The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to reduce CO? emissions in the steel sector, focusing on the transition to renewable energy in steel production. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the NITI NCAER States Economic Forum portal in New Delhi. Developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), the portal serves as a comprehensive repository of data on social, economic, and fiscal parameters. It includes research reports, papers, and expert commentary on State Finances, covering a period of approximately 30 years from 1990-91 to 2022-23. The portal aims to facilitate access to authentic data, enabling States to make informed policy decisions. It is designed to support more effective interventions in areas such as revenue generation, debt management, and financial planning. By providing a comparative perspective on fiscal strategies across States, the platform encourages learning from peer experiences and promotes balanced public finances without overburdening citizens. During the launch, the Director General of NCAER, Dr Poonam Gupta, highlighted the diverse fiscal trajectories of different States and the necessity of a centralized database. The portal is expected to provide valuable insights into state-level economic trends, helping policymakers assess financial positions comprehensively and develop more effective strategies. CEO of NITI Aayog, BVR Subrahmanyam, emphasized the significance of the forum in fostering fiscal awareness and knowledge-sharing across States. The initiative is anticipated to serve as a valuable resource for enhancing public financial management and governance. Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Suman K Bery, underscored the role of the forum in promoting data-driven research, particularly in the area of public finance. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the long-term development of state-level economic policies and governance frameworks. News source: PIB