River Ranching is a scientific fisheries management initiative implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to restore depleted fish populations in India’s rivers. The programme involves releasing hatchery-reared fingerlings of native species into natural water bodies to enhance fish production, conserve riverine biodiversity, and strengthen ecological balance. Implemented by the Department of Fisheries with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) as the nodal agency, it covers major river basins such as the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Mahanadi. The initiative also supports sustainable inland fisheries, improves food security, and enhances the livelihoods of river-dependent communities while contributing to the broader goal of sustainable river ecosystem management.
Click to View MoreThe SANKALP (Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion) scheme, launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship with assistance from the World Bank, aims to strengthen short-term skill training by improving institutional capacity, ensuring industry relevance, and promoting inclusion of marginalised groups. However, audit findings by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and observations of the Public Accounts Committee have highlighted concerns such as underutilisation of funds, slow implementation, weak monitoring mechanisms, and lack of preparedness. The issue underscores the need for stronger governance, outcome-based implementation, better industry linkages, and integration of vocational education within the school system to improve employability and effectively harness India’s demographic potential.
Click to View MoreThe Union Budget 2026–27 reinforces the capital goods sector as a key driver of India’s investment-led growth by increasing public capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore and introducing targeted measures to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity. Key initiatives include a ₹10,000 crore container manufacturing scheme, establishment of Hi-Tech Tool Rooms, support for construction and infrastructure equipment, tax incentives for toll and electronics manufacturing, and customs duty exemptions for energy storage and critical mineral processing. Along with ongoing programmes such as Make in India, PLI and the Capital Goods Competitiveness Scheme, these measures aim to enhance technological capability, reduce import dependence and position India as a globally competitive manufacturing hub.
Click to View MoreThe Reserve Bank of India kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and retained a neutral stance, citing a favourable macroeconomic environment. With inflation projected at 2.1% for FY26 and GDP growth expected at 7.4%, the central bank opted for a cautious pause to allow the impact of earlier rate cuts to transmit fully. The decision ensures stability in borrowing costs and EMIs while preserving policy flexibility to respond to risks such as global uncertainty, crude oil volatility, and potential inflationary pressures.
Click to View MoreIndia’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 MoreBharat Taxi is a government-backed cooperative ride-hailing platform operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd (STCL), designed to provide a zero-commission, driver-owned alternative to private aggregators. The platform allows bookings for cars, auto-rickshaws, and two-wheelers, while enabling drivers to become co-owners through share participation and benefit from future profits. It focuses on fair, transparent pricing and aims to improve driver earnings and welfare within the gig economy. Currently operational in select cities with around 4 lakh drivers onboarded and about 10,000 daily rides, the initiative faces early challenges such as low demand and operational issues, but targets nationwide expansion by 2029, positioning itself as a potential large-scale cooperative model in India’s digital platform economy.
Click to View MoreIndia’s crude oil basket has evolved from dominant dependence on West Asia to a more diversified mix, influenced by geopolitics, sanctions, price dynamics, and refinery flexibility. The decline of Iranian supplies due to sanctions, the rise of U.S. and African crude, and especially the rapid increase in discounted Russian oil since 2022 have reshaped India’s sourcing pattern. Today, India imports nearly 85% of its crude requirement, with Russia emerging as a leading supplier alongside Middle Eastern producers, reflecting a strategy focused on cost efficiency, energy security, and diplomatic balancing.
Click to View MoreIndia is set to get four new regional airlines, but their success is not guaranteed because the Indian aviation market is highly competitive and dominated by IndiGo and the Air India group, which together hold over 90 percent of the domestic market. Regional airlines face high fuel and leasing costs, low profit margins, seasonal demand on smaller routes, and difficulty in accessing finance. Many earlier regional carriers have already shut down, showing how fragile this segment is. While government connectivity schemes and rising air travel offer opportunities, only those airlines with strong funding, careful route planning, and efficient operations are likely to remain viable.
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