China's Long March 7A launch fails after short flight
China's Long March 7A rocket carrying the ChinaSat-4B communications satellite failed shortly after launch from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on 10 August 2026. Chinese authorities cited an anomaly during flight, resulting in mission failure. The satellite was intended to provide high-capacity communications for civilian and military users. An investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the launch failure. The incident underscores ongoing challenges in space-launch reliability and will be watched closely by international partners and observers monitoring regional space activity and security dynamics.
Long March 7A launch occurred on 10 August 2026
Satellite ChinaSat-4B intended for civilian and military use
VOC Port becomes India’s first major port with Scope-2 emission-free status
V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, became India's first major port to achieve Scope-2 emission-free status. The port increased its use of renewable energy, including solar and wind, and adopted energy-efficient practices across terminal operations and power supply contracts. Scope-2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gases from purchased electricity. The port's shift reduces its carbon footprint and aligns with national climate goals and green maritime initiatives. Authorities say ongoing investment in clean energy will help other ports reduce emissions and improve air quality in the region, supporting sustainable growth in India's coastal economy.
VOC Port achieves Scope-2 emission-free status
Increased use of solar and wind energy
Scope-2: indirect emissions from electricity purchases
First major Indian port to reach this status
Supports green maritime initiatives and coastal economy
Plastic Waste Management project around Nalsarovar Sanctuary funded by JICA
The Gujarat Forest Department launched a ₹2.94 crore Plastic Waste Management Project around the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary in August 2026. The initiative is approved under the Project for Eco-Restoration in Gujarat with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It aims to reduce plastic pollution by encouraging waste collection from surrounding villages and to protect Nalsarovar's sensitive wetland ecosystem. The project also seeks to support local livelihoods through recycling activities and community participation. Officials emphasise sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation as central to the effort, with potential benefits for eco-tourism and regional environmental resilience.
₹2.94 crore Plastic Waste Management Project around Nalsarovar
Supported by JICA under Gujarat Eco-Restoration scheme
Aims to reduce plastic pollution and protect wetlands
Encourages village-level waste collection and recycling
Emphasises community participation and eco-tourism potential
Ashmita Chaliha wins Korea Masters, first Indian to win the title
Indian badminton player Ashmita Chaliha created history by becoming the first Indian to win the Korea Masters women's singles title in 2026. She defeated China's Han Qian Xi 14–21, 21–14, 21–14 in the final at the Yi Sun-sin Gymnasium in South Korea. The match lasted 53 minutes and showcased Chaliha's comeback from a first-game loss as she shifted pace and attack to secure the championship. The victory marks a significant milestone in her badminton career, following rising performances on the international circuit and strong domestic results. Her breakthrough is being celebrated by national sports bodies and fans alike.
Ashmita Chaliha wins Korea Masters women’s singles, 2026
Defeated Han Qian Xi of China in final, 14–21, 21–14, 21–14
BEL and Esri India sign MoU to boost defence geospatial capabilities
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Esri India signed an MoU in August 2026 to strengthen geospatial capabilities for India's defence sector. The partnership focuses on GIS, Location Intelligence and GeoAI-based solutions for defence projects, enabling better mapping, planning and decision support. BEL will contribute its expertise in defence electronics and systems integration, while Esri India's geospatial technology will provide software platforms, data tools and analytics. The collaboration includes indigenous development and training using the Indo ArcGIS platform, enabling soldiers and engineers to access tailored geospatial workflows. The partners aim to accelerate digitisation in procurement, logistics and mission planning while safeguarding sensitive information.
BEL and Esri India sign MoU in August 2026 to enhance defence geospatial capabilities
Focus areas: GIS, Location Intelligence, GeoAI
BEL contributes defence electronics and systems integration
Indo ArcGIS platform for indigenous development and training
Aims to improve planning, reconnaissance and logistics across defence
Signals emphasis on self-reliance and digital sovereignty
Eleven-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan became Britain's youngest-ever women's chess champion at the 2026 British Chess Championships held in Coventry. She clinched the title after defeating Irish Woman Grandmaster Trisha Kanyamarala in a rapid playoff. The final stage showcased Bodhana's strong endgame skills and steady strategic planning under pressure. Her achievement adds to a rapid rise in her chess career, with earlier rapid victories at youth events and a growing presence of young players in the British circuit. The championship also featured 17-year-old Shreyas Royal, who became the youngest-ever overall British champion, underscoring a record-setting year for new talents in British chess.
Bodhana Sivanandan wins British Women's title at age 11
Defeated Trisha Kanyamarala in a rapid playoff
Event held in Coventry, 2026 edition
Shreyas Royal becomes youngest-ever British champion
Highlights growing participation of young players in Britain
Deepak Dhar named recipient of 2026 Dirac Medal by ICTP
Indian theoretical physicist Deepak Dhar was named among the recipients of the 2026 Dirac Medal awarded by the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP). The award recognises Dhar's important contributions to statistical mechanics and the study of complex systems, including influential work on self-organised criticality. Dhar's career spans several Indian institutions, and he has been associated with IISER Pune as a Distinguished Emeritus Professor. The Dirac Medal is one of the field's most respected international honours and typically accompanies a lecture as part of ICTP's mission to promote theoretical science in developing regions.
Deepak Dhar named recipient of the 2026 Dirac Medal
Awarded by ICTP for work in statistical mechanics and complex systems
Noted for self-organised criticality research
Associated with IISER Pune as Distinguished Emeritus Professor
Dirac Medal is a prestigious international honour in theoretical physics
Amit Shah launches Bank in a Box and SOC for Urban Co-operative Banks
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the Bank in a Box and Security Operations Centre initiatives for Urban Cooperative Banks in August 2026. Bank in a Box provides core banking, digital payments, cloud facilities and regulatory compliance support to smaller banks, aiming to modernise operations and broaden financial inclusion. The Security Operations Centre will strengthen cybersecurity and provide monitoring to safeguard banking networks. Officials emphasised that the package will upgrade digital infrastructure, simplify regulatory processes and improve customer services across urban cooperative banks. The schemes reflect a government push to enhance financial stability and resilience at the grassroots level while integrating new technology into public banking systems.
Bank in a Box offers core banking, digital payments and cloud facilities
Security Operations Centre enhances cybersecurity for cooperative banks
Initiatives launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Aims to modernise smaller Urban Cooperative Banks
Focus on digital infrastructure and regulatory compliance