India's Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal Appointed FATF Vice-President for 2026-2027

Iran President Pezeshkian to Attend 18th BRICS Summit in India; Bilateral Talks on Chabahar and Strait of Hormuz

Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit India for the 18th BRICS Summit (Sept 12-13, 2026), marking his first visit since the Iran-US conflict. Key agenda includes bilateral talks on Chabahar port development and safety of Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz. This is crucial for India's energy security and West Asia diplomacy.

UPSC Key: 14 Internal EC Dissents, Tarang Shakti-26 Multinational Exercise, and AI-Driven Semiconductor Supercycle

This Indian Express 'UPSC Key' compilation covers six critical topics: unprecedented internal dissent within the Election Commission (14 objections in 10 months), the second edition of India's largest multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-26, the Supreme Court's reaffirmation of the Bijoe Emmanuel precedent on Vande Mataram, a new Centre scheme for lithium and nickel processing, the evolution of Yemen's Houthis from a local revivalist movement to a Red Sea power, and the global semiconductor 'supercycle' driven by AI demand. Each story is mapped to UPSC syllabus with previous year questions.

PM Modi Chairs 4th CCS Meet on West Asia Crisis: Supply Chain, Seafarers Safety, Fertiliser Stock Reviewed

This 4th special Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting signals India's proactive stance on securing energy and fertiliser supply chains amid multiple conflicts near the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, Black Sea, and Gulf of Aden. For exam aspirants, it links to energy security, geopolitics, and institutional mechanisms of the CCS. Prelims can test composition of CCS and number of meetings; Mains can explore India's strategy for supply chain resilience.

BRICS 2026: President Xi Jinping Confirms India Visit After 7-Year Hiatus; Trade Normalisation Key Agenda

China confirms President Xi Jinping will attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi (Sept 12-13, 2026) – his first visit to India in seven years (since Mamallapuram informal summit, Oct 2019). The visit signals a diplomatic thaw amid gradual normalisation after the Galwan clash (2020). Key focus: bilateral trade talks, border peace, and expanding BRICS/Global South coordination.

India Raises Concerns on US SRIA Law Allowing 100% Tariff on Russian Oil Buyers

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and conveyed India's concerns over the newly signed US 'Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act' (SRIA), which authorizes up to 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas, including India. India reiterated its commitment to protect its economic interests and ensure energy security.

SRIA Signed: Jaishankar Conveys India's Energy Concerns Over US Tariffs Up to 100% on Russian Oil

In the first official discussion after Trump signed the Russia Sanctions Bill (SRIA), External Affairs Minister Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Rubio in New York and reiterated India's economic and strategic concerns over potential tariffs up to 100% on Russian oil buyers. India, a major importer of Russian crude, stressed its energy security needs for its 1.4 billion people. The meeting came as both nations work on a bilateral trade deal.

India Joins P4M Alliance, Seeks UN Security Council Seat 2028-29 as UN Authority Fades

India's growing global influence coincides with the UN's declining authority. The article analyses India's strategic dilemma: it must shape international rules while avoiding dependence on rival power blocs. Key development: India co-launched the Partners for Multilateralism (P4M) group with Brazil, Canada, Kenya, EU, Australia, Barbados to counter economic coercion and advance collective interests.

US-China Summit: 2-Month Trade Truce Extension, AI Safety Off Agenda, India Faces Russian Oil Tariff Risk

Trump-Xi summit (Sept 23-24, 2026) resulted in a symbolic but substance-light outcome. AI safety was dropped from talks, a 2-month trade truce extension was agreed, and India faces increased tariff pressure for buying Russian crude oil as China gets a temporary exemption. The summit reinforces India's suspicion that it is the primary US target under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act.