
New Delhi, September 17 (Daily Kiran) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 76th birthday on Thursday, reflecting on significant economic achievements during his 12 years in office. Under his leadership, India has made strides in banking accessibility, startup growth, and foreign exchange reserves, alongside impressive GDP growth.
One of the hallmark initiatives from Modi’s first term is the Jan Dhan Yojana, which has successfully connected millions from marginalized communities to banking services. As of September 2, 2026, the program has facilitated the opening of 592.1 million bank accounts, with a total deposit of ₹3.17 lakh crore. Notably, 329.8 million of these accounts are owned by women, and 460.3 million are located in rural and semi-urban areas.
Modi has also played a critical role in establishing a robust startup ecosystem in India. The number of recognized startups by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) surged to over 247,000 in August 2026, a dramatic increase from just 502 in 2016.
On the economic front, India has demonstrated remarkable performance. In the first quarter of the fiscal year 2027 (April-June), the country’s real GDP grew at an impressive rate of 7.8%, making it the fastest-growing economy globally. This growth has been bolstered by both the manufacturing and services sectors, with India’s GDP now estimated at approximately $4.15 trillion.
Furthermore, India’s foreign exchange reserves reached a record high of $785.7 billion as of the week ending September 4, 2026. This positions India fourth globally, following China, Japan, and Switzerland, with reserves having increased by nearly $120 billion over the past ten weeks.
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