Tax Reforms — GST, Direct Tax Code & Compliance

Mastering tax reforms requires a dual focus on the technical evolution of GST and the Direct Tax Code alongside their impact on India's fiscal federalism and economic formalization. Candidates must synthesize current data on tax buoyancy and the tax-to-GDP ratio with an analytical understanding of how technology-driven compliance reduces the 'tax-terrorism' perception. Success in Mains depends on evaluating whether structural shifts, such as corporate tax cuts and faceless assessments, have effectively translated into increased private investment and ease of doing business.