Updates on 25 August 2026
All of August 2026 →CSIR-NAL unveils indigenous micro and small gas turbine engines NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100
On 25 August 2026, CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) introduced three indigenous micro and small gas turbine engines named NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100 with thrusts of 5 kg, 50 kg, and 100 kg respectively. These compact engines, designed mainly for defense applications such as tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drone interceptors, and compact missile systems, represent a significant step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in aerospace propulsion technology. The engines operate on the Brayton thermodynamic cycle, achieving a balance of low weight, high rotational speed, and compact dimensions. The NJ-100 engine is based on flight test data from the earlier NJ-05 technology demonstrator, showcasing India's growing capabilities in high-speed turbomachinery and micro gas turbines.
US Removes Syria from State Sponsors of Terrorism List in 2026
On August 24, 2026, the US Department of State officially removed Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list, ending a designation that had been in place since December 29, 1979. This decision coincided with the removal of the al-Nusrah Front (also known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham or HTS) from the Specially Designated Global Terrorist list. These changes followed significant political shifts in Syria, including the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 and the installation of a new government under HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. The removal lifts various US sanctions, paving the way for Syria’s reintegration into international trade and aid frameworks.