Official releases, distilled into exam-ready intelligence.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized approximately 21 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at over Rs. 32 crore across recent operations, leading to five arrests under the Customs Act, 1962. In one operation, DRI intercepted two Thar vehicles near Palwal Toll Plaza and recovered 15.18 kg of gold concealed in sophisticated chassis cavities, with intelligence indicating it was smuggled from Myanmar. In a separate operation near Jewar Toll Plaza, officers intercepted a passenger travelling from Gorakhpur and recovered 5.8 kg of gold concealed in a waist belt, which preliminary investigations showed was brought in through the India-Nepal land border. Additionally, DRI reported multiple seizures totalling around 123 kg of gold and 10 kg of silver over three weeks.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF), seized approximately 12 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at around Rs. 17 crore in operations across West Bengal and Bihar. The operations disrupted cross-border gold smuggling networks using the India-Bangladesh border route. Recoveries included unclaimed gold near border locations in West Bengal and gold concealed by a train passenger in Patna, which led to an arrest. The actions were carried out under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), operating under the Ministry of Ayush, celebrated the 11th Ayurveda Day–2026 at its campus through public awareness rallies, seminars, and book launches. The morning featured a public awareness rally aimed at promoting Ayurveda principles and holistic healthcare. The afternoon seminar focused on the theme “One Health, One Future: Integrating Science through Evidence, Innovations & Holistic Care,” attended by academic and ministry officials. During the event, books titled “Tarangini Sara Sangraha” and “Integrative Healthcare for Better Outcomes” were launched, alongside the introduction of the talk show “AyurVarta” and workshops on Ayurveda Dermatology and Cosmetology.

The President of India graced the 75th annual convocation ceremony of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in Vadodara, Gujarat. Emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach to contemporary issues, the President noted that solutions to complex challenges like climate change, artificial intelligence, health, poverty alleviation, and democracy cannot be confined to single disciplines. Addressing graduating students, the President underscored that education becomes meaningful only when it benefits the nation and society. Furthermore, the address highlighted the national goal of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, stressing the crucial role of youth and higher educational institutions in achieving quality education, healthcare access, human-centric technology, equality of opportunity, women and youth empowerment, and a dignified life for every citizen.

The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the Ministry of Ayush, organized an inaugural programme for the 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026. Held under the aegis of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the event featured a nutrition pledge and an expert lecture focusing on dietary diversity, healthy eating practices, and adequate protein intake. The lecture, delivered by an ICMR-NICPR expert, covered safe protein allowances for healthy adults based on ICMR-NIN guidelines, the role of protein in bodily functions, traditional complementary protein food combinations, and distribution of protein across meals. MDNIY announced various educational and outreach activities planned for the month-long observance, concluding on October 8, 2026.

Shri Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport & Highways, laid the foundation stones for two Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) at Geeta Colony/Gandhi Nagar and Ramesh Park, Laxmi Nagar on the Delhi-Saharanpur-Dehradun Expressway (NH-709B) in East Delhi. A third FOB has also been approved near Bhajanpura, Garhi Mendu, bringing the total cost of the three FOBs to ₹12.8 crore. Equipped with lift facilities, the FOBs aim to enhance pedestrian safety, accessibility, and mobility in densely populated urban stretches. Additionally, the project incorporates under-elevated parking facilities, comprehensive beautification, EV charging amenities, and the installation of solar panels to promote renewable energy usage along the highway.

Officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted an import consignment at Nhava Sheva Port and seized approximately 10,000 kg of firecrackers valued at about Rs. 3 crore. The firecrackers were concealed behind a declared cargo of bottles and wallpaper. According to the source, the import of firecrackers is classified as 'Restricted' under the Foreign Trade Policy, requiring valid authorization from the DGFT and a license from PESO under the Explosives Rules, 2008. The goods were seized under the Customs Act, 1962, and a key syndicate member involved in the clandestine clearance attempt has been arrested.

The National Institute of Siddha (NIS), Chennai, an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Ayush, is organising a series of academic and awareness programmes from 18 to 25 September 2026 to mark the 11th Ayurveda Day. The week-long observance features seminars, institutional visits, practical demonstrations, and hands-on training sessions focused on topics such as skin health, drug standardization, integrative AYUSH practices, and Ayurvedic principles. The initiatives involve undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. scholars, as well as faculty members, aimed at promoting awareness, interdisciplinary learning, and academic engagement in traditional medicine and healthcare practices.

Smt. Sheela Mondal from Bankura district, West Bengal, expanded her small-scale cable operator business using a loan of Rs. 4.40 lakh obtained through the Micro Credit Loan Scheme of the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) during 2023–24. Facilitated through the district office of the West Bengal Scheduled Castes Development Corporation (WBSCDC), this financial assistance enabled her to scale up operations with the assistance of her husband. Consequently, her monthly income increased from approximately Rs. 15,000–18,000 to around Rs. 35,000, improving her family's livelihood and fostering self-reliance.

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment highlighted the impact of the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) through the beneficiary account of Sagar Kodi, a 30-year-old scholar. Facing financial and geographical barriers, and after missing the UGC-NET JRF qualifying mark, Sagar enrolled in a Ph.D. programme with limited university support. Financial assistance received under the NFSC scheme as Junior and Senior Research Fellowships from December 2019 to May 2024 enabled him to cover research expenses and support his family. He successfully completed his Ph.D. and is currently employed as a Research Associate at the Anthropological Survey of India, Mysore.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs celebrated the 11th Ayurveda Day on September 23, 2026, at Sankalp Bhawan, New Delhi, under the focal theme "Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow." Aligning with nationwide celebrations led by the Ministry of Ayush, the event focused on preventive healthcare, wellness, and sustainable lifestyle practices. Expert lectures covered scientific pathways for prevention, integration, community wellbeing, One Health, and medicinal plants. Discussions emphasized embedding self-care modules like workplace yoga, posture correction, and daily wellness protocols into daily routines to manage lifestyle-linked conditions and build immune resilience.

The President of India launched the Brahma Kumaris’ campaign ‘Spiritual Awakening for World Renewal’ and inaugurated the ‘Global Spiritual Palace’ retreat centre in Vadodara, Gujarat. She also virtually launched the campaign ‘Youth for Viksit Bharat: Awakening Inner Strength for Nation Building’ of Brahma Kumaris Nadiad, Gujarat. During her address, the President emphasized the need for human development alongside economic progress, values-based education, sensitivity towards nature, and spirituality that connects individuals. Highlighting Nadiad as the birthplace of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, she noted that empowering youth through inner strength and moral values contributes directly to nation-building and the collective vision of a developed India by 2047.

The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar, is organizing a month-long series of public awareness, healthcare, research, and scientific activities to mark the 11th Ayurveda Day. Focusing on Ayurveda, healthy lifestyles, nutrition, preventive healthcare, and scientific research, the outreach has reached over 2,500 beneficiaries directly. Activities include health check-up camps, nutrition awareness programmes, medicinal plant plantation, scientific training, and youth-focused competitions such as essay writing, reel competitions, and seminars.

The Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI) in Patna organized a Mini Expo on traditional foods and millets to mark the 11th Ayurveda Day, which was observed under the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow”. The event focused on promoting awareness of Ayurveda, nutritious traditional foods, millets (Shri Anna), and healthy lifestyle practices. Activities included an exhibition of traditional and local food preparations, health screening and medical examinations for the public, distribution of Ayurvedic medicines, and the provision of educational materials on nutrition and disease prevention. Participants were also sensitized to balanced nutrition, daily routines, Yoga, and dietary practices aligned with seasonal changes and individual constitution (Prakriti).

The National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Deemed to be University, Jaipur, celebrated the 11th Ayurveda Day with traditional worship of Lord Dhanvantari and a series of public awareness, educational, and health-related activities. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Sharma stated that Ayurveda is a holistic way of life focused on preventive healthcare, proper diet, and daily routines, and highlighted NIA's efforts to advance traditional knowledge using modern research. As part of the observance, the Institute organized free Ayurveda medical camps in Jaipur and other cities, workshops, and public awareness programs with the participation of doctors, faculty, and students.

This Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment release details the recovery journey of a 28-year-old individual from Bihar named Rajveer, who received treatment for substance use at ROSHANI IRCA. After experiencing behavioral and emotional impacts from substance use, he underwent medical detoxification, regular medication, individual counselling, group therapy, re-educative sessions, and yoga activities starting March 8, 2026. Along with professional interventions and family counseling, the support enabled him to regain stability, return to live with his family, and start a small business.

The National Institute of Watersports–Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management (NIWS–IITTM), Goa, under the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the India Tourism Office, Goa, organized a special awareness and knowledge-sharing programme to mark the 11th Ayurveda Day. Held under the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow,” the event focused on the role of Ayurveda in healthy living, preventive healthcare, holistic wellness, and wellness and medical tourism. Speakers highlighted the relevance of traditional Indian healthcare practices in modern-day life and their potential to strengthen India's position as a destination for wellness tourism by meeting growing domestic and international tourist demand.

The Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS), Mumbai Zonal Unit, along with the CGST & Central Excise, Thane Commissionerate, organized an outreach program titled “Empowering Taxpayers, Facilitating Compliance” on September 23, 2026. The event convened tax officers, professionals, and industry representatives to enhance awareness regarding Goods and Services Tax (GST) procedures. Technical sessions covered GST registration frameworks, refund provisions under Section 54, and e-filing procedures for appeals before the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT). Officials underscored the importance of taxpayer outreach in grievance redressal and fostering voluntary compliance.

Indian Railways has achieved a milestone in the Dallirajhara-Rowghat New Rail Line Project in Chhattisgarh with the completion of the 17.5 km Taroki-Rowghat single-line electrified broad-gauge section under the South East Central Railway. The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) inspection and speed trial were recently conducted to examine bridges, culverts, electrification, signalling, and safety arrangements. Part of a larger 95 km project, this new section aims to connect remote south Chhattisgarh to the wider railway network, facilitate iron ore transportation to the Bhilai Steel Plant, support local trade, and improve regional access to education, healthcare, employment, and Raipur.

The Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Guwahati, concluded its 10-day celebrations for the 11th Ayurveda Day 2026, held under the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.” The events featured free health check-up camps across Assam, awareness lectures on daily regimens (Dinacharya), seasonal regimens (Ritucharya), and diet (Ahara), along with exhibitions on medicinal plants. Outreach programmes for CISF personnel at IOCL Bongaigaon focused on stress management and yoga. Additionally, an expert seminar on Marma Chikitsa was conducted. The celebrations concluded with a public walkathon involving healthcare professionals, youth, and local community members.