Recently, the Ministry of Women and Child Development launched the PANKHUDI Portal to enhance collaboration and transparency in initiatives related to women and child development across India.

About the PANKHUDI Portal

The PANKHUDI Portal is an integrated digital platform developed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It has been designed to facilitate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships and coordinated stakeholder participation in a structured and transparent manner.

Objective of the Portal

The primary objective of the portal is to strengthen coordination, ensure transparency, and promote structured participation of various stakeholders in programmes aimed at the welfare, protection, and empowerment of women and children.

Key Features of the PANKHUDI Portal

Single-Window Digital Platform

The portal functions as a single-window digital interface for multiple stakeholders, including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), CSR contributors, corporate entities, and government agencies.

Key Thematic Areas Covered

The portal focuses on priority areas such as:

• Nutrition and health,

• Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE),

• Child welfare, protection, and rehabilitation, and

• Women’s safety and empowerment.

Support to Flagship Government Missions

The PANKHUDI Portal supports the effective implementation of major flagship missions, including:

• Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0,

• Mission Vatsalya, and

• Mission Shakti.

Transparency and Accountability

Registered contributors can identify projects, submit proposals, and track the progress of their contributions through clearly defined approval workflows, ensuring high transparency and accountability.

Non-Cash Financial Transactions

All contributions made through the portal are accepted only through non-cash modes, ensuring financial traceability, compliance, and integrity.

Significance of the PANKHUDI Portal

The PANKHUDI Portal marks an important step towards digital governance and collaborative development. By integrating CSR efforts with government programmes, it promotes inclusive, outcome-oriented, and accountable development for women and children across the country.

Conclusion

The PANKHUDI Portal strengthens public–private collaboration by providing a transparent, digital, and structured framework for supporting women and child development initiatives. It is expected to improve the efficiency, reach, and impact of welfare programmes, particularly at the grassroots level.

Recently, parts of Dal Lake in Srinagar froze as the city recorded its coldest night of the winter. Temperatures plunged well below the freezing point across the Kashmir Valley, highlighting the region’s harsh winter conditions.

Geographical Location

Dal Lake is a mid-altitude urban freshwater lake located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It is surrounded by the Pir Panjal mountain range, which adds to its scenic and ecological significance.

Importance and Popular Names

Dal Lake is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is popularly referred to as the “Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar’s Jewel.”
It is also known as the “Lake of Flowers”, owing to its floating gardens and rich aquatic vegetation.

Area and Physical Features

The lake covers an area of approximately 18 to 22 square kilometres, making it one of the world’s largest natural lakes.
During peak winter, temperatures may drop to −11°C, leading to partial freezing of the lake.

Source of Water

Dal Lake receives most of its water from the Telbal Stream, which originates from the Jhelum River.

Division of Basins

The lake is divided by causeways into four basins, namely:

• Gagribal,

• Lokut Dal,

• Bod Dal, and

• Nagin (often considered a separate lake).

Islands in Dal Lake

• Lokut Dal has an island called Rup Lank (Char Chinari).

• Bod Dal contains an island known as Sona Lank.

These islands enhance the lake’s cultural and ecological importance.

Floating Gardens and Agriculture

A unique feature of Dal Lake is its floating gardens, locally called “Rad.”
These are floating patches of land on which farmers cultivate vegetables and flowers, reflecting an innovative adaptation to wetland agriculture.

Floating Market and Shikaras

Dal Lake is famous for its floating market, where vendors sell goods from their Shikaras (traditional wooden boats) and approach tourists directly, making it a major cultural attraction.

Shoreline and Mughal Gardens

The shoreline of Dal Lake is lined with a boulevard featuring Mughal-era gardens, parks, houseboats, and hotels.

Major Mughal Gardens Around Dal Lake

• Nishat Bagh: Known as the “Garden of Joy”, it is a terraced garden adorned with fountains.

• Shalimar Bagh: Called the “Abode of Love”, it was built by Emperor Jahangir.

• Chashma Shahi: Famous for its natural freshwater spring.

Significance

Dal Lake is not only a tourism icon but also an important ecological wetland, supporting livelihoods through agriculture, tourism, and local trade.

Conclusion

Dal Lake represents a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and ecological importance. Recent freezing events highlight the region’s climatic extremes and underscore the need for sustainable conservation of this iconic freshwater ecosystem.

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted ground testing of a full-scale, actively cooled, long-duration Scramjet engine as part of India’s Hypersonic Missile Programme. This marks a major milestone in India’s indigenous hypersonic technology capabilities.

What is a Scramjet Engine?

A Scramjet (Supersonic Combustion Ramjet) is an air-breathing engine designed to operate efficiently at hypersonic speeds (Mach 5 and above). Unlike conventional jet engines, scramjets do not use rotating compressors or turbines, relying instead on the vehicle’s high forward speed to compress incoming air.

Key Features of a Scramjet Engine

• Scramjets allow supersonic combustion, where fuel burns while the airflow remains supersonic.

• They are particularly suited for Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs).

• The engine uses liquid hydrogen as fuel and liquid oxygen as an oxidiser to generate thrust.

• Scramjet engines offer significantly higher fuel efficiency compared to turbojets and ramjets at hypersonic speeds.

• Rocket-assisted take-off is required, as scramjets cannot generate thrust at zero or low speeds.

India’s Achievement in Scramjet Technology

With this successful testing, India has become the fourth country in the world to demonstrate flight-tested scramjet engine technology, underscoring its growing capabilities in advanced defence and aerospace systems.

Working Principle of a Scramjet Engine

Air Intake

The vehicle must already be flying at supersonic speed (Mach 3 or higher) for the scramjet to function.

Air Compression

The extremely high speed of the vehicle compresses the incoming air naturally, without the need for mechanical compressors.

Supersonic Combustion

Hydrogen fuel is injected and ignited, while the airflow remains supersonic, which is the defining feature of a scramjet.

Thrust Generation

The rapid expansion of hot gases produces thrust, following Newton’s Third Law of Motion.

What are Hypersonic Missiles?

Hypersonic missiles are those that travel at speeds greater than Mach 5, which is more than five times the speed of sound (approximately 330 m/s).

Types of Hypersonic Missiles

Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs)

These missiles are:

• Launched using a rocket booster, similar to ballistic missiles,

• Released at high altitude, and

• Glide unpowered towards the target at hypersonic speeds, making them difficult to intercept.

Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs)

These missiles:

• Are powered throughout their flight by air-breathing scramjet engines,

• Maintain sustained hypersonic speeds, and

• Offer greater manoeuvrability and precision compared to ballistic missiles.

Strategic Significance of Scramjet Technology

Scramjet engines significantly enhance India’s strategic deterrence by enabling:

• Faster strike capabilities,

• Improved penetration of missile defence systems, and

• Advancement towards self-reliance in critical defence technologies under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Conclusion

The successful testing of the scramjet engine by DRDO represents a major technological breakthrough for India. It strengthens the country’s position in the global hypersonic race and enhances its long-term defence preparedness through indigenous, cutting-edge propulsion technology.

The high-level engagements between India and Canada in January 2026 marked a significant reset in bilateral relations. The renewed partnership is structured around four strategic pillars: nuclear energy, critical minerals, clean energy, and allied sectors, aiming to align Canada’s resource strengths with India’s industrial and agricultural scale.

1. Energy Cooperation

On the sidelines of India Energy Week (IEW) 2026), both countries re-launched the Canada–India Ministerial Energy Dialogue (CIMED). The dialogue focuses on diversifying energy supplies, including LNG, LPG, and crude oil, thereby strengthening India’s energy security.

Both nations agreed to collaborate in emerging sectors such as hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage (CCUS), and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). In addition, the proposed visit of the Canadian Prime Minister in March 2026 is expected to finalise a 10-year uranium supply agreement worth 2.8 billion Canadian dollars, reinforcing cooperation in nuclear energy.

2. Food Security and Fertiliser Supply

Canada currently supplies nearly 25% of India’s Muriate of Potash (MOP) requirements and has reaffirmed its commitment as a reliable fertiliser partner.

In a significant move, Canada pledged to match investments made by Indian partners in its natural resources sector, thereby encouraging long-term strategic investments and ensuring stable agricultural supply chains.

3. Critical Minerals and Clean Mobility

Both countries agreed to establish coordination frameworks for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) manufacturing and next-generation battery research and development.

Canada reiterated its readiness to support India’s needs for Lithium, Cobalt, Graphite, and Rare Earth Elements (REEs), which are essential for India’s electric vehicle mission (PM E-DRIVE) and clean energy transition.

Further, the first Canada–India Critical Minerals Annual Dialogue is scheduled for March 2026 in Toronto to build transparent and resilient supply chains.

4. Trade and Economic Cooperation

Both nations committed to accelerating negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with the aim of doubling bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030. This reflects a shared intent to deepen economic integration.

Key Highlights of India–Canada Bilateral Relations

1. Historical Foundations

India and Canada share a long-standing relationship rooted in shared democratic values and multicultural societies. Indian migration to Canada dates back to the freedom struggle, with institutions like the Swadesh Sevak Home in Vancouver mobilising support against British rule.

Diplomatic relations were established in 1947, and India’s Constitution drew inspiration from the Canadian federal model, particularly the concept of a strong Centre with residuary powers. Bilateral ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2015.

2. Strategic Importance

India is a key partner in Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, reflecting growing geopolitical and economic convergence. Both nations are increasingly cooperating to ensure supply chain resilience and energy security in an uncertain global environment.

3. Trade Relations

In 2024, India was Canada’s 7th largest trading partner, with two-way trade amounting to USD 30.9 billion. India maintains a surplus in goods trade.

Major Canadian exports to India include vegetables, mineral fuels and oils, wood pulp, fertilisers, paper and paperboard.
India’s exports to Canada primarily consist of pharmaceuticals, machinery, electronics, precious stones and metals, and iron and steel products.

4. Diaspora and People-to-People Ties

Canada is home to over 1.8 million people of Indian origin, making it one of the largest Indian diasporas globally. This diaspora acts as a “Living Bridge” strengthening economic, cultural, and educational ties.

5. Science, Technology, and Space Cooperation

Technological cooperation is anchored in the Canada–India Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement (2005) and supported by the Joint Science and Technology Coordination Committee (JSTCC).

ISRO and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) have signed MoUs, and ISRO’s commercial arm, ANTRIX, has launched several Canadian nanosatellites.

6. Security Cooperation

Security ties are anchored in the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism (1997) and the Framework for Cooperation on Countering Terrorism (2018). Legal cooperation is strengthened through the Extradition Treaty (1987) and the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (1994).

Major Challenges in India–Canada Relations

1. The Khalistan Issue

India has raised concerns regarding the alleged gangster–terrorist nexus operating from Canadian soil, where extremist elements are accused of collaborating with organised crime networks.

New Delhi views Canada’s approach as overly permissive and believes that extremist elements exploit asylum loopholes, posing a threat to India’s internal security, particularly in Punjab. Both countries differ on the distinction between legitimate political activism and violent extremism.

2. Trade and Economic Barriers

CEPA negotiations face hurdles due to high tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and differing regulatory standards. India’s sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) norms and Canada’s stringent regulations on electronics and chemicals create friction.

3. Digital Trade and Data Governance

Divergent approaches to data localisation, privacy laws, and digital governance present challenges for Canadian technology and AI firms operating in India.

4. Geopolitical Divergence

While both nations support the Indo-Pacific vision, Canada prioritises human rights and de-risking strategies, whereas India focuses on maritime security and counterbalancing China. These differences occasionally create strategic misalignment.

Measures to Strengthen India–Canada Relations

To stabilise and deepen ties, both countries can adopt the following measures:

• Establish a Bilateral Security and Sovereignty Dialogue at the NSA level to address extremism and intelligence sharing.

• Institute a 2+2 Dialogue Mechanism to enhance strategic coordination.

• Revitalise the Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and effectively utilise the Extradition and MLAT frameworks.

• Promote mutual recognition of professional qualifications to transform student migration into a skilled talent partnership.

• Encourage cooperation in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and financial technologies.

• Expand collaboration in GIFT City, cold-chain technology, and sustainable mining.

• Strengthen diaspora engagement and cultural diplomacy to reinforce the “Living Bridge.”

Conclusion

The January 2026 reset signals a pragmatic and forward-looking recalibration of India–Canada relations. While political and security challenges remain, especially concerning extremism and trade barriers, expanding cooperation in energy, critical minerals, clean mobility, trade, and human capital provides a strong foundation for a stable and mutually beneficial partnership.

A recent study has highlighted that water vapour contributes more to atmospheric heating than aerosols. However, aerosols continue to play a complex and significant role in influencing climate, air quality, and human health.

About Aerosols

Aerosols are fine solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere. They typically remain in the atmosphere for a few days to weeks before settling to the ground or being washed out by rain or snow.

Aerosols originate from both anthropogenic and natural sources:

• Human-made sources include the burning of fossil fuels and biofuels, industrial emissions, and vehicular pollution.

• Natural sources include desert dust, sea spray, volcanic eruptions, and forest fires.

Although aerosol particles are extremely small, they are numerous and chemically diverse, consisting of various inorganic and organic substances.

Common visible forms of aerosols include smoke, smog, haze, and dust, which are often associated with air pollution episodes.

How Do Aerosols Affect the Climate?

Aerosols influence the climate system through multiple pathways:

1. Direct Radiative Effects

Aerosols interact directly with solar radiation.

• Some aerosols, such as sulphates and sea salt, reflect incoming sunlight back into space, thereby producing a cooling effect.

• Others, especially black carbon, absorb solar radiation and contribute to atmospheric warming. Because black carbon is dark in colour, it is highly efficient at absorbing heat.

Thus, aerosols can have both cooling and warming effects, depending on their composition.

2. Indirect Effects through Clouds

Aerosols act as Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN), around which water vapour condenses to form clouds.

By influencing the number and size of cloud droplets, aerosols can:

• Alter cloud reflectivity (albedo),

• Change cloud lifetime,

• Modify precipitation patterns.

These changes affect the Earth’s radiation balance, thereby influencing climate systems.

Impact of Aerosols on Human Health and Economy

Beyond climate, aerosols significantly affect human health and socio-economic systems.

1. Public Health Impacts

Fine particulate matter, especially particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5), can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Exposure to such particles is associated with:

• Respiratory diseases,

• Cardiovascular disorders,

• Premature mortality due to air pollution.

Thus, aerosols contribute significantly to poor air quality and public health burdens.

2. Impact on Transport and Energy

High concentrations of aerosols such as desert dust and volcanic ash can:

• Disrupt air and road transport,

• Reduce visibility,

• Damage aircraft engines.

Aerosols also reduce solar irradiance, thereby lowering the efficiency of solar power plants.

Conclusion

Although recent research suggests that water vapour has a stronger warming effect on the atmosphere than aerosols, aerosols remain critical climate agents due to their dual role in cooling and warming the atmosphere. Additionally, their significant impacts on cloud formation, air quality, public health, and energy systems make them an important area of study in climate science and environmental governance.

The Union Budget 2026–27 reflects a significant policy shift from merely allocating funds for technology growth to building comprehensive technology ecosystems. The emphasis is now equally placed on infrastructure creation, manufacturing capability, skill development, and governance support, signalling a long-term vision for strengthening India’s deep tech landscape.

Key Budgetary Initiatives for the Deep Tech Ecosystem

1. Semiconductor Mission 2.0: Full-Stack Thinking

The Semiconductor Mission 2.0 adopts a “full-stack” approach, focusing on the entire semiconductor value chain rather than limiting support to subsidies or equipment procurement.

It emphasizes:

• Hardware creation, including fabrication units and equipment manufacturing.

• Skill development, including training technicians, engineers, and operational experts.

• Balanced investments in infrastructure and human capital.

This approach reflects the government’s commitment to long-term supply chain resilience, self-reliance, and capability building in critical technologies.

2. Advanced Manufacturing Push

The budget continues its dual emphasis on hardware and skills in advanced manufacturing.

• Duty exemptions on aviation components aim to incentivize domestic hardware production.

• Establishment of hi-tech tool rooms as digitally enabled service bureaus enhances operational readiness and skill development.

This integrated strategy strengthens India’s competitiveness in high-value manufacturing sectors.

3. AI and Data Centres: Positioning India as a Global Technology Node

The government has extended tax holidays for AI and foreign data centres, signalling its intent to attract global investments.

This move is expected to benefit:

• Data centre operators,

• Thermal engineers,

• AI compute engineers.

By enabling global-grade infrastructure within India, the budget seeks to position the country as a hub for technology-driven innovation and digital infrastructure.

4. Corporate Mitras: Easing Compliance for Founders

A notable founder-focused reform is the introduction of Corporate Mitras, aimed at reducing compliance bottlenecks for technology firms.

It provides:

• Affordable and structured governance support,

• Simplified regulatory processes,

• Greater ease of doing business for deep tech founders.

Additionally, changes in share buyback taxation encourage promoters to reinvest profits into their companies rather than prioritizing personal capital gains. This demonstrates policy empathy toward entrepreneurs beyond financial incentives.

5. AI and Workforce Planning

For the first time, the budget establishes a formal committee to assess AI’s impact on the workforce. This signals a proactive approach toward:

• Workforce transition planning,

• Skill development aligned with emerging technologies,

• Anticipating employment disruptions due to automation.

India’s Existing Deep Tech Ecosystem

India’s deep tech ecosystem is supported by multiple institutional frameworks:

1. Startup India

Promotes startups in AI, robotics, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space technology through funding, incubation, and mentorship.

2. Department of Science & Technology (DST)

Through initiatives like the Technology Development Board (TDB) and the National Initiative on Technology Transfer, DST supports commercialization in areas such as AI, photonics, nanotechnology, and advanced materials.

3. Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY)

The TIDE 2.0 program supports startups in electronics, IoT, AI, and cybersecurity with seed funding and incubation support.

4. Invest India

Facilitates domestic and foreign investment in deep tech sectors by providing policy guidance and sector insights.

5. National Biopharma Mission (DBT)

Supports biotech startups in vaccine development, diagnostics, and drug discovery.

6. Atal Innovation Mission (NITI Aayog)

Operates Atal Tinkering Labs and Atal Incubation Centres, promoting frontier technologies among students and innovators.

7. Health, Space and Defence Sectors

• ICMR supports medical AI and biotech startups.

• ISRO and DRDO encourage private participation in satellite technology, robotics, AI for defence, and advanced materials.

Related Issues and Concerns

Despite its ambitious vision, several challenges remain:

1. Implementation Complexity

Full-stack initiatives like Semiconductor Mission 2.0 require coordination across multiple ministries and private players, increasing the risk of delays or policy misalignment.

2. Skill Gaps

Rapid advancements in AI, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing may outpace workforce training efforts. Scaling technicians and specialists will require sustained educational reforms.

3. Compliance and Governance

While Corporate Mitras aim to reduce friction, their success will depend on awareness, accessibility, and effective implementation. Regulatory ambiguity could still deter early-stage startups.

4. Fiscal Sustainability

Tax holidays, duty exemptions, and manufacturing incentives may strain public finances. Their long-term viability depends on private sector uptake and economic returns.

5. Equity and Inclusion

High-tech initiatives risk concentrating benefits in metropolitan hubs. Inclusive ecosystem growth will require targeted support for tier-II and tier-III cities.

6. AI and Employment Transition

The AI committee is a positive step, but concrete policies for reskilling and employment protection will be crucial to manage potential job displacement.

7. Global Competition

India competes with countries such as Singapore, the UAE, and European nations in attracting AI and data centre investments. Speed, policy clarity, and regulatory stability will be essential.

Conclusion

The Union Budget 2026–27 reflects a builder-centric and ecosystem-oriented vision for India’s technological future. By incentivizing manufacturing and infrastructure, strengthening skill development, simplifying compliance for founders, and encouraging reinvestment, the government aims to create a comprehensive deep tech ecosystem.

The success of this vision will depend on effective implementation, sustained skill development, fiscal prudence, and inclusive growth. If executed well, this approach could position India as a globally competitive hub where hardware, human capital, and innovation coexist and thrive.

The Union Budget 2026–27 has proposed an outlay of ₹20,000 crore over five years for the development of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies. This allocation aligns with India’s long-term commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, while acknowledging that industrial growth and energy demand will continue to rise in the near and medium term.

What Are CCUS Technologies?

Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) refers to a group of technologies designed to prevent carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from entering the atmosphere.

CCUS involves three major stages:

1. Capture

Carbon dioxide released during industrial processes or power generation is separated and captured before it can be emitted into the atmosphere.

2. Utilisation

The captured CO₂ can be converted into useful products, such as chemicals, synthetic fuels, building materials, or carbonated beverages.

3. Storage

Alternatively, CO₂ can be safely stored for long durations in deep geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields or saline aquifers.

Thus, CCUS directly addresses emissions from sectors where decarbonisation is difficult.

Why CCUS Matters for Climate Goals

Although CCUS technologies have existed for decades, their global deployment remains limited due to high costs, safety concerns, and scaling challenges.

At present, only about 50 million tonnes of CO₂ are captured annually worldwide, which is less than 0.5% of the nearly 40 billion tonnes emitted each year.

Global net-zero targets are unlikely to be achieved without large-scale deployment of CCUS, especially in hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, and chemicals, where emissions are intrinsic to industrial processes and cannot be eliminated solely by switching to renewable energy.

India’s Growing Focus on CCUS

India’s emissions are expected to increase in the short to medium term due to rapid infrastructure development and industrial expansion. Since announcing its net-zero 2070 pledge at the Glasgow Climate Summit (2021), India has intensified its focus on developing indigenous CCUS technologies.

Key initiatives include:

• Pilot and demonstration projects in steel, cement, and chemical industries;

• Mapping of potential large-scale storage sites across the country;

• Establishment of Centres of Excellence, including those at IIT Bombay and the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research;

• Release of a CCUS R&D roadmap for 2030 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), identifying technological, financial, and policy gaps.

These measures indicate a systematic effort to integrate CCUS into India’s climate strategy.

Why the Budget Allocation Is Crucial

A major obstacle for CCUS deployment has been inadequate funding for field-scale testing and commercial deployment. While many technologies have demonstrated success in laboratories, scaling them up to operational levels involves significant financial risks.

The ₹20,000 crore allocation seeks to:

• Improve technology readiness levels (TRLs) of promising solutions;

• Support systems capable of capturing or storing 100–500 tonnes of CO₂ per day;

• Enable commercial deployment of multiple CCUS technologies within five years.

This financial backing bridges the gap between research and real-world application.

Economic and Industrial Significance

CCUS is particularly important for industries such as steel, cement, power generation, refineries, and chemicals, which are among the largest contributors to India’s emissions.

In sectors like cement and steel, emissions arise not only from fuel combustion but also from core production processes, making complete decarbonisation through renewable electricity alone impossible.

Thus, CCUS offers a practical pathway for reducing emissions while sustaining industrial growth.

Boosting Global Competitiveness

Indian exporters are increasingly exposed to carbon-related trade measures, such as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

By lowering the carbon footprint of Indian products through CCUS, industries can:

• Maintain access to international markets,

• Enhance export competitiveness,

• Avoid carbon tariffs and trade penalties.

Thus, CCUS is not only an environmental strategy but also an economic safeguard.

Looking Ahead

With targeted funding, clearer policy frameworks, and growing industrial interest, India could witness commercial-scale deployment of CCUS technologies within the next five years.

The ₹20,000 crore allocation signals that achieving net-zero will require not only rapid expansion of renewable energy but also direct technological interventions to manage unavoidable carbon emissions.

In the long run, CCUS can contribute to technological leadership, industrial resilience, economic competitiveness, and sustainable development, making it a cornerstone of India’s climate transition strategy.

In Jaipur, nearly 250 families continue to preserve and practice Kathputli, one of Rajasthan’s oldest and most vibrant folk art traditions.

About Kathputli

Kathputli is a traditional string puppet theatre originating from Rajasthan. It is regarded as one of the oldest folk art forms of the state.

The term Kathputli is derived from two Hindi words:

• Kath meaning wood, and

• Putli meaning doll.

The name reflects the simple yet expressive construction of these wooden puppets.

A Kathputli is crafted using wood, cloth, thread, and metal wire. The upper portion of the puppet is carved from wood, while the remaining part is made from cotton and colourful fabric.

One distinctive feature of Kathputlis is that they do not have legs. Instead, they are covered with long, flowing skirts that conceal the lower structure and enhance their visual appeal during performances.

The puppeteer controls the puppet using two to five strings, skillfully manipulating them with finger movements to create lifelike gestures.

Distinctive Features of Kathputli

Kathputlis are known for their striking and exaggerated facial features, including:

• Large expressive eyes,

• Oval-shaped faces,

• Prominent lips,

• Arched eyebrows.

Their colourful attire is inspired by royal courts and desert traditions of Rajasthan, reflecting the region’s cultural richness. The sharp features and dramatic expressions enhance theatrical impact and make the performances visually captivating.

Themes and Performance Style

Historically, Kathputli performances were conducted by travelling puppeteers, who moved from village to village narrating stories.

The themes traditionally included:

• Tales of Rajput kings and brave warriors,

• Stories of folk heroes,

• Moral and social narratives.

Each puppet represents a character drawn from everyday life, history, or folklore.

Performances are accompanied by traditional folk instruments such as the dholak and harmonium. The shows are lively and often blend humour, music, satire, and social commentary, making them both entertaining and educational.

Cultural Significance

Kathputli is more than a form of entertainment; it serves as a medium of oral storytelling, historical preservation, and social awareness. It reflects Rajasthan’s cultural ethos and highlights the creativity of hereditary puppeteer communities.The continued practice of Kathputli by hundreds of families in Jaipur underscores the importance of safeguarding India’s intangible cultural heritage in the face of modernization and changing entertainment patterns.