Economy
Digital Economy
The Digital Economy is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality profoundly reshaping global and national landscapes. For an aspiring civil servant, understanding this dynamic domain is not merely academic;
85 articles in this topic
Articles on Digital Economy
Regulating India’s Virtual Digital Assets Revolution
In News India leads in grassroots crypto adoption, with $6.6 billion invested by retail investors and 800,000 jobs expected by 2030, but faces unclear and challenging Virtual Digital Assets regulations. Challenges India’s strict capital controls and regulated payment systems clash with the decentralized nature of Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs). The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised concerns early on, banning financial institutions from crypto dealings in 2018—a ban overturned by courts in 2020.
India will have 1 Billion Internet Users by this Fiscal Year
Context The Minister of Communications announced at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 that India’s Internet user base is set to touch 1 billion by the end of FY26. Challenges Last-Mile Connectivity: Difficult terrain, low affordability, and lack of digital skills still limit access in remote areas. Data Privacy and Cybersecurity: India needs stronger laws and greater public awareness to protect user data.
A Fund Crunch in the US: A Scientific Opportunity for India
Context The United States, long hailed as the epicentre of scientific innovation and research, is currently witnessing a systematic erosion of its knowledge economy. Crisis in the the USA Funding Freezes: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other US agencies have halted or cut funding for several international collaborative projects. Institutional Uncertainty: Universities are facing layoffs and lab shutdowns; tenure-track positions are being reduced.
Account Aggregators: Blueprint for Consent Managers under India’s DPDP Act
Context With the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 and Draft DPDP Rules, 2025, India aims to expand its consent-based data-sharing system by building on the Account Aggregator model. Key Stakeholders of Account Aggregator Financial Information Providers (FIPs): Banks, mutual fund companies, insurance companies, etc. Financial Information Users (FIUs): Lenders, wealth managers, insurers, etc.
World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), 2025
In News At the inaugural WAVES Summit 2025 held in Mumbai, the Prime Minister underscored the creative economy as a critical lever for India’s future GDP growth, innovation, and inclusive development. More About the News The Prime Minister announced the launch of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT), a National Centre of Excellence aimed at upskilling youth and fostering innovation in media, animation, gaming, and content creation. The IICT is being established by the Ministry of I
New Pathways For India’s Creative Economy
India has a long and diverse history of creativity and innovation across disciplines like from art and astronomy to metallurgy and medicine.
Electronics Manufacturing
Context India has attracted global smartphone makers like Apple and Samsung due to a large talent pool, government subsidies, and geopolitical factors pushing companies to diversify from China. About After successfully being able to localise smartphone assembly in the country for domestic consumption and some exports, the government has shifted its focus to deepening local value addition in the sector. The key target: Driving up local value addition in the sector, reducing India’s import depende
India's Global Pharmaceutical Footprint
Context The Department of Pharmaceuticals, with a vision to make India the world’s largest provider of quality medicines at reasonable prices, transformed the country’s global pharmaceutical footprint. Pharmaceutical Sector of India India’s pharmaceutical market for FY 2023-24 is valued at USD 50 billion with domestic consumption valued at USD 23.5 billion and export valued at USD 26.5 billion. Major segments of industry include generic drugs, OTC medicines, bulk drugs, vaccines, contract resear
IIGC Releases Comprehensive Code for Influencer Content
In News Recently, the India Influencer Governance Council (IIGC) has released a Code of Standards for India’s growing influencer community. Status In India Indias influencer count has surged to over 4 million in 2025, up from under 1 million in 2020, according to influencer marketing platform Qoruz. The top categories driving this growth are fashion, gaming, and arts entertainment.
Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains Report
Context NITI Aayog today released a report titled “Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains”. About The report offers an extensive analysis of India’s automotive sector. It highlights both opportunities and challenges and outlines a pathway for positioning India as a key player in global automotive markets.
India's Untapped Data: Strategic Asset For India
India holds the potential to transform itself into a global leader in data-driven innovation by technological advancement, and social development in a rapidly growing digital ecosystem.
Growth of India’s E-retail Market
India’s e-retail market is expected to triple to $170–$190 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) by 2030 driven by an expanding shopper base and innovative business models.
India’s Bioeconomy & Road Ahead
India BioEconomy Report has pegged the value of India’s bioeconomy in 2024 at more than $165 billion, accounting for over 4.2% of the country’s GDP.
Policing Digital Giants
Policing digital giants like Meta, Google, and Amazon requires a nuanced approach that balances innovation with accountability, ensuring fair competition and the protection of user rights.
Cabinet Approved Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Low-value BHIM-UPI Transactions
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister has approved an incentive scheme to promote low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (Person-to-Merchant P2M) for the financial year 2024-25.
$1bn Funds on the Creative Economy
has decided to set up a fund of $1 billion for the country’s creative economy.
India's Electronics Manufacturing and Export Market
The IT Ministry has launched a Rs 23,000 crore incentive policy over six years to enhance domestic electronic components manufacturing.
Online Skill-Based Gaming
Online skill-based gaming has the potential to harness programming, design, and storytelling talent to leapfrog India to the top of the tech leaderboard globally.
The Rise of Quick Commerce in India
Quick commerce , altering Indias retail and last-mile delivery landscape, stands out as a prominent trend in the countrys e-commerce sector.
Booming Demand for Warehouses in India
Warehousing, once perceived as a mere storage function, has now emerged as a crucial pillar of Indias supply chain infrastructure.