PIB Backgrounders

💼 PM-VBRY: Expanding Formal Employment, Securing India's Workforce Encouraging first-time employment, supporting job creators and expanding social security for India's workforce 📌 Key Highlights 👥 3.5+ crore employment opportunities targeted, including 1.92 crore first-time employees 💰 With an outlay of ₹99,446 crore, the scheme is being implemented from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2027 🎯 First-time employees earning up to ₹1 lakh/month receive an incentive of up to ₹15,000, promoting formal employment and financial security 🏭 Employers receive incentives of up to ₹3,000 per month per eligible additional employee 📈 In its first year, 72+ lakh first-time employees joined the formal workforce, with nearly 30% women beneficiaries 💻A fully digital, EPFO-linked platform with Aadhaar authentication and Direct Benefit Transfer(DBT) English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159386&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159387&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1

INDIA'S INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION (IIP) RECORD GROWTH IN JUNE 2026 ✴️A monthly indicator of industrial activity, that tracks momentum in the mining, manufacturing, electricity sectors. ✴️Compiled using a base year indexed to 100 (currently 2022-23). 🔗Read More: https://x.com/i/status/2083165439644049456

India as a Tourism Hub Building a Globally Competitive, Inclusive and Sustainable Visitor Economy ✨Key Highlights✨ 🌏 India is steadily advancing towards becoming a major global tourism hub, driven by its rich heritage, natural diversity, spiritual appeal and vibrant cultural traditions. 🛣️ Improved connectivity, destination infrastructure, digital platforms and easier travel are creating seamless, high-quality visitor experiences. 🧘 From spiritual, heritage and wellness tourism to eco-tourism, MICE and adventure travel, India offers diverse experiences throughout the year. 🌱 Sustainable and community-based tourism is supporting local livelihoods, preserving heritage and ensuring inclusive, long-term growth. Read More 👇 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159384&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159385&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1

📚⚖️ Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 _Stronger Law. Fairer Exams. Greater Protection for Students_ ✨ Key Highlights ✨ 🛡️ The Amendment Bill, 2026 strengthens India's legal framework against paper leaks, organised exam fraud and unfair means in public examinations. ⚖️ Jail terms and fines have been significantly enhanced, with organised exam fraud now attracting imprisonment of 7 to 10 years and a minimum fine of ₹10 crore. 👮 The Bill empowers the Central Government to constitute Special Task Forces for dedicated investigation and mandates completion of investigations within two months. 🏛️ Special Fast Track Courts will conduct day-to-day hearings and endeavour to complete trials within three months, ensuring speedy justice. 📑 A time-bound appeal mechanism has also been introduced, with appeals to be heard by a Division Bench of the High Court, promoting faster disposal of cases. 📖 Read More:👇 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150800&reg=3&lang=1 🔗 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150801&reg=3&lang=1

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 ✨ Key Highlights✨ 📜 The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 expands the scope of the 1971 Act to include the National Song, Vande Mataram. 🇮🇳 The amendment extends to Vande Mataram the legal protection available against obstruction or disruption of the singing of Jana Gana Mana. ✊ Vande Mataram became a powerful symbol of resistance and national unity during India’s freedom struggle. ⚖️ Intentionally preventing its singing or disturbing an assembly engaged in singing it will constitute an offence, punishable with imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both. Read More:👇 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150796&reg=48&lang=1 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150797&reg=3&lang=1

Affordable Nutrition for Every Indian: Jan Aushadhi Nutraceuticals 💊 Affordable nutraceuticals through PMBJP make quality nutrition supplements accessible to people across income groups. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A diverse product range caters to children, women, senior citizens, fitness enthusiasts, and people with specific health conditions. 🩺 Specialised formulations support nutritional needs for diabetes, kidney conditions, immunity, and protein supplementation. 🌱 PMBJP integrates nutrition with healthcare, advancing the vision of " Quality Healthcare and Nutrition for All." Read Here- 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FeaturesDeatils.aspx?NoteId=159370&ModuleId=2&reg=3&lang=1

📚 PM-Vidyalaxmi expands access to quality higher education for meritorious students 🎓 Provides collateral-free, guarantor-free education loans at 1,425 eligible QHEIs 💰 Offers 3% interest subvention for eligible families (income up to ₹8 lakh) 💻 Ensures fully digital, transparent loan application, tracking and grievance redressal 🎯Advances NEP 2020 , SDG 4, and educational equity through inclusive financial support Read More: 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159363&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1 🔗 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159365&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=2

India Leads the Wilderness in Tiger Conservation India’s leadership in tiger conservation, science based policies, strong institutions and global partnerships have driven a remarkable recovery in tiger populations. Key Highlights: 🐯 India now hosts about 70% of the world’s wild tigers, making it the largest global tiger stronghold. 📈 India’s scientifically assessed tiger population has more than doubled since 2006. 📊 The All India Tiger Estimation 2022 records 3,682 tigers, surveyed across 20 States and 6.41 lakh sq km on foot. 🏞️ Project Tiger protects 58 tiger reserves in 18 States, covering about 84,500 sq km—around 2.56% of India’s area. 🏅 The All India Tiger Estimation is the world’s largest biodiversity survey, and NTCA’s camera‑trap survey holds a Guinness World Record. Read More: English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159343&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159358&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1

🇮🇳 India's Fight to Combat Hepatitis Hepatitis is a recognised public health problem in India. India launched the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme in 2018 to control the spread of the disease. Key Highlights: 🔶India has screened over 21 crore people for hepatitis; treated ~6.12 lakh Hepatitis B & C patients across 1,153 treatment sites 🔶All pregnant women are universally screened for Hepatitis B, ensuring newborns get the birth dose vaccine within 24 hours of birth. 🔶Hepatitis C is curable in 12-24 weeks using DAA drugs, with free screening, diagnostics and treatment available nationwide — Call 1800-11-6666 for more information. Read More: 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159330&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1 🔗 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159331&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=2

🏅🇮🇳 The Making of a Sporting Nation Khelo India and India's rise on the global stage 📢 Key Highlights: 🏟️ Khelo India at Scale: 349 sports infrastructure projects approved, 1,067 Khelo India Centres, 267 academies, and 2,745 athletes supported across the country. 🥇 Champions in the Making: More than 63,000 athletes have competed in the Khelo India Games, building a strong pathway from grassroots talent to international success. 🌍 Winning on the World Stage: India's sporting rise is reflected in record performances, including 107 medals at the Asian Games 2023 and 29 medals at the Paralympics 2024. 🏆 From grassroots dreams to global podiums—India is building a true sporting nation. 🔗 Read the full story: English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159339&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1

🚀🌾 Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) Catalysing Rural Economies through Grassroots Entrepreneurship SVEP is helping rural entrepreneurs turn ideas into livelihoods through training, finance, mentoring, and community support. 💼🤝 🌟 Key Highlights 🏪 4.32 lakh rural enterprises supported 👩‍🌾 86% entrepreneurs from SC, ST, OBC & Minority communities 👩 75% enterprises owned or managed by women 💰 99% supported enterprises are profitable 🤝 Convergence with SHGs, banks & PM Mudra Yojana for enterprise growth ✨ SVEP is transforming rural aspirations into thriving businesses, creating jobs and strengthening local economies. 📖 Read More 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159317&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1

🇮🇳🪖 Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026 Honouring the Bravehearts. Celebrating a Stronger India. 📢 Key Highlights: 🏔️ 27 Years of Victory: India commemorates the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, honouring the courage and supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts of Operation Vijay. 🛡️ From Kargil to Operation SINDOOR: India's response to cross-border terrorism has evolved from the Kargil War to Operation SINDOOR, which PM Modi described as the "new normal". ⚔️ A Stronger, Aatmanirbhar Defence: Defence production reached a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in 2025–26, while exports surged to ₹38,424 crore, reflecting India's growing military strength and self-reliance. 🔗 Read the full story on Kargil's enduring legacy: English:https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159313&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1

🌱 Saving Soil, Securing Farms 🟫 "Beneath Every Harvest Lies Healthy Soil" 🌟Key Highlights🌟 🌾 18,786 Natural Farming clusters now cover 8.80 lakh hectares , benefiting 18.19 lakh farmers, as of March 2026 🌿 ₹2,119.84 crore released under NMSA since 2014-15, covering 8.50 lakh hectares and benefiting 14.35 lakh farmers 🌍 Under India's Nationally Determined Contribution, Green India Mission aims to create an additional 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent carbon sink by 2030 🌱 25.89 crore Soil Health Cards issued to promote scientific nutrient management, as of March 2026 👩‍🌾 70,002 Krishi Sakhis trained to deliver soil health advisories at the grassroots 🧪 7.17 lakh field demonstrations conducted to encourage balanced fertiliser use 📢 Khet Bachao Abhiyan reached 1.07 crore farmers and 4.5 crore citizens through awareness campaigns 📖 Read Here- 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159311&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1

🌍📖 Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act Transparent Foreign Funding, Stronger Accountability, National Interest First ✨Key Highlights✨ 📜 FCRA regulates foreign contributions in India through a transparent legal framework. 🏛️ It promotes transparency, accountability, sovereignty and public trust while supporting genuine charitable and development work. 💻 Registered organisations receive foreign funds through a designated bank account and file annual audited returns. 🌐 India's FCRA framework is aligned with global practices for transparent foreign funding. ⚖️ The proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 and Rules, 2026 strengthen governance, improve clarity and enhance transparency. 📖 Read Here 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150789&reg=48&lang=1 ❓ Read FAQ 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FaqDetails.aspx?NoteId=159301&ModuleId=4&reg=48&lang=1

Journeys of Grit, Pathways of Growth RSETIs Empowering Rural Aspirations through Enterprise 🌱 RSETIs bridge aspirations and enterprise, helping rural youth convert skills into sustainable self-employment. 🤝The model goes beyond training, combining skill development, credit support, and post-training handholding. 🏛️ 632 RSETIs operate across 33 States/UTs and 619 districts, supported by 25 sponsor banks as of March 2026 🎓 60.63 lakh candidates have been trained since inception till Feb 2026, achieving nearly 99.7% of the training target. 💼 43.89 lakh candidates secured livelihoods, while 22.52 lakh beneficiaries accessed bank finance to establish enterprises. Read more English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FeaturesDeatils.aspx?NoteId=159289&ModuleId=2&reg=3&lang=1

🌿🤍 White Gold: India's Cotton Story 🇮🇳 From Seed to Shirt! 🧵👔 ✅ #1 globally in cotton cultivation area and #2 in production & consumption. 👨‍🌾 Around 6 million farmers and 40–50 million livelihoods depend on the cotton sector. 🌾 Production (2025–26): 290.91 lakh bales (provisional) | 🏭 Consumption: 328 lakh bales 🌍 Exports (FY25): US$ 11.49 billion, reaching major markets including the USA, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. 📱 Kapas Kisan App has enabled 41 lakh+ farmers to register for transparent, paperless MSP procurement. 🌿 Kasturi Cotton Bharat is promoting traceability, certification and branding to position Indian cotton globally. 💰 During 2025–26, CCI procured 105.09 lakh bales worth ₹41,530 crore under MSP operations. 📖 Read More: 📎English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159274&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1

🌧️ CATCH THE RAIN 2026 📢 A Renewed National Call for Water Conservation 🌦️ Campaign Duration: 4 July to 4 August 2026 ✨ Key Highlights✨ 💧 Save every drop of rainwater through rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. 🏡 Adopt Rainwater Harvesting Systems in every home, society and workplace. 🕳️ Install Recharge Pits and Shafts and revive unused borewells for groundwater recharge. 🏞️ Restore baolis, wells and traditional water bodies. 🌊 Desilt ponds and reservoirs to improve water storage during the monsoon. 🤝 Jan Bhagidari is at the heart of the campaign with active participation from Panchayats, Urban Local Bodies, women, youth, schools and civil society. 🚰 Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0 has reported over 1.5 crore groundwater recharge structures, exceeding the target by more than 50% 📖Read Here- English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FeaturesDeatils.aspx?NoteId=159260&ModuleId=2&reg=48&lang=1 Hindi: https://www.pib.gov.in/FeaturesDeatils.aspx?NoteId=159261&ModuleId=2&reg=48&lang=1

🚀 Vikram-1: A New Era for India's Space Sector 🇮🇳 Space reforms and the Indian Space Policy 2023 have opened the entire space value chain to private participation, driving innovation and investment. 🚀 Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle, is scheduled for launch under Mission Aagaman. 🛰️ The mission will deploy multiple customer payloads into Low Earth Orbit (450 km), demonstrating India's growing commercial launch capabilities and indigenous innovation. 🌟 A successful Vikram-1 mission will highlighting the impact of the Government's space sector reforms and strengthening India's position as a global space hub. 📈 India's private space ecosystem has expanded rapidly, with space startups growing from just 1 in 2014 to over 400 in 2026. Read More: English: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159250&ModuleId=3&reg=48&lang=1

🧵 *Bharat Tex 2026: Where Every Thread Opens a New Opportunity* _Bringing India’s textile value chain, craftsmanship and global market opportunities onto one platform_ *Key Highlights* 🗓️ The 3rd edition is being held from 14-17 July 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi 🧶 The event spans the entire textile value chain: from fibre and yarn to apparel, technical textiles, handlooms and handicrafts 🌍6,000+ buyers from 130+ countries associated with the event 🤝1.3 lakh+ trade visitors are engaging with Indian manufacturers, artisans, cooperatives and enterprises 🏢 Spread across 1.6 million square feet , the exhibition features 20,000+ textile products 🥻Indie Haat 2026, held alongside Bharat Tex, is showcasing 48 artisans and weavers and 12 design-led brands 📖 Read More: 🔗 English: https://www.pib.gov.in/FeaturesDeatils.aspx?NoteId=159248&ModuleId=2&reg=3&lang=1

🇮🇳 India's First Hydrogen-Powered Train: Advancing Green Rail Mobility🚆 🌟 Key Highlights 🌟 🚆 India's first hydrogen-powered train to be inaugurated on 17th July, 2026 with operations on the Jind–Sonipat section of Northern Railway. 🌿 Powered by a 1200 kW hydrogen fuel cell, the train emits only water vapour and heat during operation. ⚙️ Designed and developed in India, the project demonstrates Atmanirbhar Bharat and advanced indigenous railway technology. 🚉 The 10-car train can carry around 2,600 passengers with an operational speed of 75 kmph. 🏗️ Jind houses India's largest railway hydrogen storage and refuelling facility, supporting safe and reliable train operations. 🛡️ Multiple safety systems, including leak detectors, flame detectors and 24×7 monitoring, ensure secure operations. READ MORE: 🔗 ENGLISH: https://www.pib.gov.in/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=150774&reg=3&lang=1