India

The war on terror may have weakened terrorist networks, but it has failed to eliminate the threat of terrorism

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urged BRICS countries to link payment systems, promote trade in local currencies and make digital trade more accessible. He said India’s digital public infrastructure could help deepen economic cooperation and support emerging technologies

Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the safety of Indian seafarers in the Black Sea with Russian President Vladimir Putin and reiterated India’s readiness to support peace efforts on Ukraine. The leaders also discussed trade, defence, energy and other areas of cooperation

BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors called for greater representation of emerging-market and developing economies in the IMF and World Bank while criticising unilateral tariffs. The expanded bloc also backed local currencies and stronger cross-border payment mechanisms

President Xi will arrive in New Delhi on Saturday to attend the BRICS summit, his first visit to India in nearly seven years. He is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of the summit on Saturday

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit. His visit comes amid efforts to strengthen India-Iran ties, with Tehran highlighting trade, economic cooperation and Chabahar Port as key areas of mutual interest

Several parts of Delhi-NCR received rain on Friday as the IMD issued a red alert for the national capital and forecast more showers, thunderstorms and lightning. Further rainfall is expected during the BRICS Leaders’ Summit scheduled for September 12 and 13

The Delhi High Court declined interim permission for wrestler Vinesh Phogat to compete in 2026 World Championships selection trials, saying eligibility rules must apply uniformly. It will examine the broader issue of balancing motherhood, maternity and sporting careers while considering policy validity

India will introduce fully digital, barrier-free highway tolling by February, combining FASTag with vehicle number-plate recognition, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said. The system is expected to eliminate stoppages, improve vehicle tracking and increase annual toll revenues by Rs 10,000 crore

The Supreme Court has sought clarifications from FSSAI on proposed front-of-package labels for foods high in fat, sugar and salt. The court also asked the Centre about nutritional literacy in schools and directed FSSAI to provide a scientifically justified implementation timeline

The Odisha government has sought CZA permission to retain five rescued orangutan cubs at Nandankanan Zoological Park. The cubs, rescued from Balasore, are under quarantine and receiving care, while authorities investigate how they reached Odisha and possible international wildlife trafficking links

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar urged BRICS nations to build resilient supply chains, predictable business environments and diversified trade ties to withstand global shocks. Addressing the BRICS Business Forum, he highlighted trade facilitation, technology, startups, digital infrastructure and innovation as priorities

Vantara said it will comply with the High-Powered Committee’s order allowing elephant Madhuri to return to Kolhapur, while stressing her chronic health conditions require continued veterinary care. Vantara will support her transition and conduct fortnightly medical examinations after her return

India has crossed 80 lakh HPV vaccinations under its nationwide campaign for 14-year-old girls, marking progress in preventing cervical cancer. The free, voluntary single-dose Gardasil-4 vaccine is available at government health facilities, with parental consent and safety monitoring measures

  BSP chief Mayawati criticised the SP, Congress and other opposition parties for using blue symbols while allegedly retaining casteist and narrow-minded attitudes. She accused them of political opportunism, defended the BSP as the genuine Ambedkarite party and questioned Congress’s political prospects 

Flooding in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district has worsened after breaches in two embankments caused by Kosi River pressure and heavy rain. Nearly 28,000 people are in relief camps, while thousands of schools remain inundated as authorities monitor rising risks and provide financial assistance 

A four-to-six-week-old elephant calf trapped in a muddy trench at a tea estate near Kaziranga National Park has been rescued and shifted to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation. The dehydrated calf is receiving specialised treatment and round-the-clock care

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday remembered Swami Vivekananda’s historic 1893 Chicago address at the World’s Parliament of Religions, saying his inspiring words continue to resonate globally. Vivekananda’s speech introduced Hinduism to Western audiences and highlighted India’s civilisational ethos and humanitarian ideals

Banking services at public sector banks across India were affected on Friday as employees observed a nationwide strike called by the UFBU. The unions are demanding a five-day workweek, pension-related changes and other pending wage and service issues

AIIB President Zou Jiayi arrived in New Delhi on Friday for the 18th BRICS Summit. Russian President Vladimir Putin also arrived for the meeting and is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit

Indian equity benchmarks opened sharply lower on Friday, with the Sensex falling nearly 600 points and the Nifty dropping below 23,300. Rising crude prices, Middle East tensions, higher US bond yields and weak global markets weighed on investor sentiment

Delhi Police, CISF, DMRC and other agencies conducted multi-agency mock drills at four Delhi Metro stations ahead of the BRICS Summit 2026. The exercises simulated terrorist attacks and unattended-baggage incidents to assess emergency response, coordination, evacuation and specialised intervention capabilities

About 70 Americans remain unaccounted for after a disaster devastated Nepal’s border region with China, the US State Department said. Eighteen Americans have reached safety, while difficult terrain, destroyed infrastructure and thin air are hampering search-and-rescue operations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that the BRICS Summit in New Delhi will witness meaningful discussions on global issues and cooperation. India, as BRICS Chair 2026, will host leaders from member, partner and invited countries on September 12-13