UN Medal Awarded to Indian Peacekeepers in South Sudan
In August 2026, more than 200 Indian peacekeepers received the United Nations Medal for their service in South Sudan under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The personnel contributed to peacekeeping, protection of civilians, and humanitarian assistance efforts. The recognition underscores India’s ongoing role in international peacekeeping missions and the contribution of Indian forces to regional stability. The ceremony highlighted cooperation with UNMISS and gratitude from beneficiary communities for security and relief operations conducted in challenging environments.
Over 200 Indian peacekeepers received UN Medal
Service under UNMISS in South Sudan recognised
Contributions include peacekeeping and civilian protection
Showcases India’s role in international operations
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) received the PMIS Recognition of Partner Company Award under the category 'Innovation in Exit Pathways.' The award recognised POWERGRID’s contribution to creating employment opportunities and career pathways for interns under the Prime Minister Internship Scheme. POWERGRID is a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Power. The recognition highlights the company’s commitment to nurturing talent and building a skilled workforce for the electricity transmission sector, aligning with national priorities for workforce development and inclusive growth.
POWERGRID received PMIS Recognition Award
Category: Innovation in Exit Pathways
Award honours internship program contributions
POWERGRID is a Maharatna PSU under Power Ministry
Supports national goals for skilled workforce development
A newly identified Himalayan flowering plant species was named Impatiens nimspurjai in honour of Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Nimsdai Purja. The naming recognises Purja’s achievements in Himalayan exploration, including climbing all 14 eight-thousanders in the shortest recorded time. The discovery adds to India’s biodiversity records and highlights ongoing field work in high-altitude ecosystems. Purja’s mountaineering feats have gained international acclaim, and the plant name serves as a tribute to his contribution to adventure sports and exploration.
From 17 to 23 August 2026, the BWF World Championships were held in New Delhi, marking the 30th edition and India’s first hosting since 2009. The event featured five categories: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, attracting top players from around the world. Organisers reported large spectator turnout, strong security measures, and solid logistical arrangements to welcome visitors. The championship showcased India’s growing badminton ecosystem and highlighted the potential to host more international events in Delhi, along with accompanying tourism and media coverage that promoted the sport domestically and abroad.
Event held 17–23 August 2026 in New Delhi
30th edition; first since 2009 in Delhi
Five categories contested
Large crowds and robust security reported
Boost for India’s badminton ecosystem and future events
Aparajita Parang La 2026 NCC Trek Flagged Off from Ladakh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the NCC All India Girls High Altitude Long Trek Aparajita Parang La 2026 from Ladakh in August 2026. The expedition aims to promote adventure, leadership, resilience, and self-confidence among NCC girl cadets. The trek covers the challenging Parang La Pass region, linking Ladakh with Himachal Pradesh. Organisers emphasised character building and teamwork as core benefits, with cadets undergoing training in navigation, high-altitude trekking, and endurance. The event showcases national commitment to women’s participation in defence-related activities and leadership roles in outdoor environments.
Flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Aparajita Parang La 2026 trek for NCC girls
Aims to build leadership, resilience, confidence
Covers Parang La Pass between Ladakh and Himachal
Promotes women’s participation in defence activities
India-Armenia Sign Defence Innovation MoU in Yerevan
A memorandum of understanding on defence research, development, innovation, and joint production was signed in Yerevan during an official visit by India's Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The India–Armenia Defence Innovation MoU aims to deepen cooperation in defence technology, advanced manufacturing, and capability building. Both sides agreed to pursue collaborative projects in research, development, and potential co-production in areas of mutual interest. The agreement signals stronger bilateral ties in security, industry linkages, and technology transfer, with a focus on enabling indigenous capabilities and faster innovation cycles for both countries. Officials emphasised adherence to national laws and export controls while pursuing practical pilot projects.
MoU signed in Yerevan during Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh's visit
Aims to deepen defence technology, R&D, and co-production
Focus on indigenous capabilities and faster innovation
Collaborative projects in research and development planned
Export controls and national laws to be observed
India-US Navy EOD Exercise 2026 Held at Kochi
The India–US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise 2026 was conducted at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, Kerala. The exercise brought together EOD teams from both countries to improve interoperability, share best practices, and strengthen capabilities to identify and neutralise explosive threats at sea, on coastal facilities, and in amphibious operations. Training included procedures for bomb disposal, underwater operations, and rapid response to maritime threats, with a strong emphasis on safety and decision making. The drill also aimed to build mutual trust and establish standard operating procedures for future joint missions, drills, and humanitarian response scenarios. Officials highlighted improvements in medical evacuation readiness and cyber-aware communications.
Exercise held at Southern Naval Command, Kochi
Aims to improve interoperability and knowledge sharing
Training includes bomb disposal and underwater operations
Focus on safety and rapid decision making
Seeks to establish joint procedures for future missions
Shabnam Sinha Appointed Airtel Payments Bank Chairperson
Shabnam Sinha was appointed as the new Chairperson of Airtel Payments Bank, succeeding Sunil Bharti Mittal. She will assume charge from 1 October 2026 for a three-year term. The appointment was approved by the bank’s Board and the Reserve Bank of India. Sinha’s leadership is expected to steer governance and strategic directions for Airtel Payments Bank, including financial inclusion initiatives and product expansion. Mittal’s association with the Board will conclude as Sinha takes over chair duties. The transition aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership in the digital payments sector in India.
Shabnam Sinha appointed Chairperson of Airtel Payments Bank
Take charge from 1 October 2026 for three years
Appointment approved by Board and RBI
Sinha succeeds Sunil Bharti Mittal
Leadership change to guide digital payments strategy
World Humanitarian Day is observed on 19 August to honour humanitarian workers worldwide and highlight the need for stronger protection of health care in crises. The 2026 theme emphasised safeguarding health workers and ensuring continued access to essential services during emergencies. Governments, NGOs, and communities paid tribute to those risking their lives to help civilians in conflict zones, natural disasters, and displacement settings. In India, relief agencies highlighted ongoing responses to humanitarian challenges, with increased partnerships across state and central agencies. Volunteers, logistics teams, and medical staff were recognised for delivering aid, shelter, food, and protection to the most vulnerable.
World Humanitarian Day observed on 19 August 2026
Theme focuses on protecting health care workers
Tributes to humanitarian and healthcare workers
India-specific relief efforts and collaborations highlighted
The Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, organised the two-day PSB Confluence 2026 in New Delhi on 17–18 August 2026. The event brought together senior officials from Public Sector Banks, Public Financial Institutions, and the Indian Banks’ Association. It focused on strengthening the banking sector and improving financial services, including reforms, digital payments adoption, risk management, and customer service enhancements. Participants reviewed policy updates and capital norms, with emphasis on financial inclusion and credit flow to small businesses. The conference announced new collaborations to expand fintech partnerships and improve nationwide banking infrastructure.
Two-day event held on 17–18 August 2026 in New Delhi
Attended by PSBs, PFIs, and IBA officials
Topics include reforms, digital payments, and risk management