Must-know India developments: BRICS Summit and Veer Guardian 2026 (last 48 hours)
In the last 48 hours, India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026, with leaders including Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin participating. The talks emphasized energy cooperation, digital economy and trade expansion. Concurrently, Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 continued at Jodhpur (9–22 September 2026), showcasing enhanced air interoperability between the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. These events highlight India’s growing role in regional and global affairs, strengthening diplomatic, defence and economic partnerships. For exams, remember dates, key participants and the main objectives of each event.
BRICS Summit 18th in New Delhi, 12–13 September 2026
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin among leaders present
Focus on energy, digital economy and trade
Veer Guardian 2026 drills ongoing in Jodhpur, 9–22 September
IAF and JASDF interoperability and defence partnerships emphasized
Modi gifts Russian translation of Thirukkural to Putin at BRICS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a Russian translation of the Tamil classic Thirukkural to Russian President Vladimir Putin on 11 September 2026, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The edition, prepared by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil, highlights cultural diplomacy and India’s soft power in global affairs. The gift underscores shared appreciation for timeless ethical literature across languages. Putin accepted the volume during bilateral discussions that also touched on energy, trade and defence cooperation as BRICS members prepared for the 12–13 September 2026 summit. The gesture reflects India’s broader effort to strengthen cultural ties with partner nations.
Thirukkural translated into Russian presented to Putin
Gift occurred on 11 September 2026 during BRICS activities
Edition prepared by Central Institute of Classical Tamil
Demonstrates cultural diplomacy in international relations
BRICS discussions included energy, trade and defence
Sep 12, 2026
Xi Jinping and Modi hold talks on BRICS sidelines during New Delhi summit
On the BRICS sidelines of the New Delhi summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks to reset bilateral ties. The discussions followed earlier exchanges with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The meeting highlighted cooperation within BRICS and broader regional considerations as both countries seek to balance competition with collaboration in the Indo-Pacific. Observers note the talks could influence future trade, technology and political arrangements, while underscoring India’s pivotal role as BRICS chair in shaping a multipolar global order.
Location: BRICS sidelines, New Delhi
Participants: Modi and Xi Jinping
Context: efforts to reset bilateral ties
Related meetings: Putin and Pezeshkian interactions nearby
Impact: possible influence on trade, technology and regional policy
Significance: India’s BRICS leadership theme
BRICS New Delhi Declaration Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
The XVIII BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi from 12 to 13 September 2026 under the theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability. Leaders from BRICS nations endorsed a shared agenda on trade, technology and sustainable development, emphasising resilience in supply chains and greater South–South collaboration. The declaration addressed regional conflicts, sanctions, and the need for a multipolar world with stronger cooperation among emerging economies. India, as BRICS chair, highlighted expansion opportunities and practical steps in infrastructure, finance and climate action. The summit showcased BRICS as a platform for greater global influence and inclusive growth.
Event: XVIII BRICS Summit, New Delhi (12–13 Sept 2026)
Theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
Key takeaways: supply-chain resilience, tech and sustainable development
Stance on regional conflicts and sanctions; multipolar world
India’s role: BRICS chair; focus on expansion and practical cooperation
Outcomes: collaboration in infrastructure, finance and climate action
Sep 10, 2026
27th World Knowledge Forum in Seoul discusses AI and co‑intelligence
The 27th World Knowledge Forum (WKF) was held in Seoul, South Korea, in September 2026 at Jangchung Arena and The Shilla Seoul. Organised by Maekyung Media Group, the forum explored artificial intelligence, co‑intelligence, and global economic transformation. Under the theme The Promethean Moment: Architecting the Co-Intelligence Order, participants debated policy frameworks for responsible AI, digital skills, and cross‑border collaboration. Delegates from multiple countries examined how technology could reshape markets, governance, and employment. The discussions are expected to influence policymakers and business leaders, including those in India seeking inclusive growth through technology‑led governance and innovation.
Event: 27th World Knowledge Forum in Seoul, September 2026.
Theme focuses on AI, co‑intelligence, and economic transformation.
Participants debated policy for responsible innovation and cross‑border collaboration.
Implications for India’s technology policy and digital inclusion strategies.
Hosted by Maekyung Media Group at major venues in Seoul.
Sep 07, 2026
Bank of Canada Unveils Vertical 20 Banknote With King Charles III
The Bank of Canada unveiled a new vertical 20 banknote featuring the portrait of King Charles III in Ottawa, September 2026. The note replaces the portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II and marks the first appearance of King Charles III on a Canadian banknote, and the first time in more than 70 years that a new monarch appears on a Canadian note. Queen Elizabeth II had appeared on the Bank of Canada’s inaugural 20 note in 1935. The redesign aligns currency with contemporary symbols and security features, reflecting Canada’s constitutional ties to the Commonwealth. Users and collectors may notice design changes and updated anti-counterfeiting measures.
Vertical 20-dollar note features King Charles III
First monarch portrait change in over 70 years
Elizabeth II previously appeared on 1935 note
Currency redesign includes security enhancements
Reflects Canada’s Commonwealth ties
Sep 05, 2026
BRICS 18th Summit to be hosted in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026
As BRICS chair in 2026, India will host the 18th BRICS Leaders Summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The dates were announced in late August, with plans to welcome leaders from BRICS member countries and outreach invitees. The summit will focus on trade, technology, and sustainable development, with deeper cooperation on energy and security. Indian officials emphasise inclusive dialogue and digital economy, alongside a broad outreach program. Analysts say the gathering could influence regional and global governance in the coming decade.
Dates: 12–13 September 2026
Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Focus: trade, technology, sustainable development
Backdrop: India’s BRICS chairmanship
Potential impact: global governance
Xi Jinping expected to attend BRICS Summit in New Delhi; observers invited
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend the 18th BRICS Leaders Summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026, signaling renewed engagement during India's BRICS chair. Talks are anticipated to cover trade, regional security, and technology cooperation, with notable attention on how China will participate amid ongoing regional dynamics. The official presence would underscore BRICS dialogue amid global power shifts. Observers and partner nations are invited to attend plenary and side events, expanding the forum's reach and visibility. Analysts caution that outcomes depend on evolving negotiations, but the attendance would mark a high-profile moment for BRICS.