Official releases, distilled into exam-ready intelligence.

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited under the Ministry of Coal, culminated the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign on Gandhi Jayanti across its operational areas in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Conducted from September 17 to October 2, 2026, the campaign covered over 55 Cleanliness Target Units and 10 lakh square feet, involving awareness and community programs. Following this, SECL commenced the implementation phase of Special Campaign 6 from October 2 to October 31, 2026, focusing on scrap disposal, record management, space optimization, and e-waste management across its headquarters and operational units.

The Ministry of Culture has extended the 8th edition of the PM Mementos e-auction until October 31, 2026. This edition features 30 items presented to the Prime Minister, representing Delhi's art, culture, religious traditions, infrastructure, and public life, including items such as artworks, religious objects, institutional memorabilia, and sports items. The collection includes pieces depicting Lord Ram, Buddhist symbols, Delhi institutions, and items associated with public achievements. Proceeds from the public auction are directed to the Namami Gange Project.

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is conducting the Forward-Looking Survey on Private Corporate Sector CAPEX Investment Intentions (CAPEX 2026) from October to December 2026. The survey aims to capture capital expenditure undertaken, provisional capital expenditure, and investment intentions across large private corporate enterprises registered under the Companies Act. Conducted under the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, data collection is carried out via a secure web portal with digital tools. Previous survey findings indicate manufacturing leads aggregate expenditures, followed by information and communication, and transportation and storage.

Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, participated in 'Swachhata Hi Seva' campaign activities at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in New Delhi. During the event, the Minister administered the Swachhata pledge, led a Shramdaan activity involving the clearing of waste and construction material, and planted a sapling under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative. He addressed students, officers, and staff, emphasizing collective responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in public spaces, institutions, and offices. The Minister also inspected academic and infrastructure facilities at the campus.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has rolled out Tamil Nadu’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system at the Paranur Toll Plaza on the Tambaram–Tindivanam Section of NH-179B. This barrierless system utilizes advanced technologies such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and FASTag to allow vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping. The initiative aims to reduce congestion, fuel consumption, vehicular emissions, and human intervention in toll collection while improving transparency and travel efficiency. NHAI is implementing MLFF in a phased manner across various national highways in India.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs-led Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao 2025 (SABB) campaign organized coordinated cleanliness, waste removal, and public health efforts across urban local bodies from 1 July to 31 July 2025. Focused on the '6 Swachhata Mantras', the campaign addressed monsoon-related waterlogging, sanitation, and vector-borne disease risks through diverse regional initiatives. Activities included drain cleaning and health camps in Telangana, manhole ambulances and school hygiene drives in Delhi, backlane beautification using the 3Rs in Madhya Pradesh, and waste management and rainwater harvesting drives across Northeastern states. Additionally, initiatives under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0 and the Safai Mitra Suraksha Challenge highlighted mechanised sewer cleaning, safety equipment provision, institutional credit support via schemes like Swachhta Udyami Yojana, and training to ensure worker safety, dignity, and sani-entrepreneurship.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), conducted its 57th food safety training session for street food vendors in Andheri, Mumbai, on September 30, 2026. Attended by around 50 vendors, the session focused on personal hygiene, safe food handling, contamination prevention, cleanliness, and hygienic storage. This initiative stems from a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FSSAI and BMC to train over 10,000 street food vendors in Mumbai, supporting the objectives of the Eat Right India movement and enhancing compliance with food safety regulations.

The Prime Minister shared an article written by Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat concerning India’s growth as a global tourism destination. The article discusses India's rise on the global tourism map, attributing it to enhanced connectivity, improved tourist facilities, and easier digital access. It notes that this growth creates new opportunities for local businesses, guides, artisans, and communities. Furthermore, it emphasizes sustainability as a core focus for the next phase of tourism, connecting India's rich heritage with economic opportunities and better travel experiences.

Indian Naval Ship Tarkash, a frontline stealth frigate, arrived at Mombasa, Kenya on September 29, 2026, for a goodwill port call. The visit highlights the longstanding bilateral relationship between India and Kenya, focusing on maritime engagement across the Indian Ocean. During the port call, personnel from both navies will engage in professional interactions, cross-learning, cultural exchanges, sports, and community outreach activities to foster interoperability, trust, and camaraderie. The visit aligns with India's commitment to maritime partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region under the spirit of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is participating in Special Campaign 6.0, organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), scheduled from 2nd to 31st October 2026. Ahead of the implementation phase, the Ministry conducted a preparatory phase between 15th and 30th September 2026 to identify pending matters, streamline record management, assess redundant materials, and plan e-waste disposal according to rules. During the upcoming campaign, the Ministry intends to address pending public grievances, appeals, parliamentary assurances, and references from Members of Parliament and State Governments, aiming to institutionalise cleanliness and improve workplace efficiency.

The Ministry of Textiles is conducting Special Campaign 6 from 2nd October to 31st October 2026 across its organisations, subordinate offices, and Public Sector Undertakings. The campaign focuses on cleanliness, disposal of pending matters, record management, and a special emphasis on the collection, segregation, and disposal of e-waste. Targets set during the preparatory phase include disposing of public grievances, MP references, and parliamentary assurances, reviewing physical and e-files, and systematically disposing of identified e-waste items such as personal computers and CPUs through authorised channels.

The Union Ministry of Education has extended the deadline for submitting applications under the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) for the 2026-27 academic year to October 31, 2026. The NMMSS provides one lakh fresh scholarships of ₹12,000 per annum to eligible students from economically weaker sections to help them continue their studies from Class IX to Class XII. Applications are processed via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), requiring a One-Time Registration. The scheme includes verification stages by Institute and District Nodal Officers, and funds are disbursed directly to students' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Eligibility requires students to study in state government, government-aided, or local body schools, having scored at least 55% marks in Class VII (with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST students) and having an annual parental income not exceeding ₹3.50 lakh.

Union Minister for Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy inaugurated an E-Waste Collection Stall at GPOA-3, Netaji Nagar, New Delhi, as part of Special Campaign 6. The initiative aims to promote responsible collection, disposal, and authorized recycling of electronic waste, while highlighting its potential for critical mineral recovery. The associated E-Waste Collection Drive is scheduled from October 2 to October 31, 2026, across more than 44 office locations nationwide. Additionally, the Ministry undertook plantation and beautification activities at an adopted public park, emphasizing cleanliness, resource efficiency, and circular economy principles.

The Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS) and the CGST Goa Commissionerate highlighted digital-first and taxpayer-centric administrative reforms through the "Bharat Sarkar Aapke Dwaar" initiative. During a joint press conference in Panaji marking the culmination of a four-day outreach program, officials stated that indirect tax administration covering GST, Customs, and Central Excise has become completely digital, with over 99 percent of taxpayers operating via online registrations, returns, and refund claims without physical contact. The briefing covered multi-layered grievance redressal frameworks, Customs trade facilitation innovations like the 'Atithi' app and Authorized Economic Operator system, consumer literacy drives, and local performance metrics such as tax collections and rapid online refund processing.

The Ministry of Jal Shakti organized a large-scale Shramdaan activity at Kalindi Kunj Ghat, Okhla Barrage in New Delhi as part of the nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026-Nirantar Prayas campaign. Led by Union Minister for Jal Shakti Shri C R Patil and Minister of State Shri V. Somanna, alongside senior officials and more than 1,100 volunteers from 16 organizations under the ministry, the drive focused on removing plastic waste, debris, and riverbank litter. The event highlighted public participation, community commitment to cleanliness, and river conservation.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Mines virtually launched the auction of two offshore mineral blocks—Sewell Rise-01 and West Sewell Ridge-01—located in the Andaman Sea. Covering over 1,632 square kilometres, these blocks contain polymetallic nodules and crusts hosting critical minerals such as cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper, and rare earth elements. The auction, conducted for the grant of a Composite Licence, is regulated under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, and the Offshore Areas Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2024. The initiative aims to unlock India's offshore mineral potential, enhance domestic mineral availability, and support advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and electric mobility.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the PRAGATI Q-FOUNDRY 2026 – NQM Co-development and Venture Partnership Meet in New Delhi, highlighting the progress of India's National Quantum Mission (NQM). He noted that India achieved a 1,000-km quantum secure communication in about three years, half of its eight-year target. The NQM has established four thematic hubs across premier institutions, involving 152 researchers and supporting 26 quantum startups after expanding from 17. The event featured the unveiling of new quantum technologies, startups, and strategic partnerships, with a strong focus on building domestic capability in quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials through collaborative efforts involving government, academia, and industry.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh reviewed the preparedness and implementation timeline of Special Campaign 6.0 with Science Ministries and Departments. Scheduled from October 2 to October 31, 2026, the campaign sets a target of 1,500 cleanliness sites, with the Ministry of Earth Sciences targeting 100 sites. The initiative focuses on visible cleanliness outcomes, space optimization, record management, shredding of old files, and the systematic segregation, recycling, and disposal of e-waste using scientific capabilities. DARPG coordinates the campaign via a digital portal. Furthermore, the review evaluated budgetary expenditures, noting that DSIR and MoES achieved their 50 percent expenditure target by September 30.

The Union Minister for Coal and Mines will participate in a collective voluntary Shramdaan under the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign at Yashwant Place, New Delhi. As part of its initiatives, the Ministry of Mines has adopted a park at Netaji Nagar for landscaping and beautification, and will launch a one-month E-Waste Collection Drive from October 2 to October 31, 2026. The drive aims to encourage responsible disposal, segregation, and authorised recycling of electronic waste, highlighting its resource value for recovering critical minerals, supporting resource efficiency, and advancing circular economy practices.

The Ministry of Labour & Employment organised a 'Shram Samvad' District-Level Capacity Building and Awareness Programme on Labour Codes at Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, in collaboration with FICCI and the Bhiwadi Manufacturers Association. The initiative aimed to educate employers, industry representatives, and HR professionals about the Labour Codes—which came into force on November 21, 2025—and the Central Rules notified on May 8, 2026. The programme featured technical sessions on compliance requirements, employer obligations, and central welfare measures such as the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) and the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) Scheme.