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Professor Kuljeet Kaur Marhas was elected as a Fellow of The Meteoritical Society in 2026 for her exceptional contributions to planetary science and cosmochemistry. She became the first Indian woman to receive this prestigious recognition and only the third Indian scientist to achieve the honour after Devendra Lal and JN Goswami. Her research at the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad focuses on isotopes, pre-solar grains, Calcium-Aluminium-rich Inclusions, and extraterrestrial materials collected from missions such as Stardust, Hayabusa, and Apollo. Her scientific work has significantly advanced the understanding of the origin and evolution of the Solar System through sophisticated isotopic analysis techniques.

Silvana Tenreyro has been appointed as the new Chief Economist and Director of the Research Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). She will also serve as the IMF's Economic Counsellor, leading the preparation of key global economic assessments and providing guidance on the global economic outlook. She succeeds Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, who is returning to academia. Tenreyro brings extensive experience from her tenure on the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee and her work at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, making her well-qualified for this important international leadership role.

Punjab National Bank (PNB), in partnership with Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Ltd., launched India's first co-branded biodegradable twin credit cards in June 2026. Manufactured using biodegradable materials, these cards promote sustainability while offering users access to both Visa and RuPay networks through a twin-card proposition. Customers benefit from global travel privileges, UPI-enabled payments, discounts on jewellery purchases, fuel surcharge waivers, complimentary airport and railway lounge access, OTT subscriptions, fitness memberships, and insurance coverage. The initiative combines environmentally friendly innovation with digital convenience, as card applications and management are handled through the Zagg. money mobile application.

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) partnered with Novio, operated by Credilio Financial Technologies, to launch a co-branded RuPay credit card at the Global Fintech Fest on September 22, 2026. The card is designed to serve UPI-active customers and first-time credit users, offering RuPay Select and RuPay Platinum variants. Key features include UPI-linked engagement, FD-backed credit facilities for customers without formal credit histories, digital onboarding and rewards. IOB aims to issue 50 lakh credit cards over the next three years, with a focus on expanding formal credit access in Tier-V cities. IOB is headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Hexaware Technologies inaugurated a new delivery centre in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, as part of its expansion strategy to strengthen its presence in India's growing technology ecosystem. The facility is located in the Pragya-II building within the GIFT City campus and is expected to generate around 1,000 highly skilled jobs over the next three years. The centre will focus on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analytics, automation, and digital transformation services. It will serve global clients across sectors including banking, financial services, insurance, healthcare, and manufacturing, contributing to Gujarat's emergence as a hub for innovation and technology-driven investments.

The Serum Institute of India was announced as the principal sponsor of the Earthshot Prize 2026 Summit in Mumbai on October 1, 2026. The summit marks the first time the global environmental event will be held in Mumbai, India. The Serum Institute of India joined as a principal sponsor to support environmental innovators, leaders, and investors working on solutions to major environmental challenges. The Earthshot Prize, launched in 2020, aims to identify and scale solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental problems by 2030. Five winners will receive €1 million each to accelerate their environmental initiatives. SII is headquartered in Pune and was founded in 1966 by Cyrus Poonawalla.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully integrated and demonstrated a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system on the operational network of dynamic test ranges at the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur, Odisha. The system is designed to strengthen secure defence communications, particularly for protecting sensitive telemetry data generated during artillery and armoured weapon trials. It was developed by DRDO’s Microelectronics Devices, Computational Systems, and Cyber Security (MCC) cluster in collaboration with industry partner Taqbit Labs. QKD uses principles of quantum mechanics to distribute cryptographic keys and can help detect eavesdropping attempts. This achievement supports India's efforts to develop indigenous quantum-secure communication technologies for critical defence applications.

Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka, has been chosen as the location for the University of Liverpool’s first campus in India. The university received official approval from the Ministry of Education under the framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages reputed foreign universities to establish campuses in India. The initiative is expected to enhance access to global-quality education, promote international research collaborations, improve student mobility, and strengthen academic competitiveness. The new campus also represents a significant step in deepening India–UK educational cooperation and advancing the internationalisation of India’s higher education system.

PhonePe emerged as the most downloaded digital wallet application in the world in 2025, reflecting India's growing dominance in the digital payments ecosystem. India recorded more than 440 million digital wallet app downloads during the year, accounting for nearly one-fourth of global downloads. The country's rapid adoption of digital payment platforms has been driven by the success of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which processed 228.5 billion transactions worth ₹299.7 trillion in 2025. Along with Google Pay, PhonePe handled over 80% of UPI transactions, highlighting its significant role in promoting cashless payments, financial inclusion, and digital commerce across India.

The Pacific island nation formerly known as Nauru has officially adopted the name Republic of Naoero to restore its traditional and indigenous identity. The change reflects the native Nauruan spelling and pronunciation and was approved by the country's parliament. Along with the new name, the nation introduced the country code NRO and changed the demonym of its citizens to dei-Naoero. The United Nations and several countries have already updated their official records. The renaming highlights the country's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, language, and historical identity while strengthening national pride.

India and Cyprus elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership during the visit of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to New Delhi on May 22, 2026. The partnership includes a roadmap for defence cooperation from 2026 to 2031 and the creation of new dialogue mechanisms covering cyber security, consular affairs, and connectivity. Both countries also agreed to strengthen collaboration in areas such as counter-terrorism, higher education, innovation, diplomatic training, and cultural exchanges. The development reflects growing cooperation between India and Cyprus and supports broader economic and strategic engagement, including initiatives linked to the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Ethiopia signed a bilateral accession protocol with India on May 22, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of its process to join the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The agreement reflects the strengthening relationship between the two countries, with India being Ethiopia’s second-largest trading partner. Bilateral ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in December 2025, highlighting growing cooperation in trade, investment, and development. Ethiopia’s accession to the WTO is expected to support its integration into the global trading system, improve market access, and encourage economic reforms. The development also reinforces India’s engagement with African nations through economic and diplomatic partnerships.

Uzbekistan became the 10th member of the New Development Bank (NDB) and the first country from Central Asia to join the institution. The membership was finalised after the country completed all required ratification procedures. Founded by the BRICS nations in 2015, the NDB supports infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies. Uzbekistan's inclusion is expected to enhance investment opportunities in sectors such as energy, water management, transportation, and social infrastructure. The bank plans to support projects using national currencies and domestic procurement systems. This development strengthens Uzbekistan’s integration into global financial institutions and highlights the growing international role of the New Development Bank.

Operation Trishul was launched by India to track and bring back fugitives hiding abroad through advanced technology and international law enforcement cooperation. Between 2019 and August 5, 2026, India successfully returned 274 fugitives from 36 countries under this effort. The operation uses satellite imagery, surveillance, and digital footprint analysis to identify the geo-location of fugitives. Its implementation involves major agencies including the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), and INTERPOL. A three-year roadmap has also been established to bring back identified narco-terrorist fugitives by 2029.

Kakinada, located in Andhra Pradesh, will be the site of a large-scale renewable-powered green ammonia plant supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Japan. Financing agreements worth $100 million were signed on October 16, 2026, through the Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund 2 (LEAP 2), funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and administered by ADB. The project is being developed by AM Green Ammonia (India) Private Ltd and aims to produce 1.1 million tonnes of green ammonia annually. The facility will convert an existing natural gas-based ammonia and urea plant into a renewable-powered production unit, supporting cleaner industrial processes and lower-carbon fertiliser supply chains.

Gulveer Singh and Harjinder Kaur won silver medals for India at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow. Gulveer Singh created history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the men's 10,000-metre event after clocking 27:49.78 to finish second behind Australia's Ky Robinson. Harjinder Kaur secured the silver medal in the women's 69kg weightlifting event with a combined lift of 227 kg. It was her second consecutive Commonwealth Games medal after winning bronze in Birmingham 2022. Their achievements helped India increase its overall medal tally to 12, reflecting the country's strong performance across multiple sporting disciplines.

Tripura introduced a rotational work-from-home policy for Group C and Group D government employees to reduce fuel consumption and state expenditure. Under this arrangement, only 50 percent of employees attend offices physically each day, while the remaining staff work remotely on a weekly rotational basis. Employees working from home are required to stay electronically connected and must report immediately during emergencies. Essential and emergency services were exempted from the directive to ensure uninterrupted public services. Tripura, with its capital at Agartala, became a full-fledged state on January 21, 1972, under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.

Project Ganga is a rural digital connectivity initiative launched by the Uttar Pradesh government to expand high-speed internet access in underserved rural areas. The project aims to connect approximately 20 lakh families, train around 8,000 digital entrepreneurs, and generate more than one lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities. It focuses on strengthening digital education, telemedicine, e-governance, and technology-based entrepreneurship. The initiative is being implemented in phases, beginning with 21 districts, and seeks to bridge the digital divide by ensuring reliable internet services and creating new livelihood opportunities across rural communities.

Uttar Pradesh approved the Uttar Pradesh Private Business Park Development Scheme 2025 on March 23, 2026, with the objective of attracting global investments and reducing project implementation delays. The scheme follows a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model based on the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) framework. Developers must have a minimum land requirement of 10 acres, while 50% of the business park must be reserved for IT and knowledge-based industries. The initiative aims to provide plug-and-play infrastructure for Global Capability Centres, research and development units, and MSMEs. Land ownership will remain with the state’s Industrial Development Authorities.

Meine Electric launched a utility-scale pilot of its indigenous iron-air battery technology at the NTPC Simhadri Thermal Power Station on August 17, 2026. The project is being executed by the Atal Incubation Centre–Anna University, with Meine Electric serving as the technology partner. The battery features a six-hour charging cycle followed by an 18-hour discharge cycle and is designed for long-duration energy storage. The pilot aims to evaluate technical performance and operational reliability under real-world utility conditions while supporting 24x7 clean power and greater grid flexibility. Iron-air batteries use iron, oxygen, and water through a reversible rusting process.