The BRICS 2026 summit is set to take place in Delhi, India, with Russian President Vladimir Putin arriving ahead of the event. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also expected soon. India, as the host, aims to strengthen multilateral cooperation among BRICS nations, which include Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newly added members. Key topics include trade, geopolitics, dedollarization, and global governance reform. Putin's visit marks a significant diplomatic moment amid ongoing global tensions.

Oil prices surged past $100 per barrel as escalating tensions in the Middle East fueled supply disruption fears. The conflict between Israel and Hamas intensified, raising concerns about potential involvement of major oil-producing nations like Iran. Brent crude and WTT both saw significant gains as traders priced in geopolitical risk premiums. Analysts warned that prolonged instability could tighten global supply, impacting economies worldwide. OPEC monitored the situation closely while energy markets remained volatile amid uncertainty over diplomatic resolutions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi to attend the BRICS summit, marking a significant diplomatic engagement among major emerging economies—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The summit focused on global economic recovery, multilateral cooperation, climate change, and counter-terrorism. Putin held bilateral talks with Indian PM Narendra Modi, discussing defense, energy, and trade ties. The visit highlighted India-Russia strategic partnership amid evolving geopolitical tensions.

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Gold prices declined sharply after a hotter-than-expected US inflation report reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve would continue raising interest rates aggressively. The consumer price data showed persistent inflationary pressures, prompting traders to increase bets on further rate hikes. Higher interest rates diminish gold's appeal since the metal yields no interest, making Treasury bonds more attractive. The stronger dollar, buoyed by hawkish Fed expectations, further weighed on gold prices, as bullion becomes costlier for overseas buyers.

US lawmakers have urged the Biden administration to blacklist three Indian IT firms—Appin Technology, Rajat Khare's Lycamobile-linked entities, and BellTroX InfoTech Services—for allegedly conducting hack-for-hire operations and cyber espionage targeting American businesses, activists, and journalists. These firms reportedly offered surveillance and hacking services to corporate clients worldwide. Congress members called for sanctions under trade restriction lists, citing national security concerns and threats to democratic freedoms posed by commercial cyber mercenaries.

The Supreme Court of India dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to ban the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, ruling that the petition had an ulterior motive. The court found the plea lacked scientific basis and aimed to spread vaccine hesitancy. The HPV vaccine, which prevents cervical cancer, has been backed by extensive global research and is part of India's immunization program. The bench emphasized that courts should not entertain petitions undermining public health initiatives without credible evidence, calling it an attempt to misuse judicial process. The ruling reinforces India's commitment to cervical cancer prevention.

The Supreme Court denied pre-arrest bail to Abhishek Banerjee's personal assistant in connection with a corruption case investigated by the CBI and ED. Abhishek Banerjee, TMC MP and nephew of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, faced scrutiny amid the coal smuggling scam. His PA was allegedly involved in financial irregularities linked to illegal coal mining in Eastern Coalfields. The court held that custodial interrogation was necessary given the gravity of allegations and evidence collected.

Shirin Akhter Jahan, daughter of ousted Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina, resigned as WHO South-East Asia Regional Director amid serious fraud and corruption allegations. Investigations revealed misuse of funds, nepotism in hiring, and financial irregularities during her tenure. Her resignation came under mounting pressure from member states and internal probes. Critics linked her appointment to her mother's political influence rather than merit. The WHO acknowledged the resignation and initiated reforms to strengthen transparency and accountability within the regional office.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi to participate in the BRICS summit, a major gathering of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The summit focused on global economic cooperation, multilateral trade, and geopolitical challenges. Putin held bilateral talks with Indian PM Narendra Modi, discussing defense ties, energy partnerships, and regional security. The visit highlighted strengthening India-Russia relations amid global tensions. Leaders also addressed pandemic recovery, climate change, and reforming international institutions like the UN and IMF.

Nepal faces a massive challenge in identifying victims of disasters and crimes as DNA testing remains the primary identification method, but forensic laboratories are severely overwhelmed by a growing backlog of cases. Limited infrastructure, insufficient funding, lack of trained personnel, and outdated equipment hinder timely processing. Thousands of samples await analysis, delaying justice and closure for families. Experts urge the government to invest in modern forensic facilities, hire skilled technicians, and streamline procedures to address the crisis effectively.

The 18th BRICS summit is expected to prioritize discussions on ongoing wars, including the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts, along with global economic instability, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. The expanded bloc, now including nations like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, aims to amplify the Global South's voice. Leaders will likely address de-dollarization, reforming multilateral institutions like the UN, and strengthening South-South cooperation to counter Western dominance in global affairs.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India for the BRICS Summit 2026, marking a significant diplomatic visit amid global geopolitical tensions. Putin is set to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on trade, energy cooperation, defense ties, and regional security. The summit brings together leaders from major emerging economies, including Brazil, China, and South Africa. This visit highlights India's balancing act between Western allies and Russia. Both leaders are expected to discuss the Ukraine conflict, oil imports, and strengthening the strategic partnership.

China officially submitted visa applications for President Xi Jinping's delegation to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on August 27. This formal request is a standard diplomatic procedure required for foreign leaders and their entourages visiting the US for UN events. The delegation's participation signals Beijing's engagement in multilateral diplomacy amid ongoing US-China tensions. The US, as host country, is generally obligated under the UN Headquarters Agreement to grant such visas for UN-related events.

The Meghalaya High Court discovered that 17 foreign nationals remain lodged in the state's jails despite having completed their sentences. The court expressed concern over this prolonged detention, terming it a violation of their fundamental rights. These inmates, mostly from Bangladesh and other neighboring countries, couldn't be deported due to incomplete documentation and lack of coordination between prison authorities, the government, and respective embassies. The court directed the state government to expedite repatriation proceedings and coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and concerned embassies to facilitate their deportation. The bench also asked authorities to submit a detailed status report on each foreign prisoner. This highlights systemic delays in India's deportation process affecting foreign inmates nationwide.