During the ongoing All India Tiger Estimation 2026 survey, the Indian Giant Squirrel, Maharashtra’s state animal, was recently sighted in the Atwan region of the Pune Forest Division. Locally known as Shekru, its sighting highlights the biodiversity richness of the region.

About the Indian Giant Squirrel

The Indian giant squirrel, also known as the Malabar Giant Squirrel, is a large rodent species native to India. It is a type of tree squirrel (arboreal squirrel) and is considered one of the largest squirrels in the world.

Its scientific name is Ratufa indica.

It is the state animal of Maharashtra and holds ecological as well as cultural significance in the region.

Distribution

The Indian Giant Squirrel is primarily found in:

• The Western Ghats,

• The Eastern Ghats,

• The Satpura Range.

It is distributed across several Indian states, including:

• Karnataka

• Andhra Pradesh

• Madhya Pradesh

• Gujarat

• Chhattisgarh

• Jharkhand

• Maharashtra

• Kerala

• Tamil Nadu

Its presence across diverse forest ecosystems indicates its adaptability within forested landscapes.

Habitat

The species is strictly arboreal, meaning it spends most of its life in trees.

It builds nests or takes shelter in holes within tree trunks and rarely descends to the ground. Dense forest canopies are essential for its survival.

Physical Features

The Indian Giant Squirrel is known for its large size and striking coloration.

• Its total body length ranges between 254 mm and 457 mm, while the tail is usually longer than the body.

• It weighs approximately 1.5 to 2 kilograms.

The squirrel is distinguished by its multi-coloured fur, which may include combinations of:

• White or cream

• Brown

• Black

• Red

• Maroon

• Occasionally dark fuchsia

Typically, darker shades appear on the upper body, while lighter colours are visible on the underside and the long, bushy tail.

Other distinctive features include:

• Short, round ears,

• Broad hands with expanded inner paws for gripping,

• Large and powerful claws used to hold onto tree bark and branches.

Females are generally larger than males by about three centimetres and possess mammae for nursing their young.

Behaviour

The Indian Giant Squirrel is generally a solitary animal, rarely seen in pairs except during the breeding season.

It is known for its agility and can leap distances of up to 20 feet between trees, helping it move efficiently across forest canopies.

Conservation Status

The Indian Giant Squirrel is currently classified as “Least Concern” under the IUCN Red List.

Although not immediately threatened, habitat loss due to deforestation and fragmentation remains a concern for its long-term survival.

Significance

The sighting of the Indian Giant Squirrel during the All India Tiger Estimation survey highlights:

• The importance of forest conservation efforts,

• The ecological richness of Maharashtra’s forests,

• The need to protect arboreal species dependent on dense canopy cover.

As an indicator species of healthy forest ecosystems, the Indian Giant Squirrel plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

Recently, the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy delivered India’s national statement at the 16th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

This reflects India’s active participation in global renewable energy governance.

About the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organisation established in 2009.

Its primary objective is to support countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future based on renewable sources.

IRENA functions as:

• The principal global platform for cooperation in renewable energy,

• A centre of excellence, and

• A repository of knowledge on renewable energy policy, technology, resources, and financing.

It promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of renewable energy worldwide.

Membership

IRENA currently has 170 Members (169 countries and the European Union).

India is a founder member of IRENA, demonstrating its long-standing commitment to renewable energy leadership.

Governance Structure of IRENA

The governance of IRENA consists of three main bodies:

1. Assembly

The Assembly is the ultimate decision-making authority of IRENA.

It includes one representative from each Member State and meets annually to:

• Determine policy direction,

• Approve the budget,

• Guide the agency’s overall strategy.

2. Council

The Council comprises 21 Member States, elected for a two-year term.

It is accountable to the Assembly and ensures:

• Balanced representation of developed and developing countries,

• Fair geographical distribution,

• Effective oversight of IRENA’s operations.

Council members serve on a rotating basis.

3. Secretariat

The Secretariat is headed by the Director-General and includes professional and administrative staff.

It provides:

• Administrative support,

• Technical expertise,

• Research and analytical assistance

to the Assembly, Council, and subsidiary bodies.

Headquarters and Status

The headquarters of IRENA is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

IRENA holds the status of an official observer to the United Nations, which enhances its role in global climate and energy governance.

Significance of IRENA

IRENA plays a crucial role in:

• Facilitating international cooperation on renewable energy,

• Supporting countries in achieving climate and net-zero goals,

• Promoting technology transfer and capacity building,

• Mobilising investments for renewable energy infrastructure.

For India, engagement with IRENA aligns with its commitments under global climate agreements and its domestic renewable energy expansion goals.

Conclusion

The participation of India in the 16th Assembly of IRENA highlights its commitment to global clean energy leadership. As the world accelerates its energy transition, IRENA remains a key institution in shaping sustainable and resilient energy systems.

Recently, the Union Ministry of Agriculture proposed merging three ongoing schemes with the flagship Pradhan Mantri-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY).

This move aims to improve efficiency, streamline implementation, and enhance agricultural growth outcomes.

About Pradhan Mantri–Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri–Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

The scheme is designed to:

• Accelerate agricultural growth,

• Improve farmers’ income,

• Strengthen agricultural infrastructure and productivity.

It reflects the government’s commitment to making agriculture more sustainable, profitable, and resilient.

Objectives of PM-RKVY

The major objectives of the scheme include:

1. Increasing Public Investment

To encourage states to increase public investment in agriculture and allied sectors.

2. Enhancing Productivity

To improve agricultural productivity and overall farm growth across regions.

3. Strengthening Infrastructure

To develop agricultural and post-harvest infrastructure, thereby reducing losses and improving supply chains.

4. Promoting Diversification

To promote diversification into high-value crops, horticulture, livestock, and fisheries, enhancing income opportunities.

5. Encouraging Innovation

To support the adoption of modern, innovative, and climate-resilient farming practices.

6. Reducing Regional Disparities

To address regional imbalances in agricultural development.

Key Features of PM-RKVY

1. State-Led and Decentralized Approach

The scheme provides states with flexibility to design and implement projects according to local needs and priorities. This promotes a bottom-up planning model.

2. Growth-Oriented Focus

PM-RKVY aims to achieve a sustained annual growth rate of around 4% in agriculture and allied sectors.

3. Wide Sectoral Coverage

The scheme covers a broad range of sectors, including:

• Crop production,

• Horticulture,

• Livestock,

• Fisheries,

• Organic farming,

• Agricultural research,

• Marketing infrastructure.

4. Incentive-Based Funding

Financial assistance to states is linked to their commitment to increasing public investment in agriculture, thereby encouraging proactive policy action.

Funding Pattern

The funding pattern under PM-RKVY varies by category of state:

• General States: 60% Central Government and 40% State Government.

• North-Eastern and Hilly States: 90% Central Government and 10% State Government.

• Union Territories: 100% Central funding.

This differentiated pattern supports balanced regional development.

Significance

PM-RKVY plays a crucial role in:

• Strengthening agricultural infrastructure,

• Promoting income diversification for farmers,

• Encouraging climate-resilient farming practices,

• Reducing regional inequalities in agriculture.

The proposed merger of schemes under PM-RKVY is expected to improve coordination, reduce duplication, and enhance the overall effectiveness of agricultural policy implementation.

India’s e-commerce sector has emerged as a key driver of digital and consumption-led growth, expanding beyond metropolitan cities into Tier-II and Tier-III towns.

Valued at approximately $125 billion in 2024, the sector is projected to reach $345 billion by 2030. This expansion is supported by rising internet penetration, smartphone adoption, and seamless digital payments.

The rapid growth of digital transactions through UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has embedded online commerce into everyday economic life. E-commerce today anchors employment generation, exports, logistics, MSME empowerment, and technological innovation, making it central to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat.

Key Drivers of E-Commerce Growth in India

1. Digital Payments and UPI as the Transactional Backbone

Rapid, low-cost, and real-time payment systems have reduced transaction friction. UPI enables seamless person-to-merchant payments, compresses settlement time, and reduces cash dependency.

Its scalability allows micro-transactions, making digital commerce viable even in smaller towns. Massive transaction volumes reflect its importance as payments infrastructure.

2. Internet and Smartphone Penetration

India has over 800 million internet users, and the majority of households possess at least one smartphone.

Falling device costs and improved connectivity (4G, 5G, and upcoming 6G networks) have expanded digital retail to rural India. This has increased order frequency and encouraged platforms to localize user experience, logistics, and payment systems.

3. Logistics and Last-Mile Connectivity

Efficient warehousing, route optimization, and hyperlocal delivery networks have strengthened consumer trust.

The rise of quick commerce and cold-chain logistics has enabled category expansion into groceries and pharmaceuticals, improving reliability and repeat purchases.

4. MSME Integration and Platform Democratization

E-commerce platforms have lowered market entry barriers for MSMEs, which account for nearly 70% of e-commerce sales in India.

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) promotes open and interoperable digital networks, reducing monopolistic tendencies and enabling wider seller participation.

5. Export Potential and Cross-Border E-Commerce

Digital platforms have connected Indian MSMEs to global markets in textiles, handicrafts, and specialty foods.

Export facilitation programmes by companies such as Amazon have significantly expanded India’s cumulative e-commerce exports.

6. Generative AI and Analytics

AI-driven tools improve product discovery, pricing strategies, demand forecasting, and inventory management.

Personalization and automated customer support enhance productivity and reduce working capital strain, especially for smaller merchants.

7. Evolving Business Models

India’s e-commerce ecosystem includes:

• Marketplace models,

• Inventory-led models,

• Quick commerce platforms.

Each model balances margins, capital investment, and customer experience differently, reflecting market maturity.

8. Competitive and Regulatory Environment

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) monitors anti-competitive practices such as self-preferencing and exclusive agreements.

Regulatory oversight ensures fair competition while preserving innovation incentives.

Regulatory Framework Governing E-Commerce

1. Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020

These rules mandate:

• Appointment of grievance officers,

• Display of country of origin and total price,

• Prevention of misleading advertisements and fake reviews,

• Fair cancellation norms and explicit data consent.

2. FDI Policy and Marketplace Regulations

Under FDI rules:

• 100% FDI is allowed only in the marketplace model,

• Inventory-based models are restricted,

• Platforms cannot sell goods from vendors in which they hold equity stakes.

3. Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) mandates:

• Explicit consent for data collection,

• Right to deletion,

• Heavy penalties for non-compliance.

Government Measures to Boost E-Commerce

1. ONDC – Democratizing Digital Commerce

ONDC promotes an open network architecture to reduce dependence on dominant platforms and increase MSME participation.

2. Government e-Marketplace (GeM)

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) enhances transparency in public procurement and supports women-led MSMEs.

3. E-Commerce Export Hubs

Under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, export hubs near ports and airports simplify customs and logistics processes for small exporters.

4. India Post Integration

Integration of India Post with ONDC strengthens rural last-mile delivery through an extensive postal network.

5. Regulation of Dark Patterns

The Guidelines for Prevention of Dark Patterns (2023) prohibit deceptive user interface practices such as false urgency and basket sneaking.

Key Issues in the E-Commerce Sector

1. Antitrust and Self-Preferencing

Investigations have highlighted concerns about preferential treatment of select sellers by major platforms.

2. Gig Worker Safety

The rapid growth of quick commerce has raised concerns about road safety, labor rights, and working conditions.

3. Dark Patterns and Consumer Manipulation

Behavioral design tactics such as fake scarcity and drip pricing undermine consumer autonomy.

4. Environmental Concerns

High return rates and excessive packaging increase carbon emissions and plastic waste, conflicting with sustainability goals.

5. Regulatory Overreach vs Innovation

Proposed ex-ante regulations may create compliance burdens for startups while aiming to ensure fair competition.

Measures Needed for Strengthening the Sector

1. Strengthening ONDC 2.0

Enhancing grievance redressal systems, AI-based cataloging, and backend support can lower entry barriers for rural enterprises.

2. Ex-Ante Competition Regulation

Platform neutrality audits can prevent self-preferencing and ensure a level playing field.

3. Green Logistics and Circular Economy

Introducing circular economy credits, promoting EV-based delivery, and encouraging eco-friendly packaging can reduce environmental impact.

4. Gig Worker Social Security

A portable social security framework for gig workers can ensure labor dignity and reduce sectoral instability.

5. Data Sovereignty and Trust Building

Strict enforcement of data protection laws and elimination of dark patterns can strengthen consumer trust.

Conclusion

India’s e-commerce ecosystem stands at the intersection of digital innovation, inclusive growth, and regulatory fairness.

By leveraging digital public infrastructure, MSME integration, AI-driven productivity, and calibrated regulation, e-commerce can evolve from a convenience-driven sector into a nation-building growth engine aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.