The Global Terrorism Index 2026 has been recently published by the Institute for Economics and Peace. The report assesses the global impact of terrorism and provides rankings for countries based on terrorism-related indicators.

About Global Terrorism Index (GTI)

The Global Terrorism Index is a comprehensive annual study that:

• Covers 163 countries, representing 99.7% of the world’s population

• Analyses the impact and trends of terrorism globally

• Is published by the Institute for Economics and Peace

It serves as an important tool to understand global terrorism patterns and security risks.

Methodology

The GTI assigns each country a score ranging from 0 to 10:

• 0 = No impact of terrorism

• 10 = Highest impact of terrorism

The score is a composite index, combining multiple indicators such as incidents, deaths, injuries, and property damage, to rank countries based on the severity of terrorism impact.

Key Highlights of Global Terrorism Index 2026

Global Trends

• Deaths from terrorism declined by 28% globally.

• Terrorist incidents fell by 22%, indicating an overall reduction in global terrorism impact.

Regional Pattern

• Sub-Saharan Africa remains the epicentre of terrorism, with six of the ten most affected countries located in the region.

• This highlights the persistent instability and security challenges in the region.

Country Rankings

• For the first time, Pakistan ranks as the most terrorism-affected country in the world.

• India is ranked 13th globally in terms of terrorism impact.

Deadliest Terror Groups (2025)

The report identifies the following as the most lethal terrorist organisations:

• Islamic State (IS)

• Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM)

• Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)

• Al-Shabaab

These groups remain key drivers of global terrorism incidents and fatalities.

Conclusion

The Global Terrorism Index 2026 highlights a mixed global picture—while terrorism-related deaths and incidents have declined, regional hotspots such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia continue to face significant threats. The report underscores the need for coordinated international counter-terrorism efforts and regional stability measures.

The Government of India has recently modified the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme (MCGS) in line with Budget 2025–26. The revised scheme aims to strengthen financial support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), especially manufacturers and exporters, by improving access to credit for investment in machinery and equipment.

About Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme

The Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme (MCGS) is designed to facilitate easier credit flow to MSMEs by providing risk coverage to lending institutions.

Under the scheme:

• The National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited provides a 60% credit guarantee to Member Lending Institutions.

• It covers loans up to ₹100 crore sanctioned to eligible MSMEs under MCGS-MSME.

• The loans are primarily intended for purchase of machinery and equipment, supporting industrial growth and modernisation.

Key Salient Features of the Revised Scheme

1. Expanded Eligibility

• Borrowers must be MSMEs with a valid Udyam Registration Number.

• The scheme now also includes service sector MSMEs, broadening its coverage.

2. Relaxed Project Requirements

• The minimum investment requirement in machinery and equipment has been reduced from 75% to 60% of the project cost.

• This makes the scheme more accessible to smaller enterprises.

3. Upfront Contribution Benefits

• The 5% upfront contribution is now refundable.

• Refund is provided at 1% per year from the fourth year onwards, subject to good loan performance.

4. Duration and Coverage Limits

• The credit guarantee will be valid for 10 years, providing long-term financial security.

• The scheme applies to loans sanctioned for 4 years or until cumulative guarantees reach ₹7 lakh crore, whichever is earlier.

Special Provisions for Exporters

The scheme also provides targeted support to eligible exporters:

• Units must be profitable MSMEs exporting at least 25% of sales turnover in each of the previous three financial years.

• The maximum guaranteed loan amount is ₹20 crore.

• Upfront contribution is 2% of loan amount (maximum ₹40 lakh).

• Refund structure: 1% each in the 4th and 5th year, subject to loan performance.

Significance of the Scheme

• Improves access to institutional credit for MSMEs

• Encourages capital investment in machinery and technology

• Supports export-oriented growth and manufacturing competitiveness

• Reduces lending risk for banks through credit guarantee cover

• Aligns with the goal of strengthening India’s MSME ecosystem under Budget 2025–26

Conclusion

The revised Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme is a significant step toward enhancing the financial ecosystem for MSMEs in India. By improving credit availability, reducing risk for lenders, and supporting exporters, the scheme is expected to boost industrial growth, employment generation, and global competitiveness of Indian MSMEs

The Government of India has recently introduced the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions–2.0 (CGSMFI-2.0) to strengthen credit flow to the microfinance sector and improve financial inclusion for small borrowers.

About the Scheme

The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions–2.0 aims to provide a credit guarantee cover to Banks and Financial Institutions through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited.

Under this scheme:

• It provides guarantee against expected loan losses.

• It covers financial assistance extended to NBFC-MFIs and MFIs.

• These institutions further provide on-lending to small borrowers in the microfinance sector.

The scheme is designed to improve credit access for economically weaker sections through institutional lending channels.

Key Features of the Scheme

1. Eligible Borrowers

The scheme covers:

• Existing and new small borrowers

• Defined under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) norms for microfinance activities

2. Guarantee Coverage

The guarantee cover varies based on the size of the lending institution:

• 80% coverage for small NBFC-MFIs/MFIs

• 75% coverage for medium NBFC-MFIs/MFIs

• 70% coverage for large NBFC-MFIs/MFIs

This tiered structure helps balance risk-sharing between lenders and the guarantee agency.

3. Guarantee Fee

• A fee of 0.50% per annum is charged on the sanctioned amount in the first year.

• In subsequent years, the fee is charged on the outstanding loan amount.

4. Validity of the Scheme

The scheme is valid:

• Until 30 June 2026, or

• Until guarantees are extended for loans worth ₹20,000 crore, whichever is earlier.

Impact of the Scheme

The CGSMFI–2.0 is expected to have significant financial inclusion benefits:

• It will increase credit flow to the microfinance sector.

• It will enable NBFC-MFIs and MFIs to expand lending operations.

• It is estimated to benefit around 36 lakh small borrowers through on-lending support.

• It strengthens the formal credit system for low-income households and micro-entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions–2.0 (CGSMFI-2.0) is a key policy intervention aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and credit accessibility. By providing risk coverage to lenders through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited, the scheme strengthens the microfinance ecosystem and ensures better credit flow to vulnerable and underserved sections of society.

The Indian Navy is preparing to commission its latest stealth frigate, INS Taragiri (F41), on 03 April 2026. This marks a significant addition to India’s indigenous naval capability under the Project 17A programme.

About INS Taragiri

INS Taragiri (F41) is the fourth ship of the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) stealth frigates, constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilding Limited (MDL).

Key highlights:

• It is a reincarnation of the earlier INS Taragiri, a Leander-class frigate that served in the Indian Navy.

• It has been designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB).

• It reflects India’s growing focus on indigenous warship design and construction capability.

Design and Operational Features

The frigate is designed for high-speed, high-endurance, and multi-dimensional naval operations, making it suitable for modern maritime warfare.

Key Features:

• Enhanced stealth characteristics to reduce radar detectability

• Designed for multi-role operations, including surface, air, and sub-surface warfare

• Improved sensor and combat systems compared to the earlier Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates

Weapon Systems and Combat Capability

The INS Taragiri (F41) is equipped with advanced weapon systems, including:

• BrahMos supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles

• Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system

• MFSTAR radar-based fire control system

• 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM)

• Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS) of 30 mm and 12.7 mm calibre

• Anti-submarine warfare torpedoes and rocket systems

The combination of BrahMos + MRSAM + advanced ASW suite makes it a multi-layered combat platform capable of handling diverse threats.

Propulsion and Technology

• The ship uses a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, allowing flexibility between fuel efficiency and high-speed performance.

• It is powered by diesel engines and gas turbines, driving Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) on each shaft.

• It is equipped with an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for automated monitoring and control of ship operations.

Significance

• Strengthens India’s blue water naval capabilities

• Enhances maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

• Demonstrates progress in Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing

• Improves India’s ability to conduct multi-domain naval warfare operations

Conclusion

The commissioning of INS Taragiri (F41) represents a major step in India’s naval modernisation. With advanced stealth features, powerful weapon systems, and indigenous design, it significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s operational readiness and maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region.

Recently, a pair of Shaheen Falcon was found nesting in a multi-storey residential complex under construction in Kochi. This highlights the bird’s adaptability to urban environments and raises awareness about its conservation.

About Shaheen Falcon

The Shaheen Falcon is a non-migratory subspecies of the Peregrine falcon, scientifically known as Falco peregrinus peregrinator. It is a powerful bird of prey found mainly in the Indian subcontinent.

Physical Appearance

• The falcon has a distinct dark vertical stripe running from the eye down the side of the face, giving it a sharp and intense look.

• It has a muscular and streamlined body, built for speed and agility.

• The female is larger than the male, a common feature among birds of prey.

Habitat and Distribution

The Shaheen Falcon typically inhabits:

• Rocky cliffs and hilly terrains

• Rock pinnacles and escarpments

It is primarily found across the Indian subcontinent, with sightings also reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Its recent nesting in urban structures shows its ability to adapt to human-altered landscapes.

Food Habits

The Shaheen falcon is a carnivorous predator, feeding mainly on:

• Birds (primary diet)

• Small mammals such as bats, rats, and rabbits

• Occasionally insects, reptiles, and even fish

Special Hunting Ability

The Shaheen Falcon is renowned for its hunting technique called the “stoop”:

• It dives at extremely high speeds, often exceeding 300 km/h

• Its body is specially adapted to minimise air resistance and maximise impact force

• This makes it one of the fastest animals in the world

Significance

• Acts as an important predator maintaining ecological balance

• Indicator of healthy ecosystems

• Increasing urban sightings highlight the need for coexistence and conservation awareness

Conclusion

The recent nesting of the Shaheen Falcon in Kochi reflects its remarkable adaptability and resilience. Protecting its habitats—both natural and urban—is essential to ensure the survival of this highly skilled and ecologically important bird of prey.

The global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy is shaped by competing priorities—energy security, economic stability, and climate responsibility. Leaders like Simon Stiell have warned that dependence on fossil fuels undermines national sovereignty, while activists such as Greta Thunberg highlight the urgency of faster action. However, the transition is not a simple binary choice; it requires balancing development needs, strategic autonomy, and sustainability.

Fossil Fuel Dependence and Strategic Vulnerability

Fossil fuels continue to underpin industrial economies, but they also create geopolitical risks.

• Critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz demonstrate how energy supply can be disrupted or weaponised.

• For countries like India, heavy reliance on imported crude leads to economic shocks, inflation, and industrial disruption during crises.

At the same time, a sudden shift away from fossil fuels is not feasible:

• Developing economies depend on coal, oil, and gas for growth, employment, and energy access.

• Abrupt withdrawal without adequate infrastructure may lead to economic instability.

Thus, fossil fuels represent both a strategic liability and a developmental necessity.

Renewables: Independence or New Dependency?

Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind promise long-term energy independence, as they are not subject to physical embargoes once infrastructure is established.

However, they introduce new dependencies:

• Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential for clean technologies.

• Supply chains are highly concentrated:

  • The Democratic Republic of the Congo dominates cobalt production

  • Australia leads in lithium extraction

  • China controls much of the processing

This creates supply chain vulnerabilities, meaning the transition shifts dependence from oil to minerals rather than eliminating it.

Role of Crises in Accelerating Transition

Geopolitical and economic crises often act as catalysts for energy transition:

• Rising fossil fuel prices make renewable energy more economically attractive.

• High oil prices reduce the payback period of renewable investments, encouraging faster adoption.

However:

• When fossil fuel prices are low, governments tend to delay clean energy investments.

• Crisis-driven transitions may lead to short-term decisions without addressing structural issues.

For India, disruptions in oil supply could accelerate transition, but planned and gradual transformation remains essential.

Equity and Historical Responsibility

The transition to clean energy raises concerns of climate justice:

• Developed countries achieved industrial growth through fossil fuels.

• Developing nations are now expected to decarbonise without similar advantages.

For India:

• Affordable and reliable energy is critical for development.

• A fair transition requires:

  • Technology transfer

  • Financial support

  • Recognition of differentiated responsibilities

Without these, the transition risks deepening global inequalities.

Ethics Beyond Economics and Fear

Energy transition is often framed in terms of security threats or economic benefits, but such narratives are insufficient for long-term change.

A sustainable transition must be based on ethical responsibility:

• Addressing climate change as a moral imperative

• Recognising the environmental and social costs of mining critical minerals

• Ensuring human rights and ecological protection in resource extraction

Consistency is key—ethical concerns should not fluctuate with market conditions.

Conclusion

The transition to renewable energy involves navigating a complex interplay of geopolitics, economics, and ethics. Fossil fuels expose nations to external shocks, while renewables introduce new dependencies on mineral supply chains. Although crises can accelerate change, sustainable progress requires careful planning and long-term vision.

For countries like India, the goal is a balanced transition that safeguards economic stability while advancing sustainability. Ultimately, the strongest foundation for this shift lies in ethical commitment, ensuring that the transition is not only efficient but also just, inclusive, and environmentally responsible

The Supreme Court of India recently considered a petition seeking a uniform national policy on menstrual leave for women and students. During the hearing, the Court expressed concern that making paid menstrual leave a compulsory legal right might unintentionally harm women’s employment prospects and career progression. This has brought attention to the need to balance menstrual health, constitutional rights, and workplace equality.

Understanding Menstrual Leave

Menstrual leave refers to policies that allow women to take time off from work or academic activities during menstruation, particularly when they experience pain or discomfort, medically known as dysmenorrhea. Scientific studies indicate that a large proportion of women experience menstrual pain, and for many, the pain can be severe enough to affect daily functioning and productivity. Therefore, menstrual leave is increasingly seen as a matter of health, dignity, and workplace well-being, rather than a matter of convenience.

Supreme Court’s Observations

The Supreme Court of India observed that making menstrual leave mandatory could lead to unintended consequences in the labour market. The Court noted that employers might perceive women as a costlier or less reliable workforce, which could discourage hiring. It also highlighted the possibility that women may face subtle discrimination in promotions, leadership roles, and assignment of responsibilities due to assumptions about frequent absences.

Importantly, the Court clarified that framing such a policy is primarily the responsibility of the executive and legislature, not the judiciary. Instead of a compulsory mandate, it supported the idea of voluntary policies and wider stakeholder consultation.
The Court emphasised that a well-intentioned policy should not result in indirect discrimination against women.

Judicial Developments

In earlier cases such as Shailendra Mani Tripathi v. Union of India (2023), the Court declined to mandate menstrual leave, citing the complexity of the issue and suggesting policy-level consideration. However, in Dr Jaya Thakur v. Government of India (2026), the Court recognised menstrual health and hygiene as part of the right to life and dignity under Article 21, reinforcing its constitutional significance.

Arguments in Favour of Menstrual Leave

Supporters of menstrual leave argue that true equality requires acknowledging biological differences. They believe that providing leave during menstruation promotes substantive equality, rather than merely formal equality. From a constitutional perspective, menstrual leave can be linked to Article 21 (right to life and dignity) and Article 42 (humane working conditions).

It is also argued that such policies can improve health outcomes and productivity, as women are able to rest and recover rather than work while unwell. Additionally, formal recognition of menstrual leave can help break long-standing social taboos and normalise menstruation in public discourse.
Menstrual leave is seen as a tool for promoting dignity, health, and gender-sensitive workplaces.

Current Status in India and Globally

India currently does not have a central law mandating menstrual leave. However, some states and institutions have taken initiatives. For example, Bihar provides menstrual leave to women government employees, and Kerala offers leave and attendance relaxation for female students. In the private sector, companies such as Zomato and Swiggy have introduced voluntary policies.

Globally, several countries including Spain and Japan have provisions for menstrual leave. However, studies show that even in these countries, the actual utilisation of such leave is very low, largely due to social stigma and fear of negative career consequences.
Legal provisions alone are insufficient if social attitudes discourage their use.

Challenges in Implementation

The main challenge lies in balancing the need for menstrual health support with the risk of workplace discrimination. Mandatory policies may unintentionally reinforce stereotypes about women being less productive or more absent. At the same time, the lack of formal provisions can ignore genuine health concerns. Cultural stigma surrounding menstruation further complicates the issue, often preventing women from openly seeking support.

Way Forward

A balanced approach is necessary to address this issue effectively. Instead of mandating menstrual leave, policymakers could consider introducing gender-neutral health leave, which would cover menstrual pain as well as other medical conditions. Workplaces can also adopt flexible arrangements such as remote work, flexible hours, and rest facilities to support employees.

There is also a need to integrate menstrual health into labour welfare and occupational safety frameworks, ensuring that it is treated as a legitimate health concern. Evidence-based policymaking, supported by national-level data on menstrual health and workplace productivity, can help design more effective solutions. In educational institutions, attendance relaxation policies can help prevent dropouts linked to menstrual health issues.

A flexible, inclusive, and evidence-based policy framework is more effective than a rigid legal mandate.

Conclusion

The menstrual leave debate highlights the complex relationship between health, dignity, and equality in the workplace. While menstrual health is undoubtedly a fundamental right under Article 21, making leave compulsory may lead to unintended discrimination. A thoughtful approach that combines voluntary policies, workplace flexibility, and social awareness can better ensure that women’s health needs are met without compromising their opportunities

India has consistently been portrayed as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, with strong GDP figures reinforcing a narrative of sustained economic progress. However, for ordinary citizens, everyday realities—such as employment opportunities, wage growth, inflation, and business stability—often tell a different story. This contrast raises a critical question: do official economic statistics truly reflect the lived experiences of people?

Questioning GDP Estimates

A recent study by Abhishek Anand, Josh Felman, and Arvind Subramanian has cast doubt on the accuracy of India’s GDP data. The study suggests that economic growth since 2011 may have been overestimated by around 1.5 to 2 percentage points annually.

This may appear to be a small margin, but over time, such discrepancies accumulate and can significantly distort economic understanding.
Even minor errors in GDP estimates can lead to misguided policy decisions, flawed investment strategies, and an overly optimistic public perception of economic performance.

Structural Weakness in Economic Measurement

One of the fundamental issues lies in how India measures its economy. GDP estimation relies heavily on data from the formal sector, such as corporate filings and organised industry outputs. However, a large share of India’s workforce is employed in the informal sector, which includes small businesses, daily wage labourers, and cash-based economic activities.

Because the informal sector is harder to measure, it remains underrepresented in official data. This creates a situation where the economy is assessed based on what is easiest to measure rather than what is most significant in reality.
Economic statistics may reflect the visible formal economy, while ignoring the larger but less measurable informal sector.

Disconnect Between Growth and Lived Experience

Despite high reported GDP growth rates, several indicators suggest that economic conditions are not improving proportionately for many people. Private investment has remained sluggish, real wages have grown slowly, and job creation—particularly in manufacturing—has been limited. Unemployment, especially among youth, continues to be a major concern.

This gap between official data and everyday experience makes it difficult for citizens to relate to the narrative of rapid growth.
Economic growth without adequate job creation and income growth does not translate into real improvement in living standards.

Impact of Economic Shocks

A series of major economic disruptions have further exposed the gap between statistical data and ground reality. Events such as the Demonetisation, the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax, and the COVID-19 had a disproportionate impact on the informal sector.

Since GDP calculations rely more heavily on formal sector indicators, the full extent of the damage to informal livelihoods may not be captured.
Statistical methods may underestimate economic distress when informal sector losses are not fully recorded.

Deeper Contradictions in the Growth Model

India’s growth trajectory also reveals increasing inequality. The benefits of economic expansion have largely accrued to large corporations and financial elites, while small businesses and informal workers face mounting challenges.

The process of formalisation is often presented as a sign of progress, but it can also mask the closure of small enterprises and increased market concentration.
What appears as efficiency in economic data may actually represent economic displacement and shrinking livelihood opportunities.

Concerns About Data Transparency

There are growing concerns regarding the transparency and reliability of India’s statistical system. Issues such as delays in conducting the Census, the non-release of the 2017–18 consumption survey, and controversies surrounding unemployment data have raised doubts about data credibility.

Such trends can weaken public confidence and hinder effective policymaking.
Lack of transparency in data undermines trust, accountability, and the credibility of institutions.

Role of Statistics in a Democracy

In a democratic system, statistics are not merely technical tools; they are essential for governance and accountability. Reliable data allows citizens to evaluate government performance, helps economists design sound policies, and enables governments to respond effectively to emerging challenges.

Without credible statistics, decision-making becomes uncertain and less effective.
Accurate data is the foundation of evidence-based policymaking and democratic accountability.

Way Forward

To address these challenges, India must focus on strengthening its statistical framework. This includes improving methods to capture informal sector activity, ensuring independence of statistical institutions, and maintaining transparency in data collection and dissemination.

A more inclusive and accurate approach to economic measurement will help align official data with ground realities.
Robust, transparent, and inclusive data systems are essential for achieving genuine and inclusive economic growth.

Conclusion

India’s economic progress cannot be assessed solely through GDP growth figures. True development must be reflected in the everyday experiences of citizens, including employment, income, and economic security. If growth is genuine, it should be visible not only in statistics but also in people’s lives.

Ultimately, statistics must serve the purpose of truth and accountability, not merely reinforce a narrative. For a country of India’s scale and ambition, credible and transparent data is indispensable for building a resilient and inclusive economic future