Government Schemes & Programs Current Affairs - 2026-03-31

As of March 31, 2026, the Pradhan Mantri Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme continues to be a significant initiative aimed at democratizing public Wi-Fi access across India. Launched in December 2020, the scheme aims to provide affordable and accessible internet connectivity through Public Data Offices (PDOs) by leveraging existing internet service providers (ISPs) and Public Service Areas (PSAs). The core idea is to allow small shopkeepers and local entrepreneurs to become Wi-Fi providers, thereby expanding the internet footprint in the country, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. In the fiscal year 2025-26, the focus has been on increasing the number of registered PDOs and PDO aggregators, simplifying the registration process, and ensuring seamless connectivity for users. The scheme operates through a Public Wi-Fi Access Network Interface, which includes PDOs, PDO aggregators, app providers, and a central registry. Users can access public Wi-Fi through a mobile app, which facilitates discovery of nearby Wi-Fi hotspots and authentication. The PM-WANI framework aims to create a low-cost, high-volume Wi-Fi ecosystem, reducing the digital divide and enabling greater participation in the digital economy. The scheme also promotes local entrepreneurship by creating new business opportunities for small businesses. The success of PM-WANI is measured by the number of PDOs established, the number of active users, and the expansion of Wi-Fi coverage. The ongoing efforts are crucial for achieving the government's vision of digital inclusion and ensuring that affordable internet access is available to all citizens.

As of March 31, 2026, the National Logistics Policy (NLP), unveiled in September 2022, continues to be a significant government endeavor to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of India's logistics sector. The policy aims to reduce logistics costs from the current 13-14% of GDP to a global benchmark of 8-10% by 2030. It focuses on a multi-pronged approach, including the development of integrated logistics infrastructure, streamlining of regulatory processes, and the adoption of technology. In the fiscal year 2025-26, the implementation of the policy has seen a strong emphasis on the development of multimodal logistics parks (MLPs), which are crucial for seamless cargo movement across different transport modes. The policy also advocates for the digitization of logistics processes, including the development of a Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) to facilitate the seamless flow of information among stakeholders. Furthermore, the NLP aims to improve the efficiency of port operations, road and rail connectivity, and warehousing facilities. The policy recognizes the importance of skilled manpower in the logistics sector and promotes training and capacity building initiatives. The success of the NLP is measured by the reduction in logistics costs, improvement in transit times, and enhanced ease of doing business. The ongoing efforts are crucial for boosting India's trade competitiveness, attracting investment, and driving economic growth by creating a more efficient and cost-effective logistics ecosystem.

As of March 31, 2026, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, approved in January 2023, is actively driving India's energy transition towards a sustainable future. The mission aims to make India a global hub for the production, utilization, and export of Green Hydrogen. Green Hydrogen, produced from renewable energy sources, is seen as a crucial clean energy carrier that can decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors. In the fiscal year 2025-26, significant progress has been made in establishing pilot projects for Green Hydrogen production and its applications in sectors like refining, fertilizers, and steel. The mission includes incentives for domestic manufacturing of electrolyzers, which are key to producing Green Hydrogen. It also focuses on developing robust infrastructure for Green Hydrogen transportation and storage. The government is actively promoting research and development in this area to reduce costs and improve efficiency. The mission aims to reduce India's dependence on fossil fuel imports and contribute to its climate change commitments. The success of the mission is measured by the production capacity of Green Hydrogen, the reduction in carbon emissions, and the growth of the domestic manufacturing ecosystem. The ongoing efforts are crucial for positioning India as a leader in the global clean energy landscape and achieving energy security.