June 22, 2026

Kautilya

Economy

India’s Factory Output Rises 4.9% as New IIP Series Captures a Changing Industrial Economy

The April print shows that industrial growth was led by manufacturing, which expanded 6.2 per cent year-on-year. This is significant because manufacturing carries the largest weight in the IIP basket and remains central to India’s ambition of becoming a larger global production hub. The general IIP index stood at 118.9 in April 2026, compared with 113.1 in April 2025, indicating a broad rise in industrial activity.

By Kautilya / June 2, 2026
Economy

India’s GST Collections Touch ₹1.94 Lakh Crore in May, Showing Steady Revenue Momentum

The May number is important because it shows that India’s indirect tax system continues to operate at a high monthly base. A few years ago, a ₹1.5 lakh crore GST collection was treated as a strong month. Today, collections around ₹2 lakh crore have become more common, showing the widening of the tax base, greater digitisation of invoices, improved compliance systems and a larger formal economy.

By Kautilya / June 2, 2026
Economy

UPI Becomes India’s Everyday Payment Engine as Cash Loses Ground in Retail Transactions

The larger annual picture is even more striking. In FY 2025–26, UPI processed 24,161.69 crore transactions worth about ₹314 lakh crore. Transaction volume grew 30 per cent year-on-year, while transaction value rose 20.59 per cent. This means Indians are using UPI more frequently and for a wider range of purchases. The platform has become the default choice for high-frequency, low-value payments, while also supporting larger person-to-person transfers and business-linked payments.

By Kautilya / June 2, 2026
Research

Majuli’s 4,000-Year Climate Story Offers New Lessons for Flood Adaptation in the Brahmaputra Valley

Majuli occupies a unique place in India’s geography and culture. Located within the powerful river system of the Brahmaputra and Subansiri, it is known for its living cultural heritage, tribal settlements and Neo-Vaishnavite traditions. At the same time, the island has been deeply shaped by floods, erosion and changing river courses. Its landscape carries both civilisational richness and ecological vulnerability, making it one of the most important riverine regions for studying climate adaptation.

By Kautilya / June 2, 2026
Diplomacy Economy

India–Oman CEPA Opens a New Trade Gateway Between South Asia, the Gulf and East Africa

The agreement gives duty-free access to 99.38 per cent of India’s exports to Oman by value, covering 98.08 per cent of Oman’s tariff lines. This is one of India’s most comprehensive market access outcomes in the Gulf region. Earlier, only 15.33 per cent of Indian exports entered Oman duty-free under the Most Favoured Nation regime. With CEPA, Indian exporters gain a major price advantage in Oman’s nearly 28-billion-dollar import market.

By Kautilya / June 2, 2026
Ayurveda Health

Gingelly / Sesame in Ayurveda: The Tiny Seed That Became Food, Oil and Medicine

In Ayurveda, sesame is known as Tila. It is among the most respected oilseeds in classical practice because it carries nourishment, warmth, strength and unctuousness in a concentrated form. The seed feeds the body. The oil softens and protects the tissues. The paste supports external applications. The stalk is used in traditional alkaline preparations. The same plant moves from kitchen to pharmacy, from temple to massage room, from daily cooking to seasonal health care.

By Kautilya / June 1, 2026