Official releases, distilled into exam-ready intelligence.

The Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, has launched 'Swachh Seva Aankalan' (SSA), an annual Gram Panchayat-level digital self-assessment framework for Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) 2.0. Launched by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti on 15th September 2026, the framework aims to assess and monitor rural sanitation service delivery, ODF sustainability, visual cleanliness, and Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM). The multi-tier evaluation involves Gram Panchayats, Gram Sabhas, Village Water & Sanitation Committees, and district/state officials. Findings are validated by Gram Sabhas to strengthen community participation, transparency, accountability, and grassroot-level corrective planning.

The Ministry of Mines is preparing to launch Special Campaign 6.0, scheduled from October 2 to October 31, 2026, building on the achievements of Special Campaign 5.0 and subsequent efforts from November 2025 to August 2026. The focus area for the upcoming campaign is the effective collection, segregation, and disposal of e-waste. Between November 2025 and August 2026, the Ministry addressed 1,772 public grievances, weeded out 3,751 physical files, freed over 1.7 lakh square feet of office space, and generated approximately Rs. 19.33 crore through scrap disposal via 116 campaigns. Special Campaign 6.0 features a preparatory phase from September 15 to September 30, 2026, followed by the implementation phase. JNARDDC, an autonomous body under the Ministry, will collaborate with MRAI to set up e-waste collection booths to facilitate recycling and recovery of critical minerals in line with the National Critical Mineral Mission.

The Indian Parliamentary Delegation participated in the second day of deliberations at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Members of the delegation—including Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Shri Harivansh, state speakers, and members of parliament—engaged in sessions concerning inclusive fair trade, intergenerational equality, gender mainstreaming, accessibility for people with disabilities, and inclusivity measures in capacity-strained parliaments. The Indian delegation highlighted India's experiences in digital payments, institutional credit for farmers, commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system, and family-friendly workplace initiatives such as creche facilities in legislative bodies.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in a coordinated intelligence-led operation with the Assam Rifles, busted a major methamphetamine smuggling syndicate in the North-East Region. Intercepting four trucks across Assam and Tripura on September 15, 2026, authorities recovered a total of 231.8 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets concealed in the roofs of the driver cabins. Three persons were arrested, and all four vehicles were seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act. The estimated market value of the contraband runs into several hundred crore rupees.

The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), organized an interactive workshop in New Delhi for Maharatna and Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) with leading international and domestic credit rating agencies. The workshop aimed to discuss rating methodologies, risk pricing, and debt-market dynamics to empower CPSEs for global and domestic debt markets. Discussions focused on making credit rating processes transparent and efficient, capital structure optimization, and benchmarking public sector creditworthiness to secure cost-effective funding.

The Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) are participating in Special Campaign 6.0, scheduled from 2nd October to 31st October 2026, focusing on cleanliness (Swachhata) and reducing pendency in government offices. Building upon the outcomes of Special Campaign 5.0—which involved disposing of public grievances, conducting waste-to-wealth and tree plantation activities, managing records through the e-File system, freeing up office space, and clearing scrap—DARE and ICAR aim to further strengthen efficient record management, paperless functioning, and office space utilization.

The Ministry of Culture is organizing Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations at the Secunderabad Parade Ground, with the Vice President attending as the Chief Guest. The ceremony commemorates the historic integration of the erstwhile Hyderabad State with India and honors the struggles and contributions of individuals who strengthened national unity and integrity. The event features a march-past by Central Armed Police Forces contingents, a cultural presentation themed “Hyderabad Vimochanam,” the felicitation of quiz competition winners, a collective singing of “Vande Mataram,” and a special exhibition showcasing historical episodes associated with the liberation and national unity.

The Department of School Education & Literacy, Union Ministry of Education, organized a National Webinar on Solid and e-Waste Management in New Delhi as a lead-up to Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 and Special Campaign 6.0. The event emphasized environmental awareness among school students in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020 and Mission LiFE. Officials highlighted the implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules 2026, the role of Eco Clubs, and past e-waste collection achievements. A quiz competition for students in grades 6 to 12 was announced on the Eco Clubs portal, and a target of 7 lakh cleanliness campaigns was set under Special Campaign 6.0.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries continues to conduct nationwide cleanliness and green initiatives under Special Campaign 6.0 and Swachhata Hi Seva 2026. Between December 2025 and August 2026, the Ministry undertook 456 campaigns, weeding out 6,115 files, freeing 6.14 lakh sq. ft. of space, and generating ₹60.34 crore through scrap disposal. During Special Campaign 5.0, the Ministry and its CPSEs secured the 6th position in revenue and 2nd position in space freed. The Ministry also observed Swachhata Pakhwada and is participating in the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign themed 'Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat' focusing on cleanliness, public spaces, youth engagement, and Safai Mitra welfare.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has reported its progress under Special Campaign 5.0, covering the period from 1st November 2025 to 31st August 2026. Under the leadership of Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, the Ministry focused on file weeding, cleanliness campaigns, space clearance, revenue generation through scrap disposal, and the resolution of public grievances. Key metrics include the review of thousands of physical and e-files, the freeing of approximately 18,308 sq. ft. of office space, and the generation of Rs. 41,20,582 in revenue. Additionally, the Passenger Assistance Control Room was operationalized for real-time monitoring and grievance redressal via AirSewa and CPGRAMS portals, achieving an approximate 99% grievance redressal rate.

The Goa International Airport at Dabolim is set to launch a 25-day 'Yatri Sewa Abhiyan' from September 17 to October 10, following an initiative by the Airports Authority of India. The campaign focuses on enhancing passenger assistance, cleanliness, accessibility, cleanliness, and grievance redressal across airports. Special attention is directed towards senior citizens, women, children, persons with disabilities, and travellers requiring additional support through services like 'Sugam Yatra'. Scheduled activities include a First Flyer Assistance programme, cultural welcomes, and digital travel ease, alongside monitoring by Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on key dates such as the launch day, World Tourism Day, Gandhi Jayanti, and the conclusion.

The Ministry of Science & Technology released a report detailing the achievements of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) regarding cleanliness and disposal of pending matters between November 2025 and August 2026, following Special Campaign 5.0. During this period, the DBT conducted cleanliness drives across 291 sites, disposed of 290 public grievances and 25 appeals, freed 29,350 square feet of office space, and generated a revenue of ₹38,77,235 through the disposal of e-waste and scrap. Activities were carried out across various autonomous institutions and field formations under the department and reviewed regularly by the Secretary of DBT.

Following the nationwide Special Campaign 5.0 on Swachhata in October 2025, the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) organized 329 Swachhata campaigns between November 2025 and August 2026, reviewing 18,255 files and weeding out 8,688. To maintain momentum for the upcoming Special Campaign 6.0 scheduled from October 2 to October 31, 2026, attached and subordinate offices were directed to dedicate two hours weekly to cleanliness activities. During Special Campaign 5.0, the three Defence Forces conducted cleanliness drives across 5,274 sites, simplified 455 rules or processes, and generated Rs. 41.6489 crores in revenue from scrap disposal. Additionally, record management efforts included reviewing 7,18,898 physical files and weeding out 9,602.

The Department of Financial Services (DFS), under the Ministry of Finance, along with its attached offices and public sector financial institutions, is preparing to roll out Special Campaign 6.0 starting October 2, 2026. The initiative aims to institutionalise Swachhata and minimize operational pendency. It builds upon Special Campaign 5.0, held in October 2025, which cleaned over 41,000 sites and generated Rs. 3.20 crore through scrap disposal. Between November 2025 and August 2026, DFS sustained its drives by cleaning 968 sites, freeing 96,328 square feet of space, earning Rs. 102,344 from scrap disposal, disposing of 14,590 public grievances, and resolving 3,987 grievance appeals, with monthly progress monitored via the SCDPM portal.

The inaugural Executive Development Program on Labour Law and Social Security Compliance, jointly developed by the Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) and the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Academy of Social Security (PDUNASS), concluded in Gandhinagar. The three-month hybrid programme trained 60 industry practitioners to bridge the gap between classroom theory and enterprise compliance. It incorporated statutory reforms including the Code on Social Security 2020, revised EPF, EPS, and EDLI frameworks, and EPFO digital portal workflows. Following the completion of the first cohort, the institutions announced that admissions for a second batch will open shortly.

The Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, under the guidance of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievance, is organizing Special Campaign 6 to institutionalize Swachhata and minimize pendency, focusing particularly on the effective collection, segregation, and disposal of e-waste. The campaign is structured into two phases: Phase-I (identification of pending matters and cleaning sites from 15.09.2026 to 30.09.2026) and Phase-II (execution of identified targets from 02.10.2026 to 31.10.2026). The National Judicial Academy (NJA) and the National Legal Services Authority of India (NALSA) are also involved, and daily progress reports will be uploaded on the DARPG web portal.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting announced that veteran actor Shri Anant Nag will be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2024. The award recognizes his contribution to Indian cinema, an illustrious cinematic journey spanning over 5 decades, and his diverse body of work across multiple languages. The presentation will take place at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on September 22, 2026, in Kevadia, Gujarat. Instituted in 1969, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest honor in cinema, comprising a Swarna Kamal medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh.

The Government of India has reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with 18 members with immediate effect for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier. The reconstitution was carried out by the Central Government utilizing powers under sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, read with Rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. The notification was issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, has started preparations for Special Campaign 6.0, scheduled to be implemented from October 2 to October 31, 2026. Following guidelines from the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the campaign focuses on institutionalizing cleanliness, space management, prompt disposal of pending matters, and the scientific management of e-waste across secretariat and field offices. Between November 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026, the Department recorded achievements including the disposal of References from Members of Parliament, Parliamentary Assurances, public grievances, and PMO references, all tracked on DARPG's SCDPM Portal.

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) has outlined its participation and performance under Special Campaign 5.0 and the subsequent year-round continuation up to August 2026, conducted under guidelines from the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). The initiatives focused on institutionalizing cleanliness, reducing pendency in government offices, weeding out physical and electronic files, resolving public grievances, MP references, and generating revenue through scrap disposal. DAHD is currently gearing up for its involvement in Special Campaign 6.