September 11, 2026, is witnessing several major developments across India and the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held crucial bilateral talks in New Delhi ahead of the BRICS Summit, while a nationwide bank strike disrupted services. Heavy rain warnings remained in place across several states, and Indian markets ended the week under pressure from rising crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions.

Here are the top news headlines and major developments of September 11, 2026.

1. PM Modi, Putin Hold Key Bilateral Talks Ahead of BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in New Delhi on Friday for bilateral discussions ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled for September 12-13.

The talks are focused on strengthening India-Russia cooperation in trade, defence, energy, civil nuclear power, fertilisers, critical minerals, manufacturing, railways and steel. Both sides are also looking at ways to increase bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. 

Defence cooperation is among the key areas attracting attention, with Russia's Su-57 fighter proposal expected to be discussed along with broader defence cooperation. Civil nuclear cooperation and energy security are also significant parts of the relationship.

The meeting comes at a time when India continues to maintain substantial energy ties with Russia despite international pressure over Moscow's war in Ukraine.

2. BRICS Summit Begins in Delhi Amid Major Global Geopolitical Challenges

New Delhi is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit on September 12 and 13, bringing together leaders and senior representatives from the expanded BRICS grouping.

The summit comes against the backdrop of conflicts in West Asia, the continuing Russia-Ukraine war, trade tensions and debates over the future of global economic governance.

BRICS has grown substantially since its original formation by Brazil, Russia, India and China. The expanded grouping now represents a significant share of the world's population and global economic output. 

India's chairship is expected to focus on economic cooperation, development, technology, global governance and the interests of the Global South.

3. Iran President Pezeshkian Arrives for BRICS; Modi Meeting in Focus

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is in India for the BRICS Summit, with his planned bilateral engagement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attracting particular attention.

His visit comes amid the continuing US-Iran conflict and heightened tensions across West Asia. The regional situation has also affected energy markets and international shipping routes.

The Modi-Pezeshkian engagement is expected to provide an opportunity for India to discuss bilateral relations as well as regional stability and connectivity. Pezeshkian's participation also gives the BRICS discussions added significance as the grouping attempts to position itself as a platform for dialogue among major emerging economies. 

4. Nationwide Bank Strike Disrupts Services Across India

Banking services were significantly affected on Friday as employees and officers represented by the United Forum of Bank Unions joined a nationwide strike.

The unions are pressing for a five-day banking week and other long-pending issues related to wages, pensions and service conditions.

The UFBU represents around 90% of bank officers and employees through seven major unions. Public-sector banks and some private banks were affected, while many other private-sector lenders continued normal operations. 

Protests and demonstrations were reported in several cities, including Bhopal.

The strike comes just as Delhi hosts the BRICS Summit, adding another major event to the national news agenda.

5. Heavy Rain Alert Across Several States as Monsoon Remains Active

The India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of the country as monsoon activity remains strong.

The latest IMD bulletin points to a low-pressure area over the northwest and west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is particularly expected over Odisha and Chhattisgarh during September 10-11. 

Several other states, including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and parts of northwestern India, are also experiencing periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Authorities in vulnerable areas have been advised to monitor water levels, roads and drainage systems as intense rainfall could lead to local flooding and disruption.

6. Indian Stock Market Ends Fifth Straight Week Lower

Indian equity markets ended the week on a weak note as rising crude oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty continued to weigh on investor sentiment.

The Nifty 50 fell 0.34% to 23,398.10 on Friday, while the Sensex declined 0.16% to 74,781.76. Both indices recorded losses of more than 2% during the week. 

Brent crude climbed above $100 a barrel amid heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Concerns over inflation and the possibility of higher global interest rates added to pressure on Indian equities.

The rupee also recorded its sharpest weekly decline since May, while information technology and financial stocks were among the sectors facing selling pressure.

7. September 11 Marks 25 Years Since 9/11 Attacks

The United States and people across the world are marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed after hijacked aircraft struck the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, while another plane crashed in Pennsylvania. 

The anniversary is being observed through memorial events and tributes to victims and survivors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also remembered the victims of the September 11 attacks and reiterated India's resolve against terrorism.

The anniversary comes at a time when terrorism, armed conflicts and geopolitical instability remain major concerns internationally.

8. US-Iran Conflict Continues to Keep Oil Markets on Edge

The US-Iran conflict remains one of the biggest geopolitical factors affecting global energy markets.

The United States has made progress in efforts linked to the Strait of Hormuz, but the conflict remains unresolved. Continued attacks and disruption around major shipping routes have affected oil flows and pushed crude prices above $100 a barrel.

The situation is particularly important for India because the country is heavily dependent on imported crude oil. Prolonged disruption in the region could increase import costs and add pressure on inflation, transportation and household expenses.

9. India Reach Women's Asia Cup Final

India advanced to the final of the Women's Asia Cup after defeating Bangladesh by 40 runs in the first semi-final in Dubai.

Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma played important all-round roles as India secured a convincing victory despite Smriti Mandhana's early batting failure.

The result keeps India on course for another major continental title and underlines the team's depth ahead of the final.

10. Delhi Remains Centre of Global Attention Ahead of BRICS

With Putin, Pezeshkian and other international leaders in the capital, Delhi has emerged as the centre of major diplomatic activity.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings during the BRICS programme, with discussions expected to cover trade, investment, defence, energy, regional conflicts and global governance.

The summit gives India an opportunity to push its priorities on the Global South, economic cooperation and multilateral reform while maintaining dialogue with countries holding sharply different positions on global conflicts.

Key Takeaway

The September 11 news cycle is dominated by India's BRICS diplomacy, particularly the Modi-Putin meeting, alongside the nationwide bank strike, widespread monsoon activity and market pressure from the West Asia conflict. With the BRICS Leaders' Summit beginning in Delhi on September 12, India's diplomatic engagements are expected to remain the central national story through the weekend.

Banking services were disrupted across India on Friday as bank employees and officers observed a nationwide one-day strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), with the implementation of a five-day working week remaining the central demand.

In Madhya Pradesh, the strike affected operations at around 7,000 bank branches and disrupted business estimated at nearly ₹5,500 crore in a single day, according to the Madhya Pradesh Bank Employees Association. Around 42,000 employees and officers from participating banks joined the protest. 

The strike has particularly affected branch-based services such as cash deposits and withdrawals, cheque clearance, fixed-deposit related work, treasury operations and other financial transactions. Digital services such as UPI, internet banking, mobile banking and ATMs are expected to remain available, although some branch-linked requests may face delays. 

Why Are Bank Employees on Strike?

The main issue behind the nationwide protest is the long-pending demand to introduce a five-day banking week.

Bank unions have argued that the proposal was agreed upon as part of the 12th Bipartite Settlement signed with the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) in March 2024. Under the proposal, banks would remain closed on all Saturdays, while working hours from Monday to Friday would be increased by around 40 minutes each day.

Despite the agreement and subsequent recommendation to the government, the final implementation has remained pending. The All India Bank Employees Association said recent discussions with the government did not provide a definite timeline, leading UFBU to proceed with the September 11 strike. 

What Does Five-Day Banking Mean?

At present, bank branches generally remain closed on the second and fourth Saturdays, apart from Sundays and other notified holidays.

Under the proposed five-day system, every Saturday would become a holiday. The additional weekly holiday would be offset by longer working hours on weekdays.

The proposal is aimed at bringing bank working arrangements closer to the five-day schedule followed in several other sectors.

PLI Dispute Also Featured in Union Protest

Performance-linked incentives have also been a major point of disagreement between unions and the banking establishment.

However, the latest developments have changed the status of this issue. According to an AIBEA circular, the Performance Linked Incentive scheme for Scale IV to VIII officers for 2025-26 has been kept in abeyance and the matter is to be discussed bilaterally. 

Bank unions had earlier criticised the revised PLI structure, arguing that it created differences between senior officers and other employees. The issue has also been part of the broader industrial dispute involving the unions, management and the government.

Pension and Other Demands

The unions are also pressing for several long-standing pension-related demands.

These include pension updation, a uniform dearness allowance calculation formula for pensioners and an option for employees covered under the National Pension System to move to the Old Pension Scheme.

Other demands raised by unions include improvements in recruitment and service conditions and resolution of pending issues affecting retired bank employees. 

More Strikes Planned in September and October

The September 11 strike is the first stage of UFBU's planned escalation.

Bank unions have announced another nationwide three-day strike from September 28 to September 30, 2026. They have also warned of an indefinite nationwide strike from October 26 if their demands remain unresolved. 

For customers, the immediate impact is expected to be concentrated on physical branch services. Customers requiring cash deposits or withdrawals, cheque-related work, KYC updates, loan-related documentation and other branch-dependent services may need to wait until normal operations resume.

In Madhya Pradesh, branches are expected to reopen on Monday after the Friday strike and the scheduled second Saturday and Sunday holidays. 

SBI branches may stay closed May 23–28 amid staff strike, Eid

SBI branches across the country are likely to remain closed for up to six consecutive days from May 23 to May 28 as a convergence of weekend rules, a proposed two-day staff strike and Reserve Bank of India-declared Bakrid holidays disrupt normal branch services, officials and employee groups said on Friday.

What’s happening
According to bank sources and union notices, May 23 falls on the fourth Saturday of the month and is already a scheduled banking holiday, while May 24 is Sunday. The All India State Bank of India Staff Federation (AISBISF) has announced a two-day strike on May 25–26, aimed at pressuring management to address 16 demands. RBI has additionally declared holiday(s) for Bakrid on May 27 and in some regions on May 28, which means many SBI branches could remain shut through the latter half of next week.

Operations affected
Local branch staff and customers in New Delhi and several state capitals said branch counters will be unavailable for routine cash deposits, withdrawals, passbook printing and on-counter services through the period. “Customers should complete branch-related work by end of day on May 22,” a senior bank official advised, requesting anonymity. Automated services such as ATMs, YONO and digital banking platforms including NEFT, RTGS and IMPS are expected to operate normally, officials added.

Union demands
The AISBISF has listed 16 demands prompting the strike. Key items include immediate recruitment for vacant Class IV (messenger) posts, adequate armed guards, a ban on permanent outsourcing of bank functions, fixes to the HRMS software, improvements to the medical reimbursement scheme and restoration of a workmen-category director on the bank’s board. The union has also asked for parity in pay and conditions, review of the career progression scheme, inclusion of all allowances in pension calculations for certain retirees, and an end to aggressive cross-selling practices.

Why it matters
Most routine counter services will be suspended while cheque clearing, cash-counter operations and passbook updates are likely to slow or pause. “Since this is a workmen-category action, front-line operations will be hit,” a union office-bearer told reporters. Customers relying on branch-only services — large cash deposits, demand drafts, tax challan deposits or new account openings — will have to postpone those transactions or use alternate arrangements.

Ground reality
On Friday morning, queues at several major ATMs in Mumbai’s central business district and in Bhopal were longer than usual as customers withdrew cash ahead of the weekend. Bank staff at a suburban Delhi branch said they had informed regular customers about limited services and posted notices at branch entrances. In Jammu and Kashmir, where RBI has specified both May 27 and 28 as holidays, the impact is expected to be deeper.

Official inputs
SBI’s corporate communications office said it was “monitoring the situation” and urged customers to use digital channels. RBI’s holiday calendar, which sets regional festival holidays, has already listed Bakrid observances for late May, and state-level variations mean some branches will see different combinations of holidays.

Customer advice
Officials recommend customers plan urgent branch visits before the close of business on May 22, use YONO or internet banking for transfers and enquiries, and verify ATM availability for cash needs. Businesses that rely on cheque clearing or on-counter services should notify clients and plan for processing delays.

Possible next steps
Union leaders have said the strike is a show of strength to start bargaining; talks may follow if management engages. The bank has not announced contingency staffing or special arrangements beyond digital services. Observers say the confluence of scheduled weekend closures, holidays and industrial action makes short-notice recovery difficult, and normalisation could take time once staff return.

What to watch
Watch for any last-minute climb-downs from the union, management statements on contingency measures, or RBI circulars clarifying regional holiday observance. Customers should keep an eye on SBI’s website and official social handles for real-time updates.

Banking operations across India are facing significant disruptions today, February 12, 2026, as a nationwide Bharat Bandh takes hold. Led by a coalition of ten central trade unions and supported by major banking associations, the strike has brought the long-standing demand for a 5-day work week back to the forefront of national discourse.

While digital platforms remain functional, physical branch operations in several states are seeing thin attendance and suspended services, leaving many customers looking for alternatives.

Why are Bank Employees Striking?

The primary trigger for the participation of bank staff in today's Bharat Bandh is the unresolved demand for a 5-day work week. Currently, banks in India operate on a schedule where the second and fourth Saturdays of every month are holidays. However, the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has been pushing for all Saturdays to be declared holidays, citing extreme work pressure and the need for better work-life balance.

"A rested banker serves the nation better," stated a representative from the All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA). "We have already agreed to extend daily working hours by 40 minutes to compensate for the extra holidays, yet the government approval remains pending."

Beyond the 5-day week, unions are also protesting:

• New Labour Codes: Opposition to the four new codes that replace 29 existing laws, which unions claim weaken workers' rights.

• Staffing Pressures: Demands for immediate recruitment to fill vacancies and reduce the burden on existing employees.

• Pension Reforms: The call for a rollback to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

Banking Services Affected Today

Major public sector lenders, including State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda, and UCO Bank, have issued advisories to the stock exchanges. While they have made arrangements to maintain normalcy, they admit that branch-level work is "impacted to a limited extent."

If you were planning to visit your local branch today, expect the following services to be hindered:

• Over-the-counter transactions: Cash deposits and large withdrawals may be delayed.

• Cheque Clearances: Physical clearing of cheques is likely to face a 24-hour lag.

• Locker Access: Most locker rooms in participating branches will remain inaccessible.

• Administrative Tasks: KYC updates and the issuance of Demand Drafts (DDs) are largely suspended.

What Remains Operational?

Despite the physical shutdown in pockets like Kerala, Odisha, and Punjab, digital banking services are functioning as usual. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has not declared today a formal holiday, meaning the digital payment backbone (NEFT, IMPS, UPI) is fully active.

Pro-Tip: Use mobile banking apps or NetBanking for urgent transfers. ATMs are also expected to remain stocked and operational throughout the day.

The Broader Impact of Bharat Bandh

The strike isn't limited to banks. Supported by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), the Bharat Bandh has also affected public transport and markets in several regions. Farmers are protesting the recent India–US interim trade deal, fearing that cheaper imports will hurt domestic livelihoods.

As the day progresses, the government's response to the 5-day work week demand remains the most watched development for millions of bank employees nationwide.

Nationwide Bank Strike Tomorrow: What Customers Need to Know

Bank customers across India are bracing for inconvenience as a nationwide bank strike is set for tomorrow, February 12, 2026. Major unions including the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), All India Bank Officers Association (AIBOA), and Bank Employees Federation of India (BEFI) have called the strike as part of a larger Bharat Bandh.

The State Bank of India (SBI) has already alerted customers that banking operations may be impacted. IDBI Bank and Bank of Baroda have also issued similar notices. While the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has not declared a holiday, branch-level services are expected to face major disruptions.

Why Bank Employees Are Striking on February 12

The core issue is strong opposition to the central government’s four new labour codes, which replace 29 older labour laws. Unions argue these changes weaken worker protections, make it harder to form trade unions, and favour employers.

Bank staff are also renewing their long-standing demand for a five-day work week. They say rising workloads, staff shortages, and current rules (banks closed only on the second and fourth Saturdays) are hurting work-life balance. This follows a similar one-day strike on January 27 for the same demands.

Union leaders say the protest highlights growing stress on public sector bank employees and calls for fairer working conditions.

How the Nationwide Bank Strike Will Affect You

The bank strike February 12 is likely to hit everyday banking in these ways:

- Branch services disrupted — Cash deposits, withdrawals over the counter, new cheque books, KYC updates, and other counter transactions may not be possible or will be delayed.

- Cheque clearance delays — Clearing operations handled mainly by public sector banks could take 2–3 extra days, affecting bill payments and business transactions.

- ATM cash shortages possible — With banks closed for three straight days (including the weekend), ATMs in smaller towns and residential areas may run out of cash.

- Loan and document work delayed — Approvals, No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and government-related banking tasks may get postponed to Thursday or later.

Private banks such as HDFC, ICICI, and Axis are expected to function normally with less impact.

Services That Will Remain Unaffected

Thankfully, most digital options will continue smoothly:

- UPI payments via Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM will work as usual for shopping and transfers.

- Internet and mobile banking for balance checks, bill payments, IMPS, NEFT, and RTGS will remain available.

- ATMs will stay open for withdrawals as long as cash lasts.

Customers who rely on digital banking should face minimal problems.

What Should You Do Before the Strike?

Plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress:

- Complete urgent cash deposits or withdrawals today (February 11).

- Use digital channels for bill payments and transfers.

- Keep extra cash for the next two days if you’re in areas with limited ATM access.

- Postpone non-urgent branch visits until Thursday.

Banks are urging customers to use alternate channels to reduce pressure on branches.

Bottom Line

This nationwide bank strike serves as a reminder of ongoing tensions between workers’ rights and operational needs in India’s banking sector. While digital tools have made banking more resilient, many people still depend on physical branches for important tasks.

Stay updated through your bank’s app or website, and shift to online options wherever possible. The situation should return to normal by February 13, but planning today will help you avoid unnecessary hassle tomorrow.