India is now a global leader in childhood vaccinations, with a zero-dose rate that halved in a year.

The number of children in India who have not received any vaccinations, or zero-dose children, has decreased from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024, marking a major milestone in the country's immunization campaign. India is now a global leader in child health and immunization after the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) recognized the accomplishment in its 2024 report.

According to a statement released on Saturday by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the advancement was made possible by India's extensive Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), which gives free immunizations to 2.6 crore newborns and 2.9 crore pregnant women each year. ASHAs and ANMs are among the healthcare professionals who conduct over 1.3 crore immunization sessions nationwide, guaranteeing extensive vaccine outreach.

India received the coveted *Measles and Rubella Champion Award* from The Measles and Rubella Partnership in March 2024 at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., demonstrating how this success has garnered international attention. India's unwavering dedication to eradicating diseases that can be prevented by vaccination is acknowledged with this award.

India has witnessed notable advancements in general health outcomes in addition to decreases in the prevalence of zero-dose. India's maternal mortality ratio (MMR) decreased to 80 per lakh live births in 2023, according to the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (UN-MMEIG). This is an 86% decrease since 1990, far exceeding the 48% global fall. During the 1990–2023 period, the nation also achieved a 78% decrease in the Under-Five Mortality Rate and a 70% decrease in the Neonatal Mortality Rate, compared to global reductions of 61% and 54%, respectively.

The UIP in India has grown significantly over the last ten years. In 2013, the program included only six vaccines; today, it includes 12 vaccine-preventable diseases, with the addition of the Measles-Rubella Vaccine, Rotavirus Vaccine, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, and Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV).

The government's stepped-up efforts, such *Mission Indradhanush*, have been crucial in reaching marginalized communities. Over 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women who were previously unreachable or under-immunized have been vaccinated since the campaign's inception in 2014, with a notable increase in intensity in 2017.

A focused *Zero Dose Implementation Plan 2024* is presently being implemented in 143 districts in 11 states to close the gaps in vaccine coverage among urban slums, migrant populations, and areas where vaccine reluctance is chronic. Through consistent Pulse Polio campaigns and frequent Village Health and Nutrition Days (VHNDs) for community-based immunization campaigns, India has also been polio-free since 2014.

The *U-WIN platform* is one example of a digital innovation being used to track vaccination data and stop dropouts. Strategies for public involvement, such as street plays and social media outreach, are being employed to raise awareness and lessen vaccine reluctance.

India is beating the world average for all antigens, according to data from the WHO-UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC) 2023 study. The nation has 93% DTP-1 (Pentavalent-1) coverage, which is far greater than Nigeria's 70% coverage. From 7% in 2013 to just 2% in 2023, the dropout rate between DTP-1 and DTP-3 has also drastically declined. During that time, the percentage of people who had the measles vaccine increased from 83% to 93%.

The administration stressed that India's enormous demographic base must be taken into account when comparing it to other nations. Despite a far bigger birth cohort, India's 0.06% rate shows significant progress, while nations like Yemen (1.68%), Sudan (1.45%), and Nigeria (0.98%) still record high percentages of zero-dose children.

India's FY26 growth prediction is raised by Standard & Poor's (S&P) to 6.5% due to strong domestic demand.

India's GDP growth prediction for FY26 has been raised by 0.2% to 6.5% by Standard & Poor's (S&P) Global Ratings, which bases this revision on the probability of a decent monsoon, declining crude oil prices, income-tax breaks, and anticipated monetary policy easing. India's economic momentum would be mostly driven by robust domestic demand, despite global headwinds including trade protectionism and geopolitical threats, according to S&P's Economic Outlook Asia-Pacific Q3 report, which was published on June 25, 2025. Further interest rate reduction by central banks throughout the Asia-Pacific region are made possible by the report's observation that inflation poses no serious threat to the region.

Global concerns could negatively impact India's export performance, but S&P said domestic spending will buffer GDP growth. Due to growing global trade uncertainties and possible spillovers from US protectionist actions, the agency had previously lowered India's FY26 GDP prediction to 6.3% in May 2025. The most recent update, however, shows a more positive domestic outlook. S&P reaffirmed that India is expected to become the third-largest economy in the world by FY30–35 and continues to benefit greatly from global supply chain realignments. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have maintained their estimates of India's FY26 GDP at 6.3% and 6.2%, respectively, citing trade and geopolitical uncertainties, such as the ongoing Middle East conflict, which could put pressure on global oil prices. Other global forecasts are still more cautious.

PM Modi launches off the Marhowra Plant's first export locomotive and launches important development projects in Bihar.

A number of development projects in Bihar were laid the groundwork and officially opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. These initiatives prioritized affordable housing, electricity infrastructure, sanitation, and train connectivity.

A modern export locomotive constructed at the Marhowra Plant was flagged off as the centerpiece of the prime minister's tour to the Saran district. The locomotive will be shipped to the Republic of Guinea, the plant's first overseas shipment, and is being produced as part of the "Make in India – Make for the World" initiative.

These cutting-edge locomotives, which highlight India's expanding rail manufacturing capabilities, have high horsepower engines, AC propulsion systems, microprocessor-based control systems, ergonomically designed cabins, and regenerative braking technologies.

In a move to improve regional connectivity, PM Modi also officially opened the Vande Bharat Express, which would greatly increase rail access in North Bihar and run between Patliputra and Gorakhpur via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah.

Furthermore, he launched a new train service along the Vaishali–Deoria railway line, which is worth over ₹400 crore, to improve connectivity throughout the area.

The Prime Minister officially opened six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) under the Namami Gange scheme, which totaled more over ₹1,800 crore in investment. The purpose of these plants is to improve water quality and sanitation in cities along the Ganga River.

In addition, PM Modi lay the groundwork for a number of sanitation and water supply projects totaling over ₹3,000 crore, which will guarantee access to safe and clean drinking water in several communities throughout Bihar.

The Prime Minister started a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project as a significant step toward updating the state's energy infrastructure. These stand-alone units will be placed at 15 grid substations in places like Siwan, Bettiah, Motihari, and Muzaffarpur. It is anticipated that the BESS facilities, which have storage capacities ranging from 20 to 80 MWh, will assist power distribution firms in more effectively meeting peak demand and lowering procurement costs, both of which will eventually benefit customers.

More than 53,600 beneficiaries in Bihar received the first installment of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-U (PMAY-U) from PM Modi in the housing sector. In a Grih Pravesh ceremony, he also gave keys to a few chosen recipients, capping the completion of more than 6,600 new homes constructed under the scheme.

PM Modi is set to address at the G7 meeting as India's economy continues to grow.

New Delhi, June 17  In light of India's position as the world's fastest-growing economy and the only nation to achieve GDP growth of more than 6%, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will speak at the G7 advanced nations' outreach session the following Tuesday.

India has surpassed the other G7 nations in terms of economic growth, with a 6.2% GDP growth predicted for 2025, according to IMF data. The US is predicted to post a 1.8% growth rate, followed by Canada at 1.4% and the UK at 1.1%. Japan and France follow, both of which are expected to record 0.6 percent GDP growth. With a GDP increase of 0.4%, Italy is sixth among the G7 nations, while Germany is in last place with an economic growth of 0% predicted due to the global slowdown.

India's industrial growth rate of 5.9 percent for 2024 is also significantly higher than that of the other G7 nations, with Canada reporting a 1.2% increase in industrial production, followed by the US (0.9%), the UK (0.7%), France (0.5%), Italy (0.3%), Japan (0.2%), and Germany (-) 0.1% in industrial production.

In a similar way, Italy has the highest purchasing managers index number among the G7 (54.1), while India leads the group in the services sector with a score of 60.1.

France trails with a services PMI index of 50.1, followed by the UK (52.9), Germany (52.9), the US (51.4), Canada (51.1), and France (53.1). The crucial point on the PMI index that distinguishes expansion from contraction is 50.

Despite not being a permanent member of the G7 bloc, India has received multiple invitations to join the summit due to its increasing geopolitical and economic significance.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Canada on Tuesday following his trip to Cyprus. He will meet with host Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and other G7 leaders in bilateral sessions. He is scheduled to leave on Tuesday night for a trip to Croatia.

A World Bank report states that during the course of 11 years, nearly 27 crore people in India were lifted out of extreme poverty.

269 million people left extreme poverty in India between 2011–12 and 2022–23, indicating the country's impressive development in this area. In 2022–2023 the severe poverty rate decreased from 27.1 percent in 2011–12 to just 5.3 percent, according to the most recent World Bank data.

Approximately 344.47 million Indians lived in extreme poverty in 2011–12. That figure dropped sharply to 75.24 million by 2022–2023. 

States like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh, which collectively accounted for 65% of India's extreme poor in 2011–12, made significant contributions to this advancement. Over the last ten years, these states have helped reduce poverty by two-thirds.

India's poverty rate dropped from 16.2 percent in 2011 to just 2.3 percent in 2022 using the previous 2.15 dollar per day poverty limit, which was based on 2017 pricing. As a result, there are now 33.66 million people living in extreme poverty, down from 205.93 million. Living on less than $3.00 USD per day, adjusted for 2021 prices, is considered extreme poverty according to the World Bank.

Both rural and urban areas have seen a general decrease in poverty. Over the course of the 11-year period, urban poverty dropped from 10.7 percent to just 1.1 percent, while rural poverty dropped from 18.4 percent to 2.8 percent.

India has also made significant progress in lowering multidimensional poverty, which takes into account elements like standard of life, education, and health. From 53.8 percent in 2005–06 to 16.4 percent in 2019–21 and then to 15.5 percent in 2022–23, the Multidimensional Poverty Index fell.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized important programs like PM Awas Yojana, PM Ujjwala Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat that contributed to the drop in the poverty rate as the BJP-led NDA government celebrates 11 years in power. These programs have increased access to banking, healthcare, clean cooking fuel, and housing. More than 250 million people have been able to escape poverty thanks to the effective and transparent delivery of support made possible by Direct Benefit Transfers, digital inclusion, and better rural infrastructure.

The center approved ₹6,405 crore railway doubling projects to improve connectivity in seven districts.

On Wednesday, two railway multitracking projects totaling 318 kilometers in length were approved by the Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. It is anticipated that these initiatives, which span seven districts in Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, will boost freight flow along crucial train lines, decrease traffic, and improve connectivity. It is projected that the initiatives will cost ₹6,405 crore in total.

The Koderma–Barkakana line, which runs 133 kilometers through a crucial coal-producing area of Jharkhand, will be doubled as part of the first project. Additionally, this route is an essential rail connection between Ranchi and Patna. The second project will quadruple the 185-kilometer distance between Ballari and Chikjajur, which will go through the districts of Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh and Ballari and Chitradurga in Karnataka. Bulk commodities like coal, iron ore, finished steel, cement, fertilizers, petroleum products, and agricultural products are all transported over these routes, which are important.

The Ministry of Railways says that the projects are intended to improve operating efficiency and dependability by doubling current single-line sections in order to alleviate capacity limitations. Increased passenger and freight traffic will also be supported by the new infrastructure, especially for vital commodities like coal, cement, fertilizers, petroleum products, and agricultural supplies.

It is anticipated that during development, the projects will directly employ almost 108 lakh people. The additional freight capacity, projected at 49 million tonnes annually, will assist lower logistical costs and oil imports by almost 52 crore litres, according to the Railway Ministry's economic and environmental effect projections. Additionally, it is anticipated that the initiatives will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 264 crore kg, or the equivalent of growing 11 crore trees.

The two lines would improve access to over 1,408 villages, which together have a population of about 28.19 lakh. The projects are in line with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which aims to promote integrated and seamless multi-modal connectivity, the Railway Ministry said.

The highest rail arch bridge in the world, the Chenab Bridge, is inaugurated by PM Modi in J&K.

The world's highest railway arch bridge, the Chenab Bridge, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday while he was in Jammu and Kashmir to kickstart a number of important infrastructure projects totaling ₹46,000 crore.

The 1,315-meter-long steel arch bridge, which rises 359 meters above the Chenab River, is designed to endure strong winds and seismic activity. It will cut down on the two to three-hour travel time between Jammu and Srinagar.

The Anji Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge built in one of the region's most difficult terrains, was also officially opened by PM Modi. 

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attended the ceremony.

PM Modi examined the Chenab railway arch bridge and the project on-site before to the inauguration.  Additionally, he engaged with the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) construction workers, recognizing their contributions to the ambitious infrastructure project.

 PM Modi also inaugurated the Vande Bharat Express trains between Srinagar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra as part of his visit to J&K, enhancing connectivity for locals, visitors, and pilgrims.

The dedication of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) to the country is one of the visit's main highlights.  The project, which was constructed at an approximate cost of ₹43,780 crore and spans 272 km, consists of 943 bridges and 36 tunnels totaling 119 km, guaranteeing all-weather rail service to the Kashmir Valley.

 With an emphasis on increasing accessibility, fostering tourism, and creating jobs, these projects seek to greatly increase road and rail connectivity throughout the Union Territory.

PM Modi replied to Omar Abdullah, the head of the J&K National Conference, in a post on X on Thursday, stating: “In addition to being an extraordinary feat of architecture, the Chenab Rail Bridge will improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Anji Bridge stands tall as India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge in a terrain that is challenging.”

He added: “The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project ensures all weather connectivity and the Vande Bharat trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar will boost spiritual tourism and create livelihood opportunities.”

 

PM Modi will also lay the groundwork and open a number of road infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity in the border and last mile in addition to the rail initiatives.  These include the Shopian bypass on NH-444 and the enlargement of the Rafiabad-Kupwara stretch on NH-701, both of which are projects valued at more over ₹1,952 crore.

 Two new flyovers will be inaugurated by the prime minister in Srinagar to relieve urban congestion: one at Bemina Junction on NH-44 and one at Sangrama Junction on NH-1.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra will also have its foundation stone laid by PM Modi.  The ₹350 crore facility, which will be the first medical college in the Reasi district, would improve the area's medical services and infrastructure.

NPCI reports that UPI transactions have increased to 18.68 billion, up from 14.03 billion last year.

The value of UPI transactions increased by 5% last month, from Rs 23.95 lakh crore in April to Rs 25.14 lakh crore. This is an increase of 23% from Rs 20.45 lakh crore in May of the previous year. 602 million transactions were made on average each day, with an average daily transaction value of Rs 81,106 crore.

Following a strong recovery in April, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) processed 18.68 billion transactions in May, up from 17.89 billion in April. UPI transactions have increased by 33% year over year (YoY) from 14.03 billion transactions in the same month previous year, according to data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Last month, UPI transactions reached Rs 25.14 lakh crore (by value), up 5% from Rs 23.95 lakh crore in April. From Rs 20.45 lakh crore in May of previous year, this is a 23% increase. The average daily transaction value was Rs 81,106 crore, and the average daily transaction volume was 602 million.

The UPI's share of the total transaction volume increased from 79.7% in the previous fiscal year to 83.7% in 2024–2025, strengthening its dominance as the dominant digital payments system in India. 

UPI facilitated 185.8 billion transactions in 2024–2025—a 41 percent rise from the previous year, according to the RBI’s annual report. Value-wise, UPI transactions increased from Rs 200 lakh crore in FY24 to Rs 261 lakh crore. ."The success of UPI placed India in a leadership position with a share of 48.5 per cent in global real-time payments by volume,” the RBI said.

The total amount of digital payments made in the country, including those made through card networks, payment systems, and prepaid payment instruments (PPIs), increased by 35% from 164.4 billion in FY24 to 221.9 billion in FY25.

The total value of digital payments increased 17.97% to Rs 2,862 lakh crore. Additionally, the RBI stated that it is still dedicated to expanding UPI to 20 nations by 2028–2029.

 Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates have already made it possible for Indian tourists, students, and business travelers to use their domestic UPI apps to make merchant payments through QR codes.

India is now the world leader in locomotive manufacture, surpassing both the US and Europe.

According to a statement released by the ministry of railways, India has become a global leader in the construction of railway locomotives, as it manufactured a record 1,681 locomotives in the fiscal year 2024–2025.

The statement went on to say that this milestone confirms India's increasing supremacy in the global railway industry by surpassing the combined locomotive production of regions including the US, Europe, South America, Africa, and Australia.

The milestone was reached by Indian Railways' locomotive manufacturing units, which produced 1,681 locomotives across multiple categories in 2024–2025. This represents a 19% increase of 209 locomotives above the 1,472 manufactured in 2023–2024.

This record-breaking production is the country's highest for locomotive manufacturing, and it reflects the significant achievements of all units in improving railway capacity and infrastructure.

The "Make in India" initiative has been strengthened by strategic initiatives, which have led to the ongoing increase in locomotive manufacture, the statement stated.

India produced 4,695 locomotives in total between 2004 and 2014, with an average of 470 each year nationwide.  According to the statement, locomotive manufacture had a notable uptick from 2014 to 2024, producing 9,168 units, increasing the yearly average to about 917.

Patiala Locomotive Works provided 304 locomotives, Madhepura and Marhowrah units produced 100 locomotives each, Banaras Locomotive Works produced 477, and Chittaranjan Locomotive Works produced 700 of the total locomotives built in 2024–25.

Locomotive production in the nation was mostly focused on freight trains. 100 WAG-12B locomotives, 100 WDG 4G/6G locomotives, 2 WAP-5 locomotives, 272 WAP-7 locomotives, 5 NRC locomotives, 148 WAG-9 Twin locomotives, 1047 WAG-9/9H locomotives, and 7 WAG-9HH locomotives were therefore included.

PM Modi launches "Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan" to promote agricultural modernisation

The "Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan," which would organize unique conversation camps between farmers and scientists at 50 locations throughout the nation's capital, was introduced here on Thursday.  The event's chief guest was Delhi Agriculture and Development Minister Kapil Mishra.

According to a release, this scheme is a component of a larger Central Government project that aims to foster direct communication with farmers and agricultural experts in order to promote the adoption of new farming innovations and technology. Delhi's rural areas, where farmers' concerns have long been disregarded, will benefit most from this campaign, according to Mishra.

“Even I was unaware that Delhi had an Agriculture department, but now the times have changed. Our Government is determined to give Delhi’s rural areas their rightful identity. There are farmers in Delhi, there is agriculture and now an empowered Agriculture Ministry is working actively,” He went on to say.  According to Mishra, this initiative will involve the direct contact of scientists and farmers through the organization of special conversation camps at 50 venues throughout Delhi.

The scientists are going to document farmers' inventions and experiences in addition to exchanging knowledge about modern farming methods. According to the statement, farmers would gain from this and their efforts will be taken into account in future agricultural plans. Those engaged in the illegal marketing of fertilizers received a severe warning from Mishra.

“Stop the black marketing of fertilisers immediately or the government will not hesitate to take strict legal action. Compromising farmers’ rights will not be tolerated,” he said.

Mishra said this campaign is being conducted across the country by the Central government with a target of establishing direct dialogue with 1.5 crore farmers.

Over 2,000 scientific teams from more than 700 districts will take part.  According to the announcement, scientists will use this project to educate farmers to new technology and get their feedback for future policy-making.