BIBA founder Meena Bindra ranked first in the 2026 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List, which recognised 117 women across 12 sectors.
Meena Bindra topped the overall list for her leadership in the apparel sector.
Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara, aged 24, was the youngest woman in the overall top 10.
The list is a private ranking of women leaders from business, sport and other fields rather than a government award.
Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh was designated India's 101st Ramsar site, becoming the first wetland from the State to enter the Ramsar List.
The Ministry of Finance reported that 99.92% of India's 6,01,328 inhabited villages now have a banking outlet within a 5 km radius, marking a major milestone in financial inclusion.
6,00,868 villages are served by a bank branch, Business Correspondent (BC), or India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) centre. This ensures that even remote villagers can access basic banking services without traveling far.
The banking network includes 1.81 lakh bank branches, 17.36 lakh Business Correspondents, and 1.65 lakh IPPB centres. Business Correspondents act as banking agents, extending services to unbanked areas.
PM Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched in 2014, has opened 58.77 crore accounts. This scheme provides a RuPay debit card and an overdraft facility of ₹10,000.
To ensure rural focus, RBI mandates that commercial and regional rural banks open 25% of their annual branches in unbanked rural areas.
Digital tools like the Jan Dhan Darshak App (GIS-based monitoring), Kisan Rin Portal (for farmer credit), and Jan Samarth Portal (single window for government schemes) are enhancing last-mile delivery.
PMJDY → National Mission for Financial Inclusion, launched August 28, 2014, nodal ministry: Ministry of Finance
IPPB → Established 2018, 100% government-owned under Department of Posts
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) → Introduced 1998 on the recommendation of the R.V. Gupta Committee
Scientists at IIT Patna have developed an innovative hybrid magneto-rheometer to advance the testing and application of Magnetorheological (MR) fluids, a type of smart fluid.
Magnetorheological (MR) fluids are smart fluids that quickly change from a liquid into a solid-like gel when exposed to a magnetic field. This property is harnessed in shock absorbers, vibration control systems, dampers, actuators, and medical devices.
The custom-built instrument, measures both rheological (flow and deformation) and tribological (friction and wear) properties of MR fluids in a single setup.
It evaluates fluid performance under simultaneous compression and shear forces, which mimics real-world conditions better than conventional testers.
The device operates with low electrical current while generating a constant, high-strength magnetic field, making it energy-efficient and reliable.
Magnetorheological (MR) fluids → Smart fluids that change viscosity in response to a magnetic field
IIT Patna → Established in 2008, located in Bihta, Bihar, an Institute of National Importance
Department of Science and Technology (DST) → Established in May 1971, under the Ministry of Science and Technology
REC Limited and Power Finance Corporation (PFC) have signed a loan agreement with Meja Urja Nigam Private Limited (MUNPL) to fund the Stage-II expansion of the Meja Thermal Power Project in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
The expansion will add 2,400 MW to the state grid through three ultra-supercritical units of 800 MW each.
Ultra-supercritical technology operates at higher temperatures and pressures, improving efficiency and reducing coal consumption and emissions compared to older plants.
The project also uses an air-cooled condenser system, which saves water, and aims to provide stable power for industrial corridors and manufacturing clusters.
MUNPL, the executing agency, is a 50:50 joint venture between NTPC Limited and UPRVUNL (Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited).
REC Limited → Maharatna CPSE under Ministry of Power, established 1969
PFC → Maharatna CPSE, largest infrastructure finance company in power sector, established 1986
Ultra-supercritical technology → Higher efficiency, lower emissions than subcritical plants
On August 3, 2026, 19-year-old cyclist Harshita Jakhar became the first Indian woman to feature in the Tour de France Femmes, riding the ceremonial start of Stage Two in Aigle, Switzerland.
Harshita led the ceremonial start of Stage Two, completing a 4.5 km ride ahead of the professional peloton, marking her presence in the world's premier women's cycling stage race.
She was selected for the UCI World Cycling Talent Programme, which gives elite exposure to athletes from developing cycling nations like Chile, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan.
Tour de France Femmes → Premier annual women's road cycling stage race, part of UCI Women's World Tour
UCI → Union Cycliste Internationale, world governing body for cycling, headquartered in Aigle, Switzerland
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