Abelardo de la Espriella sworn in as Colombia President
Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as President of Colombia on 7 August 2026, beginning the 2026-2030 constitutional term. He defeated left-wing rival Iván Cepeda in a tightly contested runoff election and succeeded Gustavo Petro. The inauguration ceremony took place in Cali, deviating from the traditional Bogotá venue. De la Espriella has promised a firmer stance against armed groups and organized crime, aiming to restore security and accelerate economic reforms. His administration faces challenges including urban violence, narcotics trafficking and regional diplomacy. International observers expect recalibrated foreign policy and closer ties with key partners in the region. Analysts note the need for domestic consensus to implement reforms.
Astrobase unveils EVEREST: India's first privately developed high-thrust FFSC rocket engine
Astrobase Space Technologies, a Bengaluru-based company, unveiled its EVEREST rocket engine in August 2026. The engine is classified as an 800 kN (80-tonne) thrust unit and marks India's first privately developed high-thrust Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) engine. Using liquid oxygen and methane as propellants, EVEREST is designed for multiple-use operations, with an emphasis on reusability for future launch vehicles. The developers say the FFSC cycle improves efficiency and reduces cost per launch, potentially strengthening India's private space-launch capabilities. Officials say testing programs are planned to validate performance across mission profiles, with industry partners eyeing collaboration on future commercial and strategic missions.
PM Modi inaugurates Param Pragya AI supercomputing facility at IIT Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Param Pragya, an AI-powered supercomputing facility, at IIT Delhi during August 2026. The inauguration occurred at the institute's 57th Convocation ceremony. Param Pragya is intended to strengthen advanced research, artificial intelligence, scientific computing and complex simulations across sectors such as healthcare, climate, and defence technology. Officials describe the center as a cornerstone of India's growing high-performance computing ecosystem, with capacity to run large-scale models and data analytics. The project aligns with government plans to expand domestic AI capabilities, foster industry-academia collaboration, and position India as a regional hub for innovation in data science.
Inaugurated at IIT Delhi during 57th Convocation
AI-powered supercomputing facility named Param Pragya
Aims to boost AI research, computing and simulations
Part of expanding India's HPC ecosystem
Supports industry-academia collaboration
HAL Airport Bengaluru adopts satellite-guided helicopter approach
Bengaluru's HAL Airport became the first Indian airport to implement a satellite-guided helicopter approach in August 2026. The system uses satellite navigation data to guide helicopter arrivals and departures with higher precision, supporting safer landings under marginal visibility and challenging wind conditions. Aviation authorities say the technology will improve flight safety, reduce separation minima and standardise procedures across helicopter operations in busy airspace. Officials emphasise the initiative as part of a broader push to modernise India's air navigation infrastructure and enhance resilience of regional transport links, particularly in densely populated cities. The project includes training for air traffic controllers and flight crews on the new procedures.
First in India to use satellite-guided helicopter approach
Location: HAL Airport, Bengaluru
Improves precision, safety in low visibility
Aims to standardise helicopter procedures nationwide
Maharajan Arumugapandian wins silver at Asian Junior Championships
Maharajan Arumugapandian, a young Indian weightlifter, won a silver medal in the men's 65 kilogram category at the Asian Junior Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He lifted a total of 285 kilograms, comprising 128 kilograms in the snatch and 157 kilograms in the clean and jerk. The result marked a significant milestone for the 18-year-old athlete, who trained in domestic facilities and competed against senior juniors from across Asia. Arumugapandian's performance adds to India's growing strength in weightlifting at junior continental level and may help him secure funding and opportunities to train with national teams ahead of future championships. The event showcased India's emerging pipeline of young talent.
Silver in men's 65 kg at Asian Junior Championships
Total lift 285 kg: 128 snatch, 157 C&J
Event held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
18-year-old Arumugapandian featured strongly
Boosts India's junior weightlifting prospects
Harshita Jakhar makes Indian history at Tour de France Femmes 2026
Young Indian cyclist Harshita Jakhar made history by becoming the first Indian woman to participate in activities connected with the Tour de France Femmes 2026. The Rajasthan rider joined through a UCI talent-development program and took part in the ceremonial start of the race. Her appearance marks a milestone for Indian women's cycling on the international stage and highlights growing opportunities for riders from India to compete in major global events. Analysts say the development could attract sponsorship, inspire young athletes and accelerate the expansion of women's cycling infrastructure and training networks in India. This achievement aligns with government support for women in sports.
First Indian woman connected with Tour de France Femmes 2026
India-US Navy EOD Exercise begins in Kochi on 10 August 2026
The 8th India-US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise began at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi on 10 August 2026. The five-day bilateral exercise runs through 14 August and involves joint training, equipment demonstrations and practical drills by specialist diving and EOD teams. Participants include navies' EOD personnel from both countries, with observers from allied services. The drills focus on mine countermeasures, underwater reconnaissance, explosive disruption and recovery operations in complex harbour and littoral environments. Organisers say the exercise aims to improve interoperability, standard operating procedures, and rapid response capabilities essential for disaster relief and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
Har Ghar Tiranga campaign runs from 9 to 17 August 2026
The Government of India is conducting the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign from 9 to 17 August 2026 as part of Independence Day celebrations. Led by the Ministry of Culture, the nationwide drive encourages citizens to display the national flag at home and participate in the Selfie with Tiranga initiative. The campaign builds on the 2022 launch under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and aims to foster patriotism, unity and greater public participation in national identity events. Local authorities organise flag-hoisting, community programmes and school activities to engage citizens across rural and urban areas. The initiative reinforces public appreciation of national symbols.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the President's Colour to the Puducherry Police in August 2026, recognizing the force's distinguished service, discipline and contribution to maintaining law and order. The award ceremony followed months of preparations by the Puducherry Police for the national honour, which is among the highest recognitions bestowed on police and armed forces. The event highlighted the department's long-standing commitment to public safety, operational readiness and community engagement. The presentation reflects central government acknowledgment of the force's performance in coastal union territory's crime prevention, disaster response and policing across urban and rural frontiers. The ceremony underscored inter-governmental cooperation and the value of ceremonial awards in boosting morale.
President's Colour presented to Puducherry Police
Conferred by Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Award highlights service, discipline and order maintenance
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has led the rollout of the e-Samudra digital platform to modernise India's maritime governance. Developed by the Directorate General of Shipping, the cloud-based system is designed to bring ship registration, regulatory approvals and stakeholder services onto a single digital interface. The modules aim to streamline licensing, vessel tracking, inspections and compliance, while reducing processing times and human error. Officials say e-Samudra will improve transparency, efficiency and data-sharing across ports and agencies, enabling better risk management, faster approvals and stronger maritime security. The platform aligns with the government's digital governance push for the blue economy.
Digital platform e-Samudra launched by DG Shipping
Cloud-based system for ship registration and approvals