November, 2017: Telangana leads state-wise ease of doing business ranking

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana jointly topped the 2016 all-India State/Union Territory-wise Ease of Doing Business rankings, while last year's topper Gujarat slipped to the third spot. The rankings, announced by Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, are on the basis of a 340-point business reform action plan and their implementation by the States. This covers the period from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016.The 340 reform areas are broadly under categories including construction permits, environmental and labor registration, obtaining electricity connection, online tax-return filing, inspection reform, access to information and transparency, single window, land availability and commercial dispute resolution.

November, 2017: Cabinet approves schemes for women empowerment / welfare

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its approval for expansion of the schemes of Ministry of Women and Child Development under Umbrella Scheme "Mission for Protection and Empowerment for Women" for a period 2017-18 to 2019-20. CCEA also approved a new scheme called ‘Mahila Shakti Kendra', which will empower rural women through community participation to create an environment in which they realize their full potential. Expansion under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao was also approved based on the successful implementation in 161 districts.

November, 2017: Government constitutes 15th Finance Commission under chairmanship NK Singh

The government announced that former revenue secretary NK Singh will be the chairman of the 15th Finance Commission (FC) that will recommend distribution of taxes between the Centre and the states. Other members of the Commission are former economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das, former chief economic adviser Ashok Lahiri, NitiAayog member Ramesh Chand and Georgetown University Adjunct Professor Anoop Singh.