Pope Leo XIV's Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas Calls for Global AI Regulation, Declares Just War Theory Outdated

BRICS Summit 2026: India Proposes IIRD for Global AI Governance, Open to G20 & FSB

India’s BRICS Chairmanship (Sep 12-13, 2026) is being pitched as the launchpad for a new global AI governance body – the International Institute for Regulatory Development (IIRD). The article argues that existing institutions (FSB, Basel) are inadequate and that emerging markets must co-create rules rather than adopt them from the North Atlantic. This is a high-importance theme for IR, Sci-Tech and Governance segments.

BRICS Endorses AI in Education, Explores Global University Ranking System at 13th Education Ministers' Meet

BRICS leaders have agreed to share best practices in AI education, explore a joint university ranking system, and strengthen TVET cooperation. India’s initiative on traditional knowledge systems was noted. This impacts India's role in global education diplomacy and could shape future higher education policies.

US Space Force Confirms Orbital Weapons; Outer Space Treaty Article IV Loophole Sparks Global Debate

US Space Force confirmed space control weapons in orbit on September 14, 2026, reigniting debate on whether the Outer Space Treaty prohibits all weapons or only weapons of mass destruction. A textual omission in Article IV (missing 'such') narrows the ban, leaving conventional weapons legally ambiguous. India can leverage the proposed BRICS Space Council to shape international norms around harmful interference and defensive counter-space measures.

India's UPI Diplomacy: Zero-Cost DPI Exports to 24 Nations Builds Strategic Influence & Global South Leadership

India is exporting its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – including UPI and India Stack – to 24 countries, positioning itself as the Global South's reference model. Unlike Western private platforms or China's state-controlled exports, India offers these systems at no charge with full local ownership. This article examines whether this 'goodwill diplomacy' can translate into durable strategic influence, or whether influence ultimately requires something a partner fears to lose.

EU Data Regulator Fines Google €403 Million for Location Data Violations Under GDPR

Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) fined Google €403 million ($463 million) for unlawful processing of user location data. This is the fourth-largest fine by the Irish watchdog, highlighting the EU's strict enforcement of GDPR and its implications for global tech firms operating in Europe.

India-China Bilateral Trade Reaches $125 Bn (22.6% YoY) Post Xi-Modi Meet; BRICS AI Plan

The September 12, 2026 Xi-Modi meeting in New Delhi signals a diplomatic thaw in India-China relations. Bilateral trade surged to $125 billion (Jan-Aug 2026) with Indian exports up 41%. China also proposed a BRICS AI open-source initiative, offering rich fodder for UPSC topics on IR, economy, and technology governance.

Xi's US State Visit: Trump Hosts Musk, Pichai, Altman Amid AI, Rare Earths, Tariff Truce

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives for his first US state visit in over a decade, with a White House state dinner on September 24 attended by top tech CEOs. Talks will focus on AI, rare-earth supplies, the tariff truce expiring in November, Taiwan and Iran, making this a key geopolitical event for understanding US-China strategic competition.

US-China Establish Super Intelligence (SI) Dialogue, Create AI Incident Communication Channel

The US and China have agreed to set up a dedicated communication channel for AI incidents and launched a 'Super Intelligence (SI) Dialogue' to discuss risks and benefits. This marks a significant step in bilateral AI governance amid superpower rivalry, with implications for global tech standards and India's positioning.