Current Affairs 2026

As of April 1, 2026, India's ambitious National Green Hydrogen Mission has achieved a significant milestone, with the country's green hydrogen production capacity now exceeding 100,000 tonnes per annum (TPA). This remarkable achievement underscores the rapid progress made in developing a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem in India. The mission, launched with the aim of making India a global hub for green hydrogen production and export, has seen substantial investments from both public and private sectors. Several pilot projects and large-scale manufacturing facilities have come online, contributing to this surge in capacity. Key sectors like refining, fertilizers, and steel are actively exploring and adopting green hydrogen as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. The government has provided incentives and policy support, including the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for electrolyzer manufacturing and green hydrogen production, which has been instrumental in driving this growth. The increased production capacity is expected to reduce India's reliance on imported fossil fuels, enhance energy security, and contribute to the nation's climate change mitigation goals. Experts believe that reaching this capacity is a crucial step towards achieving the mission's long-term targets and positioning India as a leader in the global hydrogen economy. The focus is now shifting towards further scaling up production, reducing costs, and developing robust infrastructure for hydrogen storage and transportation. The mission also aims to foster research and development in advanced hydrogen technologies.

On April 1, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated India's first underwater metro line in Kolkata, West Bengal. The project, a significant engineering feat, involves a 4.8-kilometer stretch of the East-West Metro corridor that runs beneath the Hooghly River. This pioneering section connects Mahakaran station to Howrah Maidan, passing through a tunnel constructed 32 meters below the riverbed. The tunnel, built using advanced Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), is a testament to India's growing capabilities in complex infrastructure development. The project aims to decongest traffic in the city and provide a faster, more efficient mode of public transport. The underwater section is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Howrah and Kolkata, two major economic hubs. The Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Limited (KMRCL) has overseen the project, which faced several technical challenges during its construction. The inauguration marks a new era in urban transportation for India, showcasing the nation's commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and improving the quality of life for its citizens. The project has been developed with a focus on safety, employing state-of-the-art technology for ventilation, drainage, and emergency evacuation. The underwater tunnel is designed to withstand seismic activities and water pressure, ensuring the safety of passengers. This development is also expected to boost tourism and economic activity in the region.