Official releases, distilled into exam-ready intelligence.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted that indigenous Steel Slag Road Technology can reduce road construction costs by about 40 percent and deliver four times the strength of conventional roads. Speaking at the conferment of a Guinness World Record for the world's longest road built with processed steel slag aggregates at Raigarh, Chhattisgarh—jointly pursued by CSIR-CRRI and Jindal Steel—the Minister called for scaling up the technology across states, government departments, and the private sector. The technology utilizes processed steel slag, an industrial by-product, to construct durable infrastructure, requiring major maintenance only after nearly 15 years. This initiative aligns with the 'Waste to Wealth' and circular economy priorities by conserving natural resources and turning industrial waste into valuable assets.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12 September 2026. The leaders reiterated the significance of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, recalling recent leadership visits. They discussed cooperation within BRICS under India's Chairship, bilateral progress across sectors, and the UAE's International Holding Company's announcement to invest USD 11.5 billion in an integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha. Furthermore, they acknowledged the role of L’Imad, the UAE's newest sovereign investment fund, and explored strategic cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy, technology, and innovation.

The XVIII BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi, India, under the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.' The participating leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the BRICS spirit of mutual respect, sovereign equality, consensus, and multilateralism across political and security, economic and financial, and cultural pillars. The New Delhi Declaration addresses reforming global governance, including the United Nations and Bretton Woods institutions, amplifying the voice of Emerging Markets and Developing Countries (EMDCs) and the Global South, strengthening multilateral trade under the WTO, combatting terrorism and illicit financial flows, enhancing cooperation in outer space, and advancing digital security and sustainable development goals.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on 12 September 2026 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The leaders welcomed progress in bilateral relations since August 2025 and emphasized that ties should be viewed from a strategic and long-term perspective. The Prime Minister highlighted the 'three mutuals'—mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest—and stressed that peace and tranquility in border areas are essential for bilateral development. Both sides committed to addressing economic concerns such as structural trade imbalances and supply chain issues, while also agreeing to expand cooperation on regional and global challenges. The Prime Minister also appreciated China's support for India's BRICS chairship.

A healthy Badri female calf was successfully born through Ovum Pick-Up and In Vitro Fertilization (OPU-IVF) technology at the Academic Dairy Farm, following the transfer of a Badri embryo into a Sahiwal recipient cow on September 11, 2026. Badri cattle are recognized as the state animal of Uttarakhand and represent an important indigenous genetic resource. This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort between ICAR–National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR-NDRI), Karnal, and G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, with financial support from the Uttarakhand Biotechnology Council, Haldi. The initiative aims to utilize advanced reproductive biotechnologies for the rapid multiplication, conservation, and genetic improvement of elite Badri germplasm, alongside ongoing exploration of animal cloning.

The PIB backgrounder highlights the transformation of the bamboo sector in India through policy reforms, technological interventions, and government schemes. Historically restricted by a British-era law classifying bamboo as a tree, a 2017 reform removed these regulatory hurdles, facilitating harvesting and transport. Government initiatives like the National Bamboo Mission and support from NECTAR have driven cultivation, processing, value addition, and employment generation. Case studies from Assam, Sikkim, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh illustrate how bamboo supports women's self-help groups, local enterprises, sustainable construction via engineered bamboo, and rural livelihoods.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Digital India BHASHINI Division addressed Lattice 2026, the annual business conclave of IIM Calcutta, focusing on AI ecosystems for population-scale impact. The discussions highlighted India's experience in building language technology as Digital Public Infrastructure, addressing digital, language, and literacy divides through voice-first and multilingual technologies. A live demonstration of BHASHINI's Shrutlekh showcased real-time translation and transcription. The address emphasized ecosystem design, community participation via BhashaDaan, partnerships, and open infrastructure. Background data provided notes that BHASHINI powers over 800 government websites, has enabled more than 9 billion cumulative AI inferences, processes over 24 million inferences daily, and supports 36 Indian text languages, 23 Indian voice languages, and 35 international languages.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, which is being held under India’s chairship. The leaders discussed strengthening their bilateral Strategic Partnership by reviewing progress in sectors such as economic cooperation, defence and security, and capacity building, referencing Prime Minister Modi's visit to Addis Ababa in December 2025. They also exchanged perspectives on regional and international developments, reaffirmed commitment to multilateral cooperation, and noted Ethiopia's role in reinforcing the collective voice of the Global South.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, H.E. Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12 September 2026. Prime Minister Modi appreciated Malaysia’s participation as a Partner Country in the BRICS Summit. Both leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation across various sectors including trade, investment, defence, semiconductors, infrastructure, and digital economy, and discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Additionally, Malaysia concurred with the establishment of a Consulate General of India in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

The three-day Table Top Exercise (TTX) under the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) concluded on September 12, 2026, at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. The exercise, which began on September 09, 2026, focused on developing a coordinated response to illicit maritime activities in the Indian Ocean Region. Delegations and maritime security experts from CSC member states and observer nations participated in simulated operational scenarios addressing non-traditional security challenges such as maritime terrorism, narcotics smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Participants also reviewed Standard Operating Procedures and information-sharing arrangements to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness, aligning with the vision of MAHASAGAR.

The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare inaugurated 10 Critical Care Blocks (CCBs) and 12 Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHLs) in Andhra Pradesh. These facilities are part of the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). The Government of India has sanctioned 631 Critical Care Blocks nationwide, and approved ₹1,271.80 crore for Andhra Pradesh under the scheme. The initiative aims to strengthen health system capacity for emergency response, critical care, and early disease detection while maintaining routine health services.

His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, met the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on September 12, 2026. Welcoming the Iranian President on his first visit to India, the President expressed appreciation for Iran's support during India's BRICS presidency. Both leaders discussed long-standing bonds of friendship, including strong cultural and people-to-people ties. The President reiterated India's commitment to enduring regional peace and emphasized that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Le Minh Hung, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi welcomed Vietnam’s participation as a Partner Country in the summit. The leaders reviewed bilateral ties, which were elevated to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during a State Visit in May 2026, and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual importance. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their partnership, noting Vietnam's role as a key pillar of India's Act East Policy and Southeast Asia engagement.

The two-day National Conference on Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW), organised by the Ministry of Labour & Employment in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, concluded in Mumbai. The event brought together central and state officials, BOCW Welfare Boards, and stakeholders to discuss worker welfare, skilling, employment, and social protection. Discussions focused on addressing labour market asymmetries, worker mobility, occupational health and safety, and the role of BOCW boards under the New Labour Codes. States and UTs showcased various initiatives, including skill development in Uttar Pradesh, Digital Labour Chowks in Rajasthan, Shram Seva Suvidha Kendras in Bihar, and the Nirman Sakhi Portal in Assam.

On 12 September 2026, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, two commemorative postage stamps were released to mark two decades of BRICS cooperation (2006–2026). The stamps celebrate the evolution of BRICS as a platform for dialogue, cooperation, mutual respect, understanding, and solidarity. Additionally, they capture the priorities of India’s BRICS Chairship 2026 under the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,' highlighting a people-centric vision and 'humanity first' approach.

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited operating in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, has showcased significant operational, financial, and technological transformation since 2014. SECL's annual coal production increased from 124.26 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 176.28 million tonnes in 2025-26, while Output per Man-Shift more than doubled. The company has advanced mechanization through surface miners and continuous miners, expanded First Mile Connectivity projects, developed railway corridors in partnership with IRCON and the Chhattisgarh government, integrated digital systems like DigiCOAL, and enhanced its CSR initiatives, environmental restoration, and renewable energy capacities.

Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, hosted Ms. Zahra Pezeshkian, daughter of the President of Iran, at the BRICS Bazaar held at the National Crafts Museum in New Delhi. The event was organized under the framework of India's BRICS 2026 Chairship. The Bazaar serves as a platform to showcase the diverse art, traditional crafts, and cultural heritage of BRICS member and partner nations. The interaction highlighted the significance of such forums in fostering cultural connections and strengthening ties among the participating countries.

The Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, held a luncheon meeting with Her Excellency Mrs. Louise Araneta-Marcos, First Lady of the Republic of the Philippines. During the meeting, the Union Minister shared the vision of women-led development and underscored India's commitment to empowering women as leaders and equal partners in shaping a prosperous future.

The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar, organized a three-day workshop on microbiome research and health from September 9 to 11, 2026. The workshop explored microbiome science in relation to Ayurveda, covering diet, digestion, metabolism, and preventive healthcare. Experts from the Ministry of Ayush and IIIT-Delhi delivered sessions. The program brought together 52 faculty members and research scholars to discuss interdisciplinary research, aiming to scientifically validate Ayurvedic concepts like Agni, Ahara, and Prakriti using contemporary microbiome frameworks.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with the President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Vladimir Putin, on the margins of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation across political, economic, defence, energy, space, skill mobility, and people-to-people domains, and welcomed the first-ever 'INNOPROM India' International Industrial Exhibition. They also exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, with the Prime Minister reiterating that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward. Additionally, President Putin invited the Prime Minister to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit, which was accepted.