The Kerala Forest Department has given its consent for the diversion of forestland required for the construction of the Sathram airstrip in Sabarimala. This decision aims to improve connectivity for pilgrims visiting the renowned Ayyappa temple. The airstrip project has been long-pending, intended to ease travel difficulties faced by devotees, especially during the annual pilgrimage season. The forest clearance is a significant step, though further environmental and central government approvals are still required before construction begins.

Bank employees across India staged a nationwide strike, disrupting banking services significantly. The strike was called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), representing nine unions, over long-pending demands including a five-day work week, adequate recruitment to fill vacancies, wage revision, and halting privatization of public sector banks. ATM services and online banking remained partially functional. The strike impacted cheque clearances, loan approvals, and cash transactions, causing inconvenience to millions of customers nationwide.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated that BRICS is not an anti-Western bloc but a platform for developing nations seeking alternative options in global governance. He rejected the push for de-dollarisation, emphasizing that replacing the US dollar as the global reserve currency is neither practical nor the alliance's goal. Tharoor argued BRICS aims to give emerging economies a stronger voice in institutions dominated by Western powers. He stressed multilateral cooperation over confrontation, advocating for a more balanced global order without undermining existing systems.

The BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) issued a joint statement reaffirming unity amid global economic challenges, including slowing growth, rising debt, and trade tensions. The bloc—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with new members—emphasized multilateral cooperation, reforming international financial institutions, and promoting local currency trade to reduce dollar dependency. They called for equitable global governance and resilient financial systems to support developing nations facing inflation, geopolitical risks, and climate-related pressures.

The Reserve Bank of India announced ₹1 lakh crore Open Market Operation (OMO) bond purchases in three tranches of ₹33,000-34,000 crore each to inject liquidity into the banking system. This move aims to address the persistent liquidity deficit caused by capital outflows, tax payments, and RBI's forex interventions. OMOs involve the central bank buying government securities from banks, releasing rupee liquidity. This step complements recent rate cuts and CRR reductions to support economic growth and ensure smooth credit flow.

Telangana faces a weakened monsoon season due to the strongest El Niño event since 1997, which typically suppresses Indian monsoon rainfall by disrupting atmospheric circulation patterns. However, a low-pressure system forming over the Bay of Bengal offers relief, potentially drawing moisture inland and boosting rainfall across the region. El Niño, characterized by warming Pacific Ocean waters, historically causes drought-like conditions in India. Meteorologists remain cautiously optimistic that Bay disturbances may partially offset El Niño's impact, aiding agriculture.

PM Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the BRICS summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. India hosts the BRICS presidency this year. Both leaders discussed strengthening ties in trade, energy, connectivity, and the Chabahar port project. They also exchanged views on regional stability, including developments in West Asia. The meeting underscores India-Iran's strategic partnership and cooperation within the expanding BRICS framework.

Sergio Gor, US Presidential Envoy for Special Missions, visited Manipur as part of his India tour. He explored the historic Kangla Fort and Ema Keithel (Ima Market), the iconic all-women market in Imphal. During his visit, Gor met top state leaders, including Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, discussing bilateral ties and regional issues. His visit holds significance amid Manipur's ongoing ethnic conflict and highlights US interest in India's northeastern region and strengthening diplomatic engagement.

At the BRICS summit, PM Modi unveiled an ambitious action plan to boost economic cooperation among member nations. The plan targets eliminating 10 key trade barriers to ensure smoother commerce, fostering 100 innovative startups through cross-border incubation and funding support, and establishing 1,000 new business partnerships across sectors like technology, agriculture, and energy. Modi emphasized that deeper collaboration among BRICS nations can drive inclusive growth and reshape the global economic order.

At the BRICS Business Forum, PM Narendra Modi emphasized that India strongly supports free navigation and connectivity in international waters. Speaking at the summit held in Kazan, Russia, Modi highlighted India's commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. He stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. Modi also discussed expanding trade, digital transformation, and multilateral cooperation among BRICS nations while advocating for reformed global institutions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that the economic rise of BRICS nations is unstoppable, emphasizing the shifting global power dynamics. Speaking at a BRICS summit, Putin highlighted that member nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—along with new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, are driving global GDP growth, surpassing the G7. He stressed that these changes reflect a natural evolution toward a multipolar world order, reducing Western economic dominance and promoting fairer international trade and cooperation.

US consumer prices rose 3.4% year-over-year in August, signaling persistent inflationary pressures despite the Federal Reserve's aggressive rate hikes. The uptick, driven largely by rising energy and housing costs, exceeded some analysts' expectations. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, showed modest easing but remained elevated. The data complicates the Fed's policy outlook, as officials weigh further rate increases against economic slowdown risks. Markets reacted cautiously, with investors adjusting expectations for prolonged higher interest rates into 2024.

Russian President Vladimir Putin took a veiled jab at the G7, questioning the relevance of calling it the "Group of Seven" while highlighting BRICS' growing economic clout. Speaking at a BRICS summit, Putin noted the bloc—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members—now accounts for roughly 40% of global GDP, surpassing the G7's share. He emphasized BRICS' expanding influence in reshaping the global economic order, challenging Western dominance in international affairs and trade.

A massive explosion rocked a TMC leader's house in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, causing significant damage to the property and injuring several people. The blast was so powerful that it shattered nearby structures. The BJP alleged that crude bombs were being manufactured and stored inside the house, accusing TMC of harboring criminal activities. TMC denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. Police launched an investigation, recovering explosive materials from the site. The incident intensified political tensions between the two parties ahead of upcoming elections, with BJP demanding strict action and accountability from the ruling TMC government.

At the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, President Vladimir Putin extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit, which PM Modi accepted. The bilateral meeting reinforced the strong strategic partnership between the two nations. Both leaders discussed cooperation in trade, defense, energy, and global security. Despite Western pressure over the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India maintained its independent foreign policy stance. The annual summit tradition highlights the enduring diplomatic ties between India and Russia.