CGST Delhi South arrests firm partner over fraudulent ITC claims
The Anti-Evasion Branch of the CGST Delhi South Commissionerate arrested a partner of an iron and steel trading firm for allegedly availing, utilising and passing on inadmissible Input Tax Credit through bogus invoices.
Key facts
The case involved fraudulent ITC amounting to over Rs. 15.78 crore.
Bogus invoices involved approximately Rs. 87.67 crore.
Several supplier firms were found to be non-existent, non-functional, suspended or cancelled.
Investigation indicated that ITC was claimed without actual receipt of goods.
The accused was arrested on 14 September 2026 under Section 69 of the CGST Act, 2017.
Statements were recorded under Section 70 of the CGST Act, 2017.
The Patiala House Court remanded the accused to judicial custody for 14 days.
Further investigation is in progress.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Goods and Services Tax, Input Tax Credit, CGST enforcement, and relevant provisions of the CGST Act, 2017.
Anthem Released for Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari – Catch the Rain
The Ministry of Jal Shakti released an anthem to promote rainwater harvesting and water conservation through public participation. Sung by Shankar Mahadevan, it supports the message “Catch the Rain – Where It Falls, When It Falls.”
Key facts
The anthem was released by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
It is associated with the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari – Catch the Rain movement.
Shankar Mahadevan has sung the anthem.
The campaign promotes rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
It emphasises people’s participation in water conservation.
The initiative seeks to make water conservation a part of everyday life.
The campaign aims to inspire citizens, institutions, local bodies and industries to participate.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Jal Shakti, water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and citizen participation in government initiatives.
Indian Parliamentary Delegation Participates in 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference
An Indian parliamentary delegation led by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh is participating in the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, from 12 to 19 September 2026. The conference focuses on parliamentary democracy, legislative cooperation and international law.
Key facts
The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference is being held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 12 to 19 September 2026.
The Indian delegation is led by Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
The delegation includes Members of Parliament from both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, along with Rajya Sabha Secretary General P. C. Mody.
Thirty-two Presiding Officers and 18 Secretaries from Indian State and Union Territory Legislatures are also attending.
Harivansh held bilateral meetings with senior officials of the South African Parliament.
Dr. D. Purandeswari represented India at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Executive Committee meeting.
Harivansh is scheduled to address the General Assembly on parliamentary action to strengthen democracy and international law.
Six main workshops on contemporary issues relevant to Commonwealth legislatures are being held during the conference.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on international parliamentary organisations, Commonwealth institutions, India–South Africa relations and parliamentary diplomacy.
India's Cumulative Exports Rise 15.55% During April-August 2026-27
India's cumulative merchandise and services exports during April-August 2026-27 are estimated at US$399.27 billion, compared with US$345.55 billion during April-August 2025-26, registering estimated growth of 15.55%.
Key facts
Cumulative exports during April-August 2026-27 were estimated at US$399.27 billion.
Exports during April-August 2025-26 stood at US$345.55 billion.
The estimated year-on-year export growth was 15.55%.
The figures cover both merchandise and services exports.
The latest RBI-released services data available for the source's August 2026 estimate was for July 2026.
Services data for August 2026 was estimated.
Data for April-August 2025-26 and April-June 2026-27 was revised on a pro-rata basis using quarterly balance of payments data.
Exam relevance: Useful for Economy and Banking questions on India's exports, merchandise and services trade, trade statistics, and balance of payments data.
NHRC Seeks Report on Alleged Public Humiliation of Woman in Rajasthan
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a reported assault and public humiliation of a woman in Banswara, Rajasthan. It issued notices to the Rajasthan Chief Secretary and the Banswara Superintendent of Police, seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
Key facts
The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of the reported incident.
The incident allegedly occurred in Banswara, Rajasthan, on 1 September 2026.
The woman was reportedly beaten, had her hair forcibly cut and was paraded semi-nude.
The alleged perpetrators included her husband and other relatives.
The NHRC stated that the report, if true, raised serious issues concerning the rights to life and dignity.
Notices were issued to the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan and the Superintendent of Police, Banswara.
The authorities were asked to submit a detailed report within two weeks, including investigation status and compensation details, if any.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the National Human Rights Commission, suo motu action, human rights protection and the right to life and dignity.
Commemorative Postage Stamp Released in Memory of Sant Malukdas Ji
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia released a commemorative postage stamp issued by the Department of Posts in honour of Sant Malukdas Ji during a Sant Samagam held in his memory.
Key facts
The stamp was issued by the Department of Posts, Government of India.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia released the commemorative stamp.
The stamp honours Sant Malukdas Ji and commemorates his spiritual and cultural legacy.
The release took place during a Sant Samagam organised in Sant Malukdas Ji's memory.
The stamp seeks to preserve and communicate his messages of devotion, knowledge, compassion and public welfare.
The event also included the inauguration of Shri Ram Katha.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on government departments, commemorative postage stamps, Indian spiritual and cultural heritage, and the role of the Department of Posts in preserving national memory.
Institute of Archaeology Launches Training Programme for Conservation Assistants
The Ministry of Culture inaugurated a one-month induction training programme for 53 newly recruited Senior Conservation Assistants and Conservation Assistants at the Institute of Archaeology in Greater Noida. The programme combines archaeological practices with administrative and financial training and is part of an effort to develop the Institute into an international centre of excellence.
Key facts
The programme was inaugurated by Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture.
It was held at the Institute of Archaeology, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Campus, Greater Noida.
The one-month programme is meant for 53 newly recruited Senior Conservation Assistants and Conservation Assistants.
The curriculum includes archaeological practices, Government Financial Rules, administrative law, establishment procedures, manpower management and departmental inquiries.
The initiative promotes the idea of a 'Monument Economy' through tourism, hospitality, transport, artisan markets and heritage activities.
The Archaeological Survey of India follows the conservation principle of 'Minimum intervention and Maximum retention'.
Refresher courses for in-service ASI personnel and state archaeology officials are planned.
The Institute is being repositioned as a premier archaeological training institution.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Culture, the Archaeological Survey of India, heritage conservation, archaeological training institutions and the economic role of cultural heritage.
Department of Higher Education Reports Progress under Special Campaign 5.0
The Department of Higher Education reviewed most physical and electronic files under Special Campaign 5.0, cleared pending records, freed office space and generated revenue through scrap disposal. It will participate in Special Campaign 6.0, focusing on cleanliness, record management, e-waste disposal and the reduction of pending matters.
Key facts
The Department of Higher Education reviewed 95.2% of physical files, covering 2,04,859 files.
It reviewed 87.46% of e-files, covering 62,564 files.
Around 1,159 sites were covered under the campaign.
The campaign freed 14,44,839 square feet of office space.
Scrap disposal generated revenue of ₹6.89 crore.
More than 3,312 files were digitized and 90,629 files were weeded out or closed.
Special Campaign 6.0 will have a preparatory phase from September 15–30, 2026, and an implementation phase from October 2–31, 2026.
Special Campaign 6.0 will emphasize effective collection, segregation and disposal of e-waste.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government administrative campaigns, the Ministry of Education, e-governance, record management, cleanliness initiatives, e-waste management and disposal of pending public grievances.
Five Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals inaugurated, dedicated or initiated in Gujarat
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone for five Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals in Gujarat. The terminals are aimed at improving freight connectivity between Gujarat’s ports, industrial centres and the northern hinterland. A salt-loaded freight train was also flagged off from Shivlakha to Mithapur.
Key facts
The Shivlakha Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal in Kachchh was inaugurated.
Terminals at Bhimasar, Devaliya and Chandisar were dedicated to the nation.
The foundation stone was laid for the Linch terminal in Mahesana.
A salt-loaded freight train was flagged off from Shivlakha to Mithapur.
The terminals are intended to reduce freight congestion and improve connectivity with ports and markets.
A lightweight stainless-steel salt container has been developed for easier loading and unloading.
The Railway Minister stated that 150 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals had been commissioned across India.
Railway projects worth around ₹5,600 crore are underway in the Kachchh region.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on Indian Railways, Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals, freight corridors, Gujarat’s logistics infrastructure and salt transportation. It also highlights railway capacity augmentation and connectivity with ports and industrial regions.
India Flags Off Largest-Ever Contingent for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship flagged off India’s largest-ever contingent of 70 young competitors for the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China. India will participate in 63 skill categories, including 11 new categories, highlighting the expansion of the country’s skilling ecosystem.
Key facts
The send-off ceremony was held at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi.
India’s contingent consists of 70 skilled young competitors.
WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is scheduled from 22 to 27 September 2026.
India will compete in 63 skill categories, including 11 new categories.
The new categories include Unmanned Aerial Systems, Software Testing, Aircraft Maintenance and Dental Prosthetics.
The first cohort of 16 members was announced for the WorldSkills India Champions Club.
At WorldSkills Lyon 2024, India secured four Bronze Medals and 12 Medallions for Excellence.
Jindal Steel is the Official Merchandise Sponsor for Team India’s campaign.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government initiatives, skill development, vocational education, international competitions and India’s performance in WorldSkills events.
NDSA Reviews Dam Safety Implementation in Jharkhand
The National Dam Safety Authority reviewed Jharkhand’s preparedness and compliance with the Dam Safety Act, 2021. It directed the State to expedite dam evaluations, prepare emergency plans, strengthen institutional arrangements and undertake time-bound rehabilitation of vulnerable dams.
Key facts
The NDSA team reviewed dam safety activities in Jharkhand on September 8, 2026.
The review covered implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021 and the status of Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation of specified dams.
Jharkhand was asked to constitute the Independent Panel of Experts and submit dam-wise action plans.
Emergency Action Plans and Operation and Maintenance Manuals are to be prepared and uploaded on the DHARMA Portal.
A time-bound rehabilitation plan was sought for Category-II dams.
NDSA recommended reconstituting the State Dam Safety Organisation as a dedicated organisation.
The dam owner of Nalkari Dam was directed to establish a Dam Safety Unit and conduct pre- and post-monsoon inspections.
The NDSA team visited Nalkari Dam and Latratu Dam during its field-level review.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Dam Safety Act, 2021, the National Dam Safety Authority, state-level dam safety institutions, DHARMA Portal and disaster-risk preparedness.
UPI to Remain Free for P2P Transactions and Most Merchant Payments
Under the new UPI framework, all person-to-person transactions will remain free. Merchant payments up to ₹2,000 and transactions covered by the zero-MDR framework for small merchants will also remain free, while MDR will apply only to specified higher-value merchant transactions.
Key facts
All person-to-person UPI transactions will remain free, irrespective of the amount transferred.
Person-to-merchant transactions up to ₹2,000 will attract zero MDR.
Small merchants receiving up to ₹1 lakh per month through UPI QR codes under the P2PM category will continue to receive zero MDR.
A nominal MDR of 0.4% will apply to specified merchant transactions above ₹2,000.
For transactions of ₹75,000 and above, MDR will be capped at ₹300 per transaction.
Transactions above ₹2,000 in essential sectors such as railways, telecommunications, insurance, fuel and agricultural inputs will attract a flat MDR of ₹5.
MDR is not a government tax or a customer charge; it is distributed among payment ecosystem participants.
Approximately 96% of merchant transactions are expected to remain unaffected.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on UPI, digital payments, Merchant Discount Rate (MDR), the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, financial inclusion and India’s payment ecosystem.
Officer-Level Awareness Workshop on Tele-Law Services Held in Nuh under DISHA 2.0
The Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, conducted an officer-level awareness workshop on Tele-Law Services at Nuh, Haryana, under the DISHA 2.0 Scheme. The workshop focused on technology-enabled legal assistance and improving access to justice in rural and underserved areas.
Key facts
The workshop was held at the Mini Secretariat, Nuh, Haryana, on 15 September 2026.
It was organised by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice.
The workshop was conducted under the Tele-Law Initiative of the DISHA 2.0 Scheme.
Around 150 participants, including CSC representatives, VLEs, panel lawyers and Nyaya Sahayaks, attended the event.
DISHA 2.0 integrates Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu, the Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Programme, and VIDHI-Sanjeevani.
A live demonstration of the Tele-Law Portal and the Nyaya Setu AI-enabled chatbot was conducted.
The workshop discussed implementation challenges, best practices and ways to expand legal services.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on access to justice, digital legal services, the Department of Justice, DISHA 2.0, Tele-Law, Common Services Centres and technology-enabled public service delivery.
NSTFDC and HPCL Sign MoU for Smart Classrooms in 29 Rajasthan EMRS
The National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) signed an MoU to establish integrated computer laboratories and smart classrooms in 29 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across 11 districts of Rajasthan.
Key facts
The project covers 29 functional Eklavya Model Residential Schools in Rajasthan.
The schools are located across 11 districts, including Alwar, Banswara, Dungarpur, Jaipur and Udaipur.
HPCL has approved a total project budget of ₹16.01 crore.
Each school will receive four smart classrooms and a fully networked computer laboratory.
Each school will also receive 10 tablets loaded with competitive examination coaching material.
The project is planned for completion within six months of signing the MoU.
The initiative is expected to benefit more than 10,000 Scheduled Tribe students every year.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on tribal welfare, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, corporate social responsibility, digital education and Rajasthan districts. The initiative is linked to the National Education Policy 2020 and involves NSTFDC, HPCL, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and NESTS.
DAD Normalizes Air Force and Navy Pension Cases on SPARSH
The Defence Accounts Department has normalized all discrepant pension cases of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy on SPARSH through a special mission-mode drive. It has also normalized 98.8% of the discrepant pension cases related to the Indian Army.
Key facts
DAD normalized 1,45,182 discrepant pension cases of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
The cases were processed on SPARSH, or System for Pension Administration–Raksha.
The normalization drive involved focused examination, close monitoring and coordination among concerned offices.
Of 3,94,779 discrepant Indian Army pension cases, 3,90,336 had been normalized.
The normalized Indian Army cases represented 98.8% of the total discrepant cases.
The initiative involved the CGDA and PCDA (Pension).
Exam relevance: Important for questions on defence administration, military pensions, e-governance and digital public service delivery.
TAPAS Platform Offers Self-Paced Certificate Courses in Social Defence
The National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is providing self-paced online certificate courses through TAPAS to improve learning and capacity building in social defence.
Key facts
TAPAS stands for Training for Augmenting Productivity and Services.
It is an online learning management platform operated by the National Institute of Social Defence.
The platform recorded 6,866 student enrolments between 2021 and 2026, including 733 enrolments in 2026.
TAPAS follows a four-quadrant learning approach: video lectures, supplementary material, discussion forums and self-assessment exercises.
Five courses comprising 48 modules are offered on social defence-related subjects.
The courses cover geriatric or elderly care, social defence issues, substance abuse prevention, transgender issues, and care and management of dementia.
The courses are open to all individuals interested in developing knowledge and skills in these areas.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the National Institute of Social Defence, government capacity-building initiatives and social welfare-related programmes.
The Commission for Air Quality Management reviewed enforcement and compliance actions across the National Capital Region during its 139th Enforcement Task Force meeting. The review covered inspections, violations, closure directions, resumption orders and proposed environmental compensation in sectors such as industries, construction and demolition activities, and diesel generator sets.
Key facts
The 139th meeting of CAQM’s Enforcement Task Force was held on 14 September 2026.
A total of 150 inspections were reported during 24 August–7 September 2026.
The inspections included 7 construction and demolition sites, 98 industrial-sector sites and 45 diesel-generator-related inspections.
In Nuh, Haryana, eight flying-squad teams inspected 35 premises during a special drive on 3 September 2026.
CAQM flying squads had inspected 28,547 units, projects and entities across NCR as of 14 September 2026.
A total of 1,829 closure directions had been issued, with 1,479 resumption orders issued after compliance verification.
The reviewed enforcement proposals included closure of 3 construction and demolition projects, 1 industrial unit and sealing of 25 diesel generator sets.
The Commission stressed timely compliance verification, coordinated enforcement and continued monitoring of priority sectors.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on air pollution governance, the Commission for Air Quality Management, NCR environmental enforcement, environmental compensation and institutional coordination among pollution-control authorities.
12th District Collectors’ Peyjal Samvad Reviews Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation held the 12th District Collectors’ Peyjal Samvad through video conferencing to accelerate Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 implementation and promote the exchange of district-level best practices.
Key facts
The Samvad was organised by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
It was chaired by Ashok K.K. Meena, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
Districts were advised to conduct regular District Water and Sanitation Mission meetings to review progress, service delivery, water quality and source sustainability.
Completed schemes are to be handed over to Gram Panchayats through the Jal Arpan programme after trial runs and documentation.
Six districts presented their progress and best practices: Shahdol, Samba, Hooghly, Dhamtari, Fatehgarh Sahib, and North & Middle Andaman.
States and Union Territories were advised to begin geo-tagging rural water supply sources and post-monsoon water-source testing from 2 October 2026.
Jal Arpan activities were proposed across Gram Panchayats on 2 October 2026.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, rural drinking-water governance, Gram Panchayat participation, water quality monitoring and source sustainability.
Six States Sign Agreement for Kishau Multipurpose Project
The Chief Ministers of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi signed the Kishau Multipurpose Project agreement in the presence of Union Ministers Amit Shah and C. R. Patil. The project has been declared a National Project, with the Government of India expected to bear approximately 90% of its financial burden.
Key facts
The agreement was signed by the Chief Ministers of six states: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi.
The Kishau project will be constructed on the Tons River along the Uttarakhand–Himachal Pradesh border.
The project will include a 232.6-metre-high concrete gravity dam.
The planned water storage capacity is 1,562 million cubic metres.
The project is expected to irrigate 97,000 hectares and generate 1,476 million units of clean hydropower.
The Government of India has declared the Kishau Multipurpose Project a National Project.
The Union Government will bear approximately 90% of the financial burden, while the participating states will bear the remaining 10% under the 1994 agreement.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on inter-state river-water cooperation, the Yamuna basin, multipurpose river valley projects, hydropower, irrigation and Centre–State coordination.
