Government Schemes & Programs Current Affairs

Background: The National Green Hydrogen Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet in January 2023, marking a significant step towards India's commitment to decarbonization and energy independence. The mission aims to make India a global hub for the production, utilization, and export of Green Hydrogen. It envisions a phased approach, with an initial target of producing 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of Green Hydrogen per annum by 2030. The mission is expected to attract investments of over USD 100 billion and create significant employment opportunities. Key components include incentives for domestic manufacturing of electrolyzers and hydrogen production, pilot projects in hard-to-abate sectors, and development of infrastructure for hydrogen storage and transportation. Current Context: As of April 1, 2026, the National Green Hydrogen Mission is witnessing accelerated implementation with several key milestones being achieved. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has reported substantial progress in the tendering process for incentives under the mission's Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) program. Several large-scale pilot projects in sectors like steel, shipping, and fertilizers are in advanced stages of development, demonstrating the potential of green hydrogen as a viable alternative fuel. Furthermore, international collaborations are strengthening, with India actively engaging with countries like Japan, Germany, and the United States to foster technology transfer and joint ventures in the green hydrogen ecosystem. The mission is also seeing increased private sector participation, with numerous companies announcing significant investments in green hydrogen production facilities and related infrastructure. Impact/Significance: The National Green Hydrogen Mission holds immense significance for India's energy future. It is poised to significantly reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuel imports, thereby enhancing energy security and reducing the trade deficit. The mission will play a crucial role in achieving India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The development of a robust green hydrogen ecosystem will foster innovation, create high-skilled employment opportunities, and position India as a leader in the global clean energy transition. The mission's success will also drive down the cost of green hydrogen, making it competitive with conventional fuels and accelerating its adoption across various industrial applications, leading to a cleaner and more sustainable economy.

Background: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme was launched on February 24, 2019, with the aim of providing income support to all landholding farmer families in the country. Under the scheme, eligible farmers receive an annual financial benefit of Rs 6,000, disbursed in three equal installments of Rs 2,000 directly into their bank accounts. The scheme is fully funded by the Central Government. It seeks to supplement the financial needs of farmers for agricultural and allied activities as well as domestic needs. Current Context: As of April 1, 2026, the Union Government has announced a significant enhancement in the budgetary allocation for the PM-KISAN scheme for the upcoming fiscal year. This increased allocation is primarily driven by a renewed focus on strengthening the financial resilience of small and marginal farmers, who constitute the majority of the agricultural community in India. The government has also indicated a push towards greater digitization and data integration within the scheme to ensure more efficient and targeted delivery of benefits, potentially including the introduction of a revised eligibility criterion or a more robust verification process to curb leakages and ensure benefits reach genuine beneficiaries. Discussions are also underway to explore the possibility of linking PM-KISAN with other agricultural support programs to create a more holistic ecosystem for farmer welfare. Impact/Significance: The enhanced allocation and renewed focus on PM-KISAN are expected to have a substantial positive impact on the lives of millions of small and marginal farmers. The increased financial support will help them cope with rising input costs, invest in better farming practices, and improve their overall economic well-being. The emphasis on digitization will lead to greater transparency and accountability in the scheme's implementation, reducing the scope for corruption. Furthermore, by potentially integrating PM-KISAN with other schemes, the government aims to create a synergistic effect, providing farmers with a more comprehensive safety net and access to a wider range of agricultural support services. This initiative is crucial for achieving the government's broader objectives of doubling farmers' income and ensuring food security for the nation.