Security forces in Jammu & Kashmir's Doda district discovered the decomposed body of a suspected Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist along with an American-made M4 carbine rifle. The body was found during a search operation in the dense forests of the region. Officials believe the terrorist may have died due to harsh weather conditions or injuries sustained during an earlier encounter. The recovery of the M4 rifle raised concerns over cross-border arms smuggling. DNA samples were collected to confirm the identity. Doda has witnessed heightened security operations amid rising infiltration attempts. The discovery underscores ongoing threats from Pakistan-based terror outfits in Jammu & Kashmir.

Saudi Arabia has halted operations on a key oil pipeline amid escalating Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping. The Iran-backed Yemeni rebel group has intensified strikes on commercial and military vessels, disrupting global trade routes. The Houthis claim their attacks support Palestinians amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. Major shipping companies are rerouting around Africa, increasing costs and delays. The U.S. and allies have launched strikes against Houthi targets, but attacks persist, threatening energy markets and global supply chains significantly.

BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to 11 nations spanning four continents, now including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina. This bloc represents nearly half the world's population at roughly 4 billion people and commands a $32 trillion combined GDP, rivaling the G7. The expansion signals a growing push by developing nations to reshape global economic governance, reduce Western dominance in institutions like the IMF, and promote trade in local currencies beyond the US dollar.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared his willingness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at the upcoming G20 summit in Miami, hosted by the United States. Zelenskyy emphasized his readiness for direct dialogue to pursue peace and end the ongoing war. However, the Kremlin swiftly rejected the proposal, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating conditions for talks remain unmet. Russia insists on Ukraine accepting territorial concessions before any negotiations. The refusal highlights the deep diplomatic deadlock between the two nations, as global leaders push for a resolution to the conflict that has caused widespread devastation since Russia's 2022 invasion.

The U.S. military reported that approximately 100 commercial ships have been redirected over two months due to an Iranian blockade operation in the region. The blockade, aimed at countering Iran's efforts to smuggle weapons, oil, or other contraband, has heightened tensions in key waterways like the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas. The U.S. Navy and coalition forces have intensified patrols to ensure maritime security and protect global shipping routes vital to oil trade and commerce.

The Special Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu & Kashmir conducted raids in Poonch and Udhampur districts as part of an ongoing probe into radicalisation activities. The searches targeted locations linked to individuals suspected of involvement in recruiting and radicalising youth, potentially pushing them toward terrorism and anti-national activities. SIA seized incriminating materials, including digital devices and documents. The agency has been actively cracking down on terror networks and radical elements across J&K to dismantle support structures fueling extremism in the region.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman faces growing pressure as new video footage surfaced showing incidents near Yemen's coast amid escalating Houthi rebel attacks. The Iran-backed Houthis have intensified strikes on shipping lanes in the Red Sea and targeted Saudi infrastructure, citing solidarity with Palestinians. The footage raises questions about the effectiveness of Saudi-led coalition defenses and regional security. These attacks threaten global trade routes and oil markets, complicating MBS's Vision 2030 reform agenda and diplomatic efforts to end the Yemen conflict.

The BRICS summit in New Delhi concluded with member nations issuing the New Delhi Declaration, emphasizing multilateral cooperation, economic reform, and a multipolar world order. Notably, the UAE and Iran softened their previously rigid stances on key geopolitical and economic issues, signaling willingness to engage diplomatically within the broader BRICS framework. The declaration addressed global governance reform, sustainable development, and counterterrorism. The bloc, expanding its influence, welcomed dialogue among emerging economies to reshape international institutions and reduce Western dominance in global affairs.

Nigel Farage firmly rejected Donald Trump's suggestion of a united Ireland, asserting that Northern Ireland is an integral part of the United Kingdom. Trump had reportedly expressed support for Irish reunification, stirring controversy. Farage, a prominent Brexiteer and Reform UK leader, emphasized that Northern Ireland's constitutional status is settled under the Good Friday Agreement and should be determined by its people, not foreign leaders. His remarks highlighted tensions between US influence and UK sovereignty on sensitive issues.

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is planning to enable workers registered on the e-Shram portal to open National Pension System (NPS) accounts directly through their mobile phones. PFRDA Chairman announced this initiative aimed at expanding pension coverage among unorganised sector workers. The e-Shram portal, which has over 29 crore registered workers, will serve as a gateway to simplify pension enrollment. This move seeks to boost retirement savings among informal workers who lack social security benefits, making the process seamless and accessible via digital platforms.

PM Narendra Modi, along with other BRICS leaders, planted a banyan tree during the 2024 BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, hosted by President Vladimir Putin. Modi described the banyan tree as a symbol of a shared future, representing strength, shelter, and interconnectedness among BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The gesture highlighted unity, multilateralism, and cooperation. Modi emphasized BRICS' role in addressing global challenges and fostering inclusive development for the Global South.

President Droupadi Murmu met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of a multilateral event and emphasized that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, not war. She stressed India's commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes. Both leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties, including trade, energy cooperation, and the strategic Chabahar port. Murmu highlighted regional stability concerns amid Middle East tensions. Pezeshkian acknowledged India's growing global role. The meeting reaffirmed the India-Iran partnership.

During the BRICS Summit held in New Delhi, authorities erected large green curtains and bamboo screens along major roads in south Delhi to hide slum settlements from the view of foreign delegates and dignitaries. The move sparked widespread criticism from activists and opposition parties, who called it an attempt to conceal poverty rather than address it. The slums, home to thousands of underprivileged families, were temporarily masked to present a cleaner image of the capital during the high-profile international event.

BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—collectively house a massive young population, presenting both immense economic potential and a significant employment challenge. With millions entering the workforce annually, especially in India and South Africa, these nations must create sufficient quality jobs to harness their demographic dividend. Failure risks rising unemployment, social unrest, and economic stagnation. Investments in education, skill development, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurship are critical. While a young workforce can drive innovation and growth, without strategic planning, it becomes a liability rather than an asset for these emerging economies.

**BRICS समिट 2026: मोदी-जिनपिंग मुलाकात**

ब्राजील में आयोजित BRICS समिट 2026 के दौरान PM मोदी ने चीनी राष्ट्रपति शी जिनपिंग से द्विपक्षीय मुलाकात की। मोदी ने कहा कि दोनों देशों के बीच मतभेद विवाद नहीं बनने चाहिए। उन्होंने भारत-चीन रिश्तों के तीन मंत्र बताए - आपसी सम्मान, आपसी संवेदनशीलता और आपसी हित। दोनों नेताओं ने सीमा विवाद, व्यापार असंतुलन और क्षेत्रीय शांति पर चर्चा की। मोदी ने संवाद और कूटनीति को प्राथमिकता देने पर जोर दिया। यह मुलाकात दोनों देशों के बीच तनाव कम करने की दिशा में अहम कदम मानी जा रही है।