First State Governments Nodal Officers Meeting Held for I-STEM Portal
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser convened the first State Governments Nodal Officers Meeting to expand State-level participation in the I-STEM ecosystem and improve access to publicly funded scientific and R&D infrastructure.
Key facts
The meeting was held on 21 September 2026 and chaired by Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of PSA.
I-STEM was conceived and supported by the Office of the PSA and launched by the Prime Minister in January 2020.
The I-STEM platform has more than 31,000 scientific instruments across nearly 4,000 institutions and over 65,000 registered users.
Nodal officers from 23 States and 4 Union Territories participated in the meeting.
The platform supports institutional onboarding, equipment listing and shared access to publicly funded R&D infrastructure.
Publicly funded equipment costing above ₹20 lakh is to be listed on I-STEM.
Existing similar portals, including the CSIR ANALYTICS portal, are being integrated with I-STEM through API linkages.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India’s science and technology ecosystem, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, I-STEM, public research infrastructure and coordination between State governments and national R&D institutions.
CSIR-CRRI to Support Safer and Scientifically Designed Roads in Visakhapatnam
CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) has proposed scientific and technical support to the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) and Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) for improving road quality, durability and safety in Visakhapatnam.
Key facts
A meeting was held at the VMRDA office in Visakhapatnam to plan a scientific road-improvement programme.
CSIR-CRRI presented technologies related to flexible pavements, road performance evaluation, subgrade improvement and urban road safety.
GVMC, with VMRDA support, is upgrading gravel and WBM roads to BT/CC standards across eight constituencies.
The programme covers around 228 km of roads, 34 km of central medians and over 1,550 street lights.
Proposed areas of cooperation include road safety audits, pedestrian facilities, flood and coastal erosion solutions, speed-breaker rationalisation and road asset management.
CSIR-CRRI, GVMC and VMRDA proposed separate Memoranda of Agreement/Understanding for cooperation.
The CSIR-CRRI team conducted an initial survey of selected road stretches to assess road conditions, safety, signs, junctions and pedestrian facilities.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on CSIR institutions, urban infrastructure, road safety, municipal governance and Andhra Pradesh state current affairs.
DDWS Holds National Conference on Skilled Rural Water Workforce under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation organised its first national virtual conference with States and Union Territories to strengthen the skilled workforce needed for operation, maintenance and water-quality monitoring of rural drinking-water infrastructure under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
Key facts
The conference was organised by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The Nal Jal Mitra programme will create village-level multi-skilled technicians for rural water-supply systems.
Nal Jal Mitra has two pathways: a 510-hour Short-Term Training course and a 120-hour Recognition of Prior Learning pathway.
The qualification is aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework and covers pumps, pipelines, treatment systems and electrical installations.
Sujalam Shakti is a women-led initiative for village-level water-quality surveillance, testing and basic disinfection.
The first phase of Sujalam Shakti aims to train approximately 1.35 to 1.70 lakh women.
Assessments indicate that more than 13 lakh personnel may be required for rural water-infrastructure operation and maintenance in the coming years.
States and UTs were advised to undertake district-wise human-resource assessments and prepare targeted skilling plans.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, rural drinking-water infrastructure, skill development, women-led water governance and government initiatives for employment generation.
CBN and Brahma Kumaris Sign MoU for Drug-Awareness and Youth Empowerment
The Central Bureau of Narcotics and Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya signed an MoU at Mount Abu, Rajasthan, on 18 September 2026. The partnership aims to strengthen preventive drug awareness, youth engagement and community outreach under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the CBN’s Yuva Raksha initiative.
Key facts
The MoU was signed by the Central Bureau of Narcotics under the Ministry of Finance and Brahma Kumaris.
The signing took place at Mount Abu, Rajasthan, on 18 September 2026.
The initiative supports the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
The collaboration will focus operationally on Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.
Activities will include seminars, workshops, awareness rallies, poster competitions and digital campaigns.
The programme will target schools, colleges, universities, hostels, coaching hubs, vocational institutes and rural communities.
Brahma Kumaris will contribute centres, volunteers, instructors and spiritual counsellors.
Participants from Brahma Kumaris will not perform enforcement, investigation or policing functions.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Central Bureau of Narcotics, Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, preventive drug-control measures, public-community partnerships and the Yuva Raksha initiative.
Government Appeals for Uninterrupted Banking Services Amid Proposed Bank Strikes
The Government appealed to employees of Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks to avoid strikes and resolve the five-day workweek demand through dialogue. It stated that the Performance Linked Incentive scheme had been kept in abeyance and highlighted the possible disruption caused by the proposed strikes, particularly during the half-yearly closing of banks.
Key facts
The United Forum of Bank Unions and other unions called strikes over five-day banking and withdrawal of the Performance Linked Incentive scheme.
The Government decided to keep the Performance Linked Incentive scheme in abeyance.
A one-day bank strike was held on 11 September 2026.
A further three-day strike was scheduled from 28 to 30 September 2026.
An indefinite strike was proposed from 26 October 2026 over the five-day workweek demand.
The Government stated that 30 September coincides with the half-yearly closing of banks.
The Government began negotiations for the upcoming Bipartite Settlement ahead of the November 2027 deadline.
The second and fourth Saturdays of every month were declared public holidays for Public Sector Banks in 2015.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on banking-sector labour relations, Public Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks, wage settlements, bank holidays, financial inclusion and continuity of banking services.
DRI Seizes Over 845 kg of Narcotic Drugs and Arrests 15 Persons
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted intelligence-led operations at several locations and seized more than 845 kg of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The seizures included cannabis, charas, cocaine and amphetamine-type stimulants. Fifteen persons were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
Key facts
DRI seized over 845 kg of contraband drugs in multiple operations.
Fifteen persons were arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.
Around 752.3 kg of cannabis was seized near Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
Around 48.5 kg of ganja was seized in Mentri village, Odisha.
Around 28 kg of high-grade cannabis was seized at Mumbai and Bengaluru international airports.
Around 5.8 kg of cocaine was seized at IGI Airport, New Delhi.
Approximately 4.5 kg of amphetamine-type stimulants was seized in operations at Mumbai, Calicut and Indore.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, narcotics enforcement, the NDPS Act, 1985, drug trafficking routes and recent seizures at airports and transport hubs.
Amit Shah Meets Pejawar Mutt Saint During Chaturmasya Vrat
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah met Sri Vishwaprasanna Teerth Swami Ji, a revered saint of Pejawar Mutt, in New Delhi during the 39th holy Chaturmasya Vrat.
Key facts
Amit Shah is the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation.
He met Sri Vishwaprasanna Teerth Swami Ji in New Delhi.
Sri Vishwaprasanna Teerth Swami Ji is associated with Pejawar Mutt.
The meeting took place during the 39th holy Chaturmasya Vrat.
Chaturmasya Vrat was described as a practice associated with renunciation, meditation and restraint.
Exam relevance: Useful for current-affairs questions on Union ministers, Pejawar Mutt and Chaturmasya Vrat.
Ministry of Mines Promotes Critical Minerals Recycling and Circular Economy
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy inaugurated a national seminar on India’s critical minerals recycling ecosystem and circular economy in New Delhi. The seminar focused on recovering critical minerals from e-waste and end-of-life products, strengthening domestic recycling capabilities, and promoting resource efficiency, innovation and public participation.
Key facts
The seminar was organised by the Ministry of Mines in collaboration with the Materials Recycling Association of India.
It was held in New Delhi and focused on critical minerals recycling and the circular economy.
G. Kishan Reddy highlighted the importance of critical minerals for clean energy, defence, digital economy and advanced manufacturing.
A Concept Paper on the Critical Mineral Recycling Ecosystem was launched during the seminar.
The discussions covered lithium-ion battery metal recovery, black mass processing, e-waste collection and non-ferrous metals recycling.
E-waste, industrial waste and end-of-life materials were identified as secondary sources of critical minerals.
The Ministry emphasised responsible e-waste management, formal recycling and Jan Bhagidari.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on critical minerals, circular economy, e-waste management, resource efficiency, sustainable development and the role of the Ministry of Mines.
Indian Shooters Win Silver in 10m Air Rifle Team Event at Asian Games 2026
Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil, Himanshu Dhillon and Parth Rakesh Mane won the silver medal in the men's 10m air rifle team event at the Asian Games 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated them for their focus, consistency and teamwork.
Key facts
Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil, Himanshu Dhillon and Parth Rakesh Mane won the silver medal.
The medal was won in the men's 10m air rifle team event.
The achievement took place at the Asian Games 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the shooters.
The Prime Minister praised their focus, consistency and teamwork.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on sports achievements, shooting events, Indian medal winners and the Asian Games 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Condoles Passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and conveyed sympathy to the Royal Family and people of Dubai.
Key facts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
He described Sheikh Ahmed's efforts to serve society as worthy of remembrance for generations.
The Prime Minister conveyed condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Dubai.
The message was posted by Narendra Modi on X.
Exam relevance: Relevant as an international current-affairs item concerning India–Dubai links and a condolence message by the Indian Prime Minister.
Investors’ Meet to Promote Gwalior Telecom Manufacturing Zone
The Department of Telecommunications will organise an Investors’ Meet in Bengaluru to attract investment for the Telecom Manufacturing Zone being established in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The proposed zone aims to strengthen domestic telecom manufacturing, research and development, innovation and employment generation.
Key facts
The Investors’ Meet will be led by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
The proposed Telecom Manufacturing Zone is located in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
The zone is described as Asia’s first Telecom Manufacturing Zone.
The proposed zone will be a 170-acre plug-and-play industrial cluster.
It will cover mobile devices, optical fibre, telecom equipment and 5G/6G technologies.
The Central Government will provide 100% funding support of ₹493 crore for Phase-I.
The Madhya Pradesh Government has provided approximately 170 acres of land free of cost and offered investor incentives.
Earlier investor engagements in New Delhi and Mumbai generated investment commitments of ₹5,500 crore with potential employment for nearly 18,000 people.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on telecom manufacturing, Atmanirbhar Bharat, industrial clusters, government investment support, Madhya Pradesh, 5G/6G technology and employment generation.
India–New Zealand FTA to Enter into Force on 20 October 2026
The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, signed on 27 April 2026, is scheduled to enter into force on 20 October 2026 after completion of internal processes in both countries. It provides duty-free access for India’s exports to New Zealand, safeguards sensitive Indian agricultural products, and expands opportunities in investment, services, mobility and pharmaceuticals.
Key facts
The FTA was signed on 27 April 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
It is scheduled to enter into force on 20 October 2026.
New Zealand’s Parliament passed the related legislation on 16 September 2026.
Tariffs on 100% of India’s exports to New Zealand will become duty-free from the agreement’s entry into force.
Sensitive Indian products, including dairy, sugar and edible oils, are excluded from tariff concessions.
New Zealand has committed to facilitate USD 20 billion in investment into India.
The agreement provides a quota of 5,000 Temporary Employment Entry visas and 1,000 Working Holiday visas annually for Indians.
The FTA covers services access across approximately 118 sectors and includes pharmaceutical regulatory cooperation.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on India’s trade agreements, bilateral relations, tariff policy, export promotion, services mobility, agricultural safeguards and foreign investment commitments.
Gujarat Heritage Featured in PM Mementos e-Auction 2026
The 8th PM Mementos e-Auction showcases Gujarat’s cultural heritage, traditional arts, architectural legacy, sporting achievements and technological progress. Organised by the Ministry of Culture through the National Gallery of Modern Art, the auction offers 1,498 mementos, with proceeds supporting the Namami Gange Programme.
Key facts
The 8th edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction began on 17 September 2026.
A total of 1,498 mementos from across India are being offered.
The auction is organised by the Ministry of Culture through the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi.
Gujarat-themed items include representations of the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Mata-ni-Pachedi, Pithora painting and Modhera Sun Temple.
Other featured items include a Bhujodi shawl, Lippan art, an AIIMS Rajkot model and the Tata Electronics semiconductor plaque titled “Charkha to Chips”.
Auction proceeds will support the Namami Gange Programme.
Earlier editions of the auction have raised more than ₹50 crore for the Namami Gange Project.
The auction began in January 2019 and is conducted online through pmmementos.gov.in.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government initiatives, the Ministry of Culture, the National Gallery of Modern Art, Gujarat’s cultural heritage and the Namami Gange Programme.
Review Meeting on Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Held in West Bengal
The Department of Fisheries, Government of India, held a review meeting in Kolkata on 21 September 2026 to assess fisheries and aquaculture schemes in West Bengal. Administrative approval was handed over for developing six reservoirs at a cost of ₹832.50 lakh, including a central share of ₹499.50 lakh.
Key facts
The review meeting was co-chaired by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
The meeting was held in Kolkata on 21 September 2026.
Administrative approval was given for the development of six reservoirs in West Bengal.
The approved project cost is ₹832.50 lakh, with a central share of ₹499.50 lakh.
West Bengal recorded fish production of 25.43 lakh metric tonnes in 2025–26.
West Bengal was described as the second-largest fish-producing State and the leading fish seed producer.
The meeting discussed PMMSY, the National Fisheries Digital Platform, PM-MKSSY, cold-chain infrastructure and fisher safety.
The State’s fisheries sector supports the livelihoods of nearly 32 lakh people, according to the excerpt.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on fisheries development, aquaculture, government schemes, State-level economic activities, reservoir fisheries and West Bengal’s position in fish production. Key schemes and platforms mentioned include PMMSY, PM-MKSSY and the National Fisheries Digital Platform.
First Sowa-Rigpa Working Group Meeting Held Under PCIM&H
The first meeting of the Sowa-Rigpa Working Group was held at the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy in Ghaziabad. The group will work on developing pharmacopoeias, formularies and regulatory documents to standardise Sowa-Rigpa medicines.
Key facts
The meeting was held on September 18 at PCIM&H, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
The Working Group was constituted under the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Kousthubha Upadhyaya, Director of PCIM&H.
Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director of the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa, Leh, represented the Sowa-Rigpa system.
The group will develop Sowa-Rigpa Pharmacopoeias, Formularies and other regulatory documents.
The work will support quality assurance and standardisation of Sowa-Rigpa drugs.
The initiative will operate under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and its rules.
PCIM&H functions under the Ministry of Ayush and also serves as a Central Drug Testing-cum-Appellate Laboratory.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Ayush, Indian systems of medicine, Sowa-Rigpa, pharmacopoeias, drug regulation and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
The Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0 campaign was conducted from September 12 to 19, 2026, across 231 coastal locations in 13 States and Union Territories. Around 15 lakh people took the Ocean Conservation Pledge, highlighting public participation in marine and coastal conservation.
Key facts
The campaign was conducted from September 12 to 19, 2026.
The campaign reached 13 States and Union Territories.
Around 15 lakh people took the Ocean Conservation Pledge.
Citizens, students, coastal communities, government agencies, scientific institutions and volunteers participated.
Dr. Jitendra Singh reviewed the campaign during the Monthly Review Meeting of Scientific Ministries and Departments.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on environmental conservation, marine pollution, coastal management, public participation and government-led campaigns.
Vice-President Calls for Modernisation and Global Branding of Indian Tea
At the Centenary Conference of the UPASI Tea Research Foundation in Coonoor, the Vice-President urged stakeholders to modernise tea factories, expand research, improve quality and productivity, and build strong Indian tea brands for global markets. He also emphasised value addition, domestic consumption and the welfare of plantation workers.
Key facts
The conference was held at Coonoor in The Nilgiris.
The event marked the centenary of the UPASI Tea Research Foundation.
The Vice-President called for greater research to improve tea quality, cost-effectiveness and productivity.
Stakeholders were urged to modernise tea factories and meet global standards.
Tea producers and exporters were encouraged to move beyond bulk tea and develop Indian brands.
The Vice-President stressed value addition and better use of India's domestic tea market.
The welfare of plantation workers was described as integral to the industry's sustainability.
The book "Tea Research in South India – A Compendium" was released at the event.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India's tea industry, plantation-sector challenges, agricultural research, value addition, branding, Tea Board-related institutions and Tamil Nadu locations.
AVYAY Strengthens Support Systems for Senior Citizens
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing components of the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (AVYAY) to support senior citizens through assistive devices, a national helpline and trained geriatric caregivers.
Key facts
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) was launched in 2017 and is implemented through ALIMCO.
RVY provides free assistive devices to eligible senior citizens from BPL and low-income groups suffering from age-related disabilities and infirmities.
From FY 2017-18 to FY 2025-26, RVY organised 589 camps, benefiting 8,53,728 senior citizens and distributing 46,32,716 devices.
Elderline, the National Helpline for Senior Citizens, uses the number 14567 and was dedicated to the nation on 1 October 2021.
Elderline provides information, guidance, emotional support and field-intervention services to senior citizens.
The Training of Geriatric Caregivers programme was launched in FY 2023-24; 35,480 candidates were trained up to FY 2025-26.
From FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26, more than 29 lakh calls were received by Elderline.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on central government schemes, senior-citizen welfare, ministry initiatives, helpline numbers, implementing agencies and scheme-related statistics.
