Forest Management Capacity Enhancement Project launched with JICA support
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the Capacity Enhancement for Effective Forest Management Project in New Delhi, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The workshop, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, brought together state forest department officials, researchers, training institutes, and JICA India staff. The project aims to strengthen forest management capabilities, improve monitoring and governance, and support community-based conservation and sustainable use of forest resources. This collaboration highlights ongoing India–Japan efforts to advance environmental protection, forest governance, and climate resilience through technical exchange and capacity building.
Launch location: New Delhi
Funding/support: JICA
Organiser: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Goal: Strengthen forest management capabilities
Outcome: Enhanced monitoring and community-based conservation
NMDC inaugurates ₹5,427 crore iron ore processing project in Chhattisgarh
NMDC Ltd. inaugurated a major integrated iron ore processing project valued at ₹5,427 crore in September 2026, located in Chhattisgarh. The package includes an iron ore processing plant at Bacheli, a 15 million tonne per annum slurry pipeline, and a 2 million tonne per annum pellet plant at Nagarnar. The facilities will enable NMDC to process fines and slimes from the Bailadila mines into concentrate, strengthening India’s steel sector and reducing ore losses during transport. Officials anticipate improved ore quality, enhanced logistics efficiency, and higher export potential as part of a broader push to expand domestic mineral value chains and steel production.
Investment: ₹5,427 crore
Locations: Bacheli (plant) and Nagarnar (pellet plant)
India ranks 31st in WEF Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026
India was ranked 31st among 110 economies in the World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Development Index 2026, released on 25 September 2026. The country rose from 39th position in 2024, as improvements in tourism infrastructure, accessibility, and destination resilience supported growth in travel and tourism. Japan topped the index, with several advanced economies following. The report underscores ongoing policy reforms, investment in hospitality, and digital-enabled services as key drivers. Analysts say the ranking provides a benchmark to guide investment, marketing, and policy decisions to sustain deepening tourism-led growth in the coming years.
Release date: 25 September 2026
India rank: 31/110
Previous rank (2024): 39
Top country: Japan
Implication: Guides policy and investment decisions
Gulbarga Tur Dal GI-tagged export to Maldives begins
Gulbarga Tur Dal, a Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged agricultural product from Karnataka, was exported to the Maldives with support from APEDA. About 1 metric tonne of Gulbarga Tur Dal was shipped as part of efforts to expand global markets for India’s GI-tagged products. The initiative aims to provide greater opportunities for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to participate in international trade and to diversify export markets beyond traditional buyers. APEDA emphasized that such exports foster value addition, raise farmer incomes, and showcase Karnataka's agricultural heritage on a global stage.
India finishes in top 10 at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
India finished in the top ten at the 48th WorldSkills Competition held in Shanghai, China. Team India secured 10th place, with athletes earning six silver medals and 20 Medals for Excellence across different skill categories. WorldSkills is a biennial event that brings together young professionals from various technical and vocational fields to showcase practical competencies. The 2026 edition highlighted improvements in vocational training, industry partnerships, and youth participation in India. The result marks a milestone for Indian skills development on the global stage and is expected to influence future training and apprenticeship programs across the country.
Rishabh Das sets national 200m backstroke record at Asian Games 2026
Indian swimmer Rishabh Das set a new national record in the men's 200 metre backstroke at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Competing in the final on 25 September 2026, the 19-year-old clocked 1 minute 58.77 seconds, finishing sixth overall. The performance surpassed his previous national mark of 1:59.84, established earlier in the year. Das also became the first Indian swimmer to complete the long‑course 200m backstroke in under two minutes. The result adds to India's medal tally at the Games and signals rising strength in Indian youth swimming. Observers note improving training networks and increased support for aquatic sports in the country.
Date of final: 25 September 2026
Event: Men's 200m backstroke, Asian Games 2026
Time: 1:58.77, new national record
Previous mark: 1:59.84
Placement: Sixth in final
India wins kabaddi gold medals at Asian Games 2026
India captured kabaddi gold medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026. The men's team defeated Iran 40–34 in the final, while the women's team defeated Iran 37–34 to clinch the gold in both categories. Iran remains a strong rival in kabaddi, making the victory notable for India’s sustained excellence in the sport. The triumph contributed to India’s overall medal tally at the Games and reinforced the country’s dominance in kabaddi on the continental stage. Coaches and players credited disciplined training, tactical planning, and team cohesion for the success.
Delhi Udyog Mitra Portal launched for traders and MSMEs
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Delhi Udyog Mitra Portal on 28 September 2026. The digital platform acts as a single-window system to simplify access to government services for traders, entrepreneurs, MSMEs, start-ups, industrial units, and investors. Launched under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, the portal enables faster approvals and service delivery through a unified online channel. Officials say it will reduce regulatory bottlenecks, improve transparency, and shorten processing times. The initiative aims to boost investment, ease doing business in Delhi, and support economic growth by digitalising government interactions and consolidating multiple services on a single platform.
Launch date: 28 September 2026
Platform: Delhi Udyog Mitra Portal
Theme: Single-window access under Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
Benefits: Faster approvals, reduced bottlenecks
Target: Traders, MSMEs, start-ups, and investors
Livestock Insurance Portal 2026 launched in New Delhi
Livestock Insurance Portal 2026 was launched in New Delhi by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh). Developed by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), the portal provides a digital platform for livestock insurance services. It will be available in Hindi, English, and 11 regional languages to broaden access. The portal aims to streamline policy management, claims processing, subsidies, and coverage for farmers and livestock owners. It forms part of India's digital governance initiative to improve agricultural risk protection, enhance transparency in subsidies, and promote inclusive insurance coverage for the livestock sector.
Launch location: New Delhi
Launcher: Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh)
Developer: DAHD
Languages: 12 total (Hindi, English + 11 regional)
India signs UN Convention against Cybercrime in New York
India signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar signed the agreement in New York. The convention is the first comprehensive global treaty on cybercrime adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and aims to strengthen international cooperation, information sharing, and joint action against cyber-enabled crimes. The move aligns with India's cyber security strategy and digital governance goals and is expected to facilitate cross-border investigations, enforce coordinated responses to cyber threats, and enhance international legal cooperation.
Event: UN General Assembly, 81st session
Country signing: India
Signatory: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
Purpose: Global treaty on cybercrime
Expected outcome: Enhanced international cooperation