August 30: India’s economy registered a sharp growth of 7.8 percent in the first quarter of FY 2025-26 (April–June), according to data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO). This robust expansion comes as a major boost, surpassing earlier projections and reaffirming India’s status as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

The real GDP (adjusted for inflation) stood at ₹47.89 lakh crore, a significant jump from ₹44.42 lakh crore in the same quarter last year. On the other hand, nominal GDP, which factors in inflation, rose to ₹86.05 lakh crore, marking an 8.8 percent increase from the previous year.

A key driver behind this performance was the agriculture sector, which clocked an impressive 3.7 percent growth, up from 1.5 percent a year ago. Strong farm output not only supported rural income but also provided stability to the wider economy.

The manufacturing sector too maintained healthy momentum, growing at 7.7 percent, slightly higher than last year’s 7.6 percent, indicating consistent industrial activity.

Notably, the growth figures have beaten forecasts. The Reserve Bank of India had earlier estimated Q1 GDP growth at 6.5 percent, but actual numbers far exceeded expectations, providing a promising start to the fiscal year.