📅 Published: July 31, 2026 | 🏷️ Category: Current Affairs & Government Schemes | ⏱️ Read Time: 7 min
📋 1. Current Affairs Factsheet
- 📌 Event: Launch of six major citizen-centric, digital, sustainable, and heritage preservation initiatives.
- 📌 Date: July 28, 2026
- 📌 Occasion: Marking completion of four years in office by President Droupadi Murmu (took oath on July 25, 2022, as India's 15th President and 1st tribal Head of State).
- 📌 Venue: Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
- 📌 Key Dignitaries: President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan.
- 📌 Core Focus Areas: Digital accessibility, green mobility, child welfare, Net Zero sustainability, and public heritage engagement.
🧩 2. The Six Landmark Initiatives
1. Application-Based e-Audio Guide
Enhances the tour experience for domestic and international tourists visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan. Multilingual audio narration available in Hindi, English, and 14 major Indian languages. Features a dedicated sign-language module to ensure full heritage accessibility for Divyangjan (hearing-impaired visitors).
2. Third Edition of 'e-Upahaar' (Presidential Gift Auction)
Digital platform for the public auctioning of official mementos and gifts received by the President. Features 300 curated Presidential gifts open for public bidding. Auction Timeline: Open to citizens nationwide from August 5 to September 5, 2026 via upahaar.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in. Promotes transparency, public engagement, and raises funds for social causes.
3. 'Bachpan – Bal Parisar' (Child-Centric Space)
A dedicated child development and welfare hub established within the President's Estate. Key components include Kilkari: an interactive play zone for young children, and Samarth Anganwadi-cum-Palna: a modern child-care facility providing a safe, growth-oriented environment for children of estate staff and workers.
4. RAAHI (Rashtrapati Bhavan Access and Heritage Interconnector)
A fare-free, zero-emission electric bus service connecting the President's Estate with the nearest Metro station. Gender Empowerment: Exclusively operated by women drivers and conductors. Provides safe, green mobility for estate residents, staff, children, senior citizens, and Divyang visitors.
5. Net Zero Energy Strategy (Service Block)
Foundation stone laid for a state-of-the-art Service Block built on green building principles. Operates under a Net Zero Energy Strategy utilizing solar power, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and sustainable waste management to minimize Rashtrapati Bhavan's carbon footprint.
6. Infrastructure Expansion & Estate Upgradation
Inauguration of upgraded accommodation facilities at Rashtrapati Niketan (Dehradun) and Rashtrapati Nilayam (Secunderabad). Foundation stone laid for comprehensive redevelopment of staff quarters within the President's Estate, Delhi.
📚 3. Release of Commemorative Publications
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released five volumes documenting President Murmu's tenure:
| Publication Title | Theme / Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Rashtrapati Bhavan: Rashtra Ka Bhavan | Year 1: Opening the presidential residence to public, strengthening democratic values. |
| Seva Aur Samvedana | Year 2: Humanitarian efforts, compassionate governance, welfare outreach. |
| Samaveshi Sahbhaghita | Year 3: Inclusive participation, tribal welfare, empowering marginalized communities. |
| Bharatiyata Ka Utsav | Celebrates Indian art, heritage, civilizational ethos, cultural diplomacy. |
| Volume V (Presidency Highlights) | Institutional reforms, green initiatives, technological advancements at Rashtrapati Bhavan. |
🌍 4. Strategic & Governance Significance
- Democratic Inclusivity: Transforms Rashtrapati Bhavan from a colonial-era estate into a 'People's Palace' open to all citizens, especially through e‑Audio guides and auctions.
- Eco‑Sustainability Leadership: Aligns the highest constitutional office with India's Net Zero by 2070 climate commitment and the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) mission.
- Women & Child Empowerment: Promotes women-led development (RAAHI all‑women crew) and early childhood care (Bachpan Bal Parisar).
- Universal Accessibility: Integration of sign language and fare‑free accessible transit reinforces commitment to Divyangjan inclusion.
📝 Quick Revision Summary (For Competitive Exams)
- Event Date: July 28, 2026
- Occasion: 4th Anniversary of President Droupadi Murmu's Presidency
- Green Transport: RAAHI – fare-free e‑bus operated by women drivers/conductors
- Gift Auction Portal: e‑Upahaar (3rd edition; 300 curated gifts)
- e‑Audio Guide: 16 languages (Hindi, English, 14 regional) + Sign Language
- Childcare Hub: Bachpan Bal Parisar (Kilkari & Samarth Anganwadi‑cum‑Palna)
- Net Zero Goal: New Service Block built on Net Zero Energy Strategy
- Upgraded Retreats: Rashtrapati Niketan (Dehradun) & Rashtrapati Nilayam (Secunderabad)
- 5 Commemorative Volumes: Released by Vice President
📚 Previous Year Questions (PYQs) – Pattern & Practice
✅ Answer: Droupadi Murmu
✅ Answer: RAAHI (Rashtrapati Bhavan Access and Heritage Interconnector)
✅ Answer: Digital auctioning of Presidential gifts and mementos
✅ Answer: Kilkari (play zone) and Samarth Anganwadi‑cum‑Palna
✅ Answer: Sign language (for hearing‑impaired visitors)
💡 These topics are highly relevant for UPSC, SSC, State PCS, and banking exams – focus on names, dates, and green initiatives.
🔑 Key Note Points for Aspirants
- ✅ President Droupadi Murmu is the 15th President of India and the first tribal woman to hold the office.
- ✅ RAAHI = Rashtrapati Bhavan Access and Heritage Interconnector – operated by women only.
- ✅ e‑Upahaar 3rd edition runs from August 5 to September 5, 2026.
- ✅ Net Zero Service Block aligns with India's Panchamrit climate goals and LiFE mission.
- ✅ 16 languages in e‑Audio guide: Hindi, English, and 14 scheduled languages.
- ✅ Bachpan Bal Parisar houses Kilkari (play zone) and Samarth Anganwadi (child care).
- ✅ Commemorative volumes were released by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan.
