News: MoSPI released "Know Your Survey," a reader-friendly guide for the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) to improve data transparency and trust.
Statistical & Economic Importance:
- What is ASUSE? It is the largest survey targeting the unincorporated non-agricultural sector (manufacturing, trade, and services). It excludes construction and plantation.
- Why it matters: The informal sector employs nearly 90% of India's workforce. Without ASUSE, GDP calculations for this sector rely on "proxies" which can be inaccurate.
- The "Know Your Survey" Initiative:
- Simplification: Translates complex sampling methods into "non-technical" language for journalists and researchers.
- Data Democracy: Aims to reduce the "trust deficit" in government data by explaining how data is validated and anonymized.
- Quarterly Insights: The guide introduces QBUSE (Quarterly Bulletin), providing high-frequency data on the informal economy.
- Mains Value-Add: Use this when discussing "Evidence-based Policymaking" and the "Formalization of the Economy."
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
