The UDGAM (Unclaimed Deposits-Gateway to Access inforMation) Portal has been developed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to help depositors locate their unclaimed deposits lying in different banks through a single centralized platform.

The portal was developed in collaboration with Reserve Bank Information Technology Pvt Ltd (ReBIT), Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services, and participating banks.

What is the UDGAM Portal?

The UDGAM Portal is an online platform that enables registered users to search for unclaimed deposits and inactive accounts across multiple banks at one place. It serves as a centralized database that allows depositors to identify whether any money belonging to them remains unclaimed in the banking system.

At present, 30 banks are integrated with the portal, covering nearly 90% of the total unclaimed deposits transferred to the RBI's Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund.

The portal provides information relating to both individual and non-individual categories of deposit accounts.

Can Depositors Claim Money Through the UDGAM Portal?

The UDGAM Portal only facilitates the search of unclaimed deposits and provides details regarding the claim procedure of the concerned bank.

It does not directly settle or transfer claims. After locating an unclaimed deposit, the depositor must approach the respective bank and follow its prescribed procedure for recovery of funds.

What is the Unclaimed Deposit Reference Number (UDRN)?

After registration and a successful search on the portal, users receive an Unclaimed Deposit Reference Number (UDRN).

The UDRN is a unique identification number generated through the Core Banking Solution (CBS) of banks and assigned to every unclaimed account or deposit transferred to the DEA Fund.

This number protects depositor privacy because it does not reveal the identity of either the account holder or the branch where the account is maintained.

The UDRN also enables banks to efficiently process and settle claims submitted by depositors who have identified their accounts through the portal.

What are Unclaimed Deposits?

According to the RBI, Unclaimed Deposits refer to money lying in bank accounts that have remained inactive for a prolonged period.

In the case of Savings Accounts and Current Accounts, deposits become unclaimed when there has been no customer-initiated transaction for 10 years.

For Fixed Deposits (FDs), deposits become unclaimed when the amount remains unclaimed for 10 years after the date of maturity.

After this period, banks transfer the amount to the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund, which is maintained by the RBI.

Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund

The DEA Fund is maintained by the RBI and receives funds from unclaimed deposits transferred by banks.

The objective of the fund is to promote financial literacy, consumer awareness, and protection of depositors' interests. Although deposits are transferred to the DEA Fund, the rightful depositor continues to retain the right to claim the money at any time through the concerned bank.

Significance of the UDGAM Portal

The UDGAM Portal improves transparency, accessibility, and ease of retrieval of unclaimed deposits. Earlier, depositors had to individually approach different banks to determine whether any inactive accounts existed in their name. The portal simplifies this process by bringing information from multiple banks onto a single platform.

It also helps reduce the volume of unclaimed deposits in the banking system and strengthens depositor protection by making information readily available to the public.

Conclusion

The UDGAM Portal is an important RBI initiative aimed at helping depositors identify and recover unclaimed deposits through a centralized digital platform. By integrating multiple banks and introducing the UDRN system, it promotes transparency, depositor awareness, and financial inclusion while ensuring that rightful owners can easily trace their inactive accounts.

Recently, the Government of India launched the Swasth Bharat Portal, a unified digital platform aimed at integrating various health programme systems operating across the country.

What is the Swasth Bharat Portal?

The Swasth Bharat Portal is a one-stop digital aggregator platform designed to integrate multiple health programme systems through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). It serves as a centralized platform that enables different health applications and databases to communicate with each other seamlessly.

The portal addresses the problem of fragmented and isolated health information systems by creating a unified framework for data sharing, reporting, and monitoring.

Objectives of the Swasth Bharat Portal

The portal has been developed to eliminate duplicate data entry, streamline reporting processes, and support faster and more informed decision-making across various healthcare programmes.

It aims to provide health administrators and policymakers with easy access to data through visualization tools, enabling effective monitoring and evidence-based planning at the local, state, and national levels.

Key Features of the Swasth Bharat Portal

Integrated Health Platform

The portal functions as a centralized platform where multiple health programme systems can be integrated and accessed through a common interface. This reduces fragmentation and promotes coordination among different healthcare initiatives.

Reduction of Duplicate Data Entry

Previously, similar beneficiary information often had to be entered separately into multiple programme databases. The Swasth Bharat Portal allows data to be entered once and shared across integrated systems, reducing repetitive tasks and minimizing errors.

Enhanced Data Visualization and Monitoring

The portal provides advanced data visualization tools that help officials analyze health indicators, monitor programme performance, and make evidence-based decisions.

This feature strengthens local-level planning and improves healthcare governance.

ABDM-Compliant Architecture

The portal has been developed in accordance with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) framework.

This ensures that it follows national standards for digital health records, interoperability, privacy, and data security.

Integration with ABHA

The platform supports integration with Ayushman Bharat Health Account, enabling the secure exchange of patient health records across healthcare facilities and programmes.

This facilitates continuity of care and improves accessibility of health information.

Future Integration with National Health Registries

The Swasth Bharat Portal is designed to evolve into a comprehensive digital health ecosystem and will integrate with key national registries such as:

• Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR) – a digital registry of healthcare professionals.

• Health Facility Registry (HFR) – a repository of healthcare facilities across India.

Such integration will strengthen the overall digital health infrastructure of the country.

Benefits of the Swasth Bharat Portal

Reduction in Infrastructure Duplication

Traditionally, different health programmes maintained separate servers, storage systems, and computing infrastructure. By aggregating systems through the Swasth Bharat Portal, infrastructure requirements can be optimized, leading to greater efficiency and cost savings.

Reduction in Repetitive Data Entry

The portal minimizes the need for entering the same beneficiary information across multiple platforms. This saves time, reduces administrative workload, and improves data consistency.

Unified Human Resource Deployment

Previously, separate technical teams were required for the development and maintenance of different programme systems. A unified platform reduces the need for multiple teams and allows better utilization of human resources.

Increased Interoperability

The platform is built on a federated architecture using APIs, allowing different health systems to communicate and exchange information seamlessly.

This enhanced interoperability promotes better coordination among healthcare programmes and improves service delivery.

Significance of the Swasth Bharat Portal

The Swasth Bharat Portal is a major step toward achieving a fully integrated Digital Health Ecosystem in India. It supports efficient governance by improving data sharing, reducing duplication, and strengthening evidence-based policymaking.

The initiative also advances the objectives of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) by creating a standardized and interoperable health information infrastructure.

By enabling secure access to health records and facilitating coordination among healthcare programmes, the portal can significantly improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Conclusion

The Swasth Bharat Portal is a transformative digital health initiative that seeks to unify India's fragmented health programme systems into a single interoperable platform. Through API-based integration, ABHA-enabled health record sharing, and compliance with ABDM standards, it aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and evidence-based healthcare governance while laying the foundation for a comprehensive national digital health ecosystem.

Recently, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the website and logo for the 1st International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit 2026, which will be hosted by India in New Delhi.

What is the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)?

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is an inter-governmental international organization launched by India in April 2023 during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger.

The alliance is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the world's seven major big cat species. It seeks to strengthen international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and coordinated conservation efforts across countries.

Big Cats Covered Under IBCA

The alliance focuses on the conservation of seven iconic big cat species:

• Tiger

• Lion

• Leopard

• Snow Leopard

• Cheetah

• Jaguar

• Puma

These species play a crucial role as apex predators and are important indicators of ecosystem health.

Objectives of IBCA

The primary objective of the alliance is to facilitate collaboration and synergy among governments, conservation organizations, scientific institutions, local communities, and the private sector.

It seeks to consolidate successful conservation practices, promote scientific research, share technical expertise, and strengthen global efforts for the long-term survival of big cats.

The alliance also aims to support habitat conservation, anti-poaching initiatives, wildlife monitoring, capacity building, and sustainable financing mechanisms.

Membership of IBCA

The alliance brings together 95 range and non-range countries, along with conservation partners, research institutions, international organizations, and corporations.

Membership is open to all United Nations member states.

Range Countries

These are countries where big cat species naturally occur in the wild.

Non-Range Countries

These are countries that do not naturally host big cat populations but wish to support global conservation efforts through funding, research, technology, and policy cooperation.

Founding Members

The founding members of IBCA include:

• India

• Armenia

• Bangladesh

• Bhutan

• Cambodia

• Egypt

• Ethiopia

• Ecuador

• Kenya

• Malaysia

• Mongolia

• Nepal

• Nigeria

• Peru

• Suriname

• Uganda

Implementation and Institutional Framework

The alliance is implemented through the National Tiger Conservation Authority under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

India serves as the host country and provides institutional support for the functioning of the alliance.

Funding Support

India has committed ₹150 crore as budgetary support for the period 2023–2028.

This financial support will be used for:

• Creation of a corpus fund.

• Development of institutional infrastructure.

• Meeting recurring operational expenses.

• Supporting conservation and capacity-building initiatives.

The funding demonstrates India's commitment to leading global efforts in big cat conservation.

Governance Structure of IBCA

Assembly

The Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the alliance. It consists of representatives from all member countries and is responsible for determining policies, priorities, and strategic directions.

Standing Committee

The Standing Committee is constituted by the Assembly and assists in ensuring the efficient functioning of the alliance.

It supervises implementation activities and helps coordinate between member countries and institutions.

Secretariat

The Secretariat serves as the administrative and coordinating body of IBCA.

It is headquartered in New Delhi, making India the operational hub of the alliance.

Significance of the International Big Cat Alliance

The International Big Cat Alliance represents a major step toward global wildlife conservation. Since big cats occupy large landscapes and often cross international boundaries, their conservation requires coordinated international action.

The alliance promotes scientific cooperation, technology sharing, habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and sustainable conservation financing. It also strengthens global biodiversity conservation efforts and contributes to achieving international commitments under biodiversity and climate agreements.

For India, the alliance reinforces its position as a global leader in wildlife conservation, building upon the success of initiatives such as Project Tiger and Project Cheetah.

Conclusion

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a landmark global conservation initiative launched by India to protect the world's seven big cat species through international cooperation, knowledge sharing, scientific collaboration, and sustainable conservation efforts. With India providing institutional leadership, financial support, and hosting the Secretariat, the alliance has the potential to become a significant platform for global biodiversity conservation.

Recently, the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) reaffirmed the 2018 Supreme Court judgment and directed Karnataka to ensure the timely release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu for May 2026.

What is the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)?

The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) is a statutory and quasi-judicial body established by the Central Government in June 2018 under the Cauvery Water Management Scheme, 2018.

It was created in compliance with the 2018 Supreme Court verdict on the Cauvery River dispute and was notified under Section 6A of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

The Authority is responsible for ensuring the implementation of the final water-sharing formula among the Cauvery basin states and Union Territory.

Composition of CWMA

The Authority is headquartered in New Delhi and functions under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

The Chairperson is a senior engineer or IAS officer of Secretary/Additional Secretary rank appointed by the Central Government for a five-year term.

The Authority consists of:

• One Chairperson

• Two Full-Time Members (Water Resources and Agriculture)

• Two Part-Time Members from the Central Government

• Four Part-Time Members representing Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry

• One Secretary from the Central Water Engineering Services

Functions of CWMA

Implementation of Water Sharing Formula

The primary responsibility of CWMA is to ensure compliance with the final allocation of Cauvery waters as determined by the Supreme Court.

It regulates the release of water from major reservoirs in the Cauvery basin and ensures that each state receives its allocated share.

Regulation of Reservoirs

The Authority monitors and controls water releases from important reservoirs such as:

• Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam in Karnataka

• Kabini Reservoir in Karnataka

• Mettur Dam (Stanley Reservoir) in Tamil Nadu

These reservoirs play a crucial role in managing river flows and irrigation requirements.

Distress Sharing During Drought Years

In years of poor monsoon rainfall, water availability decreases significantly. The CWMA determines how the shortage or "distress" should be shared proportionately among the basin states.

This helps reduce disputes and ensures equitable distribution of available water.

Monitoring and Data Collection

The Authority continuously monitors reservoir levels, inflows, outflows, and storage positions through its subordinate body, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC).

Accurate data collection helps in scientific water management and decision-making.

Promoting Water Use Efficiency

CWMA advises states to adopt measures such as:

• Micro-irrigation systems

• Water-saving technologies

• Efficient cropping patterns

These measures help reduce wastage and improve agricultural productivity.

Significance of CWMA

Before 2018, Cauvery water management largely depended on temporary arrangements and frequent litigation.

The CWMA provides a permanent institutional mechanism for monitoring, regulation, and dispute resolution.

It reduces political tensions and facilitates cooperation among basin states through a technical and administrative framework.

Cauvery (Kaveri) River

The Kaveri River is one of the most important rivers of southern India and is often called the "Ganga of South India" (Dakshin Bharat ki Ganga).

It supports millions of people through agriculture, drinking water supply, fisheries, and industry.

Origin and Course

The river originates at Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri Range of Karnataka.

From there, it flows for approximately 800 km in a southeasterly direction through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before draining into the Bay of Bengal near Poompuhar.

Drainage Basin

The Cauvery basin covers parts of:

• Karnataka

• Tamil Nadu

• Kerala

• Puducherry

Major Tributaries

Left Bank Tributaries

• Harangi

• Hemavati

• Shimsha

• Arkavati

Right Bank Tributaries

• Lakshmana Tirtha

• Kabini

• Suvarnavathi

• Bhavani

• Noyyal

• Amaravati

Cauvery Water Dispute

Historical Background

The dispute traces its origins to the colonial agreements of 1892 and 1924 between the Princely State of Mysore and the Madras Presidency.

These agreements largely favored the lower riparian Madras Presidency, leading to long-standing disagreements after independence.

Post-Independence Developments

Following independence, Karnataka argued that the colonial agreements restricted its ability to develop irrigation infrastructure for its growing agricultural needs.

As a result, tensions between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu intensified.

Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT)

To resolve the dispute, the Central Government established the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal in 1990 under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

The Tribunal delivered its final award in 2007, which later became the basis for the Supreme Court judgment.

Supreme Court Judgment, 2018

In February 2018, the Supreme Court delivered its final verdict and modified the Tribunal's award.

River as a National Asset

The Court declared that no state can claim ownership over river waters and described rivers as national assets that must be shared equitably.

Additional Water for Bengaluru

Recognizing the increasing drinking water needs of Bengaluru, the Court allocated an additional 14.75 TMC of water to Karnataka.

Final Annual Water Allocation

The Court revised the annual allocation as follows:

Creation of CWMA and CWRC

The Supreme Court directed the Centre to establish:

• Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)

• Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC)

These institutions were created to ensure transparent and effective implementation of the Court's directions.

Conclusion

The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) is a statutory body established in 2018 to ensure fair implementation of the Cauvery water-sharing arrangement among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. By regulating reservoir releases, monitoring water availability, and managing distress-sharing during drought years, it serves as the key institutional mechanism for reducing interstate conflicts and ensuring sustainable management of the Cauvery River, one of South India's most important river systems.

A newly installed Smart Island Monitoring Model is expected to strengthen and scale up ecosystem conservation efforts across Ecuador’s Galápagos Archipelago.

Location and Geography

The Galápagos Archipelago is an island group located in the Pacific Ocean, about 600 miles (965 km) west of Ecuador. It is uniquely positioned on both sides of the Equator, making it one of the few island ecosystems influenced by both northern and southern hemispheric conditions.

The archipelago consists of 19 main islands, including 13 large islands and 6 smaller islands, along with numerous islets and rocky outcrops. The islands were formed through repeated volcanic eruptions, which created their rugged terrain, volcanic peaks, lava fields, and mountainous landscapes.

Volcanic Origin

The Galápagos Islands are among the youngest volcanic island groups in the world. The largest and youngest islands, Isabela and Fernandina, are less than one million years old, while the oldest islands, such as Española and San Cristóbal, are estimated to be three to five million years old.

The highest point in the archipelago is Mount Azul, which rises to approximately 5,541 feet (1,689 metres) above sea level.

Climate

The islands experience a distinctive climate characterized by low rainfall, low humidity, and comparatively cool air and ocean temperatures. These conditions are strongly influenced by surrounding ocean currents, particularly the cold Humboldt Current, which plays a major role in shaping the islands’ ecosystems.

UNESCO Recognition

Due to its extraordinary ecological importance, the Galápagos Islands were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The archipelago is regarded as one of the world's most valuable natural laboratories for the study of evolution and biodiversity.

Biodiversity and Wildlife

The Galápagos Archipelago is globally renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and high level of endemism. Many species found here occur nowhere else on Earth.

Some of the most famous species include the Giant Galápagos Tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra), which is one of the largest tortoise species in the world. The islands are also home to the Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus), the world's only lizard adapted to life in the sea.

Another remarkable species is the Flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi), a bird that has lost the ability to fly due to the absence of major land predators.

The archipelago also supports the Galápagos Penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus), which is unique because it is the only penguin species naturally found in the Northern Hemisphere.

Importance

The Galápagos Archipelago is one of the world's most significant biodiversity hotspots and played a crucial role in shaping Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection. Its unique wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and scientific importance make it a globally significant center for conservation, ecological research, and sustainable tourism.