Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched the 'Nalam TN' AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot on July 14, 2026 for quick outpatient registration and appointment booking at government hospitals. Citizens can register by…
Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) Launches Official WhatsApp Channel for Member Updates
Key Updates:
- The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched an official WhatsApp channel to give members and pensioners updates on provident fund developments, scheme alerts, and important announcements.
- The channel works as a broadcast service delivering official announcements and scheme information, and members can follow it through the official link or a QR code shared by EPFO on September 13, 2026.
- Interactive WhatsApp services expected to be rolled out include checking PF balance, viewing the last five EPF transactions, tracking EPF claim status, passbook assistance, Aadhaar authentication assistance, and direct benefit transfer information.
- Under the proposed interactive service, members may send a message such as 'Hello' to EPFO's verified WhatsApp account to receive a menu of services, with authentication using details linked to the EPF account and regional-language support expected.
- The WhatsApp channel does not replace EPFO's existing member portal, passbook service, or UMANG app, which members should continue using for services requiring authentication or formal processing.
- The labour ministry has outlined plans for UPI-based PF withdrawals, a higher limit for automatic claim settlement, automatic PF transfers after a job change, and a centralised database to reduce delays.
- Members should use only EPFO's verified channels and must not share their OTP, password, UPI PIN, bank credentials, or other sensitive information with anyone claiming to represent EPFO.
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The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched 'VISHWAS 2026', a one-time dispute resolution initiative for amicable settlement of penalty or damages disputes. The scheme covers disputes under Section 14B of…
WhatsApp Launches Bill Payments in India via Bharat Connect, Covering 22,722 Billers (Start of September)
WhatsApp launched its bill payments feature in India on Thursday, powered by the Bharat Connect network. The feature enables users to pay electricity, gas, water, Fastag, insurance, credit card, and loan repayment bills.
Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) processes 8.25% interest for FY 2025-26 (Start of July)
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has commenced processing annual interest at a rate of 8.25% for the financial year 2025-26, with passbook updates expected by July 15. The interest payout involves a…
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence Intercepts 362 MT Pakistan-Origin Dry Dates Under Operation Deep Manifest
Key Updates:
- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized over 362 metric tonnes of Pakistan-origin dry dates under Operation Deep Manifest.
- DRI officers intercepted 13 containers of dry dates imported by a Mumbai-based firm at CFS Ambad, Nashik.
- The consignments arrived from Jebel Ali, UAE, with documents declaring UAE as the country of origin, concealing transhipment from Karachi Port, Pakistan.
- India imposed a complete ban on direct or indirect import of all Pakistan-origin goods from May 2, 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, 2025.
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Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitates export of 18 MT certified ethnic rice from Tripura to Europe (Start of September)
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the export of 18 metric tonnes of NPOP-certified ethnic rice from Tripura to Austria and the Netherlands. The consignment…
India imported 2.5 million tonnes (mt) of urea in the first quarter of FY27, with 52% sourced from Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria and Georgia. Egypt supplied 609,000 tonnes, Algeria 245,000 tonnes, Nigeria 244,000 tonnes, and…
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) allows duty-free imports of 10 lakh tonnes raw sugar until October 31 (End of August)
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has allowed duty-free imports of up to 10 lakh metric tonnes (1 million tonnes) of raw sugar until October 31, 2026. The imports are permitted under a tariff rate quota…
Department of Fisheries (DoF) charts export roadmap for Chhattisgarh tilapia cluster with ₹900 crore PMMSY investment (End of August)
The Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying held a meeting on August 20, 2026, with over 1,300 tilapia farmers and stakeholders in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. India recorded…
Ministry of Finance Bars Charges on UPI Payments Up to Rs 2,000 via Gazette Notification
Key Updates:
- The Ministry of Finance (MoF) issued a gazette notification on Monday under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, specifying that banks and payment system providers cannot impose charges on UPI transactions of up to Rs 2,000.
- The notification follows concerns raised over possible charges on UPI payments after Parliament passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Act, which proposed changes to the legal framework governing payment systems.
- Transactions up to Rs 2,000 will remain charge-free, while the notification leaves scope for levying charges on transactions above this threshold.
- The government specified two categories of electronic payments under the Act, RuPay debit card transactions and UPI payments up to Rs 2,000, for which banks and payment system providers cannot recover charges from customers either directly or through indirect means.
- In August, the Finance Ministry had stated that consumers would not have to pay transaction charges for UPI payments and that person-to-person UPI transactions would remain free.
- The government indicated a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) could be introduced in the future for certain merchant transactions, applying only above a specified threshold and at rates significantly lower than those on debit and credit card transactions.
- MDR is the fee paid by merchants to banks and payment service providers for processing digital transactions; credit card transactions generally carry MDRs of around 1-3 per cent, while debit card transactions can attract charges of up to 0.9 per cent.
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National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) records highest-ever UPI transaction volume of 24.51 billion in August (Start of September)
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) processed a record 24.51 billion UPI transactions in August 2026. The total value of UPI transactions in August 2026 stood at Rs 29.82 lakh crore, up 20% year-on-year.
NPCI Unveils UPI Tap & Pay and AI-Powered My UPI at Global Fintech Fest (Mid of September)
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched UPI Tap & Pay and My UPI, an AI-powered payments assistant, at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai on September 10, 2026. UPI Tap & Pay lets users pay by bringing…
OmniCard Launches India’s First Flexi Benefits Basket on UPI for Tax-Efficient Employee Benefits (End of July)
OmniCard (Eroute Technologies Pvt. Ltd.) is an RBI-licensed Prepaid Payment Instrument issuer. The Flexi Benefits Basket on UPI allows employees to allocate benefits across meal, fuel, telecom, books & periodicals…
Centre Prohibits Fees on UPI Transactions Up to Rs 2,000 and RuPay Debit Card Payments (Mid of September)
The Central government has barred banks and payment system providers from levying charges on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions of up to Rs 2,000 and payments made through RuPay debit cards. On September 14…
Seva Sankalp Abhiyan 2026: Nationwide Campaign Marking 25 Years of PM Modi's Public Service from September 17 to October 17
Key Updates:
- Seva Sankalp Abhiyan 2026 is a nationwide month-long public outreach and public service campaign running from September 17 to October 17, 2026, marking 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public service.
- The campaign coincides with Seva Pakhwada, a 15-day service period from September 17 to October 2, ending on Gandhi Jayanti.
- The campaign's core aim aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 (Developed India by 2047).
- Key objectives include promoting participative governance (Jan Bhagidari), creating awareness of Central and State welfare schemes among farmers, youth and labourers, organising social welfare activities such as blood donation, cleanliness drives and Antyodaya seminars, and showcasing India's economic and start-up revolution.
- Youth volunteers can participate through the MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) digital platform by registering with a mobile number or email address and choosing activities such as health camps, cleanliness drives or governance awareness seminars in their region.
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The Central government allocated ₹7,200 crore for PM-AASHA for 2026-27. The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) was launched in September 2018.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Announces Month-Long Service Sankalp Campaign from September 17 to October 17, 2026 (Mid of September)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the month-long 'Service Sankalp' campaign to be organised across the state from September 17 to October 17, 2026, beginning on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's…
Kishor Makwana to Receive Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Jan Seva Puraskar 2026 (Start of September)
Kishor Makwana, Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), will receive the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Jan Seva Award 2026 on September 9 in New Delhi. The award is presented through a nomination process…
The Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan was launched by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on April 14, 2026. The campaign led to a significant decline in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate…
Bhupender Yadav Launches Mangrove GIS Portal at Workshop in Bhuj, Gujarat
Key Updates:
- Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the Mangrove GIS portal while reviewing Gujarat's mangrove conservation efforts at a workshop on Mangrove Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Management held in Bhuj, Kachchh on September 13, 2026.
- At the workshop, Yadav stressed the need for scientific, site-specific and community-led approaches to mangrove conservation, describing mangroves as living ecosystems vital for coastal biodiversity, fisheries, shoreline protection, climate resilience and livelihoods.
- On the same day at Bhuj, Yadav also chaired a review meeting covering conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB), grassland restoration and Project Cheetah, stressing conservation through restoring entire landscapes via scientific management and habitat restoration.
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MoSPI Launches QPR Portal to Track Data Harmonisation Progress of Central Ministries (Mid of September)
The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) held a workshop of Statistical Advisers and Chief Data Officers of Central Ministries and Departments in New Delhi on 8 September 2026, themed 'Data…
India to Host World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from September 15 to 18 (Mid of September)
India will host the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from September 15 to 18, marking the first time the global forum is held in South Asia. The forum, themed 'Circular Economy…
16th National Meet of State Biodiversity Boards and UT Councils Inaugurated in Chandigarh (Start of September)
The 16th National Meet of State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs) was inaugurated in Chandigarh on 6 September 2026. The two-day event, organised by the National Biodiversity…
India and Germany Sign Joint Declaration on Wetland Conservation at 4th Indo-German Environment Forum (Start of September)
India and Germany signed a Joint Declaration of Intent for conservation and wise use of wetlands of international importance. The declaration was a key outcome of the 4th Indo-German Environment Forum (IGEF), the…
Indian Air Force Hosts Three-Day Dronathon 2026 at Pokhran from September 14 to Showcase Drone and Counter-Drone Technologies
Key Updates:
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) is hosting 'Dronathon 2026', a three-day drone and counter-drone technology event, at the Pokhran range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, from September 14 to 16, 2026.
- Dronathon 2026 features static displays and live demonstrations of unmanned and counter-drone technologies, including surveillance and reconnaissance drones, autonomous systems, swarm operations, electronic warfare, and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS).
- The event brings together drone makers, start-ups, industry experts and defence innovators, allowing the IAF to assess combat effectiveness of emerging systems and enabling manufacturers and military stakeholders to exchange feedback.
- Dronathon 2026 supports India's push for indigenous defence manufacturing under 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' by reducing dependence on foreign systems.
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IAF Sarang Helicopter Display Team Arrives in Egypt for El Alamein International Airshow (Start of September)
The Indian Air Force's Sarang Helicopter Display Team arrived in El Alamein, Egypt, to participate in the second edition of the El Alamein International Airshow scheduled from 8 to 10 September. The team, along with five…
The YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) fired an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile for the first time over the Mojave Desert. The live-fire test was conducted in coordination with the 412th Test Wing’s Air Dominance…
Indian Air Force successfully tests indigenous Khagantak-243 glide bomb capable of hitting targets up to 180 km (Start of September)
The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the drop of the indigenously designed and developed Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), Khagantak-243).. The Khagantak-243 was developed by Nagpur-based start-up JSR Dynamics…
BRICS New Delhi Declaration backs local currency payments, condemns unilateral sanctions and tariffs
Key Updates:
- The 18th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi, where leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration on September 13, 2026, condemning unilateral coercive measures such as economic and secondary sanctions and opposing discriminatory trade practices like the carbon border tax.
- The declaration acknowledged the BRICS Payment Task Force (BPTF) for exploring pragmatic cross-border payment solutions and trade settlements in local currencies, guided by the Kazan Declaration of October 2024 and the Rio Declaration of July 2025.
- The BPTF became part of the BRICS financial agenda during Russia's chairship in 2020 and was specifically mentioned in the Moscow Declaration adopted at the XII BRICS Summit on November 17, 2020.
- Leaders voiced serious concerns over unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures, including 'indiscriminate rising of tariffs' and 'protectionism under the guise of environmental objectives', a reference to instruments like the European Union's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM).
- The CBAM is a levy on carbon-intensive imports such as cement, aluminium, fertilisers, chemicals including hydrogen, and iron and steel, and developing-country exporters could face additional duties of up to 35% in European markets.
- India faced a 25% punitive tariff in August 2025 for purchasing Russian crude oil.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi that Russia had been hit with more than 30,000 sanctions.
- BRICS is a bloc of 21 countries with 11 members — Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates — and 10 partner countries: Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
- US President Donald Trump threatened a 100% tariff on BRICS member states after the Kazan Summit if they created a new BRICS currency or backed any alternative to the US dollar, and later warned of an additional 10% tariff on any country aligning with BRICS' 'anti-American policies' while leaders met in Rio in July 2025.
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PM Modi Raises Concerns Over Weaponisation of Technology and Critical Minerals at BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi (Mid of September)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged concerns over the weaponisation of technology and critical minerals at the outreach session of the two-day BRICS Summit hosted by India in New Delhi, without naming any country…
India's Foreign Exchange Reserves Surge $44.9 Billion to All-Time High of $785.7 Billion (Mid of September)
India's foreign exchange reserves surged a record $44.903 billion in the week to September 4 to $785.706 billion, an all-time high, making India the fourth largest holder of forex reserves after China, Japan and…
18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi Unanimously Adopts New Delhi Declaration Covering Terrorism, Trade and Global Governance (Mid of September)
The 18th BRICS Summit, hosted by India at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration on September 12, 2026, at the end of the first day of the two-day summit. The declaration strongly…
India and Russia Aim to Lift Bilateral Trade to $100 Billion by 2030, Says Piyush Goyal (Mid of September)
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, at the India-Russia Business Dialogue, identified pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods, food products, chemicals and auto products as key areas to expand non-energy…
India Dispatches First Consignment of 70-Metre Bailey Bridge Components to Flood-Hit Nepal
Key Updates:
- India sent components for a 70-metre Bailey bridge to flood-hit Betrawati, Nepal, with the first consignment handed over to Nepal's Road Division in Hetauda on September 12, 2026, in the presence of MP Prakash Gautam and Hetaunda Mayor Mina Kumari Lama.
- The assistance follows devastating flash floods that struck northern and central Nepal on August 26, killing nearly 1,400 people and leaving more than 5,000 missing.
- India has sent over 130 tonnes of relief material and deployed 54 expert personnel, with the Indian Air Force operating at least eight special flights to deliver relief supplies.
- New Delhi provided tunnel and mud-rescue equipment, DNA kits, forensic equipment, temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines, while an Indian tunnel rescue team worked with the Nepal Army and a forensic team assisted in identifying victims' remains.
- A Bailey bridge is a portable, pre-fabricated modular steel truss bridge that can be assembled quickly by hand without heavy machinery or special tools.
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Girish Bharadwaj dies; was Padma Shri awardee (Start of July)
Girish Bharadwaj, a mechanical engineer known as the Bridge Man of India, died at the age of 76 at a private hospital in Sullia, Karnataka. He constructed more than 140 low-cost suspension bridges across Karnataka…
India and Nepal signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for eight development projects valued at NPR 803 million. The projects are implemented under India's High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs)…
India Sends 10 Tonnes of Relief Aid to Nepal After Deadly Floods (End of August)
India dispatched 10 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) supplies, including essential medicines, to Nepal. The relief material was carried by an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft from Hindon…
The first direct commercial freight train from India arrived at the Nepal Customs Yard in Biratnagar on July 20, 2026, carrying canola grains from Kolkata Port. The 40-wagon rake used the Jogbani-Biratnagar cross-border…
Putin Proposes Insurance Mechanism and Grain Market for BRICS at New Delhi Summit
Key Updates:
- At the concluding session of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 13, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a new insurance mechanism and a collaborative grain market among BRICS nations, inviting all member states to use these Russian proposals.
- Putin pitched for setting up a dedicated platform for economic growth within BRICS, combining the competitive advantages of all members and built on principles of openness and availability.
- Putin complimented the New Development Bank (NDB), saying it is handling projects worth $140 billion.
- The G-7 countries, the European Union, and the U.K. prohibited Western companies from insuring ships transporting Russian crude unless purchased at or below a specified price cap, adversely impacting Russian crude oil exports.
- BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa; it expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, with Indonesia joining in 2025.
- Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam became BRICS partner countries last year.
- BRICS brings together 11 major emerging economies representing around 49.5% of the global population, around 40% of global GDP, and around 26% of global trade.
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China Announced as Host of 2027 BRICS Summit During 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi (Mid of September)
Chinese President Xi Jinping announced at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi that China will host the 2027 BRICS summit and assume next year's presidency. The 18th BRICS Summit is being hosted by India in New Delhi on…
Russia Proposes Izdeliye 177S Engine to Upgrade India's Su-30MKI Fleet During Putin's BRICS Summit Visit to New Delhi (Mid of September)
Russia offered India the advanced Izdeliye 177S engine as a potential replacement for the AL-31F/FP engines used in the Indian Air Force's Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet, during President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi for…
Modi and Xi Jinping Hold Talks at BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Back Mutually Acceptable Border Settlement (Mid of September)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the margins of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, welcoming steady progress in India-China relations and committing to a fair, reasonable and mutually…
Dr. Eluri Sreedhar Appointed Honorary Advisor to BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI) (End of August)
Dr. Eluri Sreedhar has been appointed as Honorary Advisor to the BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BRICS CCI). The appointment letter was presented by Sameep Shastri, Chairman of BRICS CCI.
Trump Asks Ukraine to Halt Attacks on Russian Oil Refineries as US Diesel Prices Top $6 a Gallon
Key Updates:
- US President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to stop striking Russian oil refineries and diesel infrastructure, saying the attacks were causing a global fuel shortage as US diesel prices crossed $6 a gallon on average.
- Russia banned diesel exports in July after Ukrainian long-range missile strikes on its oil and gas industry caused fuel rationing across Russia, tightening the global market already affected by the US-Iran war that began in February.
- The US House is expected to take up a Russia sanctions bill named after recently deceased Senator Lindsey Graham, which plans heavier sanctions on Russia and countries doing business with Moscow.
- An International Energy Agency (IEA) report said net diesel and gasoil exports from Gulf countries in August stood at just over a quarter of pre-war levels, and that in February the Gulf and Russia accounted for almost 45% of global seaborne trade in diesel and gasoil.
- Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine's power grid with ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones ahead of winter, according to officials cited by AP.
- Trump made his remarks at the Irish Open being played at his Doonbeg golf club, saying Zelenskyy should stop knocking out diesel fuel in Russia because it is hurting the world.
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Russia Begins First Oil Flow Through Vostok Oil Pipeline (Start of September)
Russian President Vladimir Putin said oil has begun flowing through a newly commissioned main pipeline within the Vostok Oil project, developed by Rosneft in Russia's Krasnoyarsk region. The pipeline transports crude to…
Alternative for Germany (AfD) Co-chair Alice Weidel Vows to Halt Ukraine Aid and Demand Repayment (Mid of September)
Alice Weidel, co-chair of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, announced on September 13, 2026 that the party wants to stop financial and military aid to Ukraine and demand that Kyiv repay significant…
Russian Drone Hits Kyiv-Warsaw Passenger Train Near Polish Border (Mid of September)
On September 13, 2026, a Russian drone struck a Kyiv-to-Warsaw passenger train near the Polish border, about two kilometres from Poland, causing no casualties. Poland's PKP Intercity said the train carried 206 passengers…
United States Objects to Sanctions Waiver, Blocking Iran's Nuclear Chief From IAEA Vienna Conference
Key Updates:
- On 14 September 2026, the United States blocked Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and Iranian vice president, from attending the IAEA General Conference in Vienna after objecting to a UN Security Council sanctions waiver, prompting Austria to revoke his entry visa.
- Austrian Ambassador Christian Ebner informed member states that Austria's request for a travel ban exemption from the UN Security Council sanctions committee was denied following a formal US objection, and Eslami and his delegation returned to Tehran.
- Iran responded by summoning Austria's chargé d'affaires, while Iranian IAEA ambassador Reza Najafi lodged an official objection during the opening session.
- Eslami was placed under UN travel sanctions in 2008, suspended under the 2015 JCPOA via UN Security Council Resolution 2231; the US withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, and in 2025 France, Germany, and the UK invoked the snapback mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions, which Iran and Russia do not recognize.
- US Ambassador Preston Wells Griffith III said Washington opposed the travel exemption to uphold the UN sanctions framework, stating Eslami oversees production of near weapons-grade uranium while Iran withholds cooperation from international monitors.
- The dispute followed an IAEA Board of Governors resolution, sponsored by the United States, Britain, France, and Germany, that referred Iran to the UN Security Council over lack of access to Iranian nuclear facilities and no up-to-date data on uranium stockpiles.
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International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi stated that inspections at Iranian atomic sites were 'going to happen' but did not offer a specific timeline. The statement followed a preliminary…
Mohsen Rezaee Appointed Head of Iran’s SNSC (Mid of August)
Mohsen Rezaee was appointed as the representative of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). He replaced Mohammad Baqir Zolghadr, who had taken up leadership of the council in…
The Government of India launched the eighth tranche of critical mineral auctions, offering 20 blocks. Of the 20 blocks, 13 were newly identified and seven were unsold from previous rounds.
The Coal Ministry auctioned six coal blocks under the 15th round and the second attempt of the 13th round of commercial coal mine auctions. Forward auctions for these blocks were conducted from August 3-4, 2026.
India and MERCOSUR Sign First Additional Protocol to Preferential Trade Agreement to Enable Electronic Certificates of Origin
Key Updates:
- India and the MERCOSUR bloc signed the First Additional Protocol to the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in New Delhi on September 14, 2026, to facilitate acceptance of electronic Certificates of Origin and paperless trade documentation.
- The protocol amends Article 16 of Annex III governing Rules of Origin under the PTA, providing that Certificates of Origin issued in electronic format have the same legal validity and identical value as paper-format Certificates of Origin.
- Electronic Certificates of Origin must be issued and electronically signed in accordance with the respective domestic legislation of the parties by duly authorised entities and officials.
- Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal signed the instrument on behalf of India, while Uruguay's Ambassador to India Alberto Guani and Paraguay's Ambassador to India Fleming Raul Duarte Ramos signed for their respective nations.
- The signing took place in the presence of Uruguay's Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin, who attended the exercise of the Pro Tempore Presidency of MERCOSUR, alongside representatives from the embassies of Argentina and Brazil.
- The Joint Administrative Committee of the India–MERCOSUR PTA supported the update permitting electronic certification at its fourth meeting on November 27, 2025, and adopted the formal text of the Additional Protocol at its fifth meeting on April 9, 2026.
- The original India–MERCOSUR PTA was signed on January 25, 2004, and entered into force on June 1, 2009.
- Under the PTA, India offers preferential tariff concessions on 450 tariff lines, while MERCOSUR countries provide tariff concessions on 452 tariff lines.
- The First Additional Protocol will formally enter into force once India and the respective MERCOSUR member states conclude their domestic ratification procedures and exchange legal notifications.
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India's Eighth Trade Policy Review at the World Trade Organization (WTO) concluded on July 23, 2026, in Geneva. The Indian delegation was led by Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agarwal.
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) came into effect on July 16, 2026, after four years of negotiations. This is India's first comprehensive trade deal with a developed country.
India and Mali launch inaugural Export Promotion Forum to strengthen bilateral trade on 4 July 2026 (Start of July)
India and Mali institutionalised their commercial partnership through the inaugural India-Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports to boost trade and investment. Bilateral trade between the two nations surpassed US$…
India and the South African Customs Union (SACU) will sign terms of reference for trade talks on August 12, 2026. The negotiations will be for a preferential trade agreement (PTA) between India and SACU.
New Vents Open at Kilauea Summit as Pressurization Signals Possible Fountaining Episode
Key Updates:
- New vents opened at the Kilauea summit eruption site in Halemaʻumaʻu on the night of September 14, 2026, without significant seismicity, and continue to feed a small lava flow in the northwest corner of the crater floor.
- The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has Kilauea at Volcano Alert Level WATCH and Aviation Color Code ORANGE as of its September 15, 2026 status report.
- There have been 54 episodes of lava fountaining since the Halemaʻumaʻu summit eruption began in late December 2024, with the eruption starting on December 23, 2024.
- Summit tiltmeters indicated on September 7, 2026 that the Halemaʻumaʻu magma chamber surpassed the pressurization typically required to start a fountaining episode, and nearly 100 earthquakes have been located since then, with the largest being M2.6 on September 11.
- Precursory lava flows have been ongoing for 8 days, the longest such period recorded during this eruption, with over 104 precursory flows from the north vent between September 7–12 and spatter bursts building a spatter cone 36-39 feet tall by September 14.
- The north-south-west vent complex has grown about 500 feet (150 meters) since the eruption began, and the new vents lie about 150 feet (45 meters) below the level of the north vent.
- Possible outcomes include the eruption becoming continuous at the new vents, a return to fountaining, formation of new summit vents, or magma intrusion into the upper Southwest or East Rift Zones; all activity remains confined to the summit within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
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Anak Krakatau Eruption Disrupts Jakarta Flights (Start of September)
Anak Krakatau volcano erupted on Sunday, cancelling flights at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport due to volcanic ash. Indonesian meteorological agency BMKG reported that the volcano had been erupting since…
Tropical Storm Lala brought heavy rain and strong winds to Hawaii, causing flooding and landslides. At least 100 homes were damaged or lost across the islands.
United States leads multinational Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise in Hawaii (Start of July)
The United States-led Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 exercise commenced on 25 June 2026 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. The maritime training event involves 31 surface ships, five submarines, 197 aircraft…
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Ganges Grandmasters Beat Alpine APL Pipers to Lift Maiden Global Chess League Title
Key Updates:
- Ganges Grandmasters defeated defending champions Alpine APL Pipers 7-5 in the two-leg final to win their maiden Global Chess League (GCL) title in Bengaluru.
- The Global Chess League, a joint initiative of Tech Mahindra and FIDE, saw Ganges Grandmasters top the Season 4 league stage on better game points among six teams.
- After the first leg of the final ended 3-3, Ian Nepomniachtchi capitalised on a move-28 positional error by world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and Stavroula Tsolakidou defeated Koneru Humpy to seal the title.
- In the opening leg, Levon Aronian beat Anish Giri, who ran out of time after 49 moves, while Volodar Murzin defeated Luke Leon Mendonca to level the tie at 3-3.
- FYERS American Gambits finished third by beating CheQ Mumba Masters 7.5-4.5 in a two-leg playoff.
- Stavroula Tsolakidou was named Player of the Tournament, scoring 21.5 points with six wins and three draws in 12 games.
- D. Harika of the Mumba Masters was the only player not to lose a game in the entire tournament, scoring 18.5 points from 12 matches with four wins and eight draws.
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R Praggnanandhaa defeated Fabiano Caruana 15-13 in the final of the 2026 Grand Chess Tour Finals. He became the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour title.
Bodhana Sivanandan won the women's title at the 2026 British Chess Championships, becoming the youngest-ever British women's champion at age 11. She defeated Trisha Kanyamarala in a rapid-chess playoff to win the women's…
Dhiraj Bommadevara Becomes First Indian Man to Claim Recurve Gold at Archery World Cup Final (Mid of September)
India's Dhiraj Bommadevara won a historic gold medal in the men's recurve event at the Archery World Cup Final 2026 held in Saltillo, Mexico, giving his Asian Games preparations a boost. The 25-year-old archer from…
India Beat Sri Lanka to Claim Eighth Women’s Asia Cup Crown (Mid of September)
India defeated Sri Lanka in the final of the Women's Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday to win a record-extending eighth title. India is the most successful team with eight titles (2004, 2005-06…
ARAI's Pune Cylinder Testing Facility Receives NABL Accreditation
Key Updates:
- The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) received ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) for its new Cylinder Testing Facility at the Mobility Research Centre, Takwe, Pune.
- The facility tests Type I to Type IV high-pressure gaseous cylinders for CNG, HCNG, hydrogen (up to 700 bar), oxygen, nitrogen and inert gases, serving automotive, industrial, marine, defence and space sectors.
- Key tests include hydrostatic, pressure cycling, permeation, burst, bonfire, drop, mechanical and environmental durability testing.
- The facility can support validation requirements under the Automotive Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme and reduce reliance on overseas testing facilities.
- ARAI director Dr Reji Mathai said the accreditation establishes a standards-based quality framework and expands domestic testing capacity for high-pressure gas cylinders.
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The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) launched India's first accreditation scheme for mobile food testing laboratories. The scheme was introduced under the Integrated Assessment…
The Quality Council of India (QCI) and the National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaborative ecosystem for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises…
Telangana Police Refund ₹139.68 Crore to 24,189 Cyber Fraud Victims in 2026
Key Updates:
- Telangana Police, through the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), facilitated refunds of ₹139.68 crore to 24,189 cyber fraud victims in 2026 so far, using the Lok Adalat and Money Restoration Module (MRM) mechanisms.
- During the recent National Lok Adalat, TGCSB with the Telangana State Legal Services Authority, banks and payment providers facilitated ₹42.28 crore in refunds to 3,896 victims, with Cyberabad topping the list at ₹14.19 crore to 942 victims.
- The MRM, launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs in May 2026 and operational in Telangana since June, enables fund restoration without court orders; as of September 12, ₹27.23 crore had been refunded to 9,355 victims through it.
- Since its inception, the TGCSB has facilitated refunds of ₹514.93 crore to 73,204 cybercrime victims.
- Victims were advised to report fraud promptly via the 1930 Cyber Helpline or the national cybercrime reporting portal, as reporting during the 'Golden Hour' improves chances of freezing and recovering funds.
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Over 12.71 lakh cyber fraud complaints were recorded across India between January 1 and June 30, 2026, with reported fraudulent transactions exceeding Rs 10,178 crore. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of…
Telangana Police to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) (End of June)
The Telangana Police department is set to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into its emergency response network to manage high volumes of non-emergency calls. The State’s Emergency Response Support System…
Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) Secures Runner-Up at BECA 2026 for ₹868 Crore Cyber Fraud Case (Mid of July)
The Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) was named the Runner-up at the Best Egmont Case Award (BECA) 2026 during the Egmont Group Plenary in Baku, Azerbaijan. The case involved a large-scale cyber fraud with…
Gujarat Launches Cyber Financial Fraud e-Zero FIR Service for Victims to Register Complaints from Home (End of July)
The Gujarat government launched the 'Cyber Financial Fraud e-Zero FIR' service on July 27, 2026, in Gandhinagar. The service allows victims of cyber financial fraud to register complaints from home via the national…
Cochin Shipyard and Drydocks World Form 50:50 Joint Venture to Expand Kochi Ship Repair Facility
Key Updates:
- Dubai-headquartered Drydocks World, a DP World company, and Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) have formed a 50:50 joint venture to operate and expand the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) in Kochi, with each partner holding a 50% stake and investing ₹900 crore.
- The ISRF was commissioned in 2024, and the joint venture will consolidate and expand the facility to service a wider range of vessels for Indian, regional and international customers.
- The agreement formalizes a partnership first outlined in a memorandum of understanding signed by the companies during India Maritime Week 2025.
- The agreement was signed by Drydocks World chief executive Captain Rado Antolovic and CSL chairman and managing director Jose V J on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi, in the presence of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and UAE assistant foreign minister Oman Sharaf Alhashimi.
- The venture is described as a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership in India's ship-repair sector.
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Cochin Shipyard and Drydocks World Establish 50:50 Ship Repair Joint Venture (Mid of September)
On September 11, 2026, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and Drydocks World, a subsidiary of DP World, signed an agreement to establish a 50:50 joint venture to operate the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) at Cochin…
DRDO's Weapon and Missile Testing Range at Junput in West Bengal Cleared by Suvendu Adhikari
Key Updates:
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) plans to set up a new weapons and missile testing range at Junput in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal along the Bay of Bengal.
- The proposed facility is expected to supplement India's existing Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha and expand capacity for weapons trials along the eastern coast.
- DRDO had proposed the testing range along the Purba Medinipur coast in April 2024, but the then Trinamool Congress government did not provide land for the project.
- West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said at an event on Friday that he has approved the project, and a senior DRDO source confirmed the missile testing project is coming up in West Bengal.
- The Junput facility would become another major DRDO testing hub alongside the ITR at Chandipur and a proposed testing facility in Andhra Pradesh.
- India's existing ITR operates through two launch complexes in Odisha, with Launch Complex-III at Chandipur-on-Sea primarily used for trials of short-range tactical missiles, surface-to-air systems and multi-barrel rocket launchers such as Akash and Pinaka.
- Launch Complex-IV, located off the Odisha coast, is used for trials of longer-range strategic systems including the Agni series of ballistic missiles and K-series submarine-launched missiles.
- The proposed Junput range is located around 70 km along the Bay of Bengal from Chandipur and is expected to help share the testing load currently handled by the Odisha facility.
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Rajnath Singh Approves Transfer of DRDO Missile Technology to Indian Defence Industry (End of August)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the transfer of DRDO-developed technologies for all conventional missile systems to Indian defence companies for local production on August 25, 2026. The technology transfer aims…
DRDO Launches 'SHIELD' Programme For Microwave Defence Testing (Start of September)
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) launched the SHIELD programme, an S-band High-Power Microwave Integrated Evaluation System, under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) on September 7, 2026. The…
Tata Advanced Systems Limited signs MoU with Javelin Joint Venture for co-production of anti-tank missile system in India (Start of September)
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV), a partnership between Raytheon (an RTX business) and Lockheed Martin, signed an MoU to co-produce the Javelin All Up Round (AUR) in India. TASL…
India to Modify Su-30 MKI for RVV-BD Missiles (Start of September)
India's Defence Ministry is considering a proposal to modify the Su-30 MKI aircraft by integrating them with the Russian-origin RVV BD air-to-air missile. The RVV BD missile can take out enemy targets at 300 kilometres…
N Purushothama Mallya, Padma Shri Awardee and Crusader for Konkani Language, Dies at 97
Key Updates:
- N Purushothama Mallya, a Padma Shri awardee, educationist and writer who worked to promote the Konkani language in Kochi, died at his residence in Cherlai at the age of 97.
- Born in Mattancherry on May 7, 1929, he was among the leading voices of Konkani literature and scholarship in Kerala.
- He played a key role in establishing the Konkani Bhasha Prachar Sabha in Mattancherry in 1966, the first such centre for the promotion of Konkani outside Goa.
- Mallya served as the state president of the Gowda Saraswat Brahmins Maha Sabha and as the president of the 12th All India Konkani Sahitya Parishad Sammelan.
- He authored several books and researched the role of Konkani scholars in Kerala's socio-cultural spheres.
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Padma Shri Awardee and Hindi Writer Kailash Chandra Pant Passed Away (Start of August)
Kailash Chandra Pant, a Hindi writer and journalist, died at the age of 90 on July 31, 2026, due to cardiac arrest. He was born on April 26, 1936, in Mhow, Indore district, Madhya Pradesh.
Teejan Bai Passes Away (Padma Vibhushan Awardee) (Start of July)
Teejan Bai, a noted Pandavani exponent, passed away at the age of 70 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Raipur. Pandavani is a traditional performing art form originating in Chhattisgarh and also…
Padma Shri-Winning Tamil Scholar and Pattimandram Speaker Solomon Pappaiah Passes Away at 90 (Mid of September)
Veteran Tamil scholar, orator and 'Pattimandram' moderator Solomon Pappaiah died at age 90 at a private hospital in Chennai after suffering chest pain. Born in 1936, Pappaiah was a former professor in the Tamil…
D.Y. Patil, Former Governor and Educationist, Died at 90 (Start of August)
D.Y. Patil, educationist and former Governor of Bihar, Tripura and West Bengal, died at the age of 90. He passed away at his residence in Kolhapur.
Department of Financial Services Receives First Rajbhasha Kirti Prize for 2025-26
Key Updates:
- The Department of Financial Services (DFS) won the first prize under the Rajbhasha Kirti category for ministries and departments with fewer than 300 personnel for its implementation and promotion of Official Language Hindi during 2025-26.
- The award was presented at the 6th All India Official Language Conference and Hindi Diwas, organised by the Department of Official Language under the Ministry of Home Affairs, held on September 14-15, 2026 at the CIDCO Exhibition Centre in Vashi, Navi Mumbai.
- DFS Additional Secretary Hari Har Mishra received the award from Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah.
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Publications Division Won Seven Honours at FIP Excellence in Book Production Awards 2026 (End of August)
The Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, won seven honours at the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP) Excellence in Book Production Awards 2026. The awards comprised…
Major General Sunil Kumar Razdan, an officer from 7 PARA SF, passed away. He was awarded the Kirti Chakra for his gallantry in a counter-terrorist operation in Jammu and Kashmir in 1994.
Deepak Dhar Awarded 2026 Dirac Medal (Mid of August)
Deepak Dhar has been awarded the 2026 Dirac Medal by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) for his contributions to statistical mechanics. He is one of four physicists selected this year for the honour…