India hosted the BRICS Environment Working Group meeting and the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi in August 2026. The sessions focused on climate change, sustainability, and environmental cooperation among BRICS nations, with participants from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa outlining joint strategies for emissions reduction and green investment. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired the ministerial discussions, emphasizing the need for practical cooperation on pollution control, waste management, and climate finance. Delegates reviewed ongoing initiatives in biodiversity protection and water management while agreeing to enhanced information sharing and capacity-building in member countries. The meetings reinforced BRICS’ role in shaping regional environmental policy.
BRICS Environment Working Group and Ministers’ Meeting were held in New Delhi, August 2026.
Focus on climate change, sustainability and environmental cooperation.
Bhupender Yadav chaired the ministerial discussions.
Agreed on enhanced information sharing and capacity-building.
BSE Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote equity financing and improve capital-market access for micro, small and medium enterprises. The collaboration aims to expand listing opportunities, enhance investor awareness, and streamline placement of MSME securities on domestic markets. Executives said the MoU would help small businesses raise funds for growth, technology adoption, and job creation, while enabling better price discovery and governance practices. The partnership aligns with government efforts to bolster entrepreneurship and ease of doing business. It also anticipates stronger participation from MSMEs in capital markets and greater financial inclusion.
MoU with PHDCCI aims to boost MSME access to equity financing.
Targets expanded listing opportunities and investor awareness.
Supports growth, technology adoption, and jobs for MSMEs.
Aims for better price discovery and governance in MSME markets.
Simhadri Power Plant to host iron-air battery pilot project
Simhadri Super Thermal Power Station in Andhra Pradesh has been selected for India’s first utility-scale pilot of an indigenous rechargeable iron-air battery. The project is led by NTPC and aims to test a long-duration energy storage technology that could help integrate renewable energy into the grid and improve reliability during peak demand. If successful, iron-air batteries may offer low-cost storage with long discharge durations compared with other chemistries. The pilot will evaluate performance under real grid conditions, including charging and discharging cycles, safety, and lifecycle costs. The siting at Simhadri underscores India’s push for domestic energy-storage solutions and energy-security resilience.
First utility-scale iron-air battery pilot in India at Simhadri, Andhra Pradesh.
Led by NTPC to test long-duration storage for renewables.
Aims to improve grid reliability and reduce storage costs.
Evaluates charging, discharging, safety, and lifecycle costs.
Cameroon wins maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title
Cameroon secured its maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title by defeating Malawi 3-0 in the final. Striker Marie Ngah scored twice before halftime, giving Cameroon a decisive lead and the momentum to close out the match. The victory marks Cameroon’s first continental crown after three previous heartbreaks in WAFCON finals. Malawi, appearing in the competition for the first time, fought hard but could not break through Cameroon’s defense or capitalize on chances. The result sets a historic milestone for Cameroon's women’s football program and is celebrated across the country as a breakthrough moment on the African stage for the nation.
Cameroon defeated Malawi 3-0 in the final of WAFCON 2026.
Marie Ngah scored two goals in the first half.
This is Cameroon’s first-ever WAFCON title after three prior final losses.
Malawi participated in its inaugural edition of the tournament.
The victory marks a historic milestone for Cameroon’s women’s football.
Indian Army Chief awarded honorary Nepal Army rank
General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Indian Army, was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army during his official visit to Nepal in August 2026. The gesture follows a long-standing tradition in which senior military chiefs of India and Nepal exchange honorary ranks as a mark of friendship and mutual respect. Defence cooperation between the two neighbours has deepened through joint exercises, training exchanges, and strategic dialogues. The ceremony took place amid discussions on regional security and disaster response cooperation. Observers say such ceremonies symbolize trust and interoperability, reinforcing stability in the region while underscoring the shared history of defence collaboration between India and Nepal.
General Dhiraj Seth received the honorary rank during the August 2026 visit to Nepal.
The tradition reflects longstanding India-Nepal defence ties.
Honorary ranks are exchanged to symbolize mutual respect between armies.
Ceremony occurred alongside talks on regional security and disaster response.
Reliance-Rolls-Royce tie to develop AMCA engine
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) announced a strategic partnership with Rolls-Royce to develop an indigenous combat engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The collaboration covers design, development, and potential manufacturing of aerospace engines, with both parties emphasising deepening domestic capability in defence propulsion. The deal aims to strengthen India's defense manufacturing ecosystem, reduce import dependence, and support the AMCA project’s timelines. Officials highlighted joint research, supply chain integration, and knowledge transfer as core elements. Industry analysts view the partnership as a milestone for India's public-private collaboration in high-technology sectors, aligning with government priorities to boost Make in India and domestic defence production.
RIL and Rolls-Royce to co-develop an indigenous AMCA engine.
Scope includes design, development and potential manufacturing.
Aims to strengthen domestic defence propulsion and reduce imports.
Emphasizes joint research, supply chain integration, and knowledge transfer.
A Hindi biography of former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu was released in New Delhi on 17 August 2026. The volume, written by former Rajya Sabha MP Y. Lakshmi Prasad, charts Naidu’s public service career, from organisation of youth movements to leadership in parliament. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other dignitaries attended the launch event, praising Naidu’s contributions to governance and public life. The biography highlights his role in advancing urban development, planning, and constitutional processes during his tenure as Union minister and as Vice President. Critics say the work offers insights into the political landscape of contemporary India and the workings of the central government.
Biography released in New Delhi on 17 August 2026.
Authored by Y. Lakshmi Prasad; focuses on Naidu’s public service.
Event attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Highlights roles in urban planning and constitutional processes.
Filmmaker Raja Sen passes away at 71
National Award-winning Bengali filmmaker Raja Sen died at 71 in Kolkata. He was known for films such as Damu, Desh and Laboratory, and for his documentary work. His debut Damu won the National Film Award for Best Children’s Film. Sen contributed to Bengali cinema with a range of features and documentaries that explored social themes and cultural identities. Film industry colleagues expressed condolences and noted his influence on younger generations of filmmakers. The death marks a somber moment for Indian cinema, as tributes highlighted his storytelling and commitment to regional cinema that found national and international audiences.
Raja Sen, renowned Bengali filmmaker, passed away in Kolkata aged 71.
Known for films Damu, Desh, Laboratory; Damu won National Award for Best Children’s Film.
Contributed significantly to Bengali cinema and documentaries.
Colleagues offered condolences; praised his storytelling and regional impact.
India observed the 81st death anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on 18 August 2026. Bose led the Indian National Army, also known as Azad Hind Fauj, and established the Provisional Government of Free India in 1943. The INA fought against British rule with support from Japan during World War II. Commemorations included tributes to Bose’s leadership and his enduring legacy in Indian political and nationalist history. Historians noted Bose’s role in mobilizing a diverse set of Indian forces and his influence on post-independence national identity. The anniversary is remembered in schools and cultural institutions across several states.
Death anniversary observed on 18 August 2026.
Netaji Bose led the INA and Provisional Government of Free India (1943).
INA fought against British rule with Japanese support.
commemorations highlight Bose’s leadership and nationalist legacy.
India supports Seychelles Coast Guard capacity building
India provided calibrated tools and repaired electronic components to the Seychelles Coast Guard, aiming to enhance maintenance capabilities and operational readiness. The assistance is part of ongoing maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean, supporting regional stability and counterpiracy efforts. Officials described the support as a practical step to strengthen Seychelles’ border protection and rescue capabilities. The handover included equipment for routine maintenance, diagnostics devices, and parts for critical systems. The gesture follows a series of cooperation initiatives between India and Seychelles in defense and security sectors, reflecting shared interests in safe sea lanes, search and rescue, and joint exercises.
India handed over calibrated tools and repaired components to Seychelles Coast Guard.
Aims to improve maintenance and operational readiness.
Part of broader India-Seychelles maritime security cooperation.
Supports safety at sea, rescue capabilities, and regional stability.