CAQM approves Phased Shift towards Cleaner Light Goods Vehicles in Delhi-NCR; Strengthens Dust Control at Stone Crushing Units

India, Aug. 19 -- The Government of India has issued a release: The 29th meeting of the Full Commission of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas was held on 18.08.2026 under the Chairmanship of Shri Rajesh Verma. It approved issuance of Direction No. 102 mandating new registration of cleaner modes of Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs) in Delhi-NCR in a phased manner, in view of the significant contribution of the vehicular sector to PM2.5 emissions in Delhi-NCR and the d...


DRI busts a wildlife trafficking syndicate involved in illicit trade of ivory artefacts

India, Aug. 19 -- The Government of India has issued a release: In a major operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted a syndicate of wildlife traffickers and seized 54 intricately carved ivory artefacts today. Acting on a specific intelligence regarding the illicit trade of ivory artefacts, officers of the DRI, planned a meticulous operation at Lucknow and intercepted four persons of a syndicate involved in illicit trade of wildlife items that led to recovery of 54 exquisi...


DRI busts novel attempt to smuggle 56 kg methamphetamine concealed with maize; two persons arrested

India, Aug. 19 -- The Government of India has issued a release: Continuing its sustained crackdown on transnational trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has foiled a major attempt to illegally export a significant quantity of Methamphetamine from India to Saudi Arabia. In an intelligence-led operation conducted by DRI during 16-17.08.2026, around 56 kg Methamphetamine in powdery form was recovered from an export consignment ...


Union Health Ministry Organises NLEP Review-cum-Capacity Building Workshop to Strengthen Leprosy Control Measures and Accelerate Interruption of Transmission

India, Aug. 19 -- The Government of India has issued a release: The workshop brought together more than 70 participants, including the Additional Director General, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS); Deputy Director General (Leprosy); officials of the Central Leprosy Division; representatives from RLTRI Raipur and Aska Institute; State Leprosy Officers; Chief Medical and Health Officers; District Leprosy Officers from all 51 districts of Madhya Pradesh; District Consultants; technica...


Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah to chair 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council on 20th August 2026 in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

India, Aug. 19 -- The Government of India has issued a release: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah will chair the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council (SZC) on 20th August 2026 in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. The Southern Zonal Council comprises the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Keralam, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, and the Union Territories of Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. Under Sections 15 to 22 of the States Reorganisation Act, ...


India - Malaysia 2nd Joint Working Group Meeting held on Cooperation in field of Public Administration & Governance Reforms

India, Aug. 19 -- The Government of India has issued a release: The 2nd India-Malaysia Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on 'Cooperation in the Field of Public Administration and Governance Reforms' was held on 18.08.2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Puneet Yadav, Additional Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), and Mr. Datuk Dr. Mohd Bakhari bin Ismail, Deputy Director General of Public Service (Development), Malaysia. Senior officials from DARPG...


India Hosts Eighth BRICS Youth Energy Summit 2026 under its BRICS Chairship

India, Aug. 19 -- The Government of India has issued a release: India hosted the Eighth BRICS Youth Energy Summit 2026 virtually on 17 August 2026 under its BRICS Chairship. The Summit brought together more than 100 participants, including young energy professionals from academia, government institutions, and the energy ministries of the BRICS Member Countries. Representatives of the BRICS Youth Energy Agency (BRICS YEA), as well as international organizations including Sustainable Energy for A...


Meeting of the Hindi Advisory Committee Held at the Ministry of Rural Development

India, Aug. 19 -- The Government of India has issued a release: The meeting of the Hindi Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Rural Development was held today at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Hon'ble Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. The meeting was attended by Shri Kalyan Banerjee, Shri Dharambir Singh and Smt. Anita Nagarsingh Chouhan, Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha), along with other members of the Committee...


RDI Fund 'Conflict of Interest' policy protected by Stringent Safeguards to Ensure protection of Taxpayers Money and Private Capital; however, suggestions from stakeholders most welcome and wherever feasible more safeguards could be considered: Dr Jitendra Singh

India, Aug. 19 -- The Government of India has issued a release: The monthly joint meeting of Science Secretaries chaired by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, was marked by three important announcements. Dr Jitendra Singh said that the RDI Fund 'Conflict of Interest' policy was protected by stringent safeguards to ensure protection of Taxpayers...


A smart cancer drug activating primarily in cancer cells, could replace chemotherapy

India, Aug. 19 -- The Government of India has issued a release: A new "smart" cancer drug designed to switch on and work only inside cancer cells can replace traditional chemotherapy, which in many cases also harms healthy cells. Cancer treatment often damages healthy cells along with cancer cells, causing significant associated adverse effects and side effects. This has created a need for targeted therapies that remain inactive in normal tissues while it travels through the body and become ac...