Current Affairs - Places

Hyderabad, Telangana, hosted the Second BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) meeting on August 4–5, 2026. The meeting was organised by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under India’s BRICS Presidency 2026. It focused on strengthening transparency, accountability, international cooperation, asset recovery, and measures to combat cross-border corruption. The event also addressed emerging corruption risks associated with FinTech and digital assets. Alongside the ACWG meeting, the Second BRICS Expert Network on Asset Recovery meeting was conducted. A special side event on ethical governance through technology was also scheduled during the gathering.

India's first Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) will be established in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, to strengthen domestic telecom and electronics manufacturing. The project will be developed over approximately 350 acres through a collaboration between the Madhya Pradesh Government and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It is expected to attract investments of ₹12,000–15,000 crore and create around 5,000 direct jobs. The manufacturing zone will produce mobile phones, telecom equipment, semiconductors, optical fibre, and 5G/6G technology products, supporting the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives while reducing dependence on imports.

The 'Weaves of India' Handloom Festival was inaugurated in New Delhi at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium by the Ministry of Textiles as part of the celebrations leading up to the 12th National Handloom Day. The festival showcases a wide range of GI-tagged handloom products, including Pashmina shawls, Kanjeevaram silk, Chanderi sarees, Pochampally ikat, and Muga silk. More than 150 master weavers and National Handicraft Awardees participate, providing a direct platform to connect with urban buyers. All displayed products carry the Handloom Mark and Silk Mark, ensuring authenticity and quality while promoting India's rich handloom heritage.

Solar-electric passenger boats were launched on the River Ganga in Varanasi by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department. The initiative introduces zero-emission electric catamarans to replace diesel-powered boats across 84 historic ghats, promoting clean and sustainable river transport. Each boat can carry 50 passengers, travels at a speed of 10 knots, and uses fast-charging solar docks. The project is part of the Jal Marg Vikas Project on National Waterway-1 (Haldia to Prayagraj) and aims to reduce over 1,200 tonnes of carbon emissions while preventing oil pollution in the sacred Ganga River.

Bengaluru hosted the 8th Global Real Estate Brand Awards on July 21, 2026. The event recognised excellence, innovation, and leadership in the global real estate sector, bringing together leading developers, industry experts, and brand leaders. It provided a platform to celebrate outstanding achievements while encouraging discussions on the future growth of the property market. The awards also highlighted the importance of innovation in shaping the real estate industry. In India, the sector is regulated by the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), which promotes transparency, accountability, and consumer protection.