Official releases, distilled into exam-ready intelligence.

The Ministry of Textiles undertook Swachhata initiatives as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 Campaign under the theme "Swachhata Se Samriddhi." Various organizations under the ministry—including The Jute Corporation of India Limited, the National Jute Board, the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), the Cotton Corporation of India, and the National Institute of Fashion Technology—conducted activities such as waste-to-wealth and "Kabaad Se Jugaad" programs, health check-up camps for Safai Mitras, awareness sessions on reducing single-use plastics and practicing the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), plantation drives under "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam," and campus beautification efforts.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), along with its network of institutes, regional centres, ATARIs, and KVKs, participated in the fortnight-long Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign from September 17 to October 2, 2026. Operating under the theme 'Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat', the campaign followed a five-pillar framework. These pillars included the transformation of cleanliness target units, youth engagement through Swachh Paathshala, welfare and safety initiatives for Safai Mitras under Safai Mitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivir, citizen participation in public cleanliness and eco-friendly celebrations, and waste management and recycling initiatives under Swachhata Se Samriddhi. The activities were documented daily on the SHS portal and culminated with the 'Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath' shramdaan initiative.

Union Minister for Education Shri Pralhad Joshi led the 'Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath' Shramdaan and Cleanliness Drive at Gargi College, University of Delhi, and planted a sapling under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. Interacting with students, the Minister emphasized the connection between cleanliness, public health, and responsible citizenship, urging students to dedicate at least 30 minutes to cleanliness-oriented activities to transform Swachhata into a sustained habit and a people's movement. He also highlighted the importance of physical fitness, sports, and balancing screen-time, and noted that students play a pivotal role in achieving the vision of a clean, green, and healthy Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The Department of Posts has launched the implementation phase of Special Campaign 6, running from October 2 to October 31, 2026, across its nationwide network. The initiative focuses on institutionalising Swachhata, efficient record management, pendency reduction, and environmentally responsible waste management, including the scientific management of e-waste. Building on outcomes from Special Campaign 5, the current campaign targets the resolution of 1,50,000 public grievances and 1,500 appeals, alongside cleanliness drives at 1,35,000 sites. The campaign covers all categories of post offices, including rural branch offices, and incorporates the 'Jan Sampark – Dak Chaupal' initiative to promote citizen engagement, digital India, and financial inclusion at the last mile.

The Ministry of Ayush observed the 'Swachhata Hi Sewa 2026' campaign by organizing a joint cleanliness activity under the 'Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath' initiative at Ayush Bhawan, led by the Secretary of the Ministry with the participation of senior officials and staff. Held from September 17 to October 2, 2026, the Ministry undertook workplace organization, reviewed and weeded out obsolete physical files, segregated electronic waste for auction, and organized a sports event for housekeeping staff.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is observing the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 Campaign from September 17, 2026, to October 2, 2026, under the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat.” The campaign emphasizes a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach through cleanliness drives focusing on Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) across the country. Key activities undertaken include a Swachhata Pledge led by DoT Secretary Amit Agrawal, essay and poster-making competitions for employees' children, an awareness session on waste management for sanitation workers, and Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs to distribute safety equipment and first-aid kits to housekeeping staff. The campaign concludes with a tree plantation event by Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative.

Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd. (TCIL), a Miniratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Telecommunications, paid a dividend of ₹ 43.86 crore to the Government of India for the year 2025-26. The dividend cheque was presented to the Union Minister of Communications and DoNER by TCIL's Chairman & Managing Director. TCIL, in which the government holds 100% equity, achieved an operating revenue of ₹ 3,335 crore and a profit after tax of ₹ 146 crore for 2025-26. The release notes that TCIL's revenue grew by 115% over the last five years, and outlines its execution of various domestic and international telecommunications and information technology projects.

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed a virtual meeting with senior officials, emphasizing that cleanliness should be an ongoing part of everyday public behaviour rather than confined to specific campaigns. The meeting reviewed activities undertaken under Swachhata Hi Seva 2026, including office cleanliness drives, disposal of electronic waste and old furniture generating approximately Rs 15 lakh in revenue, honoring sanitation workers, and initiatives involving Krishi Vigyan Kendras and ICAR institutes to connect rural communities with waste management. Departments also outlined targets for an upcoming special campaign focusing on pending file disposal, scrap clearance, and space optimization.

The Centre for Research on International Trade (CRIT) and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) organized a three-day Orientation Course on Trade Negotiations in New Delhi from September 28 to 30, 2026. The programme covered foundational and contemporary topics including WTO frameworks, dispute settlement, trade remedies, intellectual property rights, digital trade, services, and sustainability-related measures such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Government representatives highlighted the expanding scope of multilateral trade rules and the necessity for capacity building to navigate an increasingly complex global trading environment.

The Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development organized a 'Safai Mitra Suraksha Seva Evam Samman Shivir' as part of the broader 'Swachhata Hi Seva' initiative. Held on 30 September 2026, the event served to felicitate ten cleaning and housekeeping staff members for their contributions toward maintaining workplace hygiene and cleanliness. The ceremony was led by the Secretary of the Department of Land Resources and was attended by senior officers and staff members.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting announced that the 57th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is scheduled to be held from 20 to 28 November 2026 in Panaji, Goa. Jointly hosted by the National Film Development Corporation, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Entertainment Society of Goa, the festival invites media professionals to apply for accreditation between 1 October and 15 October 2026 via the PIB accreditation portal. Established in 1952, IFFI serves as a platform for film screenings, discussions, masterclasses, and international competitions.

The President of India issued a message on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 157th birth anniversary. The message highlighted the relevance of Gandhi's principles of peace and non-violence in the context of global conflicts. It also noted India's goal of becoming 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, emphasizing empathy, inclusion, and the ideal of 'Sarvodaya' for the welfare of all citizens, while urging a commitment to building an empowered, developed, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The Prime Minister lauded Captain Smit Machchhar for displaying immense courage, valour, and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others despite being seriously injured in the face of grave danger. According to the Prime Minister, Captain Machchhar's actions helped save hundreds of lives and averted a major tragedy. The Prime Minister expressed national pride in Captain Machchhar and offered prayers for his speedy recovery, good health, and renewed strength.

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla paid floral tributes to former Lok Sabha Speaker Shri G.M.C. Balayogi on his birth anniversary in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. Other dignitaries, including Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh, Members of Parliament, and senior officials, also paid their respects. Shri Balayogi served as the Speaker of the Twelfth Lok Sabha and was re-elected to the Thirteenth Lok Sabha.

The Ministry of Coal undertook cleanliness, e-waste management, and blood donation initiatives under Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 and Special Campaign 6. Led by senior officials including Secretary Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, activities included the inauguration of an e-waste kiosk at GPOA-3 operational until October 31, 2026, an 'Ek Din, Ek Saath, Ek Ghanta' cleanliness drive, and a blood donation camp. These initiatives were organized to promote environmental responsibility, sustainable waste management, and community welfare.

On the occasion of National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the Armed Forces Transfusion Centre, organized a Voluntary Blood Donation Camp at Kartavya Bhavan-2, New Delhi. The campaign was held under the theme ‘One Drop of Humanity, Give Blood, Save Lives.’ A medical team supervised the drive, during which 134 officers and officials participated after undergoing health screenings and counseling. Senior officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff and Defence Secretary, participated in the event to promote voluntary blood donation.

The Department of Food and Public Distribution, along with its Public Sector Undertakings and attached offices, participated in the nationwide cleanliness initiative 'Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath' on October 1, 2026, as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign. Officials and employees engaged in one-hour Shramdaan activities at various locations in New Delhi and across multiple cities nationwide, including drives organized by the Central Warehousing Corporation, the Food Corporation of India, the Indian Grain Management and Research Institute, Quality Control Cells, the Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority, and the National Sugar Institute.

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, is scheduled to undertake a four-day visit to Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand from October 1 to October 4, 2026. The itinerary includes attending a senior citizen welfare programme in Meerut, participating in a Swachh Bharat Abhiyan event at the Eklavya Model Residential School in Bazpur, visiting the Kainchidham Temple and the EMRS in Khatima, and attending the Uttarakhand Aadi Rangotsav in Khatima. The visit focuses on reviewing tribal education and welfare, particularly through EMRS networks, alongside community and social welfare engagements.

Shri Narendra Bhooshan, a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has assumed charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. He previously served as Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has held various administrative assignments across central and state governments in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, industry, agriculture, urban development, finance, and land-resource management.

The Mumbai Licensing Service Area (Mumbai LSA) of the Department of Telecommunications organized a cleanliness drive at Juhu Beach involving Shramdaan, public awareness messaging, and the distribution of utility kits to sanitation workers. The event was led by Additional DGT Shri Mohammad Zafar Iqbal. Additionally, the Mumbai LSA concluded its Hindi Pakhwada, held from September 15, 2026, to October 1, 2026, which featured various competitions such as essay writing and debates for officers and employees.