Modi, Sitharaman, Jaishankar, Goyal & Doval Lead 3 Week Global Outreach Before BRICS 2026…
India has intensified diplomatic engagements and bilateral meetings with major global powers to strengthen its position on the global stage ahead of the BRICS Summit. The primary objective is to safeguard its national interests in multilateral forums and maintain balance in the global order. Ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi in September 2026, the Indian government has launched a major diplomatic push. Four of India’s most prominent officials and ministers are visiting five key countries to strengthen India’s national interests ahead of the summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with his three ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, S. Jaishankar, Piyush Goyal, and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is leading a major diplomatic campaign. These diplomatic meetings will last for three weeks, concluding in the second week of September, immediately following the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is on a highly important official visit to Canada and the United States from August 25 to September 2, 2026. This visit, taking place just before the BRICS Summit, is considered strategically important for India’s economic diplomacy. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit to Canada and the United States prioritizes four key agendas: investor meetings, interactions with corporate leaders, strengthening economic ties, and G20 financial discussions. As part of this diplomatic mission, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar recently held a crucial meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. Key areas of economic cooperation, energy and fertilizers, technology and defense were discussed amid preparations for the upcoming Modi-Putin meeting. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is also visiting Japan with a large delegation of 200 Indian business leaders and veterans. The main objective of this visit is to enhance India-Japan bilateral trade and attract significant Japanese investment in India’s infrastructure, high-tech manufacturing, semiconductor, and next-generation industries. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is in Beijing, the capital of China, for the 25th round of India-China Special Representatives’ Dialogue. The main objective of this high-level strategic meeting is to find a lasting solution to the long-standing border issues between the two countries and effectively manage the current tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Xi Jinping May Visit India for BRICS Summit on September 2026, With 400 Member Delegation..
Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit India next month on September 12 and 13, 2026 to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi, accompanied by a large delegation of approximately 400 officials. Although Xi Jinping’s visit has not yet been officially confirmed, sources indicate that Chinese officials are busy finalizing arrangements regarding hotels and security. It is worth noting that this visit by the Chinese President is taking place after a gap of seven years. He last visited India in October 2019 for the second informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), near Chennai. Sources claim that this time, a massive delegation of around 400 Chinese officials could accompany Xi Jinping to India. This would be a significantly larger contingent compared to 2019, the number of officials accompanying Xi to India in 2019 was fewer than 200. Xi Jinping’s potential visit to India could prove crucial for efforts to improve relations between the two nations following the border clashes of 2020. Violent clashes between the troops of both countries occurred in the Galwan Valley of Eastern Ladakh during May and June of 2020. Twenty Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers lost their lives in the Galwan Valley clash. Subsequently, a standoff persisted between the armies of both nations for nearly four years. Relations between the two countries hit rock bottom, and heavy military deployments were made along the border. Notably, Xi Jinping did not visit India when the country hosted the G20 summit in New Delhi in 2023, instead, Chinese Premier Li Qiang attended the summit on his behalf. However, the first formal bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Xi Jinping took place during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. Following this, both countries reached an agreement regarding patrolling along the LAC. According to sources, officials from India and China might use the BRICS summit to address long-standing differences concerning the border and regional security, as well as to explore avenues for enhancing mutual cooperation. However, the final plan for Xi’s visit and the agenda for a potential bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi have not yet been finalized. Therefore, it remains unclear which issues would be discussed in detail should the two leaders meet.
TN CM Vijay: Free bus travel for women on all govt buses, 3 free LPG cylinders for poor families…
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has made two major and historic announcements for the women and families of the state. These important announcements were made during the Assembly session on Monday, August 24, 2026. The Tamil Nadu government has expanded the scope of free bus travel for women. Women and transgender people will now be able to travel free on both ordinary government buses as well as express and deluxe buses.This scheme will be launched across the state on October 2, 2026, Gandhi Jayanti. There are no income or travel distance requirements to avail of this scheme.In a statement under Rule 110, Vijay said, “There will be no income or travel limit requirements for availing the free bus travel ‘Vetri Payanam’ for women.” Women can travel free on express, LSS, and deluxe government buses operating in metropolitan and urban areas. He stated that the scheme will be launched on October 2nd, Gandhi Jayanti. This will result in an additional annual expenditure of ₹6,000 crore for the state government. “Annapurni Super Six” scheme will be launched in State CM Vijay has announced free LPG cylinders under the “Annapurni Super Six” scheme to reduce women’s kitchen expenses. Under the scheme, families with an annual income of less than ₹2.5 lakh will receive three free domestic LPG cylinders each year, directly benefiting approximately 13 million families in the state. This scheme will be launched from the 2027 Pongal festival (January 14, 2027). The government will transfer the cylinder subsidy directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts (DBT). It should be noted that Vijay had promised the “Annapurni Super Six” scheme before the assembly elections in April. Under this scheme, every eligible family in Tamil Nadu was promised six free LPG cylinders annually to reduce household expenses. Vijay said, “This will ease the burden on those who were spending a lot of money to purchase cylinders. The government has decided to subsidize the cost of cooking gas cylinders. In the first phase, three free LPG cylinders will be provided, and the cost will be deposited directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.” During this, members of the ruling party thumped the tables in support. He said that this move will benefit families with an annual income of approximately ₹2.5 lakh, economically backward families, small and medium-sized farmers, disabled people, and poor families. Vijay said, “Preparations have begun. This scheme will be launched during the Pongal festival (mid-January) in 2027.” He also stated that the state government will allocate ₹4,000 crore annually for this initiative. He also announced the cancellation of the Randur Greenfield Airport project, which farmers had strongly opposed because they did not want to give up their land.
Jaishankar to Visit Russia on August 23-24, India-Russia Ties on Agenda
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Russia on August 23 and 24, 2026, at the invitation of Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. During the visit, Jaishankar and Manturov will co-chair the 27th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC). Talks with Sergey Lavrov Jaishankar is also scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The two sides are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global developments. The IRIGC-TEC is an important mechanism for reviewing and advancing cooperation between India and Russia across several sectors. Focus on Trade and Economic Cooperation The visit comes as India and Russia continue efforts to expand their economic relationship. Key areas under the commission include trade, investment, connectivity, payment mechanisms, science and technology and other areas of bilateral cooperation. The two-day visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to take stock of ongoing cooperation and discuss ways to further strengthen the long-standing India-Russia partnership.
ABVP-NSUI Clash Erupts at COEP Pune Ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ Event…
An event titled ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ (Students’ Voice), featuring Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was scheduled for today Saturday, August 22 at the College of Engineering, Pune (COEP) in Shivajinagar. However, a commotion broke out at the venue before the event could begin. Reports indicate that a clash erupted between the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) at the college premises prior to the event, heating up the political atmosphere. Following the clash, both groups accused each other of assault. The dispute reportedly stemmed from the filming of a female student at COEP. The ABVP alleged that NSUI members pressured the student, while the NSUI claimed that ABVP members held her captive; this led to a confrontation between the two factions. Tension prevailed on the COEP campus for some time due to the incident. Upon being informed of the dispute, the police arrived at the scene, brought the situation under control, and initiated an investigation. Rahul Gandhi is visiting Pune today for the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event. Subsequently, several leaders—including Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar arrived at the site and staged a sit-in protest, while the BJP Yuva Morcha blocked the road in protest. According to the news agency PTI, a heavy police force was deployed on the campus following the dispute. Reports also suggest that some Congress workers sustained injuries. A case has been registered at the Shivajinagar police station against 50 to 60 individuals, including key office-bearers of the Youth Congress. State Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal accused the ABVP of holding students captive in the hostel because they had posted status updates supporting Rahul Gandhi on social media. Sapkal alleged that the ABVP engaged in hooliganism, which included assaulting students and confining them to their rooms in the hostel, describing the actions as extremely serious and shameful. They questioned who gave ABVP goons the right to intimidate students and violate their freedom simply because they had posted a status featuring Rahul Gandhi. They stated that this incident once again exposes the culture of the BJP’s student politics, questioned whether these ABVP goons enjoy state protection, and declared that the Congress party would never bow to such hooliganism that attacks students’ freedom of expression and the liberty of young women.
India-Nepal 14th Joint Working Group Meeting Begins in Dehradun to Address Border Disputes, Security & Trade…
The 14th Joint Working Group meeting between Indian and Nepali officials began today in Dehradun. Four rounds of meetings will be held over the two-day period, August 20th and 21st. The first round of meetings began today, August 20th. Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the ITBP, the SSB, and the Survey of India participated in the meeting. It should be noted that last year, a meeting between Indian and Nepali officials was held in Pokhara, Nepal. Following this, the two-day 14th Joint Working Group meeting was held in Dehradun on August 20th and 21st. The first session of the crucial meeting will discuss issues such as border disputes, border management, and strengthening trade relations. It should be noted that the study of old records and maps related to border demarcation will be a key part of the meeting. The British-era axes of the Survey of India will be reviewed. The aim is to arrive at a clear conclusion on the disputed area by matching these historical documents with current ground conditions. This two-day meeting will focus on resolving border disputes using historical landmarks and criminal infiltration along the border. This high-level meeting will also discuss security measures along the porous border between the two countries, measures to prevent smuggling and criminal activities, and resolution of border disputes. Nepal’s concerns and concerns regarding India-China trade through the Lipulekh Pass will also be discussed. The Indian delegation at this important meeting is led by Ms. Pausumi Basu, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, while the Nepali delegation is led by Anand Kafle, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs. Officials from both countries arrived at the hotel on Mussoorie Road for this meeting on Wednesday night, August 19th. Prior to the meeting in Dehradun, at the coordination conference between India and Nepal in Lucknow on August 14th, 2026, the survey departments of both countries agreed to use modern technology to assess the actual conditions of land, agriculture, and construction along the border. The proposed survey included joint analysis of drone-based aerial imagery and ground-based data.
PM Modi’s Big Assurance on Tarique Rahman’s India Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured that Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will receive a warm and honorable welcome in India, according to Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi. Speaking at an event in Dhaka, Trivedi said PM Modi wants the two prime ministers to meet and has expressed his desire to make Rahman’s proposed visit to India a memorable one. The Indian envoy said the relationship between India and Bangladesh is important for both countries and that differences should be addressed through dialogue and diplomatic engagement. Rahman’s possible visit to India comes at a time when bilateral relations are facing several challenges. One of the key issues between New Delhi and Dhaka is the presence of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India. Bangladesh has been seeking her extradition, making the issue a sensitive part of bilateral discussions. The proposed India visit could provide an opportunity for the two sides to discuss several important matters, including trade, connectivity, energy, border management and regional cooperation. While the timing and details of Rahman’s possible visit have not yet been finalised, the Indian High Commissioner’s remarks indicate that New Delhi remains open to strengthening high-level engagement with Bangladesh. The development is being closely watched as both countries seek to manage their differences and maintain cooperation on issues of mutual interest.
Jharkhand Govt Cancels JSSC-CGL 2024 Exam, Scraps TDPL Results After 24-Day Student Protest…
Amidst the ongoing 24-day student protest in Jharkhand, the Jharkhand government has accepted the protesting students’ biggest demands and has decided to cancel the JSSC-CGL exam scheduled for 2024. This decision was made on Monday, August 17th, after nearly four and a half hours of discussion in a special cabinet meeting chaired by Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Chief Minister Hemant Soren addressed the media after this information. He stated that the decision to cancel the 14th JPSC PT and backlog civil service exams had already been made during talks with the protesting students. He added that the government has now decided to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the recruitment exams conducted by the GPSC and JSSC from 2014 to the present. All major and minor errors since 2014 will be investigated. Major responsibilities was given to TDPL Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren stated that the results published by the TDPL and all TDPL activities are cancelled. The Chief Minister stated that a decision has been made to form a committee headed by IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal to implement examination reforms. The committee will study the necessary reforms in the examination system and provide necessary suggestions. Furthermore, the government has also sought suggestions from the people of the state regarding examination reforms, and a system for submitting suggestions has been established on an online portal. He stated that the government wants the new examination system to be one that leaves no room for malpractice at any level. The entire process, from exam administration to question paper security, the role of agencies, evaluation, and results, will be made more transparent. The Chief Minister stated that the government has enacted strong laws in student interests and has the capacity to implement them. He stated that the government does not want to allow the interests of the youth, their future, and their confidence to be compromised under any circumstances. The Chief Minister stated that several issues related to examination reforms were agreed upon in previous meetings between students and ministers during the agitation. The government will implement those agreed points to bring transparency in the examination system. TDPL was given the responsibility of conducting about 10 major examinations of JPSC. These include examinations like Civil Services PT and Main Examination, Civil Judge, APP, Inspector of Factories, Project Manager, Boiler Inspector and JET. Along with this, TDPL was also entrusted with the work of five important examinations of JSSC. These include JGGLCCE, Technical/Special Graduate Level Examination, Field Worker, Forest Guard and PGT Teacher Recruitment Examination.
NTA Scraps Three UGC-NET Papers Over Spelling Mistakes, Wrong Names & Repeated Questions; Rahul Gandhi Attacks Modi Govt..
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has admitted to significant irregularities in the UGC-NET June 2026 exam question paper. Serious allegations surfaced, including numerous spelling mistakes, strange names of thinkers, and blatant copying of old questions from previous years. Following this, the NTA has cancelled the English, Commerce, and Sociology exam papers. This decision was made by the NTA based on the report of an audit committee formed after complaints from candidates and experts regarding serious irregularities in the question papers. The NTA will conduct re-exams for these three affected subjects in September 2026. The NTA has released a new exam schedule for the re-exams. Candidates will not be charged any additional examination fees for re-exams. Here is the re-exam schedule: According to a report in the Indian Express, on Sunday, August 16, the NTA released the provisional answer keys for 84 subjects for the UGC-NET June 2026. However, the answer keys for some papers were withheld. Following this, the NTA issued a separate notice in the evening. It stated that a major decision had been made regarding English, Commerce, and Sociology. According to the NTA, the committee formed to review these three papers found several errors. These included factual errors, typos, and translation errors. The committee found the names of several prominent scholars misspelled in the question paper. The names of some books were also incorrect. Furthermore, some questions contained language errors. Grammar errors were also found in several places. Gender and number mismatches were also found. There were also punctuation errors. Moreover, non-standard terms were used for concepts for which pre-established and commonly used terms exist. It was also discovered that many questions had already been asked in previous exams. Following these discrepancies, the committee recommended that the NTA re-examine the three subjects. Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on PM Modi Meanwhile, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on PM Modi and the National Testing Agency (NTA) over the decision to re-examine the UGC-NET exam in three subjects due to errors in the question papers. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote on the social media platform X, “Modi ji, look what your NTA has done again.” The UGC-NET exams for Sociology, English, and Commerce were held between June 22 and 30. After nearly two months, the NTA canceled all three exams because they had prepared incorrect question papers and re-asked old questions. Rahul Gandhi said, “Thousands of candidates who prepared diligently for years, filled out forms, paid fees, and traveled to far-flung exam centers will now have to do it all again in September. The NTA makes mistakes, but the students of the country suffer the consequences. I said this in Kota, Dehradun, and Prayagraj, and I will continue to say it. This is no longer an education system. It has become just a money-and-labor-sucking machine. It takes away your money, your years, your mental health, and your self-confidence, and gives you nothing in return, not even a job. The NTA is still not answering the real question. Were these papers leaked before the exams?”
New ‘Dimaggi Naxal Janata Party’ Account Goes Viral, Gains Massive Following Overnight…
Following the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), another new party has emerged in the headlines. The party is being called the ‘Dimaggi Naxal Party’. Similar to the Cockroach Janata Party, a new social media account called the ‘Dimaggi Naxal Janata Party’ has emerged. The party is gaining popularity on social media. This account has gained more than 1.7 lakh followers in just 24 hours. Party gained more than 50,000 followers On the other hand, this account, named @DNJP_India, currently follows more than 15 accounts, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, comedian Kunal Kamra, actor Prakash Raj, and many other popular names on social media.This account emerged on social media after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech on August 15th. In that speech, he referred to the elimination of armed Naxalites and urged the nation to be vigilant against “mindful Naxalites” lurking in ambushes. In his speech, PM Modi targeted those with Naxalite ideologies who seek to spread unrest despite the weakening of armed Naxalism. Although PM Modi did not name any specific group during his speech, his comment sparked a significant political controversy. Opposition leaders retaliated. Some leaders, including Congress leader P. Chidambaram, said they were proud to be called “mindful Naxalites.” In his Independence Day speech, PM Modi said, “Even though the Naxalites who took up arms in the jungles have been eliminated, the mindless Naxalites are still looking for opportunities. They are seeking ways to resort to violence and trying to lead the country down the wrong path. Such people must be identified and isolated.” Following his speech, the “Dimaggi Naxal Party” has come into the spotlight. Several accounts with this name are visible on Instagram. Pages created by the “Dimaggi Naxal Party” on various social media sites are rapidly gaining popularity. Within a day of its launch, it gained more than 50,000 followers. Currently, its Instagram page has more than 150,000 followers. The party’s slogan is “Think, Research, Protest.”