{"id":54358,"date":"2026-07-19T10:05:40","date_gmt":"2026-07-19T04:35:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/?p=54358"},"modified":"2026-07-19T10:05:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-19T04:35:42","slug":"investment-friendliness-index-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Investment Friendliness Index 2026: Gujarat Tops NITI Aayog&#8217;s First State Rankings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#Investment_Friendliness_Index_2026_highlights_Gujarat_as_the_top-ranked_state_in_NITI_Aayogs_first_Investment_Friendliness_Index_Learn_the_rankings_objectives_key_parameters_significance_historical_background_and_exam-focused_facts_for_UPSC_SSC_Banking_Railways_Defence_and_State_PCS_aspirants\" >Investment Friendliness Index 2026 highlights Gujarat as the top-ranked state in NITI Aayog&#8217;s first Investment Friendliness Index. Learn the rankings, objectives, key parameters, significance, historical background, and exam-focused facts for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PCS aspirants.<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#Gujarat_Emerges_as_Indias_Most_Investment-Friendly_State\" >Gujarat Emerges as India\u2019s Most Investment-Friendly State<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#What_is_the_Investment_Friendliness_Index\" >What is the Investment Friendliness Index?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#Top_Performing_States\" >Top Performing States<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#Reasons_Behind_Gujarats_Success\" >Reasons Behind Gujarat\u2019s Success<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#Purpose_of_the_Index\" >Purpose of the Index<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#Importance_for_the_Indian_Economy\" >Importance for the Indian Economy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#B_Why_this_News_is_Important\" >B) Why this News is Important<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#A_New_Benchmark_for_Competitive_Federalism\" >A New Benchmark for Competitive Federalism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#Encourages_Policy_Reforms\" >Encourages Policy Reforms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#Supports_Indias_Economic_Growth\" >Supports India&#8217;s Economic Growth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#Important_for_Government_Examinations\" >Important for Government Examinations<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#C_Historical_Context\" >C) Historical Context<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#Evolution_of_Investment_Reforms_in_India\" >Evolution of Investment Reforms in India<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#D_Key_Takeaways_from_%E2%80%9CNITI_Aayog_Investment_Friendliness_Index_2026%E2%80%9D\" >D) Key Takeaways from &#8220;NITI Aayog Investment Friendliness Index 2026&#8221;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#FAQs_Gujarat_Tops_NITI_Aayogs_First_Investment_Friendliness_Index\" >FAQs: Gujarat Tops NITI Aayog&#8217;s First Investment Friendliness Index<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#1_What_is_the_Investment_Friendliness_Index_IFI\" >1. What is the Investment Friendliness Index (IFI)?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#2_Which_state_ranked_first_in_NITI_Aayogs_first_Investment_Friendliness_Index\" >2. Which state ranked first in NITI Aayog&#8217;s first Investment Friendliness Index?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#3_Which_states_followed_Gujarat_in_the_rankings\" >3. Which states followed Gujarat in the rankings?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#4_Which_state_topped_the_Hilly_and_North-Eastern_States_category\" >4. Which state topped the Hilly and North-Eastern States category?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#5_Which_Union_Territory_or_City_State_ranked_first_in_the_index\" >5. Which Union Territory or City State ranked first in the index?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#6_Who_released_the_Investment_Friendliness_Index\" >6. Who released the Investment Friendliness Index?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#7_What_is_the_main_objective_of_the_Investment_Friendliness_Index\" >7. What is the main objective of the Investment Friendliness Index?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#8_What_are_the_major_parameters_used_in_the_Investment_Friendliness_Index\" >8. What are the major parameters used in the Investment Friendliness Index?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#9_When_was_NITI_Aayog_established\" >9. When was NITI Aayog established?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#10_Why_is_this_topic_important_for_competitive_exams\" >10. Why is this topic important for competitive exams?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/gujarat\/investment-friendliness-index-2026\/#Some_Important_Current_Affairs_Links\" >Some Important Current Affairs Links<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Investment_Friendliness_Index_2026_highlights_Gujarat_as_the_top-ranked_state_in_NITI_Aayogs_first_Investment_Friendliness_Index_Learn_the_rankings_objectives_key_parameters_significance_historical_background_and_exam-focused_facts_for_UPSC_SSC_Banking_Railways_Defence_and_State_PCS_aspirants\"><\/span><strong>Investment Friendliness Index 2026<\/strong> highlights Gujarat as the top-ranked state in NITI Aayog&#8217;s first Investment Friendliness Index. Learn the rankings, objectives, key parameters, significance, historical background, and exam-focused facts for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PCS aspirants.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gujarat_Emerges_as_Indias_Most_Investment-Friendly_State\"><\/span>Gujarat Emerges as India\u2019s Most Investment-Friendly State<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gujarat has secured the top position in <strong>NITI Aayog\u2019s first-ever Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) 2026<\/strong>, reaffirming its reputation as one of India\u2019s leading destinations for industrial growth and business investments. The newly launched index evaluates how effectively states and Union Territories create an environment that attracts and sustains private investments. Gujarat was followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu among the large states, while Goa led the Union Territories and city states category, and Uttarakhand topped the hilly and northeastern states category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Investment_Friendliness_Index\"><\/span>What is the Investment Friendliness Index?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) has been introduced by NITI Aayog to assess the quality of investment ecosystems across Indian states and Union Territories. The objective of the index is to encourage healthy competition among states while identifying best practices that can be replicated nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The assessment considers multiple parameters such as infrastructure quality, business climate, regulatory efficiency, government policies, financial health, institutional environment, environmental resilience, and resource availability. The rankings provide investors with an objective evaluation of states based on their investment potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Top_Performing_States\"><\/span>Top Performing States<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among the large states, Gujarat secured the highest overall score of <strong>56.6<\/strong>, followed by Maharashtra with <strong>53.7<\/strong> and Tamil Nadu with <strong>53.3<\/strong>. Odisha also emerged among the top-performing states, while Goa ranked first among city states and Union Territories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the Hilly and North-Eastern States category, Uttarakhand emerged as the leader, followed by Assam and Himachal Pradesh. These rankings demonstrate that investment-friendly governance is not limited to large industrial states but is also achievable in geographically diverse regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reasons_Behind_Gujarats_Success\"><\/span>Reasons Behind Gujarat\u2019s Success<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gujarat&#8217;s top ranking reflects its strong industrial ecosystem developed over several decades. The state has consistently focused on improving infrastructure, port connectivity, power availability, industrial corridors, logistics facilities, and investor-friendly governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The report highlights Gujarat&#8217;s excellent performance in business climate, infrastructure development, financial health, government policy, and regulatory ease. The state has also benefited from simplified approval mechanisms, transparent industrial policies, and continuous investment in manufacturing and logistics infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Purpose_of_the_Index\"><\/span>Purpose of the Index<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Investment Friendliness Index is designed not merely as a ranking exercise but as a policy tool. It enables states to benchmark their performance against peers, identify policy gaps, and adopt successful practices from better-performing states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NITI Aayog expects that greater transparency and competition among states will improve India&#8217;s overall investment climate, increase domestic and foreign investments, generate employment, and accelerate progress towards the goal of <strong>Viksit Bharat 2047<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Importance_for_the_Indian_Economy\"><\/span>Importance for the Indian Economy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A competitive investment environment is essential for sustaining economic growth. States that offer better infrastructure, transparent governance, faster approvals, and efficient public services are more likely to attract industries and create employment opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Investment Friendliness Index is expected to support evidence-based policymaking while encouraging reforms that improve ease of doing business across the country. By highlighting strengths and weaknesses, the index provides a roadmap for states to enhance their competitiveness and contribute to India&#8217;s long-term economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\" id=\"Investment-Friendliness-Index-2026\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com\/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQndeevRa0pgLdNsHreoc84HbL1XxBGUc08OVTSYYgEKw&amp;s=10\" alt=\"Investment Friendliness Index 2026\" title=\"Investment Friendliness Index 2026\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Investment Friendliness Index 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"B_Why_this_News_is_Important\"><\/span>B) Why this News is Important<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_New_Benchmark_for_Competitive_Federalism\"><\/span>A New Benchmark for Competitive Federalism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The launch of the Investment Friendliness Index marks an important step in strengthening competitive federalism in India. Instead of relying solely on traditional ease of doing business rankings, the new index offers a comprehensive assessment of investment ecosystems across states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Encourages_Policy_Reforms\"><\/span>Encourages Policy Reforms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The rankings encourage states to improve governance, simplify regulations, strengthen infrastructure, and introduce investor-friendly policies. Healthy competition among states can accelerate reforms that ultimately benefit businesses and citizens alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Supports_Indias_Economic_Growth\"><\/span>Supports India&#8217;s Economic Growth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Private investment plays a crucial role in increasing production, employment generation, exports, and technological advancement. A transparent investment ranking helps investors identify promising destinations while motivating governments to improve investment conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_for_Government_Examinations\"><\/span>Important for Government Examinations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This development is highly relevant for UPSC, State PCS, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and other competitive examinations. Questions may be asked regarding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NITI Aayog<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Investment Friendliness Index<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Top-ranked states<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Competitive federalism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ease of Doing Business reforms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Industrial development policies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"C_Historical_Context\"><\/span>C) Historical Context<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Evolution_of_Investment_Reforms_in_India\"><\/span>Evolution of Investment Reforms in India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">India has undertaken several reforms since the economic liberalisation of 1991 to attract domestic and foreign investment. These reforms included industrial delicensing, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) liberalisation, GST implementation, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), Digital India initiatives, National Single Window System, and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NITI Aayog, established in 2015, has consistently promoted cooperative and competitive federalism by developing indices that compare state performance across sectors such as health, innovation, SDGs, exports, logistics, water management, and now investment friendliness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The introduction of the Investment Friendliness Index represents another milestone in India&#8217;s efforts to create globally competitive investment destinations and achieve the vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"D_Key_Takeaways_from_%E2%80%9CNITI_Aayog_Investment_Friendliness_Index_2026%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>D) Key Takeaways from &#8220;NITI Aayog Investment Friendliness Index 2026&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>S. No.<\/th><th>Key Takeaway<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1<\/td><td>Gujarat ranked first in NITI Aayog&#8217;s first-ever Investment Friendliness Index with a score of 56.6.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2<\/td><td>Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu secured the second and third positions among large states.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3<\/td><td>Uttarakhand topped the Hilly and North-Eastern States category, while Goa led the Union Territories and City States category.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4<\/td><td>The index evaluates states on infrastructure, business climate, regulatory ease, financial health, government policies, institutional environment, and environmental resilience.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5<\/td><td>The Investment Friendliness Index aims to promote competitive federalism, attract investments, generate employment, and support the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Investment Friendliness Index 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_Gujarat_Tops_NITI_Aayogs_First_Investment_Friendliness_Index\"><\/span>FAQs: Gujarat Tops NITI Aayog&#8217;s First Investment Friendliness Index<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_What_is_the_Investment_Friendliness_Index_IFI\"><\/span>1. What is the Investment Friendliness Index (IFI)?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) is a new ranking framework introduced by <strong>NITI Aayog<\/strong> to evaluate how conducive Indian states and Union Territories are for attracting and sustaining private investments. It assesses factors such as infrastructure, governance, regulatory efficiency, business climate, financial health, and environmental resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Which_state_ranked_first_in_NITI_Aayogs_first_Investment_Friendliness_Index\"><\/span>2. Which state ranked first in NITI Aayog&#8217;s first Investment Friendliness Index?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gujarat<\/strong> secured the first position among the large states in the inaugural Investment Friendliness Index 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Which_states_followed_Gujarat_in_the_rankings\"><\/span>3. Which states followed Gujarat in the rankings?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Maharashtra<\/strong> ranked second, while <strong>Tamil Nadu<\/strong> secured the third position among the large states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Which_state_topped_the_Hilly_and_North-Eastern_States_category\"><\/span>4. Which state topped the Hilly and North-Eastern States category?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Uttarakhand<\/strong> emerged as the top-performing state in the Hilly and North-Eastern States category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Which_Union_Territory_or_City_State_ranked_first_in_the_index\"><\/span>5. Which Union Territory or City State ranked first in the index?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Goa<\/strong> topped the Union Territories and City States category in the first Investment Friendliness Index.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Who_released_the_Investment_Friendliness_Index\"><\/span>6. Who released the Investment Friendliness Index?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)<\/strong> released the first Investment Friendliness Index.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_What_is_the_main_objective_of_the_Investment_Friendliness_Index\"><\/span>7. What is the main objective of the Investment Friendliness Index?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The primary objective is to encourage <strong>competitive federalism<\/strong>, improve the investment ecosystem across states, attract domestic and foreign investments, and promote sustainable economic growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_What_are_the_major_parameters_used_in_the_Investment_Friendliness_Index\"><\/span>8. What are the major parameters used in the Investment Friendliness Index?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The index evaluates states based on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Infrastructure quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Business environment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regulatory efficiency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Government policies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Institutional support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Financial health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resource availability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Environmental resilience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_When_was_NITI_Aayog_established\"><\/span>9. When was NITI Aayog established?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NITI Aayog was established on <strong>1 January 2015<\/strong>, replacing the Planning Commission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Why_is_this_topic_important_for_competitive_exams\"><\/span>10. Why is this topic important for competitive exams?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Investment Friendliness Index is important for <strong>UPSC, State PSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, CAPF, EPFO, and other government examinations<\/strong> as it covers topics related to Indian economy, governance, competitive federalism, economic reforms, and NITI Aayog initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Some_Important_Current_Affairs_Links\"><\/span>Some Important Current Affairs Links<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/category\/national\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">State Current 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Learn the rankings, objectives, key parameters, significance, historical background, and exam-focused facts for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PCS aspirants. Gujarat Emerges as India\u2019s Most Investment-Friendly State Gujarat has secured the top position in NITI Aayog\u2019s&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":54377,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[55,87],"tags":[19471,3261,1283,117,267,38779,890,1497,7969,1265],"class_list":["post-54358","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gujarat","category-awards_medals","tag-competitive-federalism","tag-economic-reforms","tag-governance","tag-gujarat","tag-indian-economy","tag-investment-friendliness-index","tag-maharashtra","tag-niti-aayog","tag-state-rankings","tag-tamil-nadu"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54358","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54358"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54358\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54378,"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54358\/revisions\/54378"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/54377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54358"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54358"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54358"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}