DPI Brief — April 28, 2026
Today’s DPI Updates (7 Layers)
L1: Identity & Authentication
Aadhaar App Pre-Installation on Smartphones Rejected
India’s IT Ministry has declined UIDAI’s proposal to mandate pre-installation of the Aadhaar app on smartphones, marking the sixth such government request in two years. Concerns cited include device security, compatibility issues, and higher production costs for manufacturers who would need separate manufacturing lines for India and export markets. The decision preserves the current voluntary approach to Aadhaar integration.
L2: Payments & Financial Rails
WhatsApp Expands Payments in India with Prepaid Recharges
WhatsApp has partnered with fintech firm PayU to introduce prepaid mobile phone recharges for Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea users within its messaging app. Despite having over 500 million Indian users since launching payments in 2020, WhatsApp remains a marginal player in India’s UPI-dominated digital payments ecosystem where PhonePe and Google Pay lead the market.
Axis Bank Reports Tech-Driven Workforce Optimization
Axis Bank’s headcount fell to 1.01 lakh in FY26, a reduction of 3,000 roles attributed to technology-driven productivity gains. CEO Amitabh Chaudhry noted that long-term digital investments are improving efficiency even as the bank added 400 branches.
L3: Documents & Data Exchange
Census 2027 Self-Enumeration Portal Active Across States
India’s first fully digital census is underway with self-enumeration running through April 30 in several states. Telangana began self-enumeration on April 26, with Andhra Pradesh and Punjab following. Citizens can complete 27 of 33 census questions online at se.census.gov.in. District administrations are conducting awareness campaigns including runs and outreach programs to encourage participation.
DigiLocker Sees Heavy Use for Exam Results
Multiple state education boards are directing students to download marksheets via DigiLocker. UP Board Class 10th and 12th results, Karnataka SSLC, and Assam HS results are all accessible through the platform, reflecting DigiLocker’s established role in academic document distribution.
L4: Commerce & Logistics
India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Signed
India and New Zealand signed a free trade agreement on April 27, 2026, to deepen economic ties and expand market access. The agreement comes as both countries navigate mounting global trade disruptions.
L5: Sectoral Infrastructure
No significant sectoral DPI updates today. Ongoing state elections (West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry) continue without major DPI infrastructure announcements.
L6: Governance & Grievance
No significant CPGRAMS or eOffice updates today. DARPG continues to process grievances through the pgportal.gov.in platform.
L7: Security, Privacy & Trust
TRAI Releases Consultation Paper on Public Wi-Fi Proliferation
On April 27, 2026, TRAI released a consultation paper examining the proliferation of public Wi-Fi networks in India. The paper seeks input on barriers to deployment and potential regulatory frameworks to expand Wi-Fi access.
TRAI Consults on Satellite Communication Framework
TRAI released a consultation paper on the framework for satellite communication network authorisation and spectrum assignment on April 8, 2026. Comments are due May 6, 2026.
TRAI Releases Telecom Subscription Data (March 2026)
TRAI published telecom subscription data as of March 2026, showing 1,306.14 million total subscribers including 1,258.77 million wireless and 47.37 million wireline subscribers. Broadband subscribers reached 1,007.35 million.