India’s heavy reliance on lithium-ion batteries exposes it to critical mineral risks and import dependence. Sodium-ion batteries offer a safer, lower-cost, and resource-secure alternative suitable for grid storage and mass mobility. With supportive policy and ecosystem development, they can play a key role in strengthening India’s long-term energy security.
Click to View MoreCarbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) is a key technology for reducing emissions from hard-to-abate sectors such as cement and steel, where carbon dioxide is released from core production processes. With budgetary support, indigenous research, and global cooperation, CCUS can help India balance industrial growth with climate commitments and move steadily towards its net-zero emissions target by 2070.
Click to View MoreThe debate over proposed “turtle trails” highlights tensions between eco-tourism and conservation at sensitive nesting beaches of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle. Scientists warn that light, noise, human presence, and tourism infrastructure can disrupt mass nesting events, particularly along Odisha’s globally significant arribada sites. While awareness and livelihoods are important, experts argue that strict protection of core nesting habitats, science-based regulation, and off-site educational initiatives are essential to ensure that conservation priorities are not compromised by tourism development.
Click to View MoreThe Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) is a Government of India initiative aimed at strengthening domestic production of electronic components and sub-assemblies to reduce import dependence and increase value addition within the country. With its outlay enhanced to ₹40,000 crore in the Union Budget 2026–27, the scheme supports investment, technology adoption, and integration into global value chains while complementing broader initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission. By promoting high-value manufacturing and job creation, ECMS plays a key role in India’s ambition to become a global hub for electronics manufacturing.
Click to View MoreThe Ramsar Convention is an international treaty adopted in 1971 for the conservation and wise use of wetlands, recognizing their importance for biodiversity, water security, climate regulation, and human livelihoods. Wetlands designated as Ramsar Sites receive global recognition for their ecological value, including support for migratory birds, flood control, groundwater recharge, and carbon storage. In India, the addition of new sites such as Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand Wetland in Gujarat reflects the country’s growing commitment to wetland conservation. These designations strengthen scientific management, international cooperation, and sustainable use while balancing ecological protection with community livelihoods.
Click to View MoreThe India - EU Free Trade Agreement is a landmark trade pact between India and the European Union that aims to deepen economic ties through extensive tariff reductions, expanded services access, and improved investment flows. The EU will provide preferential access covering nearly all of India’s export value, benefiting labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, and marine products, while also opening opportunities in IT and professional services. At the same time, India will gradually lower tariffs on a large share of EU goods with safeguards for sensitive sectors. However, strict EU regulatory standards, sustainability norms, and carbon-related measures remain key challenges that could limit gains unless Indian industries upgrade compliance capacity. Overall, the agreement strengthens India’s integration with a major global market while requiring domestic reforms to fully realize its benefits.
Click to View MoreThe Jal Jeevan Mission has rapidly expanded tap water infrastructure in rural
India, achieving near-universal coverage of household connections. However,
recent assessments show that actual water supply, reliability, and quality lag
behind coverage figures, with many households not receiving regular or safe
water. Issues such as groundwater depletion, weak operation and
maintenance, and water contamination remain key challenges. The focus now
needs to shift from infrastructure creation to ensuring sustainable, reliable, and
community-managed rural drinking water services.
Researchers have developed an innovative helium leak detection sensor that works using sound waves instead of chemical reactions. Built with a special geometric structure known as a Kagome lattice, the device traps sound at its corners and monitors changes in resonance frequency. When helium enters the sensor, it alters the speed of sound inside, allowing the system to quickly detect both the presence and direction of a leak. This durable, low-maintenance technology could significantly improve helium monitoring in critical sectors such as healthcare, semiconductors, aerospace, and scientific research, where helium is essential but scarce.
Click to View MoreThe One District One Product (ODOP) initiative promotes a unique product from each district to drive local economic growth, generate employment, and preserve traditional skills. Spearheaded by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, ODOP strengthens branding, improves quality, and expands market access through digital platforms, trade fairs, and export promotion. By linking heritage with modern markets, the programme supports balanced regional development and advances India’s vision of self-reliant and inclusive growth.
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India’s public health spending remains persistently low, with total government expenditure hovering around 1.5–2% of GDP, far below the 2.5% target set by the National Health Policy. While States have gradually increased their health allocations, the Union government’s share as a percentage of GDP has declined after a temporary rise during COVID-19. This underinvestment leads to overburdened public hospitals, weak primary healthcare, high out-of-pocket expenses, and regional inequalities. Despite major initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission, inadequate and inconsistent funding continues to limit progress toward universal, affordable, and equitable healthcare in India.
Click to View MoreDRDO showcased the Long-Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) at the Republic Day Parade, marking a major advancement in India’s indigenous defence technology. This hypersonic glide missile, capable of travelling over Mach 5 and striking targets up to 1,500 km away, combines high speed, manoeuvrability, and a low-altitude flight path to evade missile defence systems. Designed primarily for coastal defence and sea-denial operations, it significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s ability to deter and neutralise high-value enemy warships in the Indian Ocean Region, positioning India among the leading nations developing advanced hypersonic weapon systems.
Click to View MoreIndia’s consumption recovery appears uneven and fragile, as recent improvements have been driven more by lower inflation, tax relief, and credit expansion than by strong wage growth. Rural demand has benefited from easing price pressures, while urban spending remains constrained by modest income growth and rising living costs. Increasing household debt and cautious consumer sentiment further highlight the structural weakness in demand. Sustainable consumption growth will depend on broad-based increases in real wages, better employment opportunities, and stronger household financial stability rather than temporary policy stimulus.
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