Shramdaan Event Held under Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2026
The Legislative Department and the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, jointly organized a Shramdaan event at Safdarjung Tomb, New Delhi, on 1 October 2026 under the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign.
Key facts
The event was held at Safdarjung Tomb in New Delhi on 1 October 2026.
It was jointly organized by the Legislative Department and the Department of Legal Affairs.
The campaign theme was “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath.”
Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (I/c), led the Shramdaan activity.
Swachhata Kits were distributed to sanitation workers.
The event promoted cleanliness, hygiene and civic responsibility.
The occasion also highlighted the International Day of Older Persons, observed on 1 October.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government cleanliness campaigns, the Ministry of Law and Justice, civic responsibility, important days and government initiatives promoting sanitation.
IBBI Marks 10 Years as Government Highlights IBC's Role in Strengthening Credit Discipline
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) marked its tenth Annual Day in New Delhi. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs highlighted the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) for strengthening credit discipline, improving the recovery climate and supporting ease of doing business.
Key facts
IBBI's 10th Annual Day was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 1 October 2026.
IBBI was established on 1 October 2016.
Minister of State Harsh Malhotra said that the IBC has strengthened credit discipline and improved the recovery climate.
The government emphasised faster and value-maximising insolvency resolutions.
The IBC ecosystem includes over 4,400 insolvency professionals and over 6,000 registered valuers.
The event featured the release of the publication titled “Shaping the Next Decade of IBC: The Road Ahead”.
The excerpt states that the IBC has undergone seven sets of amendments during its first ten years.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016; IBBI; corporate insolvency resolution; creditor recovery; and reforms under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Mission Yuva Raksha Awareness Programme Held in Mandsaur
The District Opium Office, Mandsaur Second Division, organised an awareness programme at Sharda Public School, Pipliya Mandi, to educate students about drug abuse and promote a drug-free society.
Key facts
The programme was organised under Mission Yuva Raksha.
It was conducted by the District Opium Office, Mandsaur Second Division.
Students were informed about the role and functions of the Central Bureau of Narcotics.
A question-and-answer competition was organised to encourage interactive participation.
The programme covered the effects of drug abuse on health, family life, education and careers.
Participants took the Drug-Free India Pledge.
Approximately 150 students participated in the programme.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Central Bureau of Narcotics, narcotics-law enforcement, drug-abuse prevention and youth-oriented public awareness initiatives.
Drug Abuse Awareness Campaign Held under Operation Jagriti in Barabanki
The Brahma Kumaris organisation and the DOO office, Barabanki, conducted a drug abuse and addiction awareness campaign at Arnav Paramedical Institute under Operation Jagriti. The programme focused on preventing substance abuse and promoting the vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
Key facts
The campaign was organised in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh.
It was conducted under Operation Jagriti.
The Brahma Kumaris organisation and the DOO office, Barabanki, organised the programme.
The event was held at Arnav Paramedical Institute.
Students were informed about the harmful effects of drug abuse and addiction.
Participants were encouraged to spread awareness and prevent substance abuse.
More than 500 people attended the awareness programme.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on drug abuse prevention, public awareness initiatives, youth participation, Operation Jagriti and the Nasha Mukt Bharat objective.
Central Bureau of Narcotics Conducts Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign under Operation Jagriti
The Central Bureau of Narcotics office in Lucknow organised a drug abuse and addiction awareness campaign at A.P. Sen Memorial Girls College under Operation Jagriti. The programme focused on the harmful effects of substance abuse and the role of youth in building a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
Key facts
The campaign was organised by the Central Bureau of Narcotics office, Lucknow.
It was conducted under Operation Jagriti.
The programme took place at A.P. Sen Memorial Girls College in Lucknow.
Students were informed about the harmful effects of drug abuse and addiction.
The session discussed practical ways to prevent substance abuse.
Youth were encouraged to spread awareness and contribute to a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on drug-abuse prevention, the Central Bureau of Narcotics, Operation Jagriti and public-awareness initiatives involving youth.
Nālandā University and CSIR-TKDL Unit Sign MoU on Traditional Knowledge and IPR
Nālandā University and the CSIR-Traditional Knowledge Digital Library Unit signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote research, academic cooperation and capacity-building in Traditional Knowledge, Intellectual Property Rights, People’s Rights and Cultural Heritage, including Traditional Cultural Expressions.
Key facts
The MoU was signed by Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor of Nālandā University, and Dr. Viswajanani J. Sattigeri, Head of the CSIR-TKDL Unit.
The collaboration will cover research, training, student internships, exchange visits, networking and intellectual exchanges.
The partnership will focus particularly on documenting and preserving the Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions of Bihar.
Nālandā University is an International University of National Importance located at Rajgir in Nalanda district, Bihar, under the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library was established in 2001 through collaboration between CSIR and the Ministry of AYUSH.
TKDL contains information on over 5.2 lakh formulations and practices from Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Yoga.
TKDL information is available in five international languages and to 18 international patent offices through Non-Disclosure Agreements.
Evidence from TKDL has contributed to more than 375 patent applications being revoked, rejected, amended, withdrawn or abandoned.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on traditional knowledge protection, intellectual property rights, TKDL, CSIR, the Ministry of AYUSH, Nālandā University, cultural heritage, the National Education Policy 2020 and the National IPR Policy 2016.
CRIT and IIFT Organise Orientation Course on Trade Negotiations
The Centre for Research on International Trade and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade organised a three-day orientation course on trade negotiations in New Delhi from 28 to 30 September 2026. The programme covered the WTO framework, trade theory, dispute settlement, trade remedies, digital trade, intellectual property rights and sustainability-related trade issues.
Key facts
CRIT and IIFT jointly organised the three-day course in New Delhi.
The programme was held from 28 to 30 September 2026.
Sessions covered the WTO, trade theory, trade agreements and dispute settlement.
Specialised tracks focused on trade remedies, rules of origin, non-tariff measures, IPR, digital trade and services.
The course discussed emerging trade issues such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the European Union Deforestation Regulation.
The programme aimed to build understanding of international trade and trade negotiations.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on international trade, the WTO, trade negotiations, trade remedies, non-tariff measures, digital trade, sustainability-related trade rules and India’s trade policy.
PNGRB Launches National PNG Drive 3.0 and MyPNG Portal on Its 20th Foundation Day
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) marked its 20th Foundation Day in New Delhi by launching National PNG Drive 3.0 and the MyPNG digital consumer portal. The event also highlighted expansion of gas infrastructure, energy security measures, and technology-enabled regulation.
Key facts
PNGRB celebrated its 20th Foundation Day at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
National PNG Drive 3.0 was launched to accelerate Piped Natural Gas connections for domestic and commercial consumers.
The MyPNG Portal was launched as a unified digital platform for PNG services and consumer interaction with City Gas Distribution entities.
Allocations of ₹84,084 crore under the Samudra Manthan scheme and ₹23,731 crore for GOBARdhan were highlighted for strengthening energy security.
Approximately 35,000 km of natural gas pipelines have been authorized, and nearly the entire country has been authorized for City Gas Distribution.
LPG connection coverage increased from 14.5 crore in 2014 to over 33 crore.
During National PNG Drive 2.0 from January to June 2026, around 12.10 lakh new PNG connections and 15.31 lakh DPNG registrations were achieved.
The National Hydrocarbon Infrastructure Monitoring System brings infrastructure, administrative, transport, geographical and satellite data onto a common digital platform.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on PNGRB, natural gas distribution, City Gas Distribution, PNG expansion, energy security, petroleum-sector regulation, government schemes and digital governance.
GOBARdhan Scheme launched to promote Compressed Biogas sector
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched the GOBARdhan Central Sector Scheme to accelerate Compressed Biogas (CBG) production in India. Approved with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore, the scheme provides a ten-year framework from FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36 and includes measures for assured offtake, pricing, capital assistance, pipeline infrastructure, credit guarantees and ecosystem development.
Key facts
The GOBARdhan Scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet on 6 August 2026.
The scheme has an outlay of ₹23,731 crore and will operate from FY 2026–27 to FY 2035–36.
It aims to increase domestic CBG production nearly ten-fold to around 5 MMSCMD.
The CBG procurement obligation is 3% in FY 2026–27, 4% in FY 2027–28 and 5% from FY 2028–29 onwards for CNG transport and domestic PNG segments.
The administered CBG price under the scheme is ₹2,110 per MMBtu.
Eligible greenfield projects can receive capital assistance of up to ₹2 crore per TPD of installed CBG capacity.
A credit guarantee can cover up to 85% of the outstanding amount at default for eligible MSME-based CBG projects.
The scheme includes six interventions: offtake assurance, pricing framework, capital assistance, pipeline infrastructure, credit guarantee support and an ecosystem challenge fund.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on government schemes, renewable and alternative energy, biofuels, circular economy, waste-to-wealth initiatives, MSME credit support and India’s energy security.
MY Bharat-NSS Organises Nationwide Health Walk/Run under Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through MY Bharat-NSS, organised a nationwide Health Walk/Run to promote fitness, healthy lifestyles and an addiction-free society under the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat campaign.
Key facts
The initiative was conducted across 198 targeted institutions and their adopted villages.
It formed the Week 3 intervention under the Month 1 theme, “My Health, My Pride.”
The drive recorded participation of 1,11,112 people.
The Health Walk/Run involved 39,288 youth and covered 712.3 kilometres.
The Heritage Walk component involved 30,986 youth and covered 573 kilometres.
A total of 40,838 young people took the Nasha Mukt Yuva Sankalp.
The activity was implemented under the “Prevent” pillar of the campaign.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, MY Bharat-NSS, youth-focused government campaigns, substance-abuse prevention and campaign participation figures.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana to Provide Assistive Devices to Senior Citizens
Under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, 114 senior citizens living in senior citizens’ homes in New Delhi and the National Capital Region will receive 662 assistive devices free of cost. The initiative is being undertaken by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and implemented by ALIMCO.
Key facts
Dr. Virendra Kumar is the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, 114 senior citizens will receive 662 assistive devices.
The devices are valued at over ₹10 lakh and will be distributed free of cost.
The beneficiaries reside in senior citizens’ homes in New Delhi and the National Capital Region.
The scheme was launched on 1 April 2017 and is fully funded by the Government of India.
Since its launch, over 55 lakh assistive devices have been provided to more than 10 lakh senior citizens.
The scheme is implemented by the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana is a component of the umbrella scheme Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on government schemes, welfare of senior citizens, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, ALIMCO and inclusive development.
First Regional Workshop on Mission Karmayogi Concludes in Vijayawada
The Capacity Building Commission concluded the first regional Sādhana Śhrinkhla workshop in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, focusing on transforming training institutions into capacity-building institutions. The workshop discussed the Training Institute Transformation Framework, UNNATI digital platform and AI-enabled learning for government officials.
Key facts
The two-day workshop was held on 29–30 September 2026 in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
It was organised by the Capacity Building Commission under Mission Karmayogi.
More than 300 participants from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Odisha, Puducherry, Kerala and Tamil Nadu attended.
The workshop theme was “From Training Institutions to Capacity Building Institutions”.
UNNATI is intended to connect training institutions, support collaboration and enable data-informed institutional improvement.
Andhra Pradesh was recognised as the top-performing State in capacity building, followed by Karnataka and Odisha.
The workshop highlighted AI fluency, continuous learning and the integration of online and physical training.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Mission Karmayogi, the Capacity Building Commission, civil-service training reforms, iGOT Karmayogi, UNNATI and AI-enabled governance.
Law Ministry Organises Shramdaan at Safdarjung Tomb under Swachhata Hi Seva 2026
The Department of Legal Affairs and the Legislative Department organised a cleanliness-focused Shramdaan at Safdarjung Tomb, New Delhi, on 1 October 2026. The initiative was led by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal and promoted civic responsibility, Jan Bhagidari and sustainable cleanliness practices.
Key facts
The Shramdaan was held at Safdarjung Tomb, New Delhi, on 1 October 2026.
It was organised under Special Campaign 6 and Swachhata Hi Seva 2026.
Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice, led the initiative.
Officials of the Department of Legal Affairs and the Legislative Department participated.
Panel Counsels of the Union of India, led by Chetan Sharma, also took part.
Swachhata kits were presented to the Ministry’s Safai Karamcharis.
The event coincided with the International Day of Older Persons.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Swachhata Hi Seva, government cleanliness initiatives, Jan Bhagidari, the Ministry of Law and Justice, Safdarjung Tomb, and the International Day of Older Persons.
India Highlights Food Security and Opposition to Coercive Trade Actions at G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal participated in the opening day of the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, hosted under the United States G20 Presidency. India stressed that food should not be used as a tool of pressure and supported a fair, transparent and rules-based multilateral trading system centred on the WTO.
Key facts
The G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, under the United States G20 Presidency.
Piyush Goyal stressed the importance of food security and greater opportunities for farmers.
India stated that food must not be used as an instrument of pressure against any country.
India provides foodgrains free of cost to more than 800 million people, according to the minister.
The meeting discussed the G20 Agricultural Market Information System, established in 2011.
The ministers reached consensus on the ‘G20 Statement on the Weaponization of Food through Coercive Trade Actions’.
India reaffirmed its support for a rules-based, fair and inclusive multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the G20, India’s food-security policy, WTO provisions, global trade, public stockholding and the G20 Agricultural Market Information System.
Department of Land Resources Conducts Cleanliness Drive in New Delhi
The Department of Land Resources organised a cleanliness drive under the Swachhata Hi Seva initiative and the campaign “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” on 1 October 2026.
Key facts
The drive was organised by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR).
DoLR functions under the Ministry of Rural Development.
The event was held at a public park near Scope Complex, New Delhi.
It took place on 1 October 2026.
Senior officials and employees participated in the drive.
Participants cleaned the public space and collected and disposed of waste.
The initiative promoted collective action and shared responsibility for clean public spaces.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Department of Land Resources, the Ministry of Rural Development, Swachhata Hi Seva, and government cleanliness initiatives.
SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivir Benefits Over 3.69 Lakh Beneficiaries
A national-level SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivir was conducted in hybrid mode to provide sanitation workers with healthcare, safety equipment, welfare services and social protection benefits.
Key facts
The Shivir involved over 3,800 Urban Local Bodies, Rural Local Bodies and line departments.
A total of 3,69,469 beneficiaries attended the programme.
The initiative facilitated 3,02,958 health check-ups.
Beneficiaries downloaded 2,24,521 NAMASTE Cards.
A total of 57,967 Ayushman Cards were distributed.
The programme enabled 1,53,253 registrations under various government schemes.
A total of 1,28,928 Personal Protective Equipment kits were distributed.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on sanitation workers, occupational safety, NAMASTE, Ayushman Cards, welfare delivery and the role of Urban and Rural Local Bodies.
Agreement Signed for Amended BharatNet Programme in Maharashtra
Digital Bharat Nidhi under the Department of Telecommunications signed an agreement with the Government of Maharashtra, MDIL, BSNL and MahaIT to implement the Amended BharatNet Programme in Maharashtra under the state-led model.
Key facts
The agreement was signed at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi.
The programme will be implemented through MahaNet Digital Infrastructure Limited (MDIL).
The project covers 28,237 Gram Panchayats in Maharashtra.
It includes upgrading 15,171 Phase I Gram Panchayats to ring topology.
It also covers 12,740 Phase II and 326 newly created Gram Panchayats.
A total of 15,799 villages will receive demand-based connectivity.
The Government of India has approved financial support of ₹10,520 crore for the project.
The programme is expected to support more than nine lakh rural home fibre connections.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on BharatNet, rural broadband connectivity, Digital Bharat Nidhi, telecommunications policy, digital inclusion and Maharashtra's digital infrastructure.
NHRC Seeks Report on Alleged Bonded Labour of Uttar Pradesh Family in Telangana
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that a 12-member family from Uttar Pradesh was kept as bonded labourers for nearly a year at a construction facility in Bachupally, Telangana. It directed senior Telangana officials to submit a detailed report within four weeks on the victims’ safety, rehabilitation, legal proceedings and financial assistance.
Key facts
The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of a media report concerning alleged bonded labour.
A 12-member family from Uttar Pradesh was reportedly employed at a construction facility in Bachupally, Medchal-Malkajgiri district, Telangana.
The family was allegedly made to work seven days a week, paid meagre wages and subjected to abuse and unsafe living conditions.
The NHRC issued notices to the Telangana Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, District Magistrate and Cyberabad Commissioner of Police.
The authorities must report on the victims’ safety, shelter, food, medical care, FIR and investigation status within four weeks.
The NHRC directed a time-bound, victim-centric release and rehabilitation process.
Eligible victims are to receive Bonded Labour Release Certificates and immediate financial assistance of up to Rs. 30,000 each under the Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers, 2021.
Exam relevance: Important for questions on the NHRC, suo motu powers, bonded labour, human rights protection, victim rehabilitation and the Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers, 2021.
NHRC Seeks Report on Chemical Burn Injuries in Panipat Bleaching Units
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of reported chemical burn injuries suffered by workers in bleaching units in Panipat district, Haryana. It has issued a notice to the Panipat District Magistrate seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
Key facts
The NHRC acted suo motu on a media report concerning bleaching units in Panipat district, Haryana.
The reported units allegedly operated without a valid No Objection Certificate from the Pollution Control Board.
Workers were reportedly not provided protective equipment such as boots and gloves.
Exposure to Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Hypochlorite allegedly caused severe injuries and skin allergies.
According to the report, 10–12 workers sought treatment at the Civil Hospital daily.
Chemical-laden wastewater was reportedly discharged directly into pits.
The NHRC sought a detailed report from the Panipat District Magistrate within two weeks.
Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on the National Human Rights Commission, suo motu action, labour safety, occupational health, industrial pollution and the role of district administration.
B. L. Verma Leads Shramdaan Activity under Swachhata Hi Seva 2026
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B. L. Verma led a cleanliness and sanitation activity at the Mahila Imdad Committee premises in Paharganj, Delhi, under the “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” theme of Swachhata Hi Seva 2026.
Key facts
The activity was held at the Mahila Imdad Committee premises in Paharganj, Delhi.
B. L. Verma, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, led the Shramdaan.
The event was organised under the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign.
Its theme was “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath.”
Officials of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and ALIMCO participated.
Verma highlighted Jan Bhagidari, or public participation, in sustaining cleanliness efforts.
The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched on October 2, 2014.
Exam relevance: Useful for questions on Swachhata Hi Seva, Swachh Bharat Mission, Jan Bhagidari, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and ALIMCO.
