Weekly Current Affairs

Summits & Conferences Current Affairs – 13 to 25 August 2026

1. India Hosts 8th BRICS Youth Energy Summit 2026

India hosted the 8th BRICS Youth Energy Summit 2026 virtually on 17 August 2026 under its BRICS Chairship 2026. The summit brought together young energy professionals, policymakers, experts and stakeholders from BRICS countries.

Summit: 8th BRICS Youth Energy Summit 2026
Date: 17 August 2026
Host: India
Mode: Virtual
Framework: India's BRICS Chairship 2026

2. BRICS Youth Energy Summit Focuses on Future Energy Leadership

The summit provided a platform for young professionals to contribute to discussions on the future of the energy sector.

Its broader significance lies in strengthening youth participation, sustainable-energy cooperation and knowledge exchange among BRICS members.

3. BRICS Youth Council Meeting Held in Gandhinagar

India hosted the BRICS Youth Council Meeting on 19 August 2026 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

It was organised by the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under India's BRICS Chairship.

Meeting: BRICS Youth Council Meeting
Date: 19 August 2026
Venue: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Organiser: Department of Youth Affairs

4. BRICS Youth Summit 2026 Held in Gandhinagar

The BRICS Youth Summit 2026 was also held in Gandhinagar on 19 August 2026 as part of India's BRICS youth-cooperation programme.

Summit: BRICS Youth Summit 2026
Host country: India
Venue: Gandhinagar, Gujarat

5. Youth Cooperation Is a Key Pillar of BRICS

The Government described youth cooperation as one of the key pillars of the BRICS framework.

The Youth Council and Youth Summit were designed to give young people a platform to contribute ideas to the shared priorities and future of BRICS.

6. BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting Scheduled in Visakhapatnam

Following the Gandhinagar events, India scheduled the BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting for 22 August 2026 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Meeting: BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting
Date: 22 August 2026
Venue: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

7. India Hosts BRICS ICT Track in Pune

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) hosted the BRICS ICT Track in Pune, Maharashtra, from 17 to 21 August 2026.

The programme formed part of India's BRICS Chairship and focused on cooperation in the information and communication technology sector.

Event: BRICS ICT Track
Dates: 17–21 August 2026
Venue: Pune, Maharashtra
Host: Department of Telecommunications

8. BRICS ICT Track Strengthens Digital Cooperation

The ICT Track provided an important platform for BRICS members to discuss cooperation in areas related to telecommunications, digital technologies and the evolving digital ecosystem.

Its inclusion under India's 2026 BRICS Chairship highlights the growing importance of digital cooperation within the grouping.

9. India Participates in BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting

The BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting was another important multilateral engagement during the period.

Under India's BRICS Chairship, participating countries discussed strengthening tourism cooperation and adopted the Jaipur Declaration.

Meeting: BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting
Major outcome: Jaipur Declaration
Framework: BRICS 2026

10. BRICS Tourism Ministers Adopt Jaipur Declaration

One of the most important outcomes of the Tourism Ministers' Meeting was the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration.

The declaration represents a collective framework for strengthening cooperation among BRICS countries in tourism.

Remember for exams:
BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting 2026 → Jaipur Declaration

11. India Holds Tourism Bilaterals With Four BRICS Countries

On the sidelines of the BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting, India held bilateral meetings with:

Brazil
Iran
South Africa
United Arab Emirates

The discussions focused on advancing bilateral tourism cooperation.

12. India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable Held During Piyush Goyal's Visit

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal visited Singapore from 19 to 21 August 2026 for high-level engagements under the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) framework.

Framework: India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable
Edition: 4th
Location: Singapore
Visit: 19–21 August 2026

13. 4th India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable

The visit centred on the 4th India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable, an important institutional mechanism for deepening the strategic and economic partnership between India and Singapore.

Meeting: 4th India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable
Participating countries: India and Singapore

14. 4th India-Singapore Business Roundtable Held

The programme also included the 4th India-Singapore Business Roundtable, connecting government representatives and business leaders from the two countries.

Event: 4th India-Singapore Business Roundtable
Focus: Trade, investment and business cooperation

15. Around 70-Member Indian Business Delegation Visits Singapore

Approximately 70 members of the Indian business community participated in the Singapore engagements.

The delegation undertook business-to-business, government-to-business and institutional interactions.

16. Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026 Held in New Delhi

The Economic Times World Leaders Forum (ET WLF) 2026 was held in New Delhi on 21–22 August 2026, bringing together political, business and policy leaders from India and abroad.

Forum: Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2026
Dates: 21–22 August 2026
Venue: New Delhi

17. Prime Minister Modi Addresses World Leaders Forum

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Economic Times World Leaders Forum on 21 August 2026.

He highlighted India's economic reforms and described India as a major source of growth and hope in the global economy.

18. PM Highlights India's “Reform Express”

At the World Leaders Forum, the Prime Minister emphasised the acceleration of reforms, describing the approach as a “Reform Express.”

He argued that a politically and economically stable India could contribute to greater global stability.

19. Boris Johnson Participates in ET World Leaders Forum

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was among the international political figures participating in the forum.

His remarks focused on major geopolitical issues, including the West Asia crisis and the importance of cooperation among India, the United Kingdom and the United States.

20. US Ambassador Sergio Gor Addresses Forum

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor was scheduled to address the forum on 22 August 2026, with his session focusing on the future of the India-US strategic partnership.

21. India's First Longevity Summit Held in Mumbai

India's first Longevity Summit was held at the Fairmont Mumbai during the period, bringing together scientists, healthcare professionals, policymakers and innovators.

Event: Longevity Summit India 2026
Venue: Fairmont Mumbai
Significance: India's first longevity summit

22. Longevity Summit Focuses on Healthy Ageing

The summit explored ways of extending not simply lifespan but healthy lifespan or “healthspan.”

Major areas of discussion included biotechnology, healthcare innovation, nutrition, lifestyle interventions and longevity medicine.

23. Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Discussed at Longevity Summit

The role of artificial intelligence in healthcare was among the major technology-related topics discussed at India's first Longevity Summit.

Participants considered how emerging technologies could contribute to preventive healthcare and healthy ageing.

24. India-Japan Defence Ministerial Dialogue Held in New Delhi

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjirō Koizumi held a bilateral defence dialogue in New Delhi on 20 August 2026.

Countries: India and Japan
Indian Minister: Rajnath Singh
Japanese Minister: Shinjirō Koizumi
Venue: New Delhi

25. India and Japan Sign Maritime Security Arrangement

A major outcome of the India-Japan defence dialogue was the signing of a Memorandum of Arrangement on maritime security cooperation.

The arrangement provides a framework for closer cooperation between the naval forces of India and Japan.

26. Maritime Domain Awareness Included in India-Japan Cooperation

The maritime-security arrangement covers cooperation in Maritime Domain Awareness, including greater information sharing between the two countries.

It also covers cooperation in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

27. National Conference on Mission Karmayogi Capacity Building Held

The Union Health Ministry organised a two-day National Conference of Ministry/Department/Organisation officials in collaboration with the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Capacity Building Commission and Karmayogi Bharat.

Conference: National Conference on Organisational Capacity Building
Date: 20–21 August 2026
Focus: Mission Karmayogi implementation

28. Conference Focuses on Organisational Capacity-Building

The conference aimed to strengthen institutional mechanisms for capacity building and improve implementation of Mission Karmayogi within the health sector.

Programme: Mission Karmayogi
Focus: Civil-service capacity building and institutional strengthening

29. India to Host 5th Coast Guard Global Summit

During the period, India announced that it will host the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit in New Delhi in February 2027.

Summit: 5th Coast Guard Global Summit
Host country: India
Host city: New Delhi
Scheduled: February 2027

This announcement is relevant to August 2026 current affairs even though the summit itself will take place in 2027.

30. August 2026 Summit Activity Reflects India's BRICS Chairship

A major feature of summit and conference activity during 13–25 August 2026 was India's BRICS Chairship, which generated several youth, energy, ICT and tourism engagements.

The period also included important India-Singapore, India-Japan, business, healthcare and institutional-capacity dialogues.

31. Digital BRICS Forum and Expo Held in Pune

The Digital BRICS Forum and Expo 2026 was held in Pune, Maharashtra, on 20 August 2026 as part of the BRICS ICT Track under India's BRICS Chairship. It brought together government, industry, academia, startups and research institutions from BRICS countries.

Event: Digital BRICS Forum and Expo
Date: 20 August 2026
Venue: Pune, Maharashtra
Framework: BRICS ICT Track

32. Digital BRICS Forum Focuses on Cybersecurity and Resilient ICT

Major discussion areas at the Digital BRICS Forum included cybersecurity, trustworthy ICT, child online protection, and sustainable and resilient digital ecosystems.

33. BRICS ICT Track 2026 Theme

The official theme of the BRICS ICT Track was:

“Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future.”

This is an important theme for competitive examinations.

34. 7th BRICS ICT Working Group Meeting Held

The 7th Meeting of the BRICS Working Group for Cooperation in ICTs was held in Pune from 17 to 19 August 2026.

Meeting: 7th BRICS ICT Working Group
Dates: 17–19 August 2026
Location: Pune

35. BRICS ICT Working Group Discusses Artificial Intelligence

The Working Group discussed areas including artificial intelligence, next-generation communications, Digital Public Infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital skills, startups and entrepreneurship.

36. 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting Held

India hosted the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting on 21 August 2026 as the ministerial culmination of the BRICS ICT Track.

Meeting: 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting
Date: 21 August 2026
Host: India
Location: Pune, Maharashtra

37. Jyotiraditya Scindia Chairs BRICS Communications Meeting

Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia chaired the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in ICT, digital transformation, innovation and resilient digital infrastructure.

38. India's BRICS 2026 Chairship Theme

India's BRICS Chairship 2026 is guided by the theme:

“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

The initials of Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability form BRICS.

39. BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting Held in Visakhapatnam

India hosted the BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting 2026 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 22 August 2026.

Meeting: BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting
Date: 22 August 2026
Venue: Visakhapatnam
Host: India

40. Eleven BRICS Countries Participate in Youth and Sports Meetings

The Youth and Sports Ministerial engagements brought together Ministers and Heads of Delegation from all 11 BRICS member countries.

41. BRICS Youth Ministers Adopt Joint Statement

The BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting concluded with the adoption of a Joint Statement, following deliberations based on recommendations emerging from the Youth Council and Youth Summit.

42. BRICS Youth Cooperation Framework Advanced

A major objective of the youth engagements was to advance the BRICS Youth Cooperation Framework, providing a basis for deeper collaboration in youth development and empowerment.

43. BRICS Sports Ministers' Meeting Held in Visakhapatnam

India hosted the BRICS Sports Ministers' Meeting 2026 in Visakhapatnam on 23 August 2026.

Meeting: BRICS Sports Ministers' Meeting
Date: 23 August 2026
Venue: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Chair: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

44. BRICS Sports Joint Declaration Adopted

The meeting concluded with the consensus adoption of the BRICS Sports Joint Declaration.

It reaffirmed member states' commitment to strengthening sports cooperation through dialogue, mutual respect and inclusiveness.

45. India Proposes Stronger BRICS Sporting Partnership

Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya called for a BRICS Sporting Partnership that produces practical cooperation through athlete and coach exchanges, joint competitions and sports-science knowledge sharing.

46. Three Major BRICS Sports Initiatives Advanced

Three notable initiatives were advanced during India's Chairship:

BRICS Working Group on Sports Technology

BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave

Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games.

47. BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave Proposed in Udaipur

India proposed holding a BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave in Udaipur in November 2026.

The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation in sports manufacturing, innovation and trade.

48. Traditional and Indigenous Sports Games Proposed in Ahmedabad

India also proposed Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games in Ahmedabad in October 2026.

The initiative seeks to promote traditional sports and strengthen cultural exchange among BRICS countries.

49. 14th BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting Held in Chennai

The 14th BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting was held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, under India's BRICS Chairship.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh delivered the inaugural address on 21 August 2026.

Meeting: 14th BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting
Venue: Chennai
Host: India

50. BRICS Science Ministers Adopt Chennai Declaration

A major outcome was the unanimous adoption of the Chennai Declaration.

The declaration reaffirmed the commitment of BRICS countries to building an effective, resilient and future-ready framework for science, technology and innovation cooperation.

Remember:
BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting → Chennai Declaration

51. Chennai Declaration Emphasises Global South

The Chennai Declaration places a people-centred and humanity-first approach at the heart of BRICS science, technology and innovation cooperation.

It gives particular attention to the Global South, young innovators and collaborative research.

52. BRICS Strengthens Research Infrastructure Cooperation

The Science Ministerial Meeting also sought deeper BRICS cooperation through research infrastructure, knowledge sharing and innovation.

53. 25th India-UK Defence Consultative Group Meeting Held

India and the United Kingdom conducted the 25th India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) Meeting in New Delhi on 21 August 2026.

Meeting: 25th India-UK Defence Consultative Group
Date: 21 August 2026
Venue: New Delhi

54. Rajesh Kumar Singh and Jeremy Pocklington Co-Chair Meeting

The meeting was co-chaired by Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and UK's Permanent Under Secretary for Defence Jeremy Pocklington.

55. India-UK Meeting Reviews Vision 2035

India and the UK reviewed defence-industrial cooperation with particular emphasis on research and development under India-UK Vision 2035 and the 10-year Defence Industrial Roadmap.

56. India and UK Agree to Expand Military Exchanges

The two countries agreed to expand bilateral armed-forces engagement through:

Joint exercises

Training

Capacity building

They also discussed maritime-security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

57. 14th India-Nepal Joint Working Group Meeting Held

The 14th India-Nepal Joint Working Group Meeting was held in Dehradun during the period.

Discussions included border security, cross-border crime and smuggling, reflecting continuing bilateral cooperation on management of the India-Nepal frontier.

Meeting: 14th India-Nepal Joint Working Group
Venue: Dehradun

58. BRICS Youth Summit Focuses on Four Priority Areas

The BRICS Youth Summit in Gandhinagar focused on four broad priorities:

Education, Entrepreneurship & Future Readiness

Inclusive Development & Youth Wellbeing

Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility

People-to-People Cooperation & Youth Engagement.

59. Gandhinagar Youth Engagement Feeds Into Ministerial Meeting

Recommendations from the BRICS Youth Council and Youth Summit in Gandhinagar provided the foundation for subsequent discussions at the Youth Ministers' Meeting in Visakhapatnam.

60. India Emerges as Major BRICS Meeting Hub in August 2026

The 13–25 August period was dominated by meetings connected with India's BRICS Chairship 2026, spanning youth, sports, science, communications, ICT and other areas.

Important host cities included Gandhinagar, Pune, Chennai and Visakhapatnam.

Quick Revision – Summits & Conferences 13–25 August 2026

India's BRICS Chairship 2026 Theme:
“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”

BRICS ICT Track: Pune, 17–21 August 2026

BRICS ICT Track Theme:
“Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future”

7th BRICS ICT Working Group: Pune, 17–19 August

Digital BRICS Forum & Expo: Pune, 20 August

12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting: Pune, 21 August

Chair: Jyotiraditya M. Scindia

BRICS Youth Council Meeting & Youth Summit: Gandhinagar, Gujarat

BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting: Visakhapatnam, 22 August

BRICS Sports Ministers' Meeting: Visakhapatnam, 23 August

BRICS Sports Ministers' outcome: BRICS Sports Joint Declaration

Chair: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

14th BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting: Chennai

Major outcome: Chennai Declaration

Focus: Science, technology and innovation cooperation

4th India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable: Singapore

4th India-Singapore Business Roundtable: Singapore

Economic Times World Leaders Forum: New Delhi, 21–22 August 2026

India's first Longevity Summit: Mumbai

India-Japan Defence Ministerial Dialogue: New Delhi, 20 August 2026

25th India-UK Defence Consultative Group: New Delhi, 21 August 2026

Co-chaired by: Rajesh Kumar Singh and Jeremy Pocklington

14th India-Nepal Joint Working Group: Dehradun

BRICS Tourism Ministers' major outcome: Jaipur Declaration

5th Coast Guard Global Summit: India to host in New Delhi in February 2027