18th BRICS Summit opens in New Delhi under India's resilience-and-sustainability agenda; BRICS leaders reiterate commitment to a more representative and reformed multilateral order; Modi and Xi discuss restoring stability and expanding economic engagement between India and China.
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Showing: September 12, 2026
Key Facts for September 12, 2026
25 verified items
#01Government & International Organizations
UPSC GS-II (BRICS, Global Governance & Global South); UPSC Prelims (BRICS Chairship & Summit)
18th BRICS Summit opens in New Delhi under India's resilience-and-sustainability agenda
The 18th BRICS Summit began in New Delhi on 12 September 2026 under India's chairship. The summit theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” India is using the expanded BRICS framework to strengthen cooperation across political-security, economic-financial and cultural-people-to-people pillars. The opening session focused on inclusive global governance and strengthening multilateral cooperation. The summit is significant for India's role in shaping the Global South agenda.
Source: Prime Minister's Office / BRICS India
#02Government & International Organizations
UPSC GS-II (Multilateralism, UN Reform & Global South)
BRICS leaders reiterate commitment to a more representative and reformed multilateral order
The opening deliberations of the BRICS Summit on 12 September 2026 emphasised strengthening multilateral institutions and making global governance more representative. India linked the grouping's expanded membership with stronger cooperation among emerging economies. The summit continued to prioritise development, sustainability, innovation and inclusive growth. These priorities are intended to improve practical outcomes from BRICS cooperation. The discussion reinforces India's longstanding emphasis on reform of global governance institutions.
Modi and Xi discuss restoring stability and expanding economic engagement between India and China
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in New Delhi on 12 September 2026 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. Both leaders noted progress in bilateral relations since their previous meeting in Tianjin in August 2025. India stressed that peace and tranquillity along the border are essential for further improvement in ties. The leaders also discussed trade imbalances, market access, supply-chain issues, business links and greater people-to-people mobility. They agreed that bilateral differences should not become disputes and that existing border agreements and understandings should be respected.
India and UAE deepen strategic cooperation during BRICS-level leadership talks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed in New Delhi on 12 September 2026. The leaders reviewed the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and welcomed progress across multiple sectors. They discussed a proposed USD 11.5 billion integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha, described as the UAE's largest such investment in India. Defence, space, nuclear energy, technology and innovation were identified as additional areas for cooperation. The meeting also highlighted the UAE's active participation in BRICS as a partner country.
Source: Prime Minister's Office
#05International Affairs
UPSC GS-II (India-Malaysia Relations, Act East Policy & ASEAN)
India and Malaysia agree to widen cooperation while New Delhi gets a new consular opening in Sabah
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in New Delhi on 12 September 2026. The leaders reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, defence, semiconductors, infrastructure, digital economy, energy, fintech, education and tourism. Malaysia conveyed concurrence for establishing an Indian Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The two sides also discussed regional and global issues and reaffirmed their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The meeting strengthened the bilateral component of India's Act East engagement with Southeast Asia.
Source: Prime Minister's Office
#06International Affairs
UPSC GS-II (India-Vietnam Relations, Act East Policy & Indo-Pacific)
India and Vietnam reaffirm enhanced strategic partnership during BRICS bilateral
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung in New Delhi on 12 September 2026. The meeting reviewed progress since India and Vietnam elevated their relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2026. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues. Vietnam's participation in the BRICS Summit as a partner country added a multilateral dimension to the meeting. India also highlighted Vietnam's importance to the Act East Policy and wider Southeast Asian engagement.
Source: Prime Minister's Office
#07International Affairs
UPSC GS-II (India-Ethiopia Relations, Africa & BRICS)
India and Ethiopia review strategic partnership covering defence, trade and capacity building
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali in New Delhi on 12 September 2026 on the margins of BRICS. The leaders reviewed cooperation under the India-Ethiopia Strategic Partnership. Economic engagement, defence and security cooperation and capacity building were among the areas discussed. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments and agreed to continue cooperation in multilateral forums. Ethiopia's participation in BRICS was welcomed as contributing to the collective voice of the Global South.
Source: Prime Minister's Office
#08International Affairs
UPSC GS-II (India-Iran Relations, Chabahar & West Asia)
President Murmu holds talks with Iran's Pezeshkian during his New Delhi visit
President Droupadi Murmu met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New Delhi on 12 September 2026. The meeting took place during Pezeshkian's visit to India for the BRICS Summit. India and Iran have longstanding economic, civilisational and strategic links, including cooperation associated with Chabahar Port. The talks provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest. Iran's participation in the expanded BRICS also added a multilateral dimension to the engagement.
Source: President's Secretariat
#09Awards & Honours
UPSC Prelims (BRICS History & India Chairship); SSC/State PSC (Commemorative Stamps)
BRICS leaders mark two decades of cooperation with commemorative postage stamps
Two commemorative postage stamps marking 20 years of BRICS cooperation were released in New Delhi on 12 September 2026. The stamps commemorate the evolution of BRICS since 2006 and reflect priorities of India's 2026 chairship. The designs highlight cooperation, solidarity and the people-centric “humanity first” orientation adopted by India. The release forms part of the cultural and institutional outreach surrounding the 18th BRICS Summit. It also provides a contemporary milestone for the history of the grouping.
Source: Prime Minister's Office / Department of Posts
#10Social Development & Human Development
UPSC GS-II (Public Health, Health Infrastructure & PM-ABHIM); State PSC (Andhra Pradesh Health Sector)
Public health capacity in Andhra Pradesh gets a major boost with 10 critical-care blocks and 12 laboratories
Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda inaugurated 10 Critical Care Blocks and 12 Integrated Public Health Laboratories in Andhra Pradesh on 12 September 2026. The facilities are distributed across medical colleges, district hospitals and area hospitals in the State. The programme is intended to strengthen emergency-care capacity and public-health laboratory infrastructure. Andhra Pradesh's Sanjeevani programme was also highlighted for bringing testing for 41 health parameters closer to communities. The initiative is part of the broader health-security architecture being strengthened through central and State cooperation.
India advances indigenous road-building through large-scale use of steel slag
The government highlighted wider deployment of steel-slag road technology on 12 September 2026. CSIR-CRRI and industry partners are preparing a 40-km road project in Odisha using processed steel slag. The technology converts industrial waste into a construction material and is being promoted under a waste-to-wealth approach. Officials reported that steel-slag roads can offer substantially higher strength and lower construction costs under suitable conditions. The initiative combines circular-economy principles with infrastructure development.
Source: Ministry of Science & Technology / CSIR-CRRI
Badri cattle conservation gets a boost from India's first OPU-IVF calf achievement
A healthy female calf of the indigenous Badri cattle breed was born through Ovum Pick-Up and In Vitro Fertilization technology on 11 September 2026, with the achievement announced on 12 September. The embryo was transferred into a Sahiwal recipient cow. Badri cattle are an important indigenous genetic resource of Uttarakhand and are recognised as the State animal. The intervention opens an advanced route for multiplying elite germplasm and improving conservation of indigenous breeds. The work involved ICAR-NDRI and partner institutions.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare / ICAR
Colombo Security Conclave completes maritime-security simulation in Visakhapatnam
A three-day Table Top Exercise under the Colombo Security Conclave concluded at Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam, on 11 September 2026, with the official announcement issued on 12 September. The exercise simulated responses to illicit maritime activities in the Indian Ocean Region. Scenarios covered maritime terrorism, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Participants also worked on information-sharing arrangements and Maritime Domain Awareness. The exercise supports regional coordination among CSC members and observer countries.
Source: Indian Navy / Ministry of Defence
#14Defence
CDS/CAPF (Indian Navy & Maritime Diplomacy); UPSC GS-II (Act East Policy & Indo-Pacific)
INS Kulish reaches Cambodia during India's Eastern Fleet deployment
Indian Navy ship INS Kulish arrived at Ream Naval Base in Cambodia on 12 September 2026 as part of the Eastern Fleet's operational deployment. The visit is intended to strengthen maritime cooperation and professional interaction with Cambodia. Such deployments support India's broader engagement with Southeast Asian maritime partners. They also contribute to the operational visibility of the Indian Navy in the Indo-Pacific. The deployment complements India's Act East and wider maritime-security approaches.
National BOCW conference concludes with focus on skilling, social protection and digital labour services
The two-day National Conference on Building and Other Construction Workers concluded in Mumbai on 12 September 2026. The conference brought together the Centre, States, Union Territories and BOCW Welfare Boards to discuss worker welfare and social protection. Sessions covered skills, employment, digital labour services, occupational health and worker mobility. States showcased initiatives such as Digital Labour Chowks and worker-facilitation platforms. The conference emphasised greater coordination between governments to improve delivery for construction workers.
Source: Ministry of Labour & Employment
#16Agriculture & Rural Development
UPSC GS-III (Bamboo Economy, Rural Livelihoods & Value Addition); State PSC (Northeast Development)
India's bamboo economy receives policy attention as rural enterprises scale up
The government highlighted bamboo-based rural enterprises through an official backgrounder released on 12 September 2026. The account showcased women-led enterprises using bamboo for products such as bags and other consumer goods. Bamboo-based livelihoods are particularly important across several northeastern and central Indian communities. Government support, exhibitions and market linkages can help traditional producers reach larger markets. The development connects natural-resource-based livelihoods with rural entrepreneurship and value addition.
Source: Ministry of Rural Development / PIB
#17Books & Authors
UPSC GS-I (Art, Culture, Handloom & Traditional Crafts); State PSC (Indian Textiles)
India's textile heritage gets a contemporary retail platform at Central Cottage Industries Emporium
The Ministry of Textiles opened the Designer Atelier exhibition-cum-sale in New Delhi on 12 September 2026. The exhibition combines traditional handloom and handwoven techniques with contemporary design. It is intended to provide artisans and weavers with greater consumer access and market visibility. The event runs at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium through 1 October 2026. The initiative links India's cultural heritage with livelihood opportunities for craft communities.
Source: Ministry of Textiles / Central Cottage Industries Corporation
SECL reports another year of billion-tonne domestic coal production across India
The Ministry of Coal highlighted the performance of South Eastern Coalfields Limited and India's broader coal sector on 12 September 2026. India's domestic coal production crossed one billion tonnes for the second consecutive year in FY2025-26, reaching about 1.04 billion tonnes on a provisional basis. Coal continues to supply a large share of India's electricity generation. The government linked increased production with reforms in mine planning, evacuation infrastructure and technology adoption. The data are important for assessing India's energy-security position.
Source: Ministry of Coal
#19Social Development & Human Development
UPSC GS-II (Skill Development & Human Capital); SSC/State PSC (WorldSkills)
WorldSkills-linked industrial training expands through the Global Skills Accelerator framework
India used the WorldSkills ecosystem to advance international benchmarking of vocational skills, with related activities highlighted during the current skills calendar. The framework connects Indian trainees with global standards in advanced manufacturing and technology-intensive occupations. Newer skill categories include areas such as aircraft maintenance, software testing and unmanned aerial systems. Such categories reflect the increasing overlap between vocational education and emerging technologies. The initiative supports India's effort to build a workforce aligned with globally competitive industrial requirements.
Source: Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
BRICS Bazaar uses Indian handicrafts and regional products to strengthen people-to-people ties
The BRICS Bazaar at the National Crafts Museum in New Delhi showcased crafts and products from BRICS members and partner countries on 12 September 2026. The initiative formed part of India's cultural outreach during the BRICS Summit. It provided a platform for artisans and traditional producers to present cultural products to visitors. The event demonstrates how cultural diplomacy can complement political and economic cooperation. It also highlights the role of handicrafts in strengthening people-to-people links among participating countries.
Source: Ministry of Women & Child Development / BRICS India
Assam's bamboo entrepreneurs illustrate the livelihood potential of traditional green materials
An Assam-based women-led bamboo enterprise was highlighted in a government account on 12 September 2026 as an example of rural value addition. The enterprise evolved from a traditional family craft activity into a market-oriented venture. Participation in government-supported exhibitions helped the products reach wider customers. Bamboo processing provides livelihood opportunities while using a renewable natural resource. The case demonstrates the potential for self-help groups and rural enterprises to convert local resources into higher-value goods.
India's urban housing mission adds 18.77 lakh approved homes under PMAY-U 2.0
The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee approved 18.77 lakh houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0, with the decision reported on 12 September 2026. The approvals provide additional impetus to the Housing for All objective in urban areas. Around 29,000 additional houses were also approved under beneficiary-led construction and affordable-housing partnership components for six States. The initiative is focused on extending housing support to eligible urban beneficiaries. Timely implementation and monitoring remain important for translating sanctions into completed homes.
Source: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs / News On AIR
#23Sports
SSC/Banking/State PSC (International Hockey); UPSC Prelims (Women's Junior Asia Cup)
India's junior women hockey team reaches Asia Cup final after defeating South Korea
India defeated South Korea 5-1 in the Women's Junior Asia Cup semifinal in Moqi, China, on 12 September 2026. Supriya scored a hat-trick, while Madhu Sidar and Sukhveer Kaur also found the net. The result took India into the tournament final against the winner of the China-Japan semifinal. India had earlier topped its group and defeated Pakistan 19-0 in the quarterfinal. The team was pursuing a third consecutive title in the tournament.
Indian badminton pair advances through another international title milestone
Indian men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty continued their strong international season in September 2026, with their China Masters title remaining a major current sporting milestone. The pair defeated Chinese opposition to secure the men's doubles crown in Shenzhen. The result added another major international trophy to their record. Their performances remain important to India's standing in elite badminton. The achievement is also relevant to questions on major international sporting titles won by Indian athletes.
Source: Badminton World Federation
#25Government Schemes
UPSC GS-II (PM-ABHIM, Health Infrastructure & Health Security)
India's public-health system adds laboratories and critical-care capacity ahead of emerging health threats
The inauguration of 10 Critical Care Blocks and 12 Integrated Public Health Laboratories in Andhra Pradesh on 12 September 2026 strengthened State-level health infrastructure. The facilities are intended to improve access to critical care and diagnostic testing. Integrated laboratories can support faster disease detection and public-health surveillance. Critical-care capacity also becomes important during outbreaks and other health emergencies. The expansion demonstrates the role of PM-ABHIM-linked infrastructure in building a more resilient health system.