Editorji is a popular short video news and information platform based in India. It was founded in 2018 by Vikram Chandra, one of India’s leading journalists, and has risen to prominence in the digital news space in a relatively short span of time. The platform is primarily designed for mobile devices, with applications available for Android and iOS.

ABOUT US:

about us editorji

Latest Video News: Editorji provides the latest news video headlines, latest videos clip from India and the World. Get all breaking news videos on Entertainment, Business, Coronavirus, Elections, Politics and more.

Latest Video News, Breaking News, Bollywood, Political, Sports, Business News | Editorji

+91 11 4035 6666 / info@editorji.com
3rd floor, Plot B, Khasara no 360, Sultanpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110030
<a title="mail to us" href="mailto:info@editorji.com">Send Feedback</a>
<a title="Contact Us" href="mailto:info@editorji.com">Contact Us</a>

REACH US

Contact for any questions, suggestions, comments, feedback or advertisement on Editorji.com, we are always looking forward to hearing from you.

Contact Us for Feedback, Suggestions and Advertising 

Editorji content is better experienced in our app.

The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights the need for effective Labour Code implementation, private sector coordination, and targeted skilling to enhance formal employment and protect women and gig workers.

Labour codes to play key rule to boost employment, Pvt Cos investment needed: Economic Survey

The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights the need for effective Labour Code implementation, private sector coordination, and targeted skilling to enhance formal employment and protect women and gig workers.

Effective implementation of Labour Codes will play a key role in boosting formal employment and enhancing security for women and gig workers, the Economic Survey for 2025-26 stated, while outlining the need for investment and coordination from private sector companies.
The document, tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday, noted that four codes were notified (on November 21, 2025), and rules are expected to be in place in the next few months.
The Survey suggested that as definitions of work continue to evolve, dynamic labour policy and flexible regulatory frameworks would ensure employment expansion, worker security and well-being.
"Implementing the Codes marks the first step towards the labour market transformation. The transition will require coordination and investment from the private sector," it pointed out.
The pre-Budget document suggested that the companies must enhance their systems, update policies, reevaluate workforce models, and improve their digital readiness to remain competitive.
While the Codes offer a unified framework, it is up to the private sector to integrate this framework into daily operations, it further suggested.
The draft rules under the four codes -- Code on Wages, 2019, Industrial Relations Code, 2020, Code on Social Security, 2020, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 -- were pre-published on December 31, 2025, for stakeholder comments.
India has recorded significant employment growth in recent years, supported by structural reforms, tax rationalisation, and a sustained focus on skill development, it noted.
The employment and skilling ecosystem is being reshaped by demographic shifts, technological change, and evolving industry needs, including the expansion of gig and platform work, it pointed out.
Amid these developments, "the effective implementation of Labour Codes would play a key role in supporting formal employment and improving security for women and gig workers", it stated.
 Survey calls for targeted skilling, vocational pathways at school level
On the skills front, the Survey stated that the flexible vocational pathways starting at the school level will be required, going forward.
Targeted skilling for women and youth in high productivity sectors will be critical for inclusive outcomes, it suggested.
This could set the stage for a sharper emphasis on industry-driven skilling, which remains central to building job-ready talent and strengthening skill-industry linkage, it pointed out.
It noted that India's workforce of over 56 crore holds tremendous potential for its economic growth.
Labour market indicators point to a steady job market, with improving labour force participation, declining unemployment, and robust job creation in both the organised and unorganised sectors, it noted.
To fully harness the demographic dividend, creating quality jobs with sustainable livelihoods is essential, it suggested.
Structural barriers to female participation are being addressed through the provision of safe, affordable accommodation and flexible and hybrid work arrangements, it noted.
There is a growing focus on expanding social security, income protection, and grievance redressal mechanisms for gig and platform workers to safeguard their well-being, it noted.
While addressing the quantity of labour, it is equally important to improve its quality, as economic growth relies on both the size and capabilities of its labour force, it suggested.
To achieve this, opportunities for vocational education at all levels are vital for strengthening the skill ecosystem and realising the Viksit Bharat's vision, it suggested.
 Digitalisation, gig work drive structural shift in labour markets
The labour markets in India are undergoing significant structural transformations driven by digitalisation, green energy transition, and emerging forms of employment such as gig and platform work, it noted.
In the post-pandemic growth phase, the emphasis has shifted from the quantity of jobs to the quality of work, reflecting a more inclusive and sustainable vision of the labour market.
It suggested that policies should promote flexible work, hybrid models, and gender-responsive standards, including maternity benefits, equal pay, and protections against harassment.
The new codes now allow women workers to work from home after availing themselves of the maternity benefit.
Recent policy initiatives have prioritised identifying unorganised workers and enhancing their integration with the formal economy through the welfare and skill development systems.
The Code on Social Security, 2020 (CSS) defines unorganised workers as home-based, self-employed or wage workers in the unorganised sector and includes a worker in the organised sector who is not covered by the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
The e-Shram portal, a national data base for informal workers, is steadily bridging the gap between informal and formal employment, it noted.
As of January 2026, the portal has successfully registered over 31 crore unorganised workers.
It noted that women account for 54 per cent of total registrants, substantially strengthening the reach of gender-focused welfare schemes.
Each registrant is assigned a Universal Account Number (UAN), which is linked to their Aadhaar and mobile number, ensuring the portability of scheme benefits when workers move across platforms, locations, or employment arrangements.
The four Labour Codes have consolidated 29 central laws to streamline regulations and extend protections to workers.
Complementing the roll-out of the Centre&rsquo;s Labour Codes, 32 states/UTs have published draft rules under the Codes, it noted.
The Labour Codes have formally recognised gig and platform workers, expanding social security, welfare funds, and benefit portability.
Going forward, ensuring algorithmic transparency and promoting worker-friendly practices will be crucial, it suggested.

The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights that India’s central government is on course to achieve a fiscal deficit of 4.4% of GDP, supported by increased capital spending, sovereign rating upgrades, and fiscal discipline.

Centre remains well on track to achieve 4.4 pc fiscal deficit target for FY26: Economic Survey

The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights that India&rsquo;s central government is on course to achieve a fiscal deficit of 4.4% of GDP, supported by increased capital spending, sovereign rating upgrades, and fiscal discipline.

The government is well on track to meet the fiscal deficit target of 4.4 per cent of GDP estimated for the current financial year based on broad trends, the Economic Survey 2025-26 tabled in Parliament on Thursday said.
According to the survey prepared by Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran and team, the central government's fiscal trajectory stands out for combining consolidation with sustained public investment, earning three sovereign rating upgrades this year.
Between FY20 and FY25 (Provisional Actual), the share of capital spending in the total central government expenditure increased from about 12.5 per cent to 22.6 per cent, while effective capex as a share of GDP rose from roughly 2.6 per cent to 4 per cent, the survey said.
Even as states are overshooting their revenue deficit, the central government, through its Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure/Investment (SASCI), has successfully incentivised states to maintain capital expenditure at around 2.4 per cent of GDP, it said, adding the expansion of unconditional cash transfers across several states has contributed to rising revenue expenditure, with implications for fiscal space and public investment at the state level.
"Based on the broad trends observed during the year, the central government remains well on track to achieve its envisaged fiscal consolidation path, aiming to attain a fiscal deficit target of 4.4 per cent of GDP in FY26," it said.
As of November 2025, the Union government's fiscal deficit stood at 62.3 per cent of the Budget Estimates, it said.
Observing that markets have acknowledged and rewarded the government's commitment to fiscal discipline through lower sovereign bond yields, with the spread over US bonds declining by more than half, the survey said that, alongside a lower repo rate, these declining yields, which serve as benchmarks for borrowing costs across the economy, will themselves act as a fiscal stimulus.
Credit ratings agency S&amp;P Ratings has acknowledged the credibility of and the commitment to the fiscal glide path, while upgrading India&rsquo;s rating from &lsquo;BBB-&rsquo; to &lsquo;BBB&rsquo;, it pointed out.
CareEdge Global, in initiating its coverage of India, also assigned a &lsquo;BBB+&rsquo; rating, underscoring its robust economic performance and fiscal discipline, it added.
It is to be noted that the government overachieved its fiscal deficit target of 4.8 per cent against 4.9 per cent of GDP pegged for FY25.
The fiscal deficit declined from a high of 9.2 per cent of GDP in FY21 to 4.8 per cent of GDP in FY25 and is budgeted at 4.4 per cent of GDP in FY26.
Over the same period, the survey said, the revenue deficit as a proportion of GDP has narrowed steadily, reaching its lowest level since FY09, thereby leaving a greater allocation for capex and reflecting a sustained improvement in the quality of expenditure.

The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights digital addiction as a growing concern affecting youth and adults, urging comprehensive measures to address mental health, academic performance, workplace productivity, and online safety.

Economic Survey calls for tackling rising digital addiction as it hits academic performance, productivity

The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights digital addiction as a growing concern affecting youth and adults, urging comprehensive measures to address mental health, academic performance, workplace productivity, and online safety.

Taking cognisance of the rise in digital addiction, the Economic Survey 2025-26 called for comprehensive interventions to address the problem, which is adversely impacting academic performance, workplace productivity, and mental health of youth as well as adults.
The Survey report, tabled in Parliament on Thursday, identified digital addiction as a rising problem impacting mental health of youth and adults, and discussed measures taken by various countries, including Australia, China, South Korea, and called for several interventions besides ongoing efforts of various government departments.
It said digital addiction among youth has become a significant public health concern worldwide, prompting regulatory, therapeutic, and educational responses from governments, health institutions, and civil society. "With near-universal mobile/internet use among 15-29-year-olds, access is no longer the binding constraint; the focus needs to shift to behavioural health considerations such as the rising problems of digital addiction, quality of content, wellbeing impacts, and digital hygiene," the Survey said.
Several countries such as Australia, China, South Korea, Brazil, France, Spain, Finland, Japan, and states in the US have taken stringent measures to check the problem of digital addiction.
"A major challenge in addressing digital addiction in India is the lack of comprehensive national data on its prevalence and mental health effects. This hinders targeted intervention, resource allocation, and integration of digital wellness into national mental health strategies," the Survey said.
It said the upcoming Second National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), led by NIMHANS and commissioned by the Health and Family Welfare ministry, is expected to generate empirical and actionable insights into the prevalence of mental health issues in the Indian context. "Developing a comprehensive set of indicators is essential to assessing the multi-dimensional effects of digital addiction interventions," the Survey said.
It said key metrics to compile data may include usage patterns (average recreational screen time), health outcomes (sleep quality, anxiety, and stress levels), academic and workplace performance (attendance and task completion), and safety concerns such as cyberbullying, online scams, and exposure to real-money gaming.
The Survey said while digital access fuels learning, jobs, and civic participation, compulsive and high-intensity use can impose real economic and social costs, ranging from lost study hours and reduced productivity to healthcare burdens and financial losses resulting from risky online behaviours.
It said research on digital addiction has shown distinct risks and mental health consequences among the youth. "Social media addiction is strongly associated with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and cyberbullying stress, with multiple Indian and global studies confirming its high prevalence among those aged 15-24," the Survey said.
It said compulsive scrolling and social comparison are particularly linked to anxiety and depressive symptoms.
The World Health Organisation has included Gaming Disorder as an International Classification of Diseases (ICD). WHO has defined "Gaming Disorder" as a pattern of gaming behaviour &mdash; "digital-gaming" or "video-gaming" &mdash; characterised by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation

The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights rising digital addiction among youth and adults, urging age-based online access, digital wellness curricula in schools, simpler devices for children, and parental safeguards.

Economic survey for age bar for social media access, cutting online classes

The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights rising digital addiction among youth and adults, urging age-based online access, digital wellness curricula in schools, simpler devices for children, and parental safeguards.

Taking cues for social media ban for children, the government's Economic Survey on Thursday said age-based access to online platforms should be considered while also cutting down online teaching to avoid digital addiction.
The Survey tabled in Parliament called for schools to play a critical role in shaping digital habits of children and promoting simpler devices for children for educational content access to prevent their exposure to harmful content online.
"Policies on age-based access limits may be considered, as younger users are more vulnerable to compulsive use and harmful content. Platforms should be made responsible for enforcing age verification and age-appropriate defaults, particularly for social media, gambling apps, auto-play features, and targeted advertising," the Survey said.
The Survey said online platforms should be made responsible for enforcing age verification and simpler devices should be promoted for children to access educational content with safeguards to address rising problem digital addiction.
"Schools play a critical role in shaping digital habits and should introduce a Digital Wellness Curriculum covering screentime literacy, cyber safety, and mental health awareness&hellip; Dependence on online teaching tools, which expanded during Covid-19, should be reduced in favour of offline engagement," it said.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 has identified digital addiction as a rising problem impacting mental health of youth and adults. The Survey has called for educating families and encouraged them to promote screen-time limits, device-free hours, and shared offline activities.
It has called for conducting parental workshops through schools and community centres to train guardians in setting healthy boundaries, recognising signs of addiction, and using parental control tools effectively.
"Promoting simpler devices for children, such as basic phones or education-only tablets, along with enforced usage limits and content filters, can further reduce exposure to harmful material, including violent, sexual, or gambling-related content," the Survey said.
It said network layer safeguards, such as internet service provider-level interventions, that can complement such measures by offering family data plans with differentiated quotas for educational versus recreational apps and default blocking of high-risk categories, with opt-in overrides available to guardians.
The Survey noted measures by various countries, including Australia, China, and South Korea, and called for several interventions, besides ongoing efforts of various government departments.
Taking cognisance of the rise in digital addiction, the Survey has called for comprehensive interventions to address the problem, which is adversely impacting academic performance, workplace productivity, and mental health of youth as well as adults.
It said research on digital addiction has shown distinct risks and mental health consequences among the youth. "Social media addiction is strongly associated with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and cyberbullying stress, with multiple Indian and global studies confirming its high prevalence among those aged 15-24," the Survey said.
It said compulsive scrolling and social comparison are particularly linked to anxiety and depressive symptoms.
The World Health Organisation has included Gaming Disorder as an International Classification of Diseases (ICD). WHO has defined "Gaming Disorder" as a pattern of gaming behaviour --"digital-gaming" or "video-gaming", characterised by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.&nbsp;
The Survey said "Gaming Disorder" shows evidence of causing sleep disruption, aggression, social withdrawal, and depression, with adolescent populations especially vulnerable. Online gambling and real money gaming present evidence of harm, including financial stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, the Survey said.&nbsp;
"Finally, streaming and short video compulsion carry evidence linking binge-watching and endless video loops to poor sleep hygiene, reduced concentration, and heightened stress. Together, these findings underscore the multifaceted nature of digital addiction and its significant impact on mental health," the Survey added.&nbsp;

The Economic Survey 2025-26 says the rupee is undervalued despite strong economic fundamentals, citing weak capital inflows and global uncertainties affecting currency stability.

Rupee valuation does not accurately reflect India's stellar economic fundamentals: Economic Survey

The Economic Survey 2025-26 says the rupee is undervalued despite strong economic fundamentals, citing weak capital inflows and global uncertainties affecting currency stability.

The value of the rupee, which has slipped to the 92 per dollar mark, does not accurately reflect India's stellar economic fundamentals, the Economic Survey said on Thursday.&nbsp;
"In other words, the rupee, therefore, is punching below its weight," it said, adding investor reluctance to commit funds to India warrants examination at a time when inflation is under control and growth outlook is favourable.
India depends on foreign capital flows to maintain a healthy balance of payments. "The Indian rupee underperformed in 2025. India runs a trade deficit in goods. Its net trade surplus in services and remittances is not enough to offset it... When they run drier, rupee stability becomes a casualty," said the pre-Budget document tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The rupee hit an all-time low of 92.00 against the American currency in early trade on Thursday, weighed down by steady dollar demand and a cautious global mood.
On Wednesday, the rupee settled 31 paise down, revisiting its lowest-ever closing level of 91.99 against the greenback. On January 23, the rupee hit an all-time intraday low of 92 against the US dollar.
The Survey observed that the growth is good; outlook remains favourable; inflation is contained; rainfall and agricultural prospects are supportive; external liabilities are low; banks are healthy; liquidity conditions are comfortable; credit growth is respectable; corporate balance sheets are strong; and the overall flow of funds to the commercial sector is robust.
"Policy dynamism and purposeful governance reinforce this backdrop," said the document authored by a team led by CEA V Anantha Nageswaran.
The rupee's valuation does not accurately reflect India's stellar economic fundamentals, it said.
"Of course, it does not hurt to have an undervalued rupee in these times, as it offsets to some extent the impact of higher American tariffs on Indian goods, and there is no threat of higher inflation from higher-priced crude oil imports now. "However, it does cause investors to pause," the survey said.
It has cited Australia-based Lowy Institute's Power Gap Index, which suggests that India is operating below its full strategic potential. India's power gap score is &ndash; 4.0, the lowest in Asia, excluding Russia and North Korea. India has its work cut out.
The Survey further said India is a country of 145 crore people aspiring to become a richer country within a generation, within a democratic framework. India's size and democracy preclude the possibility of templates to emulate.
"With the global dominant power rethinking its economic and other commitments and priorities, throwing global trade into a welter of uncertainty and global frictions mounting and faultlines widening, India's economic ambitions are confronting powerful global headwinds," it said.
Those same forces can be turned into tailwinds if the StaThe Economic Survey 2025-26 says the rupee is undervalued despite strong economic fundamentals, citing weak capital inflows and global uncertainties affecting currency stability.te, the private sector, and households are willing to align, adapt, and commit to the scale of effort that the moment demands.
The task will be neither simple nor comfortable -- but it is unavoidable, the 687-page document said.

The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights low earnings, income volatility, and algorithmic concerns in India’s gig economy, urging minimum pay rules, asset co-investment, and worker protections.

'40 pc gig workers earn below Rs 15K/month'; Economic Survey advocates minimum per-task earnings

The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights low earnings, income volatility, and algorithmic concerns in India&rsquo;s gig economy, urging minimum pay rules, asset co-investment, and worker protections.

Stating that about 40 per cent of gig workers in India earn below Rs 15,000 per month, the Economic Survey 2025-26 called for significant policy interventions in the gig economy, suggesting the setting of "minimum per-hour or per-task earnings", which includes compensation for waiting time, to ensure fair wages and reduce the cost disparity between regular and gig employment.
Tabled in Parliament on Thursday, the Survey said the aim of the gig-economy policy should be to reshape terms, allowing workers to exercise genuine choice instead of being forced into gigs by weak demand, skill mismatches, or the lack of a safety net.
The gig economy continues to expand rapidly, yet income volatility remains a key issue, creating obstacles to credit access. Financial inclusion for gig workers also trails behind; they face limited 'thin-file' credit options, which continue to raise concerns.
Platform algorithms control work allocation, performance monitoring, wages, and supply-demand matching, raising concerns about algorithmic biases and burnout.
"About 40 per cent of gig workers report earnings below Rs 15,000 per month," the Survey said, adding that limited skilling and fears of job losses due to technological advances such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) exacerbate worker vulnerability.
"Platforms have become essential gig-market infrastructure for finding workers and work. This concentration of power raises concerns over fees, algorithms, and worker protections. Policy should address this through competition rules, data access, and algorithmic transparency, while reorganising the social contract so that gig work benefits workers more fairly.
Policy can reduce the cost gap between regular and gig work by limiting incentives to avoid mandatory benefits and by setting minimum per-hour or per-task earnings (including waiting time), encouraging formal employment and raising incomes for low- and medium-skilled gig workers," the Survey noted.
Identifying limited access to productive assets as a major hurdle for upward mobility, the Survey suggested that platforms and employers should be encouraged to "co-invest" in assets and training. "Many cannot upgrade from low- to medium-skilled gigs because they lack tools (for example, a bike, car, or specialised equipment)," the document observed.
It argued that such co-investment would help workers progress into more secure, higher-quality jobs.
Gig workers in India -- including quick commerce and food delivery riders -- recently staged strikes and protests through their unions to demand better payouts, improved working conditions, formal recognition under the country's labour laws and removal of tight 10-minute delivery deadlines, with their unions taking up the issue with the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Consequent to the agitation, the government asked e-commerce players to remove 10-minute delivery branding from their platforms.
India's gig economy has undergone a structural shift, with the workforce expanding 55 per cent to 1.2 crore in FY25 from 77 lakh in FY21. It now accounts for more than 2 per cent of the total workforce in India.
Growth in gig workers has outpaced overall employment, with non-agricultural gigs forecast to make up 6.7 per cent of the workforce by 2029-30 and contribute Rs 2.35 lakh crore to the GDP.

The Economic Survey has projected India’s GDP growth at 6.8 to 7.2 per cent in 2026–27, slightly lower than the estimated 7.4 per cent in the current fiscal.

Economic Survey pegs India's potential growth between 6.8-7.2% in FY27, outlook positive despite global risks

India's Growth Stable Amid Global Economic Risks

The Economic Survey has projected India&rsquo;s GDP growth at 6.8 to 7.2 per cent in 2026&ndash;27, slightly lower than the estimated 7.4 per cent in the current fiscal.

The Economic Survey on Thursday projected the GDP growth in the range of 6.8-7.2 per cent for the next fiscal year on the back of the cumulative impact of reforms, and said the economy remains on a stable footing. The projection is a tad lower than the estimates of 7.4 per cent in the current fiscal.
Amid the domestic currency depreciating steeply in recent months, the Economic Survey 2025-26 said the rupee's valuation does not accurately reflect India's stellar economic fundamentals and that the rupee is punching below its weight. "Of course, it does not hurt to have an undervalued rupee in these times, as it offsets to some extent the impact of higher American tariffs on Indian goods, and there is no threat of higher inflation from higher-priced crude oil imports now. However, it does cause investors to pause. Investor reluctance to commit to India warrants examination," it said.
The document, prepared by a team of economists led by Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran, however, added that a strong and stable currency is a natural corollary for achieving the goal of the Viksit Bharat and global influence. Rupee is a casualty of foreign capital flows drying up, it added.
The document tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised that India is relatively better off than most other countries due to its strong macro fundamentals. The cumulative impact of policy reforms over recent years appears to be lifting India's medium-term growth potential to near 7 per cent, it said, and made a strong case for a deeper system-level institutional capacity that factors in geopolitical implications of India's rise. India needs to prioritise domestic growth in an uncertain global environment, as well as greater emphasis on buffers and liquidity, it added.
The global environment is being reshaped by geopolitical realignments that will influence investment, supply chains and growth prospects, it added. On the price situation, it said a subdued trajectory of core inflation indicates strengthening of supply-side conditions across the economy.
The pre-Budget document further said that based on the broad trends observed during the year, the central government remains well on track to achieve its envisaged fiscal consolidation path, aiming to attain a fiscal deficit target of 4.4 per cent of GDP in 2025-26. As of November 2025, the Union government's fiscal deficit stood at 62.3 per cent of the Budget Estimates. "Markets have acknowledged and rewarded the government's commitment to fiscal discipline through lower sovereign bond yields, with the spread over US bonds declining by more than half," it said.
It noted that despite heightened tariffs imposed by the United States, merchandise exports grew by 2.4 per cent (April&ndash;December 2025), while services exports increased by 6.5 per cent. Merchandise imports during April-December 2025 increased by 5.9 per cent.
The Survey said that GST rejig and other reforms converted global uncertainty into an opportunity, and the next fiscal year would be a year of adjustment as the economy adapts to these changes. In the backdrop of India entering into host of free trade agreements, the Survey said realising potential of trade agreements requires India to produce competitively. The FTA with Europe will strengthen India's manufacturing competitiveness, export resilience and strategic capacity, the Survey said.
The document also said that, in most years, remittances have surpassed gross FDI inflows, underscoring their importance as a key source of external funding. As a result, the current account deficit remains moderate at 0.8 per cent of GDP in H1 FY26.
The document has also said that there is no space for pessimism, but we need to be cautious amid global uncertainty. Possible eruption of multiple global crises presents an opportunity for India to play a role in shaping global order, it added.
The Economic Survey has a separate chapter on AI and its impact. Correction in overly optimistic asset valuations will happen if the AI boom fails to deliver the anticipated productivity gains, it said.
On India's fast-growing aviation sector, the Survey said India's civil aviation sector is on a sustained growth trajectory supported by a conducive policy environment, rising demand, and steady infrastructure expansion. India has emerged as the world's third-largest domestic aviation market, but current passenger volumes represent only a fraction of the country's potential, it added.
Meanwhile, the Survey has pitched for a policy to reshape the terms of work for gig workers.

Economic Survey 2025-26 calls for restricting ultra-processed food ads, front-of-pack nutrition labeling, and stricter marketing rules to curb obesity and health risks.

Ban marketing of ultra-processed foods from 6 am to 11 pm, suggests Economic Survey

Economic Survey 2025-26 calls for restricting ultra-processed food ads, front-of-pack nutrition labeling, and stricter marketing rules to curb obesity and health risks.

Raising concerns on the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) containing high fat and sugar, the Economic Survey has called for exploring a ban on their advertisements from morning to late night. It has also called for restrictions on marketing of infant and toddler milk, and beverages.
The Survey suggested a "front-of-pack nutrition labelling" of high-fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) food with a warning, restricting marketing to children, and ensuring that trade agreements do not undermine public health policy. India is one of the fastest-growing markets for sales of UPF, which is contributing to chronic diseases worldwide and widening health inequalities.
The Survey tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday suggested a "multi-pronged approach" for tackling the increase of human intake of UPF&mdash;popularly known as junk foods&mdash;including burgers, noodles, pizza, soft drinks, etc. It said UPF consumption is contributing to chronic diseases worldwide and widening health inequalities. It grew more than 150 per cent from 2009 to 2023. Retail sales of UPFs in India surged from USD 0.9 billion in 2006 to nearly USD 38 billion in 2019, a 40-fold rise. "It is during the same period that obesity has nearly doubled in both men and women," the Survey said.
However, improving diets cannot depend solely on consumer behaviour change and will require coordinated policies across food systems that regulate UPF production, promote healthier and more sustainable diets, and marketing.
"The option of a marketing ban on UPFs from 0600 hours to 2300 hours for all media, and enforcing restrictions on the marketing of infant and toddler milk and beverages, could be explored," said the Survey. Chile is an example of a country with integrated laws. Advertisement restrictions are also done in other countries, such as Norway and the UK. "Recently, the UK has banned junk food advertising before 9 pm on TV and online to reduce children's exposure and curb childhood obesity. Further action on other marketing activities, including school and college sponsorship of events by UPF manufacturers, can be designed," it said.
Besides traditional media, it has also recommended UPF marketing restrictions to be mandatory and include digital media. According to the Survey, Rule 7 of the Advertisement Code prohibits misleading, unverified, or unhealthy advertisements, however, it does not define "misleading" with measurable or nutrient-based criteria, leaving interpretation subjective and inconsistent.
Similarly, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements (2022) mandate that advertisements must not exaggerate health benefits or exploit children. "...yet they lack clear nutrient thresholds or a framework for identifying misleading claims in food marketing," it said, adding, "This regulatory ambiguity allows companies marketing UPFs to continue making vague 'health', 'energy', or 'nutrition' cues without violating any clearly defined standard, highlighting a critical policy gap that needs reform."

Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights robust growth in India’s automobile exports, driven by strong domestic demand, government schemes, and a thriving manufacturing ecosystem.

Rising exports reflective of acceptance of India-made cars across global markets: Economic Survey

Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights robust growth in India&rsquo;s automobile exports, driven by strong domestic demand, government schemes, and a thriving manufacturing ecosystem.

Rising automobile exports are reflective of the increasing acceptance of India-manufactured vehicles across global markets, according to Economic Survey 2025-26.
The automobile industry witnessed tremendous growth in exports, with more than 53 lakh vehicles shipped across passenger, commercial, two-wheeler, and three-wheeler segments in FY25 and posting double-digit growth in the first half of 2025-26, it noted.
A robust demand-side recovery has driven both production growth and sales in the post-pandemic period, the survey stated. Overall, the industry has recorded nearly 33 per cent growth in production over the last decade (from FY15 to FY25), it added.
Supported by a vast manufacturing and auto component ecosystem, the automobile industry provides direct and indirect employment to over 30 million people, accounting for nearly 15 per cent of the country&rsquo;s GST collections, it added.
The automotive industry is a significant driver of economic growth, with India established as the world&rsquo;s largest market for two-wheelers and three-wheelers and the third-largest market globally for passenger and commercial vehicles, the Survey said.
Besides, government initiatives like PLI Scheme for Automobile &amp; Auto Components Industry, PLI Scheme for &lsquo;National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage, PM E-DRIVE Scheme, and PM e-Bus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) Scheme have driven significant growth in Electric Vehicle registrations in recent years, the Survey stated.
Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SMEC), notified in March 2024, is also helping the growth of the sector, it noted.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday tabled the Economic Survey 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha, an annual report card of the country's economic performance in the financial year.

The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights domestic steel sector growth, challenges from international price disparity, raw material dependence, and government initiatives like PLI and Mission Coking Coal.

Steel sector faces challenges of international price disparity, raw material security: Economic Survey

The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights domestic steel sector growth, challenges from international price disparity, raw material dependence, and government initiatives like PLI and Mission Coking Coal.

The domestic steel sector faces challenges related to international price disparity and raw material security, the Economic Survey said on Thursday.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
The steel sector serves as the backbone of industrialisation and infrastructure, securing India&rsquo;s position as the world's second-largest crude steel producer, the government document said.
The sector has undergone a major transformation in the last five years, largely driven by strong domestic demand from the construction and manufacturing sectors, it said.
"However, the sector faces challenges related to international price disparity and raw material security. India was also a net importer of steel during FY26 (April&ndash;October), primarily due to low international prices, which resulted in lower margins on exports and cheaper imports," the survey stated.
While India is largely self-sufficient in iron ore, the industry faces critical dependence on imported coking coal.
To mitigate global supply risks, the Ministry of Coal launched Mission Coking Coal in 2022 to significantly enhance domestic raw coking coal production to 140 MT by 2030.
A Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel with an outlay of Rs 6,322 crore was also introduced in 2021 to sustain the sector's growth and foster self-reliance. As of October 2025, cumulative investment under the PLI scheme reached Rs 23,022 crore, with production of 2.34 million tonnes (MT) of specialty steel.
In the 2025-26 fiscal year, crude steel production grew by 11.7 per cent, finished steel production increasing by 10.8 per cent, and consumption rising by 7.8 per cent during April-October 2025-26, compared to the corresponding period last year.

The Economic Survey 2025-26 says ongoing India-US trade negotiations may conclude this year, helping reduce external uncertainty and support exports and investor confidence.

Ongoing trade talks with US expected to conclude during the year: Economic Survey

The Economic Survey 2025-26 says ongoing India-US trade negotiations may conclude this year, helping reduce external uncertainty and support exports and investor confidence.

Ongoing negotiations for a trade agreement with the US are expected to conclude during the year, a development that could help reduce uncertainty on the external front, according to Economic Survey 2025-26.
For India, it said, the global conditions translate into external uncertainties rather than immediate macroeconomic stress. Slower growth in key trading partners, tariff-induced disruptions to trade and volatility in capital flows could intermittently weigh on exports and investor sentiment, the Survey said.
"At the same time, ongoing trade negotiations with the United States are expected to conclude during the year, which could help reduce uncertainty on the external front," it said.
India and the US are negotiating a bilateral trade agreement since March last year. So far, six rounds of negotiations have been held. Talks are going slow as the Trump-administration has imposed a steep 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods from August last year.
A delegation from the office of the US Trade Representative, led by Deputy US Trade Representative Ambassador Rick Switzer, was here in December 2025 for trade talks. The visit of US officials marks their second trip since the imposition of a 25 per cent tariff and an additional 25 per cent penalty on Indian goods entering the American market due to the purchase of Russian crude oil.
India is currently subject to an effective export tariff rate of 50 per cent on goods exported to the US, and this rate is among the highest imposed on any country.
"There has been progress in negotiations of the trade deal between the two countries," the Survey said. It added that the global economic landscape is becoming increasingly unpredictable, driven by tariff increases, supply chain adjustments, and higher regulatory hurdles.
"For Indian industries, the current wave of US tariff implementations and stricter non-tariff barriers presents a significant challenge, particularly for export-oriented sectors," it said.
Further, it said there has been some specific impact of the tariffs, Indian exporters in some labour-intensive and small-scale sectors are showing resilience by shipping goods to alternative destinations.
India's exports to the US have declined during April-November 2025, but registered positive growth in other countries.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2025-26 in Parliament ahead of the Union Budget for 2026-27.

Economic Survey 2025-26 Highlights India's Growth Projections

India's Economic Survey 2025-26 Unveiled

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2025-26 in Parliament ahead of the Union Budget for 2026-27.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
The Economic Survey is an annual document presented by the government ahead of the Union Budget to review the state of the country's economy. It also provides an overview of the economy's short-to-medium-term prospects.
The Economic Survey is prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance under the supervision of the chief economic adviser.
The first Economic Survey was presented in 1950-51. At that time, it used to be a part of the budget documents. In the 1960s, it was separated from the Union Budget and tabled ahead of the Budget presentation.
The Union Budget for 2026-27 will be presented by the finance minister on Sunday. This will be the ninth consecutive budget to be presented by Sitharaman, a historic first by a woman finance minister in India.&nbsp;

The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights the negative effects of long work hours on mental well-being and productivity, citing studies that link excessive desk time to distress and health issues.

Economic Survey 2024-25: Long work hours hurt mental well-being, productivity

The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights the negative effects of long work hours on mental well-being and productivity, citing studies that link excessive desk time to distress and health issues.

Amid a debate over 70-90-hour work week, the pre-Budget Economic Survey 2024-25 on Friday (January 31, 2025) cited studies to state that spending more than 60 hours a week on work could have adverse health effects.
The Survey noted that spending long hours at one's desk is detrimental to mental well-being and individuals who spend 12 or more hours (per day) at a desk have distressed or struggling levels of mental well-being.
"While the hours spent at work are informally considered a measure of productivity, a previous study has documented adverse health effects when hours exceed 55-60 per week," the Survey said, citing findings by Pega F, Nafradi B (2021) and 'A systematic analysis from the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates of the Work-related Burden of Disease and Injury'.
Citing data from a study done by the Sapien Labs Centre for Human Brain and Mind, the Economic Survey, said, "Spending long hours at one's desk is equally detrimental to mental well-being. Individuals who spend 12 or more hours at a desk have distressed/struggling levels of mental well-being, with a mental well-being score approximately 100 points lower than those who spend less than or equal to two hours at a desk."
Citing the study, the Survey said better lifestyle choices, workplace cultures and family relationships are associated with 2-3 fewer days lost per month at work. &ldquo;Having poor relationships with managers and low (worst) pride and purpose at work are associated with the largest increases in the number of days one is unable to work,&rdquo; the Survey said.
The Survey, however, pointed out that multiple factors affect productivity stating that even in jobs with the best managerial relationships, about five days per month are lost "because workplace culture is but one factor (among several) in the determination of productivity (and mental well-being)."
Citing a study by WHO, the Survey said that globally, about 12 billion days are lost annually owing to depression and anxiety, amounting to a financial loss of $1 trillion. "In Rupee terms, this translates to about ₹7,000 per day," it noted.
The take by the Economic Survey 2024-25 on work-hour week comes weeks after Larsen &amp; Toubro Limited chairman and Managing Director S.N. Subrahmanyan sparked off a raging debate on social media when he said employees should work 90-hour a week, including on Sundays rather than sit at home.
He followed Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy's suggestion of a 70-hour workweek and Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani's "biwi bhaag jayegi (wife will run away)" remark if one spent more than eight hours at home.
However, Mr. Subrahmanyan drew criticism from some peers in the business community. RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka said longer working hours was a recipe for burnout and not success. Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra also asserted that focus should be on the quality of work and productivity rather than the amount of time spent working.
Similarly, ITC Limited chairman Sanjiv Puri stated that empowering employees to realise their potential and accomplish their jobs well was more important than the number of hours put in. The work-life balance debate echoes a similar one in China where the so-called '996 culture' &mdash; the three digits describe a punishing schedule of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week &mdash; is being hotly debated.
Citing other studies, the Economic Survey noted that if India's economic ambitions are to be met, then immediate attention must be given to lifestyle choices that are often made during childhood and youth.
&ldquo;Furthermore, hostile work cultures and excessive hours spent working at the desk can adversely affect mental well-being and ultimately put the brakes on the pace of economic growth,&rdquo; it added.

India’s stock market witnessed a significant rally with the Sensex gaining 741 points and Nifty closing above 23,500, fueled by strong Q3 results from Larsen & Toubro and an optimistic outlook from the Economic Survey. 

Sensex rallies 741 pts, Nifty settles above 23,500 as Eco Survey ignites hopes of pro-growth budget

India&rsquo;s stock market witnessed a significant rally with the Sensex gaining 741 points and Nifty closing above 23,500, fueled by strong Q3 results from Larsen &amp; Toubro and an optimistic outlook from the Economic Survey.&nbsp;

Benchmark Sensex jumped 741 points while Nifty rallied to close above 23,500 on Friday on heavy buying in Larsen &amp; Toubro post its Q3 results and the Economic Survey predicting a pro-growth budget.
Rallying for the fourth day running, the 30-share BSE Sensex ended 740.76 points or 0.97 per cent higher at 77,500.57. During the day, it jumped 846.15 points or 1.10 per cent to 77,605.96.
The NSE Nifty rallied 258.90 points or 1.11 per cent to 23,508.40. During the day, it climbed 297.3 points or 1.27 per cent to 23,546.80.
India is expected to record GDP growth of 6.3-6.8 per cent in 2025-26 on the back of strong fundamentals, calibrated fiscal consolidation and stable private consumption, said the Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on Friday.
"The indices are fueled with expectations of a pro-growth budget and prudent fiscal as indicated in the economic survey. Positive global cues and better-than-expected results from major companies also contributed to the upward trend.
"Market expects reductions in individual tax and job generation to boost consumption. By cutting fiscal deficit but continuing to boost infrastructure spending, the government may set the tone for a potential recovery in the consolidating market," Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services, said.
From the 30-share blue-chip pack, Larsen &amp; Toubro climbed 4.31 per cent after the infrastructure and engineering major reported 14 per cent rise in consolidated profit after tax to Rs 3,359 crore for the December quarter on the back of higher revenue from operations.
Nestle surged 4.25 per cent after the FMCG major reported 4.94 per cent increase in net profit at Rs 688.01 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.
IndusInd Bank, Titan, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, ITC and Maruti were the other major gainers.
ITC Hotels, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance and ICICI Bank were among the laggards.
In the month of January, the BSE benchmark declined 638.44 points or 0.81 per cent, while the Nifty lost 136.4 points or 0.57 per cent.
The BSE smallcap gauge jumped 1.83 per cent and midcap index surged 1.76 per cent.
All BSE sectoral indices ended higher. Capital Goods surged the most by 3.89 per cent, followed by industrials (3.61 per cent), power (2.56 per cent), realty (2.24 per cent), utilities (2.05 per cent), energy (1.92 per cent) and FMCG (1.90 per cent).
As many as 2,719 stocks advanced while 1,203 declined and 125 remained unchanged on the BSE.
"As the Union Budget approaches, the critical expectation is to revive market sentiment. Recent budgets have seen increased taxation on the capital market&mdash;higher STT, capital gains taxes, taxation of dividend income in shareholders&rsquo; hands, and the removal of tax benefits on buybacks.
"This year, it&rsquo;s imperative for the Finance Minister to avoid introducing new taxes on investors. Instead, providing meaningful tax rebates to enhance consumer spending power could help revive the consumption cycle," Sunil Damania, Chief Investment Officer, Mojopms, said.
The Economic Survey noted that on a longer-term basis, Indian markets have been among the best-performing markets in the world.
BSE market capitalisation to GDP ratio stood at 136 per cent at the end of December 2024, rising significantly over the last 10 years, it added.
"...the fundamentals of the domestic economy remain robust, with a strong external account, calibrated fiscal consolidation and stable private consumption. On balance of these considerations, we expect that the growth in FY26 would be between 6.3 and 6.8 per cent," the survey said.
In Asian markets, Tokyo settled in positive territory, while Seoul ended lower. Markets in Shanghai and Hong Kong were closed due to holidays.
European markets were trading higher. US markets ended in the positive zone on Thursday.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 4,582.95 crore on Thursday, according to exchange data.
Global oil benchmark Brent crude dipped 0.26 per cent to USD 76.64 a barrel.
The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex advanced 226.85 points or 0.30 per cent to settle at 76,759.81 on Thursday. The Nifty went up by 86.40 points or 0.37 per cent to 23,249.50.
Stock markets will remain open for trading on Saturday due to the Union Budget presentation.

The Economic Survey 2024-25 reveals a significant drop in India’s unemployment rate, from 6% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24. The report highlights strong growth in formal sector employment, especially among youth, and a rise in self-employment.

Economic survey 2024-25 highlights decline in unemployment, surge in formal sector jobs

The Economic Survey 2024-25 reveals a significant drop in India&rsquo;s unemployment rate, from 6% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24. The report highlights strong growth in formal sector employment, especially among youth, and a rise in self-employment.

India&rsquo;s unemployment rate has shown a substantial decrease in recent years, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25 presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Friday.
The country&rsquo;s unemployment rate (UR) for individuals aged 15 and above has steadily fallen from 6 percent in 2017-18 to 3.2 percent in 2023-24, indicating a positive transformation in the labour market.
The Economic Survey attributes this decline to India&rsquo;s strong post-pandemic recovery and the increased formalization of the job market.&nbsp;
As highlighted in the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), both the labour force participation rate and the worker population ratio have shown significant growth, suggesting a more dynamic workforce and a reduction in unemployment across various demographic groups.
Beyond the decrease in unemployment, the survey highlights a significant increase in formal sector employment. The net additions to the Employees&rsquo; Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) subscriptions more than doubled, rising from 61 lakh in FY19 to 131 lakh in FY24.&nbsp;
This surge marks the formalization of the job market, with youth emerging as the primary beneficiaries. Nearly 61 percent of net payroll additions have come from workers under the age of 29, signaling a shift towards organized sector jobs for younger generations.
Self-employment has also increased, with the proportion of self-employed workers growing from 52.2 percent in 2017-18 to 58.4 percent in 2023-24. This shift reflects a rise in entrepreneurial activity and a preference for flexible work arrangements.&nbsp;
The growth in self-employment is also reflected in the decrease in casual workers, which dropped from 24.9 percent to 19.8 percent, signaling a transition toward more structured forms of employment.
The Economic Survey advocates for an environment that supports business growth, job creation, and economic development through labor regulations. It recommends flexible working hours and the removal of overtime restrictions, suggesting that these changes would create more opportunities for workers and enhance their earnings potential.
The survey also identifies promising sectors for future job creation, particularly the digital economy and renewable energy industries. These sectors are expected to generate a range of job opportunities, especially for women, which will further drive their financial independence and empowerment.&nbsp;
A greater focus on these industries is anticipated to contribute to a diverse and sustainable job market.
Additionally, the Economic Survey reports that the female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) has seen significant growth, increasing from 23.3 percent in 2017-18 to 41.7 percent in 2023-24. This demonstrates the growing participation of women in the workforce, both in rural and urban areas.

The Economic Survey 2025 emphasizes the growing importance of mental health and gender inclusivity in the workplace. It highlights how fostering mental well-being and implementing gender-inclusive Labour Codes can enhance productivity.

Economic Survey 2025: Prioritizing mental health and gender inclusivity to boost workforce productivity

The Economic Survey 2025 emphasizes the growing importance of mental health and gender inclusivity in the workplace. It highlights how fostering mental well-being and implementing gender-inclusive Labour Codes can enhance productivity.

In today&rsquo;s dynamic work environment, mental health and gender inclusivity are increasingly recognized as crucial for both employee well-being and productivity, according to the Economic Survey 2025.
As businesses and organizations navigate an evolving landscape, focusing on mental health can lead to a more engaged and productive workforce. A vital aspect of mental health is the work culture itself.&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/679cb46e08651_1738323054.jpg" width="597" height="330">
Research shows that unhealthy lifestyle choices can negatively impact mental health, while positive relationships with colleagues, manageable workloads, and a sense of purpose at work can significantly improve it.&nbsp;
In addition, healthier lifestyle habits and strong family support systems play an important role in enhancing mental well-being, creating a beneficial cycle for both workers and employers.&nbsp;
A critical area in promoting employee health is tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs). By incorporating preventive measures and leveraging technology, businesses can help reduce the economic strain on healthcare systems. This not only enhances individual well-being but also supports the financial efficiency of both businesses and healthcare sectors.
On the gender inclusivity front, India&rsquo;s newly introduced Labour Codes aim to eliminate longstanding barriers that have limited women&rsquo;s workforce participation. While past labour laws were intended to protect female workers, they often resulted in challenges that discouraged hiring.&nbsp;
The new codes seek to address these issues by permitting women to work night shifts with safety precautions, extending 26 weeks of maternity leave to gig and informal workers, and mandating creche facilities in workplaces with 50 or more employees.&nbsp;
The revised laws also ensure equal pay and prohibit gender-based discrimination in recruitment, enabling women to work across all sectors, including hazardous roles, with proper safeguards in place.
These reforms represent a significant leap forward in promoting gender inclusivity, workplace safety, and social security for women in India. By creating a more level playing field, the new Labour Codes are expected to encourage greater female participation in the workforce, leading to a more equitable and balanced society.

The Economic Survey 2024-25 projects India’s GDP growth at 6.4%, highlights a drop in unemployment to 3.2%, and reports easing inflation. 

Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights: Strong GDP growth, lower inflation, and falling unemployment

The Economic Survey 2024-25 projects India&rsquo;s GDP growth at 6.4%, highlights a drop in unemployment to 3.2%, and reports easing inflation.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Economic Survey 2024-2025 in Parliament, offering a comprehensive analysis of the country&rsquo;s economic health and future trajectory.&nbsp;
The annual document, prepared by Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran and his team, outlines key economic trends and projections ahead of the Union Budget.
Here are some key takeaways:
<h3>GDP Growth Projection</h3>
The Economic Survey projects India's real GDP to expand by 6.4% in FY25, with growth estimates for FY26 ranging between 6.3% and 6.8%. The document highlights India&rsquo;s strong economic fundamentals, emphasizing a stable private consumption, a balanced external account, and continued fiscal consolidation. &ldquo;The fundamentals of the domestic economy remain robust... We expect that the growth in FY26 would be between 6.3% and 6.8%,&rdquo; the survey noted.
<h3>Inflation Trends</h3>
Retail inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), moderated from 5.4% in FY24 to 4.9% during April-December 2024, largely due to a 0.9 percentage point decline in core inflation. The survey attributed the decline to global monetary tightening and improving supply chains. However, food inflation remains a concern due to weather disruptions, supply chain issues, and lower harvests in key crops such as vegetables and pulses. The survey anticipates a softening in food inflation in FY25 due to better Kharif harvest arrivals and seasonal easing of vegetable prices. &ldquo;Good Rabi production is likely to contain food prices in the first half of FY26,&rdquo; it stated.
<h3>Unemployment and Labor Market</h3>
The unemployment rate in 2023-24 dropped to 3.2%, a significant decline from 6% in 2017-18. The government&rsquo;s employment-boosting initiatives, including the PM-Internship Scheme, were highlighted as key contributors to this trend.
&ldquo;The government has implemented measures to boost employment, foster self-employment, and promote worker welfare,&rdquo; the survey noted.
<h3>Growth in Formal Sector Employment</h3>
The formal sector has seen substantial expansion, with Employees&rsquo; Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) subscriptions more than doubling in FY24, jumping from 61 lakh to 131 lakh. Of these, 95.6 lakh new subscriptions were added between April and November 2024, primarily driven by youth employment, as nearly 47% of new payroll additions came from workers aged 18-25 years.
<h3>Sectoral Performance</h3>
Construction emerged as a standout performer, growing 15% above pre-pandemic levels due to robust infrastructure development and strong housing demand. Meanwhile, the utilities sector (electricity, gas, water supply, and other services) has maintained growth beyond pre-pandemic levels, whereas manufacturing is still recovering and remains slightly below its pre-pandemic trajectory. Mining continues to operate below its historical trend.
<h3>Agriculture and Food Production</h3>
The survey highlighted strong performance in the agriculture sector, with Kharif food grain production reaching a record 1,647.05 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) in FY25, representing a 5.7% rise over FY24 and 8.2% higher than the five-year average.
The increase was largely driven by higher output of rice, maize, coarse grains, and oilseeds. The normal southwest monsoon in 2024 improved water reservoir levels, ensuring adequate irrigation for Rabi crops.
<h3>Trade, Exports, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)</h3>
Total exports, including merchandise and services, recorded a 6% growth in the first nine months of FY25, reaching $602.6 billion. Growth in non-petroleum, non-gems &amp; jewellery exports stood at 10.4%. Imports also rose by 6.9%, supported by stable domestic demand.
The survey noted that India&rsquo;s export growth has historically been closely linked to global trade growth, but domestic economic levers will play a greater role going forward.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows surged 17.9% YoY between April and November 2024, reaching the highest level recorded during this period, except for FY21. However, net FDI declined due to higher repatriation rates, which rose 33.2% YoY following a 51.5% increase in FY24.
The surge in secondary sales and IPO exits by multinational firms was cited as a reflection of investor confidence in the Indian market.
<h3>Foreign Exchange Reserves and Remittances</h3>
As of January 3, 2025, India&rsquo;s forex reserves stood at $634.6 billion, covering 90% of external debt and over 10 months of imports.
Additionally, India remained the world&rsquo;s top recipient of remittances, driven by strong employment growth in OECD economies, helping to contain the Current Account Deficit (CAD) at 1.2% of GDP in Q2 FY25.
<h3>Banking Sector and NPAs</h3>
The Economic Survey cited RBI&rsquo;s Financial Stability Report (FSR) of December 2024, noting that gross non-performing assets (NPAs) had declined to a 12-year low of 2.6% of total loans. Stress tests indicate that banks will maintain sufficient capital even in adverse conditions.
<h3>India&rsquo;s Economic Outlook: Poised for Global Leadership</h3>
The survey underscored India&rsquo;s rapid ascent as a global economic powerhouse, noting that the country jumped from the world&rsquo;s 10th largest economy in 2014 to 4th place today. &ldquo;India is poised to become the third-largest economy by 2030, following the USA and China,&rdquo; the report stated.
It attributed this trajectory to a young workforce, a robust manufacturing sector, and demographic advantages. With a median age of 28 years, India&rsquo;s workforce remains significantly younger than those of aging developed economies, offering a strong foundation for long-term growth.

The Economic Survey for FY26 aligns with RBI's inflation projections, focusing on key factors driving food inflation, particularly the Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) commodities. 

Economic Survey highlights inflation projections and agricultural reforms for FY26

The Economic Survey for FY26 aligns with RBI's inflation projections, focusing on key factors driving food inflation, particularly the Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) commodities.&nbsp;

The Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on Friday aligns with the Reserve Bank of India&rsquo;s (RBI) projection of headline inflation for FY26 at 4.2 percent and 4.8 percent in the current fiscal year.&nbsp;
With the Union Budget set to be presented on Saturday, the Economic Survey stressed the role of a few key commodities&mdash;Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP)&mdash;in driving food inflation. When these three price-sensitive vegetables were excluded, the average food inflation in FY25 (April-December) stood at 6.5 percent, which is 1.9 percentage points lower than the overall food inflation rate.&nbsp;
Similarly, excluding the impact of TOP, the headline inflation rate was 4.2 percent, which is 0.7 percentage points lower than the current headline inflation.
Despite a global decline in food inflation, India continues to face persistent inflationary pressures in specific food categories, primarily due to supply chain disruptions and adverse weather conditions affecting production.&nbsp;
The moderation in global commodity prices is expected to help ease India&rsquo;s domestic inflation. The survey highlights that a normal southwest monsoon in 2024 has considerably improved water reservoir levels, ensuring adequate irrigation for rabi crop production.&nbsp;
The first advanced estimates of agricultural production for 2024-25 predict a 5.7 percent increase in Kharif food grain production. Rice and tur production are expected to increase by 5.9 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively, compared to 2023-24, which may contribute to alleviating food inflation in the months ahead.
However, the survey also noted potential risks to food inflation due to rising international vegetable oil prices. To ensure long-term price stability in essential food commodities, the government is focusing on structural reforms.&nbsp;
A key strategy is enhancing research and development in agriculture, particularly in developing climate-resilient crop varieties, which could help improve yields and reduce vulnerability to production losses.&nbsp;
Additionally, the government is encouraging increased cultivation in rice-fallow regions to address India&rsquo;s persistent deficit in pulses and oilseeds. Strengthening data collection and price monitoring systems is another important step, with the government implementing mechanisms to track prices, stock levels, and storage facilities at various administrative levels.&nbsp;
The survey further pointed out that extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, droughts, and unseasonal rainfall have worsened food price volatility.

India's Economic Survey 2024-25 emphasizes the country's potential to benefit from AI, stressing the need for investments in education and workforce skilling. The survey also highlights challenges related to AI adoption.

India's Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights AI potential, workforce challenges

India's Economic Survey 2024-25 emphasizes the country's potential to benefit from AI, stressing the need for investments in education and workforce skilling. The survey also highlights challenges related to AI adoption.

India's diverse economy and demographic advantage offer a unique position to benefit from the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), according to the Economic Survey for 2024-25 tabled in Parliament on Friday.&nbsp;
However, realizing these advantages requires significant investments in education and workforce development, along with the creation of institutions that can provide necessary support for adapting to technological changes.&nbsp;
The Economic Survey, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, stated, "These mechanisms can help workers adapt to changing demands while providing essential safety nets."
Despite AI's significant potential, the technology is still in a developmental phase and faces several challenges. While its growth is undeniable, AI has not yet reached the level of widespread adoption seen with technologies like personal computers and the internet.&nbsp;
The Economic Survey, prepared under Chief Economic Adviser Anantha Nageswaran&rsquo;s leadership, stressed the importance of policymakers considering the evolving nature of AI and its effects on labor markets.&nbsp;
"Historical parallels with earlier technological revolutions reveal the critical role of inclusive institutions in managing disruption and ensuring equitable outcomes," the report said.
The survey also highlighted several barriers to AI's large-scale implementation, such as concerns over reliability, infrastructure deficits, and inefficiencies. As AI&rsquo;s capabilities grow, so do concerns about its impact on labor markets, particularly in light of recent developments.&nbsp;
The Economic Survey quoted OpenAI&rsquo;s founder, who predicted the arrival of "AI workers" by the end of 2025. As AI systems become increasingly advanced, they are expected to outperform humans in decision-making roles across sectors like healthcare, criminal justice, business, and finance, which presents both opportunities and challenges.
The Economic Survey emphasized the need for a responsible and balanced approach to AI adoption, particularly in India, where the scale of employment means the impacts will be more pronounced. The chapter on AI also noted a significant shift in public perceptions of the technology, calling for its development to align with societal goals.&nbsp;
The report noted the rise of leading AI companies, including Google (Gemini), Microsoft (Co-Pilot), Meta (MetaAI with Llama), and others, and pointed to the growing global interest in AI. Between 2021 and 2022, AI patents granted worldwide rose by 62.7%, totaling over 62,000 patents, and private investment in generative AI surged from USD 3 billion in 2022 to USD 25.2 billion in 2023.
Corporate investments in AI between 2021 and 2023 reached USD 761 billion globally, with more companies referencing AI in their earnings calls, and CEOs anticipating that AI adoption will reduce labor requirements in various industries.&nbsp;
The Economic Survey's assessment underscores the need for India to strategically navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, ensuring its benefits while mitigating potential disruptions to the workforce. ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/business-news/economy/india-s-economic-growth-projected-at-6-3-6-8-in-fy26-economic-survey-2024-25-1738313681624" target="_blank">India&rsquo;s economic growth projected at 6.3%-6.8% in FY26: Economic Survey 2024-25</a>

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey for 2024-25 in Parliament, revealing a 5.4% GDP growth for Q2 2024-25. 

FM Nirmala Sitharaman tables Economic Survey 2024-25 in Lok Sabha

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey for 2024-25 in Parliament, revealing a 5.4% GDP growth for Q2 2024-25.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has presented the Economic Survey for 2024-25 in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;
Following this, the houses were adjourned for the day. As per tradition, the Finance Minister tabled this pre-budget document, which provides an in-depth view of the state of the economy, one day ahead of the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26.
<h3>Understanding the Economic Survey</h3>
The Economic Survey, crafted by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance and overseen by the Chief Economic Adviser, offers key insights into the economy&rsquo;s performance during 2024-25 (April-March).&nbsp;
It also provides an outlook for the next fiscal year and often gives an indication of the tone and direction of the upcoming Union Budget. The Economic Survey has been presented separately from the Budget since the 1960s, but it originally began as part of the budget documents in 1950-51.
<h3>Economic Growth and Outlook</h3>
India&rsquo;s economy grew by 5.4 percent in real terms during the July-September quarter of 2024-25. This growth was slower than the Reserve Bank of India&rsquo;s (RBI) forecast of 7 percent for the quarter.&nbsp;
The growth in the April-June quarter also fell short of the RBI&rsquo;s earlier projections. In light of this, the RBI has revised its growth forecast for 2024-25 down to 6.6 percent, compared to the earlier estimate of 7.2 percent.&nbsp;
However, the government expects a growth rate of 6.4 percent for the fiscal year. Despite these slower quarters, India&rsquo;s GDP grew by 8.2 percent in 2023-24, maintaining its position as the fastest-growing major economy, following growth rates of 7.2 percent in 2022-23 and 8.7 percent in 2021-22.
<h3>Budget Session 2025</h3>
The budget session of Parliament is scheduled to begin on January 31 and will conclude on April 4. The Union Budget for 2025-26 will be presented on February 1.&nbsp;
Finance Minister Sitharaman will deliver her budget speech at 11 am in the Lok Sabha, where she will outline the government&rsquo;s fiscal policies, revenue and expenditure plans, taxation reforms, and other significant proposals.&nbsp;
With this upcoming budget, Sitharaman will have presented her eighth budget.

economic survey

Categories