology in education. Topics which they find difficult to understand, can easily get command over those topics with the help of You tube, online classes etc. On these platforms, they can read and revise the topics multiple times.
- Refer Previous year UPSC Prelims and Mains questions: Analyzing the past year papers will help students to have a clear understanding of which types of questions are asked by UPSC. On these lines, students should give the second reading to the advance book and NCERTs.
- Practice mock tests: After completing the syllabus once, students need to give mock tests. Firstly, they can solve MCQs topic wise. After that, weekly they can solve MCQs based on complete syllabus of Indian Economy. It will help them to reduce their fear and also build their logic on solving MCQS.
- Answer writing practice: After completing the whole syllabus once, students must start answer writing practice on Previous Years Question of UPSC Mains. They should also practice daily/weekly answer writing based on their capacity.
- Revision is the key: Revision is the key to Success. Students need to revise each and every topic multiple times. Revision will boost their preparation and help to make a blueprint of everything in the back of the mind. It will reduce the time taken in the final exam (Prelims and Mains) to solve the questions.
Indian Economy is an interesting and concept-based subject. One cannot understand the subject if will try to simply mug up the things like in History they do. Understanding the things and solving MCQs with logic will help them a lot.
