Current Affairs 2026

As of March 2026, the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan continues to be a cornerstone of India's infrastructure development strategy, with a strong focus on integrating various ministries and departments to ensure seamless planning and execution of projects. Launched in October 2021, the plan aims to break down silos between different government agencies and create a unified, multi-modal approach to infrastructure development. The year 2026 has seen accelerated integration of more ministries and their data onto the GatiShakti platform, enabling better coordination and reducing duplication of efforts. Key infrastructure sectors like roads, railways, ports, waterways, airports, mass transit, and logistics infrastructure are being brought under a single digital umbrella. The platform facilitates data-driven decision-making by providing a comprehensive view of existing and planned infrastructure, allowing for optimized route planning, efficient land acquisition, and timely project completion. Significant progress has been made in developing multi-modal logistics parks (MMLPs) and improving last-mile connectivity to ports and industrial clusters. The plan also emphasizes the use of advanced technologies like GIS mapping and satellite imagery for project monitoring and evaluation. The PM GatiShakti Master Plan is crucial for reducing logistics costs, improving India's global competitiveness, and ensuring that infrastructure development is aligned with economic growth objectives.

In early 2026, the National Mission on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage is gaining momentum, with significant policy support and increasing investments aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing India's reliance on imported batteries. Approved in May 2023 with an outlay of ₹4,000 crore, the mission seeks to establish a competitive environment for advanced chemistry cell battery manufacturing in India. The focus in 2026 is on the phased manufacturing program (PMP) and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for ACC battery storage, which are crucial for attracting investments and developing a robust ecosystem. Several major battery manufacturing projects are in the pipeline, with companies committing to setting up gigafactories for ACC battery production. The mission also emphasizes research and development (R&D) in next-generation battery technologies and recycling of battery materials to ensure sustainability. The government is actively promoting the use of ACC batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage systems, which are key drivers for the mission's success. The policy framework is designed to encourage innovation, reduce manufacturing costs, and ensure the availability of high-quality batteries for various applications. The National Mission is a critical step towards achieving energy security, promoting electric mobility, and contributing to India's climate change mitigation goals.

The latest National Health Account (NHA) estimates for 2021-22, released in early 2026, indicate a positive trend of increased public health spending as a proportion of the total health expenditure in India. The NHA provides a comprehensive picture of the health financing landscape in the country, tracking government expenditure, out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE), and private expenditure on health. The 2021-22 estimates show a notable increase in the government's share in total health expenditure, reflecting a greater commitment to strengthening public health infrastructure and services. This rise in public spending is attributed to various government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and affordability, including the expansion of schemes like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and increased budgetary allocations towards health. The NHA data also highlights a marginal decrease in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) as a percentage of total health expenditure, which is a significant achievement as it reduces the financial burden on households seeking medical care. The overall health expenditure as a percentage of GDP has also seen a steady increase, indicating a growing emphasis on health as a critical sector for national development. These estimates are crucial for policymakers to understand the effectiveness of health financing strategies and to make informed decisions for future policy interventions, aiming for universal health coverage and improved health outcomes for all citizens.

In early 2026, the National Logistics Policy (NLP), launched in September 2022, is undergoing significant implementation efforts aimed at enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of India's logistics sector. The policy's core objective is to reduce logistics costs, which currently stand at around 13-14% of GDP, to a global benchmark of 8-10% by 2030. The implementation in 2026 is characterized by a multi-pronged approach focusing on improving infrastructure, streamlining regulatory processes, and leveraging technology. Key initiatives include the development of multi-modal logistics parks, the expansion of the Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), and the promotion of digital solutions for cargo tracking and management. The policy emphasizes the integration of various government departments and agencies to create a unified logistics ecosystem. The Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), a crucial component of the NLP, is being further developed and adopted by more stakeholders to provide seamless information flow and reduce documentation requirements. Efforts are also underway to standardize logistics infrastructure and promote sustainable logistics practices. The policy aims to foster greater private sector participation through public-private partnerships (PPPs) in developing logistics infrastructure and services. The successful implementation of the NLP is expected to boost India's trade, improve its ranking in global logistics performance indices, and create significant employment opportunities across the value chain.

As of March 2026, the Pradhan Mantri Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme is making significant strides in expanding public Wi-Fi access, particularly in rural and underserved areas of India. Launched in December 2020, the scheme aims to democratize Wi-Fi access by enabling Public Data Offices (PDOs) to provide Wi-Fi services through a Public Wi-Fi Hotspot ecosystem. The key innovation of PM-WANI is its Public Wi-Fi Access Network Interface, which allows small shopkeepers and local entrepreneurs to become Public Data Offices (PDOs) and offer Wi-Fi services without requiring a license. This has led to a rapid proliferation of Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, significantly improving digital connectivity in areas that previously lacked reliable internet access. The scheme emphasizes a Public Wi-Fi Access Network Interface, which includes Public Data Offices (PDOs), Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs), App Providers, and a Central Registry. This layered architecture ensures ease of use for both providers and consumers. In early 2026, there has been a concerted effort to onboard more PDOAs and PDOs, particularly in gram panchayats and remote villages, to bridge the digital divide. The scheme also focuses on affordability, with users able to access Wi-Fi services at nominal rates. The PM-WANI app facilitates easy discovery and access to nearby Wi-Fi hotspots, simplifying the user experience. The expansion of PM-WANI is crucial for enabling access to online education, digital financial services, and e-governance initiatives, thereby fostering socio-economic development in rural India.

In early 2026, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, a flagship initiative of the Indian government, is witnessing significant progress in its implementation, bolstered by ongoing policy support and increasing private sector interest. Launched in January 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore, the mission aims to make India a global hub for the production, utilization, and export of Green Hydrogen. The focus in 2026 is on establishing pilot projects, fostering research and development, and creating an enabling policy framework to drive down the cost of green hydrogen production. Several large-scale electrolyzer manufacturing facilities are in various stages of development, indicating a strong commitment from domestic and international players. The government is actively promoting the use of green hydrogen in sectors like refining, fertilizers, and mobility through various incentives and mandates. Policy measures such as the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) program, which provides financial incentives for domestic manufacturing of electrolyzers and production of green hydrogen, are crucial in this regard. Furthermore, the mission is encouraging the development of infrastructure for hydrogen refueling stations and the integration of green hydrogen into the existing natural gas grid. International collaborations are also being strengthened to facilitate technology transfer and investment. The mission's success is critical for India's climate goals, as it aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, enhance energy security, and create new employment opportunities. The ongoing efforts are geared towards making green hydrogen a viable and cost-competitive alternative fuel source.

As of March 2026, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) continues its robust expansion, with a significant increase in the number of Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHAs) created and a growing integration with public and private healthcare facilities across the nation. ABDM, launched in September 2021, aims to create a seamless digital health ecosystem by providing a unique digital health identity to every citizen, enabling access to their health records across various healthcare providers. The mission has seen a surge in ABHA creation, with millions of citizens now possessing this digital health identifier. This has facilitated easier access to health services and improved continuity of care. A key development in early 2026 has been the accelerated onboarding of healthcare facilities onto the ABDM platform. Both government hospitals and private clinics are increasingly adopting the necessary infrastructure and protocols to integrate their Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems with ABDM. This integration allows for the secure sharing of patient health information, such as diagnostic reports, prescriptions, and treatment history, with the patient's consent. The mission is also focusing on enhancing the interoperability of different health information systems, ensuring that data can flow smoothly between various platforms. Furthermore, ABDM is promoting the development and adoption of health applications that leverage the digital health infrastructure, offering services like appointment booking, telemedicine, and access to health information. The government is actively encouraging citizens to link their existing health records with their ABHA, thereby creating a comprehensive digital health profile. The long-term vision of ABDM is to revolutionize healthcare delivery in India by making it more accessible, affordable, and efficient through the power of digital technology.

As of March 2026, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has announced a renewed focus on the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), with significant emphasis on enhancing skill development opportunities and deepening financial inclusion for the urban poor. The NULM, originally launched in 2013, aims to address the livelihood needs of the urban poor by creating self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities. The recent initiatives under NULM are geared towards upskilling and reskilling urban dwellers, particularly youth and women, in demand-driven trades. This includes partnerships with various industry bodies and training providers to offer short-term and long-term vocational courses. A key aspect of the re-energized mission is the strengthened focus on financial inclusion through the promotion of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and their access to formal credit. The mission is actively encouraging the formation of new SHGs and providing them with financial literacy training and support for availing bank loans. Furthermore, NULM is facilitating the linkage of SHGs with market opportunities, enabling them to sell their products and services effectively. The scheme also continues to support urban street vendors through the PM SVANidhi scheme, ensuring their access to working capital and promoting their economic empowerment. The Ministry is also leveraging technology to improve the outreach and delivery of NULM services, including a digital platform for registration, training, and placement assistance. The overarching goal is to create sustainable livelihoods, reduce poverty, and improve the quality of life for the urban poor, contributing to the broader agenda of inclusive urban development in India.

On March 28, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 16th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, benefiting over 9 crore farmers across India. This disbursement, amounting to over ₹20,000 crore, underscores the government's continued commitment to supporting small and marginal farmers. The PM-KISAN scheme, launched in February 2019, aims to provide financial assistance of ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmer families, paid in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each. The recent disbursement highlights a significant push towards further digitalization of the scheme's processes. Efforts have been intensified to ensure that all beneficiaries are linked with their Aadhaar numbers and have completed their e-KYC. This focus on digitalization not only enhances transparency and efficiency in fund transfer but also aids in identifying and eliminating potential leakages and ghost beneficiaries. The government has been actively promoting the use of the PM-KISAN portal and mobile app for farmers to update their information, check their installment status, and access other relevant agricultural advisories. Furthermore, the scheme's integration with other agricultural initiatives, such as soil health card distribution and crop insurance schemes, is being strengthened to create a more holistic support system for farmers. The ongoing emphasis on direct benefit transfer (DBT) through this scheme has proven instrumental in empowering farmers and improving their financial resilience, especially in the face of unpredictable agricultural cycles and market fluctuations. The scheme's success is measured not just by the financial aid disbursed but also by its contribution to increased agricultural productivity and farmer welfare.

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed on June 17th each year to promote international efforts to combat desertification, land degradation, and the effects of drought. In 2026, the theme is "Our Land, Our Future: Investing in Land Restoration." This day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994 to raise awareness about the issue and to encourage the implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Desertification and land degradation are critical global challenges that threaten food security, water availability, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of people, particularly in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas. The theme "Our Land, Our Future: Investing in Land Restoration" highlights the urgent need to invest in restoring degraded land. Healthy land is fundamental to human survival and prosperity, providing essential ecosystem services. Investing in land restoration is not just an environmental imperative but also an economic and social one. It can create jobs, improve agricultural productivity, enhance water security, and build resilience to climate change and drought. The theme calls for increased political will, financial investment, and community engagement in land restoration efforts. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable land management practices, such as agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and water harvesting techniques. The UNCCD is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The 2026 theme serves as a powerful call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize land restoration as a key strategy for achieving sustainable development, ensuring food security, and building a resilient future for all.