RSF World Press Freedom Index 2026: India Slips to Rank 157, Scores 31.96; Norway Tops for 10th Year

Trump Praises India's Election Mechanism; SAVE Act, SIR Debate on Electoral Rolls Intensify

President Trump's praise for India's election system has spotlighted a contentious debate on electoral roll integrity in both the US and India. While the US pushes the SAVE Act requiring proof of citizenship and photo ID, India's Summary Revision of rolls (SIR) is criticized for lacking transparency. The core issue: clean rolls are essential but must not be weaponized against social groups.

India Hosts 18th BRICS Summit Sept 12-13 2026; Group Now 45% of World Population, 37% of GDP (PPP)

India's 2026 BRICS presidency culminates in the 18th Summit in New Delhi (Sept 12-13). The expanded BRICS, accounting for 45% of world population and 37% of global GDP (PPP), faces internal cohesion challenges. Success will be judged by tangible outcomes like NDB lending, local currency trade, and technology cooperation, not just declarations.

Google, Meta Agree to Report Child Abuse Material Directly to Indian Authorities; Break from NCMEC Practice

Google and Meta have agreed to report child sexual abuse material (CSAM) directly to Indian authorities, bypassing the US-based National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). This follows Indian government pressure citing delays in the existing global routing system, which received over 21.3 million reports in 2025. The move signals a shift towards data sovereignty and faster law enforcement action in child protection.

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.

81st UNGA Session: Record 65 Conflicts in 2025, UNSG Guterres Final Term, India Vies for UNSC Seat 2028-29

The 81st UNGA session marks UNSG Guterres' final term amid record global conflicts (65 in 2025). Bangladesh FM elected President. India launches campaign for second non-permanent UNSC term (2028-29) but PM Modi skips summit. UN reform and superpower hegemony debated.

Parliamentary Panel Recommends Polar Ambassador & Full Arctic Council Membership for India

A Parliamentary panel has urged India to appoint a dedicated Polar Ambassador and seek full membership of the Arctic Council to strengthen its role in polar diplomacy, especially as Russian research activities pause due to the Ukraine conflict. This move shifts India's Arctic policy from purely scientific to include geopolitics, strategy, and critical mineral extraction.

India Bars Sheikh Hasina from Political Activities; Extradition Request Under Review

India has informed a Parliamentary panel that former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina cannot conduct political activities from Indian soil. Dhaka has sent an extradition request, which India is legally examining, while also urging early renewal of the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty and normalization of visa services for Bangladeshi nationals.

SC Orders Centre to Appoint Nodal Officer for Indians Killed/Missing in Russia-Ukraine War

The Supreme Court has directed the Central Government to appoint a Nodal Officer specifically to assist the families of Indian nationals who have been killed or are missing in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This directive underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring the executive fulfills its duty towards citizens affected by international crises.