A former Army Havaldar was arrested by police in connection with an arms theft case at the Bolarum military station. The accused, who had prior knowledge of the army setup, broke into the ammunition chamber after spending approximately an hour forcing it open. He stole arms and ammunition from the facility. Being an ex-serviceman, he was familiar with the layout and security arrangements, which aided the theft. Police tracked and apprehended him during the investigation, recovering the stolen items.

In a significant cultural gesture during the BRICS 2026 summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the ancient Tamil literary masterpiece authored by the revered poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar. The Thirukkural, comprising 1,330 couplets on ethics, governance, and love, is celebrated globally for its universal wisdom. Modi's gift underscored India's rich cultural heritage and aimed to strengthen Indo-Russian ties through shared literary values, highlighting soft diplomacy at the multilateral forum.

PM Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. Both leaders reviewed India-Russia bilateral relations, focusing on trade, energy, and defense cooperation. They discussed ongoing conflicts in West Asia, particularly the Israel-Hamas war, and the Black Sea region amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Modi reiterated India's stance favoring diplomacy and dialogue for conflict resolution, emphasizing that this is not an era of war.

During the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with President Putin, covering wide-ranging topics. Both leaders discussed strengthening trade ties, aiming to boost bilateral trade beyond $200 billion. They reviewed defence cooperation, including India's S-400 missile deal and joint military production. Energy partnerships, particularly Russian oil exports to India, were emphasized. Space collaboration and technology sharing were also explored. Modi stressed diplomacy for the Ukraine conflict, urging peaceful resolution.

The BRICS Summit saw PM Modi hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussing trade, energy, and diplomatic ties amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Modi reiterated India's stance on peaceful resolution. Subsequently, Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, marking a significant diplomatic engagement focusing on the Chabahar port deal, regional stability, and strengthening India-Iran relations. The summit, held in Kazan, Russia, also addressed BRICS expansion and de-dollarization efforts.

The European Union Commission has proposed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, which could potentially become the largest trade deal for both parties. The agreement aims to reduce tariffs, boost market access, and strengthen economic ties between the EU and India. Negotiations focus on goods, services, investment, and intellectual property. If finalized, the FTA would cover a combined market of over 1.8 billion people, significantly enhancing bilateral trade volumes and economic growth for both regions.

PM Modi met President Putin during his recent visit, where both leaders set an ambitious $100 billion bilateral trade target by 2030, up from the current ~$65 billion. Six key issues dominated discussions: expanding nuclear energy cooperation, securing critical minerals supply chains, boosting defense ties, enhancing connectivity corridors, strengthening energy partnerships including oil and gas, and increasing technological collaboration. Both nations emphasized deepening strategic ties amid shifting global dynamics.

Solomon Pappaiah, renowned Tamil scholar, humorist, and orator, passed away at the age of 90 in Madurai due to age-related ailments. A retired professor, he was celebrated for his wit, wisdom, and mastery over the Tamil language, gaining immense popularity through television interviews and public speeches. His humorous storytelling and deep knowledge of Tamil literature endeared him to millions. Political leaders, scholars, and fans across Tamil Nadu mourned his demise, hailing him as an irreplaceable cultural icon.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attended the BRICS summit, seizing the opportunity to engage with world leaders, particularly India's PM Modi in Delhi, to reduce Tehran's diplomatic and economic isolation. Iran, a new BRICS member, seeks stronger trade ties and alternatives to Western sanctions. Pezeshkian, a reformist, aims to leverage multilateral platforms to boost Iran's global standing, attract investment, and diversify partnerships beyond China and Russia, signaling a pragmatic shift in Iranian foreign policy amid ongoing nuclear tensions with the West.

Actor-politician Paresh Rawal defended the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony held in Kevadia, Gujarat, after criticism over the venue choice. Responding to those questioning why the event wasn't held in Delhi, Rawal sarcastically asked, "Is Gujarat in Pakistan?" He argued that decentralizing such events benefits the country and there's nothing wrong with hosting them outside the capital. Critics alleged the move was politically motivated, favoring PM Modi's home state. The awards were held near the Statue of Unity.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor arrived in Imphal, Manipur, marking a significant diplomatic visit as India hosts the BRICS Summit, drawing global leaders to the country. Gor's visit to the northeastern state highlights growing US interest in India's strategic regions. The BRICS Summit brings together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newly added members to discuss economic cooperation, geopolitical issues, and multilateral partnerships. Gor's Imphal visit underscores US-India ties beyond the summit.

A recent MOSPI (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation) report reveals that just 50 districts contribute nearly one-third of India's informal economy output. These districts, primarily from states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, house significant concentrations of unregistered micro-enterprises in manufacturing, trade, and services. The findings highlight stark regional disparities in informal sector activity. This data is crucial for policymakers aiming to formalize the economy through targeted interventions, financial inclusion, and skill development programs in these high-density informal economy hubs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a Russian translation of the ancient Tamil literary classic 'Thirukkural' to Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the BRICS Summit. The Thirukkural, authored by the revered Tamil poet-saint Thiruvalluvar, is a timeless collection of 1,330 couplets covering ethics, governance, and love. The gesture symbolized India's rich cultural heritage and strengthened Indo-Russian ties. The BRICS Summit brought together leaders of major emerging economies to discuss global cooperation and development.

A recent MOSPI (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation) report reveals that just 50 districts out of India's 700+ districts contribute nearly one-third of the country's informal economy output. These districts are primarily urban and semi-urban hubs with high concentrations of unregistered enterprises in manufacturing, trade, and services. The findings highlight stark regional disparities in informal sector activity. This data, drawn from the Unincorporated Enterprise Survey, underscores the need for targeted policy interventions, formalization efforts, and credit access in these key districts to boost productivity and integrate informal workers into the mainstream economy, improving livelihoods and GDP accounting accuracy.

**BRICS Summit Live Updates**

PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held bilateral talks in Kazan, Russia, ahead of the 16th BRICS Summit. Modi emphasized diplomacy and dialogue for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stating "this is not an era of war." Putin briefed Modi on the ground situation. The summit, hosted by Russia, focused on multipolarity, economic cooperation, and expanding BRICS, which now includes new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Key discussions covered de-dollarization and global governance reform.