India Emerges As World’s 5th Most Digitalised Economy: SIDE 2026 Report

Current Context: In late May 2026, the State of India’s Digital Economy (SIDE) 2026 report was released. It was published by the ICRIER–Prosus Centre for Internet and Digital Economy (IPCIDE).

• India ranked 5th globally on the CHIPS‑Combined Index (Connectivity, Harness, Innovation, Protection, Sustainability), rising from 8th in 2025.
• It stood behind the United States (US), China, Singapore, United Kingdom (UK) but ahead of UAE, France, Germany, South Korea, Canada.
• The report assessed 71 economies, covering ~96% of global GDP and a large share of internet users.
• India’s pillar scores were: Connect – 11.9, Harness – 9.2, Innovate – 5.3, Protect + Sustain – 10.5.
• Its total CHIPS score was 36.9, compared to the US at 64.4 and China at 51.6, showing India’s digital rise.

Question:

Q.1 What was India's rank in the CHIPS-Combined Index according to the SIDE 2026 report?
a) 3rd
b) 4th
c) 5th
d) 8th

Answer: c) India secured the 5th position globally in the CHIPS-Combined Index in 2026.