Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 01 July, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
01 July , 2026

International Affairs

1. Bangladesh Joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

Source: Times of India

Context

Bangladesh officially joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as its 27th member country on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. The Bangladesh Cabinet approved the decision on 22 May 2026 (in the 8th cabinet meeting chaired by PM Tarique Rahman) after a proposal from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The move followed discussions between Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Shri Pranay Verma and Bangladesh’s Environment Minister Shri Abdul Awal Mintoo on 8-9 April 2026. Bangladesh’s inclusion is particularly significant because India and Bangladesh share the Sundarbans — the world’s largest mangrove forest (~10,000 sq km) — which is home to about 125 wild Royal Bengal Tigers (Bangladesh’s national animal). The IBCA was launched by PM Modi on 9 April 2023 at the “Project Tiger 50th Anniversary Celebration” in Mysuru, Karnataka and became a full treaty-based international organisation on 23 January 2025. Headquartered in New Delhi with National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under MoEFCC as the nodal agency, it covers 7 big cat species — Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma — of which India is home to 5 (excluding Jaguar + Puma). India committed a $100 million grant for the first 5 years.

Key Facts

Aspect	Detail
Bangladesh Joined	24 June 2026 (as 27th member)
Bangladesh Cabinet Approval	22 May 2026
PM of Bangladesh	Shri Tarique Rahman (BNP)

What is IBCA?

Aspect	Detail
Launched by	PM Modi, 9 April 2023 at Mysuru
Occasion	Project Tiger 50-Year Celebration
Treaty-Based Status	23 January 2025
HQ	New Delhi, India
Nodal Agency	National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under MoEFCC
Species Covered	7 Big Cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma

IBCA Objectives

• Habitat conservation + protection.
• Anti-poaching + wildlife crime prevention.
• Scientific research + capacity building.
• Technology sharing.
• Financial mobilisation for conservation.
• Combat illegal wildlife trafficking.
• Best-practice repository for member nations.

Some IBCA Members

• India (founding).
• Bangladesh (June 2026 — 27th).
• Russia, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Armenia, Ethiopia, Mongolia, Rwanda, Angola, Myanmar, Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, and others.

Sundarbans Facts

• Location: Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) Delta, shared by India + Bangladesh.
• World’s largest mangrove forest.
• Only mangrove ecosystem with tigers in the world.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site (India: 1987; Bangladesh: 1997).
• Wild Tigers in Sundarbans (Bangladesh side): ~125.

About Bangladesh (Geographic Overview)

• Capital: Dhaka.
• Government: Sovereign Parliamentary Republic.
• Location: Northern apex of Bay of Bengal, between Indian subcontinent + Southeast Asia.
• Borders: India, Myanmar, Bay of Bengal.
• National Animal: Royal Bengal Tiger.

Big Cats of Bangladesh

• Royal Bengal Tiger: In Sundarbans (~125 wild).
• Indian Leopard: Extremely rare, in Chittagong Hill Tracts + Sylhet.
• Other Wild Cats: Clouded Leopard, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat.

Global Big Cat Conservation Status (IUCN)

Species	IUCN Status
Tiger	Endangered
Lion	Vulnerable (Asiatic Lion: Endangered)
Leopard	Vulnerable
Snow Leopard	Vulnerable
Cheetah	Vulnerable
Jaguar	Near Threatened
Puma	Least Concern

India’s Big Cat Milestones

• Project Tiger: Launched 1 April 1973 at Corbett National Park by PM Indira Gandhi.
• Project Lion: Launched August 2020 (Asiatic Lion, Gir).
• Project Cheetah: Launched 17 September 2022 at Kuno National Park, MP.
• NTCA: Established December 2005.
• Tigers in India (2022 Census): ~3,682 (~75% of world’s wild tigers).
• India’s Big Cat Corridor: Central Indian Landscape, Terai Arc, Western Ghats.

Practice MCQs

Q1. With reference to Bangladesh joining the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), consider the following statements:

1. Bangladesh officially joined the IBCA as its 27th member on 24 June 2026.
2. The Bangladesh Cabinet approved the decision on 22 May 2026.
3. The move followed discussions between Indian High Commissioner Shri Pranay Verma and Bangladesh Environment Minister Shri Abdul Awal Mintoo on 8-9 April 2026.
4. Bangladesh became the founding member of the IBCA in 2023.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; Bangladesh joined as the 27th member in June 2026 — NOT as a founding member in 2023.)

Q2. With reference to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), consider the following statements:

1. The IBCA was launched by PM Modi on 9 April 2023 at Mysuru, Karnataka, during the Project Tiger 50th Anniversary Celebration.
2. It became a full treaty-based international organisation on 23 January 2025.
3. It is headquartered in New Delhi, India, with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) as the nodal agency.
4. The IBCA is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; the IBCA is headquartered in New Delhi, India — NOT Nairobi, Kenya.)

Answer Key

1. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: Bangladesh joined 2026, not founding 2023.
2. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: HQ New Delhi, not Nairobi.

National Affairs

1. MHA Announces Full Digital Roll-Out of Criminal Justice System

Source: The Hindu

Context

A senior Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) official announced that from 1 January 2027, all investigations and trials under India’s new criminal laws will be recorded digitally. The nationwide rollout of the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) — which integrates police, courts, prisons, forensics, and prosecution on a single platform — is expected to be completed soon, with all data stored on MeghRaj, the Government of India’s cloud platform. The three new criminal laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) (not “BSS” as the article’s brief incorrectly notes) — replaced the IPC (1860), CrPC (1898/1973), and Indian Evidence Act (1872) with effect from 1 July 2024. National ICJS implementation score rose from 46.47% (Jan 2025) to 70.06% (June 2026). Haryana, Goa, Assam, Punjab, and Chandigarh have implemented all parameters, 23 States/UTs including Delhi are above the national average.

What are the 3 New Criminal Laws?

New Law	Replaces	Effective
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023	Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860	1 July 2024
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023	Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1898/1973	1 July 2024
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023	Indian Evidence Act, 1872	1 July 2024

What is the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS)?

• A digital platform that integrates the 5 pillars of criminal justice:
  1. Police (via CCTNS).
  2. Courts (via e-Courts / Case Information System).
  3. Prisons (via e-Prisons).
  4. Forensics (via e-Forensics).
  5. Prosecution (via e-Prosecution).
• Enables data exchange across all pillars → speedy justice.
• Hosted on: MeghRaj (GoI cloud platform).

What is MeghRaj?

• Government of India’s Cloud Initiative launched February 2014.
• Under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Objective: Accelerate e-governance service delivery through cloud infrastructure.

What is CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems)?

• Nationwide digital platform used to file FIRs.
• Runs across ~16,000 police stations.
• Registers FIRs in 23 languages.
• Integrated with Bhashini App — translates zero-FIR to language of jurisdiction.
• Zero-FIR provision: A police officer cannot refuse to register a zero-FIR. Under BNSS Section 173, any station can register any FIR regardless of jurisdiction.

Key features of the new criminal laws

Feature	Detail
Zero-FIR (BNSS Section 173)	Any station can register FIR regardless of jurisdiction; statutory backing to earlier SC direction
e-FIRs	Online FIR filing via CCTNS
Trial in absentia (BNSS Section 356)	Trials + judgments possible even when accused absent (proclaimed offender)
Forensic mandate (BNSS Section 176)	Mandatory for 7+ year offences
Community Service	New punishment for 6 minor offences
Terrorism definition (BNS Section 113)	Explicitly defined in general criminal law
Organised Crime (BNS Section 111)	Dedicated provision
Digital Evidence	Electronic records fully admissible under BSA
Timelines	60-90 days for chargesheets; 3-year trial cap; 90-day victim update

What is Bhashini?

• Government of India AI-based translation platform under MeitY.
• Launched as part of “AI for Bharat” initiative.
• Enables real-time translation across 22+ scheduled languages.
• Used in CCTNS for cross-language zero-FIR translation.

Practice MCQs

Q1. With reference to India’s new criminal laws that came into effect on 1 July 2024, consider the following statements:

1. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
2. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898/1973.
3. Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 replaced the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
4. The three new laws came into force on 1 July 2023.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; the three new laws came into force on 1 July 2024 — NOT 2023. They received presidential assent on 25 December 2023 but came into effect from July 2024.)

Q2. With reference to the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS), consider the following statements:

1. ICJS integrates police, courts, prisons, forensics, and prosecution on a single digital platform.
2. Data on the ICJS platform is stored on MeghRaj, the Government of India cloud platform.
3. The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that from 1 January 2027, all investigations and trials under the new criminal laws will be recorded digitally.
4. The ICJS platform is operated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; ICJS is operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), NOT the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.)

Answer Key

1. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: Laws came into effect 1 July 2024, not 2023.
2. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: ICJS operated by MHA, not MCA.

Exam Relevance

Exam	Relevance
UPSC Prelims & Mains	Very High — GS-II (Governance, Polity, Constitutional bodies, Criminal Laws), GS-III (Internal Security), Essay
State PCS	High — Criminal justice, ICJS, State-level implementation
RBI Grade B (Phase I + II)	Medium — ESI on legal reform, digital governance (recurring GA)

2. Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan (SSJA)

Context

Gujarat’s Water Resources and Water Supply Minister Shri Ishwarsinh Patel announced that the “Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan (SSJA)” — the state’s flagship water conservation and groundwater recharge campaign — has increased Gujarat’s water storage capacity by 20,789 lakh cubic feet in 2026, taking the cumulative increase over the past 8 years (2018-2026) to 1,38,039 lakh cubic feet. The current edition was launched on 23 February 2026 from Gandhinagar by Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel. The campaign is aligned with PM Modi’s national “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain” — launched on 22 March 2021 (World Water Day) under the theme “Catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls” — and complements the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative (launched September 2024 from Surat by PM Modi). It is implemented by 6 Gujarat departments with MGNREGA convergence and jan bhagidari (public participation).

What is the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan (SSJA)?

• Type: Gujarat’s flagship state-level water conservation + groundwater recharge campaign.
• First Launched: 2018 by Gujarat Government.
• Current Edition: 2026 — launched on 23 February 2026 in Gandhinagar by CM Shri Bhupendra Patel.
• Advanced Start Reason: Holi fell on 3 March 2026 — advanced launch to avoid worker return-home delays.

What are the goals of SSJA?

Goal	Detail
Water Storage	Boost surface water storage capacity
Groundwater Recharge	Improve water table levels
Climate-Resilient Infrastructure	Buffer against droughts + erratic monsoons
Community Participation (Jan Bhagidari)	Empower Gram Panchayats + civil society
Employment Generation	Rural livelihoods via MGNREGA convergence
Restoration of Traditional Water Bodies	Revive johads, baolis, tanks, check dams

What is the Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA)?

• Full Form: Jal Shakti Abhiyan (Water Power Campaign).
• Launched: 1 July 2019 by Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
• Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti (formed May 2019 by merging Ministry of Water Resources + Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation).
• Union Minister of Jal Shakti (current): Shri C.R. Patil.
• Initial coverage: 256 water-stressed districts (per CGWB).
• Not conducted in 2020 due to COVID.
• Renamed to “JSA: Catch the Rain” from 2021, covering all blocks in all districts.

What is “Catch the Rain”?

• Launched: 22 March 2021 (World Water Day) by PM Modi.
• Theme: “Catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls”.
• Launched under: National Water Mission (originally March 2020) + expanded as JSA-CTR under Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2021.
• 2024 Theme: “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti” (Women’s Power for Water Power).
• 2025: Launched from Panchkula, Haryana by CR Patil in 148 districts.

What is Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari?

• Launched by PM Modi: 6 September 2024 from Surat, Gujarat via video conference.
• Purpose: Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for rainwater harvesting + groundwater recharge.
• Gujarat pilot: 24,800 recharge structures targeted via CSR + government + industry.
• Nationwide: 10.9+ lakh recharge structures identified; 9+ lakh completed (per JSJB portal).

Related national initiatives

Initiative	Detail
Mission Amrit Sarovar	Launched 24 April 2022; 75 rejuvenated water bodies per district; 68,000+ completed by late 2024
Atal Bhujal Yojana	World Bank-supported groundwater management programme; launched 2019
Jal Jeevan Mission	Piped drinking water to every rural household; launched 15 August 2019
PMKSY	Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana — micro-irrigation, per drop more crop
Namami Gange	Ganga river cleaning + rejuvenation
Ken-Betwa Link Project	First river-interlinking under National Perspective Plan; MoA signed 22 March 2021

Practice MCQs

Q1. With reference to the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan (SSJA), consider the following statements:

1. SSJA is Gujarat’s flagship state-level water conservation and groundwater recharge campaign.
2. Its 2026 edition was launched on 23 February 2026 in Gandhinagar by Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel.
3. The 2026 edition has increased Gujarat’s water storage capacity by 20,789 lakh cubic feet and generated ~2.30 lakh man-days of employment.
4. SSJA is a Central Government scheme administered by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; SSJA is a Gujarat State Government campaign, NOT a Central Government scheme.)

Q2. With reference to the achievements of SSJA, consider the following statements:

1. Over the last 8 years (2018-2026), the cumulative increase in Gujarat’s water storage capacity has been 1,38,039 lakh cubic feet.
2. By May 2026, 13,315 water conservation works had been completed across the state.
3. These included 2,450 pond deepenings, 3,661 check dam desiltings, and 1,160 check dam repairs.
4. The 2026 edition also cleaned 6,260 km of canals and 12,770 km of drainage channels.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; the 2026 edition cleaned 626 km of canals and 1,277 km of drainage channels — NOT 6,260 km and 12,770 km respectively.)

Answer Key

1. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: SSJA is a State scheme, not a Central Government scheme.
2. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: 626 km canals + 1,277 km drains, not 6,260/12,770.

3. SUMAN Roadmap 2030 (Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan)

Context

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday, 29 June 2026 launched the “SUMAN Roadmap 2030” at the 16th Conference of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW) held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. SUMAN = Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan. Present were Union Ministers of State for Health Smt. Anupriya Patel and Shri Prataprao Jadhav, State/UT Health Ministers, and senior MoHFW officials. The roadmap — spearheaded by the Maternal Health Division of MoHFW under the RMNCHA+N (Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health plus Nutrition) framework — aims to accelerate India’s progress toward the SDG targets on maternal/newborn health: reduce MMR to below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030, further lower NMR and IMR, achieve universal saturation of maternal/newborn services, and eliminate preventable deaths. Targeted, time-bound strategies will be deployed across 130 high-burden districts in 13 States. Alongside, Nadda released the Operational Guidelines on National Ambulance Services (NAS) 2026 with Integrated Command & Dispatch Centres (ICDCs), GPS-tracking, integration with emergency number 112.

Key Facts

• SUMAN Full Form: Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (Safe Motherhood Assurance) — originally launched by PM Modi on 10 October 2019.
• Framework: RMNCHA+N.
• Life-cycle approach: Pre-pregnancy → pregnancy → childbirth → postnatal.
• 13 High-Focus States: Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, MP, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, UP, Uttarakhand, WB.

Key Features

• Integrated Continuum of Care: Folic acid supplementation → ANC → safe delivery → PNC.
• Four-Stage High-Risk Pregnancy Tracking: Early ANC → 3rd trimester → childbirth → postpartum.
• SUMAN Panchayats: Village councils monitor zero maternal deaths, zero infant deaths, universal ANC, institutional deliveries, full immunization.
• Bi-Weekly ASHA Home Visits during 8th/9th months of pregnancy.
• “Mothers’ Picnic” Platform: Community engagement.
• AI-Enabled Labour Rooms: Auto tracking of maternal vitals + fetal distress.
• JANANI Portal: Centralised cloud platform for real-time high-risk case tracking.
• Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG): Postpartum hemorrhage management.
• SUMAN Call Centre: 24×7 grievance redressal.
• Centres of Excellence: Staff training.
• Climate-Responsive Frameworks: Protect women/newborns from extreme weather.
• Birth Waiting Homes, MCH Wings, Obstetric HDUs/ICUs in underserved areas.

Practice MCQs

Q1. With reference to the SUMAN Roadmap 2030 launched on 29 June 2026, consider the following statements:

1. It was launched by Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda at the 16th CCHFW Conference at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
2. SUMAN stands for “Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan”.
3. The Roadmap is spearheaded by the Maternal Health Division of MoHFW under the RMNCHA+N framework.
4. SUMAN Roadmap 2030 was released by Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; the Health Minister, not the Finance Minister, released the Roadmap.)

Q2. With reference to the targets under the SUMAN Roadmap 2030, consider the following statements:

1. It aims to reduce the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) to below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
2. The MMR target aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3.1.
3. It also aims to further reduce the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR).
4. The Roadmap aims to eliminate all diseases in India by 2030.

Answer Key

1. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: Health Minister, not FM.
2. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: Focus is maternal/newborn health, not all diseases.

4. Ayushman Sarathi

Source: PIB

Context

Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda on Monday, 29 June 2026 in New Delhi launched “Ayushman Sarathi” — the official PM-JAY WhatsApp chatbot — developed by the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). It provides citizens with secure, 24×7, API-based access to Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) services — including eligibility check, card management (apply/download/lock-unlock), eKYC, Aadhaar linking, Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card for senior citizens 70+ years, wallet balance, treatment history, empanelled hospital locator, grievance registration, and post-discharge feedback. Beneficiaries access it by sending “Hi” to +91 72908 23838 on WhatsApp or scanning the official NHA QR code. Nadda simultaneously launched the Unified Drug Registry, Unified Health Interface (UHI), and Aarogya Setu 2.0 (Personal Health Record platform under ABDM).

Key Features

• Comprehensive Card Management (apply, download, lock/unlock, eKYC, Aadhaar linking).
• Dynamic Security Grid (lock/unlock cards to prevent misuse).
• Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card module for senior citizens 70+ years.
• Real-Time Financial + Clinical Lookups (wallet balance, treatment history, empanelled hospital search).
• Automated Grievance Redressal (register/track/withdraw + post-discharge feedback).
• Instant Activation 24×7 via WhatsApp.

What is PM-JAY?

• Full Form: Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (under Ayushman Bharat).
• Launched: 23 September 2018.
• Coverage: Up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary + tertiary care.
• Implementing Agency: NHA under MoHFW.

Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card

• Launched 29 October 2024 by PM Modi.
• All senior citizens 70+ years, irrespective of income.
• ₹5 lakh top-up cover under PM-JAY.

Simultaneous Launches

Initiative	Detail
Unified Drug Registry	Standardised digital platform for drug information
Unified Health Interface (UHI)	Interoperability layer for health services under ABDM
Aarogya Setu 2.0	Personal Health Record (PHR) platform under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

What is ABDM?

• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission — launched 27 September 2021.
• Builds India’s digital health infrastructure — ABHA ID (14-digit), Healthcare Professionals Registry, Health Facility Registry, PHR.

Practice MCQs

Q1. With reference to “Ayushman Sarathi” launched on 29 June 2026, consider the following statements:

1. It was launched by Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda in New Delhi.
2. It is developed by the National Health Authority (NHA) under the MoHFW.
3. It is a WhatsApp-based chatbot providing 24×7 access to AB PM-JAY services.
4. It is a paid application requiring monthly subscription for beneficiaries.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; Ayushman Sarathi is FREE for beneficiaries — no subscription is required.)

Q2. With reference to the features of the Ayushman Sarathi chatbot, consider the following statements:

1. Beneficiaries can check PM-JAY eligibility, apply for and download Ayushman Card, and re-do eKYC.
2. Beneficiaries can lock/unlock their PM-JAY cards to prevent misuse.
3. Beneficiaries can view wallet balance, treatment history, and locate empanelled hospitals.
4. Beneficiaries cannot register or track grievances through the chatbot.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; automated grievance registration, tracking, and withdrawal are among Ayushman Sarathi’s key features.)

Answer Key

1. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: Free, not paid.
2. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: Grievance features included.

Exam Relevance

Exam	Relevance
RBI Grade B (Phase I + II)	High — ESI on health governance, DPI health
NABARD Grade A	High — Rural health scheme access
SIDBI/SEBI/IRDAI Grade A	Medium — Digital governance
Banking (SBI PO, IBPS)	Very High — Recurring GA: PM-JAY, NHA, ABDM
UPSC Prelims & Mains	Very High — GS-II (Schemes, Governance)
State PCS	High
SSC, Railway, Insurance	Very High

5. Project BRAHMANK of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Celebrates 16th Raising Day

Source: PIB

Context

Project BRAHMANK of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 16th Raising Day on Monday, 29 June 2026 at Ranaghat, East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh — marking 15 years of service in developing strategic infrastructure and connectivity along India’s north-eastern frontier. Project BRAHMANK was raised on 29 June 2011 and became operational on 3 December 2011. It develops + maintains strategic road infrastructure across 5 districts of Arunachal Pradesh — Siang, East Siang, West Siang, Upper Siang, and Shi-Yomi — along with parts of Dhemaji district in Assam. Under its charge: 811 km of roads and 86 bridges (culverts to major steel + arch bridges). Notable engineering: the 100-m steel arch bridge over Siyom Nallah and the 165-m Pre-Stressed Concrete (PSC) bridge over Simang Nallah on the Along-Yingkiong Road. In FY 2025-26, the project completed 13 bridges (cumulative 390 m span) and blacktopped 61 km of roads to National Highway Double Lane (NHDL) standards. It also develops tactical helipads for IAF logistics + emergency evacuation in the LAC-adjacent zone.

What is BRO?

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is a premier executive force under India’s Ministry of Defence. It builds and maintains critical infrastructure in remote border regions and friendly neighboring countries. Headquartered in New Delhi.

• Full Form: Border Roads Organisation.
• Established: 7 May 1960.
• Under: Ministry of Defence (from 2015; earlier under MoRTH).
• Motto: “Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam” (Everything is achievable through hard work).
• Founding Force: General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) + military engineers.
• DG-BRO: Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan (as of 2025).

What is Project BRAHMANK?

A BRO road-development project raised on 29 June 2011 at Ranaghat, East Siang, AP; develops strategic roads + bridges across 5 AP districts + Dhemaji (Assam).

BRO Projects Across Border Regions

Region	Projects
Arunachal Pradesh	Vartak, Arunank, Udayak, BRAHMANK
Ladakh	Himank, Beacon, Deepak, Vijayak, Yojak
Sikkim	Swastik
Mizoram	Pushpak
Assam + Meghalaya	Setuk
Nagaland + Manipur	Sewak
J&K	Sampark
Rajasthan	Chetak

Key BRO Iconic Infrastructure

• Sela Tunnel (Arunachal, inaugurated 9 March 2024) — longest bi-lane tunnel above 13,000 ft.
• Nechiphu Tunnel, Sisseri Bridge, Siyom Bridge (Arunachal).
• Atal Tunnel (Rohtang) — 9.02 km long, inaugurated 3 October 2020.
• Shinku La Tunnel (Ladakh) — under construction; world’s highest tunnel at 15,800 ft.
• Darbuk-Shyok-DBO Road (Ladakh).
• Srinagar-Leh Highway.

Practice MCQs

Q1. With reference to Project BRAHMANK, consider the following statements:

1. It functions under the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) of the Ministry of Defence.
2. It was raised on 29 June 2011 at Ranaghat, East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, and became operational on 3 December 2011.
3. It celebrated its 16th Raising Day on 29 June 2026.
4. Project BRAHMANK operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; BRO is under the Ministry of Defence (since 2015) — NOT the Ministry of Home Affairs.)

Q2. With reference to Project BRAHMANK’s area of responsibility, consider the following statements:

1. It develops strategic road infrastructure across five Arunachal Pradesh districts — Siang, East Siang, West Siang, Upper Siang, and Shi-Yomi.
2. It also covers parts of Dhemaji district in Assam.
3. It maintains 811 km of roads and 86 bridges under its charge.
4. Project BRAHMANK operates in the Ladakh region.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; Project BRAHMANK operates in Arunachal Pradesh + parts of Assam, NOT Ladakh. BRO projects in Ladakh include Himank, Beacon, Deepak, Vijayak, Yojak.)

Answer Key

1. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: BRO under MoD, not MHA.
2. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: BRAHMANK in AP/Assam, not Ladakh.

6. Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Launches “FCRA 2.0 Portal” + “e-OCI Card”

Context

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 launched two major digital initiatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi — the FCRA 2.0 Portal and the electronic Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) Card. Attending the launch were Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan, Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri, Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director Shri Mahesh Dixit, and other senior officials. The FCRA 2.0 Portal, hosted on MeghRaj (National Government Cloud), aims to reduce paperwork, speed up processing of registration applications under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, and enable real-time monitoring of foreign fund inflows. Features include process re-engineering, integrated dashboard, Aadhaar-based authentication, e-Sign, OCR-based document analysis, and API integration with PAN, Aadhaar, NGO Darpan, OCI, and ICAI UDIN. Currently, ~14,500 active FCRA organisations operate in India, receiving 15,000-20,000 applications and ~17,000 annual returns each year. The e-OCI Card — designed for the 50+ lakh OCI cardholders globally — enables a fully digital application-to-download experience, ends the need to re-issue the OCI booklet upon issuance of a new passport after 20 years of age, allows real-time self-verification, and eliminates risk of loss/damage. The launch aligns with Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026 and the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026. Future features include an AI-powered chatbot, FCRA mobile app, and dedicated bank dashboard.

What is the FCRA 2.0 Portal?

• A revamped digital platform for the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010.
• End-to-end digital: Applications, renewals, annual returns, other services.
• Hosted on: MeghRaj (National Government Cloud).

What are the key features of FCRA 2.0?

Feature	Detail
Process re-engineering	Streamlined workflow
Integrated dashboard	Single login-based view
Aadhaar-based authentication	For identity verification
e-Sign facility	Digital signatures
OCR-based document analysis	Auto-extract text from uploaded PDFs
API integration	PAN, Aadhaar, OCI, NGO Darpan, ICAI’s UDIN
Future features	AI-powered chatbot, FCRA mobile app, dedicated bank dashboard

What is FCRA?

• Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 — replaced FCRA 1976.
• Purpose: Regulate acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals, associations, companies.
• Ministry: MHA.

Key features of FCRA (2010)

• Prior permission or registration required to receive foreign contributions.
• No sub-granting (Section 7 — foreign funds cannot be transferred to another entity).
• Bank account: Must be in State Bank of India, New Delhi Main Branch (Sansad Marg).
• Aadhaar required for office-bearers.
• Utilisation cap: 20% of foreign contribution for administrative expenses.
• Renewal: Every 5 years.

What are the FCRA Amendment Rules, 2026?

• Recently notified by MHA.
• Modifies: FCRA Rules, 2011.
• Introduces a dedicated schedule listing permissible activities under the religious category.
• Tightens compliance requirements.
• Requires 75% utilisation of previous funds before receiving next installment.
• Expands accountability to key functionaries.

What is the e-OCI Card?

• Electronic Overseas Citizen of India Card — fully digital OCI.
• Beneficiaries: 50+ lakh OCI cardholders globally.
• Fully online: Application → document upload → download digitally generated card.
• Existing cardholders can transition to e-OCI without fresh application or physical verification in most cases.

Key benefits of e-OCI

Old system	e-OCI system
Physical OCI booklet re-issuance on new passport (after 20 yrs)	Just update passport details online
Fresh application/verification for booklet renewal	Not required for most existing holders
Risk of loss/damage of physical booklet	Digital — no loss/damage risk
Verification requires MHA contact	Real-time self-verification by cardholder
Registration number could change	Unique registration number retained

What is the OCI Scheme?

• Introduced: August 2005 by GoI.
• Under: Citizenship Act, 1955.
• Eligibility: Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were Indian citizens on/after 26 January 1950 or eligible to become so.
• Excludes: Citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or notified countries.
• Not a dual citizenship — OCI is a lifetime multi-entry visa + certain economic/educational rights, NOT full Indian citizenship.

What is NGO Darpan?

• NITI Aayog’s portal for registration + reporting by NGOs receiving GoI funding.
• Integrated with FCRA 2.0.

What is ICAI’s UDIN?

• Unique Document Identification Number system by ICAI.
• Generates unique numbers for CA certifications.
• Integrated with FCRA 2.0 for audit compliance verification.

What is MeghRaj?

• Government of India Cloud Initiative launched February 2014.
• Under Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).
• Purpose: Accelerate e-governance service delivery via cloud.

Practice MCQs

Q1. With reference to the FCRA 2.0 Portal launched on 30 June 2026, consider the following statements:

1. The FCRA 2.0 Portal was launched by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah in New Delhi.
2. The portal is hosted on MeghRaj, the National Government Cloud, under MeitY.
3. The portal includes features such as Aadhaar-based authentication, e-Sign facility, and OCR-based document analysis.
4. The FCRA 2.0 Portal is administered by the Ministry of External Affairs.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; the FCRA 2.0 Portal is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), NOT the Ministry of External Affairs.)

Q2. With reference to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010, consider the following statements:

1. FCRA 2010 replaced the earlier FCRA 1976.
2. It regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals, associations, and companies in India.
3. Currently, approximately 14,500 active FCRA-registered organisations operate in India, receiving 15,000-20,000 applications and about 17,000 annual returns each year.
4. Under FCRA 2010, foreign contributions can be freely sub-granted from one recipient entity to another.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; under Section 7 of FCRA 2010 (amended 2020), NO sub-granting is allowed — foreign contributions received by an entity cannot be transferred to another entity.)

Answer Key

1. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: FCRA 2.0 administered by MHA, not MEA.
2. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: Sub-granting is prohibited under Section 7 of FCRA.

Banking/Finance

1. EPFO’s Centralised IT-Enabled System (CITES 2.01) Migration Undertaken

Source: The Hindu

Context

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) recently sent text messages to subscribers announcing a “planned database consolidation and upgradation of software applications” from 26 June to 1 July 2026 as part of the Centralised IT-Enabled System (CITES) project — designed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). During the migration window, claim submission, passbook download, and other member services (including EPFO services on the UMANG app until 2 July 2026) remained temporarily unavailable. CITES modernises EPFO’s service delivery via automation and rule-based processing, replacing the earlier decentralised system of 120+ separate databases across field/regional offices — which had tied members to a single regional office and made claims employer-centric. Under CITES: any PF office can process any member’s service request, members can access services online with UAN + password, KYC updates are online, and all previous Member IDs under one UAN are visible with a single Aadhaar KYC. CITES has been functional since 2023 and already delivered the Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS) — approved by the EPFO Central Board of Trustees (CBT) in November 2024 and live from 1 January 2025 — benefiting 78+ lakh EPS pensioners with “any bank, any branch, anywhere in India” pension access. The next phase is transition to the Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS).

What is CITES 2.01?

• Full Form: Centralised IT-Enabled System, version 2.01.
• Type: EPFO’s core IT architecture overhaul.
• Purpose: Replace legacy office-based platforms with a single centralised system.
• Designed by: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) — under MeitY.
• Functional Since: 2023.
• Delivery Approach: Automation + rule-based processing.

What are CITES 2.01’s 6 Modules?

#	Module	Function
1	Member Accounts	UAN, KYC, service history, balances
2	Employer Filings	ECR, employer registration, contribution filings
3	Claims	Withdrawal, transfer, advance claims
4	Pensions	EPS pensions, CPPS disbursement
5	Finance	Interest crediting, budget, treasury
6	Compliance & Grievance Redressal	Damages, penalties, grievances (under testing as of 2026)

What are CITES’s key benefits?

Feature	Detail
Single National Database	Replaces 120+ decentralised databases
Any PF Office Processes	Members can approach any PF office in India
Online Services	KYC, claims, transfers, service history
Unified UAN Access	UAN + password to access all Member IDs
One Aadhaar KYC	Links all previous Member IDs
Automation + Rule-Based Processing	Reduces manual delays
Digital Query Resolution	EPFO can raise queries online; members respond online

What was CPPS (Centralised Pension Payment System)?

Aspect	Detail
Framework	Under CITES 2.01
Approval	EPFO Central Board of Trustees (CBT) on 30 August 2024
Beneficiaries	78+ lakh EPS pensioners
Key Feature	“Any bank, any branch, anywhere in India” access
No PPO Transfers	Pensioners no longer need to transfer Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) when moving/changing banks
Immediate Pension Credit	No verification branch visits needed
Next Phase	Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS)

What is EPFO?

• Full Form: Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation.
• Under: Ministry of Labour & Employment, GoI.
• Governing Law: Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions (EPF & MP) Act, 1952.
• Established: 1952.
• HQ: New Delhi.
• Managed by: Central Board of Trustees (CBT) — chaired by Union Labour Minister.
• Union Labour Minister: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
• Subscribers: 70+ million (7+ crore) active members.
• PF Interest Rate: 8.25% (approved February 2024 for FY 2023-24).

What are EPFO’s key schemes?

Scheme	Detail
Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF)	12% + 12% (employee + employer); 3.67% of employer to EPF
Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995	8.33% of employer’s share goes to EPS; min pension ₹1,000/month
Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI)	Life cover for members

Eligibility for EPS pension

• Minimum 10 years of service.
• Pension age: 58 years (standard); early pension at 50.
• Pension calculated on average salary of last 60 months × years of service.

Key allied concepts

• UAN (Universal Account Number): 12-digit unique ID for all EPF members, provides single window access.
• PPO (Pension Payment Order): 12-digit unique number issued for pension disbursement.
• DLC (Digital Life Certificate): Jeevan Pramaan — biometric-based annual life certification for pensioners.
• ECR (Electronic Challan-cum-Return): Monthly filing by employers.
• ABPS (Aadhaar-Based Payment System): Aadhaar-anchored payment method.

Practice MCQs

Q1. With reference to EPFO’s Centralised IT-Enabled System (CITES) migration undertaken from 26 June – 1 July 2026, consider the following statements:

1. CITES is designed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
2. The project consolidates 120+ decentralised regional databases into a single national database.
3. CITES has been functional since 2023, and its current version is CITES 2.01.
4. CITES is designed exclusively for the Ministry of External Affairs.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; CITES is designed for the EPFO under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, NOT the Ministry of External Affairs.)

Q2. With reference to the Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS), consider the following statements:

1. CPPS enables pensioners to receive their pensions from any bank, any branch, anywhere in India.
2. CPPS was launched nationwide on 1 January 2025 as part of the CITES 2.01 framework.
3. CPPS benefits more than 78 lakh EPS pensioners.
4. Under CPPS, pensioners need to transfer their Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) between Regional Offices when they change banks.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; under CPPS, PPOs are NO LONGER transferred between Regional Offices — this is one of the key reforms.)

Answer Key

1. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: CITES for EPFO under MoL&E, not MEA.
2. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: No PPO transfers under CPPS.

2. RBI Revises Certificate of Registration (CoR) Voluntary Surrender Norms for NBFCs + HFCs

Source: Business Standard

Context

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 revised the application form and indicative checklist for NBFCs (including HFCs) seeking voluntary surrender of their Certificate of Registration (CoR), following changes to the regulatory framework for Unregistered Type I NBFCs. The revised documents are hosted on the PRAVAAH portal — RBI’s single-window online application gateway launched 28 May 2024. The changes follow RBI’s Amendment Directions dated 29 April 2026 (the RBI (NBFC – Registration, Exemptions, and Framework for Scale Based Regulation) Amendment Directions, 2026), which introduced the “Unregistered Type I NBFCs” category — entities that do not accept public funds, have no customer interface, and have asset size below ₹1,000 crore — exempted from mandatory registration under Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934. The transition window for existing NBFCs eligible for deregistration is 1 April – 30 September 2026.

What is a CoR (Certificate of Registration)?

• Statutory certification issued by RBI under Section 45-IA of RBI Act, 1934.
• Mandatory for any entity carrying on the business of a Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI).
• Confers regulatory recognition + supervision on the NBFC.

Why do NBFCs surrender CoR?

• Cease NBFC business operations.
• Convert to unregistered Core Investment Company (CIC).
• Amalgamation / merger with another entity.
• Now (post-April 2026): To become an Unregistered Type I NBFC — reducing compliance burden.

What is the new “Unregistered Type I NBFCs” category?

Introduced via the RBI (NBFC – Registration, Exemptions, and Framework for Scale Based Regulation) Amendment Directions, 2026 (dated 29 April 2026), following the parent Directions, 2025 notification of 28 November 2025.

Criteria for Unregistered Type I NBFCs
No acceptance of public funds (direct or indirect)
No customer interface
Asset size < ₹1,000 crore

• Effect: Exempt from mandatory RBI registration under Section 45-IA of RBI Act, 1934.
• Rationale: Reduce “regulatory cholesterol” for private family offices, captive treasuries, single-family investment vehicles.
• Aligns Indian regime with global proportionate regulation for non-systemic proprietary structures.

What are the transition requirements for existing NBFCs eligible for deregistration?

Requirement	Detail
Application Mode	PRAVAAH portal only
Original CoR	Must be physically surrendered to RBI
Auditor Certification (SAC)	Confirming no public funds/customer interface for past 3 years
Financials	3 years of audited balance sheets
Board Resolution	Disclosing status + confirming no intent to access public funds/customer interface + agreement to seek Type II NBFC registration if breached

What is the PRAVAAH portal?

• Full Form: Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation and Authorisation.
• Launched: 28 May 2024 by then RBI Governor Shri Shaktikanta Das.
• Purpose: Single-window online application gateway for all RBI approvals, licences, and authorisations.
• Consolidates ~60+ types of RBI applications across regulatory departments.
• Reduces e-mail + paper filings; auto-tags to concerned regional office.

What are the categories under the revised NBFC regulatory framework (2025/2026)?

Category	Public Funds	Customer Interface	Asset Size	RBI Registration
Unregistered Type I NBFC	No	No	< ₹1,000 crore	NOT required
Registered Type II NBFC	Yes/No	Yes	Various	Required
Systemically Important NBFC (NBFC-UL/ML/BL)	Yes	Yes	Threshold-based	Required + heightened supervision

Statutory basis

• RBI Act, 1934 — Section 45-IA: Mandates CoR for NBFCs.
• RBI (NBFC – Registration, Exemptions, and Framework for Scale Based Regulation) Directions, 2025 (28 November 2025).
• RBI (NBFC – Registration, Exemptions, and Framework for Scale Based Regulation) Amendment Directions, 2026 (29 April 2026).

Practice MCQs

Q1. With reference to the RBI’s revised norms for voluntary surrender of Certificate of Registration (CoR) by NBFCs on 30 June 2026, consider the following statements:

1. NBFCs and HFCs intending to surrender their CoR must submit the revised application form through the PRAVAAH portal.
2. The changes follow the RBI’s amendment directions issued on 29 April 2026.
3. PRAVAAH is RBI’s single-window online application gateway launched on 28 May 2024.
4. Once an NBFC files a CoR surrender application on PRAVAAH, its NBFC status is automatically cancelled.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; filing the application does NOT amount to automatic cancellation — the entity continues to be an NBFC/HFC until RBI issues a formal cancellation letter, and must continue complying with all regulations.)

Q2. With reference to the new “Unregistered Type I NBFCs” category, consider the following statements:

1. Unregistered Type I NBFCs are entities that neither accept public funds nor have any customer interface, with asset size below ₹1,000 crore.
2. They are exempted from mandatory registration under Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934.
3. The transition window for existing NBFCs to surrender their CoR and become Unregistered Type I is 1 April 2026 to 30 September 2026.
4. Unregistered Type I NBFCs are permitted to accept unlimited public deposits without any restrictions.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; Unregistered Type I NBFCs must NOT accept public funds — this is a core eligibility criterion.)

Answer Key

1. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: No automatic cancellation on filing.
2. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: Unregistered Type I cannot accept public funds.

3. Bima Sugam

Source: BL

Context

Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India (IRDAI) Chairman Shri Ajay Seth announced on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 at the National Insurance Awareness Day event (organised by the Life Insurance Council in Mumbai) that the initial products under Bima Sugam should be available by end of September 2026, adding that the consultation paper on distribution reforms is expected by end of July 2026. The three priority products are motor, health, and term life insurance. Bima Sugam — India’s ambitious “Amazon-like” digital marketplace for insurance — is part of IRDAI’s broader Bima Trinity framework, which also includes Bima Vistaar (a rural-focused composite insurance product) and Bima Vahaak (a women-centric agent network that will sell Bima Vistaar products through the Sugam platform). The Bima Sugam website was launched in September 2025; the implementing entity — Bima Sugam India Federation — has an authorised capital of ₹500 crore + paid-up capital of ~₹310 crore, with shareholding distributed across life, general, and health insurers. On the Government’s 100% FDI in insurance (approved via the Insurance Amendment Bill 2025), IRDAI has already approved one 100%-foreign-owned general insurance licence, with another under process, and one in life insurance received. Key recent deals: KIWI General Insurance (backed by Westbridge Capital) approved; Australia’s QBE acquiring 51% of Raheja QBE from Prism Johnson (₹324 crore); Mahindra Group + Canada’s Manulife planning a 50:50 life insurance JV (₹3,600 crore each); Prudential plc acquiring 75% of Bharti Life Insurance while reducing its ICICI Prudential Life stake; Angel One preparing a digital-first life venture with LivWell. Seth also said insurance IPOs should only be pursued when there is a genuine need to raise capital, not merely for transparency.

What is Bima Sugam?

• An “Amazon-like” digital marketplace for insurance in India.
• Positioned as market infrastructure — brings insurers + intermediaries + customers onto a single interface.
• Website launched: September 2025.
• Value Proposition: Lower costs (platform doesn’t need high commission); may require a modest fee.
• Priority Products: Motor, Health, Term life insurance.

Who runs Bima Sugam?

Entity	Detail
Implementing Entity	Bima Sugam India Federation
Shareholding	Distributed across life, general, and health insurers

What is the Bima Trinity?

IRDAI’s 3-pillar framework for universalising insurance:

Pillar	Detail
Bima Sugam	Digital marketplace (technology infrastructure)
Bima Vistaar	Rural-focused composite insurance product (bundled life + health + property)
Bima Vahaak	Women-centric agent network — sells Bima Vistaar products through the Sugam platform

What are the recent developments in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in insurance?

• Insurance Amendment Bill 2025 — approved 100% FDI in insurance (up from earlier 74%).
• Allows foreign insurers to enter India without an Indian JV partner.
• IRDAI-approved deals under new 100% FDI:

What is IRDAI?

• Full Form: Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India.
• Established: 1999 under the IRDAI Act, 1999.
• HQ: Hyderabad.
• Under: Ministry of Finance.
• Mandate: Protect interests of insurance policyholders + regulate and develop the insurance industry.
• Chairman: Shri Ajay Seth.

Practice MCQs

Q1. With reference to Bima Sugam and the announcement on 30 June 2026, consider the following statements:

1. IRDAI Chairman Shri Ajay Seth announced that Bima Sugam’s initial products should be available by end-September 2026.
2. The three priority products under Bima Sugam are motor, health, and term life insurance.
3. Bima Sugam is a digital marketplace bringing insurers, intermediaries, and customers onto a single interface.
4. The Bima Sugam website was launched in December 2023.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; the Bima Sugam website was launched in September 2025, NOT December 2023.)

Q2. With reference to the “Bima Trinity” framework of IRDAI, consider the following statements:

1. Bima Sugam is the digital marketplace pillar.
2. Bima Vistaar is a rural-focused composite insurance product.
3. Bima Vahaak is a women-centric agent network that sells Bima Vistaar products through the Sugam platform.
4. Bima Trinity includes a compulsory public sector monopoly on insurance sales.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; Bima Trinity does NOT include any compulsory public sector monopoly — it is a market infrastructure and product framework open to all licensed insurers.)

Answer Key

1. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: Bima Sugam website launched September 2025, not December 2023.
2. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: No public sector monopoly.

Exam Relevance

IRDAI Grade A

CRITICAL — Direct subject — Bima Sugam, Bima Trinity, FDI, IRDAI structure, Ajay Seth

Agriculture

1. NABARD Inaugurates India’s FIRST PACS-Based RuTAGe Smart Village Centre (RSVC)

Source: The Hindu

Context

Two RuTAGe Smart Village Centres (RSVCs) were virtually inaugurated — one at Beerpur PACS in Jagtial district (India’s first PACS-based RSVC) and the other at Nandanam Farmers Service Cooperative Society (FSCS) in Hanumakonda district — both in Telangana, to bring science, innovation, and practical technology solutions to rural communities. The initiative is led by the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, in partnership with NABARD (Chairman Shri Shaji K.V.), aiming to convert primary cooperative societies into local technology hubs delivering affordable, need-based solutions for agriculture, value addition, and rural entrepreneurship. The Beerpur RSVC deploys agri drones, soil testing device, smart irrigation, poha + puffed rice processing units, happy seeder, and solar sky tubes; the Nandanam RSVC features agri drones, cold-press oil extraction, smart irrigation, puffed rice machine, soil testing device, and subjee cooler. Together, the two centres serve 20 villages, 18,000+ hectares, and ~5,000 farmers/cooperative members, and will generate employment via drone operations, machinery handling, processing, and service delivery. The Beerpur RSVC operates under a NABARD grant of ₹33.52 lakh from the Gramya Vikas Nidhi (GVN), is being implemented over a 3-year period (2026-2029), with technical support from Cornell Sathguru Foundation, Hyderabad.

What is an RSVC?

• Full Form: Rural Technology Action Group Smart Village Centre.
• Also called: RuTAGe Smart Village Centre (Rural Technology Action Group extension).
• Type: Permanent Panchayat-level rural technology hub.
• Aim: Bridge the gap between rural needs and technological advancements.

What is RuTAG?

• Full Form: Rural Technology Action Group.
• Conceptualised by PSA: 2003-04.
• Launched: 2004.
• Under: Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India.
• Objective: Develop + disseminate appropriate technologies for rural India.
• RuTAG 2.0 flagship: RSVC model.

Technologies deployed at Beerpur RSVC

Technology	Purpose
Agri Drones	Precision spraying, soil scanning, aerial mapping
Soil Testing Device	Real-time nutrient analysis
Smart Irrigation System	Water conservation, targeted application
Poha Processing Unit	Value addition — flattened rice
Puffed Rice Processing Unit	Value addition — puffed rice
Happy Seeder	No-till seeding to reduce stubble burning
Solar Sky Tubes	Sustainable indoor lighting

Technologies deployed at Nandanam RSVC

Technology	Purpose
Agri Drones	Precision agriculture
Cold-Press Oil Extraction	Value-added oil processing
Smart Irrigation Device	Water efficiency
Puffed Rice Machine	Value addition
Soil Testing Device	Nutrient assessment
Subjee Cooler	Post-harvest cold storage for vegetables

What is Gramya Vikas Nidhi (GVN)?

• NABARD’s dedicated fund for rural development promotional activities.
• Established under NABARD Act, 1981.
• Supports capacity building, technology dissemination, pilot projects.
• Beerpur RSVC financed under GVN.

What is a FSCS?

• Farmers Service Cooperative Society — village-level cooperative body providing credit + input supply + technical services to farmers.
• Similar to PACS but with wider service focus.

Key Terms

• What is RSVC?
  RuTAGe Smart Village Centre — Panchayat-level rural technology hub launched by PSA + partners; serves 15-20 villages.
• What is RuTAG?
  Rural Technology Action Group — conceptualised by PSA in 2003-04; develops appropriate rural technology.

Practice MCQs

Q1. With reference to the RuTAGe Smart Village Centres (RSVCs) inaugurated on 24 June 2026, consider the following statements:

1. The two RSVCs were established at Beerpur PACS in Jagtial district and Nandanam FSCS in Hanumakonda district, both in Telangana.
2. The Beerpur RSVC is India’s first PACS-based RuTAGe Smart Village Centre.
3. The initiative is led by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, in partnership with NABARD.
4. The two RSVCs were inaugurated by the Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; the RSVCs were virtually inaugurated by NABARD Chairman Shri Shaji K.V., PSA Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, and Telangana Agriculture & Cooperation Secretary Shri K. Surendra Mohan — NOT by the Union Home Minister.)

Q2. With reference to the RuTAG programme, consider the following statements:

1. The Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) was conceptualised by the PSA in 2003-04.
2. The first-ever RuTAGe Smart Village Centre (RSVC) was inaugurated at Mandaura village, Sonipat district, Haryana on 14 February 2025.
3. Each RSVC serves 15-20 villages and offers 12 technology tracks including agriculture, waste management, homestays, and village tourism.
4. RuTAG is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; RuTAG is administered by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), NOT the Ministry of Agriculture.)

Answer Key

1. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: NABARD Chairman + PSA + Telangana Secretary inaugurated, not Amit Shah.
2. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: RuTAG under PSA Office, not Ministry of Agriculture.

Exam Relevance

NABARD Grade A

CRITICAL — Direct subject — RSVC, PACS, Gramya Vikas Nidhi, cooperative tech empowerment; Phase II essay-worthy

2. World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan under the Cooperative Sector (WLGSP-Coops)

Context

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organised a stakeholders’ capacity-building and sensitisation workshop on the “World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan under the Cooperative Sector (WLGSP-Coops)” at Jugijan Samabai Samity Ltd in Hojai district, Assam on Sunday, 28 June 2026. The workshop brought together officials from the Cooperative Department, National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), Food Corporation of India (FCI), Assam State Warehouse Corporation, District Industries & Commerce Centre, Assam Cooperative Apex Bank, and representatives of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). NABARD’s District Development Manager (DDM) Shri Rajendar Perna highlighted the scheme objectives, and Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies Shri Deepak Bathari announced that Kapashbari Samabai Samity Ltd has been identified for establishing a grain storage godown, and encouraged other eligible societies to participate. WLGSP-Coops — approved by the Union Cabinet on 31 May 2023 and launched by the Ministry of Cooperation under Union Home + Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah — aims to create decentralised agricultural infrastructure (godowns, custom hiring centres, processing units, Fair Price Shops) at the PACS level through convergence of existing schemes: Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme (AMI), Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), and PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME).

What is WLGSP-Coops?

• Full Form: World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector.
• Approved by: Union Cabinet on 31 May 2023.
• Ministry: Ministry of Cooperation, GoI.
• Union Minister: Shri Amit Shah (Home + Cooperation).
• Ministry of Cooperation Established: 6 July 2021.
• Vision: “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperatives).
• Type: Central Sector Initiative / Pilot Project.
• Coverage: 24 States/UTs.

What are the WLGSP-Coops objectives?

• Reduce food grain wastage (post-harvest losses).
• Strengthen food security.
• Prevent distress sales by farmers.
• Enable farmers to realise better prices.
• Save transportation costs between procurement centres, warehouses, Fair Price Shops.
• Empower PACS as multifunctional entities.

What infrastructure is created at PACS level?

Facility	Purpose
Godowns / Warehouses	Decentralised storage
Custom Hiring Centres (CHC)	Machinery access
Processing Units	Sorting, grading, milling
Fair Price Shops (FPS)	PDS retail
Procurement Centres	Direct FCI/state agency link

What are the converging schemes?

Scheme	Ministry
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)	Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme (AMI)	Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)	Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME)	Food Processing Industries

What are PACS?

• Full Form: Primary Agricultural Credit Societies.
• Grassroots tier of India’s 3-tier cooperative credit structure.
• India has 100,000+ PACS with 130 million+ farmer members.
• 3-Tier Structure: NABARD → StCBs (State Cooperative Banks) → DCCBs (District Central Cooperative Banks) → PACS.

Why does this matter?

Impact	Detail
Food Security	Decentralised storage strengthens buffer stocks + PDS
Farmer Income	Better prices via delayed sale
Post-Harvest Losses	Reduces India’s estimated ~15% food grain losses
Rural Economy	Empowers PACS as multifunctional entities
Logistics Efficiency	Cuts transportation costs; grain stored near production
Cooperative Movement	Realises Sahakar Se Samriddhi vision
Second Green Revolution	Shifts focus from output to storage-credit-processing

Key Terms

• What is WLGSP-Coops?
  World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector — Cabinet approved 31 May 2023; creates decentralised godowns + agri-infrastructure at PACS level.
• What is a PACS?
  Primary Agricultural Credit Society — village-level cooperative in India’s 3-tier cooperative credit structure; ~100,000+ PACS with 130 million+ farmer members.

Practice MCQs

Q1. With reference to the “World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector (WLGSP-Coops)”, consider the following statements:

1. WLGSP-Coops was approved by the Union Cabinet on 31 May 2023.
2. It is implemented under the Ministry of Cooperation, headed by Union Home & Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah.
3. The plan aims to create decentralised agri-infrastructure such as godowns, custom hiring centres, processing units, and Fair Price Shops at the PACS level.
4. WLGSP-Coops is implemented directly by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; WLGSP-Coops is implemented by the Ministry of Cooperation with support from NABARD, NDDB, NFDB, NCDC, FCI, and State Governments — NOT directly by the RBI.)

Q2. With reference to the scheme convergence under WLGSP-Coops, consider the following statements:

1. WLGSP-Coops converges existing schemes including Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme (AMI), Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), and PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME).
2. Under AIF, the loan repayment period for PACS has been extended from 2+5 years to 2+8 years.
3. The AMI subsidy for PACS has been raised from 25% to 33.33%.
4. WLGSP-Coops has no linkage with the Food Corporation of India (FCI).

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None

(Statement 4 is wrong; PACS godowns built under WLGSP-Coops are being hired by FCI + state warehousing corporations — there IS a strong linkage with FCI.)

Answer Key

1. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: Ministry of Cooperation implements, not RBI.
2. (c) — Statement 4 wrong: FCI hires PACS godowns; strong linkage.

Exam Relevance

NABARD Grade A

CRITICAL — Direct subject — WLGSP-Coops, PACS, cooperative sector, rural infrastructure; Phase II essay-worthy

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