Current Affairs - Places

The 9th India Medical Device 2026 conference was organised at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on August 7 and 8, 2026. The event was organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). Its theme was “Towards Viksit Bharat: Advancing India as a Global Hub for Quality Medical Devices”. Key technical sessions focused on Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, localisation of component manufacturing and reimbursement mechanisms for innovative therapies. The conference aimed to strengthen India’s medical device sector and support the country’s goal of becoming a global hub for quality healthcare technologies.

IIT Delhi hosted the successful conclusion of the Ministry of Textiles Handloom Hackathon 2.0, themed “Weaving Innovations,” on August 2, 2026. The event was held at the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) and witnessed participation from more than 2,500 participants and 100 shortlisted teams. Innovations were recognised across four categories, including weaver livelihoods, digital market access, sustainability, and design and operations. The hackathon aimed to combine India’s traditional handloom heritage with modern technology to improve the livelihoods of weavers and artisans. IIT Delhi, established in 1961, is located in Hauz Khas, New Delhi.

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.