India and Seychelles expand blue economy cooperation
India and Seychelles expanded cooperation to promote a sustainable blue economy in the Indian Ocean region. The agreement covers fisheries, aquaculture, marine scientific research, and technology development. It aims to improve resource management, boost scientific collaboration, and create economic opportunities for coastal communities in both nations. The partnership supports responsible use of marine resources, coastline protection, and climate resilience. It reflects India’s growing engagement with island nations and its commitment to maritime security and sustainable development. Officials said the collaboration would include joint research projects, training for local scientists, and shared data platforms to track fish stocks and ecosystem health. India values this partnership for regional stability.
Cooperation covers fisheries, aquaculture, marine science and technology
Aims for responsible use of marine resources and climate resilience
Strengthens India–Seychelles maritime and scientific ties
Plans joint research projects and data sharing
Supports sustainable development in the Indian Ocean
Uber partners with ixigo to offer train booking in India
Uber has launched a new feature that lets users book Indian railway tickets through a partnership with travel platform ixigo. The service enables users to search trains, book tickets, and check PNR status within the Uber app. It also offers the option to arrange first- and last-mile Uber rides to or from railway stations, providing a smoother travel experience. The integration leverages ixigo's railway technology and Uber's mobility network. The move targets greater convenience for long-distance travelers and could reshape how people combine rail travel with ride-hailing services. The feature is described as a pilot with potential expansion if popular.
Uber ties up with ixigo to enable rail bookings in-app
Users can search trains, book tickets and check PNR in Uber
First- and last-mile Uber rides linked to rail journeys
Tiangong Ultra robot beats Usain Bolt pace in test sprint
Tiangong Ultra, a humanoid robot from China, demonstrated a sprint that exceeded Usain Bolt’s famous 100-metre world record. In a controlled test, the robot completed the distance at a pace that surprised observers, highlighting rapid progress in robotics and AI-led mobility. Engineers noted improvements in leg design, balance, and sensors, enabling fast running with stability. The event underscored advances in autonomous movement and machine performance. Experts caution that comparing a robot with a human runner has limits due to different physics and purposes, and that future work will explore endurance and precision tasks beyond simple speed.
Test pace surpasses the 9.58-second 100 m record set by Bolt
Advances in robotics, sensors and balance highlighted
Caution against direct human–robot comparisons
Future tests to examine endurance and precision tasks
CSIR-NAL develops indigenous micro gas turbine engines
CSIR National Aerospace Laboratories announced indigenous micro and small gas turbine engines NJ-05, NJ-50, and NJ-100 for defence use. The engines are designed for tactical unmanned aerial vehicles, drone interceptors, and compact missile platforms. Officials say the engines improve portability, performance, and reliability, reducing import dependency and strengthening domestic propulsion. The program supports Make in India and rapid development of lightweight powerplants for unmanned systems. Engineers highlighted testing, heat management and lifecycle maintenance, plus planned collaborations with defence researchers and industry partners to speed integration into platforms.
NJ-05, NJ-50, NJ-100 micro gas turbine engines announced
Engines designed for UAVs, interceptors and compact missiles
Aims to reduce import dependency and boost domestic propulsion
BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi; Indian bronze in women's doubles
The BWF World Championships 2026 were held in New Delhi at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. It was the 30th edition of the tournament. Indian women’s doubles pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand won a bronze medal, marking the first World Championships medal for an Indian women’s doubles team since 2011, when Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa achieved success. Hosts celebrated the result as a milestone for Indian badminton and a sign of growing strength in the sport. Coaches noted the challenging field from Asia, and the event raised inspiration for young players across the country. Organisers thanked volunteers for smooth event management.
BWF World Championships 2026 held in New Delhi
30th edition of the tournament
Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand won bronze in women's doubles
First Indian women’s doubles World Championships medal since 2011
9th National Security Strategies Conference begins in Delhi
New Delhi hosted the 9th National Security Strategies Conference-2026, a two-day event gathering senior security officials and experts. Organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the conference focused on illegal migration, cybercrime, and proxy warfare. Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the event and directed the use of AI-based analysis of information from MAC platforms to prepare standard operating procedures. Participants discussed counter-terrorism, narcotics control, and integrated intelligence approaches. The conference drew more than 850 participants in person or online, showing wide interest in national security planning and interagency coordination.
9th National Security Strategies Conference-2026 opened in Delhi
Focus on illegal migration, cybercrime, and proxy warfare
Amit Shah inaugurated the event; AI-based MAC analysis instructed
Discussions cover counter-terrorism and narcotics control
Over 850 participants attended
PM Modi reviews cyber fraud cases during PRAGATI meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a PRAGATI meeting to review cyber fraud cases and strengthen prevention. He emphasized regular capacity-building for personnel and asked ministries and states to use modern technologies and improve quality assurance. The PM said public awareness campaigns should target seniors, youth, and other vulnerable groups. The meeting also reviewed six infrastructure projects across rail, road and power sectors with a total investment of over 30,000 crore rupees and discussed the AgriStack project within the Digital Agriculture Mission. Modi urged faster, higher-quality execution across agencies and stressed continuing monitoring and accountability.
PRAGATI meeting reviewed cyber fraud cases and capacity-building needs
Emphasis on public awareness and modern technology use
Six infrastructure projects reviewed; investment exceeds 30,000 crore
AgriStack discussed within Digital Agriculture Mission
Call for faster, high-quality execution and accountability
HAL and Safran to co-develop Aravalli helicopter engine
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Safran Helicopter Engines signed an August 2026 agreement to jointly design and develop the Aravalli helicopter engine. The indigenous engine will power India's next generation helicopters, including the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter. The joint venture SAFHAL aims to produce a 3,500 to 4,000 shaft horsepower engine. Officials say the project strengthens India’s aerospace manufacturing and reduces dependence on foreign technology. Development will cover design, testing, production and lifecycle support. The partnership aligns with government goals of self reliance in defence and highlights collaboration between a state-owned company and a global supplier. This collaboration follows years of industrial partnerships and aims to support domestic production.
HAL and Safran sign an August 2026 agreement to co-develop Aravalli
Engine to power IMRH and DBMRH platforms
Power class 3,500–4,000 shp targeted
SAFHAL joint venture to boost domestic defence manufacturing
Tim Cook stepped down as Apple CEO after 15 years of leadership. Apple announced that Cook would become executive chairman from 1 September 2026, and John Ternus will assume the role of chief executive officer. Under Cook’s tenure, Apple expanded its product ecosystem, grew services, and achieved strong global growth. He followed Steve Jobs and helped steer the company through rapid technological change and supply chain challenges. Analysts say the transition could affect product strategy and investor sentiment, though Apple plans to maintain momentum with new leadership. Cook emphasised continuing to advance innovation while supporting employees and customers worldwide.
Tim Cook steps down as Apple CEO after 15 years
From 1 September 2026, John Ternus becomes CEO; Cook becomes executive chair
Apple expanded product range and services under Cook
Transition may affect strategy and investor sentiment
Cook emphasises ongoing innovation and employee support
Sprite Tejas Express becomes India's first branded train
Sprite Tejas Express has become India's first branded train, following a collaboration between Sprite and IRCTC. The branded train runs on the Lucknow to New Delhi route and back for a period of six months. Five coaches are decorated with Sprite branding, and passengers on board will receive Sprite beverages as part of their meal packages. The partnership marks a new model for branding on Indian Railways, combining a consumer product with public transport services. Officials say the initiative will test marketing potential, passenger experience, and brand visibility. Security and safety measures on board remain standard, with meals prepared under IRCTC guidelines. End of period is scheduled for February 2027.
Sprite brands five Tejas Express coaches on Lucknow–New Delhi route
Train runs on Lucknow–New Delhi–Lucknow for six months (Aug 2026–Feb 2027)
Passengers receive Sprite beverages with meals
Partnership marks new branding model between Indian Railways and a consumer brand
Safety and standard railway meal guidelines maintained
Delhi Lakshmi Yojana launched to support women in Delhi
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana in August 2026. The welfare scheme provides monthly financial assistance to eligible women beneficiaries to improve their economic security. The programme aims to empower women in Delhi by delivering direct support that complements existing social schemes. Officials said funds would be disbursed monthly and that beneficiaries would be identified through approved criteria. The government also issued approval letters to selected beneficiaries during the launch event. The scheme forms part of broader efforts to promote women empowerment and financial inclusion in the capital, with monitoring mechanisms to track progress and impact.
Delhi Lakshmi Yojana launched by Delhi CM Rekha Gupta
Monthly financial assistance for eligible women
Funds disbursed monthly; beneficiaries identified by criteria
Part of broader women empowerment and financial inclusion efforts
Approval letters issued to beneficiaries at launch
West Asia crisis prompts four-month extensions for renewable energy projects
Amid tensions in West Asia, the government issued guidance allowing extensions of up to four months for renewable energy projects that were to be commissioned on or after February 28, 2026. The extension is meant to safeguard India’s energy transition during global disruptions. It applies to projects carried out by the Solar Energy Corporation of India and other agencies, and is intended to provide relief from delays while keeping climate targets in sight. Officials stressed that extensions will include clear milestones and ongoing monitoring for policy alignment and project delivery.
Government allows up to four-month extensions for renewables
Applies to projects commissioned on or after February 28, 2026
Aims to protect energy transition amidst West Asia tensions
Relief to developers from supply and security delays
MALHAR 2026 classical music festival inaugurated in Delhi
Vice President inaugurated MALHAR 2026, a monsoon-themed classical music festival in New Delhi. The event is organized by Antar Hriday Connect and aims to promote traditional Indian music among youth. The festival offered free classical concerts, workshops, and opportunities for young audiences to experience ragas and performances by leading artists. Organisers said MALHAR 2026 would run during the monsoon season and encourage students and families to engage with culture. The Vice President highlighted the importance of sustaining India's musical heritage and creating accessible cultural experiences for varied audiences across the country. The festival included concerts across venues and drew participants from several states.
MALHAR 2026 inaugurated by Vice President in Delhi
Monsoon-themed festival promoting classical Indian music
Free concerts and youth-focused workshops
Organised by Antar Hriday Connect
Aims to make culture accessible to diverse audiences