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Ramesh Babu was reappointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Karur Vysya Bank for a third consecutive term following approval by the Reserve Bank of India. This extension reflects confidence in his leadership and the bank’s performance under his guidance. The tenure has been approved for two more years and complies with regulatory provisions under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. His continued leadership ensures stability and strategic continuity in the bank’s operations. The reappointment was formally communicated to stock exchanges, maintaining transparency and adherence to corporate governance standards.

AU Small Finance Bank launched a new credit card portfolio on May 14, 2026, introducing four variants tailored to different customer segments and lifestyle needs. The portfolio includes AU Ananta for affluent users, AU Laksya for digitally active professionals and Gen Z customers, AU Tejas for young salaried individuals, and AU Prathama for first-time credit users. These cards provide benefits such as reward points, cashback offers, airport lounge access, EMI facilities, and fuel surcharge waivers. AU Small Finance Bank is recognised as India’s largest Small Finance Bank and is also notable for receiving in-principle approval to transition into a Universal Bank.

Uzbekistan hosted and participated in the 7th edition of the joint military Exercise DUSTLIK alongside India in April 2026. Conducted at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area, the exercise involved personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Uzbekistan’s armed forces. This annual exercise is held alternately between the two countries and focuses on enhancing operational coordination in semi-mountainous terrain. Activities included land navigation, strike missions, and capturing enemy positions. Such joint drills strengthen military cooperation, improve interoperability, and reinforce strategic defence ties between India and Uzbekistan.

Sikkim became the location for the launch of the first community radio station in a border village by the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps. Named ‘Sikkim Sundari’, the station aims to enhance communication in remote high-altitude areas by broadcasting local news, weather updates, and government schemes. It also serves as a platform to promote local culture and engage youth through skill development initiatives. This collaborative effort between the army, civil administration, and local communities highlights the importance of connectivity and outreach in strategically sensitive border regions.

Haryana hosted the inauguration of the National Security Guard’s (NSG) first-ever Mahila Commando Conversion Course (MCCC) at the NSG Training Academy in Manesar. The 12-week specialised programme is designed for selected women personnel from State Police Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Participants receive rigorous training in physical fitness, endurance, weapon handling, marksmanship, tactical intervention, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism operations. After completing the course, the women commandos will return to their respective forces and contribute their specialised skills. The initiative aims to increase women’s operational capabilities and strengthen coordination among India’s security forces.

CSIR unveiled three Indian-made micro and small gas turbine engines—NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100—on 25th August 2026. Developed by CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), these engines generate thrusts of 5 kg, 50 kg and 100 kg respectively. They are designed for tactical UAVs, drone interceptors and compact missile systems. The development strengthens India’s indigenous propulsion capabilities and supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It is also expected to reduce dependence on imported propulsion systems while creating opportunities for Indian aerospace industries and start-ups to manufacture specialised engines.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government on June 4, 2026, committing an investment of ₹18,600 crore across multiple sectors. The investment includes ₹15,000 crore for data centre expansion in Kancheepuram, ₹2,500 crore for an electronics manufacturing facility in Coimbatore, and ₹1,100 crore for shipbuilding expansion at the Kattupalli complex in Tiruvallur. These projects are expected to generate around 8,200 jobs and support sectors such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, electronics manufacturing, and maritime infrastructure. The initiative also aligns with Tamil Nadu’s long-term objective of becoming a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036.

Air India entered into a codeshare partnership with Azerbaijan Airlines on August 6, 2026, to improve connectivity and promote tourism between India and Azerbaijan. Under the agreement, Air India can place its ‘AI’ designator code on flights operated by Azerbaijan Airlines. The partnership includes daily flights between Delhi and Baku and between Mumbai and Baku. It allows Air India customers to travel to Baku on a single ticket and itinerary, including destinations not directly served by Air India. Air India was founded in 1932 as Tata Airlines and is headquartered in New Delhi.

SBI Research revised India’s real GDP growth forecast for FY27 upward to 7.3% from its earlier estimate of 6.6% on September 1, 2026. The revision followed strong economic performance in Q1 FY27, when real GDP growth reached 7.8%, and GVA growth stood at 8.2%. The improved forecast is supported by stronger industrial production, services activity, credit demand, and resilient domestic consumption. SBI Research projected quarterly growth of 7.3% in Q2, 7.2% in Q3, and 6.9% in Q4. The report also highlighted robust manufacturing, services, capital formation, and export growth as important contributors.

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) became operational between India and the United Kingdom to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and professional mobility. The agreement provides zero-duty access for 99% of India's export tariff lines, benefiting sectors such as processed foods, textiles, engineering goods, leather, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Along with CETA, the Double Contribution Convention (DCC) exempts Indian professionals from dual social security contributions and extends the exemption period for temporary workers from three to five years. These measures are expected to boost trade, support businesses, facilitate skilled professionals, and help achieve the bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030.

The 2026 UN Women report highlighted a severe escalation in sexual violence against women in Sudan, where such cases have increased fourfold since the conflict began. The war, now in its fourth year, has led to widespread humanitarian challenges, including mass displacement and lack of access to essential services. Millions of women and girls are internally displaced, particularly in regions like Darfur and Kordofan. Women-led organizations are actively providing aid but face funding shortages and security threats. The crisis underscores the urgent need for international attention and support to address gender-based violence and humanitarian needs in the region.

Pakistan successfully carried out a flight test of the Taimoor, an indigenously developed air-launched anti-ship cruise missile, on April 21, 2026. The test was conducted by the Pakistan Navy, showcasing its operational capabilities in maritime defence. The missile is designed to detect, track, and neutralise sea-based threats with precision at extended ranges. It strengthens the country’s conventional strike capability and reflects advancements in domestic defence technology. This successful test highlights Pakistan’s focus on enhancing naval preparedness and maintaining a coordinated, multi-dimensional defence strategy in regional waters.

Geneva has been selected as the host city for the Global AI Summit, which will be held alongside the ITU AI for Good Global Summit. The event aims to bring together world leaders, policymakers, researchers, technology companies, and international organisations to discuss artificial intelligence governance, innovation, ethics, and responsible development. Geneva was chosen because of its long-standing role as a global diplomatic hub and its concentration of United Nations agencies, humanitarian organisations, research institutions, and international conferences. The summit is expected to strengthen global cooperation and promote the responsible use of AI technologies worldwide.

The Bihar Diwas & Investment Forum 2026 was hosted in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. The event took place at the Wayang Auditorium within the Embassy of India and marked the official launch of the Indonesia chapter of Yayasan Bihar Samaj Indonesia (BSI). It aimed to promote investment opportunities in Bihar across sectors such as agriculture, food processing, tourism, and education. The forum also showcased Bihar’s rich cultural heritage through traditional performances like the Jhijhiya dance, strengthening diaspora engagement and international collaboration.

Kolkata has been announced by the Ministry of Ayush on 27 May 2026 as the host city for the main national celebration of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026, scheduled for 21 June 2026. The event carries the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlighting the role of yoga in promoting wellness across all age groups. The announcement was made during the Yoga Mahotsav held at Khajuraho as part of the 25-day countdown to IDY. Key initiatives supporting the celebration include the Yoga Sangam and Yoga Park portals, along with a nationwide Yoga 365 campaign that trained over two lakh participants. The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) will coordinate the mass Common Yoga Protocol demonstration.

The "Jan Bhagidari – Sabse Door, Sabse Pehle" campaign was launched by the Chhattisgarh government to improve the delivery of welfare schemes in remote tribal villages. Conducted from May 18 to May 25, 2026, the initiative targeted more than 8,000 tribal villages across the state. Implemented by the Tribal Development Department, the campaign focused on benefits related to health, nutrition, education, social security, and drinking water. It also included public grievance hearings and health camps for screening diseases such as sickle cell anaemia and tuberculosis. The campaign supported national tribal welfare initiatives like PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba mission.

Shyam Metalics and Energy Limited announced a major investment plan worth ₹10,000 crore in West Bengal for multiple industrial projects over the next three years. A large portion of the investment is being directed toward the Jamuria facility in Paschim Bardhaman district for manufacturing hot rolled coils, speciality steel, and carbon steel products. The company is also expanding operations in Kharagpur after acquiring Ramsarup Industries through the NCLT process. The expansion includes plans for a railway coach manufacturing unit and a speciality steel plant. The investment reflects West Bengal’s growing importance as a destination for industrial development and steel manufacturing in India.

Skyroot Aerospace signed a multi-launch agreement with Kerala-based HEX20 on August 10, 2026, for three dedicated Vikram-series space missions. The missions are scheduled to begin in Q4 of 2027 and will support HEX20’s Earth-observation constellation, in-orbit payload demonstrations, and rideshare services for third-party spacecraft. The agreement follows Skyroot’s successful July 18, 2026, launch of Vikram-1, described as India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket. Headquartered in Hyderabad, Skyroot Aerospace aims to increase its launch capacity to 12 missions annually. Vikram-1 uses in-house propulsion and composite structures designed for small-satellite launches.

India aims to scale its nuclear energy capacity to 100 GWe by 2047 under the Nuclear Energy Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025-26. The roadmap focuses on developing a self-reliant nuclear energy ecosystem and encouraging private sector participation. India also plans to develop and operationalise at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors by 2033, including the 220 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor and the 55 MWe SMR-55. The SHANTI Act, 2025, provides a legislative framework for private participation while strengthening nuclear safety regulation. The long-term strategy also follows India’s three-stage nuclear programme and promotes nuclear medicine infrastructure.

IICT, or the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, signed a technology transfer agreement with Viridis Biopharma for an IND-ready phytopharmaceutical aimed at treating diabetic foot ulcers. The treatment was developed from Gymnema sylvestre and focuses on wound management. The project was developed by the Department of Applied Biology under the CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission Phase-III. It has completed pre-clinical development, botanical standardisation, and GLP-compliant safety studies and is now moving toward clinical trials and commercial development. Regulatory submissions are planned for India’s CDSCO and the US FDA.