Sunil Kumar Wins Bronze in Men’s Greco-Roman 87kg at Asian Games
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian wrestler Sunil Kumar for winning the bronze medal in the Men’s Greco-Roman 87kg event at the Asian Games.
Key facts
Sunil Kumar won a bronze medal at the Asian Games.
He competed in the Men’s Greco-Roman 87kg category.
The Prime Minister described his victory as a proud moment for Indian wrestling.
Sunil Kumar secured the podium with a convincing win.
His result matched his finish from 2022.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished him continued success.
Exam relevance: Useful for sports current affairs, Indian achievements at international events, and questions related to wrestling and the Asian Games.
KVIC Chairman Highlights Lijjat Papad’s Role in Women’s Economic Empowerment
KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Goyal interacted with women artisans of Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad in Mumbai and praised the organisation’s contribution to women’s self-reliance, Vocal for Local and Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also highlighted KVIC’s employment, wage growth and enterprise-support initiatives.
Key facts
Lijjat Papad was established on 15 March 1959 by seven women with Rs. 80.
KVIC recognised Lijjat Papad as a Village Industry in 1966.
Lijjat Papad has 83 branches across 16 states and more than 45,000 associated women.
Besides papads, the organisation produces spices, flour, detergent and liquid soaps.
Lijjat Papad products have reached more than 30 countries.
Lijjat Papad received the Best Village Industry Award in 2003, Brand Equity Award in 2005 and Women Development Award in 2017.
Nearly 5 lakh artisans are employed through KVIC initiatives, with women constituting 80% of the workforce.
Under PMEGP, around 11 lakh projects have been established, generating employment for approximately 1 crore people.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on KVIC, village industries, women empowerment, Khadi and Village Industries, Vocal for Local, Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme.
National Biodiversity Authority Reports Progress in Access and Benefit Sharing
The National Biodiversity Authority is set to observe its 23rd Foundation Day on 1 October 2026. It reported that Access and Benefit Sharing has generated more than Rs. 278 crore since 2008, with over Rs. 200 crore disbursed for biodiversity conservation and community benefits.
Key facts
The National Biodiversity Authority will mark its 23rd Foundation Day on 1 October 2026.
Since 2008, over Rs. 278 crore has been realised through Access and Benefit Sharing.
More than Rs. 200 crore has been disbursed for biodiversity conservation and community benefits.
India’s ABS framework has a three-tier structure involving the NBA, State Biodiversity Boards or Union Territory Biodiversity Councils, and Biodiversity Management Committees.
ABS funds have supported over 10,500 Biodiversity Management Committees, 28 State Biodiversity Boards and 7 Union Territory Biodiversity Councils.
Between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026, the NBA received Rs. 12.93 crore and released Rs. 132.01 crore.
The framework is governed by the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, the Biological Diversity Rules, 2024 and the ABS Regulations, 2025.
The ABS mechanism is linked with the Nagoya Protocol, the NBSAP 2024–2030 and Target 13 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on biodiversity governance, Access and Benefit Sharing, the Biological Diversity Act, the Nagoya Protocol, Biodiversity Management Committees and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
J.P. Nadda Addresses World Congress of Gastroenterology 2026 in New Delhi
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda addressed the World Congress of Gastroenterology 2026 in New Delhi. The four-day Congress, being held in India for the first time, focuses on gastrointestinal health, preventive healthcare, research, innovation and international collaboration.
Key facts
WCOG 2026 commenced in New Delhi on 30 September 2026 and will continue until 3 October 2026.
The Congress theme is “Transforming Gastrointestinal Health, Preserving Nature.”
It is jointly hosted by the Indian Society of Gastroenterology and the World Gastroenterology Organisation.
The event highlights preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative dimensions of healthcare.
Around 1.86 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are supporting comprehensive primary healthcare.
AB-PMJAY provides health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year and has expanded to more than 600 million beneficiaries.
More than 20,149 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are providing generic medicines at lower prices.
The Minister presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to distinguished veterans of gastroenterology.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on public health policy, Ayushman Bharat, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Jan Aushadhi, preventive healthcare, international medical conferences and healthcare indicators.
The Ministry of Textiles has extended the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) Scheme until 31 December 2026. The scheme remits eligible embedded taxes and levies on exports of apparel and made-ups, supporting the competitiveness of the sector.
Key facts
RoSCTL has been operational since 7 March 2019.
The scheme provides remission of eligible embedded State and Central taxes and levies not refunded through other mechanisms.
It is based on the zero-rating principle for exports.
The scheme has been extended until 31 December 2026.
During 2025–26, it benefited more than 15,400 exporters across over 444 districts.
Most beneficiaries are micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The scheme supports India’s apparel and made-ups sector in global markets.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on Ministry of Textiles initiatives, export promotion, remission of embedded taxes, MSME support and India’s apparel and made-ups sector.
UPSC Begins Centenary Celebrations with Focus on Future-Ready Civil Services
The Union Public Service Commission began its two-day centenary celebrations, titled ‘Manthan’, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The discussions focused on constitutional values, examination reforms, technology, innovation in public administration and the future role of civil services.
Key facts
UPSC’s centenary celebrations, titled ‘Manthan’, commenced at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
UPSC Chairman Dr. Ajay Kumar identified Trust, Transparency and Technology as guiding principles for the Commission’s future.
The Commission conducts approximately 250 distinct recruitment processes annually.
UPSC prepares its examination calendar 18 months in advance.
A Centre of Excellence has been proposed to promote collaboration between UPSC and State Public Service Commissions.
AI-based facial authentication was implemented at scale for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination on 24 May 2026, covering approximately 5.50 lakh candidates.
The first Public Service Commission in India was constituted on 1 October 1926, while the UPSC received constitutional status in 1950.
Recent technology initiatives include the Universal Registration Number, randomised interview boards, digital e-admit cards and a Candidate Helpdesk.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on UPSC history, constitutional bodies, public service recruitment, civil service reforms, examination technology and public administration.
Central Information Commission Observes Hindi Pakhwada 2026
The Central Information Commission observed Hindi Pakhwada 2026 from 14 to 28 September 2026 to promote the use of Hindi in official work. Various competitions and activities were organised, with participation from nearly 120 employees.
Key facts
Hindi Pakhwada 2026 was observed by the Central Information Commission from 14 to 28 September 2026.
The initiative aimed to promote Hindi in day-to-day government administration and official communications.
Activities included essay writing, Hindi noting and drafting, translation, quiz, extempore speech, poetry and debate.
Nearly 120 employees from different positions participated in the activities.
Non-Hindi-speaking employees were also invited and rewarded for their participation.
A prize distribution ceremony was held on 30 September 2026 at the CIC Seminar Hall in New Delhi.
The programme was linked to the objectives of the Official Languages Act, 1963.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Central Information Commission, the Official Languages Act, 1963, Hindi promotion in government administration and recent government initiatives.
Department of Legal Affairs Organises Quiz on Cleanliness and Sustainability
The Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, organised a quiz competition in New Delhi under Special Campaign 6 and Swachhata Hi Seva 2026. The event promoted awareness of cleanliness, sanitation, environmental sustainability, and responsible management of waste and water resources.
Key facts
The quiz was organised by the Department of Legal Affairs.
The department functions under the Ministry of Law and Justice.
The event was held at Kartavya Bhavan-2, New Delhi.
It took place on September 30, 2026.
The quiz was conducted under Special Campaign 6 and Swachhata Hi Seva 2026.
Its focus areas included cleanliness, sanitation, waste management, water-resource management, and environmental sustainability.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government departments, Ministry of Law and Justice, cleanliness campaigns, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
Operation Drishti Conducts Mega Eye Surgical Camps in Kashmir
The Armed Forces Medical Services completed two mega eye surgical camps under Operation Drishti at Tangdhar and Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative provided specialised ophthalmic treatment to people in remote and forward areas, including locations near the Line of Control.
Key facts
The 11th Mega Eye Surgical Camp under Operation Drishti concluded at 92 Base Hospital, Srinagar, on September 30, 2026.
A total of 364 eye surgeries were performed at the Tangdhar and Srinagar camps.
The surgeries included cataract, glaucoma, pterygium and retinal procedures.
Eighteen screening camps were conducted across remote and forward areas of the Kashmir Valley, screening nearly 6,000 people.
The Tangdhar camp, held on September 24–25, 2026, performed 220 surgeries in an underground operation theatre near the Line of Control.
The Srinagar phase, held on September 28–29, 2026, provided surgeries to 144 patients.
The next phase of Operation Drishti is scheduled to be conducted in Odisha.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on Armed Forces Medical Services, military-led humanitarian healthcare, ophthalmic care in remote areas, the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir current affairs.
Delhi Records Lowest September Average AQI in Five Years
Delhi recorded its lowest September monthly average AQI during 2022–2026, along with the highest number of days with AQI below 200 and the lowest number of Poor to Severe+ days during January–September 2026.
Key facts
Delhi's September 2026 average AQI was 102, compared with 105 in 2025 and 2024, 108 in 2023, and 104 in 2022.
Delhi recorded 194 days with daily average AQI below 200 from January to September 2026.
The number of days with AQI below 200 was 187 in 2025, 188 in 2024, 193 in 2023, and 146 in 2022.
Delhi recorded 79 Poor to Severe+ days from January to September 2026, the lowest during 2022–2026.
Average PM2.5 concentration in Delhi was 69 µg/m³ during January–September 2026 up to 28 September, jointly the lowest with 2025.
The Commission for Air Quality Management is coordinating with stakeholders to prevent, control, and reduce air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on air pollution, AQI, PM2.5, Delhi-NCR environmental trends, and the role of the Commission for Air Quality Management.
Ministry of Minority Affairs Observes Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 in New Delhi
The Ministry of Minority Affairs observed Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 in New Delhi with a cleanliness pledge, Shramdaan and tree plantation activities. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju highlighted cleanliness as a continuous and collective civic responsibility.
Key facts
The programme was organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs in New Delhi.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju participated in the programme.
Activities included a Swachhata Pledge, Shramdaan and a tree plantation drive.
The Minister stressed that cleanliness should be part of everyday conduct and not limited to sanitation workers.
The pledge encouraged participants to begin cleanliness efforts at homes, neighbourhoods and workplaces.
The programme promoted the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ tree plantation initiative.
The event also marked the culmination of Hindi Pakhwada observed by the Ministry.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government ministries, Swachh Bharat-related public participation, civic responsibility, environmental conservation and Hindi Pakhwada.
National SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivir Organised Under Swachhata Hi Seva 2026
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organised a national-level SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivir in New Delhi under the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign. The programme focused on the safety, dignity, healthcare and social security of sanitation workers, sewer and septic tank workers, and waste pickers.
Key facts
The event was organised under the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign, themed “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat”.
The theme of the Shivir was “Samman Safai Mitron Ka, Sankalp Swachh Bharat Ka”.
The programme was held in hybrid mode with participation from Urban Local Bodies, Rural Local Bodies and line departments.
The NAMASTE Scheme supports sewer and septic tank workers and waste pickers with safety, healthcare, welfare and social protection measures.
The scope of the NAMASTE Scheme was stated to include workers associated with Fecal Sludge Treatment Plants and Sewage Treatment Plants.
Preventive health check-ups, PPE kits, safety demonstrations and facilitation for government welfare schemes were provided to eligible workers and their families.
The schemes highlighted included Ayushman Bharat/PM-JAY, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Swachhata Udyami Yojana and PM Jan Dhan Yojana.
Ayushman Cards offering healthcare coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh were distributed among SafaiMitras.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the NAMASTE Scheme, sanitation workers’ welfare, Swachhata Hi Seva, social justice initiatives, government schemes and public health. It is also relevant for current affairs involving the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Guidelines for National Coastal Mission 2.0 launched
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the implementation guidelines for National Coastal Mission 2.0 in New Delhi. The Central Sector Scheme has an approved outlay of ₹767 crore and will be implemented until 2030-31 across nine coastal States and four Union Territories.
Key facts
National Coastal Mission 2.0 is a Central Sector Scheme.
The scheme has an approved outlay of ₹767 crore.
It will be implemented until 2030-31.
The mission will cover nine coastal States and four Union Territories.
Its objectives include strengthening coastal resilience and promoting the Blue Economy.
Key areas include ecosystem restoration, pollution management, biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism.
The guidelines promote coordinated implementation, monitoring, accountability and convergence with ongoing government schemes.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on government schemes, coastal management, environmental governance, the Blue Economy and climate resilience. The financial outlay, implementation period, coverage and major objectives are relevant factual points for competitive examinations.
Prime Minister Modi Holds Telephone Conversation with US President Donald Trump
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed progress in India-US cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Key facts
The telephone conversation took place on 30 September 2026.
The leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, energy and critical technologies.
They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement for the benefit of the people of India and the United States.
They exchanged views on regional and international developments.
They discussed efforts to promote global peace and security.
Both leaders agreed to remain in touch.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on India-US relations, strategic partnerships, bilateral cooperation and international affairs.
Scientific Steering Committee Reviews Progress on One Health Systems in India
The Sixth Meeting of the Scientific Steering Committee on One Health reviewed progress in strengthening India’s integrated approach to human, animal and environmental health. The meeting focused on institutional coordination, an interoperable One Health Dashboard and laboratory safety standards.
Key facts
The Sixth Meeting of the Scientific Steering Committee on One Health was held on 30 September 2026 in New Delhi.
The meeting was chaired by Prof. Ajay K. Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
The Minimum Standard Requirements document for BSL-3/4 laboratories was released during the meeting.
The Committee reviewed progress on developing an interoperable One Health Dashboard.
Potential complementarities between the One Health Dashboard and the next phase of the Integrated Health Information Platform were noted.
The meeting stressed institutional ownership, outcome-oriented targets and inter-sectoral coordination.
The One Health approach integrates human, animal and environmental health concerns.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on One Health, public health governance, biosafety laboratories, disease surveillance, inter-sectoral coordination and India’s national preparedness mechanisms.
Legislative Department Organises “Best out of Waste” Workshop
The Legislative Department under the Ministry of Law and Justice organised a workshop titled “Best out of Waste: Turning Waste into Wonder” or “Kabad Se Jugad”.
Key facts
The workshop was organised by the Legislative Department.
The department comes under the Ministry of Law and Justice.
The workshop was titled “Best out of Waste: Turning Waste into Wonder”.
“Kabad Se Jugad” was associated with the workshop title.
The source was published on 30 September 2026.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on ministries, government departments and waste-utilisation initiatives.
Shram Samvad District-Level Programme on Labour Codes Held in Bhiwadi
The Ministry of Labour and Employment, in collaboration with FICCI and the Bhiwadi Manufacturers Association, organised a district-level capacity-building and awareness programme on Labour Codes at Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. The programme focused on labour-law reforms, employer compliance, and social-security schemes.
Key facts
The programme was organised at BMA House, Industrial Area, Bhiwadi, Rajasthan.
It was conducted under the Shram Samvad initiative by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, FICCI and the Bhiwadi Manufacturers Association.
The Labour Codes came into force on 21 November 2025.
The Central Rules under the Labour Codes were notified on 8 May 2026.
More than 100 employers, industry representatives, HR professionals, legal experts and other stakeholders participated.
Sessions covered employer compliance under the Labour Codes, PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana and PM Shram Yogi Maandhan.
The programme aimed to strengthen awareness, stakeholder engagement and effective implementation of the new labour framework.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on labour-law reforms, employment generation, social security, EPFO-linked initiatives, organised and unorganised workers, and government awareness programmes.
Ministry of Mines to Conduct Cleanliness and E-Waste Initiatives under Swachhata Hi Seva 2026
The Ministry of Mines will organise a collective cleanliness drive under the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign in New Delhi. The initiative will also include a month-long e-waste collection drive focused on authorised recycling, resource recovery and circular economy practices.
Key facts
Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy will participate in the cleanliness drive on October 1, 2026.
The event will be held at Yashwant Place, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
The programme is based on the theme “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” and involves voluntary Shramdaan.
The Ministry of Mines has adopted a park at GPOA-3, Netaji Nagar, New Delhi, for landscaping and beautification.
An E-Waste Collection Stall will be inaugurated at GPOA-3 under Swachhata Hi Seva 2026.
The e-waste collection drive will run from October 2 to October 31, 2026.
Collected e-waste will be sent for authorised recycling and scientific processing, including recovery of critical minerals and other valuable materials.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Swachhata Hi Seva, Shramdaan, e-waste management, circular economy, critical mineral recovery and Ministry of Mines initiatives.
