The move aims to reduce distortions caused by factors such as shifting festival dates, variations in working days, and predictable seasonal patterns that often cloud the interpretation of raw industrial numbers.

At the center of the proposal is the Index of Industrial Production, one of India’s most closely tracked economic indicators. The index measures output across manufacturing, mining, electricity generation, capital goods, and other industrial segments that collectively reflect the health of the economy.

Currently, India publishes only unadjusted monthly industrial data. While useful over longer periods, these figures can swing sharply from month to month due to events like Diwali or changes in holiday calendars, making it harder for policymakers, investors, and analysts to identify real underlying trends.

The statistics ministry believes that publishing a seasonally adjusted version of the index would help separate genuine changes in industrial momentum from temporary or calendar-driven fluctuations. By stripping out predictable seasonal effects, the adjusted data would offer a cleaner picture of economic performance.

According to the discussion paper released by the ministry, the proposed methodology would aim to improve the quality of economic signals without leading to excessive or confusing data revisions. The goal is to balance greater accuracy with stability in reported figures.

Seasonal adjustment is widely used by statistical agencies around the world, particularly in advanced economies. Many international institutions encourage the practice, arguing that it enhances comparability over time and improves decision-making for governments and markets alike.

The proposal forms part of a broader effort by the Indian government to modernize key economic data series. This includes revising base years, updating survey samples, and refining methodologies to better reflect the structure of today’s economy rather than relying on outdated benchmarks.

As part of this revamp, the base year for the Index of Industrial Production is set to be updated to 2022–23 from the current 2011–12. Officials say this change is necessary to capture shifts in industrial composition, technology adoption, and production patterns over the past decade.

The ministry has invited feedback from stakeholders on several aspects of the proposal, including how to treat disruptions caused by the pandemic period and which holidays or festivals should be included in seasonal adjustments. Responses are being sought by mid-February.

This consultative approach signals that the government is keen to align India’s industrial statistics with global best practices while taking into account the country’s unique economic and cultural context. Festivals, for instance, play a much larger role in shaping economic activity in India than in many other countries.

Beyond seasonal adjustment, officials have previously suggested other reforms to improve data accuracy. These include replacing closed or inactive factories in survey samples with operational units and reviewing sectoral weights more frequently to reflect changing industrial dynamics.

Such measures could help ensure that the index remains representative of actual production activity, especially as new industries emerge and others decline. More frequent updates may also reduce the need for large revisions down the line.

The timing of the proposal is notable, as recent industrial data has shown strong momentum. Industrial output expanded at its fastest pace in more than two years in December, reinforcing the importance of clear and reliable indicators to assess whether growth is sustainable.

Economists say that if implemented carefully, seasonally adjusted industrial data could improve policy responses, enhance transparency, and boost confidence among investors tracking India’s economic trajectory.

The planned changes underline India’s push to strengthen the credibility and usefulness of its official statistics as the economy grows in size, complexity, and global integration.

The plan reflects India’s long-term ambition to become a global leader in ethical, accountable, and inclusive artificial intelligence.

The proposal encourages AI companies to compensate creators when their work contributes to the development of AI systems.

Rather than restricting access to data, India is championing a collaborative structure that supports both technology advancement and fair remuneration.

A government-appointed panel has suggested that content used for AI training should yield a share of revenue for its creators through a central royalty pool.

This pool would streamline payments, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure that even small creators receive recognition and financial benefit.

India’s approach strengthens trust between creators and AI firms while promoting transparency in how data is used across the digital ecosystem.

By framing AI development as a shared national opportunity, the policy sends a signal that innovation and rights can co-exist.

The proposal states that AI companies may access Indian content but must contribute royalties that reflect the value of that content in model improvement.

This system positions India as a key voice in the global debate on equitable AI governance.

Unlike jurisdictions that rely solely on a “fair use” interpretation, India is building a model that respects creator contributions without inhibiting AI progress.

This enhances the credibility of India’s technological governance and aligns industry practices with long-standing copyright principles.

The panel emphasizes that creators should not be forced to navigate enormous AI datasets to track unauthorised usage.

Instead, they will have the option to claim remuneration directly from the centralized mechanism whenever their work is utilized.

Public consultation over the next 30 days invites stakeholders to help refine and strengthen the policy.

This collaborative approach highlights India’s commitment to democratic, transparent rule-making in fast-moving digital sectors.

India’s thriving digital economy makes this proposal especially impactful, as it could set global precedents for fair compensation practices.

AI firms consider India a major user base, and the policy encourages them to deepen their engagement with creators in mutually beneficial ways.

The plan is being received as an opportunity to build trust, create value, and promote responsible innovation across India’s expanding tech ecosystem.

By carefully balancing industry concerns with the rights of creators, India seeks to establish a sustainable AI future.

Industry groups have shared their views, ensuring a wide representation of perspectives.

While some fear added financial burdens, others see the plan as a safeguard that empowers creators and strengthens the digital economy.

The proposal also resonates with India’s broader policy direction, which prioritizes digital rights, innovation incentives, and long-term technological resilience.

As global debates continue, India’s structured and positive approach may inspire similar frameworks elsewhere.

If implemented, the royalty system could become a cornerstone of India’s digital policy landscape.

It highlights the country’s belief that technology should uplift creators, empower businesses, and serve society at large.

India’s evolving AI governance model shows the world how emerging economies can shape global norms through practical, inclusive, and forward-looking policies.

With this proposal, India is signaling its role as a guiding voice in the responsible growth of artificial intelligence.

\While the discussion has sparked strong reactions from global technology leaders, the broader conversation reflects India’s growing commitment to building a secure, innovative and transparent digital ecosystem balanced carefully with user rights and privacy protections.

The proposal, raised by the Cellular Operators Association of India, aims to improve accuracy in investigations and emergency responses by enabling A-GPS technology on all devices at all times.

Currently, telecom companies rely on cellular tower data, which only offers approximate locations. The proposed system could help authorities pinpoint device locations far more accurately when legally required.

This would support stronger safety mechanisms, faster response times during emergencies and more effective handling of cyber-related threats.

However, global technology companies including Apple, Google and Samsung have expressed concerns about mandating permanent location access.

Their feedback underscores the importance of privacy, data protection and user autonomy—principles increasingly central to India’s digital governance model.

Technology firms have encouraged India to adopt safeguards that maintain transparency and ensure users remain informed about how their data is handled, aligning with global best practices.

The Indian government has demonstrated responsiveness by rescinding an earlier directive requiring pre-installation of a state-run safety app on all devices.

This move, taken after public feedback, shows India’s willingness to engage with civil society, industry stakeholders and experts while shaping future digital policies.

By keeping the consultation process open, India is reinforcing trust and strengthening its reputation as a country that values both innovation and individual rights.

While discussions around A-GPS tracking continue, officials have made it clear that no final decision has been taken. The ministries involved are carefully evaluating the legal, security and technological implications.

India aims to ensure that any policy adopted contributes to national security without compromising the privacy of its 735 million smartphone users.

The balanced approach reflects India’s mission to remain a digitally empowered society that protects personal freedoms while enhancing public safety.

Experts acknowledge that improved geolocation tools can offer significant benefits. Emergency services could respond more efficiently in crisis situations, and agencies involved in combating cybercrime, fraud and trafficking could gain better operational tools.

India is emerging as one of the world’s most advanced telecom markets, and strengthening digital safeguards is viewed as a natural step in this progression.

At the same time, a modern regulatory environment must uphold trust between smartphone users, service providers and the government.

Technology specialists have emphasized that transparency features—such as pop-up notices informing users when their location is accessed—play an important role in building that trust.

The ongoing debate is helping India refine digital practices that align with both national interests and individual protections.

India’s growing leadership in global technology discussions is evident in the seriousness with which it weighs each dimension of this issue.

The government’s willingness to reconsider proposals, engage with international firms and listen to public concerns sets a positive example for democratic digital governance.

It demonstrates India’s ability to adopt forward-looking solutions while ensuring checks and balances remain firmly in place.

As the consultation process continues, India’s goal remains clear: to create a digital ecosystem that supports national security, enhances user safety, encourages innovation and protects privacy.

The outcome of this debate will shape future standards for digital policy not only within India but also for other nations observing India’s balanced, progressive and inclusive approach.