Official releases, distilled into exam-ready intelligence.

CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), Oriental Structural Engineers Private Limited (OSEPL), and Ooms Polymer Modified Bitumen Pvt. Ltd. (Ooms India) successfully demonstrated the use of 60% Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in the Dense Bituminous Macadam layer on National Highway-716 (Chennai–Tirupati Package-I). The field-scale project showcased complete high-RAP recycling processes, including recovery, characterisation, rejuvenation, mix design, hot-mix production, laying, and compaction. A core component of the demonstration was REJUBIT, an indigenous RAP rejuvenator developed jointly by CSIR-CRRI and Ooms India to restore aged bitumen properties. The collaborative initiative aims to promote sustainable, circular, and resource-efficient highway construction by treating existing roads as resource banks and reducing dependence on virgin and imported materials.

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty of ₹10 lakh on Dial4Trade Technologies Private Limited under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, for facilitating the online listing and sale of Ammonium Nitrate without mandatory regulatory safeguards. The CCPA held that the listings lacked valid PESO licence details, buyer verification, transaction traceability, and legal cautions, thereby amounting to misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices. The Authority rejected the platform's claims of being a B2B intermediary and of qualifying for IT Act safe-harbour protection. This action is part of a broader CCPA sector-wide examination of e-commerce platforms listing hazardous and explosive substances.

The Ministry of Defence announced that the 16th edition of Aero India, described as Asia's largest air show, will be held from February 8 to 12, 2027, at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Organised by the Department of Defence Production, the five-day exhibition brings together global aerospace and defence stakeholders, policymakers, and innovators. The event aims to showcase India's capabilities in defence manufacturing, foster international cooperation, and support the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by promoting domestic industries, MSMEs, and start-ups. Online registration and exhibition space booking are scheduled to begin on September 3, 2026.

Researchers at the Raman Research Institute, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, have conducted a study revealing that applying sudden temperature shocks can temporarily liquefy jammed systems, such as microgel glasses, and erase their memory imprints. The study discovered that the structural recovery path of microgel suspensions differs during heating and cooling, exhibiting asymmetry. By increasing the temperature ramp rate suddenly, scientists were able to control and eliminate these asymmetries. Because microgel particles are used in thermo-responsive drug delivery—where they swell when cool and collapse to release medication when exposed to temperatures slightly below body temperature—understanding these thermal shocks and structural recovery patterns can improve targeted drug release and reduce side effects.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu convened a meeting with senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to review and streamline the No Objection Certificate (NOC) process. The proposed measures focus on automation, transparency, and minimal manual intervention to promote the Ease of Doing Business while maintaining aviation safety. Key directions include providing permissible building heights at the initial stage for major metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, simplifying Aeronautical Studies, rationalizing documentation, and exploring the issuance of NOCs at the Urban Local Body (ULB) level. Officials have been directed to implement these changes within 15 days.

The Digital India BHASHINI Division under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) held discussions with Kathmandu University's Center for Digital Public Infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence (DPI-AI) to explore collaboration in Language AI. The talks focused on enhancing language technologies for Nepal, addressing underrepresented languages such as Nepali, Newari, Tamang, and Gurung, and preserving traditional scripts like Prachalit Lipi and Ranjana Lipi. Key areas discussed include language data curation, translation capabilities, computational requirements, and the deployment of voice-first solutions for local language digital experiences.

Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar interacted with over 1,000 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in Goa, describing them as the foundational pillar of India's democracy and the first point of contact between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and citizens. He highlighted that electoral roll preparation and election conduct are executed according to the Constitution, laws, and ECI instructions. The CEC commended BLOs for safeguarding electoral roll integrity and noted that electoral rolls and the election process are concurrently audited by Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of recognized political parties and polling/counting agents. Short videos on BLO and BLA roles were released during the event.

A performance review meeting of Public Sector General Insurance Companies (PSGICs) was chaired by Shri Sanjay Lohiya, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance. The meeting reviewed financial and business performance for FY 2025–26, including underwriting performance across lines of business, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), digital initiatives, and operational issues. The Secretary advised PSGICs to focus on profitable lines, reduce the Incurred Claim Ratio, accelerate digitalisation, improve insurance penetration and density, reduce protection gaps, establish a robust and standardised quarterly KPI framework, and ensure expeditious and quality grievance redressal.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) serve as the first interface between the Election Commission of India and citizens, playing a foundational role in safeguarding electoral roll integrity. Addressing a two-day conference on Electoral Literacy Club and ECINET in Margao, Goa, involving over 1,000 BLOs, the CEC highlighted that electoral roll preparation and election conduct adhere strictly to the Constitution, law, and ECI instructions. The event featured short video releases regarding the roles of BLOs and Booth Level Agents (BLAs), a question-and-answer session, and attendance by senior state and election officials.

A 26-year-old individual from Karbi Anglong district in Assam received support through a District De-Addiction Centre (DDAC)—specifically the Integrated Society for Development—to address substance use and emotional distress. The Centre provided structured interventions including medication, meditation, counselling, yoga, and vocational guidance. These measures assisted the beneficiary in improving mental well-being, regaining confidence, and preparing for future employment opportunities, illustrating the role of timely de-addiction and rehabilitation services in supporting recovery and self-reliance.

The release highlights the impact of the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) Scheme through the academic journey of a research scholar, Shri Kuri Sravan Kumar, from Telangana. Facing economic barriers and family financial problems due to his father's retirement, Sravan Kumar received assistance under the NFSC Scheme starting in April 2023, which provided fellowship and contingency support. This assistance reduced his economic stress, enabled him to continue his doctoral research, facilitated international research exposure by allowing him to travel to South Korea for a conference, and supported his publication of research papers in UGC CARE-listed journals.

The Directorate General of Taxpayer Services, Mumbai Zonal Unit (DGTS, MZU) organized a Tax Literacy Outreach Programme titled “GST Awareness–Understanding Basics of GST” at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, Colaba, Mumbai. The program aimed to introduce school students from Classes IX to XII to fundamental GST concepts, foster early tax literacy, and highlight the role of taxation in nation-building, economic development, and responsible citizenship. The event featured felicitation of competition winners, distribution of certificates and GST awareness books, screening of CBIC-released awareness videos, and a technical session on the GST compliance framework and administrative structure.

Union Minister for Communications laid the foundation stone for India's 7th Postal Training Centre at Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, aimed at enhancing capacity building and training in emerging technologies for postal employees from Madhya Pradesh and neighboring states. The facility joins an existing network of six Postal Training Centres located in Saharanpur, Vadodara, Mysuru, Guwahati, Madurai, and Darbhanga. Additionally, the Union Minister inaugurated the renovated Shivpuri Head Post Office, modernised according to School of Planning and Architecture design guidelines, which features the 'Jan Sewa Connect' multi-purpose citizen facilitation centre to provide multiple postal and financial services at a single location.

The Vice President of India attended the Third Convocation Ceremony of AIIMS Raipur, noting that the institution symbolizes Chhattisgarh’s transition from Left-Wing Extremism and fear to peace, progress, and opportunity. Highlighting the role of AIIMS Raipur in addressing regional healthcare disparities since its establishment in 2012, the Vice President credited strong political will, firm security policy, and development-oriented governance for ending the Naxal menace and improving infrastructure in rural and tribal areas. He also cited the institution's medical achievements, including the State's first swap kidney transplant, high transplantation success rates, and upcoming heart-transplant programs. Additionally, he emphasized the growth of higher education and increased female enrolment as essential contributors to the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The Secretary of the Department of Food & Public Distribution chaired a conference of State Food Secretaries in New Delhi to review foodgrain procurement, public distribution, and storage. Key highlights include fixing the paddy procurement estimate at 708.64 LMT for KMS 2026–27, introducing Improved Rice specifications with reduced broken grain limits, and outlining a New Storage Policy to add 131 LMT of storage capacity. The meeting also evaluated technology adoption such as AI-based image validation under PCSAP, the Depot Darpan Portal, Vehicle Location Tracking System (VLTS) implementation by December 2026, and Digital Rupee-based DBT for Fair Price Shop dealer margins. Furthermore, progress on e-KYC coverage (reaching 90.64%), SARTHAK-PDS implementation, and the rollout of new SOPs for duplicate and silent beneficiaries under the TPDS Order were examined.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav co-chaired the 4th Indo-German Environment Forum in New Delhi alongside German Environment Minister H.E. Carsten Schneider. Held under the theme "Together For More Resilience," the forum focused on building climate-resilient and resource-efficient development pathways. India and Germany signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on the Conservation and Wise Use of Wetlands of International Importance. Discussions covered renewable energy, circular economy, decarbonising energy-intensive industries, biodiversity conservation, and green finance, highlighting bilateral cooperation as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, marking SCO's 25th anniversary. During the summit, leaders reviewed the organization's progress and discussed regional peace, security, stability, and prosperity. The Prime Minister emphasized India's vision of Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity, stating that conflicts require resolution through dialogue and diplomacy rather than the battlefield. He called for an uncompromised, zero-tolerance approach toward dismantling terror ecosystems. Furthermore, he highlighted the necessity of sovereign-respecting connectivity, youth engagement, and announced India's hosting of the first SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum. The summit concluded with the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration, four MoUs, and multiple decisions across diverse sectors.

The Prime Minister of India delivered a statement at the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Bishkek, marking the 25th anniversary of the organisation. Emphasising India's vision of 'S-Security, C-Connectivity, and O-Opportunity', the statement called for translating cooperation into tangible outcomes over the next twenty-five years. On security, it stressed the need to dismantle the ecosystem of terrorism without double standards, highlighted peace and stability in Afghanistan, and noted the broader impacts of the West Asian crisis on energy and supply chains. On connectivity, it asserted that initiatives must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity while promoting digital documentation and logistics. Finally, on opportunity, it advocated for people-driven partnerships, youth engagement, and civilisational dialogue.

India's economy started 2026-27 with a strong real GDP growth rate of 7.8% in the first quarter, driven by manufacturing and services, exceeding the Reserve Bank of India's estimate of 7.0%. Real GVA rose by 8.2%, with strong performances in both the tertiary and secondary sectors. Investments (GFCF) grew by 11.9%, household consumption (PFCE) by 7.1%, and exports by 12.0%. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlighted India as a key engine of global growth, and S&P Global Ratings affirmed India's sovereign rating with a Stable Outlook. Additionally, revised annual estimates for previous years reflect the incorporation of new price and production indices with a 2022-23 base year.

Union Minister for Science & Technology called for wider awareness and outreach regarding the Rs 1 Lakh Crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund (RDI Fund) during the 30th Foundation Day of the Technology Development Board (TDB). Highlighting that thousands of applications are being received, the Minister stressed that the RDI Fund is distinct from conventional loans and is intended to support technology development and research to contribute to national economic growth. He also emphasized TDB's role in translating laboratory research into commercial solutions, fostering start-ups beyond major urban hubs, encouraging private sector participation in high-tech sectors like space and biotechnology, and building global technology champions.