August 13, 2026

Kautilya

Research

New Desert Lizard Species from Rajasthan Marks First Confirmed Mesalina Record in India

Mesalina lizards are small, swift, day-active reptiles usually associated with arid and semi-arid regions. They are adapted to dry terrain, open ground, sparse vegetation and harsh desert conditions. Until now, the presence of this genus in India remained uncertain. A historical reference by British zoologist Malcolm A. Smith in 1935 had mentioned Mesalina watsonana from Jaisalmer, but that record lacked specimen-based confirmation. The new discovery from Bikaner now provides verified scientific evidence that Mesalina occurs in India.

By Kautilya / June 3, 2026
Defense

Make-in-India Rafale Project: India’s Next Air-Power Leap Takes Shape Around Local Production

The deal also carries a powerful industrial message. India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem has moved from licensed assembly towards deeper participation in global aerospace supply chains. The Rafale project can accelerate this movement by involving private Indian companies, precision engineering firms, electronics suppliers, composite manufacturers, tooling specialists and maintenance organisations. Each aircraft built or assembled in India can support hundreds of smaller industrial links behind it.

By Kautilya / June 2, 2026
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