PIB Backgrounders

*National Academic Depository (NAD)* ⭐️ *Key Highlights*⭐️ 🗂️ Nationwide Digital Repository: Secure system for issuing, storing and verifying academic records. 🎯 Supports NEP 2020 Reforms: By enabling secure and digital academic record management. 🔐 Secure & Legally Valid Credentials: Digital academic records carry the same legal validity as physical documents. 🏫 Extensive Institutional Coverage: Covers schools and higher education institutions across India. Read More: English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150733&reg=48&lang=1 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150734&reg=48&lang=1

🧸From Playrooms to Global Markets: India's Toy Story at Toy Biz 2026🇮🇳 ➡️🌍 ✨ Here's what Toy Biz 2026 had in store: 🧩 Made-in-India toys capturing attention across global markets. 🌎📦 🚀 MSMEs & Startups turning innovative ideas into successful businesses with Government support. 💼🤝 🤖📚 STEM kits, educational games & eco-friendly toys making learning more interactive, creative and fun. 🎨🌱 🏭⚙️ Indigenous manufacturing powering India's rise as a trusted global toy manufacturing hub. 🇮🇳✨ 🤝🛍️ Manufacturers, buyers, educators and exporters came together to forge new partnerships and unlock export opportunities. 🌐📈 💡🎯 The spotlight was on innovation, quality, design and intellectual property , shaping the future of India's toy ecosystem. 🏆🛠️ 👉 India's Toy industry is transforming play into progress and taking Made-in-India creativity to the world! KNOW MORE: 🔗ENGLISH: https://www.pib.gov.in/FeaturesDeatils.aspx?NoteId=159131&ModuleId=2&reg=3&lang=1

🧸🇮🇳 Strengthening India's Toy Ecosystem: From Local Craftsmanship to Global Markets ✨ India's toy industry is blending tradition with innovation, emerging as a global manufacturing success story. 📌 _Key Highlights_ 📦🌍Toy exports grew by over 151%, reaching US$ 384.7 million in 2025-26. 🌎🚢 India now exports toys to 153 countries and has emerged as a net exporter. 👨‍🏭👩‍🏭Employment in the Games & Toys sector has more than doubled since 2018-19. 🎨🪆 Initiatives such as NAPT, Toycathon, ODOP, GI Tagging, Toy Biz International Exhibition are strengthening indigenous toy manufacturing. 🌱🎯 From 5,000 years of craftsmanship to technology-driven toys, India is creating a vibrant and globally competitive toy industry. 📖 Read More 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159130&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1

🤝🇮🇳 Sahkar Se Samriddhi ✨ Five Years of Strengthening India’s Cooperative Movement Ministry of Cooperation has transformed India's cooperative ecosystem through digital reforms, stronger institutions, and grassroots development. 🌾💙 🌟 Key Highlights 🏛️ 152+ major initiatives launched in last five years 👥 8.5 lakh registered cooperatives, covering 98% of rural India 💻 63,428 PACS have been digitised with ERP software available in 14 languages 🌾 National Cooperative Exports Limited recorded 15.4 LMT exports worth ₹6,295 crore 🏦 National Cooperative Development Corporation disbursed ₹2,320 crore to FPOs/CBBOs 🚖 Bharat Taxi has 6.37 lakh registered drivers and 35.77 lakh registered customers ✨ Together, cooperatives are driving inclusive growth, rural prosperity, and a Viksit Bharat. 📖 Read More 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150721&reg=3&lang=1 🔗 हिंदी: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150729&reg=3&lang=2

IndiaHandmade: A Digital Platform for India's Craft Heritage Key Highlights 💫 With plans to onboard 60 lakh+ artisans, IndiaHandmade carries India’s handmade legacy forward 🧵 The platform brings India’s handloom and handicraft traditions into the digital economy 🌐 Artisans, weavers and producer organisations get direct access to online buyers 📍GI-tagged and ODOP products are showcased, giving regional crafts greater visibility and identity 📲Small sellers can also access and sell on the platform through a guided onboarding pathway 📌 Read More: 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150719&reg=3&lang=1 🔗 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150723&reg=3&lang=1

🤝🇮🇳 Sahkar Se Samriddhi ✨ Five Years of Strengthening India’s Cooperative Movement From empowering farmers to modernising cooperatives, the Ministry of Cooperation has transformed India's cooperative ecosystem through digital reforms, stronger institutions, and grassroots development. 🌾💙 🌟 Key Highlights * 🏛️ 152+ major initiatives launched in last five years * 👥 8.5 lakh registered cooperatives, covering 98% of rural India * 💻 63,428 PACS have been digitised with ERP software available in 14 languages * 🌾 National Cooperative Exports Limited recorded 15.4 LMT exports worth ₹6,295 crore * 🏦 National Cooperative Development Corporation disbursed ₹2,320 crore to FPOs/CBBOs * 🚖 Bharat Taxi is expanding cooperative based mobility with 6.37 lakh registered drivers and 35.77 lakh registered customers ✨ Together, cooperatives are driving inclusive growth, rural prosperity, and a Viksit Bharat. 📖 Read More 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150721&reg=3&lang=1

📱Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: India's Digital Health Backbone Building a Connected, Citizen-Centric Health Ecosystem 🌟 Key Highlights 🌟 🩺 Over 104 crore health records linked to more than 93 crore ABHA accounts, making it one of the world's largest digital health ecosystems. ⏱️ Scan and Share service cuts hospital waiting times from about an hour to just 2–5 minutes, with over 23.21 crore ABHA-linked tokens issued nationwide. 🏥 Health Facility Registry & Healthcare Professionals Registry bring hospitals, clinics, labs, pharmacies and verified doctors onto a single national network. 💰 Digital Health Incentive Scheme incentivizes diagnostics/labs/pharmacies for digitizing health records. 🔒 Built on Privacy by Design — no central server stores patient data; records are shared only with patient consent. 📖 Read More: 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159121&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1 🔗 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159122&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1

🇮🇳 Ethanol Blending in India🌱 🌟 Key Highlights 🌟 ⚡ Top auto and energy experts back E20 with confidence, citing years of real‑world testing and service data. 📈 Blending rose from 1.5% to 20% by 2025‑26. 💰 ₹1.90+ lakh crore foreign exchange saved since 2014‑15. 🌍 ~930 lakh MT CO2 emissions reduced nationwide. 👩‍🌾 Farmers earned ₹1.60+ lakh crore additional income. 🚗 E20 fuel tested safe, improves performance and lowers pollution. 🌐 USA, Brazil, Japan adopted ethanol blending successfully. 📌Read More: 🔗 ENGLISH: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150699&reg=3&lang=1 🔗 HINDI: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150701&reg=3&lang=2

🇮🇳 Ethanol Blending in India🌱 🌟 Key Highlights 🌟 📈 Blending rose from 1.5% to 20% by 2025‑26. 💰 ₹1.90+ lakh crore foreign exchange saved since 2014‑15. 🌍 ~930 lakh MT CO2 emissions reduced nationwide. 👩‍🌾 Farmers earned ₹1.60+ lakh crore additional income. 🚗 E20 fuel tested safe, improves performance and lowers pollution. 🌐 USA, Brazil, Japan adopted ethanol blending successfully. 📌Read More: 🔗 ENGLISH: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150699&reg=3&lang=1 🔗 HINDI: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150701&reg=3&lang=2

🇮🇳✨ Empowering India’s Youth with MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) ✨🇮🇳 🌟 Key Highlights: 📱 A powerful digital platform connecting Government, colleges, NGOs & industries to empower youth across India ✅ 1.52+ lakh volunteer opportunities available (cleanliness , blood donation , sports , disaster response & community service) ✅ 24,900+ Experiential Learning Programs (ELPs) for hands-on learning & career readiness ✅ Mobile app available in 22 Indian languages ✅ MY Bharat 2.0 Powered by AI, multilingual technologies, open APIs & digital credentials to connect and empower 100+ million youth for 🇮🇳 Viksit Bharat@2047. 🌱 Today’s youth are not just the future — they are the driving force of New India! ✨ Read More: English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150695&reg=3&lang=1 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150696&reg=3&lang=2

Academic Bank of Credits & APAAR: Building India's Lifelong Learning Ecosystem 🌟 Key Highlights 🌟 🆔 One Nation, One Student ID: 26.35 crore verified APAAR IDs generated, creating a single digital academic identity for every learner via DigiLocker. 🏛️ Wide Institutional Reach: 3,046 institutions registered on the ABC portal, with 9.90 crore credit records mapped so far. 🎓 Multiple Entry & Exit: More than 700 Universities & 6,600 Colleges are offering multiple entry exit options. 📚 SWAYAM & NCrF Integration: Students can avail up to 40% credits via SWAYAM, with 450 universities onboard; NCrF adopted by 196 universities nationwide. 🔐 Future-Ready Security: The upcoming Bharat Praman Chain, India's sovereign blockchain platform, will ensure secure, tamper-resistant digital credentials at scale. 📖 Read More 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150693&reg=48&lang=1 🔗 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150694&reg=48&lang=2

📱LokOS: A Digital Backbone for Rural Livelihoods Strengthening Transparency and Financial Inclusion 🌟 Key Highlights 👩‍🌾 10.03 crore SHG members digitally connected through 94.16 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the country. 🌐 Nationwide coverage across 34 States/UTs, 762 districts, 7,241 blocks, 2.57 lakh Gram Panchayats, and 5.92 lakh villages. 💰 ₹2 lakh crore worth of annual SHG financial transactions digitally recorded, enhancing transparency and accountability. 👩‍💼 Supporting the Lakhpati Didi initiative through digital monitoring of 3.87 crore Potential Lakhpati Didis, 4.09 lakh Community Resource Persons, and 18.50 crore Digital Aajeevika Registers (DARs). 📖 Read More 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150688&reg=3&lang=1 🔗 Hind: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150689&reg=48&lang=1

MANAS: India’s Digital Shield Against Drugs 🇮🇳 The Government of India’s National Narcotics Helpline MANAS is helping build a Nasha Mukt Bharat. 🔹 MANAS allows citizens to confidentially report drug trafficking, peddling, and illegal cultivation through 📞 1933, 🌐 portal, 📧 email, and 📱 UMANG app. 🔹 People struggling with addiction can access counselling and rehabilitation support, with calls connected to the national de-addiction helpline 14446. 📲 The platform uses digital ticketing and workflow systems to improve coordination and faster response between enforcement agencies. ⚡ MANAS connects citizens directly with 30 NCB Zonal Units and 36 Anti-Narcotics Task Forces. 🎨🎥 Through quizzes, poster contests, and reel-making campaigns on MyGov, MANAS is actively engaging youth in the fight against drug abuse. Read More: English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150669&reg=48&lang=1 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150670&reg=48&lang=1

GAGAN: Navigating India's Skies with Precision Key Highlights ✈️ GAGAN is India's indigenous Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS), developed by ISRO and the Airports Authority of India to improve GPS accuracy for safer aircraft navigation. ✅ India became one of the few countries with an operational SBAS in 2015, alongside the United States, Europe, and Japan. 🛬 In June 2026, DGCA successfully conducted India's first satellite-based landing system approach on a commercial jet aircraft using GAGAN. 🌍 GAGAN is interoperable with global systems including WAAS (USA), EGNOS (Europe), and MSAS (Japan), and is the first SBAS certified for the equatorial region. 🚢 Beyond aviation, GAGAN supports maritime navigation, highways, railways, disaster management, defence, telecommunications, and surveying with high-precision positioning. 📌 Read More: 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159095&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1

eSARAS: Expanding Markets, Empowering Rural Women 🔑 Key Highlights 🧵eSARAS is the official online marketplace of DAY-NRLM, connecting women SHGs with customers across India 📲 eSARAS has evolved into a complete e-commerce ecosystem with a mobile app, fulfilment centre, national melas, and a permanent retail gallery 🌐 SHG products are now available on ONDC through 11+ buyer apps, with 800+ handcrafted products listed 📱 eSARAS is also integrated with UMANG, which hosts 2,572 services and has recorded 796.69 crore transactions(June 2026) 🎁 The SARAS Shakti Collection offers premium curated gift hampers for institutional and corporate buyers 🎯 eSARAS is expanding markets, preserving India's craft heritage, and strengthening women-led rural livelihoods through Digital India 📌 Read More: 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150656&reg=3&lang=1 🔗 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150657&reg=3&lang=1

👩‍🌾📱 SHE-LEAPS: Digital Empowerment for Lakhpati Didis ✨ Enabling Data-Driven Growth for Women-Led SHG Enterprises SHE-LEAPS is a unified digital platform launched on 29 June 2026 at the Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan held in New Delhi. 🌾 🌟 Key Highlights 👩‍💼 Supports women-led SHG enterprises across rural India 📊 End-to-end enterprise management services, from profile creation to real-time performance tracking 🌍 Rollout across 34 States & UTs 💰 Strengthens the Lakhpati Didi Mission ✨ SHE-LEAPS mobile app has been developed by the Digital India Corporation, and is being implemented under the LokOS platform. 📖 Read More 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150655&reg=3&lang=1

👩‍🌾📱 SHE-LEAPS: Digital Empowerment for Lakhpati Didis ✨ Enabling Data-Driven Growth for Women-Led SHG Enterprises SHE-LEAPS is a unified digital platform launched on 29 June 2026 at the Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan held in New Delhi. 🌾 🌟 Key Highlights 👩‍💼 Supports women-led SHG enterprises across rural India 📊 End-to-end enterprise management services, from profile creation to real-time performance tracking 🌍 Rollout across 34 States & UTs 💰 Strengthens the Lakhpati Didi Mission ✨ SHE-LEAPS mobile app has been developed by the Digital India Corporation, and is being implemented under the LokOS platform. 📖 Read More 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150655&reg=3&lang=1

💧🌾 Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) A Decade of Irrigation-Led Agricultural Transformation ✨ Expanding Irrigation, Saving Water, and Strengthening Sustainable Agriculture 🌟 Key Highlights 💰Over ₹64,407 crore central assistance provided. 👨‍🌾 Over 27 million farmers benefited since 2016–17 🌱 246.13 lakh hectares of irrigation potential created or restored 💧 Under Per drop more crop, 110.92 lakh hectares brought under micro-irrigation 📈 Union Budget2026-27, ₹6,587 crore allocated for expanding irrigation, water-use efficiency, and promoting sustainable water management 📖 Read More 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159085&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1

Nine Years of GST: Simplifying Taxation, Strengthening India 📅 On 1 July, India marks 9 years of Goods and Services Tax (GST), a landmark reform that unified the country's indirect tax system under the vision of One Nation, One Tax. 📌What has changed? 🔹 Replaced multiple Central and State taxes with a single framework 🔹 Created a common national market 🔹 Strengthened cooperative federalism through the GST Council 🔹 Enabled seamless digital compliance through GSTN 🔹 GST 2.0 (2025) simplified tax rates, expanded exemptions and eased compliance 📈 The impact speaks for itself: ✅ GST taxpayers increased from 66.5 lakh to 1.65 crore ✅ Collections rose from ₹7.4 lakh crore (2017-18) to ₹22.27 lakh crore (2025-26) 🌟 Nine years on, GST continues to drive transparency, ease of doing business and India's journey towards a Viksit Bharat.🇮🇳 🔗READ MORE: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159075&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1 https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159081&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=2

🌾📲 The Kisan Sarathi Platform ✨ Technology to Unite, Empower, and Strengthen the Agricultural Ecosystem Kisan Sarathi is India’s largest integrated digital agro-advisory platform, connecting farmers with experts, schemes, weather updates, and market insights. 🚜💻 🌟 Key Highlights 👨‍🌾 2.95 crore registered farmers 🌍 Coverage across 36 States/UTs, 768 districts & 6.63 lakh villages 🏛️ Connected with 730+ KVKs, 100+ ICAR institutes & 65+ agri universities 💬 19.21 lakh farmer queries resolved so far 📢 21,900 advisories released for 351 commodities ✨ Kisan Sarathi is empowering farmers with real-time, multilingual, and personalized agricultural support. 📖 Read More 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150641&reg=48&lang=1 🔗 हिंदी: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150642&reg=48&lang=1