Bharat is a land with a rich past, an inspirational present, and an aspirational future. However, more often than not the spotlight is never shone on those individuals and communities who are making a difference and bringing glory to the nation. Small victories that go unnoticed, have a huge potential to positively influence the society.

The Bharat Rising series cuts through the noise to bring you the most inspiring stories, remarkable achievements, and positive progress from across our nation and the wider Bharatiya community. In this weekly series, we not only bring to you inspirational present-day stories but also provide a glimpse of the rich civilizational heritage that goes under the radar.

Economy

Bharat’s foreign exchange reserves have risen by $12.4 billion in a week and reached a record $729.3 billion. This indicates strong foreign currency inflows and growing external financial strength. The surge, supported by RBI measures that attracted $72.8 billion through 21 August, gives the central bank greater firepower to manage rupee volatility and global uncertainties. Higher reserves strengthen Bharat’s external position, enhance confidence, provide a larger buffer against economic shocks, and reduce risks to the balance of payments. This begins significant in today’s global world of volatility and uncertainty.

Sports

Bharatiya Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa has scripted history by becoming the first Bharatiya to win the Grand Chess Tour. “Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa created history, becoming the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour after staging a stunning comeback to defeat defending champion Fabiano Caruana 15-13 in the final at St. Louis in the US last night. Praggnanandhaa started the final day six points behind Caruana but won both rapid games to take the lead,” noted News On Air.

Neeraj Chopra has qualified for the 2026 Diamond League Final in Brussels, securing the sixth and final spot despite competing in only two events this season. His qualification follows a strong 88.05m throw in Lausanne, where he finished just nine centimetres behind Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage. Pathirage enters the final as the leading contender after winning the Zurich meet with a remarkable 92.07m throw. The final promises an exciting javelin showdown.

Environment

Tripura’s Khowai has set a new standard in waste management and women empowerment together. This town is emerging as a powerful model of women-led waste management, with 100 Didis transforming sanitation into a source of dignity, ownership and livelihoods. Their cooperative now manages the town’s waste ecosystem, helping more than 90% of households segregate waste at source. Roadside waste accumulation has fallen by around 90%, while recycling, reusing and composting have created value from discarded materials. The women, once treated as low-paid sanitation workers, are now decision-makers and owners, earning directly through the cooperative.

Khowai’s success shows how community participation, women’s leadership and sustainable practices can create cleaner towns and stronger livelihoods. This model can surely be replicated not just in other towns but also in metropolitan cities with localized groups for each area. This will make our cities cleaner on the one hand, and provide livelihood to women on the other, thereby achieving the twin goals of Swachh Bharat & women empowerment.

Upcoming Hindu Festivals

The birth of Bhagwan Krishna is celebrated as Janmashtami/Gokulashtami. The festival is observed on Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) Ashtami. Some sampradayas celebrate Janmashtami according to Rohini nakshatra, the birth star of Bhagwan Krishna. Dahi Handi is held on the next day of Bhagwan’s birth. The month of Krishnashtami varies based on the calendar but the Tithi remains the same. According to the Amanta calendar, the festival falls in the month of Shravan and followers of the Purnimanta calendar observe the festival in Bhadrapada. This year Janmashtami will be celebrated on 4 September.

Suggested Reading

1) The pragmatism of ‘maitri’: India’s helping hand to Nepal redefines neighbourhood diplomacy

2) Why India Is Building a Dedicated High-Speed Rail Test Track in Rajasthan

3) Introduction to Mudras – Yoga of the Hands

4) The Gaze and the Garment: A Dharmic Reflection

5) Omkar Parvat Parikrama in the Lap Of Narmada at Omkareshwar