Recently, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), in collaboration with an industry partner, announced that it is ready to scale up Dimethyl Ether (DME) technology to an industrial-scale demonstration.

This development is significant as it promotes clean fuel alternatives and supports India’s transition towards sustainable energy solutions.

About Dimethyl Ether (DME)

Dimethyl Ether is a synthetically produced fuel that can serve as an alternative to diesel. It is specifically suitable for use in specially designed compression ignition (diesel) engines.

It is increasingly being considered a promising clean fuel option for sectors such as transport and agriculture, where diesel consumption is high.

Properties of Dimethyl Ether

Dimethyl Ether possesses several important properties that make it a viable alternative fuel:

• It has a very high cetane number, which means it has excellent ignition quality in diesel engines.

• Under normal atmospheric conditions, it exists as a colorless gas.

• It burns cleanly, emitting very low levels of soot, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter.

• It offers thermal efficiency comparable to conventional fuels, making it a practical substitute.

These properties make DME a low-emission and environmentally friendly fuel option.

Applications of Dimethyl Ether

Dimethyl Ether has diverse industrial and energy applications:

• It can be used as an alternative fuel in diesel engines, particularly in agricultural machinery and transport vehicles.

• It is widely used in the chemical industry.

• It serves as an aerosol propellant in various products.

• It is also used in the manufacture of chemicals such as dyes and plastics.

Conclusion

Dimethyl Ether (DME) represents a promising clean energy alternative with the potential to reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuels. Its high efficiency, low emissions, and versatility make it particularly suitable for India’s energy needs. The recent efforts by CSIR-NCL to scale up its production mark an important step towards sustainable and cleaner fuel adoption.

Recently, the Government of India informed that Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB) has entered the fourth year of its captive breeding programme. This programme is a crucial conservation effort aimed at increasing the population of the species and preventing its extinction, as the bird is on the brink of disappearing from the wild.

About the Great Indian Bustard

The Great Indian Bustard is a large terrestrial bird species that is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, meaning it is found naturally only in this region. It is considered one of the most endangered bird species in India, making its conservation a matter of urgent priority.

Habitat and Distribution

The natural habitat of the Great Indian Bustard consists of dry grasslands and scrublands, which provide suitable conditions for feeding and nesting. However, these habitats are rapidly declining due to agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and human interference.

Currently, the bird’s core population is confined to the Thar Desert, particularly in the districts of:

• Jaisalmer

• Barmer

This restricted distribution makes the species extremely vulnerable to extinction.

Key Characteristics

The Great Indian Bustard has several distinctive physical and biological features:

• It is among the heaviest flying birds in the world, which makes its flight energy-intensive.

• It has a horizontal body posture, long bare legs, and an ostrich-like appearance, adapted for terrestrial life.

• Both males and females are similar in size, with some individuals weighing up to 15 kilograms.

• The species has a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years in natural conditions.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

The Great Indian Bustard is an opportunistic feeder, meaning it consumes a wide variety of food depending on seasonal availability. Its diet includes:

• Grass seeds, which form a major part of its food

• Insects, such as grasshoppers and beetles

• Occasionally small rodents and reptiles

This varied diet helps it survive in harsh and semi-arid environments.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the Great Indian Bustard indicates that it is at a critical risk of extinction:

• According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, it is classified as Critically Endangered

• Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, it is listed in Appendix I, which provides the highest level of international protection

• In India, it is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, ensuring maximum legal safeguards

Conclusion

The Great Indian Bustard is a flagship species of India’s grassland ecosystem, but it faces severe threats due to habitat loss, human disturbance, and developmental activities. Conservation efforts such as captive breeding and habitat protection are essential to ensure its survival and restore its population, thereby preserving ecological balance.

Recently, the Central Adoption Resource Authority issued nationwide directions to strengthen adoption procedures. These directions aim to safeguard adoption records, ensure transparency, and protect the identity of children, thereby improving the integrity of the adoption process across India.

About CARA

The Central Adoption Resource Authority is a statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. It was granted statutory status under Section 68 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Its primary mandate is to regulate and monitor the adoption of orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children through recognized adoption agencies.

CARA is also designated as the Central Authority for intercountry adoptions in accordance with the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, which India ratified in 2003.

• Headquarters: New Delhi

Functions of CARA

The authority performs several important functions:

• It promotes in-country adoptions and facilitates inter-state adoptions in coordination with state agencies.

• It regulates intercountry adoptions, ensuring compliance with international norms and safeguards.

• It has the power to frame and update adoption regulations as required.

• It performs the role of the Central Authority under the Hague Convention, ensuring ethical and transparent international adoption processes.

• It undertakes additional functions as prescribed by the government.

Monitoring and Regulatory Role

CARA plays a crucial role in supervising and coordinating various institutions involved in the adoption process, including:

• State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA)

• Specialised Adoption Agency (SAA)

• Authorised Foreign Adoption Agency (AFAA)

• Child Welfare Committees (CWCs)

• District Child Protection Units (DCPUs)

Through this network, it ensures accountability, transparency, and child welfare in adoption procedures.

Conclusion

The Central Adoption Resource Authority plays a vital role in regulating and streamlining adoption processes in India. The recent directions highlight the need for stronger safeguards, better record management, and protection of children’s identity, ensuring that adoption remains ethical, transparent, and child-centric.

Recently, the United Nations Environment Programme released a report titled “Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines”, which highlights that the improper disposal of medicines poses serious risks to both environmental and public health.

The report emphasizes that pharmaceutical waste can contaminate water and soil, harm ecosystems, and contribute to antimicrobial resistance, making it a growing global concern.

About UNEP

The United Nations Environment Programme is the leading global authority on environmental issues. It was established in 1972 following a United Nations General Assembly resolution.

Its primary mandate is to monitor the state of the global environment and coordinate international responses to major environmental challenges. The headquarters of UNEP is located in Nairobi.

Structure of UNEP

United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)

The United Nations Environment Assembly is the highest decision-making body on environmental matters. It comprises all UN member states and meets once every two years to set global priorities and adopt resolutions.

Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR)

The Committee of Permanent Representatives functions as the main advisory body to UNEA. It assists in preparing agendas and provides policy guidance.

Secretariat

The Secretariat, headed by the Executive Director, is responsible for implementing UNEA decisions and managing the day-to-day functioning of UNEP.

Regional and Thematic Offices

UNEP operates through various regional offices across Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe, Latin America, West Asia, and North America, enabling it to address region-specific environmental issues effectively.

Functions of UNEP

UNEP performs several important global functions:

• It supports and develops international environmental treaties such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, and Minamata Convention on Mercury.

• It facilitates international cooperation by hosting secretariats and assisting in negotiations of environmental agreements.

• It publishes authoritative reports and assessments, including the Global Environment Outlook and the Emissions Gap Report.

• It provides technical assistance, funding, and capacity-building support to developing countries.

Conclusion

The United Nations Environment Programme plays a crucial role in global environmental governance. The recent report on pharmaceutical waste highlights the need for safe disposal practices, stronger regulations, and increased awareness to protect both human health and the environment.

A Telugu medieval inscription linked to the Gajapati rulers of Odisha has been recently discovered at the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple. The inscription was found on a stone pillar at Ramachandrapura Agraharam in Guntur.

This discovery is significant as it highlights the southern extent and cultural influence of the Gajapati Empire, particularly in the Telugu-speaking regions.

About the Gajapati Empire

The Gajapati Empire was a powerful medieval Hindu dynasty that originated in Odisha and ruled from approximately 1434 to 1541 CE.

It succeeded the Eastern Ganga Dynasty and was founded by Kapilendra Deva of the Suryavamsa lineage, following the death of the last Ganga ruler, Bhanu Deva IV.

Political and Territorial Expansion

• The initial capital of the empire was at Cuttack.

• During the reign of Prataparudra Deva, the administrative centre shifted to Kataka (often identified with the region near Konark).

At its peak in the 15th century, the empire extended:

• From the Ganges near Hooghly in the north

• To the Kaveri basin in the south

This demonstrates the vast territorial reach and military strength of the Gajapati rulers.

Cultural Contributions

The Gajapatis were notable for their patronage of art, architecture, and literature:

• The iconic Sun Temple, Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects their architectural excellence.

• They actively promoted the Odia language, literature, and performing arts, contributing to a cultural renaissance in Odisha.

Decline of the Empire

The decline of the Gajapati Empire was due to both external conflicts and internal weaknesses:

• Continuous rivalry with the Vijayanagara Empire weakened their control.

• By the early 16th century, they lost significant southern territories to the Vijayanagara rulers and the Golconda Sultanate.

• Internal conflicts and invasions further destabilized the empire.

Eventually, the region came under the control of the Mughal Empire in the late 16th century, marking the end of Gajapati dominance.

Conclusion

The recent inscription discovery reinforces the historical importance and wide geographical influence of the Gajapati Empire. Known for both military expansion and cultural patronage, the empire played a crucial role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of eastern and southern India.

India continues to face a persistent fiscal challenge of a low tax-to-GDP ratio and widespread tax evasion. Between 2001 and 2022, the average tax-GDP ratio remained around 16.36%, which is relatively low compared to many emerging economies. In addition, it is estimated that nearly 4.3% of tax revenue is lost annually due to evasion.

To address these challenges, India has increasingly adopted Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance, particularly in tax administration. A key initiative in this direction is the Income Tax Department’s Project Insight, which aims to improve revenue mobilisation, strengthen voluntary compliance, and ensure fairness in enforcement.

Architecture of Project Insight

Project Insight was launched in 2017 and became fully operational by 2019. It is designed as a data-driven and AI-enabled tax compliance system to identify high-risk tax evasion cases and improve overall compliance.

Income Tax Transaction Analysis Centre (INTRAC)

The core component of Project Insight is the Income Tax Transaction Analysis Centre (INTRAC). It uses advanced data analytics and AI tools to integrate and analyse information from multiple sources, including:

• Banking transactions

• Financial institutions

• Property records

• GST filings

• High-value financial transactions

This integration helps create a 360-degree profile of taxpayers, allowing authorities to identify mismatches between declared income and actual financial behaviour.

This enables data-driven detection of tax evasion patterns that were previously difficult to trace manually.

Compliance Management System and NUDGE Strategy

Project Insight is supported by a Compliance Management Centralised Processing Centre, which promotes voluntary compliance using behavioural insights.

It follows the NUDGE strategy (Non-intrusive Usage of Data to Guide and Enable), under which:

• Taxpayers receive SMS or email alerts

• They are encouraged to voluntarily correct discrepancies in returns

• They can file revised returns without coercive action

This approach shifts tax enforcement from punitive action to behavioural compliance and voluntary correction.

Benefits of AI-Driven Tax Systems

AI-based tax governance provides several important advantages:

1. Improved Risk Profiling

AI helps in identifying high-risk taxpayers and suspicious transactions more accurately.

2. Better Prioritisation of Cases

Authorities can focus on cases involving large-scale evasion or complex financial irregularities.

3. Automation of Processes

Routine tasks such as data matching and verification are automated, improving efficiency and reducing manual workload.

4. Improved Taxpayer Services

AI enables chatbots, digital assistance, and faster query resolution, improving taxpayer experience.

5. Fraud Detection

AI systems help detect complex and hidden patterns of tax evasion, strengthening enforcement.

Measurable Outcomes and Global Context

The implementation of India’s AI-based tax system through Project Insight has produced significant measurable outcomes in improving tax compliance and revenue collection.

Since 2020–21, more than one crore revised income tax returns have been filed, resulting in an additional revenue collection of around ₹11,000 crore. This shows that AI-enabled monitoring has helped expand voluntary compliance.

Targeted NUDGE-based campaigns have also improved disclosure quality. These interventions led to better reporting of foreign income and overseas assets, while corrections related to false deductions resulted in ₹963 crore worth of corrections and ₹410 crore in additional tax payments.

Administrative efficiency has also improved significantly, as the refund processing time has reduced from 93 days to 17 days, making the system faster and more taxpayer-friendly.

AI tools have further enabled the detection of large-scale tax evasion, including identification of nearly ₹70,000 crore in suppressed restaurant sales, achieved through methods such as invoice deletion and data manipulation.

These outcomes demonstrate that AI and big data analytics are highly effective in detecting complex and hidden forms of tax evasion.

Global Context

At the global level, countries such as Australia, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States have adopted similar AI-based tax governance systems. This reflects the growing global reliance on data-driven tax administration.

India’s adoption of Project Insight aligns with these international practices and positions it as a leader in digital public finance and AI-enabled governance systems.

Concerns and Structural Risks

Despite its benefits, AI-powered tax governance presents several important challenges and risks.

1. Data Quality Issues

AI systems depend heavily on accurate and complete datasets. However, complex financial arrangements such as irregular income patterns or joint family finances may lead to false positives, where genuine taxpayers are wrongly flagged.

Poor data quality can lead to misclassification and unnecessary compliance burden on taxpayers.

2. Algorithmic Bias

AI models trained on historical datasets may unintentionally reinforce existing socio-economic inequalities, leading to biased targeting of certain groups.

A global example of this risk is the Dutch childcare benefits scandal, where algorithmic bias led to wrongful penalties and large-scale injustice.

3. Lack of Transparency and Due Process

A major concern is the lack of explainability in AI decisions. Taxpayers often do not understand:

• Why they were flagged

• How decisions were made

• What data influenced the decision

The absence of a strong human-in-the-loop system and transparent appeal mechanism weakens procedural fairness and accountability.

4. Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Risks

The integration of large volumes of sensitive financial data increases risks such as:

• Data breaches

• Cyberattacks

• Misuse of confidential financial information

  Strong data protection and cybersecurity frameworks are essential to ensure trust in AI-driven systems.

5. Institutional Gaps

India currently lacks:

• An AI ombudsperson for grievance redressal

• Mandatory algorithmic audits

• Systems to track false positives and appeal outcomes

Conclusion

The AI-driven tax governance system under Project Insight demonstrates the transformative potential of technology in improving tax compliance, efficiency, and revenue mobilisation.

However, its long-term success depends on maintaining a careful balance between technological efficiency and principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Strengthening data governance, privacy protection, algorithmic audits, and independent oversight mechanisms is essential to address existing risks.

The Government of India has released a revised Gross Domestic Product (GDP) series with the base year shifted to 2022–23, marking a major reform in the country’s national accounting system. The revision was announced on 27 February 2026 by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

The main purpose of this revision is to replace the outdated 2011–12 base year and provide a more accurate, realistic, and up-to-date representation of India’s economy. It also incorporates modern statistical techniques and improved data sources aligned with international standards.

Overview of New GDP Estimates

The revised estimates show India’s GDP at current prices as:

• ₹261.18 lakh crore in 2022–23

• ₹289.84 lakh crore in 2023–24

• ₹318.07 lakh crore in 2024–25

These figures are about 3–4% lower than earlier estimates, indicating that the revision is a recalibration of data rather than a downward correction of economic performance.

Sectoral Composition of GDP

The structure of the Indian economy remains broadly stable under the new series:

• The services sector remains dominant at 52.9%, highlighting India’s transition toward a service-led economy.

• The industrial sector contributes 25.8%, reflecting steady manufacturing and construction activity.

• The agriculture sector accounts for 21.4%, showing its continued importance despite structural transformation.

A key highlight is the strong growth in the manufacturing sector, where real Gross Value Added (GVA) increased by 12.7% in 2023–24 and 9.3% in 2024–25, indicating industrial recovery and expansion.

On the demand side, Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) remains the largest driver of growth, contributing nearly 56% of GDP, which reflects the importance of domestic consumption in sustaining economic growth.

Key Methodological Improvements

The new GDP series introduces several important methodological refinements to improve accuracy and reliability.

1. Better Allocation of Economic Activity

The series introduces the segregation of multi-activity enterprises, which allows more accurate allocation of output across different sectors. Earlier, the entire output of a firm was assigned to its main activity, which often distorted sectoral contributions.

This change improves sector-wise accuracy of GDP estimation.

2. Improved Coverage of Corporate Sector

The methodology now uses differentiated scaling factors based on firm size, which helps estimate contributions from non-reporting companies more accurately. Additionally, the inclusion of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) ensures wider coverage of the formal business sector.

This leads to a more complete and realistic representation of corporate activity.

3. Improved Measurement of Household Sector

A major improvement is seen in the estimation of the informal and household sector, which plays a significant role in India’s economy.

The new method combines:

• Data from the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE)

• Employment estimates from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)

This replaces older extrapolation-based methods and allows more dynamic and updated measurement of informal sector output.

This significantly improves the accuracy of informal sector contribution, which was earlier underestimated.

4. Adoption of Advanced Statistical Methods

The new series uses double deflation techniques and volume extrapolation methods, which are globally accepted standards for real GDP estimation. These methods help separate price effects from real growth.

Additionally, data from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES 2022–23) has been incorporated to improve the measurement of private consumption, especially for essential goods.

hese changes bring India’s GDP estimation closer to international best practices.

Persistent Structural Challenges

Despite improvements, certain challenges remain in the GDP estimation process.

1. State-Level GDP Estimation Issues

One of the major challenges is the allocation of national GDP to states (GSVA estimation). Since company-level data from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs is not geographically detailed, estimates rely on proxy indicators such as:

• Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)

• Goods and Services Tax (GST) data

However, the ASI has a limited sampling frame, covering only a fraction of enterprises. This can lead to inaccurate state-level GDP estimates.

Weak state-level data reduces the precision of regional economic comparisons.

2. Volatility in Household Sector Estimates

The estimates derived from ASUSE show significant year-to-year fluctuations, especially across industries and states. This raises concerns about data stability and reliability.

Although smoothing techniques like a three-year moving average are used, they do not fully resolve the issue. A more effective solution suggested is a rotating panel survey design, similar to the PLFS.

Survey design limitations affect the consistency of informal sector data.

Conclusion

The introduction of the 2022–23 base year GDP series is a major milestone in improving India’s national accounting system. It enhances accuracy, transparency, and global comparability by incorporating better data sources and advanced statistical methods.

However, challenges such as state-level GDP estimation issues and volatility in household sector data highlight the need for further refinement. Strengthening surveys like ASI and ASUSE and integrating administrative datasets more effectively will be crucial for improving future estimates.

Recently, the NITI Aayog released the second edition of the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2026 to evaluate the fiscal performance of Indian states.

The report is particularly significant in the present context as global public debt has surged to nearly USD 102 trillion in 2024, placing increasing pressure on public finances worldwide. This makes fiscal discipline and sustainability at the state level more important than ever.

What is the Fiscal Health Index (FHI)?

The Fiscal Health Index is a comprehensive and data-driven framework developed by NITI Aayog to assess, compare, and improve the fiscal health of Indian states.

It evaluates states based on five key pillars:

• Quality of Expenditure

• Revenue Mobilisation

• Fiscal Prudence

• Debt Index

• Debt Sustainability

The index uses data verified by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, ensuring credibility, transparency, and reliability. Its primary objective is to promote reforms, enable evidence-based policymaking, and encourage healthy competition among states.

Key Features of FHI 2026

The FHI 2026 provides a long-term analysis of fiscal trends by examining data from FY 2014–15 to FY 2023–24.

An important feature of this edition is the expanded coverage, which now includes North-Eastern and Himalayan states in addition to the earlier 18 major states. These states are ranked separately to account for their unique challenges such as:

• Geographical remoteness

• Low population density

• Limited revenue-generating capacity

• Higher dependence on central transfers

Key Highlights of the Report

Performance of Major States

The index categorises states into four groups:

• Achievers: Odisha, Goa, and Jharkhand are the top performers, characterised by low fiscal deficits, stable revenues, and moderate debt levels.

• Front-Runners: States like Gujarat and Maharashtra perform well due to low debt levels and controlled interest burdens.

• Performers: States such as Madhya Pradesh and Bihar show moderate performance, with Bihar improving its fiscal management.

• Aspirational States: Punjab, Kerala, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh face serious challenges, including:

  • High debt (35–45% of GSDP)

  • High committed expenditure (50–60%)

  • Significant interest burden

  • Frequent breaches of **Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act norms

North-Eastern and Himalayan States

• Achievers: Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand perform well due to better fiscal management and revenue mobilisation.

• Performers: States like Assam and Tripura show mixed outcomes.

• Aspirational States: Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Nagaland face high debt, weak revenue bases, and persistent deficits.

Significance of Fiscal Health of States

1. Macroeconomic Stability

The fiscal condition of states is critical because they account for about one-third of India’s total public debt. Weak state finances can lead to:

• Inflationary pressures

• Reduced private investment

• Increased burden on the central government

2. Role in Development

State governments are responsible for major expenditures on:

• Health and education

• Infrastructure and welfare schemes

Strong fiscal health enables higher capital investment and balanced regional development.

3. Rising Fiscal Stress

There has been a noticeable rise in fiscal pressure:

• State debt increased from ~16.7% (2013–14) to ~23% (2022–23)

• Fiscal deficit rose to around 3.2% of GDP

This trend highlights the need for better fiscal management and sustainability measures.

Policy Measures Recommended

The report suggests several reforms to strengthen state finances:

• Enhancing Revenue: Improve tax compliance, expand GST base, and strengthen state-level taxes.

• Controlling Expenditure: Reduce excessive spending on salaries, pensions, and subsidies.

• Improving Capital Expenditure: Focus on productive investments that boost long-term growth.

• Maintaining Fiscal Discipline: Adhere to FRBM targets, especially keeping the fiscal deficit around 3% of GSDP.

• Increasing Transparency: Limit off-budget borrowings and improve financial reporting systems.

Conclusion

The Fiscal Health Index 2026 highlights that strong and sustainable state finances are essential for India’s overall economic stability and development. By identifying fiscal weaknesses and promoting reforms, the index serves as a valuable tool for improving governance, accountability, and long-term growth, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.