The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee approved a total of 18.77 lakh houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban 2.0. In its ninth meeting, over 29,000 additional houses were approved for six states under the Beneficiary Led Construction and Affordable Housing in Partnership verticals.
Key facts
The ninth CSMC meeting was held in New Delhi on 10 September 2026.
The meeting was chaired by Satendra Singh, Secretary, Department of Urban Development, MoHUA.
A total of 18.77 lakh houses have been approved under PMAY-U 2.0.
Over 29,000 houses were approved in the meeting for Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Telangana, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh.
PMAY-U 2.0 supports eligible urban EWS, LIG and MIG families through multiple housing assistance options.
Of the approved houses, 17.19 lakh, or 92%, were allotted to women.
The scheme covers households with annual income up to ₹9 lakh.
Under PMAY-U and PMAY-U 2.0 together, more than 1.25 crore houses have been sanctioned and over 1 crore completed and delivered.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on central housing schemes, MoHUA, urban poverty alleviation, women’s ownership of property, beneficiary categories and government monitoring mechanisms.
Cochin Shipyard and Drydocks World Establish 50:50 Joint Venture
Cochin Shipyard Limited and Drydocks World, a DP World company, signed an agreement to operate, consolidate and expand the International Ship Repair Facility in Cochin. The partnership aims to strengthen India’s ship repair ecosystem and develop Cochin as a maritime services hub.
Key facts
Cochin Shipyard Limited and Drydocks World formed a 50:50 joint venture.
The joint venture will operate and expand the International Ship Repair Facility in Cochin, Kerala.
Drydocks World is a DP World company, while Cochin Shipyard Limited is an Indian public sector shipbuilding company.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
The collaboration follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed during India Maritime Week 2025.
The partnership is expected to create capacity and opportunities in ship repair, engineering, fabrication and related maritime services.
The joint venture is aligned with Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India-UAE economic cooperation, public-private partnerships, maritime infrastructure, Cochin Shipyard, ship repair capacity and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Prime Minister Modi Meets UN Secretary-General António Guterres at BRICS Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. They discussed multipolarity, reform of multilateral institutions, global conflicts, freedom of navigation, sustainable development, human-centric artificial intelligence, renewable energy and global food security.
Key facts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Guterres congratulated India for holding the BRICS chairship for the fourth time.
Both leaders highlighted the importance of multipolarity.
They discussed reforms in multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council.
Other issues included sustainable development, human-centric AI, renewable energy and global food security.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India’s diplomatic engagements, BRICS, the United Nations, UN Security Council reform and contemporary global challenges.
Prime Minister Modi Meets Iranian President on BRICS Summit Sidelines
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. They discussed bilateral relations, cooperation in multilateral organisations, developments in West Asia, and the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, regional stability and safe navigation.
Key facts
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
It was their second meeting in under two weeks.
The leaders had earlier met on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek on 31 August.
They discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in multilateral organisations, including BRICS.
India reiterated that issues in West Asia should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
The leaders stressed lasting regional peace, freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India-Iran relations, BRICS, SCO, India’s foreign policy, West Asia and maritime security.
50 Years of ICAR–ICRISAT Partnership Celebrated at Dryland Congress 2026
The second day of Dryland Congress 2026 in New Delhi commemorated five decades of collaboration between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). Discussions focused on resilient dryland farming, seed systems, agrobiodiversity, innovation, and the participation of women and youth.
Key facts
The special session marked 50 years of ICAR–ICRISAT collaboration.
Dryland Congress 2026 was being held in New Delhi.
The session was co-chaired by Dr R. S. Paroda and Dr William D. Dar.
Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR, outlined the strategic importance of the partnership.
A roadmap was presented to strengthen collaboration towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
Thematic discussions covered resilient dryland farming, seed systems in the Global South, and gender- and youth-centred transformation.
More than 145 posters were being evaluated for the Best Poster Awards.
Dr R. S. Paroda highlighted agrobiodiversity as a means to build resilience in dryland regions.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on agricultural research institutions, dryland agriculture, climate-resilient farming, agrobiodiversity, seed systems, and India’s agricultural transformation goals.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal chaired the second Governing Council meeting of the National Maritime Heritage Complex Society and reviewed the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat. Phase 1A has achieved approximately 82% physical completion, while international collaboration and future expansion plans were also discussed.
Key facts
Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, chaired the second Governing Council meeting of the NMHC Society.
The National Maritime Heritage Complex is being developed at Lothal in Gujarat to showcase India's maritime heritage.
Phase 1A of the project has reached approximately 82% physical completion.
The revised completion target for Phase 1A is 31 October 2026.
Thirteen countries have signed MoUs for collaboration with the NMHC project.
A total of 1,492 artefacts have been readied for installation.
The project includes proposed facilities such as a 5D Dome Theatre, Maritime Research Institute, Lighthouse Museum, Museotel and Eco Resort.
The Council approved the proposed NMHC Bye-laws to provide a governance framework for the Society.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India's maritime heritage, Lothal, cultural infrastructure, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, international cultural collaboration, and major government projects in Gujarat.
National Conference on BOCW Welfare and Labour Mobility Held in Mumbai
The Ministry of Labour and Employment, in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, organised a national conference on Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) in Mumbai. The discussions focused on social security, utilisation of BOCW cess funds, digital welfare mechanisms, worker safety, skilling and international labour mobility.
Key facts
The conference was chaired by Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
India has over 7 crore construction workers, according to the Labour and Employment Secretary.
The BOCW cess corpus was reported to be about Rs. 77,000 crore.
A compendium of initiatives for Building and Other Construction Workers was unveiled.
Digital Labour Chowks, Labour Chowk-cum-Facilitation Centres and Online BOCW Cess Collection Portals were highlighted and launched in participating states.
The conference discussed pension, healthcare, education support, housing, sanitation and safety for construction workers.
Dr. Mandaviya called for coordinated national efforts to support international labour mobility and expand social security coverage.
The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana was highlighted as a measure to promote formal employment and social security for new workforce entrants.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on labour welfare, Building and Other Construction Workers, BOCW cess, social security, Labour Codes, employment schemes, digital governance and international labour mobility.
NITI Aayog Health Member Visits CCRAS-NIIMH in Hyderabad
Prof. (Dr.) M. Srinivas, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, visited the CCRAS–National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage in Hyderabad and reviewed its work on documenting, digitising and preserving India’s medical heritage.
Key facts
CCRAS-NIIMH is located in Hyderabad under the Ministry of Ayush.
Prof. M. Srinivas is Member (Health) of NITI Aayog.
The institute maintains digital portals, repositories, historical records and research on traditional systems of medicine.
Prof. Srinivas visited the institute’s museum, library and research divisions.
He recommended international practices and standards for museum preservation.
He suggested training, certificate and joint post-doctoral programmes to develop skilled manpower.
He proposed greater engagement with NCISM and NMC and the development of mini-museums at IITs and other Institutions of National Importance.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Ayush, CCRAS, Indian medical heritage, traditional systems of medicine and preservation initiatives.
NSKFDC Provides Concessional Finance and Skill Development Support to Sanitation Workers
The National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC), under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, supports Safai Karamcharis, waste pickers, manual scavengers and their dependents through concessional loans, skill development and capacity-building programmes.
Key facts
NSKFDC is a wholly owned Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Individual beneficiaries can receive financial assistance of up to Rs. 30 lakh, while groups can receive loans of up to Rs. 75 lakh.
Loan interest rates range from 6% to 9% per annum, with repayment periods of three to ten years.
Women beneficiaries receive a 1% interest rebate, and timely repayment can attract an additional 0.5% rebate.
Loans are implemented through State Channelizing Agencies, Regional Rural Banks and Public Sector Banks.
Up to 10 September 2026, NSKFDC had sanctioned and disbursed Rs. 3,365.93 crore, covering 6,10,902 persons.
NSKFDC was established on 24 January 1997 and became operational in October 1997.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government institutions, social justice initiatives, concessional finance, financial inclusion, sanitation workers and welfare measures for disadvantaged communities.
Vice-President Highlights Development Initiatives in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan described Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu as a “mini India” and highlighted infrastructure, healthcare, education, tourism, industry and renewable-energy achievements in the Union Territory.
Key facts
Over 450 infrastructure projects worth more than ₹13,000 crore have been undertaken in the Union Territory during the last decade.
Around 800 km of roads have been constructed at a cost exceeding ₹4,000 crore.
The Union Territory now has a medical college with 177 seats, along with NAMO Hospitals in Silvassa and Daman.
Tourist footfall reportedly increased from about 6 lakh in 2021 to nearly 50 lakh in 2025.
The Union Territory has more than 7,500 manufacturing units and over 2.8 lakh MSME-related employment opportunities.
Government buildings have achieved 100% solarisation, with nearly 12 MW of installed capacity.
The Vice-President distributed PM Vishwakarma toolkits and appointment certificates to newly appointed teachers during the event.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Union Territories, regional development, government initiatives, infrastructure, healthcare indicators, tourism and renewable energy.
Prime Minister Modi Meets Russian President Vladimir Putin during BRICS Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed regional and global issues, including conflicts affecting maritime trade and Indian seafarers.
Key facts
The meeting took place on the margins of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
It was the second meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin in 2026.
The leaders reviewed cooperation in political, economic, defence, energy, space, skill mobility and people-to-people domains.
INNOPROM India was held in India for the first time from 9 to 11 September 2026.
The leaders discussed India-Russia engagement in BRICS under India's chairship in 2026.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy were the way forward for resolving conflicts.
President Putin invited Prime Minister Modi to Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit, which Modi accepted.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on India-Russia relations, BRICS, India's BRICS chairship, bilateral cooperation and major diplomatic engagements.
De-addiction and Rehabilitation Support Helps Gujarat Beneficiary Rebuild Life
Raju, a 23-year-old beneficiary from Ahmedabad district, overcame substance dependency after receiving treatment, counselling and follow-up support at Naya Jeevan-IRCA, run by Gujarat Kelavani Trust. He is now living drug-free, employed full-time and gradually rebuilding financial and social stability.
Key facts
Raju is a 23-year-old beneficiary from Ahmedabad district, Gujarat.
He belongs to the Scheduled Caste community and studied up to the Intermediate/Diploma level.
He was admitted to Naya Jeevan-IRCA in Ahmedabad on 24 July 2024.
The centre provided de-addiction treatment, individual counselling and family counselling.
Regular follow-up and rehabilitation support helped him move towards social reintegration.
Raju is currently leading a drug-free life and is employed full-time.
The centre is run by Gujarat Kelavani Trust.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on substance-abuse rehabilitation, social welfare, counselling-based interventions, Scheduled Caste beneficiaries and state-level initiatives in Gujarat.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana Completes Seven Years
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY), launched on 12 September 2019, provides old-age pension security to eligible small and marginal farmers. By 6 February 2026, it had recorded 24,96,252 enrolments and utilised ₹540.66 crore nationwide.
Key facts
PM-KMY was launched on 12 September 2019.
It is a voluntary and contributory Central Sector Scheme administered by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Eligible subscribers receive a minimum assured pension of ₹3,000 per month after attaining 60 years of age.
The scheme covers small and marginal farmers with cultivable landholdings of up to two hectares, aged between 18 and 40 years at enrolment.
The farmer and the Central Government make equal contributions to the pension fund.
The farmer’s monthly contribution ranges from ₹55 to ₹200, depending on the age of enrolment.
The scheme is implemented in partnership with the Life Insurance Corporation of India.
By 6 February 2026, PM-KMY had 24,96,252 enrolments and ₹540.66 crore had been utilised under it.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on government schemes, farmer welfare, pension schemes, scheme eligibility, contribution models and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
NAMASTE-SUY Supports Mechanised Sanitation Entrepreneurship in Ghaziabad
Under the Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY) component of the NAMASTE Scheme, sanitation worker Ajay Kumar received financial assistance to purchase a tractor-cum-sewer suction machine. The support helped him expand his sanitation services and improve his monthly income.
Key facts
Ajay Kumar is a sanitation worker from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
He belongs to the Scheduled Caste-Valmiki community.
He received assistance under the SUY component of the NAMASTE Scheme.
The support was released on 11 October 2021.
The total project cost was Rs. 11,34,000.
The project included a loan of Rs. 7,25,500 and an upfront capital subsidy of Rs. 4,08,500.
He procured a tractor-cum-sewer suction machine for mechanised sanitation services.
His reported monthly income increased to approximately Rs. 30,000-Rs. 35,000.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the NAMASTE Scheme, sanitation workers, mechanisation, livelihood promotion, capital subsidy and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
IPC Holds National Conference on Quality and Safety of Biosimilars
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission organised a two-day national conference in Bengaluru on the quality, safety and regulatory evaluation of biosimilars. The event also marked the release of the Indian Pharmacopoeia Reference Substance for Enoxaparin Sodium for bioassays.
Key facts
The conference was organised by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
It was held on September 10–11, 2026, at C-CAMP, Bengaluru.
The conference focused on biosimilar quality, safety, pharmacopoeial standards, analytical characterisation, comparability assessment and pharmacovigilance.
It was organised in collaboration with the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association.
BIRAC and C-CAMP were the Knowledge Partners, while KDPMA was the Associate Partner.
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Reference Substance for Enoxaparin Sodium for bioassays was released at the conference.
Enoxaparin Sodium is a low-molecular-weight heparin and anticoagulant used to prevent and treat thromboembolic disorders.
The conference supported India’s Biopharma SHAKTI Vision and the development of indigenous pharmaceutical quality infrastructure.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, biosimilars, pharmaceutical quality standards, pharmacovigilance, BIRAC and India’s biopharmaceutical ecosystem.
Watershed Development and Climate-Resilient Dryland Agriculture
The Department of Land Resources highlighted integrated watershed development, digital public infrastructure and community participation as key approaches for building resilient dryland landscapes. The discussion took place during Dryland Congress 2026 in New Delhi.
Key facts
Rainfed agriculture covers about 61.39 million hectares, or 43% of India’s net sown area.
Rainfed agriculture contributes around 40% of India’s food production.
The Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana is implemented by the Department of Land Resources.
Over the past 12 years, 7,602 watershed development projects covering about 34 million hectares have been implemented.
These projects created or rejuvenated around 0.9 million water-harvesting structures.
The projects provided protective irrigation to about 2 million hectares and benefited nearly 6 million farmers.
The proposed Watershed Portal will provide integrated digital public infrastructure for the lifecycle of watershed projects.
The completed projects reportedly demonstrated a Benefit-Cost Ratio of about 2:1.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on watershed management, rainfed agriculture, climate resilience, rural development, digital public infrastructure and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.
Critical Minerals Identified as Vital for India’s Energy and National Security
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the strategic importance of critical minerals and advanced materials for India’s energy security, industrial competitiveness and national security. He called for domestic capabilities, international partnerships, private-sector participation and stronger research-industry collaboration across the entire value chain.
Key facts
Dr Jitendra Singh delivered the keynote address at the 3rd Global Summit on Advanced Materials, Critical Minerals, & Metals in New Delhi.
The summit was organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The theme of the summit was “Building Resilient Value Chains for a Sustainable and Competitive Future.”
Critical minerals were described as important for energy security, industrial competitiveness and national security.
India was urged to build capabilities from exploration and extraction to refining, processing, engineering and manufacturing.
The Minister highlighted the need to combine domestic resources with international resources and partnerships.
The RDI Fund was stated to have moved into the implementation stage.
Five priorities included research and innovation, domestic capabilities, stakeholder partnerships, global and recycling models, and philanthropy for research.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on critical minerals, advanced materials, energy security, strategic technologies, research and development, public-private partnerships, and India’s industrial policy.
Integrated Approach Proposed for India’s Coastal Ecology, Security and Blue Economy
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh called for an integrated approach to India’s coastline by combining ecology, security, economic development, technology and human welfare. He highlighted the Deep Ocean Mission, indigenous deep-sea capabilities, coastal community livelihoods and the Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar campaign.
Key facts
Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the National Conference on Coastal Ecology, Security and Sustainability (CCESS) 2026 virtually.
The source describes India’s coastline as approximately 11,000–12,000 km long.
The coastline offers opportunities for marine resources and the Blue Economy, including minerals, metals and fisheries.
The Deep Ocean Mission focuses on exploring deep-ocean resources and developing indigenous capabilities.
The indigenous research vessel ORV Sagar Manthan was launched for deep-ocean research and exploration.
Robots, submersibles, ocean observation, remote sensing and data technologies are being developed to strengthen marine capabilities and coastal security.
The Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar campaign will continue from 12 September to 19 September, with clean-up drives, NGO participation and a cleanliness pledge.
The Minister emphasised that coastal communities, their livelihoods and traditional knowledge are integral to sustainable coastal development.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India’s Blue Economy, Deep Ocean Mission, coastal security, marine resource exploration, sustainable coastal development, coastal communities and environmental campaigns.
