Good morning! Here’s your quick catch-up on the stories making noise today.
At the BRICS Business Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin took a dig at the US and Europe, questioning the G7’s economic strength. PM Modi also highlighted BRICS’ economic weight, saying its nations represent half of the world’s population and 40% of global GDP.
Meanwhile, Indian banking unions have warned of an indefinite strike from 26 October over their demand for a five-day workweek. Banks across the country joined a nationwide strike on Friday.
Also in today’s Bhaskar Smart Brief, don’t miss our coverage of Pakistan tightening rules for Indian pilgrims after the Jyoti Malhotra espionage case. Private operators and individuals will no longer be allowed to sponsor pilgrims, with only recognised Sikh bodies such as SGPC and HSGMC permitted to organise jathas.
Along with these, we’ve rounded up the other top stories you need to start your day.
Today’s Top Headlines
Putin takes a dig at US-Europe during BRICS Summit
At the BRICS Business Forum, Vladimir Putin turned his attention to the US and Europe, questioning the G7’s claim to economic strength.
He said BRICS countries now account for more than 40% of global GDP, compared with 29% for the G7.
PM Modi also highlighted BRICS’ economic weight, saying its nations represent half of the world’s population and 40% of global GDP.
Modi said India wants to expand trade, but safe maritime routes are essential for that growth. READ MORE
Indian banking unions warn of indefinite strike over 5-day workweek
India’s banks went quiet on Friday as employees joined a nationwide strike demanding a five-day workweek. In Madhya Pradesh, nearly 7,000 branches remained shut, affecting business transactions worth around ₹5,500 crore.
The five-day workweek proposal has been waiting for government approval for more than two years. Unions say if their demands remain unheard, the next shutdown could be longer, they have warned of an indefinite strike from 26 October. READ MORE
Pakistan pilgrimage rules tightened after spying row
Religious trips to Pakistan are taking a new route after the Jyoti Malhotra espionage case. Private tour operators and individuals will no longer be able to sponsor Indian pilgrims.
Now, only recognised Sikh bodies such as SGPC and HSGMC can organise jathas, with strict police, CID and intelligence checks before visa clearance.
The move comes after security agencies found that private travel networks were allegedly being used to establish contacts and gather sensitive information. READ MORE
Dhoni owns shares worth ₹3 crore in CSK; franchise clarifies ownership rumours
Clarification comes on behalf of CSK officials on rumours spread regarding MS Dhoni’s stake in the franchise.
CSK officials said, “MS has never asked us about it. We never discussed the matter. We also don’t have any information about him having discussed this with Mr N Srinivasan either.”
However, based on the current valuation of IPL franchises, Dhoni’s stake could be worth around ₹2.6-3 crore. READ MORE
Nepal rebuilding after floods will cost more than country’s GDP
Nepal is now facing a massive rebuilding bill after the 26 August floods. Reconstructing homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure is estimated to cost ₹4.52 lakh crore, more than Nepal’s entire GDP of ₹4.32 lakh crore.
Nearly 16 lakh people have been affected, with 1,385 dead and 5,130 still missing. About 75% of the reconstruction cost, or ₹2.96 lakh crore, will go towards infrastructure alone. The floods damaged 7,570 homes, 48 government buildings, 18 schools and 7 health centres. READ MORE
The Day Ahead
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral meetings today on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, including with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim and Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali. President Droupadi Murmu will also meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
- BJP national president Nitin Nabin will begin his Uttar Pradesh Assembly election campaign with a two-day visit to Western UP from today. In Meerut, he will meet MPs and MLAs to assess the ground situation and review poll preparations. He will also interact with party workers and office-bearers.
- iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max pre-booking starts today in India. The iPhone 18 Pro is available in four colours: Black, Silver, Glacier and Burgundy. The new Pro models feature upgraded cameras, improved performance and professional-grade photography capabilities.
- The 57th GST Council meeting will be held in New Delhi on today at 11 am. The Council, headed by the Union Finance Minister and comprising state finance ministers, is the key decision-making body for deciding GST rates, exemptions and administrative rules. State governments have been asked to inform their respective Council members..
- IMD has forecast heavy rain in parts of Gujarat from today, with a yellow alert for Vadodara and South Gujarat. An orange alert is in place for Navsari, Valsad and Dang from September 13. Rain also lashed parts of Amreli’s Khambha-Gir region on 10 September.
Visual Of The Day
A Ride of Friendship: After their bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin share a car to head to the exhibition at Bharat Mandapam during the BRICS Summit 2026. (ANI)
Today In History
Statement Of The Day
News With A Twist
Uterus found in 26-year-old man
A 26-year-old man in Delhi was found to have a uterus in his abdomen. Meanwhile, in China, workers are being given Army-style training for a job at a tea shop. In Rajasthan’s Jhalawar, a thief returned items stolen from a temple two-and-a-half years ago and left ₹2,000 as an apology.
In Uttar Pradesh, a husband arranged his wife’s marriage to her boyfriend. Meanwhile, a robot talent show was held in Berlin, Germany, where robots showcased their skills. READ MORE
News In Headlines
BRICS goodie bags feature Bihar sattu, Odisha coffee, Gujarat stole, culture READ MORE
Israel blows up Hezbollah tunnel in Lebanon, triggering 4.1-magnitude quake READ MORE
NSE sets IPO price band at ₹1,700-1,785, raises ₹22,562 crore READ MORE
Ranveer Singh named BMW India brand ambassador READ MORE
Sanjay Dutt apologises over Marathi remark, says it was joke READ MORE
