State of India's Digital Economy (SIDE) 2026 Report Report Overview Released by the ICRIER-Prosus Centre for Internet and Digital Economy (IPCIDE). The report evaluates digital economy performance across 71 countries. India's Global Ranking India has emerged as the 5th most digitalised economy in the world. Improved from 8th position in 2025 to 5th position in 2026. Ranked 4th globally in AI performance on the CHIPS-AI Index. Global AI Adoption Trends 72% of global AI users are now located in developing countries. India and China together account for nearly two-fifths of worldwide AI adoption. Generative AI has spread faster than any previous technology and rapidly gained adoption in developing nations. India's Digital Economy Achievements Generated $328 billion in digitally delivered trade. Home to the world's second-largest AI talent pool. Recognized as an emerging global AI powerhouse. Factors Driving India's Growth Strong digital connectivity. Expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem. Robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Growing AI capabilities and talent base. Key Findings of the Report Digital Economy: India ranks as the fifth most digitized economy, following the US, China, Singapore, and the UK. AI Leadership: India ranks fourth globally in AI capability, trailing only the US, China, and Singapore. This growth is driven by expanding Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), internet and smartphone access, the growth of startups, and the advantage of possessing the world's second-largest AI talent pool. Geopolitical Shift: The world is transitioning toward a tri-polar digital order, where the Indo-Pacific region acts as a counter-balance to traditional North Atlantic technological leadership. AI Statistics: 72% of AI users are from developing nations; notably, India and China together account for nearly two-fifths of this usage. Significance The SIDE 2026 report recognizes India as one of the world's leading digital and AI-driven economies, highlighting its growing influence in shaping the future global digital landscape.
NATIONAL-DAIRY OF EVENTS
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve Context: The Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam has 30 species of raptors and six species of storks, a rapid survey focused on these two categories of birds has revealed. The enumerators recorded 217 individual raptors buzzards, eagles, falcons, owls, and vultures across 30 species and 266 individual storks across six species. About Kaziranga National Park Kaziranga National Park is located in the state of Assam, nestled between the Brahmaputra River and the Karbi Anglong (Mikir) Hills. It represents the largest intact and ecologically significant floodplain ecosystem in the Brahmaputra Valley. UNESCO Status: The park was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. Physical Features The landscape comprises dense forests, extensive elephant grasslands, marshy wetlands, reed beds, and numerous shallow water bodies. The Diffalu River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, flows through the park, while the Moradifalu River forms part of its southern boundary. Flora Kaziranga is renowned for its vast stretches of tall elephant grass interspersed with wetlands and swampy areas. Aquatic vegetation such as water lilies, lotus, and water hyacinths is found in abundance. Fauna The park supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, wild buffalo, Eastern swamp deer, Hoolock gibbon, and capped langur. The Gangetic river dolphin is also frequently seen in the park's riverine ecosystem. Kaziranga is particularly famous for harboring the world's largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros, along with numerous other mammal species. Act East Policy Context: Following talks between the Indonesian Foreign Minister and the Indian External Affairs Minister in New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that Indonesia serves as a key pillar of India's 'Act East' policy. About the Act East Policy India's Act East Policy (2014) focuses on strengthening…
