By — Shyamal Sinha

This edition features seven mementos from Haryana, with sporting achievements forming a prominent part of the collection. Five items are sports-related, while others celebrate the state’s religious and cultural heritage.

Open for public bidding, these mementos carry stories of achievement and perseverance. The proceeds from the auction will go to the Namami Gange Project.

Celebrating Haryana’s Paralympic Champions

Among the featured items is an arrow presented by Harwinder Singh, who became the first Indian to win a Paralympic gold medal in archery. Two mementos are associated with Navdeep Singh, who won gold in the men’s F41 javelin throw event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. His cap and signed shirt offer members of the public an opportunity to own keepsakes connected to this sporting achievement.

The collection also features an authentic Yonex badminton racket and India team shirt presented by Paralympic badminton gold medallist Nitesh Kumar. Together, these items represent Haryana’s contribution to India’s sporting achievements.

Haryana’s Religious and Cultural Heritage

Alongside the sporting memorabilia, the collection includes a metal statue of Goddess Sheetala Devi. Crafted from high quality metal, the statue features intricate detailing, with a lustrous finish that enhances its divine presence.

A souvenir commemorating the Gita Updesh Sthali of Dharmakshetra Kurukshetra reflecting Haryana’s association with the Bhagavad Gita also adorns the collection.

These seven mementos in the 8th edition of PM Mementos, bring together different facets of Haryana. The auction gives these gifts a larger public purpose, with the proceeds supporting the Namami Gange Project.

For auction dates, participation details and the complete catalogue, visit the official PM Mementos e-Auction portal: pmmementos.gov.in

By — Shyamal Sinha

The Indian Parliamentary Delegation, led by the Hon’ble Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh, has departed for Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, to participate in the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and related meetings being held from 5 to 9 October 2026.

 The IPU Assembly will bring together parliamentarians from across the world for discussions on the theme “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all.”

The Indian delegation comprises Shri Harivansh, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha (Leader of the Delegation); Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, MP, Lok Sabha; Smt. Aparajita Sarangi, MP, Lok Sabha; Dr. Sasmit Patra, MP, Rajya Sabha; Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, MP, Lok Sabha; Smt. Kamaljeet Sehrawat, MP, Lok Sabha; Dr. Lata Wankhede, MP, Lok Sabha; Smt. Bijuli Kalita Medhi, MP, Lok Sabha; and Shri N. K. Premachandran, MP, Lok Sabha.

The delegation will participate in a wide range of meetings, panel discussions and workshops on issues of contemporary global relevance, and articulate India’s perspectives on these matters.

Shri Harivansh will participate in the Governing Council, the General Debate, the debate on the emergency item and the hearing with candidates for the position of IPU President.

Members of the Indian delegation will participate in discussions on democracy and human rights, peace and international security, sustainable development, women’s participation, science and technology, counter-terrorism, health, mental health, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and the future of work, maritime security, climate change and protection of mountain and ocean ecosystems, among other subjects. 

The participation of the Indian Parliamentary Delegation reflects India’s continued engagement with the IPU and its commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, multilateral dialogue and cooperation among parliaments on issues affecting global peace, development, democracy and the empowerment of communities.

By — Dilip Guha

On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary on October 2, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Chairman Manoj Goyal launched a nationwide special discount sale on Khadi and Village Industries products at Gramodyog Bhawan and Gram Shilpa Emporium in Connaught Place, New Delhi.

Infusing new energy into the call of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for ‘Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar-Ghar Swadeshi’ and ‘Vocal for Local’, Shri Manoj Goyal, Chairman,  Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, purchased Khadi products at Gramodyog Bhawan, Gram Shilpa Emporium and launched a nationwide special discount sale. On this occasion, he purchased Khadi and Village Industries products and made digital payments through UPI. Many dignitaries shopped at the showroom at Connaught Place on Gandhi Jayanti.

The discount campaign will continue till November 16, 2026, offering up to 20 per cent discount on Khadi products and 10 per cent on Village Industries products. Goyal also purchased Khadi products and made digital payments through UPI, encouraging people, particularly the youth, to embrace the Prime Minister’s call for ‘Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar-Ghar Swadeshi’ and ‘Vocal for Local’.

Addressing the media, Goyal said Khadi had emerged as a symbol of self-reliance, sustainable development and India’s cultural heritage, while providing livelihoods to millions of artisans and weavers. He said the Khadi and Village Industries sector recorded a turnover of over Rs 1.87 lakh crore in 2025-26, generating employment for more than 2.04 crore people. He expressed confidence that the sector would achieve its turnover target of Rs 2.51 lakh crore in the coming years.

By — Dilip Guha

 Hon’ble Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, Padma Shri Guru Dr Raja Radha Reddy, and the MD & CEO of Delhi Tourism inaugurated the Indraprastha Nritya Mahotsav 2026 at Delhi’s historic Purana Qila on October 2. The festival, known for celebrating India’s classical dance traditions, returned with its second edition featuring over 150 dancers from India and abroad.

The event showcased a vibrant confluence of tradition and creativity, with performances by distinguished gurus, eminent artists, and emerging talents. Award-winning maestros including Padma awardees, Sangeet Natak Akademi honorees, Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar recipients, and Doordarshan’s top-grade artists presented diverse dance forms ranging from Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Sattriya, Mohiniyattam, Kathakali to folk rhythms.

A special highlight was the light and sound show narrating the history of Indraprastha and the Yamuna, adding depth to the cultural experience. Each evening offered audiences a journey through rhythm, expression, and emotion, bridging age-old traditions with contemporary sensibilities.

The festival featured performances by leading names such as Natya Tarangini’s Raja and Radha Reddy, Malaysia’s Ramli Ibrahim, Kalakshetra Chennai, Guru Vaswati Mishra, Parshwanath Upadhye, Guru Anita Sharma, Guru Pallavi Krishnan, Guru Shama Bhate, Nrityagram’s Surupa Sen, Guru Latasana Devi, and Guru Vaibhav Arekar in a specially curated finale.

For Delhiites and visitors, the Mahotsav offered a rare opportunity to witness India’s rich classical dance heritage at a historic venue, reaffirming the timeless beauty of Indian culture and its enduring relevance.

By — Shyamal Sinha

Shri Narendra Bhooshan, a 1992-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has assumed charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India.

Shri Bhooshan brings with him over three decades of administrative experience across the Central and State Governments, with wide exposure to energy, infrastructure, industry, agriculture, urban development, finance and land-resource management. His appointment as Secretary, MoEFCC follows his tenure as Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development.

Career Background

During his career in the Uttar Pradesh cadre, Shri Bhooshan has held several senior assignments, including Additional Chief Secretary, Energy and Additional Energy Source and Technical Education. Earlier he served as Principal Secretary in the departments of PWD, Infrastructure and Industries Development, I.T. and Electronics, Science and Technology, Panchayati Raj. He has also served as Chief Executive Officer, Greater Noida Authority, besides holding other important charges. Shri Bhooshan also carries substantial field experience, having served as the District Magistrate of Mathura, Firozabad, and Udham Singh Nagar.

At the Government of India level, Shri Bhooshan has served as Deputy Director General, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Mission Director, National Food Security Management, and Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation. He has also served as Officer on Special Duty in the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Shri Bhooshan holds a graduate degree in Electronics and a Master’s degree in International Development Policy from Duke University, USA. His professional training includes programmes relating to public finance, infrastructure and climate-change preparedness.

By — Shyamal Sinha

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, has requested Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh to consider organising performances by the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Display Team at Maharashtra’s iconic tourism destinations, including Lonar Crater Lake in Buldhana district, during November 23–25, 2026.

In a letter to the Defence Minister, Shri Jadhav highlighted the Surya Kiran team’s reputation for precision, skill and coordinated aerial manoeuvres, noting that its performances showcase India’s aviation capabilities while inspiring public interest and encouraging young people to explore opportunities in the Indian Air Force.

Shri Jadhav particularly highlighted Lonar Crater Lake, a unique natural formation in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district that attracts visitors for its distinctive geological and environmental features. The lake is known for its saline and alkaline water and its striking crater landscape.

The Minister also drew attention to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, globally recognised for their outstanding cultural and historical significance. Both sites are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Shri Jadhav has requested the Defence Ministry to provide the necessary approval and issue appropriate directions to concerned authorities for organising Surya Kiran Aerobatic Display performances and associated inspirational activities at Lonar, Ajanta and Ellora on any of November 23, 24 or 25, 2026.

The proposed air show is aimed at adding a distinctive public attraction to these destinations while showcasing India’s aviation excellence and highlighting Maharashtra’s rich natural, cultural and heritage tourism potential.

By — Shyamal Sinha

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has lauded Captain Smit Machchhar for his immense courage and unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others in the face of grave danger and despite being seriously injured.

The Prime Minister said that Captain Machchhar’s valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.

Shri Modi said that India is proud of Captain Machchhar and prayed for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health.

Shri Modi said in X post;

“Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO.

In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. 

His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.

India is proud of Captain Machchhar. 

Praying for his speedy recovery, renewed strength and good health.”

By — Shyamal Sinha

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has shared a Sanskrit Subhashitam highlighting that resolute and steadfast individuals never give up until they achieve their cherished goal. He emphasised that just as the deities remained undeterred by the precious gems and deadly poison encountered while churning the ocean, they did not cease their efforts until they obtained the nectar of immortality.

The Prime Minister shared a Sanskrit Subhashitam-

“रत्नैर्महाब्धेस्तुतुषुर्न देवा न भेजिरे भीमविषेण भीतिम्।

सुधां विना न प्रययुर्विरामं न निश्चितार्थाद्विरमन्ति धीराः॥”

The Subhashitam conveys that just as the deities, undeterred by the precious gems found in the ocean and undismayed by its deadly poison, did not cease their efforts until they obtained the nectar of immortality, so too do resolute and steadfast souls never rest until they attain their cherished goal.

By — Shyamal Sinha

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu in her message on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti says: –

“On behalf of all citizens, I pay my respectful tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his 157th birth anniversary celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti.

Gandhiji’s life and ideals are widely respected by the global community. Today, an atmosphere of war and conflict prevails in many parts of the world, affecting all nations. In these circumstances, Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace and non-violence becomes even more relevant.

Our country is advancing towards the national goal of becoming Viksit Bharat by the year 2047. In this journey, priority is being given to the values ​​of empathy and inclusion to ensure that no citizen is deprived of the benefits of development. This vision reflects the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideal of ‘Sarvodaya’, based on the principle of the welfare and upliftment of all.

On the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, let us reaffirm our commitment to building an empowered, developed and Atmanirbhar Bharat through our ethical conduct and active participation”.

By — Shyamal Sinha

The Bramha Kumari Organisation Branch of Barabanki, and the DOO office Barabanki, P&I Cell, Barabanki, organised a drug abuse and addiction awareness campaign at Arnav Paramedical Institute, Barabanki, under Operation Jagriti, today.

The officers and members of Bramha Kumari Organisation addressed the students on the harmful effects of drug abuse and addiction and discussed practical ways to prevent substance abuse.

They encouraged the students to stay away from drugs, spread awareness among their peers and communities, and become responsible citizens. The programme emphasized the collective responsibility of youth in building a Nasha Mukt Bharat. The gathering of crowd was more than 500 people for this awareness programme