President Droupadi Murmu Launches Brahma Kumaris Campaigns and Inaugurates Global Spiritual Palace in Vadodara
President Droupadi Murmu launched the Brahma Kumaris’ campaign ‘Spiritual Awakening for World Renewal’ and inaugurated the ‘Global Spiritual Palace’ Retreat Centre in Vadodara, Gujarat, on September 23, 2026. She also virtually launched the ‘Youth for Viksit Bharat: Awakening Inner Strength for Nation Building’ campaign at Nadiad.
Key facts
President Droupadi Murmu launched the ‘Spiritual Awakening for World Renewal’ campaign.
She inaugurated the ‘Global Spiritual Palace’ Retreat Centre at Vadodara, Gujarat.
The President virtually launched the ‘Youth for Viksit Bharat: Awakening Inner Strength for Nation Building’ campaign.
The youth campaign is associated with Brahma Kumaris Nadiad, Gujarat.
Nadiad was described in the address as the birthplace of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The President highlighted self-transformation as the foundation of societal transformation.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the President of India, important events in Gujarat, Brahma Kumaris initiatives, and themes related to youth development and nation-building.
IIWW 2026 Focuses on Climate-Resilient Water Management and Sustainable WASH Services
The second day of the 9th India International Water Week 2026 in New Delhi focused on climate-resilient water management, greywater management, digital innovation and sustainable WASH services. Discussions highlighted community participation, data-driven planning, water quality and cooperation between India and the Netherlands.
Key facts
The 9th India International Water Week 2026 was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The central theme of the second day was climate-resilient water management.
The discussions highlighted Jal Jeevan Mission, source sustainability, greywater management and local government ownership.
The greywater management session focused on decentralised treatment, reuse models and integration with Gram Panchayat Development Plans.
The Second International WASH Conference 2026 held six technical sessions and presented 25 technical papers.
The sessions covered digital technology, AI, governance, climate resilience, water quality, financing and community participation.
India-Netherlands cooperation was discussed in relation to water governance, research, innovation and capacity building.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Jal Shakti, India International Water Week, Jal Jeevan Mission, rural water and sanitation management, greywater treatment, climate-resilient infrastructure and India-Netherlands cooperation.
AIIA Observes 11th Ayurveda Day with Awareness Rally and Seminar
The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Ayush, organised an awareness rally, seminar, workshops, a health camp and book launches to mark the 11th Ayurveda Day in 2026.
Key facts
AIIA celebrated the 11th Ayurveda Day at its campus in 2026.
A public awareness rally was organised to promote Ayurveda and its role in healthy living.
The seminar theme was “One Health, One Future: Integrating Science through Evidence, Innovations & Holistic Care.”
Prof. (Dr.) Ravichandiran V., Vice-Chancellor of DPSRU, was the Chief Guest.
Dr. Vinay Choudhary, Medical Officer in the Department of AYUSH, delivered a lecture on autoimmune disorders in clinical Ayurvedic practice.
AIIA launched the Ayurveda-focused talk show “AyurVarta.”
The institute organised AYURPRABHA-2026, a six-day workshop on Ayurveda Dermatology and Cosmetology.
The books “Tarangini Sara Sangraha” and “Integrative Healthcare for Better Outcomes” were launched.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Ayush, the All India Institute of Ayurveda, Ayurveda Day, traditional healthcare and the One Health approach.
DRI Seizes Around 21 kg of Foreign-Origin Gold in Anti-Smuggling Operations
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized around 21 kg of foreign-origin gold in two operations and arrested five persons under the Customs Act, 1962. The seizures involved concealed gold in vehicle chassis cavities and a specially designed waist belt.
Key facts
DRI seized approximately 21 kg of foreign-origin gold in two operations.
Five persons were arrested under the Customs Act, 1962.
On 19 September 2026, 15.18 kg of gold bars valued at about Rs. 23.30 crore was recovered from two vehicles near Palwal Toll Plaza.
The gold in the vehicles was concealed in specially created cavities in their chassis.
On 16 September 2026, 5.8 kg of gold was seized from a passenger near Jewar Toll Plaza.
The passenger had concealed the gold in a specially designed cotton waist belt.
DRI stated that the vehicle-linked gold was suspected to have been smuggled from Myanmar.
In the previous three weeks, DRI reported seizures of around 123 kg of gold and 10 kg of silver in various operations.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, the Customs Act, 1962, gold smuggling routes, customs enforcement and methods of concealment.
DRI and BSF seize around 12 kg of foreign-origin gold worth Rs. 17 crore
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF), seized around 12 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at approximately Rs. 17 crore in operations linked to the India-Bangladesh border. Recoveries were made in West Bengal and from a train passenger in Patna, Bihar.
Key facts
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted the seizures in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF).
Around 12 kg of foreign-origin gold, valued at approximately Rs. 17 crore, was recovered.
In West Bengal, 3.15 kg of gold was recovered near the India-Bangladesh border in the area of BOP Gongra.
Another 1.16 kg of 24K foreign-origin gold was recovered near BOP Mahakhola in West Bengal.
Earlier, 5.9 kg of gold was recovered near the border fence in the BOP Pathergata area.
In Patna, 1.71 kg of gold was seized from a train passenger who had concealed it in cloth knee caps.
The gold was seized under provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, including Section 110.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, the Border Security Force, the Customs Act, 1962, border management, and India-Bangladesh cross-border smuggling.
CCI Approves L’Oréal India’s Acquisition of Onesto Labs
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved L’Oréal India Private Limited’s acquisition of 100% shareholding in Onesto Labs Private Limited. Both companies operate in the beauty and personal care products sector.
Key facts
The Competition Commission of India approved the proposed acquisition.
L’Oréal India Private Limited is the acquirer.
Onesto Labs Private Limited is the target company.
The acquisition involves 100% shareholding in Onesto Labs.
L’Oréal India operates in research, innovation, manufacturing, marketing, sales and export of beauty and personal care products.
Onesto Labs manufactures and sells skin care and hair care products under multiple brands.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Competition Commission of India, corporate acquisitions, competition regulation and the beauty and personal care sector.
CCI Approves FIH Mauritius Investments’ Acquisition of Additional Equity in IIFL Capital Services
The Competition Commission of India approved the acquisition of certain additional equity share capital of IIFL Capital Services Limited by FIH Mauritius Investments Ltd.
Key facts
The Competition Commission of India approved the proposed combination.
FIH Mauritius Investments Ltd. is the acquirer.
IIFL Capital Services Limited is the target company.
The acquisition involves certain issued and paid-up equity share capital on a fully diluted basis.
FIH Mauritius Investments Ltd. is incorporated in Mauritius and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fairfax India Holdings Corporation.
IIFL Capital Services is an Indian SEBI-registered financial services company.
The target offers wealth management, investment banking, broking, institutional equities and research services.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on the Competition Commission of India, corporate combinations, foreign investment entities and financial services businesses.
CARI Guwahati Concludes 10-Day Celebrations of 11th Ayurveda Day 2026
The Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Guwahati, concluded a 10-day programme marking the 11th Ayurveda Day 2026 under the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow”. The programme promoted preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyles and awareness of Ayurvedic practices through camps, lectures, exhibitions, outreach activities and a public walkathon.
Key facts
CARI Guwahati organised the 10-day celebrations for the 11th Ayurveda Day 2026.
The theme of the celebrations was “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow”.
Free health check-up camps were conducted at various locations across Assam.
Awareness sessions covered Dinacharya, Ritucharya and appropriate Ahara.
Outreach activities for CISF personnel at IOCL, Bongaigaon focused on stress management, yoga and Ayurveda.
An expert seminar on Marma Chikitsa was conducted by Dr. Tikendrajit Sarma.
The celebrations concluded with a public walkathon in Guwahati.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Ayurveda Day, traditional healthcare systems, preventive healthcare initiatives, CARI Guwahati and health-related government outreach activities.
The Central Ayurveda Research Institute in New Delhi observed the 11th Ayurveda Day through awareness and health-promotion activities, including a Run for Ayurveda, a lecture, medicinal-plant distribution and a press conference.
Key facts
The Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), New Delhi, celebrated the 11th Ayurveda Day.
The programme began with Dhanwantri Poojan performed by Dr. Hemant Panigrahi, Institute In-charge.
A Run for Ayurveda was organised for officers, employees and patients of the Institute.
An Ayurveda Day lecture covered Ayurveda, healthy lifestyles, disease prevention and contemporary healthcare.
Medicinal plants were distributed to patients to promote awareness about their importance, conservation and appropriate use.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. Shweta Mata and Dr. Ashima Jain.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Ayurveda, traditional systems of medicine, preventive healthcare and government-linked health institutions.
The Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Mandi, celebrated the 11th Ayurveda Day on September 23, 2026, after conducting a month-long public awareness campaign on the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthy Tomorrow”.
Key facts
RARI Mandi celebrated the 11th Ayurveda Day on September 23, 2026.
The awareness campaign was organised on the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthy Tomorrow”.
Lectures covered safe treatment, healthy diet, medicine use, lifestyle disorders, mental health, Ritucharya and research ethics.
A Prakriti Assessment Camp on September 11 provided guidance to 45 beneficiaries.
A Walkathon from the Institute premises to BBMB Colony was held on September 22.
Around 60 people, including school students and Institute personnel, participated in the Walkathon.
The celebration included Havan, Pujan, distribution of medicinal plants and student competitions.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Ayurveda, traditional medicine, health awareness campaigns, important days and government-supported research institutions.
India Hosts BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities Meeting in New Delhi
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities Meeting in New Delhi, marking the culmination of India’s chairship of the BRICS tax cooperation track. The meeting established new working groups, institutionalised professional capacity-building initiatives and welcomed China as the 2027 chair.
Key facts
The meeting was inaugurated by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi.
It was hosted by the Central Board of Direct Taxes under the Ministry of Finance.
Tax administrations from ten BRICS countries participated in the meeting.
Two new working groups were established on International Taxation and Transfer Pricing, and Revenue Statistics.
India will lead both newly established working groups.
The BRICS Young Tax Professionals Capacity Building Programme was institutionalised as an annual initiative.
The BRICS Tax Cross-Learning Lab and BRICS Tax Support Network were formally launched or approved.
China was welcomed as the incoming chair of the BRICS tax cooperation track for 2027.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on BRICS, international tax cooperation, the Central Board of Direct Taxes, India’s multilateral engagements and institutional outcomes of international forums.
ELDERLINE 14567: National Helpline for Senior Citizens
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment operates ELDERLINE 14567, a toll-free national helpline that provides information, guidance, emotional support and assistance to senior citizens. The service is a component of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana and is operational in 32 States and Union Territories.
Key facts
ELDERLINE 14567 is the National Helpline for Senior Citizens.
It was launched on 1 October 2021.
The helpline is a component of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana.
It is operational in 32 States and Union Territories.
More than 29 lakh calls have been received by the helpline.
The National Institute of Social Defence monitors its implementation.
More than 8.67 lakh actionable calls were addressed from FY 2021 up to 21 September 2026.
The helpline coordinates services and referrals but does not provide direct financial assistance.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government welfare initiatives, senior citizen support, the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana, the National Institute of Social Defence and social justice administration.
DRI Seizes 86 Tokay Geckos in Assam Wildlife Trafficking Case
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 86 live Tokay Geckos in Mariani, Assam, and apprehended two persons allegedly involved in an illegal wildlife trade deal.
Key facts
The operation took place on 22 September 2026 at Bandar Chalia Gaon Ground, Mariani, Assam.
DRI recovered and seized 86 live Tokay Geckos.
The geckos were seized under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Tokay Gecko is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
It is also listed under Appendix II of CITES, which regulates its international trade.
The apprehended persons and geckos were handed over to the Mariani Range Forest office, Assam.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on wildlife protection laws, CITES appendices, endangered species, and enforcement against illegal wildlife trafficking.
DRI Seizes 10,000 kg of Firecrackers at Nhava Sheva Port
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 19,800 firecrackers weighing approximately 10,000 kg and valued at about ₹3 crore from an import consignment at Nhava Sheva Port. The goods were concealed under declared items described as “Bottle & Wallpaper.”
Key facts
DRI intercepted the consignment at Nhava Sheva Port through an intelligence-led operation.
Officials recovered 19,800 firecrackers known as “288 Gatling.”
The firecrackers weighed approximately 10,000 kg and had an estimated market value of ₹3 crore.
The firecrackers were concealed beneath declared goods described as “Bottle & Wallpaper.”
The goods were seized under the Customs Act, 1962.
Firecracker imports are restricted under the Foreign Trade Policy.
Such imports require valid authorisation from DGFT and a licence from PESO under the Explosives Rules, 2008.
A key syndicate member was arrested under the Customs Act, 1962.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on DRI, customs enforcement, restricted imports, the Foreign Trade Policy, DGFT, PESO, the Customs Act, 1962, and the Explosives Rules, 2008.
NLMC Organises Investor Meet for RINL Land E-Auction
The National Land Monetization Corporation (NLMC) held an investor meet in Visakhapatnam ahead of the e-auction of 459 land parcels belonging to Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL). The auction will be conducted in two sessions through the RailTel E-Nivida e-Procurement Platform in October 2026.
Key facts
NLMC operates under the Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Finance.
The e-auction covers 459 RINL land parcels measuring 93,572.21 square yards.
The plots are located in HB Colony, Maddilapalem and Auto Nagar, Gajuwaka, Visakhapatnam.
The portfolio includes 456 residential plots at HB Colony and three plots at Auto Nagar.
Day 1 of the auction will be held on October 12, 2026, for 243 plots.
Day 2 will be held on October 16, 2026, for 216 plots.
The Earnest Money Deposit is ₹2 lakh per auction.
Quikr India Pvt. Ltd. has been appointed as the Transaction Consultant.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on land monetisation, Central Public Sector Enterprises, NLMC, RINL, the Department of Public Enterprises and government asset management.
Bihar’s Cultural Heritage Featured in 65 PM Mementos
The 8th PM Mementos e-Auction 2026 features 65 mementos representing Bihar’s folk traditions, handicrafts, spiritual heritage and historical legacy. The collection includes Madhubani paintings, Mithila Paags, Sikki craft, Manjusha art and representations of important religious and historical figures and sites.
Key facts
The Bihar collection in the PM Mementos e-Auction 2026 comprises 65 mementos.
The collection includes Madhubani and Mithila paintings depicting themes such as Ram Sita Vivah, Chhath Puja and the Ramayana.
Mithila Paags are featured with traditional motifs including fish and lotus flowers.
Sikki grass crafts include a model of the New Parliament House and a traditional basket.
A Manjusha painting from Bhagalpur depicts Bharat Mata against the map of India.
The collection includes representations of Mangal Pandey, Ashoka Stambh, Lord Buddha and Mahavir Swami.
Base prices of the mementos range from ₹1,500 to ₹1,20,000.
The 8th PM Mementos e-Auction is live online until October 2, 2026.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Bihar’s art, crafts, religious heritage, cultural traditions and the PM Mementos e-Auction.
DPIIT to Conduct Special Campaign 6.0 on Swachhata and Record Management
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) will conduct Special Campaign 6.0 from 2 to 31 October 2026. The campaign will focus on cleanliness, reducing pendency, systematic record management, e-waste disposal and efficient use of office space across DPIIT and its organisations.
Key facts
Special Campaign 6.0 will be conducted from 2 to 31 October 2026.
The preparatory phase is scheduled from 15 to 30 September 2026.
The campaign will cover all 19 attached, subordinate and autonomous organisations under DPIIT.
Key focus areas include Swachhata, pendency reduction, record weeding, e-waste disposal and space utilisation.
During Special Campaign 5.0, DPIIT reviewed 1,572 physical files and weeded out 1,119 files.
Disposal of obsolete records and scrap released 11,235 square feet of office space and generated revenue of ₹17,69,569.
The Indian Rubber Material Research Institute implemented a Waste to Wealth initiative using waste rubber in road construction.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on DPIIT, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, government cleanliness campaigns, e-waste management, record management and circular economy practices.
MoHUA Observes 11th Ayurveda Day with Theme ‘Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow’
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs observed the 11th Ayurveda Day on 23 September 2026 at Sankalp Bhawan, New Delhi. The programme focused on preventive healthcare, wellness, medicinal plants and sustainable lifestyle practices.
Key facts
The event was organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
It was held on 23 September 2026 at Sankalp Bhawan, New Delhi.
The focal theme was ‘Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow’.
The programme included a seminar, expert lectures and an interactive session.
Discussions covered preventive healthcare, community wellbeing and the One Health approach.
Workplace Yoga, posture correction, eye-breaks and movement protocols were highlighted as practical self-care measures.
The session also discussed medicinal plants, Dinacharya and Ritucharya.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Ayurveda Day, the Ministry of Ayush, preventive healthcare, traditional medicine and public-health initiatives.
Bharat Taxi, a cooperative mobility initiative based on the principle “Driver is the Owner,” was launched in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur and Prayagraj. The initiative aims to give drivers ownership, direct earnings and participation in decision-making.
Key facts
Bharat Taxi was formally launched in Lucknow and four other Uttar Pradesh cities: Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur and Prayagraj.
The initiative is based on the cooperative principle “Driver is the Owner.”
Drivers are described as stakeholders and owners, with earnings credited directly to their accounts.
The service was launched in February 2026, according to the source excerpt.
More than 10 lakh Saarthis had joined Bharat Taxi within six months of its launch, as stated in the excerpt.
Around 20,000 rides were reportedly being undertaken daily, and approximately 40 lakh passengers had joined the service.
The Mukhyamantri Krishak Samriddhi Yojana Portal, Urvarak Setu Mobile App and UPCDC Mobile App were also launched during the programme.
The Airport Authority, Lucknow Metro Rail and Lucknow Police exchanged Memoranda of Understanding with Bharat Taxi.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on cooperative-sector reforms, technology-enabled cooperatives, mobility services, Uttar Pradesh current affairs and the Ministry of Cooperation.
Taroki-Rowghat Section of Chhattisgarh Rail Project Completes CRS Inspection and Speed Trial
Indian Railways completed the final Taroki-Rowghat section of the Dallirajhara-Rowghat New Rail Line Project in Chhattisgarh. The 17.5-km single-line electrified broad-gauge section underwent inspection and speed trials by the Commission of Railway Safety, marking progress towards its commissioning.
Key facts
The project is under the Raipur Division of South East Central Railway.
The Taroki-Rowghat section is 17.5 km long.
It is a single-line, electrified broad-gauge railway section.
The section forms part of the 95-km Dallirajhara-Rowghat New Rail Line Project.
The Commission of Railway Safety conducted inspection and speed trials.
The line is expected to support iron ore transportation to Bhilai Steel Plant.
It will also facilitate the movement of agricultural products and local commercial goods.
Passenger railway services are currently available from Dallirajhara to Taroki.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on Indian Railways, railway infrastructure, Chhattisgarh, South East Central Railway, broad-gauge electrification and regional connectivity. The project also has significance for steel-sector logistics and rural economic development.
