Good morning! Here’s your quick catch-up on the stories making noise today.
Seven lives lost in the Satya Niketan building collapse have triggered a city-wide safety check. The MCD has ordered inspections across Delhi and sought reports by 10 September.
Ahead of the BRICS Summit, India and Russia are set for another high-level meeting. Vladimir Putin will meet PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 11 September.
Also in today’s Bhaskar Smart Brief, we look at PM Modi’s push to take UPI to more trading partners, as he calls it a “civilisational story”. From digital payments to freight corridors, he paints a picture of an India moving faster.
Along with these, we’ve rounded up the other top stories you need to start your day.
Today’s Top Headlines
All Delhi buildings to be inspected after Satya Niketan collapse
After seven lives were lost in the Satya Niketan building collapse, the tragedy has now sent a safety alert across Delhi. The MCD has ordered inspections of buildings in all zones and asked Executive Engineers to submit their reports by 10 September.
The move comes as questions rise over the safety of buildings across the capital. The inspection findings will be included in an affidavit to be filed before the Delhi High Court within 10 days.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will hear the case on 10 September and may take it up from the High Court if needed. READ MORE
Putin-Modi talks on 11 Sept ahead of BRICS Summit
The India-Russia partnership is set for another high-level meeting, with Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting India for the BRICS Summit. Putin and PM Narendra Modi will hold a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on 11 September, a day before the BRICS leaders’ meeting.
The talks are expected to cover trade, economic cooperation, transport and new business opportunities. The Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Persian Gulf may also figure in the discussions.
Russia is also preparing to pitch its Su-57 fighter jet to India. This will be Putin’s second India visit in nine months, after his 4 December, 2025 visit. READ MORE
Modi calls UPI a ‘civilisational story’
From digital payments to speeding freight trains, PM Modi spoke of an India moving faster.
At Mumbai’s Global Fintech Fest, he called UPI a “civilisational story” and said India must take it to more trading partners. In Vadodara, he highlighted 2,500 km of the Dedicated Freight Corridor, calling it the “lifeline” of developed India.
Taking a swipe at critics, Modi said one double-stack freight train can carry goods equal to 250 trucks, joking that the disgruntled “Fufaji” would wonder what would happen to truck drivers. READ MORE
‘I’d rather die…’ says judge who sentenced 36 to death
“I would rather die than be called a cowardly judge.” These words came from Muzaffarnagar judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar after he sentenced Nadeem to death for murdering his wife Shahzadi.
Diwakar said he would continue as a judge only as long as he could follow his principles, adding that judges must fear God, not mafias or criminals.
The judge has sentenced 36 convicts to death in his 17-year career, including 23 in Muzaffarnagar in just five months. READ MORE
BCCI to earn ₹3.71 crore per match from new sponsors
Team India’s home international matches have found some big-name backers. The BCCI has brought Reliance’s Campa Cola, AI platform ChatGPT and SBI Life on board as official associate partners in a deal covering 35 bilateral matches until March 2028.
However, one big slot is still vacant. The BCCI is yet to find a primary title sponsor and had extended the bidding deadline for associate partners until early September as it works to finalise its overall commercial lineup following the end of the previous title deal in August 2026. READ MORE
The Day Ahead
- Rahul Gandhi will be on a Rae Bareli visit. He will meet Congress workers, interact with Sarafa traders and local delegations, review development works and chair a DISHA meeting. The Congress leader will also take stock of flood-affected areas.
- Tamil Nadu Congress will attend TVK’s second alliance meeting on September 9 after an invitation. The move comes amid discussions over the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, with some TVK leaders projecting Vijay as a possible PM candidate.
- Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will hold its National Council meeting on September 9 to restructure its core organisation ahead of the Punjab elections. Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal will address the meeting. The members of the National Executive will be decided at this meeting, and a date will be fixed for its subsequent meeting.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is on an official visit to strengthen India-Sri Lanka maritime and defence cooperation. Singh will hold talks with Sri Lankan leaders on bilateral and regional security issues and review ongoing defence initiatives.
- Apple to unveil its 2026 iPhone lineup on September 9 at 10 am Pacific Time (10:30 pm IST), alongside new Apple Watch models, AirPods and software updates. The lineup may include the foldable iPhone, reportedly called iPhone Ultra, iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.
Visual Of The Day
Vigilance on Display: National Security Guard (NSG) personnel conduct a mock drill at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium ahead of the upcoming BRICS Summit 2026, in New Delhi, India. (ANI)
Today In History
Statement Of The Day
News With A Twist
People hanging from a chariot in London
In a procession on the streets of London, some people were seen hanging from the front of a chariot. Meanwhile, in Poland, robots staged a protest to save human jobs. Elsewhere, schools in China have introduced desks that turn into beds during breaks.
The world’s biggest flower parade was held in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, in Bihar, a man who spent four days a week with each of his two wives ran away with a third woman. Today in ‘News With a Twist’, we will bring you 5 such interesting stories… READ MORE
News In Headlines
Bombay HC refuses relief to Rahul Gandhi in Modi defamation case READ MORE
54-year-old Manipuri singer beaten to death in Delhi READ MORE
India’s Hockey team reverts to blue kits for Asian Games READ MORE
Eiffel Tower shut amid staff strike over Hindu group visit READ MORE
Search continues for workers trapped inside seven Nepal tunnels READ MORE
