NHRC begins fifth ITEC capacity-building programme on human rights
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, began the fifth ITEC Executive Capacity Building Programme on Human Rights in New Delhi for senior officials of National Human Rights Institutions from the Global South.
Key facts
The programme is organised by NHRC, India, in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs.
About 38 participants from NHRIs of 14 Global South countries are attending.
The participating countries include Algeria, Chile, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Oman, Samoa, South Africa, Tajikistan and Zimbabwe.
NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian delivered the inaugural address.
The programme includes lectures, thematic sessions, interactive discussions, country presentations and field visits.
The ITEC human rights initiative has grown steadily since its first edition in 2023.
The programme aims to promote knowledge-sharing, professional exchange and cooperation among NHRIs.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on NHRC, ITEC, India’s engagement with the Global South, human rights institutions and international cooperation.
The Indian Air Force inaugurated Dronathon-2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer to assess unmanned aircraft systems and related technologies under realistic operational conditions. The event also featured the release of the IAF UAS Roadmap and a demonstration of the indigenously developed Vayu UTtaM unmanned traffic management system.
Key facts
Dronathon-2026 was inaugurated by Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
The three-day event is being held from 14 to 16 September 2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer.
More than 20 defence companies, startups, MSMEs, DPSUs and innovators are participating.
The demonstrations cover surveillance, reconnaissance, autonomous operations, swarm technologies, electronic warfare and counter-UAS capabilities.
The IAF released the IAF UAS Roadmap to guide Indian industry, academia and research organisations on future capability priorities.
Vayu UTtaM, an indigenously developed multi-mode unmanned traffic management system, detected and tracked military and civil UAS during a live demonstration.
The initiative supports Atmanirbharta in unmanned systems, including propulsion, sensors, payloads, communications, autonomy and airspace management.
Exam relevance: Relevant for Defence, internal security, unmanned systems, Atmanirbharta and indigenous defence technology topics in UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways and state government examinations.
NHRC Begins Two-Week Online Short-Term Internship Programme in September 2026
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) began its two-week Online Short-Term Internship Programme for university students in September 2026. The programme aims to develop practical understanding of human rights, dignity, constitutional values and grassroots challenges.
Key facts
The programme began on 14 September 2026 at Manav Adhikar Bhawan, New Delhi.
A total of 100 students are participating after being selected from more than 1,000 applicants.
The programme will include around 30 lectures by 20 eminent speakers.
Speakers include government officials, academicians, civil society representatives, human rights defenders and subject experts.
Interns will undertake virtual visits to places such as a police station and Tihar Prison.
NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian inaugurated the programme.
The programme emphasises human rights, dignity, equality, liberty and fraternity.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the National Human Rights Commission, human rights, constitutional values, governance and national-level student programmes.
India-Nigeria Discuss Cooperation in Women and Child Development
India and Nigeria discussed cooperation in women’s economic empowerment, social protection, clean energy, child rights and digital safety during a ministerial meeting in New Delhi.
Key facts
Union Minister Annpurna Devi met Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
The meeting was held in New Delhi at the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
The discussion took place during India’s BRICS 2026 Chairship.
India highlighted women-led development, women’s collectives, gender mainstreaming and financial inclusion.
Both sides discussed clean energy, social protection and national care systems.
Child rights, child protection and digital safety were also discussed.
Nigeria expressed interest in India’s practices in women’s collectives, skilling, entrepreneurship financing, nutrition support and women-led governance.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India-Nigeria bilateral relations, BRICS 2026, women-led development, women’s economic empowerment, child protection and social-sector cooperation.
Department of Financial Services Wins Rajbhasha Kirti First Prize for 2025-26
The Department of Financial Services received the First Prize under the Rajbhasha Kirti awards for its implementation and innovative use of Official Language Hindi during 2025-26.
Key facts
The Department of Financial Services won the First Prize under Rajbhasha Kirti.
The award was given in the category of ministries or departments with fewer than 300 personnel.
The award recognised effective implementation and innovative use of Official Language Hindi during 2025-26.
It was presented at the 6th All India Official Language Conference and Hindi Diwas.
The conference was held on 14–15 September 2026 at CIDCO Exhibition Centre, Vashi, Navi Mumbai.
Shri Hari Har Mishra, Additional Secretary, received the award on behalf of the Department of Financial Services.
The conference was organised by the Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government departments, Official Language initiatives, Rajbhasha awards, Hindi Diwas and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Scholarships and Digital Reforms for Educational Empowerment
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is strengthening educational access for disadvantaged communities through scholarships, financial assistance and technology-enabled verification. Key measures include DBT-based payments, biometric authentication, e-KYC, de-duplication and integration with education and financial databases.
Key facts
The Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for Scheduled Castes and Others aims to promote literacy, reduce dropouts and support educational continuity.
From FY 2014–15 to FY 2025–26, Rs 4,893.03 crore was released under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme, with approximately 299.66 lakh reported annual beneficiaries.
During FY 2025–26, the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme released Rs 562.36 crore and benefited 26.79 lakh students.
From FY 2014–15 to FY 2025–26, Rs 46,581.54 crore was released under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste students.
During FY 2025–26, the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme released Rs 6,186.95 crore and benefited 47.53 lakh students.
From FY 2021–22, the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme has operated through a DBT-enabled framework linked to Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts.
Digital reforms include biometric authentication, e-KYC, de-duplication, One-Time Registration and integration with DigiLocker and API SETU.
The system uses linkages with UIDAI, NPCI, PFMS, AISHE, UDISE, NCVT and SCVT for verification and fund disbursement.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on Centrally Sponsored Schemes, scholarships for Scheduled Castes, Direct Benefit Transfer, Aadhaar-based authentication, social justice and digital governance.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Reaches Over 34.54 Crore Citizens
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has expanded the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan through volunteer training, de-addiction facilities, awareness activities and digital tools. The campaign has reached more than 34.54 crore citizens, including over 13.70 crore youth and 10.64 crore women.
Key facts
More than 1.67 lakh master volunteers, community leaders and personnel have received specialised training related to addiction identification and caregiving.
Over 755 new de-addiction facilities have been established during the last two years.
Under NAPDDR, financial assistance is provided to State Governments, Union Territories, NGOs and government hospitals for prevention, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.
The campaign has reached more than 34.54 crore citizens, including over 13.70 crore youth and 10.64 crore women.
More than 31.40 lakh awareness and outreach activities have been conducted across the country.
Over 1.67 lakh Nasha Mukti Mitras have joined the campaign to strengthen community participation.
The NMBA 2.0 mobile application helps citizens locate the nearest de-addiction centre.
A National Mass Pledge Against Drug Abuse targeting more than 10 crore citizens is scheduled by the end of the month.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on social welfare initiatives, drug-abuse prevention, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment programmes, de-addiction infrastructure and government awareness campaigns.
TlCu5Se3 Shows Unusual Wave-Like Heat Transport for Thermoelectric Applications
Researchers at JNCASR, Bengaluru, and collaborators have identified an unusual wave-like heat transport regime in the copper chalcogenide TlCu5Se3. Confined motion of copper atoms creates strong anharmonicity and ultralow lattice thermal conductivity, supporting potential waste-heat-to-electricity conversion.
Key facts
The material studied is thallium copper selenide, TlCu5Se3.
The research was led by Prof. Kanishka Biswas and his students at JNCASR's New Chemistry Unit.
TlCu5Se3 has a complex tetragonal crystal structure with a three-dimensional cloverleaf knot-like framework.
Copper atoms show localized dynamic disorder rather than long-range, liquid-like diffusion.
Strong anharmonicity enables predominantly wave-like phonon transport and ultralow lattice thermal conductivity.
The material recorded a thermoelectric figure of merit, or zT, of 1.7.
The findings were published in Science Advances under DOI 10.1126/sciadv.aeh9096.
Exam relevance: Important for Science and Technology examinations because it links crystal structure, confined ion dynamics, anharmonicity, phonon transport, thermoelectric materials and waste-heat recovery. It also highlights research by JNCASR, an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology.
India and MERCOSUR Launch Negotiations to Expand Preferential Trade Agreement
India and MERCOSUR have announced the launch of negotiations to expand their existing Preferential Trade Agreement. The proposed expansion aims to deepen economic relations and create more opportunities for businesses in both sides.
Key facts
India and MERCOSUR announced the launch of negotiations for expanding their Preferential Trade Agreement.
Piyush Goyal represented India as the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry.
Mario Lubetkin represented Uruguay in the exercise of the Pro Tempore Presidency of MERCOSUR.
The expanded agreement is intended to cover areas of mutual interest.
The negotiations aim to deepen economic relations between India and MERCOSUR.
The parties are finalising the Terms of Reference for the future expanded agreement.
The Terms of Reference will define the scope and structure of the expanded agreement.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on India’s international trade relations, preferential trade agreements, MERCOSUR, and India’s economic diplomacy.
Ayurveda’s Global Expansion: Evidence, Standards and International Cooperation
Ayurveda is gaining greater domestic and international attention through the expansion of the Ayush economy, rising public usage, medical value travel and global traditional-medicine initiatives. India is focusing on research, quality standards, regulation, international classification and institutional capacity to support Ayurveda’s responsible global growth.
Key facts
The Ayush market increased from USD 2.85 billion in 2014 to USD 43.4 billion in 2023.
Ayush exports rose from USD 1.09 billion in 2014 to USD 2.16 billion in 2023.
The All-India Survey on Ayush recorded awareness of 94.8% in rural areas and 96% in urban areas.
An Ayush Visa was introduced on July 27, 2023, for foreign nationals seeking treatment under Ayush systems.
NITI Aayog released the Strategic Roadmap for Making Ayurveda Global in July 2026, with a long-term pathway up to 2047.
The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre was established in Jamnagar, Gujarat, in 2022, with India as its lead investor.
WHO’s Traditional Medicine Module 2 of ICD-11, launched in January 2024, includes morbidity codes for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani.
The Ayush Research Portal contains more than 43,000 research entries.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ayush sector, traditional medicine, public health, WHO initiatives, ICD-11, medical value travel, NITI Aayog policy and India’s international health cooperation.
The Press Information Bureau reported that CEC Gyanesh Kumar is on a three-day visit to Bhutan. The available excerpt does not provide details about the purpose, schedule or outcomes of the visit.
Key facts
The source is the Press Information Bureau.
Gyanesh Kumar is identified as the CEC.
He is reported to be on a three-day visit to Bhutan.
The item was published on 14 September 2026.
The excerpt does not mention the purpose or outcomes of the visit.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India-Bhutan relations and current activities of the CEC, though the supplied excerpt contains very limited details.
NHAI to Upgrade 1033 National Highway Helpline with AI and Real-Time Tracking
The National Highways Authority of India plans to modernise its 1033 National Highway Helpline using artificial intelligence, real-time location tracking and smart emergency-response systems. The upgraded platform is intended to provide faster, multilingual and better-coordinated assistance while retaining human operators for critical decisions.
Key facts
NHAI plans to upgrade the 1033 National Highway Helpline into a Next Generation platform.
The proposed system will use artificial intelligence, real-time location tracking and smart emergency-response systems.
It is intended to identify callers' locations and understand calls in different Indian languages.
The 1033 helpline was introduced in 2018 and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The helpline covers more than 1.46 lakh km of National Highways and receives around 15,000 calls daily.
Indian Highways Management Company Limited has invited an Expression of Interest for developing and operating the upgraded platform.
Human operators will continue to support emergency situations requiring judgement and decision-making.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on NHAI, National Highway services, artificial intelligence in public-service delivery, emergency-response systems and Indian-language technology.
Kerala’s EcoSense Scholarship Programme Promotes Student Participation in Waste Management
Kerala’s Student Green Brigade Scholarship–EcoSense programme, implemented under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, engages students in practical waste-management activities. The initiative promotes source segregation, composting, reuse, resource conservation and environmental responsibility.
Key facts
EcoSense is led by Kerala’s Local Self Government Department in collaboration with the General Education Department.
The programme aims to provide scholarships to 50,000 students for active participation in waste management.
This year, 45,880 students across 986 Local Self Government Institutions are receiving scholarships.
Each selected student receives a scholarship of ₹1,500 and a certificate of recognition.
Around five lakh students from nearly 9,000 schools participated in the programme.
Students undertook activities such as source-level waste segregation, composting, repair shops, swap shops and household visits.
Students visited Material Collection Facilities and Resource Recovery Facilities to understand waste processing and resource recovery.
The programme covers students from selected classes in Upper Primary, High School, Higher Secondary and Vocational Higher Secondary categories.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, Kerala government initiatives, waste management, source segregation, composting, green skills and community participation in environmental governance.
Amit Shah Addresses Hindi Diwas 2026 and 6th All India Official Language Conference in Mumbai
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah addressed Hindi Diwas 2026 and the 6th All India Official Language Conference in Mumbai as the chief guest. The programme featured language-related training initiatives, presentation of Rajbhasha awards and release of publications on Indian languages and Vande Mataram.
Key facts
Hindi Diwas 2026 and the 6th All India Official Language Conference were held in Mumbai.
Amit Shah addressed the event as the chief guest.
Training programmes in Hindi word processing, Hindi typing and Hindi shorthand were inaugurated.
Rajbhasha Kirti Awards and Rajbhasha Gaurav Awards were presented to recipients.
Publications including Shiv Anadi Hain, Anant Hain and 150 Chapters of Vande Mataram were released.
Amit Shah highlighted the role of Hindi and other Indian languages in national communication and cultural unity.
He stated that Hindi was adopted as the Official Language on 14 September 1949.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Hindi Diwas, the Official Language of India, constitutional language provisions, Rajbhasha awards, Indian languages and national cultural initiatives.
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) received the Rajbhasha Utkrishtta Sammaan for 2025–26 for its sustained excellence in implementing the Official Language.
Key facts
The award was given by the Department of Official Language under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah conferred the Sammaan on Secretary Nivedita Shukla Verma.
The award was presented during the 6th All India Official Language Conference in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.
The event was held on Hindi Diwas, September 14, 2026.
DARPG had secured the first Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar for two consecutive years: 2023–24 and 2024–25.
The special Sammaan recognised DARPG's continuous excellence in Official Language implementation.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Official Language, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Hindi Diwas, government departments and national-level awards.
NFSC Supports Doctoral Education for Scheduled Caste Students
The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) helps eligible scholars overcome financial barriers to doctoral education. Midhila Radhakrishnan from Thrissur, Kerala, is pursuing a Ph.D. with NFSC support and has published four papers in Scopus-indexed journals.
Key facts
NFSC supports aspiring Scheduled Caste scholars pursuing doctoral education.
Midhila Radhakrishnan is a 30-year-old scholar from Thrissur district, Kerala.
She is currently in the fourth year of her Ph.D. programme.
She received the NFSC fellowship award in 2020 and joined her Ph.D. programme in 2022.
Fellowship assistance began in June 2022.
She reported receiving ₹42,000 as Senior Research Fellowship support and ₹8,400 as House Rent Allowance.
She has published four papers in Scopus-indexed journals, including two in Q1 and two in Q2 categories.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government fellowships, support for Scheduled Caste students, doctoral education and higher education research in India.
India Post Expands into a Modern, Citizen-Centric Service Network
Representatives of All India employee organisations of the Department of Posts praised the transformation of India Post during a meeting with Dr Jitendra Singh in New Delhi. The postal network now provides services beyond mail delivery, including Aadhaar-related facilities, PAN and Passport Seva services, doorstep banking and digital pension services.
Key facts
A delegation of All India employee organisations of the Department of Posts met Dr Jitendra Singh at Kartavya Bhawan, New Delhi.
The delegation highlighted the expansion of India Post beyond traditional mail delivery.
Postal services include Aadhaar-related facilities, PAN and Passport Seva services.
India Post provides doorstep banking and financial services, especially in rural areas.
The postal network offers Digital Life Certificates and other digital pension services.
The postman’s role has expanded to include delivery of banking and other essential services.
Postal employees and infrastructure supported the delivery of banking services and essential supplies during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India Post, last-mile delivery of government services, financial inclusion, India Post Payments Bank, Digital Life Certificates and the public-service role of the postal network.
India and MERCOSUR Sign Protocol on Electronic Certificates of Origin
India and MERCOSUR signed the First Additional Protocol to their Preferential Trade Agreement to recognise electronic Certificates of Origin as legally equivalent to paper certificates. The move aims to promote paperless trade, reduce transaction costs and modernise customs procedures.
Key facts
The protocol amends Article 16 of Annex III on Rules of Origin of the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement.
Electronic Certificates of Origin will have the same legal validity and value as paper certificates.
The certificates must be issued and electronically signed under the domestic laws of the participating parties.
The India–MERCOSUR PTA was signed on 25 January 2004 and entered into force on 1 June 2009.
The PTA provides preferential tariff concessions on 450 tariff lines by India and 452 tariff lines by MERCOSUR.
The protocol was signed by India's Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal and representatives of Uruguay and Paraguay.
It will enter into force after completion and mutual notification of the respective internal procedures.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on India's trade agreements, MERCOSUR, preferential tariff arrangements, Certificates of Origin, digital trade documentation and customs modernisation.
NAPDDR Supports Substance-Dependency Recovery in Assam
Support provided under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) through COSEHDA’s District De-Addiction Centre in Jorhat helped an individual receive treatment, counselling, rehabilitation assistance and skill development.
Key facts
The support was provided under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR).
COSEHDA’s District De-Addiction Centre (DDAC) in Jorhat, Assam, provided the assistance.
The assistance included subsidised treatment, counselling and rehabilitation support.
The beneficiary received support on 31 August 2025.
The support focused on recovery, personal development, skill development and social reintegration.
The beneficiary, identified by the changed name Mrinas, is a 26-year-old man from Jorhat district.
He is currently employed full-time and continues to aspire to serve in the Indian Reserve Battalion.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government interventions for drug-demand reduction, de-addiction services, rehabilitation and social reintegration.
