National Zoological Park Organises Eco-Club Teachers’ Orientation on World Rhino Day 2026
The National Zoological Park in New Delhi observed World Rhino Day 2026 through awareness and educational programmes focused on rhino conservation, biodiversity protection and school outreach. Teachers from 12 Delhi schools participated in the Zoo’s first orientation programme for eco-club in-charges.
Key facts
The National Zoological Park, New Delhi, observed World Rhino Day 2026.
It organised its first orientation programme for eco-club in-charge teachers.
Teachers from 12 schools in Delhi participated.
The programme introduced teachers to environmental education, nature-based activities, citizen science and outreach initiatives.
A doodle activity, public awareness talk and special keepers’ talk were organised for visitors.
The Zoo currently has one adult female rhinoceros, named Anjuha, in its collection.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on wildlife conservation, biodiversity awareness, environmental education and initiatives of the National Zoological Park.
The Department of Telecommunications held its third Investors’ Roundtable in Bengaluru to attract investment and promote domestic manufacturing, research and innovation in the proposed Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
Key facts
The roundtable was organised by the Department of Telecommunications in Bengaluru.
The proposed TMZ in Gwalior is described as India’s first integrated Telecom Manufacturing Zone.
The zone will focus on telecom manufacturing, research and development, innovation, and exports.
It is planned as a plug-and-play industrial cluster covering 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 Government of Madhya Pradesh has provided approximately 170 acres of land free of cost and offered investor incentives.
The project’s SPV has 51% equity from the Government of Madhya Pradesh and 49% from the Department of Telecommunications.
The initiative is aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, Make for the World.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on telecom manufacturing, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, cooperative federalism, government-industry collaboration, project funding, and public-sector equity structure.
National Single Window System: Digital Platform for Business Approvals
The National Single Window System (NSWS) is a digital platform that helps investors identify, apply for and track business approvals from central and state authorities. Implemented by DPIIT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, it supports ease of doing business through integrated applications, document reuse and real-time communication.
Key facts
NSWS was launched on 22 September 2021.
It is implemented by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The platform integrates approvals from central ministries, state governments and regulatory authorities.
Its Know Your Approvals module identifies approvals applicable to a business based on its proposed activities.
The portal hosts applications for approvals from 32 central ministries or departments and 34 states and Union Territories.
As of 21 September 2026, NSWS had onboarded over 5.69 lakh business entities.
The system provides access to over 327 central approvals and 3452 state approvals.
The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation integrated all 74 of its licensing modules with NSWS.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on digital governance, ease of doing business, DPIIT, investment facilitation, business approvals and government technology platforms.
DPIIT Workshop on Ease of Doing Business, FTAs and Trade Reforms
DPIIT organised a stakeholder workshop in New Delhi on ease of doing business, Free Trade Agreement opportunities and trade reforms. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted integrated offices, exporter handholding and the Trade Connect platform to improve trade facilitation and export competitiveness.
Key facts
DPIIT organised the workshop at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State Jitin Prasada interacted with industry stakeholders.
Integrated Commerce and Industry offices are envisaged in major cities as common access points for multiple departments and agencies.
The government proposed a network of approximately 1,000 trained local personnel to support exporters at district and State levels.
The Trade Connect platform is being developed to provide product-wise and HSN-code-wise information on tariffs, FTA opportunities and procedures.
The platform is envisaged to use digital and AI-enabled tools to identify export opportunities and infrastructure gaps.
Industry reported that QCOs, MIP provisions and higher import duties contributed to a 15-fold expansion, around ₹500 crore in fresh investment and approximately 5,000 new jobs in the roller chain and industrial components sector.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on DPIIT, ease of doing business, export promotion, Free Trade Agreements, trade facilitation, HSN codes, Quality Control Orders, Minimum Import Price and digital governance platforms.
72nd National Film Awards Presented; Anant Nag Receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award
President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, on September 22, 2026. She conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 on actor Anant Nag for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.
Key facts
The 72nd National Film Awards were presented on September 22, 2026.
The ceremony was held at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards.
Actor Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024.
The award recognised Anant Nag's outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.
The President highlighted the role of films in reflecting India's cultural diversity and social issues.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on national awards, Indian cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, constitutional office-holders and cultural events.
Prime Minister Unveils Logo for Sri Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji’s Birth Centenary Celebrations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Sri Sri Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Swamiji of Sri Pejavara Adhokshaja Matha and unveiled the logo for the birth centenary celebrations of Padma Vibhushan Yatikula Chakravarti Sri Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji.
Key facts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Sri Sri Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Swamiji.
Sri Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Swamiji is associated with Sri Pejavara Adhokshaja Matha, Udupi, Karnataka.
The Prime Minister unveiled the logo for the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji.
Sri Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji was a Padma Vibhushan awardee.
The Prime Minister highlighted his devotion, learning and service.
The celebrations will include initiatives intended to carry forward his ideals.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on prominent religious personalities, Padma Vibhushan awardees and Karnataka-related current affairs.
72nd National Film Awards Conferred at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. The ceremony honoured excellence in Indian cinema and recognised actor Anant Nag with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024.
Key facts
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat.
Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 for his contribution to theatre and cinema.
Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor in a Leading Role award.
Yami Gautam won Best Actress in a Leading Role for Article 370.
Article 370 was named Best Feature Film, while Kalki 2898 AD won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
Submissions included 400 feature films in 34 languages and 161 non-feature films in 24 languages.
The ceremony recognised 22 Feature Film awards and 23 Non-Feature Film awards.
The government highlighted the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies and the approval of 15,000 Creative Labs.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on national awards, Indian cinema, cultural diversity, government initiatives in the creative sector, and important personalities.
NHRC Holds Statutory Full Commission Meeting in New Delhi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) held a Statutory Full Commission meeting with representatives of its seven deemed members to improve coordination for protecting the rights of vulnerable and marginalised groups.
Key facts
The meeting was held in New Delhi and chaired by NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian.
The seven participating commissions included the NCW, NCBC, CCPD, NCPCR, NCSC, NCM and NCST.
The NHRC Chairperson suggested appointing a Nodal Officer to coordinate among the National Commissions.
The meeting emphasised joint fact-finding, coordinated research, awareness campaigns, outreach and sharing of best practices.
Concerns were raised about the rehabilitation of mentally ill women engaged in begging and inadequate social security and insurance coverage for persons with disabilities.
The NCPCR reported that more than 8,000 children had been rescued and rehabilitated.
The NHRC will organise monthly training programmes for investigation officers from 30 September 2026, beginning on the last Wednesday of each month.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to collaborative human-rights protection efforts.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the NHRC, national statutory commissions, institutional coordination, human-rights protection and welfare issues involving women, children, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities.
MCL Targets Over 10 Lakh Sq. Ft. Clean-Up under Special Campaign 6.0
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) has set a target to clean more than 10 lakh square feet across its offices, colonies and other establishments during Special Campaign 6.0. The campaign will focus on cleanliness, space optimisation, reduction of pendency and scientific management of waste, especially e-waste.
Key facts
MCL is preparing for Special Campaign 6.0.
It has targeted cleaning more than 10 lakh square feet of area.
The campaign will cover MCL offices, colonies and other establishments.
MCL covered 6.12 lakh square feet during the previous campaign.
Special Campaign 6.0 is scheduled from October 2 to October 31, 2026.
The campaign will focus on identification, segregation and systematic disposal of e-waste.
Space optimisation and reduction of pendency are also key objectives.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government cleanliness campaigns, public sector coal companies, waste management, e-waste disposal and workplace governance.
India-EU Talks on Industrial Cooperation, Clean Energy and Electric Mobility
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy held discussions with a European Parliament ITRE delegation in New Delhi on strengthening cooperation between India and the European Union in industrial development, clean energy, electric mobility and industrial decarbonisation.
Key facts
The meeting was held in New Delhi between Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and a delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE).
The discussions covered industrial development, clean energy, electric mobility and industrial decarbonisation.
India highlighted the PLI schemes for automobiles and auto components, advanced chemistry cells, and the PM E-DRIVE scheme.
India invited European industries to participate in the global bidding process for 10 GWh of advanced chemistry cell manufacturing for stationary storage energy systems.
The bidding process was stated to remain open until October 13, 2026.
The Minister highlighted BHEL’s indigenous gasification technology and plans for greening the steel sector through scrap recycling, steel slag utilisation and circular economy practices.
The meeting followed the 16th India-EU Summit held in January 2026, where FTA negotiations were concluded and a Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda was adopted.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India-EU relations, European Parliament committees, industrial policy, PLI schemes, PM E-DRIVE, advanced chemistry cells, electric mobility, clean energy and industrial decarbonisation.
Civil Aviation Ministry Launches Challenge Mode for Aerodrome Development under Modified UDAN
The Ministry of Civil Aviation signed 21 MoUs with States and Union Territories for the next phase of the UDAN scheme. It also launched a Challenge Mode Portal for States and UTs to nominate airstrips and helipads for development, along with the scheme document for UDAN route bidding.
Key facts
The Ministry of Civil Aviation signed 21 MoUs with participating States and Union Territories.
The Airports Authority of India is the implementing agency under the UDAN Scheme.
The Challenge Mode Portal allows States and UTs to nominate airstrips and helipads for development.
The next phase of UDAN includes transparent and competitive bidding for identified routes and operators.
Since its launch, UDAN has operationalised 687 routes and 95 aerodromes.
UDAN flights have carried around 1.71 crore passengers, according to the source.
Modified UDAN aims to add 120 new destinations and 4 crore passengers over the next ten years.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, public-private and Centre-State cooperation, the Airports Authority of India, aviation infrastructure, and government initiatives for underserved regions.
The Ministry of Ayush will host the 11th Ayurveda Day celebrations in Nagpur on 23 September 2026 under the theme "Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow". The event will feature the launch of reports, safety dossiers, treatment guidelines and digital initiatives focused on research, evidence and innovation in Ayurveda.
Key facts
The 11th Ayurveda Day will be observed on 23 September 2026.
The Ministry of Ayush will host the national programme in Nagpur.
The theme is "Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow".
The first Report on the Ayush Services Sector will be launched.
The report has been prepared by the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS).
Safety Dossiers on Gokshura and Chandrasura will be released.
The CCRAS–AGNI Assessment Scale Web Portal will also be launched.
The celebrations will include scientific sessions on Ayurveda and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Ayush, Ayurveda Day, traditional medicine, Ayush institutions, health policy and non-communicable diseases.
Vice-President Inaugurates 9th India International Water Week 2026
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 9th India International Water Week 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti from 22 to 26 September 2026, the event focuses on climate-resilient water management and international cooperation.
Key facts
The 9th India International Water Week 2026 was inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The event is organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti from 22 to 26 September 2026.
The theme of IIWW 2026 is "Climate Resilient Water Management."
The Netherlands and Germany are participating as partner countries.
The Vice-President called for integrated and sustainable water management through innovation, efficiency and collective action.
Two publications were launched: "Sustainable Urban River Management Framework" and "AI and ML Driven Integrated Reservoir Sediment Management."
The event discussed climate-informed infrastructure, flood and drought management, digital hydrology, early warning systems and nature-based solutions.
Grassroots water conservation workers from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra were recognised for their contributions.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on the Ministry of Jal Shakti, water governance, climate-resilient infrastructure, Jal Jeevan Mission, river-water cooperation, water conservation and international environmental cooperation.
Assam’s Cultural Heritage Featured in PM Mementos e-Auction 2026
The 8th PM Mementos e-Auction features 1,498 items, including several mementos representing Assam’s handloom traditions, bamboo and cane craftsmanship, metalwork, traditional art and heritage architecture. The auction is organised by the Ministry of Culture through the National Gallery of Modern Art, and its proceeds support the Namami Gange Programme.
Key facts
The 8th edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction 2026 offers 1,498 mementos.
The Assam collection includes items linked to Bir Chilarai, Gopinath Bordoloi, Swargadeo Chaolung Sukapha and Srimanta Sankardeva.
It features representations of the 1894 Patharughat Battle, Bordua Satra and Swahid Smarak Khetra & Park.
Notable Assam items include Muga silk artwork, bamboo and cane products, Japi, Gamusa, brass Xorai and a wooden Kamakhya Temple replica.
The auction is organised by the Ministry of Culture through the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi.
Funds raised are donated to the Namami Gange Programme.
The accompanying exhibition is being held at the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi.
The auction is conducted through the official portal: https://pmmementos.gov.in/#/
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Assam’s cultural heritage, traditional crafts, the Ministry of Culture, the National Gallery of Modern Art and the use of PM Mementos e-Auction proceeds for the Namami Gange Programme.
Economic Inclusion Initiatives for Marginalised Communities
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing venture capital and rehabilitation initiatives to promote entrepreneurship, employment and economic inclusion among Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and persons engaged in begging.
Key facts
The Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC) has a corpus of Rs 750 crore.
VCF-SC provides financial assistance from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 crore at an interest rate of 4%.
As of May 2026, VCF-SC assistance of Rs 613.02 crore had been approved for 145 companies, with Rs 437.74 crore disbursed to 123 companies.
The Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) was launched on September 30, 2020 to support innovative ideas by young Scheduled Caste researchers and students.
The Venture Capital Fund for Backward Classes was launched in October 2019 with a corpus of Rs 200 crore and provides assistance at an interest rate of 6%.
VCF-BC assistance of Rs 142.88 crore had been approved for 31 companies, of which Rs 70.23 crore was disbursed to 19 companies.
Under the SMILE Scheme, Rs 46.16 crore in central assistance was released for rehabilitation of persons engaged in begging from its launch on October 23, 2023 through FY 2025-26.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, social justice schemes, venture capital support for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, ASIIM, and the rehabilitation component of the SMILE Scheme.
3rd National Conference of ANTF Heads Held in New Delhi
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the third National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force heads of States and Union Territories in New Delhi. The event focused on implementing the Vision Document 2026–2029, strengthening coordination against narcotics, and shifting from seizure-based action to dismantling drug networks.
Key facts
The two-day conference was organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
ANTF heads from 36 States and Union Territories participated in the conference.
Television commercials on awareness against narcotic substances were launched.
The foundation stones of new NCB zonal complexes in Lucknow and Dehradun were laid.
The newly designed NCB website was launched, and best-performing State and UT ANTFs were honoured.
The Vision Document 2026–2029 has four pillars: enforcement and intelligence operations; control of precursor and synthetic drugs; demand reduction and harm reduction; and capacity building and coordination.
The document includes a target of registering 1 lakh Nashamukt Mitras; 46,780 had been registered according to the source.
The stated national target is to uproot the drug trade from India by 31 December 2029.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the Narcotics Control Bureau, anti-drug institutions, intergovernmental coordination, drug-control policy, the Vision Document 2026–2029, and government targets related to narcotics prevention.
Mahila Samriddhi Yojana Supports Greenhouse Farming in West Bengal
Maa Lakshmi Mahila Samiti, an 11-member Self-Help Group in Purulia district, West Bengal, established greenhouse farming with Rs. 1 lakh financial assistance under NSFDC's Mahila Samriddhi Yojana. The loan was disbursed through WBSCDC, enabling members to build a collective livelihood and earn approximately Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 8,000 per month each.
Key facts
Maa Lakshmi Mahila Samiti is an 11-member Self-Help Group in Purulia district, West Bengal.
The group received Rs. 1 lakh under NSFDC's Mahila Samriddhi Yojana.
The loan was disbursed through the West Bengal Scheduled Castes Development Corporation on 5 February 2025.
The members used the assistance to start greenhouse farming on leased land.
Each member now earns approximately Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 8,000 per month.
The initiative improved household income and supported greater financial independence among the members.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government-supported livelihoods, Self-Help Groups, women’s empowerment, rural credit and West Bengal’s role in implementing welfare assistance.
NHAI and SSNNL Sign MoU for Faster Infrastructure Approvals in Gujarat
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL) signed an MoU to create a simplified and time-bound approval framework for national highway, canal and pipeline crossings in Gujarat.
Key facts
The MoU was signed by NHAI and SSNNL.
It applies to national highway, canal and pipeline crossings in Gujarat.
The agreement provides for mutual waiver of various fees, charges and levies.
It aims to reduce project costs and procedural bottlenecks.
The framework includes early sharing of project information and standardised engineering practices.
It defines responsibilities for construction and maintenance of crossing structures.
The MoU was signed at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on NHAI, SSNNL, infrastructure coordination, Gujarat development and inter-agency agreements.
The 9th Molecular Virology Meeting concluded at BRIC–National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, bringing together India’s virology community to discuss viral biology, translational research and national preparedness. The meeting focused on converting research into vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and public-health capabilities.
Key facts
MVM 2026 concluded on 18 September 2026 at BRIC–NII, New Delhi.
The meeting brought together around 200 clinicians, researchers and students from across India.
The Molecular Virology Meeting was initiated in 2009 and has developed into an annual forum.
It was hosted by BRIC–NII with support from ICGEB and RCB.
The scientific programme covered influenza, dengue, chikungunya, HIV, hepatitis E, West Nile virus, coronaviruses and respiratory syncytial virus.
Discussions addressed vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, viral evolution, epidemiology and health security.
A panel examined the role of virology research in BioE3 Policy and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Indian scientific institutions, virology research, biotechnology policy, public-health preparedness and collaborations among academia, research institutions and industry.
