CM Jan Sunwai Portal and Mobile App (Delhi, 2026)

Introduction

  • A unified digital platform and mobile app for citizens in Delhi to file and track grievances.
  • Enables complaint management across government departments and civic bodies.

Why in news?

  • Launched by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta as a city-wide grievance redress initiative.

Background

  • Purpose: enhance accountability in public service delivery.
  • Reduce middlemen by providing direct, digital access for citizens.
  • Offer a transparent, centralised system for public complaints.

Facts/General knowledge

  • Channels: portal, mobile app, dedicated call centre (1902), and physical submissions.
  • Structure: a 3-tier system—Grievance Redressal Officer (JSAA), Appellate Authority (AA), and Final Appellate Authority (FAA).
  • Feature: automated escalation to higher authorities if users provide negative feedback on resolutions.
  • Scope: covers all Delhi government departments, MCD, DDA, and Delhi Police.
  • Resolution approach: feedback-driven and time-bound.
  • Related initiatives: strengthened EWS/DG/CWSN school admission portals (cloud-based/Aadhaar-linked); integrated 75 e-District services with 7,000 Common Service Centres (CSCs).

Gruha Sugam Portal

Introduction

  • A digital portal to enable housing loans to be availed with ease from the location of posting.
  • Designed as a unified marketplace digitally integrated with the National Housing Bank (NHB) and lending institutions for streamlined operations.

Why in news?

  • National Housing Bank has launched the Gruha Sugam Portal focusing on Defence, Paramilitary and Government personnel.

Background

  • Eligible users include Defence personnel, members of Paramilitary Forces, and State and Central Government employees.
  • Applications are submitted digitally through respective administrative units.
  • Eliminates the need to visit banks and financial institutions for loan approvals and processing.
  • Operates as a unified digital marketplace with seamless integration between NHB and lending institutions.

Significance

  • Accelerates digital lending adoption and advances financial inclusion.
  • Facilitates increased home ownership through improved access to housing loans, strengthening the mission of promoting affordable and sustainable housing finance.
  • Enhances loan processing efficiency and ensures overall ease of operations.
  • Promotes market transparency with discovery of the best-suited offer.
  • Provides grievance redressal and consumer protection mechanisms.
  • Offers an online chat facility for quick query resolution.

Facts/General knowledge

  • National Housing Bank (NHB) is the apex agency established to promote Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) in India.
  • It is an All-India Financial Institution (AIFl) wholly owned by the Government of India (GoI).
  • NHB supervises HFCs, while regulation of HFCs rests with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • NHB became wholly owned by the GoI following the RBI notification dated 24 April 2019; the entire paid-up capital is held by the government.
  • Functions of NHB include:
  • Supervision and grievance redressal regarding HFCs
  • Financing
  • Promotion and development

PM Jan Dhan Yojana—Inoperative Accounts and Impact

Introduction

  • PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) serves as a key platform for Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) and subsidies, and through integration with the JAM trinity (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile), ensures transparent and efficient delivery of welfare schemes.

Why in news?

  • The Finance Ministry stated that nearly one-fourth of PMJDY accounts are inoperative, raising concerns about financial inclusion and account usage.

Background

  • It provides a basic zero-balance account for every unbanked adult without any opening or maintenance charges.
  • Account holders receive a RuPay debit card with Rs 2 lakh accident insurance cover.
  • They are eligible for an overdraft facility of up to Rs 10,000 to meet emergencies.

Significance

  • PMJDY has significantly boosted women’s financial inclusion—women owning bank accounts rose from 53% (2015–16) to 79% (2019–21).
  • Leveraging PMJDY’s financial inclusion base, access to Mudra loans has expanded, recording a CAGR of 9.8% between 2019 and 2024.
  • The scheme has boosted savings habits with an average deposit of Rs 4,352.

Facts/General knowledge

  • Total PMJDY accounts: 56.04 crore.
  • Inoperative accounts: 13.04 crore (23%).
  • Uttar Pradesh has the highest share of inoperative accounts (2.75 crore), followed by Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.
  • As per the Reserve Bank of India guidelines, a savings account is marked inoperative if there are no transactions for over 2 years.
  • Direct Benefit Transfers continue to flow even into inactive accounts.

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

Introduction

  • A flagship life insurance scheme by the Government of India providing affordable cover to economically weaker sections.
  • Part of the Government’s social security initiatives to ensure financial protection for families in case of untimely death of the insured.
  • Characterised by a very low annual premium and simple bank-based enrolment, making it widely accessible.
  • Recognised as one of the most successful insurance-based welfare schemes in India.

Background

  • Launched in May 2015 by the Government of India under the Ministry of Finance.
  • Designed to extend formal life insurance protection across rural and low-income populations through banking channels.

Significance

  • Ensures financial security to families upon the death of the earning member.
  • Provides affordable life insurance, reducing the burden of high premiums for low-income groups.
  • Promotes financial inclusion by linking insurance with bank accounts.
  • Encourages a habit of savings and social security among citizens.
  • Supports the vision of “Insurance for All”.
  • Has enrolled crores of beneficiaries across rural and urban India.
  • Offers financial relief to families during unforeseen deaths.
  • Increases insurance penetration, particularly among low-income groups.
  • Promotes financial literacy and inclusion through banks.
  • Reduces dependency on informal borrowing during crises.
  • Strengthens inclusive growth and welfare-based governance.
  • Particularly impactful in rural areas with previously limited access to formal insurance.

Facts/General knowledge

  • Life cover: ₹2 lakh payable on death of the insured due to any reason (natural or accidental).
  • Premium amount: ₹436 per annum, auto-debited from the savings bank account.
  • Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 18 to 50 years with a savings bank account.
  • Renewal: Annual renewal available up to the age of 55 years.
  • Coverage period: From 1 June to 31 May every year.
  • Mode of payment: Auto-debit from the linked savings bank account.
  • Risk coverage: Death due to both natural and accidental causes.
  • Implementing agencies: Public and private sector life insurance companies in tie-up with banks.
  • Voluntary scheme: Enrolment is optional but encouraged.
  • Simple enrolment: Requires Aadhaar and bank account linkage.

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

Introduction

  • A flagship social security initiative of the Government of India to protect citizens from financial distress due to accidental death or disability.
  • Provides affordable personal accident insurance to those previously outside formal coverage, especially poor, rural and unorganised sector workers.
  • Ensures basic financial safety and dignity for families during sudden life tragedies.

Why in news?

  • In May 2026, PMSBY marks its 11th anniversary since launch on 9 May 2015.
  • By April 2025, the scheme recorded major milestones in enrolments and claims, reflecting large-scale social impact.

Background

  • Launched on 9 May 2015 to extend basic accident insurance at an extremely affordable cost.
  • Built on Jan Dhan Yojana bank accounts, using the banking system as a platform for universal access.
  • Designed as a one-year, annually renewable accident insurance scheme linked to bank or post office accounts with auto-debit consent.
  • Administered through Public Sector General Insurance Companies and other approved insurers in partnership with banks and post offices.

Significance

  • Extends accident insurance to vulnerable groups including unorganised workers, daily wage earners and rural households, with minimal regular financial burden.
  • Provides immediate financial support after accidental death or disability, helping prevent debt traps and loss of livelihood.
  • Ensures equitable reach across rural and urban populations through banks, regional rural banks, cooperative banks and post offices.
  • Demonstrates inclusive growth by converting small annual savings into life-restoring support for families, as seen in cases like Jyoti Nihal from Madhya Pradesh.

Facts/General knowledge

  • Scheme structure and period:
  • One-year personal accident insurance, renewable every year.
  • Coverage valid from 1 June to 31 May after successful premium deduction.
  • Eligibility:
  • Age 18–70 years.
  • Active savings bank or post office account required.
  • Explicit consent for auto-debit of annual premium.
  • Enrolment permitted through only one account even if multiple accounts exist.
  • Annual renewal required; rejoining allowed if coverage lapses.
  • Coverage:
  • Accidental death: ₹2 lakh to the nominee.
  • Total permanent disability: ₹2 lakh for loss of both eyes, both hands, both feet, or loss of one eye with one hand or foot.
  • Partial permanent disability: ₹1 lakh for loss of one eye, one hand or one foot.
  • Accidents arising from natural calamities (floods, earthquakes, storms) covered.
  • Termination at age 70, on account closure, insufficient balance, or failed premium auto-debit.
  • Premium and charges:
  • Annual premium of ₹20 per member, auto-debited in one instalment.
  • No additional administrative or service charges.
  • Administration and linkage:
  • Implemented by Public Sector General Insurance Companies and other approved insurers with banks and post offices.
  • Coverage linked directly to the subscriber’s bank or post office account.
  • Achievements (as of April 2025):
  • Total enrolments crossed 51 crore.
  • Women enrolments around 23.87 crore.
  • Approximately 72% beneficiaries from rural areas.
  • Over 1.57 lakh claims settled with payouts exceeding ₹3,121 crore.

Nagaland–IMD MoU on Weather Forecasting (2026)

Introduction

  • The Department of Higher Education, Nagaland, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the India Meteorological Department to strengthen weather forecasting, atmospheric research, and capacity building in the state.

Why in news?

  • The agreement was signed in February 2026.

Background

  • The India Meteorological Department functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
  • Mission Mausam was launched in 2024 by the Government of India and is implemented by the MoES through the IMD.
  • The scheme focuses on modernising weather infrastructure, improving high-resolution forecasting, and strengthening early warning systems.

Significance

  • Establishes a 20-year institutional partnership promoting academic engagement, joint research, training, and capacity building in meteorological and atmospheric sciences.
  • Enhances understanding of Nagaland’s state-specific weather hazards, including heavy rainfall and extreme weather events.
  • Supports more reliable forecasts and disaster readiness.

Facts/General knowledge

  • One X-band Polarimetric Doppler Weather Radar will be installed at Dimapur Government College, Oriental Colony, Dimapur, under the Mission Mausam scheme.
  • The signing took place in Kohima, Nagaland.

ISRO–ESA Earth Observation Cooperation and Proba‑3 Launch

Introduction

  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have expanded their long-standing partnership with a new cooperation agreement for Earth observation missions.
  • ISRO has successfully launched Europe’s Proba‑3 mission, further strengthening India–Europe collaboration in space.

Why in news?

  • A new ESA–ISRO arrangement on joint calibration, validation and scientific studies for Earth observation missions has been concluded.
  • The Proba‑3 satellites were placed in their designated orbit about 20 minutes after launch.

Background

  • Cooperation between ISRO and ESA began in 1978 and was renewed in 2002.
  • Key areas of cooperation include Earth observation programmes, satellite navigation, ground station support, human spaceflight collaboration and deep-space communication support.
  • ESA has supported Indian missions such as the Chandrayaan programme and Aditya‑L1.

Significance

  • Enhances the accuracy and reliability of Earth observation satellite data.
  • Strengthens India–Europe cooperation in space science and applications.
  • Demonstrates ISRO’s capability in launching and supporting international space missions.
  • Provides a framework important for ESA’s upcoming Fluorescence Explorer (FLEX) mission.

Facts/General knowledge

  • Agreement title: “ESA–ISRO Arrangement concerning Joint Calibration and Validation Activities and Scientific Studies for Earth Observation Missions.”
  • Focus areas: joint calibration and validation campaigns, and scientific studies for Earth observation missions.
  • About FLEX: designed to study vegetation fluorescence, helping to understand plant photosynthesis and ecosystem health, and improving global monitoring of climate and vegetation dynamics.
  • Proba‑3 mission: two satellites — Coronagraph (about 310 kg) and Occulter (about 240 kg) — to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere (corona) and improve understanding of space weather and solar activity.

Safeena Husain and Educate Girls — TIME Women of the Year 2026

Introduction

  • Safeena Husain is the founder of the non-profit Educate Girls.
  • Educate Girls focuses on identifying, enrolling, and retaining out-of-school girls in India’s most rural and marginalised communities.

Why in news?

  • Featured in TIME magazine’s Women of the Year 2026 list.
  • Recognised as one of 16 global leaders for transformative work advancing equity and opportunity for women and girls.
  • Follows Educate Girls becoming the first Indian non-profit to win the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2025.

Background

  • Educate Girls was established in 2007.
  • Began work in 50 villages in Rajasthan and expanded to over 25,000 villages across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Operates a community-based volunteer model called Team Balika to bridge the gender gap in education

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Significance

  • Under Safeena Husain’s leadership, Educate Girls has brought over 2 million girls back into the education system.
  • Launched the world’s first Development Impact Bond (DIB) in education, a performance-based financing tool linking funding to actual learning outcomes.

Facts/General knowledge

  • In January 2026, Safeena Husain released her book “Every Last Girl: A Journey to Educate India’s Forgotten Daughters”.
  • Previous honours include the Businessline Changemaker Award and the WISE Award for Innovation in education.