Official releases, distilled into exam-ready intelligence.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the 3rd FICCI Conference on Digitalization, AI, Automation & Technology Integration in Mining & Metals in New Delhi, emphasizing the need for India to shift from a resource advantage to a technology-driven competitive advantage. He highlighted that technology must integrate across the entire value chain—from geological exploration and mining to processing, logistics, recycling, and downstream manufacturing. The Minister noted that challenges such as declining ore grades, energy costs, and decarbonisation requirements necessitate a strategic technology-led approach. Furthermore, he highlighted the role of the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Scheme in fostering private-sector R&D, deep-tech innovation, and scaling technologies from laboratories to industrial applications in alignment with Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, through Draft Gazette Notification G.S.R. 791 (E), to strengthen regulatory oversight over Schedule H, H1, and X drugs. The proposed changes recommend mandatory CCTV surveillance at medical stores to curb unauthorized access and sale of these drugs without valid prescriptions. The proposal was deliberated by the Drugs Consultative Committee and recommended for approval by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board. The Ministry has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and the public.

A science and technology-based community initiative conducted by AIIMS Jodhpur with support from the Department of Science and Technology's SEED division has improved tuberculosis (TB) detection and control in tribal districts of Rajasthan, including Sirohi, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, and Banswara. The initiative involved household surveys, symptom screening, sputum testing, active case finding, and laboratory confirmation among more than 6,000 people. By combining epidemiological surveys, healthcare worker participation, and panchayat involvement, the project aimed to address challenges such as difficult terrain, low awareness, social stigma, and delayed diagnosis, thereby supporting the implementation of the TB Mukt Panchayat model using scientific data.

The Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, launched a digital platform and GHG calculator web application aimed at optimising solid waste management in cities. Supported by the Office of the PSA and aligned with the Waste to Wealth Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, the project was jointly undertaken by IISc Bengaluru, IIT Madras, and IIT (BHU) Varanasi. The initiative developed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework to help Urban Local Bodies plan, compare, and optimise solid waste management technologies such as biomining, anaerobic digestion, waste-to-energy, and landfilling with lower carbon footprints.

The 43rd Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Commanders’ Conference commenced in New Delhi on September 17, 2026. Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth addressed the conference, calling upon the ICG to prepare for emerging maritime challenges by integrating rapid technological advancements such as AI, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities, and space-based technologies. Emphasizing 'Aatmanirbharta' and the vision of 'Make in India, Make for World', he urged the ICG to co-create solutions with start-ups, industry, DRDO, and research institutions. The conference also features interactions with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of the Naval Staff to foster inter-service collaboration and review operational preparedness, indigenization, and maritime security capabilities.

The Third BIMSTEC Conference on Traditional Medicine Knowledge, Genetic Resources and Intellectual Property Rights, along with the Second BIMSTEC Nodal Group Meeting, concluded in Goa with participation from all seven BIMSTEC Member States. The event featured a visit to AIIA Goa and a plantation programme. The Nodal Group agreed on four key areas of cooperation: institutional and policy cooperation, standards and trade, documentation and capacity building, and implementation mechanisms. Member States unanimously agreed to support each other regarding intellectual property, genetic resources, and traditional medicine knowledge, culminating in the 'Goa Conclusions.'

The Ministry of Finance is organizing a Conference of Finance Ministers and Finance Secretaries of States and Union Territories with Legislature in New Delhi on September 18th and 19th, 2026. Titled “Financing India’s Journey towards Viksit Bharat,” the conference aims to deliberate on policy complementarities between the Centre and States, financing challenges, and policy priorities. The event features thematic sessions on macroeconomic overview, financing agricultural transformation, and financing the energy transition. Discussions will also cover background papers on topics including GST 2.0 implications for States, private financing, renewable energy, and technology in good governance.

The Ministry of Coal launched the 16th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions in New Delhi, offering 25 coal blocks across nine states. Additionally, Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPAs) were executed for six coal mines auctioned in earlier rounds. The commercial coal mining framework features no end-use restrictions, 100% FDI through the automatic route, and low upfront payments. Since commercial mining was opened in 2020, 147 coal mines have been auctioned. Government representatives highlighted coal's critical role in meeting primary energy and electricity requirements, efforts to attract capital investment, boost domestic production, reduce import dependence, and focus on coal gasification for value addition.

Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences inaugurated India's 51st Doppler Weather Radar at Sambalpur, Odisha, marking an increase from 14 radars in 2014. The expansion forms part of Mission Mausam, under which around 40 additional radars are planned, bringing the target total to about 81. The Sambalpur facility increases Odisha's radar count to three alongside Gopalpur and Paradip, while also extending meteorological inputs to parts of Southern Jharkhand, Northern Chhattisgarh, North Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal. Future infrastructure additions include radars for Balasore, Puri, and Bhubaneswar. The initiative integrates ground-based observation systems like Automatic Weather Stations and rain gauges, supporting localized forecasting for agriculture, disaster management, and energy sectors. Additionally, the India Meteorological Department extends early warning and forecasting support to 13 neighboring countries.

The Prime Minister shared an article written by Shri Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises, which highlights India's foreign policy approach regarding coalition-building in a fractured world. The article discusses how India balances ties with competing powers while advancing its strategic interests and cites the New Delhi Declaration adopted at the BRICS Summit as a key example of this coalition-building strategy.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued an advisory to States and Union Territories regarding the regulation of stem cell therapy, following a Supreme Court judgment in Yash Charitable Trust & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors. The advisory states that stem cell therapy as standard care can only be permitted for Ministry-approved disease indications. For Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), therapeutic use of stem cells is restricted to clinical trials with necessary regulatory approvals. Unproven stem cell interventions cannot be offered commercially. The National Medical Commission also issued an advisory stating that unauthorized administration or promotion constitutes professional misconduct, inviting disciplinary action and penalties under the Clinical Establishments Act.

The National Land Monetization Corporation (NLMC), under the Ministry of Finance, is organizing Investor Meets in Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, and Vijayawada ahead of the e-auction of 459 land parcels owned by Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL). The portfolio includes residential plots at HB Colony and industrial/commercial plots at Auto Nagar, Gajuwaka, totaling 93,572.21 square yards. The e-auction is scheduled to be conducted on October 12 and October 16, 2026, via the RailTel E-Nivida platform, with Quikr India Pvt. Ltd. acting as the transaction consultant. NLMC undertakes such initiatives as part of its mandate to monetize surplus land and non-core assets of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).

The Prime Minister shared an article written by Shri Rajiv Gauba, Member, NITI Aayog, which highlights a governance model centered on technology, trust, and citizen engagement for program delivery at India's scale. The article notes that digital systems, direct transfers, simpler regulations, and transparent procurement improve efficiency and access, positioning governance as an economic asset for the country's growth.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is scheduled to hand over Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Final Operational Clearance (FOC) Twin Seater Trainers and HTT 40 Basic Trainer Aircraft to the Indian Air Force, along with Dhruv Next Generation (NG) helicopters to Pawan Hans Limited in Bengaluru. This event highlights domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities, indigenous design, and self-reliance in military and civil aviation platforms under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways announced that the 'OneTag' FASTag portability service is now hosted on the National Highways Authority of India's (NHAI) Rajmargyatra mobile application. This service allows FASTag users to change their issuer bank while retaining their existing physical tag affixed to the vehicle, eliminating the need to obtain a new tag. Users can check eligibility on the app using their vehicle registration number, complete authorization via a mobile verification code, and select a new issuer. The initiative aims to improve FASTag lifecycle management, reduce operational costs, streamline issuer-switching, and strengthen the digital tolling architecture in the country.

Union Minister for Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed a national workshop on the Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Scheme in New Delhi. He emphasized zero tolerance for fraud and irregularities, directing officials to conduct random inspections of works. He highlighted the implementation of technology, such as mandatory face authentication-based attendance for workers, to curb leakages. The Minister stressed adhering to the 60:40 wage-material ratio, ensuring timely wage payments, providing guaranteed employment, and focusing on durable asset creation to build developed villages (Viksit Gaon) under the scheme.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shared an article written by Shri Sridhar Vembu, Chief Scientist of Zoho, highlighting India's expanding deep-tech capabilities. According to the article, sectors such as semiconductors, space, defence, and artificial intelligence (AI) are actively building know-how and capabilities, with India choosing to undertake the difficult learning process independently. The Prime Minister noted that this growth is driven by his vision and commitment.

The Prime Minister shared an article authored by the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, which discusses the evolution of Centre-state relations over the past decade. The article emphasizes a transition toward cooperative federalism, noting that dialogue is increasingly replacing disputes between levels of government. It suggests that this strengthened trust is facilitating new pathways for development and progress across the nation. The Prime Minister described the piece as an introspective reflection on the achievements realized through collective belief and the shifting dynamics of federal governance in India.

Prime Minister released an installment under the Annapurna Yojana in West Bengal via video conferencing. During the address, it was noted that around 1.5 crore women are receiving the fourth installment of the scheme directly into their bank accounts, amounting to ₹3,000 per month. The remarks highlighted the objective of empowering women, enhancing ease of living, and ensuring transparent direct benefit transfers without middlemen. Additionally, reference was made to various national welfare initiatives aimed at women's empowerment across different life stages, alongside the implementation of schemes like PM Awas Yojana and PM Vishwakarma Yojana in West Bengal.

The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, has launched the nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign, running from 17th September to 2nd October 2026 under the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat.” Participating entities include Public Sector Banks, Insurance Companies, Regional Rural Banks, and regulatory bodies like RBI, IRDAI, and PFRDA. Key activities involve transforming Cleanliness Target Units, organizing SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivirs for sanitation workers' welfare and financial inclusion (such as PMJDY, PMJJBY, and PMSBY), executing a mass cleanliness drive on 1st October 2026, enforcing 4-way waste segregation under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and undertaking plantation drives.