India's opportunity to put BRICS back together

BRICS has strayed quite far from where it started. To be held this weekend (September 12-13, 2026) the 18th BRICS Summit, in New Delhi, gives India a huge opportunity to bring coherence back to the expanded group and give it direction if it is to be an effective body in shaping global events.

Natural partners

India and Belgium are building ties across sectors despite differences

In terms of size and engagement, Belgium is not one of India's most important partners. However, the visit of the Belgian Prime Mi-nister to Delhi is part of a larger puzzle of India's ties with European countries. These have now gained salience with focus areas for India: in eco-nomic relations, defence relations and strategic ties.

Ground control 

ISRO must focus on space technology as a tool for development

The irony was evident: on the day the In-dian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had its greatest success of the year - the launch of its first geosynchronous imaging satellite (EOS-05) on a temperamental GSLV - its employee organisations demanded clarity on its long-term plans.

Are nicotine pouches beyond the law?

• Nicotine pouches are not covered by COTPA or PECA, while their status under the Drugs Act is debatable. They could also arguably fall within the broad definition of food
• Tobacco-free, single-use nicotine pouches require a specific licence or permission under the DGFT's ITC-HS classification; they are not prohibited outright like e-cigarettes

Arunachal and Aksai Chin shown between claim lines

A new world map that was endorsed at the UN during the India-backed "Correct the map" resolution of September 4 in the UN General Assembly has projected India's Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin, which India has maintained is a part of Ladakh, as distinct regions caught between Indian and Chinese "claim lines".

Defence acquisition proposals worth ₹1.10 lakh crore cleared

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for a range of acqui-sition proposals for the armed forces estimated at 1.10 lakh crore, with approximately 98% of the procurements planned to be from Indian industry.

India's carbon credit scheme receives U.K. recognition: official

In a major breakthrough, the U.K. has recognised India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) as a qualifying criterion for pricing relief under its carbon border adjustment mechanism (СВАМ), move that would reduce the tax burden on domestic exporters, an official said on Monday.

In a first, alternative fuel vehicles outsell petrol cars in India

The Indian automobile industry retailed 24,23,201 units in August 2026, registering a 17.51% growth year on year (YoY).

There are large inconsistencies between GDP and other economic indicators: says Garg

Former Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg has questioned the credibility of India's latest GDP esti-mates. In an email res-ponse to The Hindu, he argued the sharp downward revisions to the size of the economy need a far more transparent explanation than the government's invocation of a new methodology, wider coverage and improved data.

India can cut steel emissions before coal plants lock them in

A slew of announcements over the last few months from the Indian government have placed steel sector decarbonisation high on the agenda of the country's steelmakers, including a ₹5,000-crore scheme announced last year to accelerate steel sector decarbonisation in the country that is set to launch in the coming months.