e-Shram Portal recently completed five years since its launch on 26 August 2021. It was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to create a national database of workers in the unorganised sector. The portal was developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and created the National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW). Each registered worker receives a 12-digit Universal Account Number (UAN). As of 18 August 2026, it had recorded 31.89 crore registrations. The e-Shram One-Stop Solution, launched in October 2024, integrates 15 social security and welfare schemes.

Nipun is the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar-class being inducted into the Indian Navy. It is indigenously designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam. The vessel will strengthen the Navy’s capabilities in deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue operations. Nipun is equipped with modern diving systems, navigation and platform-management systems, station-keeping capabilities and medical facilities. Its induction reflects India’s growing self-reliance and indigenisation in specialised defence shipbuilding.

The Publications Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting won seven awards at the Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP) Awards for Excellence in Book Production 2026. It received four second prizes and three third prizes across categories including reference books, trade books, journals, children’s publications and art/coffee-table books. ‘Bharat 2026’, ‘Wings to Our Hopes – Volume 2’, ‘Yojana – July 2026’ and ‘Kurukshetra’ received second prizes. ‘Dharti Ki Sehat’, ‘Rangoli Roop Sur Lay Ki’ and ‘Ajkal Urdu – July 2026’ received third prizes. The awards recognised editorial quality, publishing excellence and diversity of content in Hindi, English and Urdu.

Khijadia Bird Sanctuary in Jamnagar, Gujarat, has emerged as an important breeding site for the Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus). Khijadia Bird Sanctuary is a protected wetland located near Jamnagar, Gujarat, about 14 km from the city. It is recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. It supports over 300 bird species, including several migratory birds.

The Ministry of Rural Development participated in World Water Week 2026 in Stockholm, Sweden, showcasing India’s community-led and technology-enabled approach to water security. World Water Week is organised by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and serves as a global platform for dialogue and collaboration on water challenges. India highlighted Water Vision @2047, aligned with the broader Viksit Bharat @2047, focusing on inclusive, sustainable and climate-resilient water security. The National Initiative on Water Security (NIWS) prioritises water-related investments based on groundwater conditions at the block level.