Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 21, 2026, chaired his third high-level meeting with Government of India Secretaries, focusing on future action across infrastructure, connectivity, security, external affairs and governance. India is also hosting major BRICS Communications and Tourism Ministers’ meetings in Pune and Jaipur as part of its 2026 BRICS Chairship.
Top India Headlines — August 21, 2026
- PM Modi Chairs Third High-Level Meeting with Government Secretaries
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the third high-level meeting with Secretaries to the Government of India on August 20, 2026, discussing the future action agenda for ministries and departments covering infrastructure and connectivity, security, external affairs and governance. - India to Host 12th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting in Pune
India will host the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting in Pune on August 21, 2026, chaired by Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Ministers and senior officials will discuss stronger cooperation in communications and digital connectivity. - BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting Begins in Jaipur
The BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting begins in Jaipur on August 21, 2026, under India’s BRICS Chairship. The two-day meeting will focus on strengthening cooperation among member countries in tourism and related areas. - Amit Shah Criticises Congress Decision on Two-Stanza Rendition of Vande Mataram
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on August 21, 2026, criticised the Congress Working Committee’s decision to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram rather than the full rendition, describing the decision as a defiance of Parliament’s law. - NTA Defends Answer-Key Challenge System Amid Fee Concerns
The National Testing Agency on August 21, 2026, said its answer-key challenge mechanism is designed to ensure fairness for candidates. The agency rejected concerns that the process places an excessive financial burden on students. - IMD Issues Orange Alert for Very Heavy Rainfall in Madhya Pradesh
The India Meteorological Department issued an orange warning for very heavy rainfall in Madhya Pradesh on August 21, 2026. Heavy rainfall was also forecast in parts of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal. - PM Modi Congratulates Hakainde Hichilema on Re-election as Zambia President
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 21, 2026, congratulated Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election, saying India values its multifaceted partnership with Zambia and looks forward to working with him.
