PIB Backgrounders

🇮🇳 Understanding Q1 2026-27 GDP Estimates 📊The base year in National Accounts Statistics is revised to reflect structural changes and current relative prices 🔄 Revisions to earlier GDP estimates resulted from the new base year, updated data, improved methodologies and the incorporation of new IIP and PPI series 📊 Double deflation method is adopted for various industries under the manufacturing sector; it does not directly apply to PFCE 🧮 Statistical discrepancies reflect differences between production- and expenditure-side estimates ; do not automatically indicate the direction or size of future revisions. 📖 Read More: ✔️ English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FaqDetails.aspx?NoteId=159824&ModuleId=4&reg=3&lang=1

🇮🇳 Districts as Export Hubs 🌍 Taking India’s Exports to Every District 🚀 770+ districts covered under DEH 📋 590 districts have Export Action Plans (DEAPs) ✅ 249 DEAPs formally adopted as of March 2026 🏭 Empowering MSMEs through better quality, packaging, branding, logistics & market access. 🌐 Going Digital: E-commerce partnerships are connecting local businesses with global markets. 🌟 Local Strength: Building an inclusive, geographically diversified export ecosystem to support India’s US$1 trillion export ambition. 📖 Read More: ✔️ English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159804&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1 ✔️ Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159807&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1

🇮🇳 India’s GDP Performance 🚀 Real GDP grew by 7.8%; highest Q1 rate in four years 💼 The tertiary sector expanded by 10.0% 🏭 Manufacturing grew by 9.2%, supporting an 8.6% rise in the secondary sector 📊 Growth Momentum Continues: → Industrial production grew by 6.7% in July → Combined exports reached US$ 80.14 billion in July → Credit to agriculture and allied activities grew by 17.0%, credit to industry and services rose by 20.0% and 22.9% 🌟 Recent policy measures across industry, energy, trade and agriculture are further supporting economic activity. 📖 Read More: ✔️ English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150991&reg=48&lang=1

⚙️🇮🇳 Cyber-Physical Systems Building India’s Technology-Driven Future 🔹 National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) was approved in 2018 with an outlay of ₹3,660 crore for nine years. 🔬 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) have been established, connecting research, innovation, industry and entrepreneurship. 🏭 4 Technology Translation Research Parks (TTRPs) were established in 2025. 💡 1,146 technologies have been enabled, with 1,329 technology products supported across agriculture, healthcare, mining, cybersecurity and advanced communications etc.. 🎓 5,824 Fellowships have been awarded, while 2.46 lakh+ professionals have received skill development training in the domain. 🚀 1,136 start-ups and spin-offs have been incubated, contributing to 24,000+ jobs. Read More: English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159779&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159781&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1

India's Higher Education Sector A Decade of Growth, Access, and Inclusion 📌 Key Highlights 📈 India’s higher education sector has expanded substantially, with universities reaching 1,289, colleges 48,246, and standalone institutions 15,221 in 2023–24, strengthening access and capacity. 🧑‍🎓 Student enrolment grew by 31.5% to 4.50 crore, while GER rose to 30%, marking progress towards the NEP 2020 target of reaching 50% by 2035. ⚖️ Inclusion and gender parity strengthened, with female enrolment reaching 2.24 crore and GPI improving to 1.08. SC, ST and OBC participation also increased. 🌍 STEM, faculty and internationalisation advanced, with STEM enrolment at 1.02 crore, the teaching workforce at 17.32 lakh, and foreign students at 58,134, reinforcing India’s future-ready knowledge ecosystem. Read more: English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150983&reg=48&lang=1 हिंदी: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150984&reg=48&lang=1

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Affordable Crop Insurance for Every Farmer 🌟 Key Highlights 📊 ₹12,200 crore allocated for PMFBY in 2026–27 🛡️ 92.46 crore+ farmer applications insured since inception 💰 26.33 crore+ farmer applications paid claims exceeding ₹2.06 lakh crore 💻 YES-TECH & WINDS are enabling faster, fairer and more transparent claim settlement. 📖Read more English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159760&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1

💧🌾 Water-Smart Farming with Per Drop More Crop ✨ Transforming Indian Agriculture through Water Efficiency PDMC promotes micro-irrigation for efficient water use, higher productivity, and better farm incomes. 🚜🌱 🌟 Key Highlights 💧 115 lakh hectares covered under micro-irrigation till July 2026 👨‍🌾 12.30 lakh farmers benefited in 2025–26 👩‍🌾 Around 20% beneficiaries were women 💰 55% assistance for small and marginal farmers 🌱 Supports drip and sprinkler irrigation ✨ Every drop matters. 📖 Read More 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159757&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1 🔗 हिंदी: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159758&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1

🇮🇳 Nuclear Energy Technology in India: Powering a Sustainable & Self-Reliant Future🇮🇳 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 is the Government's ambitious target for a stronger and cleaner energy future. 🎯⚡🌱 🔹 24 nuclear reactors | 8.78 GW are operational, supplying reliable power to the national grid. 🔹 9 reactors | 7.5 GW are under construction, strengthening India's nuclear power capacity. 🔹 10 indigenous PHWRs have been approved in fleet mode, advancing domestic nuclear manufacturing. 🔹 PFBR, Kalpakkam achieved first criticality in April 2026, marking a major milestone in India's three-stage nuclear programme. 🔹 ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission is supporting indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). 🚀 Read More: ENGLISH: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159731&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1 HINDI: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159732&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1

Nuclear Energy in India: Applications, Safety, and Preparedness 🔹 Nuclear technology powers healthcare, agriculture, food preservation, etc. beyond electricity. 🔹 Multiple safety barriers - Defence-in-Depth design and ALARA radiation limits ensure the safe operation of every nuclear plant. 🔹 Multi-level emergency framework with mock drills, trained responders and a 16-km Emergency Planning Zone safeguards every plant. 🔹 The SHANTI Act, 2025 further strengthens the regulatory framework for a safe, secure and future-ready nuclear expansion. 🔹 From reactors to radiopharmaceuticals, India is strengthening indigenous capabilities and advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat. 🇮🇳 Nuclear energy is poised to play a growing role in powering a cleaner, secure and technology-driven Viksit Bharat. Read More: ENGLISH: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159729&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1 HINDI:https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159730&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1

🇮🇳✨ 12 Years of PM Jan Dhan Yojana 🏦 Banking for All, Empowerment for All 🚀 Launched in 2014, PMJDY has transformed India’s financial inclusion landscape. 🔹 Banking | 💳 Credit | 🛡️ Insurance | 👵 Pension | 📲 DBT 📊 Key Milestones | As of 19 August 2026 🏦 59.09 crore accounts 👩 32.92 crore female beneficiaries 💰 ₹3.16 lakh crore deposits 💳 41.29 crore RuPay cards issued 📈 Accounts grew 4x in 12 years 💰 Deposits grew ~20x since March 2015 🌟 PM-JDY continues to turn financial access into greater security, opportunity and empowerment. READ MORE: ✔️ENGLISH: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159721&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1

🍬🇮🇳 India’s Sugar Industry ✨ Understanding the Sector, Value Chain and Recent Price Rise 🌟 Key Highlights 🌱 500 MMT sugarcane production recorded in Third Advance Estimates of 2025–26 🌍 8 lakh MT sugar exported in 2025–26 ⛽ Sugar diverted for ethanol production has declined from around 12% in 2022-23 to around 9% in 2025-26 📊 Long-term prices of sugar increased by only around 3% annually between August 2024 and July 2026. 📈 Current price hike is short-term, driven by lower production, festive demand, weather damage, global prices, and market practices. 🛡️ Government measures to control hoarding and price hike include stock limits, stock verification, duty-free import of 10 LMT raw sugar, and beginning of crushing in October. 📖 Read More 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150971&reg=48&lang=1

Turning the Wheel of Heritage: Sarnath Joins the World Heritage List 🪷 Sarnath has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2026, marking a major milestone for India’s cultural heritage. 🌏 With this inscription, India’s UNESCO World Heritage tally rises to 45 — 37 cultural, 7 natural and 1 mixed property. 🛕 Sarnath is one of the four principal Buddhist pilgrimage sites and the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. 🏛️ ASI is India’s nodal agency for World Heritage matters and conserves 3,688 centrally protected monuments, including 28 World Heritage properties. 🌍 India now ranks 6th globally and 2nd in the Asia-Pacific region in UNESCO World Heritage properties. 📖 Read More: 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159711&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1 🔗 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159712&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=2

Celebrating Grassroots Innovation at the Micro Food Processing Bazaar Where India’s Flavours Find New Horizons ✨Key Highlights 🌐 25 States & UTs: Exhibitors showcased India’s rich culinary diversity. 🤝 Platform for Growth: Micro food enterprises, SHGs, FPOs, cooperatives and entrepreneurs connected with buyers and explored new markets. 🌾 Diverse Food Products: Millets, spices, pickles, snacks, beverages and value-added foods were showcased. 📍 A Taste of India: Each stall offered a taste of a place, a tradition, and a story waiting to be discovered. 📖 Read More: English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FeaturesDeatils.aspx?NoteId=159710&ModuleId=2&reg=3&lang=1

👷🇮🇳 5 Years of e-Shram Portal India's first Aadhaar-authenticated National Database of Unorganised Workers 📊 Expanding Coverage: More than 31.89 crore unorganised workers registered (18 August 2026). 🤝 One Platform, Multiple Services: Integrates 15 social security and welfare schemes. 🛡️ Gateway to Social Security: Registered workers can access PMJJBY, PMSBY, PM-SYM, the National Career Service and the Skill India Digital Hub. 🌐 Designed for Inclusion: The portal supports 22 Indian languages, records migrant workers' family details and includes gig and platform workers. 💻 Simple and Accessible: Registration is free and can be completed online or through CSCs and State Seva Kendras. Read More: ✔️ English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159705&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1

🇮🇳 UPI: Transforming India's Payment Landscape 📱 Digital Revolution: UPI has transformed the way India transacts through simple, secure and real-time digital payments. 📈 Unprecedented Growth: Annual transactions volume increased ~12,000-fold between FY 2016-17 and FY 2025-26. 🏦 Widespread Adoption: As of July 2026, the UPI ecosystem comprises 741 live banks. 💰 Transactions at Scale: UPI processed 2,365.8 crore transactions worth ₹29.87 lakh crore in July 2026. 🌍 Global Footprint: UPI is operational in 11 countries including Bhutan, Nepal, Singapore, UAE, France, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Qatar, Cambodia, Greece and Maldives. 🏆 Global Recognition: UPI accounted for nearly 49% of global real-time payment transactions volume in 2024 (IMF). 📖 Read More: ✔️ English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150962&reg=3&lang=1

🇮🇳 UPI: Transforming India's Payment Landscape 📱 Digital Revolution: UPI has transformed the way India transacts through simple, secure and real-time digital payments. 📈 Unprecedented Growth: Annual transactions volume increased ~12,000-fold between FY 2016-17 and FY 2025-26. 🏦 Widespread Adoption: As of July 2026, the UPI ecosystem comprises 741 live banks. 💰 Transactions at Scale: UPI processed 2,365.8 crore transactions worth ₹29.87 lakh crore in July 2026. 🌍 Global Footprint: UPI is operational in 11 countries including Bhutan, Nepal, Singapore, UAE, France, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Qatar, Cambodia, Greece and Maldives. 🏆 Global Recognition: UPI accounted for nearly 49% of global real-time payment transactions volume in 2024 (IMF). 📖 Read More: ✔️ English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150962&reg=3&lang=1

Rebuilding Farming Systems: Regenerative Agriculture for a Resilient India 🌱 Regenerative agriculture offers a pathway to restore soil vitality, improve biodiversity, and strengthen resilience against climate stresses. 🌾 As of March 2026, natural farming clusters covered 8.80 lakh hectares and enrolled 18.19 lakh farmers . 💧 About 109 lakh hectares have been brought under Per Drop More Crop as of May 2026. 🧪 25.89 crore Soil Health Cards have been generated since inception, as of March 2026. 📖 Read More: 🔗 English : https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159690&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1 🔗 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159691&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=2

🐄 National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) “A Disease-Free Tomorrow for Indian Livestock” 📌 Key Highlights 💉 147.16 crore FMD vaccine doses administered under NADCP, benefiting 8.04 crore farmers 📉 FMD outbreaks declined from 132 in 2019 to 40 in 2025 , while Brucellosis outbreaks fell from 22 to 15 🛡️ More than 39 crore livestock registered on the Bharat Pashudhan Portal , enabling digital tracking and disease monitoring 🚑 4,019 Mobile Veterinary Units have provided doorstep services to 136 lakh farmers and treated 276 lakh animals 🥛 Bovine productivity increased by 36.63%, from 1,640 kg per animal annually in 2014-15 to 2,250 kg in 2024-25 📖 Read More: 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159684&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1 🔗 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159685&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=2

🐄 National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) “A Disease-Free Tomorrow for Indian Livestock” 📌 Key Highlights 💉 147.16 crore FMD vaccine doses administered under NADCP, benefiting 8.04 crore farmers 📉 FMD outbreaks declined from 132 in 2019 to 40 in 2025, while Brucellosis outbreaks fell from 22 to 15 🛡️ More than 39 crore livestock registered on the Bharat Pashudhan Portal , enabling digital tracking and disease monitoring 🚑 4,019 Mobile Veterinary Units have provided doorstep services to 136 lakh farmers and treated 276 lakh animals 🥛 Bovine productivity increased by 36.63%, from 1,640 kg per animal annually in 2014-15 to 2,250 kg in 2024-25 📖 Read More: 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159684&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1 🔗 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159685&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=2

Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Strengthening MSP-Based Price Support & Empowering Farmers ⭐ Key Highlights 🤝PM-AASHA is the Government’s flagship price-support framework for remunerative prices for farmers. 🌾 Budget allocation : ₹7,200 Crore for 2026–27 strengthens effective price-support interventions. 🔐 Digital Transparency: Aadhaar authentication, e-NAM, e-Samriddhi and e-Samyukti improve procurement efficiency. 🏗️Loans worth ₹96,426 crore sanctioned for 2,14,437 Agriculture Infrastructure Fund projects , while e-NAM linked 1,656 mandis and facilitated ₹4,94,847 crore in trade 📖 Read More: English - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159674&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1 Hindi - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159675&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1