Karnataka's government-funded free shoe scheme for schoolchildren is facing severe criticism over poor quality. Parents and teachers report that shoes distributed under the scheme are falling apart within days, with soles detaching after minimal use. The initiative, meant to support underprivileged students, has sparked outrage over alleged negligence in procurement and quality checks. Opposition parties demand accountability, accusing the government of corruption and awarding contracts to substandard manufacturers. Authorities have promised an investigation and replacement of defective shoes, but trust among beneficiaries remains shaken.

The BJP is launching a 'drug-free Punjab' campaign ahead of upcoming elections, aiming to highlight the drug menace plaguing the state under Congress and AAP governance. This political move comes amid controversy over a Dalit villager's death, allegedly linked to drug abuse or related violence, sparking outrage among Dalit communities and opposition parties. The BJP seeks to capitalize on public anger over Punjab's drug crisis to gain electoral support, particularly among marginalized communities, while critics accuse the party of politicizing tragedies for votes.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved the addition of over 13,000 new MBBS seats across India, pushing the total undergraduate medical intake beyond 1.4 lakh for the 2024-25 academic session. This expansion comes through new medical colleges and increased capacity in existing ones, aligning with the government's goal to boost healthcare infrastructure and address doctor shortages. The move benefits aspirants by improving access to medical education, especially in underserved regions, reducing dependency on foreign medical degrees.

Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down its major East-West oil pipeline after Houthi rebels in Yemen launched drone attacks on key pumping stations. The Iran-aligned Houthis claimed responsibility, escalating tensions in the region. The pipeline, operated by Aramco, transports crude oil from eastern fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Saudi officials condemned the attacks as threats to global energy security. The shutdown briefly impacted oil markets, raising prices amid fears of broader conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed forces in Yemen's ongoing civil war.

**FASTag Portability Now Available for Users**

NPCI has introduced FASTag portability, allowing vehicle owners to switch their FASTag from one bank to another without changing the tag or sticker on the windshield. Users can now transfer their existing FASTag account to a preferred bank for better services, offers, or customer support. The process can be initiated through the new bank's app or branch. The old account gets deactivated, and the balance is transferred. This move aims to boost competition among banks and improve user experience at toll plazas.

The 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, brought together Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi, and Vladimir Putin, signaling a growing challenge to Western-dominated global institutions. The bloc expanded, welcoming new members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. Key discussions focused on de-dollarization, creating alternative payment systems, and reforming the UN Security Council. Modi emphasized diplomacy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while Xi and Putin reinforced their strategic partnership against US hegemony, reshaping multipolar dynamics.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi praised India's leadership as BRICS chair, expressing confidence that New Delhi can guide the bloc excellently. Speaking amid India's 2025 BRICS presidency, Araghchi highlighted India's diplomatic strength and its ability to unite diverse member nations. Iran, which joined BRICS in 2024, views India as a key partner. India aims to focus on multilateralism, economic cooperation, and reforming global institutions during its chairmanship, strengthening South-South ties.

The CIA declassified numerous Presidential Daily Briefs (PDBs) given to Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush before the September 11, 2001 attacks. These intelligence documents revealed that U.S. agencies had received multiple warnings about Osama bin Laden and al-Qaida's growing threat, including plans to attack within the U.S. The most notable was the August 6, 2001 brief titled "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in US." The release reignited debate over whether 9/11 could have been prevented.

India's Finance Minister emphasized that global tech companies must pay fair taxes in countries where they generate revenue. She stressed that digital giants often exploit tax loopholes, shifting profits to low-tax jurisdictions while earning substantially from markets like India. The FM advocated for equitable tax frameworks, supporting international efforts like the OECD's global minimum tax initiative. She urged multilateral cooperation to ensure tech firms contribute their fair share, promoting economic justice and preventing base erosion in developing nations that fuel their growth.

The Bharat Innovates Exposition, held on September 11-12, showcased 37 cutting-edge deep-tech innovations from across India. The event highlighted breakthroughs in areas like AI, robotics, biotechnology, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing. Organized to promote India's growing deep-tech ecosystem, the exposition brought together startups, researchers, and industry leaders. It aimed to foster collaboration, attract investment, and accelerate commercialization of homegrown technologies, reinforcing India's position as a global innovation hub.

Russian President Vladimir Putin took a swipe at the G7, claiming the BRICS bloc now accounts for roughly 40% of global GDP, surpassing the Western-led group's economic share. Putin used the statement to highlight the declining dominance of Western economies and the rising influence of BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—along with new members like Egypt and Ethiopia. The remarks went viral, sparking global debate about shifting power dynamics and the erosion of Western-led economic governance.

India's Finance Minister emphasized that global technology companies must pay fair taxes in countries where they generate revenue. The statement addresses concerns over tech giants routing profits through low-tax jurisdictions, depriving developing nations of rightful tax income. The FM advocated for equitable digital taxation frameworks, supporting international efforts like the OECD's global minimum tax initiative. India has already implemented measures like the equalization levy to tax digital transactions. The FM stressed that as digitalization grows, tax structures must evolve to ensure no country loses its fair share of revenue from tech firms operating within its borders.

US diesel prices have surged to record highs, severely impacting American farmers during peak planting season. Diesel fuels tractors, harvesters, and transport trucks essential to agriculture. Rising costs squeeze already thin profit margins, threatening food production and supply chains. The spike stems from global supply disruptions, refinery capacity issues, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict reducing exports. Farmers face tough choices: absorb costs, reduce acreage, or pass expenses to consumers, potentially driving food prices even higher nationwide.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent engagement with India highlights the challenge of diversifying bilateral trade, which remains heavily dominated by Russian oil imports and Indian weapons purchases. India has become Russia's top oil buyer since Western sanctions over Ukraine, while Russia remains India's largest arms supplier. Both nations aim to expand cooperation in technology, agriculture, and manufacturing, but structural barriers, payment mechanism issues, and Western pressure complicate progress. India walks a diplomatic tightrope, balancing its strategic partnership with Russia against ties with the US and Europe.

The AI industry is increasingly split over development speed. Tech leaders like Sam Altman push for rapid advancement, while critics—including prominent researchers and ethicists—warn that rushing AI development risks safety, job displacement, and misuse. Concerns center on insufficient regulation, lack of transparency, and potential existential threats. Governments worldwide are struggling to keep pace with legislation. Meanwhile, companies race to deploy powerful models, deepening tensions between innovation advocates and those demanding caution, accountability, and robust safeguards before further scaling.