Read all about the biggest events and newsmakers of the past month

INDIA HOSTS BRICS SUMMIT
India last month played host to a summit of the BRICS nations. The leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa met at New Delhi to discuss issues ranging from terrorism to the global economic slowdown. The leaders also discussed the possibility of setting up a multinational financial institution as an alternative to the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. “It would be a very powerful financial tool to improve trade opportunities,” a Brazilian official stated. A declaration issued at the end of the summit also called for increased dialogue between nations. “The situation concerning Iran cannot be allowed to escalate into conflict, the disastrous consequences of which will be in no one’s interest,” the BRICS leaders said in a joint statement. However, the summit also attracted criticism over Delhi Police’s harsh treatment of Tibetan refugees. Several alleged that they had been locked in their homes and hostels for the duration of the visit in a bid to avoid offending China’s leadership. This followed the immolation attempt in Delhi by a Tibetan activist protesting against Chinese atrocities.

NEWS REPORTS ALLEGE COUP ATTEMPT
A report in a leading daily has alleged that ‘curious’ Army movements had ‘spooked’ the government. According to the newspaper, the Army had moved two units - a parachute unit and a motorised infantry unit - towards Delhi on the night of 16 January without informing the Defence Ministry. The reports also suggested that the government had become afraid that the Army was about to launch a coup. However, the allegations have been dismissed by the Army chief, the Defence Minister, and the Prime Minister. According to the Army, the night-time winter manoeuvres were intended to evaluate the Army’s ability to move units towards the border in heavy fog. “These are alarmist reports. They should not be taken at face value,” Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said later.

• ARMY CHIEF REVEALS BRIBE ATTEMPT
  
• ZARDARI VISITS INDIA; GEELANI MEETS PM
  
• AGNI V TESTED
  
• US ANNOUNCES BOUNTY ON HAFEEZ SAEED
  
• SWINE FLU IN MAHA
  
• MAOISTS TAKE HOSTAGES
  
• VIOLENCE OVER RAJOANA HANGING
  
• TALIBAN ATTACK KABUL
  
• MYANMAR HOLDS BY-ELECTIONS
  
• INDIA-EU IN SPAT OVER AIRLINE CARBON TAX
  
• JIM YONG KIM TO BE NEW WB PRESIDENT
  
• WHITE ROOFS REDUCE GLOBAL WARMING
  
• MARUTI LAUNCHES ERTIGA
  
• AUDI BUY DUCATI
  
• IPL 5 STARTS
  
• PAES WINS 50TH TITLE
  
• F1: ROSBERG WINS FIRST RACE
  
• SAHARA TO SPONSOR VOLLEYBALL
  
• INDIA BIDS FOR CLUB WC
  
• QATAR TO HOST CHAMPIONS TROPHY HOCKEY
  
• SEVEN BOXERS QUALIFY FOR LONDON
  

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