ITRA Jamnagar Organises Workshop on Microbiome Research and Ayurveda
The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar, organised a three-day workshop on microbiome research and its relevance to health, wellness and preventive healthcare from an Ayurvedic perspective. The programme focused on interdisciplinary, evidence-based research linking Ayurvedic concepts with contemporary microbiome science.
Key facts
The workshop was held from September 9 to 11, 2026.
It was organised by ITRA, Jamnagar, an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Ayush.
The theme was “Understanding Health and Wellness through Microbiome Research”.
The workshop discussed diet, digestion, metabolism, health promotion and individualised wellness approaches.
Discussions explored Ayurvedic concepts such as Agni, Ahara and Prakriti in relation to gut microbial communities.
A total of 52 faculty members and research scholars participated.
The concluding brainstorming session explored collaborative and multi-centric research areas.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Ayush, Institutions of National Importance, Ayurveda, microbiome research and interdisciplinary approaches to preventive healthcare.
India-China Bilateral Meeting on the Sidelines of BRICS Summit 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in New Delhi during the BRICS Summit 2026. The leaders discussed bilateral relations, border peace, the boundary question, economic ties, people-to-people exchanges and cooperation on regional and global issues.
Key facts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on 12 September 2026.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Both leaders stressed a strategic and long-term perspective for India-China relations.
India highlighted mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest as guiding principles.
The leaders emphasised peace and tranquillity in border areas and adherence to existing agreements.
They expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question.
They discussed trade imbalance, supply-chain issues and predictable market access.
Prime Minister Modi appreciated China's support for India's BRICS chairship and its contribution to the BRICS Summit 2026.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India-China relations, border issues, BRICS, international diplomacy, bilateral trade and regional cooperation.
BHASHINI CEO Highlights AI Ecosystems and Multilingual Digital Inclusion at Lattice 2026
Amitabh Nag, CEO of the Digital India BHASHINI Division, addressed Lattice 2026 at IIM Calcutta on the use of language technology as Digital Public Infrastructure. He highlighted voice-first and multilingual AI, community participation, open infrastructure and ecosystem partnerships for achieving population-scale digital inclusion.
Key facts
Lattice 2026 was organised by the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta in Kolkata under the theme ‘The Capability Decade’.
Amitabh Nag, CEO of the Digital India BHASHINI Division, Digital India Corporation, was the chief guest.
BHASHINI’s Shrutlekh was demonstrated live for real-time language translation and transcription.
Nag highlighted digital, language and literacy divides as interconnected challenges to digital access.
BHASHINI promotes voice-first and multilingual technologies for wider inclusion.
BhashaDaan enables community participation in creating language resources.
BHASHINI supports 36 Indian text languages, 23 Indian voice languages and 35 international languages.
The platform powers over 800 government websites and processes over 24 million AI inferences daily.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Digital India, artificial intelligence, Digital Public Infrastructure, MeitY, multilingual technology and inclusive digital governance.
India-Philippines Discussion on Women-Led Development
Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi met Louise Araneta-Marcos, First Lady of the Philippines, at a luncheon meeting. The minister shared India’s vision of women-led development and commitment to women’s empowerment.
Key facts
Annpurna Devi is the Union Minister for Women and Child Development.
She met Louise Araneta-Marcos, First Lady of the Philippines.
The meeting was held over a luncheon.
India’s vision of women-led development was discussed.
India reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women as leaders and equal partners.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India-Philippines relations, women-led development, women’s empowerment and the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Women and Child Development Minister Welcomes Zahra Pezeshkian at BRICS Bazaar
Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi welcomed Zahra Pezeshkian, daughter of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, at the BRICS Bazaar in New Delhi. The event showcased the art, crafts and cultural heritage of BRICS member and partner nations.
Key facts
Annpurna Devi is the Union Minister for Women and Child Development.
She welcomed Zahra Pezeshkian at the BRICS Bazaar.
Zahra Pezeshkian is the daughter of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The BRICS Bazaar was held at the National Crafts Museum in New Delhi.
The bazaar showcased traditions, art, crafts and cultural heritage from BRICS member and partner nations.
The event highlighted cultural connections among BRICS nations.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on BRICS, India-Iran relations, cultural diplomacy and the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Commemorative Postage Stamps Mark Two Decades of BRICS Cooperation
Two commemorative postage stamps were released in New Delhi on 12 September 2026 during the 18th BRICS Summit. The stamps mark two decades of BRICS cooperation and highlight the priorities of India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship.
Key facts
Two commemorative postage stamps were released on 12 September 2026.
The release took place on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
The stamps commemorate two decades of BRICS cooperation from 2006 to 2026.
India’s BRICS Chairship 2026 theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The first stamp represents mutual respect, understanding and solidarity.
The second stamp features the vision of “humanity first” and a people-centric approach.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on BRICS, India’s international groupings, multilateral cooperation and important events associated with India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship.
Designer Atelier Exhibition-cum-Sale Held at CCIC, New Delhi
The Designer Atelier Exhibition-cum-Sale is being held from September 12 to October 1, 2026, at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium in New Delhi. It showcases Indian handloom, traditional craftsmanship and contemporary designer creations while providing artisans and weavers a platform to connect with consumers.
Key facts
The exhibition is being held from September 12 to October 1, 2026.
The venue is the Central Cottage Industries Emporium, Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi.
It is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
The exhibition promotes Indian textile heritage, authentic handloom and handwoven products.
It provides artisans and weavers a platform to showcase their creations and connect with consumers.
The event was jointly inaugurated by Akhilesh Kumar and Bimal Gopalachari.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on the Ministry of Textiles, Central Cottage Industries Corporation, Indian handloom heritage, traditional crafts and government-supported platforms for artisans.
Steel Slag Road Technology Demonstrated in Chhattisgarh
A 1.85-kilometre road at Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, built using processed steel slag aggregates, received the Guinness World Record for the world's longest road built with this material. The technology was jointly pursued by CSIR-CRRI and Jindal Steel Limited and is aimed at reducing construction costs, improving durability and converting industrial waste into infrastructure resources.
Key facts
The 1.85-kilometre steel slag road is located at Raigarh, Chhattisgarh.
The project was jointly pursued by CSIR-CRRI, New Delhi, and Jindal Steel Limited.
Processed steel slag, a by-product of steel production, was converted into road aggregates.
Dr Jitendra Singh said the technology can reduce construction costs by around 40 percent.
He also stated that the technology can provide four times the strength of conventional roads.
The technology supports the Waste to Wealth and circular economy approaches.
CSIR-CRRI has received a work order for a 40-kilometre road in Odisha from Jindal Steel.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on indigenous science and technology, waste-to-wealth initiatives, circular economy, sustainable infrastructure, CSIR-CRRI and industrial waste utilisation.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian Meets the President
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met the President, according to a Press Information Bureau release. The available excerpt does not provide further details about the meeting.
Key facts
Masoud Pezeshkian is identified as the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
He met the President, as stated in the release title and excerpt.
The source is the Press Information Bureau.
The release was published on 12 September 2026.
Exam relevance: Relevant to international relations and India–Iran diplomatic affairs.
India Proposes BRICS Continuity Mechanism and Global Governance Reform Roadmap
At the 18th BRICS Summit, India emphasised people-centric cooperation and proposed strengthening BRICS institutional continuity. The proposals included a BRICS Continuity and Implementation Mechanism, a secure digital repository for tracking decisions, and the preparation of ten proposals for a BRICS Reform Roadmap on global governance.
Key facts
India's BRICS Chairship followed a people-centric and humanity-first approach.
More than 350 meetings were organised across nearly 30 cities in India.
The summit marked the 20th anniversary of BRICS.
India proposed a BRICS Continuity and Implementation Mechanism through the Troika.
A secure digital repository was proposed to record nodal points, timelines and implementation status.
India proposed developing ten global governance reform proposals into a BRICS Reform Roadmap by the next Summit.
The proposals highlighted representation, responsiveness and rule-making.
A Seafarers Emergency Support Network was proposed to assist seafarers during emergencies.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on BRICS, India's multilateral diplomacy, Global South, global governance reforms, UN Security Council reform, international financial institutions and South-South Cooperation.
National Conference on BOCW Welfare and Skilling Concludes in Mumbai
The Ministry of Labour and Employment, in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, organised a two-day national conference on Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) in Mumbai on September 11–12, 2026. The discussions focused on welfare, skilling, employment, social security, occupational safety and improved service delivery for construction workers.
Key facts
The conference was organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment with the Government of Maharashtra.
It was held in Mumbai on September 11–12, 2026.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired the first day of the conference.
The conference discussed the roles and responsibilities of BOCW Welfare Boards under the new Labour Codes.
Uttar Pradesh presented its initiatives on skill development for building workers.
Rajasthan shared its experience with Digital Labour Chowks, while Bihar presented Shram Seva Suvidha Kendras and Assam presented the Nirman Sakhi Portal.
Deliberations also covered the Labour Stack, the construction sector and the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on labour welfare, Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Boards, new Labour Codes, occupational safety, skilling initiatives and intergovernmental coordination.
SECL Records Major Growth in Coal Production, Mechanisation and Social Development
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a Coal India subsidiary operating in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, has reported substantial growth in production, productivity, rail connectivity, mechanisation, finances and community-focused initiatives since 2014.
Key facts
SECL increased coal production from 124.26 million tonnes in FY 2013-14 to 176.28 million tonnes in FY 2025-26.
SECL's coal offtake reached 178.63 million tonnes in FY 2025-26 across 13 states.
Output per Man-Shift increased from 7.23 tonnes in FY 2013-14 to 16.47 tonnes in FY 2025-26.
Eleven First Mile Connectivity projects with a combined annual capacity of 156 million tonnes have been operationalised.
The Chhattisgarh East and Chhattisgarh East-West Railway corridors involve an investment of about ₹13,685 crore and approximately 342.6 kilometres of railway lines.
SECL's net worth rose from about ₹9,544 crore in March 2015 to ₹20,457 crore in March 2026.
SECL has completed the scientific closure of 28 abandoned mines as of August 2026.
Under SECL Ke Sushrut, 70 of 80 students from the first two batches qualified NEET and secured admission in various courses.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Coal India subsidiaries, coal production, mining mechanisation, railway evacuation infrastructure, public sector enterprises, corporate social responsibility and development initiatives in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
10 Critical Care Blocks and 12 Public Health Laboratories Inaugurated in Andhra Pradesh
Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda inaugurated 10 Critical Care Blocks and 12 Integrated Public Health Laboratories in Andhra Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). The facilities aim to strengthen critical care, disease surveillance and public health preparedness.
Key facts
The inauguration took place in Andhra Pradesh on 12 September 2026.
Ten Critical Care Blocks were inaugurated at government medical colleges and district hospitals across the state.
Twelve Integrated Public Health Laboratories were inaugurated at area hospitals.
Under PM-ABHIM, 24 Critical Care Blocks have been sanctioned for Andhra Pradesh with an estimated investment of approximately ₹606 crore.
Twenty-six Integrated Public Health Laboratories have been sanctioned for Andhra Pradesh with an allocation of ₹32.50 crore.
The Government of India approved ₹1,271.80 crore for Andhra Pradesh under four PM-ABHIM components over the five-year scheme period.
PM-ABHIM seeks to improve critical-care capacity, laboratory-based disease detection and continuity of routine healthcare during emergencies.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on PM-ABHIM, public health infrastructure, critical-care capacity, disease surveillance and Andhra Pradesh-specific government initiatives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Extends Rosh Hashanah Greetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Rosh Hashanah greetings to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the people of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. He wished them peace, hope, good health and continued progress in the new year.
Key facts
The greetings were extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The message was addressed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The people of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide were also greeted.
The occasion was Rosh Hashanah.
The Prime Minister wished peace, hope, good health and continued progress.
The message was shared through a post on X.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India’s international engagements, Rosh Hashanah and India–Israel-related current affairs.
India-UAE Leaders Discuss Bilateral Cooperation on BRICS Summit Sidelines
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12 September 2026. The leaders reviewed the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed cooperation in investment, defence, space, nuclear energy, technology and innovation.
Key facts
The meeting was held on 12 September 2026 on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit.
The leaders reaffirmed the importance of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The partnership covers political, cultural, commercial, energy and people-to-people relations.
UAE's International Holding Company announced an investment of USD 11.5 billion in an integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha.
The Odisha project was described as India's largest integrated aluminium investment.
The leaders discussed cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy, technology and innovation.
They agreed to continue working closely through BRICS to advance shared interests and strengthen cooperation.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on India-UAE relations, BRICS, foreign investment, Odisha's industrial development, strategic partnerships and emerging-sector cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi Meets Vietnam’s Prime Minister During BRICS Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The leaders reviewed bilateral ties, regional and global issues, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-Vietnam partnership.
Key facts
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Vietnam participated in the BRICS Summit as a Partner Country.
India-Vietnam relations were elevated to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2026.
Vietnam is described as a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy.
The leaders discussed bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual importance.
India and Vietnam share historical ties based on civilizational links, mutual trust and understanding.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India’s Act East Policy, India-Vietnam relations, BRICS partner countries and India’s engagement with Southeast Asia.
OPU-IVF Technology Produces Badri Calf in Uttarakhand
A healthy female Badri calf was born through Ovum Pick-Up and In Vitro Fertilization (OPU-IVF) technology at the Academic Dairy Farm. The effort aims to conserve, rapidly multiply and genetically improve Uttarakhand’s indigenous Badri cattle breed.
Key facts
The Badri female calf was born on 11 September 2026.
An embryo from a Badri donor was transferred into a Sahiwal recipient cow.
Badri cattle are recognised as the state animal of Uttarakhand.
The programme was jointly undertaken by ICAR-NDRI, Karnal, and G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar.
Financial support was provided by the Uttarakhand Biotechnology Council, Haldi.
The OPU-IVF process involved ovum collection, in-vitro fertilisation, embryo culture and embryo transfer.
The programme is also exploring cloning of elite and high-producing Badri cows.
Another recipient cow is expected to deliver a Badri calf within 5–7 days.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on indigenous cattle breeds, Uttarakhand’s state animal, livestock biotechnology, embryo transfer, OPU-IVF technology, ICAR institutions and conservation of genetic resources.
Colombo Security Conclave Table Top Exercise Concludes in Visakhapatnam
A three-day Table Top Exercise under the Colombo Security Conclave concluded at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam on 11 September 2026. It focused on coordinated responses to illicit maritime activities and strengthening maritime information sharing in the Indian Ocean Region.
Key facts
The exercise was conducted under the aegis of the Colombo Security Conclave.
It was held at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam from 9 to 11 September 2026.
The exercise focused on coordinated responses to illicit maritime activities in the Indian Ocean Region.
Simulated scenarios covered maritime terrorism, narcotics smuggling, human trafficking and IUU fishing.
Participants reviewed Standard Operating Procedures and information-sharing arrangements.
The exercise aimed to enhance collective Maritime Domain Awareness.
The exercise was aligned with the MAHASAGAR vision.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on India's maritime security, the Colombo Security Conclave, Indian Ocean Region cooperation, non-traditional security threats, Maritime Domain Awareness and the MAHASAGAR vision.
India-Malaysia Leaders Review Bilateral Cooperation at BRICS Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed strengthening the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Key facts
The bilateral meeting was held in New Delhi on 12 September 2026.
Malaysia participated in the BRICS Summit as a Partner Country.
The leaders reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, defence, semiconductors, infrastructure and the digital economy.
Other areas discussed included energy, fintech, education, tourism and people-to-people ties.
Malaysia agreed to the establishment of an Indian Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
India appreciated Malaysia’s support for strengthening ASEAN-India relations.
Both leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India-Malaysia relations, BRICS, ASEAN-India relations, diplomatic initiatives and bilateral cooperation.
