DAHD Strengthens Measures to Control Lumpy Skin Disease
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is coordinating with States and Union Territories to control Lumpy Skin Disease through vaccination, surveillance, disease reporting and veterinary support. The disease situation is reported to be under control, with 3,461 active cases currently recorded.
Key facts
Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral disease affecting cattle and buffaloes.
It is caused by Capripox virus and is mainly transmitted through arthropod vectors.
The disease causes fever and skin nodules and is generally associated with low mortality.
More than 36.18 crore cattle have been vaccinated or re-vaccinated against LSD.
A Central Expert Team was deputed to Uttar Pradesh in August 2026.
Review meetings with States and UTs were held on 27 August and 7 September 2026.
There are currently 3,461 active cases, mainly among young, unvaccinated animals and animals with co-morbidities.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on animal husbandry, veterinary public health, disease-control measures, government departments, vaccination programmes and Centre–State coordination.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh began his maiden visit to Sri Lanka on 8 September 2026 with an interaction with the Indian diaspora in Colombo. He reaffirmed India’s support for Sri Lanka during crises and highlighted the countries’ cultural, civilisational and bilateral ties.
Key facts
Rajnath Singh began his maiden visit to Sri Lanka on 8 September 2026.
He interacted with the Indian diaspora in Colombo.
He said India would stand firmly with Sri Lanka during times of crisis.
He highlighted the close cultural and civilisational ties between India and Sri Lanka.
He stated that India’s defence exports had increased from approximately Rs 600 crore 12 years ago to about Rs 39,000 crore.
He said India’s defence budget rose from approximately Rs 2 lakh crore in FY 2013-14 to Rs 7.25 lakh crore in FY 2025-26.
He credited the Indian diaspora with strengthening people-to-people links between the two countries.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India–Sri Lanka relations, India’s neighbourhood policy, defence diplomacy, bilateral ties and the growth of India’s defence exports.
Prime Minister Highlights Priorities for India’s FinTech Sector at GFF 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Global FinTech Fest 2026 in Mumbai and highlighted India’s FinTech progress, the success of UPI and key priorities for the sector.
Key facts
The Global FinTech Fest 2026 was inaugurated in Mumbai.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the event.
He highlighted India’s FinTech journey and the success of UPI.
He called for expanding UPI’s global footprint.
He advocated extending FinTech beyond payments to credit, insurance, savings, investments and pensions.
He emphasised Agentic AI, tokenisation and quantum technologies.
He called for stronger cybersecurity, ethical data protection, consumer protection and innovation.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India’s digital payments ecosystem, UPI, FinTech development, emerging technologies, cybersecurity and financial-sector innovation.
MoES and NIOT Organise Workshop on Deep-Sea Mining
The Ministry of Earth Sciences and the National Institute of Ocean Technology organised an industry outreach workshop in New Delhi on deep-sea mining, focusing on critical minerals, indigenous technology and private-sector participation.
Key facts
The workshop was organised by MoES and NIOT with EY and NITI Aayog as associates.
India has an International Seabed Authority exploration contract covering 75,000 sq. km in the Central Indian Ocean Basin.
The contracted area is estimated to contain about 366–380 million tonnes of polymetallic nodules.
India is stated to be the first country with two exploration contracts for polymetallic sulphides, including one for the Carlsberg Ridge.
Under the ₹4,077 crore Deep Ocean Mission, NIOT demonstrated indigenous deep-sea mining crawlers at depths exceeding 5,000 metres.
Commercial mining of nodules in international waters can begin only after the International Seabed Authority issues the Exploitation Code.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India's Blue Economy, critical minerals, the Deep Ocean Mission, the International Seabed Authority, polymetallic nodules and India's deep-sea technology capabilities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai and highlighted India's fintech growth, the expansion of UPI, financial inclusion and the future of digital payments. He called for greater international integration of UPI and expansion of fintech services beyond payments.
Key facts
Global Fintech Fest 2026 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai.
India recorded 7.8% growth during the April–June quarter, according to the address.
Over 24 billion UPI transactions were recorded in August.
UPI is live in 11 countries, according to the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister called for linking UPI with the domestic payment systems of partner countries.
He urged the fintech sector to expand credit, insurance, savings, investments and pension services beyond payments.
PM SVANidhi was cited as an example of fintech-enabled formal credit access for street vendors.
A Japanese credit rating agency upgraded India's sovereign rating to the A- category after three decades, according to the address.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on digital payments, UPI, financial inclusion, fintech, international payment connectivity, economic growth and government schemes such as PM SVANidhi.
PM Highlights UPI Expansion and Fintech-Led Financial Inclusion at Global Fintech Fest 2026
At the inauguration of the Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s fintech growth, the expansion of UPI, financial inclusion through PM SVANidhi, and the need to expand fintech beyond payments into credit, insurance, savings, investments and pensions.
Key facts
The Global Fintech Fest 2026 was inaugurated in Mumbai.
The Prime Minister stated that India recorded 7.8% growth during the April–June quarter.
A Japanese credit rating agency reportedly upgraded India’s sovereign rating to the A category.
UPI completed 10 years on 25 August and was reported to be live in 11 countries.
More than 2,400 crore UPI transactions were reportedly conducted in August alone.
UPI connectivity between India and Singapore enables transactions between their payment systems.
PM SVANidhi has connected millions of street vendors with formal credit, including through the SVANidhi credit card.
The government has decided to extend PM SVANidhi until 2030.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on digital payments, UPI, fintech, financial inclusion, sovereign ratings, PM SVANidhi, formal credit and India’s economic growth.
CRCS-Sahara Refund Portal Restored for Pending Depositor Claims
The Ministry of Cooperation has restored the CRCS-Sahara Refund Portal to resume verification and refunds for eligible depositors of Sahara cooperative societies. The process operates through Aadhaar e-KYC, digital verification and direct transfer to Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts.
Key facts
The portal functions under the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS).
The refund mechanism follows the Supreme Court order dated 29 March 2023 in W.P. No. 191/2022.
According to the Ministry, Rs 9,267 crore has been refunded to 41,56,711 depositors.
Approximately 20 lakh applications remain pending for processing.
Claims are verified through Aadhaar e-KYC and matching of depositor, membership and bank-account details.
Eligible refunds are credited directly to Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts.
The online CRCS-Sahara Refund Portal was launched on 18 July 2023.
The refund process covers four Sahara cooperative societies, including societies based in Lucknow, Bhopal, Kolkata and Hyderabad.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Cooperation, cooperative societies, CRCS, Supreme Court-monitored refund mechanisms, Aadhaar-based e-KYC and digital governance.
Jayant Chaudhary Emphasises Education as a Tool for Empowerment and Active Citizenship
Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary said that literacy and education should be reimagined as instruments of empowerment and active citizenship.
Key facts
The statement was issued by the Press Information Bureau.
Jayant Chaudhary is identified as the Union Minister of State for Education.
He said literacy and education must be reimagined.
He described literacy and education as instruments of empowerment and active citizenship.
The source was published on 8 September 2026.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on education, literacy, citizenship and the Union Council of Ministers.
Diwakar Kumar from Bihar transitioned from a skilled sewer and septic tank worker to an independent Swachhta Udyami with support under the Swachhta Udyami Yojana component of the NAMASTE Initiative. The assistance helped him acquire mechanised sanitation equipment and a vehicle, enabling him to operate his own sanitation services.
Key facts
Diwakar Kumar is a 26-year-old native of Bihar who studied up to the 12th standard.
He gained experience operating Jetting-cum-Grabber Machines in Noida.
He received support under the Swachhta Udyami Yojana component of the NAMASTE Initiative.
The total project cost was Rs. 14,77,500, comprising a loan of Rs. 7,38,750 and a capital subsidy of Rs. 7,38,750.
The assistance was provided on 3 October 2025 for purchasing sanitation machinery and a Mahindra Maxx City CBC 1.3 LX vehicle.
He reportedly earns approximately Rs. 40,000–Rs. 50,000 per month and saves around Rs. 25,000–Rs. 30,000 after paying a monthly EMI of Rs. 22,000.
The initiative aims to promote mechanised sanitation, dignified work and self-employment.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the NAMASTE Initiative, sanitation-sector mechanisation, entrepreneurship support, capital subsidies, financial inclusion and livelihood generation.
NFSC Support Helps Scholar Complete Ph.D. and Begin Professional Career
Dr. M. K. Ponselvakumari from Karaikal district, Puducherry, completed her Ph.D. with fellowship and contingency support under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) Scheme. The assistance helped her meet research-related expenses and pursue academic and professional goals.
Key facts
Dr. M. K. Ponselvakumari is a 34-year-old scholar from Karaikal district in Puducherry.
She received fellowship and contingency assistance under the NFSC Scheme during 2017–18.
The support helped her procure research materials and undertake outsourced analyses.
The assistance also supported expenditure related to research and paper publication.
She successfully completed her Ph.D. with sustained support under the scheme.
She is now employed full-time.
She aspired to join the Agricultural Research Service and contribute through research and public service.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students Scheme, higher education support, doctoral research assistance and social empowerment through education.
NAPDDR Supports Substance-Dependence Recovery in Kerala
A beneficiary from Pathanamthitta, Kerala, received residential de-addiction treatment, counselling and rehabilitation support at Gandhibhavan Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR).
Key facts
The beneficiary, identified as Nikhil H. with a changed name, is from Pathanamthitta district, Kerala.
He received support from Gandhibhavan Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts.
The assistance was provided under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR).
His treatment began on 17 May 2025.
The support included free residential de-addiction treatment, psychological counselling and rehabilitation.
The case highlights the role of sustained institutional care in supporting recovery from substance dependence.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government interventions for drug demand reduction, rehabilitation services and social welfare initiatives in India.
Indian Contingent Receives Send-Off Ahead of Asian Games 2026
India’s 503-member contingent received a formal send-off in New Delhi ahead of the Asian Games 2026. The official jersey was unveiled, and the Union Sports Minister highlighted the participation of more than 300 first-time athletes and the government’s long-term plan to strengthen sports infrastructure.
Key facts
The send-off ceremony was held in New Delhi on September 8, 2026.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya attended the event.
The official contingent jersey was unveiled during the ceremony.
The Indian contingent consists of 503 members, including athletes and support staff.
More than 300 athletes in the contingent are first-time Asian Games participants.
P. T. Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, attended the event.
The government has set 2036 as a long-term target for strengthening India’s position in global sports.
More than Rs 36,000 crore has been allocated to improve sports infrastructure, according to the source.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on sports current affairs, the Indian Olympic Association, government sports policy, athlete development and sports infrastructure investment.
Vinai Kumar Saxena Assigned Additional Charge of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor
The President of India appointed Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, to discharge the functions of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir during Manoj Sinha's leave.
Key facts
Vinai Kumar Saxena is the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.
He was assigned the additional functions of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.
The appointment was made by the President of India.
The arrangement applies during the absence of Manoj Sinha on leave.
Manoj Sinha is the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on constitutional authorities, Lieutenant Governors, Union Territories, and recent appointments.
NCSC Issues Notice to Punjab Government Over Sangrur Resident’s Death
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has ordered an inquiry into the death of Gulzar Singh of Sangrur, Punjab, after a complaint alleged that he had raised concerns about narcotic substances and made allegations against a minister and village panchayat members. The Commission sought a report from Punjab authorities within five days and announced a visit to Sangrur on 10 September 2026.
Key facts
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes issued a notice to the Punjab Government.
The case concerns the death of Gulzar Singh, a resident of Sangrur district.
The NCSC exercised powers under Article 338 of the Constitution of India.
Notices were sent to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of Punjab.
The authorities were directed to submit the facts and action-taken report within five days of receiving the notice.
NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana announced a visit to Sangrur on 10 September 2026.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on constitutional bodies, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, Article 338, and safeguards for Scheduled Castes.
Coal Ministry Launches Sector-Wide CSR Framework for Indian Coal Companies
The Ministry of Coal, in collaboration with Coal India Limited, launched the Comprehensive CSR Framework for Indian Coal Companies and highlighted the achievements of the Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana and Nanha Sa Dil initiatives.
Key facts
The Comprehensive CSR Framework is the first sector-specific CSR framework for the coal sector since the introduction of statutory CSR under the Companies Act, 2013.
The framework was prepared by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs to promote outcome-oriented CSR in coal-mining areas.
Under Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana, the hospital network expanded from 4 to 21 empanelled hospitals.
The scheme provides up to Rs. 10 lakh per patient for Bone Marrow Transplant and has completed more than 1,050 transplants.
The scheme has a total outlay of Rs. 130 crore across four phases and is implemented with Thalassemics India.
Under Nanha Sa Dil, more than 2 lakh children were screened and over 1,500 corrective surgeries for congenital heart defects were completed free of cost.
Nanha Sa Dil was launched by Coal India in Jharkhand in March 2024 and later expanded through SECL, CCL, NCL and WCL.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Coal India Limited, public sector enterprise CSR, the Companies Act, 2013, healthcare initiatives, rare genetic blood disorders, congenital heart defects and the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs.
MoSPI Workshop on Harmonisation of Administrative Data
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation organised a workshop for Statistical Advisers and Chief Data Officers of Central Government Ministries, Departments and Organisations in New Delhi on 8 September 2026. The workshop focused on harmonising administrative data, improving interoperability and strengthening data-driven governance.
Key facts
The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
It was held on 8 September 2026 at Rang Bhawan Auditorium, Akashwani Bhawan, New Delhi.
The theme was “Data Harmonisation for Use of Administrative Data in Data Driven Governance.”
The Quarterly Progress Report (QPR) portal on Data Harmonisation was launched during the workshop.
The QPR portal enables Central Ministries, Departments and Organisations to report dataset cataloguing, metadata preparation, use of standards and quality checks.
MoSPI highlighted initiatives including NMDS 2.0, the Statistical Quality Assurance Framework, e-Sankhyiki, the Microdata Portal and common identifiers.
The workshop stressed interoperable systems, machine-readable data, APIs, privacy, security and responsible data sharing.
Participants supported a whole-of-government approach to build an AI-ready and data-driven National Data System.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on MoSPI, administrative data, data governance, interoperability, digital public infrastructure, AI-ready government data and evidence-based policymaking.
Appointment of Judges and Additional Judges in Chhattisgarh and Gauhati High Courts
The President appointed Advocates and Judicial Officers as Judges or Additional Judges in the Chhattisgarh High Court and Gauhati High Court, in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
Key facts
The appointments were made by the President of India.
The appointments were made under powers conferred by the Constitution of India.
The appointees included Advocates and Judicial Officers.
The appointments covered Judges and Additional Judges.
The Chhattisgarh High Court was among the High Courts concerned.
The Gauhati High Court was also among the High Courts concerned.
The appointments were made in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
Exam relevance: Relevant to questions on constitutional provisions, judicial appointments, and the High Courts of India.
NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana to Receive Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Jan Seva Puraskar 2026
NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana is set to receive the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Jan Seva Puraskar 2026 in recognition of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes’ contribution to social justice and protection of Scheduled Castes’ constitutional rights.
Key facts
Kishor Makwana is the Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC).
He is scheduled to receive the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Jan Seva Puraskar 2026.
The honour recognises the NCSC’s dedicated service and contribution to social justice.
The Prime Point Foundation and the Sansad Ratna Awards Committee nominated the NCSC for the honour.
The award will be presented during the 16th edition of the Sansad Ratna Awards 2026 in Delhi.
The NCSC works to protect the constitutional rights and interests of Scheduled Caste communities.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on constitutional bodies, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, social justice and national awards.
India Highlights Health Workforce Expansion at WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee Meeting
At the 79th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia in Timor-Leste, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda highlighted India’s expansion of medical, nursing and allied healthcare capacity. Member States adopted the Dili Declaration on Human Resources for Health, focusing on equitable access to specialized care, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Key facts
The 79th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia was held in Timor-Leste.
India’s medical colleges increased from 387 in 2014 to 858.
MBBS seats increased from 51,348 to 1,42,464 during the same period.
Postgraduate medical seats increased from 31,185 to 86,287.
The government plans to create 10,000 additional postgraduate seats by 2028–29.
157 new nursing colleges are being established alongside existing medical colleges.
The Dili Declaration focuses on reducing health workforce shortages and improving specialized care in underserved areas.
eSanjeevani and ABHA-enabled digital health records support teleconsultation, referrals and continuity of care.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India’s health infrastructure, Universal Health Coverage, medical education, digital health, WHO regional cooperation and the Dili Declaration.
STPI Electropreneur Summit 2026 Held at IIIT-Delhi
Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), under MeitY, organised the STPI Electropreneur Summit 2026 at IIIT-Delhi to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM). The Open Challenge Programme of STPI Electropreneur Park was launched, along with MoU exchanges with partner institutions and investors.
Key facts
STPI organised the summit at IIIT-Delhi.
STPI functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
The Open Challenge Programme of STPI Electropreneur Park was launched at the summit.
The programme aims to identify and support innovative ESDM technology solutions and startups.
Electropreneur Park 2.0 targets support for 500 startups and expansion into Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
MoUs were exchanged with partner institutions and investors including Indian Angel Network Services Private Limited and Solara VC.
The initiative provides incubation, mentoring, infrastructure and ecosystem support to innovators.
The summit focused on government-academia-industry collaboration in ESDM innovation.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on MeitY, STPI, Electronics System Design and Manufacturing, startup incubation, semiconductor and deep-tech innovation, and government-industry-academia partnerships.
