Latest News: Indian share markets will be open for trading on Sunday, February 01, as the Union Budget is being presented on that day * Key Highlights of Economic Survey 2025–26: GDP & GVA Growth Estimates for FY 2026: First advance estimates at 7.4% and 7.3% respectively * India’s Core Growth Projection: Around 7%, with real GDP growth for FY 2027 expected between 6.8% and 7.2% * Central Government Revenue: Rose to 11.6% of GDP in FY 2025 * Non-Performing Assets: Declined to a multi-decade low of 2.2% * PMJDY Accounts: Over 552 million bank accounts opened by March 2025; 366 million in rural and semi-urban areas * Investor Base: Surpassed 120 million by September 2025, with women comprising ~25% * Global Trade Share: India’s export share doubled from 1% in 2005 to 1.8% in 2024 * Services Export: Reached an all-time high of $387.6 billion in FY 2025, up 13.6% * Global Deposits: India became the largest recipient in FY 2025 with $135.4 billion * Foreign Exchange Reserves: Hit $701.4 billion on January 16, 2026—covering 11 months of imports and 94% of external debt * Inflation: Averaged 1.7% from April to December 2025 * Foodgrain Production: Reached 357.73 million metric tons in 2024–25, up 25.43 MMT from the previous year * PM-Kisan Scheme: Over ₹4.09 lakh crore disbursed to eligible farmers since inception * Rural Employment Alignment: “Viksit Bharat – Jee Ram Ji” initiative launched to replace MGNREGA in the vision for a developed India by 2047 * Manufacturing Growth: 7.72% in Q1 and 9.13% in Q2 of FY 2026 * PLI Scheme Impact: ₹2 lakh crore in actual investment across 14 sectors; production and sales exceeded ₹18.7 lakh crore; over 1.26 million jobs created by September 2025 * Semiconductor Mission: Domestic capacity boosted with ₹1.6 lakh crore invested across 10 projects * Railway High-Speed Corridor: Expanded from 550 km in FY 2014 to 5,364 km; 3,500 km added in FY 2026 * Civil Aviation: India became the third-largest domestic air travel market; airports increased from 74 in 2014 to 164 in 2025 * DISCOMs Turnaround: Recorded first-ever positive PAT of ₹20,701 crore in FY 2025 * Renewable Energy: India ranked third globally in total renewable and installed solar capacity * Satellite Docking: India became the fourth country to achieve autonomous satellite docking capability * School Enrollment Ratios: Primary – 90.9%, Upper Primary – 90.3%, Secondary – 78.7% * Higher Education Expansion: India now has 23 IITs, 21 IIMs, and 20 AIIMS; international IIT campuses established in Zanzibar and Abu Dhabi * Maternal & Infant Mortality: Declined since 1990, now below global average * E-Shram Portal: Over 310 million unorganised workers registered by January 2026; 54% are women * National Career Service Portal: Job vacancies exceeded 28 million in FY 2025 and crossed 23 million by September 2026

Global progress data in solar sector released


New Delhi: The 3rd edition of the World Solar Report series was released at the 7th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance focusing on global solar growth, investment trends, technological advancements, and Africa's green hydrogen potential.

The newly launched four reports namely World Solar Market Report, World Investment Report, World Technology Report, and Green Hydrogen Readiness Assessment for African Countries each highlight a crucial area in the global shift towards sustainable energy.

Read in Hindi: जमकर हो रहा है सौर ऊर्जा में निवेश, साल 2030 तक बदल जाएगी तस्वीर

The President of the ISA Assembly and Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, released the World Solar Report series. First introduced in 2022, this report series provides a concise and comprehensive overview of global progress in solar technology, key challenges, and investment trends in the sector.

The latest edition emphasizes the vital role of solar energy in advancing sustainable energy solutions worldwide, offering stakeholders valuable insights into the industry's rapid evolution.

The World Solar Market Report reveals exceptional solar growth, with global capacity soaring from 1.22 GW in 2000 to 1,418.97 GW in 2023. Manufacturing is set to exceed demand, making solar more affordable. Solar jobs have surged to 7.1 million, and global capacity may reach 7,203 GW by 2030.

The latest World Investment Report highlights a global shift toward sustainable energy, with energy investments rising from $2.4 trillion in 2018 to $3.1 trillion by 2024. Solar leads renewable energy investments, accounting for 59 per cent of the total, driven by lower costs, with APAC emerging as the top investing region.

The World Technology Report showcases advancements in solar technology, emphasising efficiency, sustainability, and affordability breakthroughs. Highlights include record-setting 24.9 per cent efficiency in solar PV modules, an 88 per cent reduction in silicon usage since 2004, and a 90 per cent drop in utility-scale solar PV costs, fostering resilient, cost-effective energy solutions.

Readiness Assessment of Green Hydrogen African Countries highlights green hydrogen's potential to decarbonise industries heavily reliant on fossil fuels, such as steel and fertilizer production. Produced via renewable-powered electrolysis, green hydrogen offers a viable alternative to coal, oil, and gas, supporting Africa’s transition to cleaner energy.