**8th Pay Commission: MACP & Promotion Pay Demands**

Central government employees are urging the 8th Pay Commission to increase MACP (Modified Assured Career Progression) upgrades from 3 to 5, ensuring timely financial growth for those stuck without promotions. Currently, employees receive pay upgrades at 10, 20, and 30 years of service. Unions demand upgrades at 8, 16, 24, 32, and 40 years. They also seek promotional pay scales instead of mere grade pay increments under MACP, arguing current benefits are inadequate compared to actual promotions. The 8th Pay Commission, expected to be implemented by January 2026, will review these demands alongside a revised pay matrix and fitment factor.

The 2026 BRICS Summit highlighted a major milestone as intra-bloc trade surpassed $1.17 trillion, reflecting deepening economic ties among Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newer members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. Leaders discussed boosting trade further through local currency settlements, reducing dollar dependency, enhancing digital payment systems, and streamlining customs procedures. Proposals included a unified trade platform, expanded use of the New Development Bank, and sectoral cooperation in energy, agriculture, and technology to unlock untapped markets within the bloc.

**BRICS in 2026** has expanded significantly, now including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia. This enlarged bloc represents over 40% of global GDP (PPP) and nearly half the world's population. The alliance aims to challenge Western-dominated financial systems, promote de-dollarization, and amplify Global South voices. However, balancing diverse political interests, internal rivalries (India-China tensions), and maintaining unity amid geopolitical pressures presents a major tightrope as it seeks genuine multilateral influence.

The Bombay High Court refused to restrain activist Manoj Jarange Patil from conducting his march to Mumbai, upholding the fundamental right to peaceful protest. Jarange has been leading a massive agitation demanding Maratha reservation under the OBC category. The court noted that citizens have the right to protest peacefully and directed authorities to ensure law and order during the march. The Maharashtra government expressed concerns about potential disruption, but the court emphasized democratic rights while urging demonstrators to maintain peace.

In January 2024, Iranian-backed militants killed three US soldiers at a Jordan base. Reports reveal China provided Iran with satellite imagery used to plan the attack, marking what officials call the "clearest evidence" of Chinese support for Iranian proxy operations. The imagery reportedly helped militants identify vulnerable positions at Tower 22 near the Jordan-Syria border. US officials expressed alarm, viewing this as China indirectly enabling attacks on American forces, escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing amid broader geopolitical rivalry.

China Southern Airlines is resuming direct flights between Guangzhou and Delhi from September 21, 2025, marking a significant step in restoring air connectivity between India and China. The resumption comes amid improving diplomatic ties following meetings between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping. Flights were suspended during COVID-19. The airline will operate multiple weekly flights, boosting tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

The 2026 BRICS Summit, hosted by Brazil, has drawn global attention. Foreign media highlights India's diplomatic balancing act between deepening ties with BRICS nations like China and Russia while maintaining its strategic partnership with the West. Analysts view BRICS expansion and de-dollarization efforts as a growing challenge to Western-led institutions like the G7 and IMF. Media notes India's cautious stance, avoiding anti-West rhetoric while advocating for a multipolar world order and Global South interests.

**CGST अधिकारी रिश्वत मामला:**

महाराष्ट्र के रायगढ़ में CGST (केंद्रीय वस्तु एवं सेवा कर) के सुपरिंटेंडेंट-कंसल्टेंट ने एक व्यापारी से 1 करोड़ रुपये की रिश्वत मांगी थी। CBI ने जांच शुरू कर जाल बिछाया। जब अधिकारी पहली किस्त के रूप में 10 लाख रुपये लेते पकड़ा गया, तो CBI ने उसे रंगेहाथ गिरफ्तार कर लिया। आरोपी पर भ्रष्टाचार निवारण अधिनियम के तहत मामला दर्ज किया गया है। CBI आगे की जांच कर रही है कि इसमें अन्य अधिकारी भी शामिल हैं या नहीं।

A ferry carrying over 200 passengers caught fire off the coast of the Philippines, raising the death toll to 35 as rescuers recovered more bodies from the sea. The MV Lady Mary Joy was traveling between ports when the blaze erupted, triggering panic and forcing passengers to jump overboard. Many victims drowned or suffered burns. The Philippine Coast Guard led rescue operations, saving dozens of survivors. Authorities launched an investigation into the cause, suspecting the fire started in the cargo area.

BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors expressed concern over the "unilateral imposition" of trade tariffs, warning they destabilize the global economy and disrupt supply chains. Meeting ahead of the BRICS summit, officials from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newer members criticized protectionist measures, largely aimed at US tariff policies under President Trump. They called for multilateral dialogue, WTO-based trade rules, and cooperation to ensure fair, inclusive economic growth, urging nations to avoid escalating trade wars that harm developing economies disproportionately.

Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat resigned from all Congress party positions after enforcement agencies recovered significant amounts of cash and gold from his close aide. The recovery raised serious questions about corruption and created embarrassment for the Congress party. Rawat, a veteran leader, stepped down to avoid further damage to the party's image amid the controversy. The incident fueled opposition attacks on Congress, questioning its credibility on anti-corruption stands. Rawat maintained his innocence but acknowledged the political fallout.

Canadian High Commissioner Cameron MacKay stated that India-Canada relations have moved well beyond the "reset" phase, signaling deepening diplomatic engagement. This comes after months of severe tensions triggered by allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June 2023. Both nations expelled diplomats and downgraded ties. However, recent diplomatic efforts have eased hostilities, with both sides expressing willingness to rebuild trust and cooperate on trade, security, and people-to-people ties.

# BRICS Summit 2026: शी जिनपिंग का ऐतिहासिक भारत दौरा

चीनी राष्ट्रपति शी जिनपिंग ब्रिक्स शिखर सम्मेलन 2026 के लिए दिल्ली रवाना हो गए हैं। यह जून 2020 में गलवान घाटी संघर्ष के बाद उनका पहला भारत दौरा है, जिसमें 20 भारतीय सैनिक शहीद हुए थे। इस दौरे को भारत-चीन संबंधों में सुधार का संकेत माना जा रहा है। भारत इस बार ब्रिक्स की अध्यक्षता कर रहा है। PM मोदी और शी जिनपिंग के बीच द्विपक्षीय वार्ता संभावित है, जिसमें सीमा विवाद, व्यापार और क्षेत्रीय सहयोग पर चर्चा हो सकती है। रूस, ब्राजील, दक्षिण अफ्रीका समेत अन्य सदस्य देशों के नेता भी शामिल होंगे।

Saudi Arabia temporarily halted oil shipments through its key East-West pipeline after Yemen's Houthi rebels seized a strategic island in the Red Sea, escalating regional tensions. The Houthis, backed by Iran, captured the island near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade. The shutdown raised fears of supply disruptions and spiked oil prices. Saudi-led coalition forces responded with intensified airstrikes. The move underscored the conflict's growing threat to international energy security and maritime navigation.

At the BRICS Business Forum in Kazan, Russia, PM Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian shared a warm moment as Modi held Pezeshkian's hand while walking together, signaling strong bilateral ties. The rare gesture drew global attention amid rising Middle East tensions. Both leaders discussed enhancing India-Iran relations, including the Chabahar port deal and energy cooperation. The interaction highlighted India's balanced diplomatic approach, maintaining ties with Iran while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics involving the US and Israel.