BRICS Labour Ministers meet in Hyderabad under 2026 chairship
BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting was held in Hyderabad under India's BRICS Chairship 2026, with Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya presiding. Ministers and delegates from BRICS member countries discussed cooperation on employment and labour issues. They examined challenges in the global world of work and explored measures to improve skill development, mobility, and social protection for workers. The meeting also considered green jobs, digital economy, and inclusive growth. The event highlighted India's role in BRICS as a platform for sharing best practices and advancing labour standards across the bloc. Observers noted the emphasis on skill training and worker welfare measures, alongside trade and investment cooperation.
Meeting held in Hyderabad during India's BRICS Chairship 2026.
Mansukh Mandaviya presided over the session.
BRICS delegates discussed employment and labour cooperation.
Focus on skill development, mobility, social protection.
Green jobs, digital economy and inclusive growth discussed.
Ladakh apricot export to UAE under MoU with Lulu Retail
Ladakh administration has partnered with Lulu Retail under a Memorandum of Understanding to promote the export of fresh apricots to the United Arab Emirates. The first consignment is planned for July 2026, with a target of exporting 1,000 metric tonnes overall. The programme features the GI-tagged Raktsey Karpo apricot and the Halman variety, both grown in Ladakh's cooler conditions. Officials say the partnership will improve market access for local fruit growers, boost incomes, and strengthen the agri-value chain. The export drive aligns with government aims to expand the geography of Indian agricultural products and diversify exports. Market readiness, cold-chain logistics, and quality controls will be critical.
MoU with Lulu Retail to export Ladakh apricots to UAE.
First consignment planned for July 2026; target 1,000 metric tonnes.
GI-tagged Raktsey Karpo and Halman variety are included.
Aims to improve market access and farmer incomes.
Logistics, cold chain and quality controls are essential.
MRF named India's strongest tyre brand in Brand Finance India 100–2026
MRF Tyres, based in Chennai, was ranked India's strongest tyre brand in the Brand Finance India 100–2026 report, confirming its value and resilience in the Indian market. The company also ranked among the world's top three strongest tyre brands and featured in India's top 50 most valuable brands across industries. The ranking reflects MRF's brand equity in a competitive automotive sector and highlights consumer trust in Indian-manufactured tyres. Industry observers expect ongoing investments in research and marketing to sustain leadership, with potential expansion into new markets and product lines. The Brand Finance ranking also notes resilience during economic slowdowns. This positions MRF as a flagship Indian tyre exporter.
MRF named India's strongest tyre brand in Brand Finance India 100–2026.
Ranked among world's top three tyre brands.
Included in India's top 50 most valuable brands.
Attributed to distribution network, quality and product range.
Expectations of continued R&D and market expansion.
Karnataka to establish India's first government-driven AI University
The Karnataka government announced plans to establish India's first government-driven Artificial Intelligence University in July 2026. The announcement was made in Bengaluru during the inauguration of Google I/O Connect India 2026. The proposed university will focus on education, research, and innovation in artificial intelligence and will be linked with an AI Hub to support startups, researchers, and technology companies. The project aims to strengthen skill development, foster local AI talent, and position Karnataka as a national leader in AI education. The government expects collaboration with industry and academia to accelerate adoption of AI technologies. Funding mechanisms and governance models will be announced later.
India's first government-driven AI University planned in Karnataka.
Announced in Bengaluru during Google I/O Connect India 2026.
University to focus on AI education, research and innovation.
Linked AI Hub to support startups, researchers and companies.
Aim to make Karnataka a national leader in AI education.
CeNS develops portable, self-powered ammonia sensor in Bengaluru
Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru have developed a portable, self-powered, wearable ammonia sensor. The device detects very low ammonia concentrations and operates at room temperature, enabling real-time monitoring of hazardous leaks in industrial and environmental settings. Researchers say the sensor can improve workplace safety, environmental monitoring, and public health protection by providing continuous data. Potential applications include early warning for chemical process facilities, smart city air quality networks, and emergency response systems. The invention highlights India's growing capabilities in nanoscience and wearable sensor technologies. Further work will test long-term stability and integration with existing safety infrastructure.
CeNS in Bengaluru developed a portable, self-powered ammonia sensor.
Detects low concentrations at room temperature for real-time monitoring.
Improves safety, environmental monitoring and public health protection.
Applications include chemical plants, smart city air networks, emergency response.
Pioneering work in nanoscience and wearable sensors.
Poomani, the renowned Tamil writer also known as Pulithurai Manickavasagam, died in July 2026. He was celebrated for his depictions of rural life, marginalised communities, and social realities in Tamil literature. Poomani received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 for his novel Agnyaadi, and his work Vekkai was adapted into the 2019 Tamil film Asuran. The author held a prominent place in contemporary Tamil letters and influenced generations of readers with his portrayals of everyday struggles. Tributes poured in from literary circles and readers across India, recognizing his contributions to regional language writing. His works have been studied in universities and translated into several languages, reflecting his impact on Indian literature.
Poomani, renowned Tamil writer, passed away in July 2026.
Seafarer-First initiative launched to protect Indian seafarers amid West Asia security concerns
Seafarer-First is a new initiative launched by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, to protect Indian seafarers working in conflict-affected regions. The programme aims to strengthen safety, coordination, and support mechanisms for Indian maritime personnel during overseas operations. Officials say the scheme will improve emergency response, repatriation, legal assistance, and welfare services for sailors at sea and ashore. It comes as maritime security concerns rise in West Asia after attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The approach involves closer coordination with coast guards, shipping companies, and Indian missions, enabling timely information and assistance during crises.
Seafarer-First initiative launched by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
Aims to strengthen safety, coordination and support for Indian maritime personnel overseas.
Focus on emergency response, repatriation, legal aid and welfare services.
Motive is rising West Asia security concerns after Strait of Hormuz incidents.
Emphasises closer coordination with coast guards, shipping firms and Indian missions for timely assistance.
Bihar launches Heli-Tourism and Air Tourism Scheme 2026
Patna hosts the Mukhyamantri Bihar Heli-Tourism and Air Tourism Service Scheme 2026, launched by the Bihar government. The scheme is a joint effort of the Tourism Department and the Civil Aviation Department to provide subsidised helicopter and air tourism services to selected destinations across Bihar. Officials say the plan will improve connectivity between major religious and tourist sites and promote local economic activity. The programme targets popular circuits in the state and aligns with state plans to develop air mobility infrastructure. Services will be facilitated through public-private partnerships and a subsidy mechanism designed to make trips affordable for visitors and pilgrims.
Scheme announced in Patna by the Bihar government.
Subsidised helicopter and air tourism across Bihar.
Joint implementation by Tourism and Civil Aviation Depts.
Aims to improve connectivity to religious and tourist sites.
PPP model and subsidies to make trips affordable.
GI tags awarded to Unjha cumin and fennel from Gujarat
Geographical Indication registrations were granted in July 2026 for Unjha cumin and Unjha fennel from Gujarat by the Geographical Indications Registry. The GI tag provides legal protection and helps position these products in national and international markets. The Unjha region's climate and farming practices have shaped the distinctive aromas and quality of the cumin and fennel. The recognition is expected to boost branding, export prospects, and livelihoods for local farmers by ensuring product authenticity and preventing mislabeling. Industry analysts say it could support quality control, price premiums, and regional marketing campaigns. The move aligns with government efforts to safeguard traditional products and boost rural incomes.
GI registrations granted in July 2026 for Unjha cumin and fennel.
GI tag provides legal protection and branding advantages.
Unjha climate and farming practices shape quality.
Aims to boost livelihoods and prevent mislabeling.
Potential for quality control, price premiums, and regional marketing.
Jharkhand showcases GI-tagged handlooms at Bharat Tex 2026
Jharkhand showcased six GI-tagged handloom products at Bharat Tex 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The items include Tassar Silk, Kuchai Silk, Bhagaiya Saree and Fabric, Tumka Chadar, Bhoya Saree and Fabric, and Pancho Saree and Fabric. The display aims to promote the state's traditional textile heritage before national and international buyers, and to create better livelihood opportunities for artisans. The GI tags protect regional identities and fair prices, helping preserve craftsmanship. The event underscores government support for rural crafts and aims to expand market access and exports. Experts say GI recognition can drive tourism and revive weaving communities.
Jharkhand displayed six GI-tagged handlooms at Bharat Tex 2026.
Items include Tassar Silk, Kuchai Silk, Bhagaiya Saree and more.
GI tags protect regional identities and support livelihoods.
Event seeks to expand market access and exports.
GI recognition could boost tourism and revive crafts.