Around 15,000 police personnel have been deployed across key parts of the capital, while nearly 200 companies of paramilitary forces are also supporting the security operation. Security has been increased around important government buildings, hotels, roads and other locations expected to be used by visiting leaders and their delegations.

Several world leaders and senior officials began arriving in Delhi late on Friday, September 11. The arrivals triggered additional security measures, with authorities closely monitoring major routes and areas connected to the summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held important bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The discussions are expected to focus on regional developments, economic cooperation and issues of international importance.

One of the key meetings attracting attention is Prime Minister Modi’s planned meeting with the UAE Crown Prince on Saturday morning, shortly before the BRICS Summit begins. Diplomats have noted that the UAE’s decision to send the Crown Prince instead of a minister is being viewed as a sign of the importance attached to the relationship with India and the summit.

With several major leaders gathering in the capital, security agencies are working to maintain a safe and smooth environment throughout the event. Traffic restrictions and route changes may also be introduced in areas connected to the movement of the visiting leaders.

The BRICS Summit is expected to provide an important platform for discussions on global economic cooperation, international relations and regional issues. With heightened security and several high-level meetings scheduled, Delhi will remain at the centre of international attention during the summit.

The summit, taking place at Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13, will host eleven Heads of State or Government.

Delhi Police have increased monitoring of social media platforms to prevent security threats and misinformation. Additional measures include tracking aerial activity and inspecting the Yamuna River. Heavy security has also been加强 around historical sites like Rajghat and the Red Fort.

Traffic restrictions were announced for Friday afternoon, with diversions and road closures expected due to VIP movements. The Delhi Traffic Police advised commuters to plan ahead and use public transport if possible. Metro services will operate normally during the summit, starting early on September 13 to help students and travelers.

The city has been decorated extensively, with major roundabouts, hotels, and government buildings illuminated. Floral arrangements and decorative lighting were installed at prominent locations, including Patel Chowk and Windsor Place.

Meanwhile, members of the Tibetan community protested in New Delhi against Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit, which was his first to India in seven years. Heavy police presence was reported during the protest near Majnu Ka Tila.

Light rain fell in parts of Delhi on Friday, with more showers expected over the next two days, potentially affecting the summit proceedings.

Putin is expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon after his arrival. The two leaders are likely to discuss several important issues, including defense cooperation, trade, energy, and other areas of bilateral relations between India and Russia.

The ongoing wars in West Asia and Ukraine are expected to be major topics during the BRICS discussions. The presence of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also expected to bring greater attention to the situation in West Asia and the wider impact of the conflict on regional stability.

The summit is taking place during a period of global uncertainty. Wars and tensions in different parts of the world have affected energy supplies, food production, agriculture, and international supply chains. BRICS leaders are expected to discuss ways to strengthen economic cooperation and reduce the impact of these global disruptions.

Several other important leaders are also attending the summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto are among the leaders confirmed to participate.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is also expected to arrive in New Delhi later today. His presence could add further importance to discussions about international peace, security, and cooperation.

The BRICS summit provides an important platform for major emerging economies to discuss global issues and strengthen their cooperation. With conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia continuing, along with economic and supply-chain pressures, the meeting is expected to attract significant international attention.

Despite recent efforts to ease restrictions, companies from both countries still face obstacles like investment delays, visa issues, and equipment bans. This gap between political progress and economic cooperation highlights the complexity of their relationship.

While Xi is likely to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi this weekend, there’s no official confirmation of a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Such a discussion would be key to setting future合作directions.

Historical tensions, including a 1962 war and a 2020 border clash, have left trust issues unresolved. However, ties have improved since Modi visited China last year, especially as both nations navigate U.S.-China trade dynamics.

Experts suggest that while China wants better relations, India’s willingness to reciprocate is unclear. A “trust deficit” remains a major hurdle.

India has recently eased some investment restrictions in sectors like electronics and solar energy, but major Chinese companies like BYD and Great Wall Motor have yet to return due to ongoing concerns.

Meanwhile, Indian officials are considering stricter scrutiny of Chinese investments, particularly in tech and manufacturing. Issues like delayed visa approvals for business professionals and equipment held up at customs further complicate trade.

Despite these challenges, a successful meeting between Xi and Modi could help reduce barriers and align their economic and political interests. Both countries stand to benefit from stronger ties, but progress is likely to be slow and incremental.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta dismissed Salem’s appeal and said that it had no merit. The Supreme Court’s decision came after Salem had earlier made a similar request before the Bombay High Court, which also refused to grant him relief.

Abu Salem was once associated with the underworld network led by Dawood Ibrahim. He was wanted in connection with several serious criminal cases, including his role in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts and other killings linked to the case.

Salem was extradited from Portugal to India in 2005. Before agreeing to his extradition, the Indian government had given assurances to Portugal regarding the maximum period of imprisonment he could face. The assurance stated that he would not be imprisoned for more than 25 years.

The issue before the Supreme Court was mainly about how the 25-year period should be calculated. The government maintained that the period began when Salem was extradited to India in 2005. Under this calculation, his 25-year period would end in 2030.

Salem, however, argued that the period should be counted from 2002. He was detained in Portugal that year following an Interpol notice, and his legal team argued that this period should be considered when calculating the 25-year limit.

His lawyer also argued that Salem had spent time as an undertrial and that prison remissions should be taken into account. According to the defence, these periods could reduce the remaining time he would have to spend in prison.

The Supreme Court did not accept Salem’s argument. The court observed that even if the calculation suggested by Salem was considered, he had still not completed 25 years of imprisonment.

Salem was given life sentences in India in separate cases. In 2015, he was sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts case. He later received another life sentence in 2017 in a murder case connected to the underworld.

The 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts remain one of the major terror attacks in India’s history. A series of explosions in Mumbai killed and injured many people and caused widespread destruction. The case led to a lengthy investigation and several convictions.

Salem’s extradition from Portugal was an important part of the legal proceedings against him. The conditions agreed upon between India and Portugal became particularly important when Salem later sought relief from his long prison sentence.

The latest Supreme Court ruling means Salem will not be released based on his claim that he has completed the 25-year period. The court’s observation also makes clear that his calculation of the imprisonment period did not support his demand for immediate release.

The case highlights the complicated legal issues that can arise when an accused person is extradited under specific conditions agreed upon by two countries. It also shows how courts must consider extradition assurances while interpreting the period of imprisonment.

For now, Abu Salem remains in prison and must continue serving his sentence. His latest attempt to secure release has been rejected by both the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court.

The government has recently brought forward the Population Enumeration phase of the 2027 Census in four states — Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa. The Census questionnaire will contain 40 questions, including 13 new questions that were not part of the 2011 Census.

The concerns mainly relate to the type of information being requested. Some of the new questions are similar to questions included in the 2019 NPR rehearsal form. These include details about a person’s parents, religion, Aadhaar number and voter ID. Critics say that including such questions could make it more difficult to clearly separate Census activities from population registration exercises.

Under Indian law, Census information is treated as confidential. However, former officials have pointed out that there is a historical connection between Census data and the preparation of NRC records.

K. Narayanan Unni, a former Deputy Registrar General of India, said that Census data is protected by confidentiality rules. However, he also noted that Census information had been used in the past to prepare the NRC in Assam. He said that whether Census data could be used for similar purposes in the future would depend on how the relevant laws are interpreted.

India’s first Census after Independence was conducted in 1951. At that time, NRC records were prepared by copying information from Census records. However, a nationwide NRC was never fully published. Assam later became the only state where an NRC exercise was carried out on a large scale.

The inclusion of additional questions in the 2027 Census has therefore attracted attention. Officials and critics are questioning why some information, such as Aadhaar numbers and vaccination details, needs to be collected through the Census when similar information is already available with other government departments.

There are also concerns about the length of the questionnaire. A large number of questions could create what officials describe as “respondent fatigue.” This means that people may become tired or lose interest while answering a long list of questions. This could make it more difficult for Census workers to collect complete and accurate information.

Another issue raised by Mr. Unni is the timing of the Census exercise in different states. The government has advanced the Population Enumeration process in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa. The exercise has been delayed in Manipur because of the security situation and continuing violence.

The timing could also create difficulties in counting migrant workers. Many workers from Uttar Pradesh, for example, may travel back to their home state during the election period. If they are not present at their usual place of work when the enumeration takes place, officials could face challenges in recording accurate population figures.

Former Census officials have stressed that the Census and the NPR are legally separate exercises. The Census is primarily designed to collect information about the population, while the NPR is intended to maintain details about people who normally live in a particular area.

However, the historical use of Census information in preparing NRC records has led to concerns about how the data could be used in the future. Critics want the government to provide clear information about the legal safeguards protecting Census data and explain how the new questions will be handled.

The debate highlights the importance of maintaining public trust in the Census process. Since millions of people will provide personal information during the 2027 exercise, officials will need to ensure that the data is collected accurately, stored securely and used only for legally permitted purposes.

The launch comes amid rising demand for corrosion-resistant steel products driven by infrastructure development, industrial expansion and increasing preference for durable, low-maintenance materials across construction and manufacturing applications.

The Indian galvanised steel market is estimated at 7.65 MnT in CY25 and is expected to grow at 8% annually over 2030.

Galvanised steel has a protective coating that helps protect it from rust and corrosion. AM/NS Pelican has been developed to provide customers with reliable corrosion protection, consistent quality and long service life. Its superior corrosion resistance, uniform coating quality and excellent formability make it suitable for applications where durability, appearance and ease of fabrication are critical.

The product can be used across a wide range of applications, including roofing and roof-support sections, tubes, air-conditioning and ventilation systems, cable trays, fencing, furniture, drums and barrels, and other general engineering uses.

Pelican will be manufactured using AM/NS India’s advanced galvanising capabilities and will be made available through the company’s extensive distribution and customer network across India.

Ranjan Dhar, Director and Vice President – Sales & Marketing, AM/NS India, said: “Indian customers increasingly require steel solutions tailored to specific applications and performance needs. AM/NS Pelican offers a high-quality galvanised steel solution that combines reliable corrosion protection with consistent quality and performance. The launch further strengthens our growing portfolio of specialised steel products and expands the range of value-added solutions we can offer customers across construction, manufacturing and engineering sectors.”

AM/NS India is expanding its portfolio of specialised, value-added steel brands to address evolving customer requirements across infrastructure, construction and manufacturing. AM/NS Pelican joins Structromax and Weldstar, two specialised steel brands launched by the company earlier this year. While Structromax addresses the needs of infrastructure and structural applications, and Weldstar serves manufacturers of heavy equipment and machinery requiring high-strength steel, Pelican is designed for applications where corrosion resistance, durability and long-term performance are critical.

Together, these brands reflect AM/NS India’s strategy of developing application-focused steel solutions to meet increasingly specific customer needs and make a wider choice of high-quality steel available in India.

The launch of AM/NS Pelican reflects AM/NS India’s continued focus on expanding its portfolio of specialised, customer-centric steel solutions. Backed by advanced galvanising infrastructure and a nationwide distribution network, the brand is positioned to meet the growing demand for high-performance, corrosion-resistant steel across construction, manufacturing and engineering sectors while offering customers a trusted solution for long-term durability and value.

The ₹840-crore vessel is expected to be ready by early 2028. Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh congratulated GRSE and the Ministry of Earth Sciences on the successful launch, while Earth Sciences Secretary Srinivasa Kumar Tummala highlighted its significance for India’s Deep Ocean Mission.

The 89.5-meter-long and 18.8-meter-wide vessel weighs 5,900 tonnes and can travel at a speed of 14 knots. It is designed to operate in harsh sea conditions and will conduct research in the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and Southern Ocean, including waters near Antarctica.

Equipped with advanced scientific tools like sub-bottom profilers, seismic equipment, and Doppler weather radar, the vessel can carry out oceanographic and geophysical surveys. It will also support the launch and recovery of underwater vehicles for exploration.

The ‘Sagar Manthan’ is designed to explore depths up to 6 kilometers and perform tasks such as CTD profiling, water sampling, and seabed sampling. It includes facilities for scientists to conduct research onboard and train future oceanographers.

Mr. Tummala emphasized the vessel’s role in strengthening India’s efforts to explore marine resources like manganese nodules and polymetallic sulphides. The ship will also contribute to the government’s blue economy vision by supporting research in marine resources, shipping, energy, and tourism.

This advanced research vessel marks a significant milestone for India’s oceanographic capabilities.

The five orangutans, including three males and two females, are being kept in quarantine at Nandankanan Zoo in Bhubaneswar. The zoo is taking care of them according to strict guidelines and in talks with central agencies.

Odisha Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia said the animals will only be put on public display after getting approval from the Central Zoo Authority. For now, they are being closely monitored by veterinarians and zoo staff.

The orangutans were found in a casuarina plantation on September 8, 2026. Forest officials quickly rescued them after being alerted. Orangutans are not native to India; they are usually found in Indonesia and Malaysia. It’s possible they were part of an operation that went wrong.

At Nandankanan Zoo, the animals are given bananas, apples, and mashed potatoes for food. The zoo has experience caring for orangutans, having housed one for 16 years until its death in 2019.

Cases of orangutan trafficking have been reported in other Indian states like Maharashtra, Assam, and Mizoram since 2020. Now, the police are trying to find out how these animals ended up in Odisha and who might be involved in the trafficking network.

The investigation is still in its early stages, and no conclusions have been made yet. The focus remains on finding out how the orangutans were brought to India and identifying those responsible.

The Census is usually conducted to collect information about the population, including the number of people, their age, gender, education, employment and other basic demographic details.

However, the latest questionnaire appears to seek a wider range of personal information. Critics say some of these questions may not be necessary for the main purpose of the Census.

Questions About Family Members

The new questionnaire will ask for details about family relationships. People may be asked to provide the names of their parents and, where applicable, their spouse.

Information about family relationships can help authorities understand household structures and population patterns. However, critics are questioning whether collecting the actual names of family members is necessary for producing useful Census statistics.

They argue that statistical information about family relationships could potentially be collected without gathering so many identifying details.

Identity and Contact Details

Another major concern is the collection of identity and contact information.

The questionnaire includes details such as a person’s declared nationality, mobile phone number and bank account number. It also includes identification details such as Aadhaar number and Voter ID.

Indian passport holders may also be asked to provide their Passport number. The questionnaire also asks whether a person has a driving licence.

Critics say these details are highly personal and go beyond what is normally needed to understand population trends.

COVID-19 Vaccination Information

The questionnaire also includes a question about COVID-19 vaccination status.

The information could potentially help researchers understand vaccination patterns among the population. However, some experts have questioned whether such health-related information should be collected as part of the Census.

They argue that any health-related data must be collected only when there is a clear statistical purpose and strong safeguards to protect people’s privacy.

Concerns About Data Protection

The biggest concern raised by critics is how the large amount of personal information will be stored and protected.

A Census involves information from a very large section of the country’s population. If sensitive details are collected, strong security systems would be needed to prevent unauthorised access, leaks or misuse.

Critics want the government to clearly explain why each piece of personal information is being collected and how it will be protected.

Is All the Information Necessary?

The traditional purpose of a Census is to understand the size and characteristics of the population. The information is used for planning public services, infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing and other government programmes.

Critics argue that information such as age, education, occupation, household size and other demographic details can provide important statistics without requiring highly sensitive identifiers.

They therefore question whether details such as bank account numbers, Aadhaar numbers, phone numbers and passport numbers are necessary for the same statistical purpose.

Privacy Becomes a Major Issue

The announcement has also increased the wider debate about privacy and government data collection in India.

People are increasingly concerned about how their personal information is collected, stored and shared. When several different types of identifying information are gathered together, concerns about possible misuse become greater.

Privacy advocates say citizens should be given clear information about the purpose of collecting each detail and the safeguards in place to protect it.

Government Faces Questions

The government is likely to face questions over the need for these additional details as preparations for the 2027 Census continue.

Supporters of collecting more information may argue that detailed data can help improve government planning and policy decisions. Critics, however, say the benefits should be clearly demonstrated before sensitive personal information is collected on such a large scale.

The debate is therefore not only about the Census questions themselves but also about the balance between better government data and individual privacy.

Debate Expected to Continue

The 2027 Census will provide important information about India’s population and social conditions. However, the inclusion of several personal details has raised concerns about privacy, necessity and data security.

As the Census process moves forward, many experts and citizens are expected to seek greater clarity on how this information will be used, who will have access to it and what measures will be taken to prevent misuse.

The central issue is whether the additional personal information will provide meaningful statistical value while ensuring that people’s privacy remains protected.