Air Marshal Vivek Hande assumed charge as the Director General Medical Services (Air) on September 1, 2026, on permanent secondment to the Indian Air Force.
Key facts
Air Marshal Vivek Hande took over as DGMS (Air) on September 1, 2026.
He joined the Indian Air Force on permanent secondment.
He was commissioned in December 1988.
He is a gastroenterologist and an alumnus of Armed Forces Medical College, Tata Memorial Hospital and National Defence College.
He commanded Indian Naval Hospital Ship Asvini and later served as Senior Consultant Medicine.
He previously served as Director General (Organisation and Personnel) in the Office of DG Armed Forces Medical Services.
He holds the AVSM and VSM awards.
Exam relevance: This appointment is relevant to questions on defence services, Armed Forces Medical Services and senior military appointments.
Submission Deadline for Digital Shram Sankalp Hackathon Extended to 18 September 2026
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has extended the submission deadline for its nationwide Digital Shram Sankalp Ideation Hackathon to 18 September 2026. The hackathon seeks technology-driven solutions to strengthen key digital labour platforms, including eShram, the National Career Service and Shram Suvidha Portal 2.0.
Key facts
The Ministry of Labour and Employment initiated the hackathon on 5 August 2026.
The new deadline for submitting entries is 18 September 2026.
The hackathon is hosted on the Innovate India platform of MyGov.
It focuses on eShram, National Career Service and Shram Suvidha Portal 2.0.
Participants can use Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, Digital Public Infrastructure and interoperable digital systems.
The hackathon has 12 problem statements and received 1,368 ideas from around 1,000 users.
The top five ideas under each problem statement will receive cash prizes.
Eligible participants will receive a Digital Certificate of Participation.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Labour and Employment, digital labour platforms, MyGov initiatives, eShram, National Career Service and technology-enabled public service delivery.
IICA Organises Weekend Wisdom Programme on Ethics, AI and Smart Border Management
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, organised a Weekend Wisdom Programme featuring lectures by senior bureaucrats on ethics, corporate governance, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, personal data protection and smart border management.
Key facts
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs hosted the Weekend Wisdom Programme.
Anindo Majumdar, a 1985-batch IAS officer, spoke on ethics and corporate governance.
Majumdar discussed the distinction between law and ethics, whistle-blowers, regulatory capture and ethical leadership.
Rajendra Kumar, Secretary of the Border Roads Organisation, spoke on corporate governance, cybersecurity, personal data protection and artificial intelligence.
The four AI policy pillars discussed were research and innovation, inclusive development, responsible AI and adaptive governance.
The proposed corporate trust framework links good governance, cybersecurity, personal data protection and responsible AI.
GIS mapping, drone inspection and digital dashboards were highlighted for smart border management.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on corporate governance, ethics in public administration, responsible artificial intelligence, data protection, cybersecurity and technology-enabled border management.
CCI approves TPG-led acquisition of Aseem Infrastructure Finance
The Competition Commission of India approved a proposed combination involving the acquisition of Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited by TPG Nicobar SG Pte. Ltd., related share transfers, divestment of Aseem’s stake in NIIF Infrastructure Finance Limited, and a proposed merger.
Key facts
CCI approved the proposed combination involving Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited.
TPG Nicobar SG Pte. Ltd. will acquire 100% of Aseem’s share capital.
ICICI Bank Limited will subsequently acquire a 5% stake in Aseem from Nicobar.
Aseem will sell its 30.83% shareholding in NIIF Infrastructure Finance Limited to National Investment and Infrastructure Fund II.
Climate Finance India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Nicobar, is proposed to merge with Aseem.
Aseem is an RBI-registered non-deposit-taking NBFC-Infrastructure Finance Company.
NIIF Infrastructure Finance Limited is an RBI-registered NBFC-Infrastructure Debt Fund.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the Competition Commission of India, mergers and acquisitions, NBFC classifications, RBI-regulated financial entities, ICICI Bank, TPG and the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund.
CCI Approves Acquisition of Apollo Fertility and Apollo Specialty Hospitals by Kids Clinic India
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of up to 100% equity shareholding in Apollo Fertility Centre Pvt. Ltd. and Apollo Specialty Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. by Kids Clinic India Ltd., along with related transactions.
Key facts
The approval was granted by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
Kids Clinic India Ltd. (KCIL) will acquire up to 100% equity shareholding in AFCPL and ASHPL.
KCIL operates the Cloudnine chain of hospitals focused on mother and baby care.
KCIL operates in maternity, gynaecology, paediatrics and fertility services.
Apollo Fertility Centre Pvt. Ltd. is a fertility clinic chain under the Apollo Group.
AFCPL provides assisted reproductive services including IVF, embryo freezing and genetic testing.
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd. holds 100% equity shareholding in Apollo Health and Lifestyle Ltd., which entirely holds AFCPL.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Competition Commission of India, corporate acquisitions, competition regulation and the healthcare sector.
Prime Minister Participates in the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, held from August 31 to September 1, 2026. Discussions focused on regional peace, security, stability, prosperity, counter-terrorism, connectivity, Afghanistan, technology and youth engagement.
Key facts
The 26th SCO Council of Heads of State meeting was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.
The summit took place from August 31 to September 1, 2026.
The year 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO.
India highlighted Security, Connectivity and Opportunity as key pillars of joint work.
India called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts and urged action against the terror ecosystem without double standards.
India announced that it would host the first SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum later in 2026.
The summit adopted the Bishkek Declaration, four MoUs, and more than twenty decisions and statements.
India supported initiatives including English as an official language in the SCO Charter, the Young Scientist Forum and the Young Author’s Conclave.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, India’s foreign policy, Central Asia, regional security, counter-terrorism, connectivity and multilateral diplomacy.
Ahmedabad Integrated into India’s Hub-and-Spoke International Flight Network
The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched hub-and-spoke international flight operations from Ahmedabad, making it the third airport after Varanasi and Amritsar to join the framework. The initiative enables passengers to complete check-in, immigration and baggage formalities at Ahmedabad before connecting to international destinations through Delhi.
Key facts
Ahmedabad became the third airport integrated into India’s international hub-and-spoke framework, after Varanasi and Amritsar.
Hub-and-spoke operations from Varanasi began on 25 June 2026, while operations from Amritsar began on 28 July 2026.
Flight AI 1117 connects passengers to 22 destinations, mainly in Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Evening flight AI 1121, departing at 20:15 hours, connects to 17 destinations across North America, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia and Europe.
Passengers can complete check-in, immigration and customs formalities at Ahmedabad, with baggage transferred to the final international destination.
The Government’s International Aviation Hub Strategy aims to make India a preferred aviation hub for Indian travellers by 2030 and a leading global aviation hub by 2047.
Hub-and-spoke connectivity is planned to be extended to 22 more airports in the current phase, including Surat.
Ministry studies estimate that aviation hub development could generate about 0.4 million jobs and add USD 30 billion to India’s GDP by 2030.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on aviation infrastructure, government strategies, international connectivity, airport networks, logistics, economic development and regional growth.
Lok Sabha Speaker Pays Tribute to Former Speaker P. A. Sangma
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and other dignitaries paid floral tributes to former Lok Sabha Speaker P. A. Sangma on his birth anniversary at Samvidhaan Sadan. Sangma was a prominent parliamentarian and leader from Meghalaya who served as the Speaker of the Eleventh Lok Sabha.
Key facts
Om Birla paid floral tributes to P. A. Sangma at his portrait in the Central Hall of Samvidhaan Sadan.
P. A. Sangma began his parliamentary career in 1977.
He served as a Union Minister and as Chief Minister of Meghalaya.
He was unanimously elected Speaker of the Eleventh Lok Sabha in 1996.
He was the first Member from the Opposition to become Lok Sabha Speaker.
Sangma was a nine-term Member of the Lok Sabha.
He passed away on 4 March 2016 in New Delhi.
His portrait was unveiled by President Pranab Mukherjee on 10 February 2014.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Indian parliamentary history, former Lok Sabha Speakers, Meghalaya political leaders and the North-Eastern region.
Food Secretaries’ Conference Reviews Procurement, PDS Reforms and Storage Plans
The Department of Food and Public Distribution reviewed foodgrain procurement, storage, public distribution reforms and technology-enabled services with State and UT Food Secretaries. The conference fixed the Kharif Marketing Season 2026–27 paddy procurement estimate at 708.64 LMT and discussed improvements in rice quality specifications, storage capacity, digital tracking and PDS beneficiary verification.
Key facts
The conference was chaired by DFPD Secretary Sanjeev Chopra in New Delhi on 1 September 2026.
Paddy procurement for KMS 2026–27 was estimated at 708.64 LMT.
The approved Improved Rice policy permits up to 10% broken grains in raw rice and 5% in parboiled rice.
States estimated procurement of 18.85 LMT of coarse grains during KMS 2026–27.
The New Storage Policy envisages 131 LMT of additional storage capacity, including 111 LMT by States and 20 LMT by FCI.
States were advised to complete implementation of the GPS-based Vehicle Location Tracking System by December 2026.
e-KYC coverage stood at 90.64% as of 30 July 2026.
The Digital Rupee-based DBT pilot for Fair Price Shop dealer margins will be extended to Delhi and selected districts in six additional States.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Food Corporation of India, Kharif Marketing Season, procurement of foodgrains and millets, the Public Distribution System, NFSA compliance, digital governance and storage infrastructure.
MoES Launches Online Quiz on Earth System Sciences
The Ministry of Earth Sciences launched the MoES Foundation Day Quiz in collaboration with MyGov to mark the Ministry’s 20th anniversary. The nationwide online quiz aims to improve public awareness of India’s achievements in earth system sciences.
Key facts
The quiz was launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
It was organised in collaboration with MyGov.
The quiz marks the 20th anniversary of MoES.
Its theme is “Advancing Earth Sciences, Empowering the Nation”.
The quiz covers weather and climate studies, oceanography, polar studies and seismology.
It is a nationwide, timed online competition.
Participants can enter through the official MyGov Quiz portal using registered credentials or authentication details.
The initiative is aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the Ministry of Earth Sciences, earth system sciences, MyGov initiatives and India’s scientific institutions and programmes.
DISSSA Campaign Launched Through MoU to Promote Empowerment and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) signed an MoU with the Rajyoga Education Research Foundation (RERF), a sister organisation of Brahma Kumaris, to launch the nationwide Divyang Samanata, Sanrakshan evam Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (DISSSA). The campaign aims to complement government rehabilitation efforts by promoting equality, confidence, mental well-being, accessibility and social inclusion among persons with disabilities.
Key facts
The MoU was signed between DEPwD under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and RERF.
DISSSA is a nationwide campaign for equality, protection and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
The campaign will use trained teams, regional languages and community outreach across multiple States.
Activities include value-based games, motivational songs, awareness meetings, health activities and meditation sessions.
The campaign will cover visual, hearing, learning and intellectual disabilities.
The initiative seeks to address psychological barriers such as fear of failure, inferiority feelings and lack of confidence.
Under the Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme, around 350–400 projects are being supported across the country, according to DEPwD.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on disability rights, social justice, government partnerships, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme.
PM Advisor Reviews Jharia Master Plan Rehabilitation Initiatives in Dhanbad
Advisor to the Prime Minister Tarun Kapoor reviewed rehabilitation, livelihood, education, skill development and infrastructure initiatives under the Jharia Master Plan during a visit to Belgaria and Karmatand townships in Dhanbad, Jharkhand.
Key facts
The review focused on families affected by the Jharia mine fires.
The initiatives are being implemented under the Jharia Master Plan.
BCCL's Multi Skill Development Institute-IV operates in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation.
Around 800 youth have completed training, while more than 250 trainees are currently enrolled in various trades.
Training areas include Beautician, Customer Care Executive, Assistant Fitter and multi-skill technician courses.
Upgraded facilities inaugurated at Jharia Vihar Colony included a Primary School, Health Sub Centre and Model Anganwadi Centre-cum-Pre-Nursery School.
Self-Help Groups showcased handicraft and artisanal products under JharShilp and Project Aarohi.
A high-level meeting at Dhanbad Collectorate reviewed rehabilitation and infrastructure progress and stressed safe, dignified and timely rehabilitation.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Jharia Master Plan, coal-mine fire rehabilitation, Coal India subsidiary BCCL, NSDC-linked skilling, Self-Help Groups, and development initiatives in Jharkhand.
Raksha Mantri Calls on MSMEs to Invest in R&D and Enter Global Markets
At an MSME event in Greater Noida, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged Indian MSMEs to invest in research, development and technology upgradation, build partnerships with research and academic institutions, and become globally competitive enterprises. He highlighted the role of MSMEs in defence manufacturing and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Key facts
Rajnath Singh addressed an MSME event in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, on September 1, 2026.
He urged MSMEs to invest part of their turnover in research, development and technology upgradation.
He encouraged partnerships among MSMEs, universities, IITs, research institutions, DRDO laboratories, start-ups and large industries.
The number of MSMEs was stated to have increased from around 4.67 crore in 2012–13 to approximately 8 crore.
iDEX and ADITI were highlighted as initiatives supporting start-ups, innovators and MSMEs in developing defence technologies.
Priority opportunity areas identified for MSMEs included drones, artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, advanced electronics, sensors, autonomous systems, advanced materials, space and quantum technologies.
The five key requirements for globally competitive MSMEs were identified as quality, skill development, technology upgradation, market access and finance.
The Defence Industrial Corridor in Uttar Pradesh was described as creating opportunities for defence manufacturing.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on MSMEs, defence indigenisation, iDEX and ADITI, the Defence Industrial Corridor, Viksit Bharat@2047, technology-driven manufacturing and government support for entrepreneurship.
Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb Assumes Charge as Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance of IAF
Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb assumed charge as Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance of the Indian Air Force on 1 September 2026. He succeeded Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia, who superannuated on 31 August 2026.
Key facts
Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb assumed office on 1 September 2026.
He became the Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance of the Indian Air Force.
He was commissioned into the IAF on 3 September 1988 in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical Branch).
He has experience with IL-76, AWACS and Boeing 737-200 aircraft.
He was involved in the induction of the first IL-78 Flight Refueller Aircraft into the IAF in 2003.
He received the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2015 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026.
He succeeded Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia, who retired on 31 August 2026.
Exam relevance: Important for defence-related current affairs, senior military appointments, Indian Air Force organisation and military awards.
NLMC to Auction 459 RINL Land Parcels in Visakhapatnam
The National Land Monetization Corporation will facilitate the e-auction of 459 land parcels owned by RINL’s Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. The auction aims to monetize surplus public-sector land through a transparent digital bidding process.
Key facts
NLMC is a 100% Government of India-owned enterprise under the Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Finance.
The land parcels are owned by Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), also known as Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
A total of 459 parcels covering 93,572.21 square yards will be offered for outright sale.
Individual plot sizes range from approximately 128.94 to 2,728 square yards.
The e-auction will be hosted on the RailTel E-Nivida e-procurement platform.
The scheduled auction dates are October 12 and October 16, 2026.
Bidders must complete online registration and KYC verification and deposit an EMD of Rs 2 lakh per plot.
Quikr India Pvt. Ltd. has been appointed as the Transaction Consultant.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on public-sector asset monetization, NLMC, the Department of Public Enterprises, RINL, CPSEs and e-governance in public auctions.
Ministry of Coal Prepares for Special Campaign 6.0
The Ministry of Coal held a preparatory meeting for Special Campaign 6.0 to promote cleanliness, efficient resource management, digitalisation and improved workplace efficiency. The meeting reviewed lessons from Special Campaign 5.0 and outlined key implementation priorities.
Key facts
The preparatory meeting was chaired by Shri Sanjeev Kumar Kassi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Coal.
Officials from Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries, NLC India Limited, Coal Controller’s Organisation and Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation participated.
Special Campaign 6.0 will focus on e-waste collection, segregation and disposal.
Other focus areas include scrap disposal, office-space utilisation, digitalisation and eco-friendly practices.
The campaign also seeks to promote waste-to-wealth initiatives, inclusivity and citizen-centric approaches.
According to the DARPG Assessment Report of Special Campaign 5.0, the Ministry of Coal ranked first in space freed and third in revenue earned.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on administrative reforms, cleanliness campaigns, e-governance, environmental sustainability and the organisations under the Ministry of Coal.
NFSC Fellowship Supports SC Scholar’s Ph.D. and Research Career
The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) Scheme provided financial support to Mallela Pruthvi Raju, enabling him to complete his Ph.D. and progress towards a career in scientific research.
Key facts
Mallela Pruthvi Raju belongs to the SC-III community.
He received NFSC fellowship assistance from December 2019 to December 2024.
The fellowship amount was ₹37,000 per month during the Junior Research Fellowship stage.
The fellowship amount was ₹42,000 per month during the Senior Research Fellowship stage.
The financial support helped him complete his Ph.D. despite severe economic hardship.
He is currently working as a Project Scientist at HCU.
He has published three research papers.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government fellowships, educational support for Scheduled Caste students, higher education and promotion of scientific research.
NAMASTE-SUY Supports Sanitation Entrepreneurship in Ghaziabad
Chetan Kumar Kaushik of Ghaziabad expanded his sewer and septic tank suction service with financial assistance under the Swachhta Udyami Yojana component of the NAMASTE scheme. The support improved his income, strengthened his enterprise and promoted self-reliance.
Key facts
Chetan Kumar Kaushik is a sanitation service provider from Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
He provides sewer and septic tank suction services in the Mohan Nagar and Sahibabad areas.
He received assistance under the Swachhta Udyami Yojana component of the NAMASTE scheme.
The project cost was Rs. 8.90 lakh, including a loan of Rs. 5,42,500 and a capital subsidy of Rs. 3,47,500.
His monthly income increased to approximately Rs. 40,000-Rs. 50,000 after expanding the enterprise.
He pays a monthly loan instalment of Rs. 12,100.
The assistance was released on 14 September 2021, and he expected to repay the loan fully by October 2026.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the NAMASTE scheme, sanitation workers, livelihood promotion, financial inclusion, capital subsidies and entrepreneurship support.
DoSJE and Ramakrishna Mission Sign MoU for Intergenerational Bonding Initiative
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment signed an MoU with Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission to implement the nationwide “Creating Intergenerational Bonding” initiative through schools. The programme aims to strengthen emotional and cultural connections among children, parents and grandparents.
Key facts
The MoU was signed by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.
The initiative will promote interaction among three generations: children, parents and grandparents.
Research will study intergenerational challenges through qualitative studies covering 50 representative schools across four regions.
Twenty evidence-based Co-Learning Games will be designed, pilot-tested and finalised for schools.
Teacher certification training and Co-Learning Game sessions will be introduced in 200 pilot schools nationwide.
An English-Hindi Resource Centre website will support teachers in conducting the sessions.
An independent assessment study will evaluate the initiative and guide its possible future expansion.
The initiative builds on the Ministry’s senior citizen welfare ecosystem, including the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, senior citizen welfare, government–civil society partnerships, school-based social initiatives and intergenerational learning.
