September 14, 2026 - Current Affairs

18th BRICS Summit: New Delhi Declaration

Context

The 18th BRICS Summit, hosted by India in New Delhi recently, adopted the New Delhi Declaration, reaffirming reformed multilateralism amid wars, protectionism and unilateral actions by major powers.

Key Highlights of New Delhi Declaration

Reformed Multilateralism: Members reiterated support for a more democratic, representative, accountable and effective international order, with the UN at its centre.

UNSC Reforms: BRICS backed comprehensive UN Security Council (UNSC) reform and greater representation of developing countries.

United Nations Chief Backs Demand for Expansion of Security Council

Context

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres backed the demand from the Global South to expand the UN Security Council at the BRICS Summit.

Need for the Reforms in the UNSC

Non-representative Council membership: When the UN was founded in 1945, the Council consisted of 11 members out of 51 members of UN; around 22%.

Today, there are 193 member-states of the UN, and only 15 members of the Council — fewer than 8%.

Need for a Systemic Approach for India’s Road Safety Challenge

Context

Recently, the Supreme Court asked the Road Transport Ministry to examine measures to reduce road traffic deaths by habituating the use of seat belts, helmets and child restraint systems.

Road Traffic Fatalities in India

India accounts for nearly 11% of global road traffic fatalities despite having around 1% of the world’s vehicles, reflecting the severity of its road-safety challenge.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 1.99 lakh people died in traffic accidents in 2024, an increase of 0.79% compared to 2023.

India-Africa Forum Summit

Context

India restarted discussion on the next India-Africa Forum Summit on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

India-Africa Forum

The India–Africa Forum Summit is the highest institutional platform for cooperation between India and African countries under the leadership of the African Union.

It was established in 2008, and aims to strengthen political dialogue, economic cooperation, trade, investment, technology transfer, capacity building and people-to-people relations between India and Africa.

News In Short 14-09-2026

In News

The Prime Minister paid tributes to Acharya Vinoba Bhave on his Jayanti.

Vinayak Narahar Bhave

He was born on September 11, 1895, and was a staunch proponent of non-violence and a champion of human rights.

He is often regarded as the National Teacher of India and the spiritual successor of Mahatma Gandhi, and was also an eminent philosopher.