June 28, 2026

Kautilya

Governance Intervention

New National Expert Committee to Shape India’s Response to Invasive Alien Species

The move comes after the National Green Tribunal, in a suo motu matter numbered O.A. No. 162/2023, flagged invasive alien species as a serious threat to India’s native biodiversity, agriculture, food security, public health, and wildlife health. Acting on that concern, and backed by advisory input from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the NBA has now brought together a multi-disciplinary body to create a more coordinated national response.

By Kautilya / March 21, 2026
Ayurveda Health

Manithakkali: The Quiet Healer in the Backyard

Solanum nigrum belongs to the Solanaceae family, the same large plant family that includes tomato, brinjal, chilli, and potato. It is generally a small herbaceous plant with soft stems, green leaves, tiny white star-like flowers, and clusters of berries that turn dark purple to black when ripe. Reviews note that both the leaves and berries are edible, though the leaves need proper cooking and the plant as a whole must be handled knowledgeably because of its alkaloid content.

By Kautilya / March 20, 2026
Economy

India Records Historic 200 Mineral Block Auctions in FY 2025–26, Marking a New Phase in Mining Reform

Of the 200 auctioned blocks, 123 were Mining Lease (ML) blocks and 77 were Composite Licence (CL) blocks. This mix is significant because it shows progress on two fronts at once: operational mining opportunities through Mining Leases and exploration-led future development through Composite Licences. In other words, the sector is not only supporting current industrial demand but also laying the groundwork for future mineral discovery and extraction.

By Kautilya / March 20, 2026
Economy

India Moves to Shield Farmers Before Kharif 2026 as Urea Output Jumps 23%

At the heart of this effort is a major increase in natural gas supply to domestic urea plants. Through the Empowered Pool Management Committee (EPMC) bidding process, the government secured an additional 7.31 MMSCMD of gas on a spot basis. This has raised total gas supply to urea plants from 32 MMSCMD to 39.31 MMSCMD, an increase of about 23 percent.

By Kautilya / March 20, 2026
Governance Intervention

ECI Expands Postal Ballot Access for Elderly, PwDs, Service Voters and Polling Personnel in Upcoming Assembly Elections

The Election Commission had earlier announced the schedule for the General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six states, on March 15, 2026. Following this, election notifications for Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry were issued on March 16, 2026.

By Kautilya / March 20, 2026