Official releases, distilled into exam-ready intelligence.

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 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.

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 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 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 Department of Posts, under the Ministry of Communications, is undertaking Special Campaign 6 to institutionalise Swachhata, minimise pendency, and ensure scientific disposal of e-waste across its nationwide postal network. The initiative includes a Preparatory Phase from 15th to 30th September 2026, and an Implementation Phase from 2nd to 31st October 2026. A primary focus of the campaign is Scientific E-Waste Management, involving the segregation and disposal of obsolete IT and electronic equipment through authorised Producer/Recycler/Refurbisher channels pursuant to the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. The new campaign builds on the outcomes of Special Campaign 5.0, which involved conducting Dak Chaupals, cleaning sites, tree planting, and resolving public grievances.

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 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.

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 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.

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).

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 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.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released the findings of an Independent Drive Test conducted across Chennai City under the Tamil Nadu Licensed Service Area in July 2026. The drive test assessed real-time quality of mobile network services, including voice and data provided by major Telecom Service Providers across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. Key parameters evaluated included coverage gaps, dropped calls, call silence instances, and data download and upload throughput across city routes, hotspots, and walk test locations. The findings were shared with respective operators for corrective action.

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment highlights the impact of the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) scheme through the case of Shri Samir Makhal, a 33-year-old Ph.D. scholar from Howrah district, West Bengal. Makhal faced severe financial constraints, limited research opportunities, and family responsibilities that delayed his doctoral studies. Since receiving NFSC assistance starting in May 2020—including the fellowship, House Rent Allowance, and contingency support—he met educational and daily expenses, improved his access to study materials and laboratory facilities, and achieved greater financial stability to focus on academic goals.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed a gathering during the release of an installment under the Annapurna Yojana in West Bengal via video conferencing. Marking the occasion, the Prime Minister announced that the fourth installment of 3,000 rupees is reaching the bank accounts of approximately 1.5 crore women beneficiaries in the state. He highlighted that the scheme provides financial dignity, autonomy in decision-making, and support for household necessities, medicines, and children's education. Furthermore, the Prime Minister listed multiple central welfare initiatives spanning the lifecycle of women—including Matru Vandana Yojana, Beti Bachao - Beti Padhao, Mudra loans, Ujjwala gas, Har Ghar Jal, Ayushman cards, and PM Awas Yojana—aiming to improve the Ease of Living and foster women-led development.

The Ministry of Coal has clarified that Uttar Pradesh is not facing a critical coal shortage for its thermal power plants under the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL). Addressing media reports of power shortages due to coal supply disruptions, the Ministry stated that UPRVUNL's coal stock increased from 7.25 lakh tonnes on September 1, 2026, to 8.41 lakh tonnes on September 15, 2026, with sustained supplies from Coal India Limited (CIL). However, the Ministry urged Uttar Pradesh to expedite the development of its Saharpur Jamarpani captive coal block in Jharkhand, allotted in August 2015, which remains unoperational over a decade later. Additionally, the Ministry noted that UPRVUNL's low plant load factor of around 48% and plant-end unloading constraints are responsible for generation issues rather than coal availability.

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has commenced the 'Swachhata Hi Seva' Campaign 2026, which is scheduled to continue until October 2, 2026. The campaign began with the Secretary of the Department administering the Swachhata Pledge to officers and officials of all ranks. Participating officials committed to devoting 100 hours annually to voluntary cleanliness work, avoiding littering, and encouraging community participation and individual action toward achieving clean workplaces, neighbourhoods, and the Swachh Bharat Mission.