Current Affairs Revision Hub

News Item

A report analysed the Centre’s proposed amendment to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, which seeks to change Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) foodgrain entitlement from a household-based system to a per-person system. Under the proposal, each AAY beneficiary would get 7 kg of foodgrains per month, subject to a maximum cap of 35 kg per household per month.

Background

At present, AAY households receive 35 kg of foodgrains per household per month, irrespective of family size, while Priority Households (PHH) receive 5 kg per person per month. The Centre argues that the current AAY system creates intra-category inequity because a one-member household and a large household receive the same 35 kg. However, States such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala have opposed the change, arguing that it could reduce entitlements for poor households with fewer members.

Prelims Facts

• The Centre has proposed an amendment to the National Food Security Act, 2013.
• The amendment relates to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) foodgrain entitlements.
• Current AAY entitlement: 35 kg per household per month.
• Proposed AAY entitlement: 7 kg per person per month, capped at 35 kg per household per month.
• Priority Households under NFSA receive 5 kg per person per month.
• The draft amendment was published by the Union Food and Public Distribution Ministry.
• Public comments were invited till July 11.
• Tamil Nadu and Kerala have opposed the proposed amendment.
• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin opposed the proposal on June 2, 2026.
• Kerala Food Minister G.R. Anil also expressed reservations.
• The South’s AAY household ceiling was shown at 52.51 lakh, with actual AAY coverage around 49.36 lakh households.
• All-India AAY household ceiling was shown at 250 lakh, with actual coverage around 217.01 lakh households.
• Puducherry follows a Direct Benefit Transfer model and therefore had no foodgrain allocation in the table.

Mains Focus & Analysis

• The proposed NFSA revision raises a difficult policy question: should food entitlements be made more rational on a per-person basis, or should the poorest households retain a protective minimum entitlement? The Centre’s argument is based on equity within AAY households, but States such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala fear that smaller poor households, including elderly or vulnerable persons, may face a real reduction in food support. A better approach may require protecting existing vulnerable households, correcting exclusion and inclusion errors, using updated household data and ensuring that food security reforms do not deepen regional disparities.

GS Mapping

GS2: Welfare Schemes, Food Security, Federalism, Social Justice; GS3: Public Distribution System, Poverty, Nutrition Security

News Item

An editorial highlighted India’s worsening water stress, with cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi and Mussoorie facing severe water shortages. It argued that India cannot depend only on monsoon rainfall and must invest in climate-proof water systems, wastewater reuse, efficient irrigation, better urban finance and reliable river-basin-level water data.

Background

India has about 4% of the world’s water resources but supports nearly 18% of the global population. The editorial notes that 11 of India’s 15 major river basins are under water stress, while basins such as Krishna, Cauvery, Mahi and Tapi are already below the water scarcity threshold. A recent UNU-INWEH report has warned of global “water bankruptcy”, where water systems are overused, polluted or unable to meet essential needs.

Prelims Facts

• The editorial was written by Nitin Bassi, Fellow at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).
• India has about 4% of global water resources and supports nearly 18% of the world’s population.
• Water stress threshold: annual water availability below 1,700 cubic metres per person.
• Water scarcity threshold: annual water availability below 1,000 cubic metres per person.
• 11 of 15 major river basins in India are experiencing water stress.
• Basins mentioned below the scarcity threshold include Krishna, Cauvery, Mahi and Tapi.
• Delhi’s water supply was stated to have fallen to around 70% of total demand of 1,250 million gallons per day.
• A UNU-INWEH report warned of global water bankruptcy.
• Nearly three-fourths of the global population lives in water-insecure countries.
• The editorial suggests climate risk assessment, water reuse, efficient irrigation and basin-level water data as key reforms.
• CEEW analysis estimated that treated wastewater sale could create an economic opportunity of ₹3 lakh crore and 1,00,000 additional jobs by 2047.
• Urban Challenge Fund has central assistance of ₹1 lakh crore and supports Cities as Growth Hubs, Creative Redevelopment of Cities, and Water and Sanitation.
• Under UCF, the Centre can finance up to 25% of the cost of bankable projects, with significant funding expected from market sources such as bonds, bank loans and PPPs.

Mains Focus & Analysis

• The editorial argues that India must move from emergency response to long-term water security planning. Four priorities stand out: climate-risk mapping of water infrastructure, circular water use through treated wastewater reuse, efficient irrigation and crop diversification in agriculture, and reliable river-basin-level data on withdrawals, losses and consumption. The Urban Challenge Fund is important because it can help cities finance water supply, drainage and sanitation projects, but its success will depend on project preparation capacity, municipal reforms, transparent governance and the ability of cities to mobilise market finance.

GS Mapping

GS3: Water Resources, Climate Change, Agriculture, Urban Infrastructure, Sustainable Development; GS2: Governance and Local Bodies

News Item

Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, ACME Cleantech Solutions Private Limited signed long-term offtake agreements with Japanese companies for green hydrogen derivatives. It will supply 405 kTPA green ammonia to IHI Corporation and 100 kTPA green methanol to Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company from its Paradip facility.

Background

The National Green Hydrogen Mission was approved in January 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore. Its objective is to make India a global hub for the production, use and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. The SIGHT Programme under the mission provides financial support for production through transparent bidding by SECI.

Prelims Facts

• The agreements were signed at Atal Akshay Urja Bhawan, New Delhi.
• ACME Group signed long-term offtake agreements with IHI Corporation for green ammonia and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company for green methanol.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission was approved in January 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore.
• SIGHT Programme provides financial support for production through bidding conducted by SECI.
• ACME Group has been awarded 370 kTPA production capacity under the SIGHT Programme.
• ACME will supply 405 kTPA green ammonia to IHI Corporation.
• ACME will supply 100 kTPA green methanol to Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company under a 10-year agreement from its Paradip facility.
• Japan’s METI administers the CfD scheme supporting low-carbon ammonia.

Mains Focus & Analysis

• These agreements show that India’s green hydrogen sector is moving from policy announcement to commercial market creation. They strengthen India-Japan clean energy cooperation, create assured export demand for Indian green fuels and support decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors such as shipping. However, long-term success will depend on cost competitiveness, renewable energy availability, certification standards, port infrastructure and stable international demand.

GS Mapping

GS2: International Relations; GS3: Energy, Environment, Infrastructure, Science and Technology

News Item

Marking the 11th anniversary of the Digital India initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted its massive success in redefining governance and making life easier for millions. From laying optical fibres in remote villages to executing seamless Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), the scheme has empowered the underprivileged, fueled rural startups, and positioned India as a global leader in emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing.

Background

Launched on July 1, 2015, by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Digital India programme was envisioned to transform India into a digitally empowered society and a knowledge economy. Before its launch, welfare delivery was plagued by leakages and middlemen. By integrating digital infrastructure as a core utility, the government effectively used the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan bank accounts, Aadhaar identification, and Mobile connectivity) to transfer subsidies directly into the hands of the poor. Today, the initiative stands on nine pillars, including broadband highways, e-Kranti (electronic delivery of services), and universal access to mobile connectivity, completely revolutionizing how citizens interact with the government.

Prelims Facts

• Launch Year: 2015, operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Nine Pillars: Includes Broadband Highways, Public Internet Access, e-Governance, e-Kranti, Information for All, Electronics Manufacturing, IT for Jobs, Early Harvest Programmes, and Universal Access to Mobile Connectivity.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Works seamlessly on the backbone of the JAM Trinity, ensuring targeted delivery without middlemen.
• Future Focus: The initiative is now driving emerging sectors through missions like the India Semiconductor Mission, National Quantum Mission, and IndiaAI Mission.

Mains Focus & Analysis

• The Digital India initiative has been a game-changer for 'Good Governance' (Susashan), significantly reducing inclusion and exclusion errors in welfare delivery. However, the path forward requires addressing the persistent digital divide—especially between rural and urban areas, and the gender gap in internet access. Furthermore, as India transitions into an AI and Quantum-driven economy, enforcing strong data privacy frameworks, like the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, and bolstering cybersecurity infrastructure will be critical to protecting citizens.

GS Mapping

GS2: Governance, GS2: Government Policies & Interventions, GS3: Science and Technology

News Item

The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) has successfully completed over a decade of transforming India's agricultural landscape. Since its launch in 2015, the scheme has provided assured irrigation, promoted smart water conservation, and expanded irrigation coverage across 24.61 million hectares, directly benefiting over 27 million farmers.

Background

Indian agriculture has traditionally been a "gamble with the monsoons," with nearly half of the net sown area relying entirely on unpredictable rainfall. To break this dependency and provide a permanent solution, the government launched PMKSY on July 1, 2015, merging several fragmented, ongoing water schemes into one powerful, unified mission. Driven by the twin visions of ‘Har Khet Ko Pani’ (Water to every field) and ‘More Crop Per Drop’ (Maximum yield per unit of water), the scheme focuses on end-to-end solutions in the irrigation supply chain. This includes creating new water sources, building distribution channels, and promoting highly efficient farm-level applications like drip and sprinkler systems.

Prelims Facts

• Launched on July 1, 2015, PMKSY aims to enhance physical access to water on farms.
• Planning is highly decentralized; implementation relies heavily on the creation of District Irrigation Plans (DIPs) and State Irrigation Plans (SIPs).
• Achieved the creation and restoration of irrigation potential across 24.61 million hectares in the last 10 years.
• Promotes Micro-Irrigation Fund (MIF) with a corpus created under NABARD to facilitate state efforts.

Mains Focus & Analysis

• While PMKSY has remarkably reduced agriculture's vulnerability to monsoon shocks and improved water use efficiency, structural challenges persist. Issues such as delays in completing legacy AIBP projects, poor maintenance of micro-irrigation hardware at the farm level, and over-exploitation of groundwater in states like Punjab and Haryana require urgent policy shifts. Moving forward, the focus must shift towards strict cropping pattern realignments suited to agro-climatic zones and stronger community-led water governance.

GS Mapping

GS2: Government Policies & Interventions, GS3: Agriculture, GS3: Water Resources

News Item

The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB–G RAM G] Act, 2025 has come into force across rural India from 1 July 2026, replacing MGNREGA, 2005. It raises the rural employment guarantee from 100 days to 125 days per eligible rural household and ensures that no notified daily wage is below ₹300.

Background

India’s rural employment guarantee framework is linked to the welfare-state idea of the Constitution. Article 41 under the Directive Principles of State Policy directs the State to make provision for the right to work, education and public assistance within its economic capacity.

Earlier, MGNREGA, 2005 gave a legal guarantee of at least 100 days of unskilled manual work in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members demanded such work. VB–G RAM G keeps the legal guarantee framework but expands it to 125 days and links rural employment with livelihood security, durable assets, water security, rural infrastructure, disaster preparedness and technology-enabled monitoring.

However, the new law is being debated because it also changes the financing and control structure. Under MGNREGA, the Centre paid the full cost of unskilled wages. Under VB–G RAM G, the scheme will work like a centrally sponsored scheme with 60:40 Centre-State sharing for most states and 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states. The Centre will also determine state-wise normative allocation, and any expenditure beyond it will be borne by the state.

Prelims Facts

• VB–G RAM G Act, 2025 came into force across rural India from 1 July 2026.
• It replaced Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005.
• It provides 125 days of guaranteed wage employment per eligible rural household.
• Under MGNREGA, the guarantee was 100 days per rural household.
• No notified daily wage under VB–G RAM G will be below ₹300.
• The national average notified wage increased from ₹298.8 per day under MGNREGA to ₹327.4 per day under VB–G RAM G.
• The average wage increase is more than 10%.
• The Act is administered by the Ministry of Rural Development.
• Existing e-KYC verified MGNREGA job cards will remain valid until new Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards are issued.
• If employment is not provided within the prescribed time, workers remain entitled to unemployment allowance.
• Wages will continue to be paid through Direct Benefit Transfer into bank or post office accounts.
• Under PRS summary, the fund-sharing pattern is 60:40 for most states and 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states.
• The Centre will determine state-wise normative allocation; expenditure beyond it will be borne by the state.
• States must announce in advance a period of up to 60 days in a financial year during which works will not be undertaken during peak agricultural seasons such as sowing and harvesting.
• Gram Panchayats will prepare plans for works focusing on water security, rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure and mitigation of extreme weather events.
• The planning framework will be integrated with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
• Technology provisions include biometric authentication, geospatial technology, mobile application-based dashboards and weekly public disclosure systems.
• Article 41 of the Constitution is related to right to work, education and public assistance under DPSP.

Mains Focus & Analysis

• VB–G RAM G can be seen as an expanded rural employment guarantee framework because it increases the work guarantee from 100 to 125 days and sets a ₹300 wage floor. It may strengthen rural incomes, purchasing power, durable asset creation and village-level development.
• However, its success will depend on implementation. The key concern is whether the new cost-sharing pattern and state-wise normative allocation will weaken the demand-driven character that made MGNREGA a rights-based safety net. Technology may improve transparency, but biometric failure, weak internet connectivity and digital exclusion can affect vulnerable rural workers. A strong social audit, timely wage payment, adequate funding and Gram Panchayat capacity will be essential.

GS Mapping

GS2: Governance, Welfare Schemes; GS3: Rural Economy, Inclusive Growth

News Item

On the occasion of the 20th National Statistics Day (June 29, 2026), the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released several key publications tracking India's progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the National Indicator Framework (NIF) Progress Report, 2026.

Background

MoSPI, in consultation with NITI Aayog and UN agencies, developed the National Indicator Framework (NIF) to facilitate the monitoring of SDGs at the national level. The NIF provides a comprehensive evidence base for policymaking. MoSPI releases these reports annually on Statistics Day to reflect the continuous statistical evaluation of developmental schemes.

Prelims Facts

• Total Indicators: The NIF 2026 consists of 277 national indicators to track all 17 SDGs.
• Social Protection: The population covered by social protection systems/safety nets increased from 22.0% in 2016 to 65.3% in 2026.
• Maternal Health: The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) declined from 122 (2015–17) to 87 per 1,00,000 live births (2022–24).
• Sex Ratio: Sex ratio at birth improved from 896 to 918 females per 1,000 male births (between 2015-17 and 2022-24).
• Employment: The unemployment rate dropped from 6.1% (2017-18) to 3.1% in 2025.
• Environment: The proportion of Ramsar sites area in the total wetland area increased from 4.15% (2016) to 8.66% (2026).
• Energy: Installed renewable energy capacity tripled from 64.04 Watts per capita (2014-15) to 193.36 Watts per capita (2025-26).

Mains Focus & Analysis

• The granular time-series data provided by the NIF 2026 report is essential for evidence-based policymaking and resource allocation. The positive trends in maternal health, social protection coverage, and renewable energy adoption demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted national initiatives. However, maintaining this momentum requires continuous statistical vigilance to identify lagging states or sectors and fulfill the global 2030 Agenda.

GS Mapping

GS2: Governance and Social Justice, GS3: Indian Economy

News Item

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has launched e-Sushrut@Clinic, a simple and low-cost digital software. Developed by C-DAC, it helps small clinics and primary health centres (PHCs) easily manage patient records and daily operations using computers or smartphones.

Background

Big hospital software (HMIS) is too expensive and complicated for small clinics. Because of this, small clinics still use paper and pen, causing delays and lost records. To solve this, the government created a cheap, easy-to-use digital system to connect every small clinic to the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).

Prelims Facts

• Developed by: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
• Mandatory Registry: Doctors must be registered on the Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR) to access the system.
• Cost: Highly subsidized effective rate of ₹299 per month for up to 5 users, with the first 3 months completely free.
• ABDM Integration: Includes features to create ABHA IDs and scan/share health records seamlessly.

Mains Focus & Analysis

• The e-Sushrut@Clinic bridges the digital divide in India's healthcare by bringing affordable technology to the grassroots. By enabling paperless records for rural and small-town clinics, it strengthens the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), ensures better data collection for public health policies, and significantly improves the continuity of patient care.

GS Mapping

GS2: Health, GS2: e-Governance

News Item

Imagine a healthcare system where not a single mother or newborn loses their life to preventable causes. Taking a giant leap towards this vision, the Union Health Minister unveiled the SUMAN Roadmap 2030 at the 16th conference of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW). This action plan aims to drastically reduce maternal and newborn deaths by combining advanced technology, better hospitals, and community participation.

Background

Although India has made remarkable progress in reducing maternal and child mortality over the last decade, regional disparities still exist. To bridge these gaps, the Government launched the Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) scheme in 2019 to provide zero-expense, high-quality healthcare to pregnant women. The new SUMAN Roadmap 2030 is an upgraded, targeted strategy aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.1). It shifts from a "one-size-fits-all" approach to a customised, state-specific model to ensure every mother gets care before, during, and after pregnancy.

Prelims Facts

• Global Target: The roadmap aligns with the SDG target to reduce the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) to below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
• Geographical Focus: It implements highly targeted strategies in 130 districts across 13 high-focus states (including UP, Bihar, MP, and Assam).
• Innovative Tools: Introduces Non-pneumatic Anti-Shock Garments (NASG) to manage obstetric hemorrhage (severe bleeding), which is a leading cause of maternal death.
• Community Engagement: Promotes 'SUMAN Panchayats' (to ensure local accountability) and a 'Mothers Picnic' platform to raise awareness about positive health practices.
• Digital Push: Utilises the Janani Portal for rigorous monitoring, AI-enabled delivery rooms, and a centralized SUMAN Call Centre for grievance redressal.

Mains Focus & Analysis

• While India’s overall MMR has fallen significantly, the real challenge lies in regional inequality. States like Kerala have achieved the SDG targets, whereas many BIMARU states lag far behind. The SUMAN Roadmap 2030 addresses this by decentralising care and tackling ground-level barriers like tribal area accessibility and transport issues. Furthermore, by incorporating a climate-resilient action plan to protect pregnant women from heatwaves, it adds a much-needed environmental dimension to public health planning.

GS Mapping

GS2: Health, GS2: Government Policies & Interventions, GS2: Issues Related to Women

News Item

In the 135th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's recent achievements in defence indigenisation, sports, environmental conservation, and social initiatives. He emphasized the power of public participation (Jan Bhagidari) in tackling global challenges and preserving the nation's cultural and ecological heritage.

Background

'Mann Ki Baat' is an Indian radio programme hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, broadcast on the All India Radio network. Since its inception in October 2014, the monthly programme has served as a primary platform for the Prime Minister to address the nation, highlighting grassroots innovations, cultural heritage, civic duties, and the impact of government initiatives.

Prelims Facts

• Defence Indigenisation: INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray were recently inducted into the Indian Navy in Kolkata. They are indigenously designed and manufactured.
• Aerospace: The first 'Made in India' C-295 aircraft successfully completed its maiden flight. A total of 40 such aircraft are being manufactured in India.
• Missile Technology: DRDO and Indian Industries Partners successfully tested the indigenous 'Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile'.
• Sports: India topped the medal tally at the World Yogasana Championship in Ahmedabad, winning 114 medals, including 102 gold medals.
• Grassroots Sports in Nagaland: The state is promoting talent through the 'Nagaland Baby League' (football for 5-12 year olds) and the 'Nagaland Women Futsal League' (indoor football with 5 players per team).
• Education & Heritage: Nalanda University has revived the ancient tradition of 'Shastrarth' (debate and discussion). Meanwhile, the Central Sanskrit University in Delhi is starting a B.Tech Programme in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science to link traditional knowledge with modern technology.
• Global Cultural Footprint: 'Brahmakamal Dominicana', a Spanish-speaking team in the Dominican Republic, is actively learning and chanting Vedic mantras like Purusha Suktam and Sri Rudram.
• Waste Management: Women in Biaora, Rajgarh district (Madhya Pradesh) have initiated a campaign to convert plastic waste and empty bottles into eco-bricks to beautify public spaces.

Mains Focus & Analysis

• The integration of indigenous technological advancements in defence and aerospace reflects India's robust progression towards 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Furthermore, grassroots conservation efforts, such as the Hargila Army in Assam and the preservation of living root bridges in Meghalaya, demonstrate the efficacy of community-led environmental governance and the harmonization of traditional knowledge with ecological sustainability.

GS Mapping

GS2: Government Policies & Interventions, GS3: Indigenization of Technology, GS3: Environment & Conservation

News Item

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the pilot project of the PM Family Care Tracker in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The digital platform will track the health, nutrition, and education of beneficiaries from pregnancy until the age of 18 using a unique ID.

Background

The initiative is part of the government's push for data-driven e-Governance to ensure the effective last-mile delivery of welfare schemes. By tracking lifecycle indicators of vulnerable demographics, the system aims to provide early and targeted interventions for maternal and child development.

Prelims Facts

• Launch Location: The pilot project was officially launched in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Target Age Group: The system tracks beneficiaries lifecycle starting from pregnancy up to 18 years of age.
• Identification Mechanism: Beneficiaries are tracked using a unique ID that is linked to the Birth Registration Number or the ABHA ID.
• Health Passports: Alongside the tracker, specialized health passports were released for children.
• Associated Launch: The first phase of the PM e-Bus service was also flagged off concurrently in Gandhinagar.

Mains Focus & Analysis

• The PM Family Care Tracker exemplifies the integration of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) with social sector welfare schemes. A lifecycle-based tracking mechanism from pregnancy to adolescence will play a crucial role in curbing malnutrition, reducing school dropouts, and ensuring targeted health interventions, thereby strengthening India's human capital development.

GS Mapping

GS2: e-Governance, GS2: Issues Related to Children, GS2: Health & Education

News Item

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has urged the Central Government to provide Rs. 281 crore under the Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) to assist Totapuri mango farmers. The farmers are facing a severe price decline caused by the suspension of mango pulp exports and reduced procurement by processing industries.

Prelims Facts

• Affected Region: The current price crisis primarily affects the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh.
• Market Intervention Scheme (MIS): To stabilize prices, the Andhra Pradesh State Government is physically procuring 7.03 lakh metric tonnes of Totapuri mangoes under the MIS.
• Additional Support: The state government has announced an additional incentive of Rs. 4 per kilogram for the affected farmers.
• Root Cause: A sharp decline in export demand for mango pulp and reduced industrial procurement.

GS Mapping

GS3: Agriculture, GS3: Major Crops, GS3: Agricultural Subsidies

News Item

Marking the completion of 11 years since its launch on July 1, 2015, the Digital India initiative has entered a transformative phase. Transitioning from basic digital connectivity and financial inclusion, the program now strategically focuses on high-tech domains, including the IndiaAI Mission, the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, expanding Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) like UPI, and scaling domestic electronics manufacturing to position India as a global tech leader.

Background

Over the past decade, Digital India has democratized internet access, reducing mobile data costs from ₹269/GB to ₹8–10/GB and expanding broadband subscribers to 106.58 crore. As it charts the path toward 'Viksit Bharat 2047', the initiative has approved ₹1.64 lakh crore across 12 semiconductor projects, established a 45,000+ GPU shared AI compute facility, and driven the electronics sector into a ₹13 lakh crore industry, making it India's third-largest export category.

Prelims Facts

• Launch Date: Digital India was launched on July 1, 2015.
• Telecom Infrastructure: India's 5G network covers 99.9% of districts through 4.74 lakh towers; BharatNet has connected 2.18 lakh gram panchayats via high-speed broadband.
• Data Sovereignty: A new National Data Centre for the North-Eastern region was operationalized in Guwahati in February 2026.
• Global Innovation Index (GII): India's global ranking in the GII improved significantly from 81st in 2015 to 38th in 2025.
• Regulatory Milestones: The Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Act came into effect on May 1, 2026, followed by the establishment of the Online Gaming Authority of India in April 2026. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Draft Rules were released in January 2025 to enforce consent-based data governance.
• Startup Ecosystem: Direct employment generated by DPIIT-recognized startups reached 23.36 lakh jobs, with nearly 48% of these startups having at least one woman director or partner.

Mains Focus & Analysis

• The strategic evolution of Digital India over the past 11 years highlights a shift from being a mere consumer of global technology to a primary innovator and exporter of technological solutions. By anchoring advanced architectures like the IndiaAI Mission and India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 into its core policy framework, India is successfully building a robust, self-reliant manufacturing base while simultaneously pioneering tech-diplomacy through the global export of its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) models. This deep technological deepening underpins the transition toward a 'Viksit Bharat 2047', decoupling India from volatile global supply chains and establishing an inclusive innovation ecosystem characterized by balanced regional growth and gender-inclusive entrepreneurship.

GS Mapping

GS2: Government Policies and Interventions | GS3: Science and Technology | GS3: Infrastructure (Digital) | GS3: Indian Economy (Employment & Growth)