Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has highlighted several benefits India has gained from BRICS after party colleague P. Chidambaram questioned the grouping’s tangible value for the country. Chidambaram had asked what concrete economic or strategic advantages India had received from BRICS membership. Tharoor responded by pointing to BRICS’ role in expanding India’s diplomatic outreach, strengthening ties with emerging economies and providing a platform for cooperation on global issues. He also stressed the importance of India using the grouping to advance its interests rather than viewing it solely through immediate economic gains. The debate comes amid India hosting the 2026 BRICS Summit. (PC: NDTV)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has departed Tehran for New Delhi to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit hosted by India. His visit is expected to include a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with discussions likely to focus on strengthening India-Iran bilateral ties, regional developments, trade and connectivity. Pezeshkian’s participation comes as Iran seeks a greater role in the expanded BRICS grouping. India and Iran maintain longstanding economic and strategic ties, including cooperation on connectivity projects such as the Chabahar port. His visit also carries significance amid continuing tensions in West Asia and broader geopolitical shifts. (PC: X)

Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, has returned to Kolhapur after being at Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat, following a prolonged dispute over her relocation and welfare. Vantara said Madhuri’s wellbeing remains its primary concern and committed to providing veterinary support every fortnight. The elephant had spent decades at a Jain temple in Kolhapur before being moved to Vantara amid concerns over her health and living conditions. Her return follows legal and public developments surrounding her care. Vantara has maintained that specialised treatment and rehabilitation were undertaken in her best interests, while authorities continue monitoring her health and welfare. (PC: Vantara)

A new assessment by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) estimates that India may have produced enough weapons-grade plutonium to support 140–225 nuclear warheads. The study estimates India currently possesses around 190 assembled nuclear warheads, including more than 160 associated with operational delivery systems and additional warheads intended for newer missiles under development. It also highlights India’s continuing production of plutonium and highly enriched uranium, with the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor potentially increasing future plutonium availability. The assessment notes uncertainty over India’s advanced warhead designs. India continues to maintain its declared No First Use nuclear policy.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has left for the United Kingdom on his first official overseas visit since taking office. The week-long trip aims to attract foreign investments and promote Tamil Nadu as a leading investment destination. Vijay is scheduled to meet European business leaders and industry representatives to encourage new ventures and expansion in the State. His delegation includes Public Works and Sports Development Minister Aadhav Arjuna, SDAT member secretary Meghnatha Reddy and Guidance Tamil Nadu MD and CEO Deepak Jacob. Vijay will also study world-class motorsports infrastructure and related investment opportunities during the visit. 

Ahead of the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi, several Union Ministers and Chief Ministers are set to adopt a simplified travel arrangement by using a common bus from Parliament instead of separate VIP convoys. The move is aimed at reducing traffic disruption and presenting a coordinated approach during the high-profile international event. The shared transport arrangement is expected to help minimise the movement of multiple official vehicles through central Delhi, where extensive security measures are already in place. The initiative also reflects efforts to balance stringent security requirements with smoother traffic management during the summit. (PC: Moneycontrol)

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka reached her fourth consecutive US Open women’s singles final after defeating American Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the semifinal. Sabalenka produced a powerful performance, hitting 29 winners and seven aces to overcome the No. 3 seed. She is now one victory away from winning her third consecutive US Open title, a feat achieved only by Serena Williams in the Open Era. Sabalenka will face Elena Rybakina in the final after the Kazakh player defeated Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. Rybakina has also become the new world No. 1. (PC: AFP)

New Delhi has been placed under a high-security cover ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13. Authorities have prepared extensive security arrangements for visiting leaders, particularly Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Separate hotels and dedicated security teams have been arranged for the two leaders, while Delhi Police and specialised units are overseeing their movements. Around 15,000 police personnel, 200 paramilitary companies and more than 500 CCTV cameras are being deployed across the capital. Traffic restrictions, route diversions and intensive surveillance have also been introduced to secure key areas and ensure the summit proceeds without disruption. (PC: India Today)

India faces a delicate diplomatic challenge as Iran and the UAE, both BRICS members, remain on opposing sides of the escalating West Asian conflict. With New Delhi hosting BRICS 2026, India must preserve dialogue within the grouping while maintaining its strategic relationships across the region. The tensions have exposed divisions inside the expanded BRICS and complicated efforts to reach consensus on the conflict. India is expected to emphasise de-escalation, diplomacy, regional stability and uninterrupted maritime trade, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. The situation tests India’s policy of strategic autonomy and its ability to act as a bridge between competing interests. (PC: X)

Forest department teams in Assam’s Golaghat district successfully rescued a wild elephant after a tractor tyre became tightly lodged around its neck. The elephant was reportedly spotted in the Bokiyal Tea Garden area of Numaligarh while searching for food. The unusual incident created a potentially life-threatening situation, as the heavy tyre restricted the animal’s movement and could have caused serious injuries. Forest personnel carried out a careful rescue operation and eventually removed the tyre, freeing the elephant. The successful intervention prevented further harm and highlighted the risks wildlife faces from discarded human-made objects in forest and animal habitats.