India and Belgium strengthen trade and defence cooperation

India and Belgium have agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, defence, clean energy, critical minerals, semiconductors, research and talent mobility. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever also announced an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism designed to make it easier for Belgian companies to invest in India.

Modi said the two countries would work toward doubling bilateral trade over the next five years. The discussions come as India and the European Union move toward implementing their broader trade agreement, which was concluded earlier this year.

Jaishankar says diplomacy remains the way forward on Ukraine

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking during his visit to Kyiv, reiterated India’s position that the Russia-Ukraine conflict cannot be resolved through pressure over oil purchases. He argued that dialogue, diplomacy and negotiations remain the ultimate route toward peace.

His comments come amid continuing international pressure on countries purchasing Russian crude and as India seeks to protect its energy interests while maintaining diplomatic relationships with both Russia and Western countries.

India’s economy records strong 7.8% growth

India’s economy expanded by 7.8% year-on-year in the April-June quarter of 2026, beating expectations and reinforcing the country’s position among the world’s fastest-growing major economies.

The figures have nevertheless generated debate over India’s revised national-account methodology. Critics have questioned some comparisons between old and new GDP series, while government officials and economists have defended the revised system, saying it incorporates an updated base year, improved data sources and methodological changes.

Rising oil prices threaten to increase pressure on India’s import bill

India is facing renewed pressure from rising international crude prices as tensions in West Asia intensify. The Indian crude basket reached $99.35 per barrel on September 2, with the September average at $97.32.

The development is particularly significant because India imports around 90% of the oil it consumes. Prolonged high crude prices could increase the country’s import bill and put additional pressure on inflation and the current account.

Supreme Court clarifies Bar Council’s authority over law students

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Bar Council’s disciplinary authority begins when a law graduate is formally enrolled as an advocate and does not extend to students before enrolment.

The ruling is among the significant legal developments appearing in India’s news cycle today and could have implications for how disciplinary matters involving law students are handled by professional bodies.

Security operation underway in Jammu and Kashmir

A counter-terror operation is underway in the Pir Panjal region of Jammu and Kashmir, where security forces are engaged in an exchange of fire with suspected terrorists believed to be hiding in the area.

Authorities have confirmed that the operation remains active, with security personnel conducting searches and attempting to locate those suspected of being involved.

Heavy rain warnings issued across large parts of India

The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for heavy rainfall across a large number of states. Areas including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are among those facing significant weather risks.

The weather system over the Bay of Bengal is contributing to the unsettled conditions, with some areas potentially facing flooding and waterlogging. Authorities have also warned of strong winds and thunderstorms in affected regions.

India reaches Women’s Asia Cup semi-finals

Indian women’s cricket is also making headlines after a dominant victory over Hong Kong in the Women’s Asia Cup. India won by 137 runs, powered by Smriti Mandhana’s spectacular 124 runs from 64 balls.

Mandhana’s innings also moved her ahead of Australia’s Meg Lanning as the leading century-maker in women’s international cricket, while India’s bowlers dismissed Hong Kong for just 56. The result secured India’s place in the semi-finals.

Ladakh expands elected local governance

A significant administrative development in Ladakh will see all seven of the Union Territory’s districts placed under autonomous hill development councils. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved the notification, paving the way for elections in the five newly created districts.

Previously, elected autonomous councils operated only in Leh and Kargil. The expansion is being viewed as an important step toward strengthening local representation and grassroots governance across Ladakh.

Pay Commission considers higher annual increments

The 8th Pay Commission is preparing to hear representations from central government employees and pensioners, including proposals for increasing annual increments. Employee organisations are seeking an annual increment of between 5% and 7%, compared with the current 3%.

The issue could become important for millions of central government employees and pensioners as discussions over the next pay structure continue.

India prepares for major Earth-observation satellite launch

India’s space programme is also in focus as the Indian Space Research Organisation prepares to launch EOS-05, also referred to as Gisat-1A. The satellite is designed to provide near-continuous observation of areas of interest from geosynchronous orbit.

The mission is expected to strengthen India’s Earth-observation capabilities, including monitoring of borders and other strategically important areas.

Royal Enfield set to unveil Himalayan 440

The motorcycle industry is anticipating Royal Enfield’s launch of the Himalayan 440 today. The new adventure motorcycle is expected to use a 443cc engine and sit below the Himalayan 450 in the company’s lineup.

The launch is attracting attention among Indian motorcycle enthusiasts, with the final price, specifications and variants expected to be formally announced at the event.