Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached the “most important consensus” that China and India should be partners during their meeting on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. Summing up Xi’s September 12-13 visit to New Delhi, Wang said the leaders held candid, in-depth discussions on strategic, long-term and directional issues concerning bilateral relations. According to Wang, Xi said China and India could draw on each other’s strengths, support one another, help each other succeed and pursue common development. The leaders also agreed to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in border areas and support each other as rotating BRICS chairs. Wang said their meeting attracted widespread international attention.

The first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have declared that “Westminster’s time is coming to an end” and urged the UK government to prepare for constitutional change. The nationalist leaders of Plaid Cymru, Sinn Féin and the SNP, who support their countries leaving the United Kingdom, signed an agreement stating that no Westminster government had the right to block democracy. Scotland’s John Swinney and Northern Ireland’s Michelle O’Neill called for independence referendums during a joint press conference. However, Wales’ Rhun ap Iorwerth declined to provide a timetable for a Welsh referendum. The agreement signals a coordinated push by the three nationalist parties for constitutional change across the United Kingdom.

Beijing has praised India’s approach to China, highlighting New Delhi’s independent foreign policy and its position that relations with Beijing are not influenced by any third country. The remarks came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. China described Modi’s position as significant for the future of China-India relations. Xi’s visit marked his first trip to India in seven years and the third interaction between the two leaders in three years. Beijing said the meeting was an important step toward improving bilateral ties, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun describing the relationship as moving from a “restart” to further progress.

The CBI has registered an FIR in Disha Salian’s death case, following the Bombay High Court’s September 2 directive for a central probe. Advocate Nilesh Ojha, representing Salian’s father Satish Salian, said the FIR names Aaditya Thackeray, Dino Morea, Sooraj Pancholi, Rohan Roy, Rhea Chakraborty, Param Bir Singh and others, and alleges gang rape, murder and a cover-up. However, CBI officials said the FIR was registered on the High Court’s directions with a clear instruction not to name anyone as an accused. The agency has begun investigation and statement recordings. The High Court criticised Mumbai Police for delaying the case for six years and cited glaring discrepancies in its investigation process. (PC: HT)

Saudi Arabia has reported about 110 million tonnes of raw material containing promising concentrations of uranium at the Jabal Sayid project in the Medina region, according to Moneycontrol. The discovery includes high concentrations of rare earth elements, adding to the significance of the mineral find. The uranium-containing material is located at the Jabal Sayid project, with Saudi Arabia highlighting the scale of the resource and the presence of rare earths. The report, published on September 14, 2026, said the material contains promising uranium concentrations. Details provided in the report excerpt do not specify the exact quantity of uranium or rare earth elements recovered, nor any plans for their extraction or processing. (PC: X)

The Israel Embassy to Southern India extended warm wishes on Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrating the festival alongside the upcoming Jewish New Year. The message highlighted the friendship between Israel and India and expressed hopes for a year filled with wisdom, celebrations and togetherness. The embassy’s greeting sought to mark both occasions while emphasising the ties between the two countries. It concluded with the festive Hindu greeting, “Ganapati Bappa Morya.” The message comes as Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations coincide with preparations for the Jewish New Year, bringing together references to traditions. Through its greeting, the embassy underscored friendship, shared celebrations and goodwill between Israel and India while conveying wishes for wisdom, joy and unity.

Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami was blocked from attending the International Atomic Energy Agency’s annual conference in Vienna after the United States opposed a travel exemption, Iranian state television reported. Eslami and his delegation flew to Vienna on Saturday but he returned to Tehran after what Iran described as US pressure on Austria. Iran accused Austria of revoking Eslami’s visa after initially granting it, calling the decision politically motivated. Austria said it had sought a UN Security Council exemption allowing Eslami to enter despite sanctions, but the request was rejected. The US said it objected because Eslami’s participation could allow Iran to use IAEA proceedings for propaganda while avoiding substantive cooperation. Eslami attended last year’s conference. (PC: The Hindu)

Thousands of people gathered in London for the first-ever Ganga aarti on the River Thames. The event was organised by Chinmaya Mission UK as part of its 75th anniversary celebrations. The ceremony was held at Greenwich near the Old Royal Naval College. It included prayers, music, chanting and large oil lamps. Swami Swaroopananda led the aarti and spoke about unity, love and harmony. Organisers said the event honoured the Ganga and highlighted the importance of protecting nature. The ceremony was held fully on land. Nothing was placed or released into the Thames. The event may become an annual tradition.  

An Indian-origin man has been declared a fugitive in the US over an alleged $93 million Medicare fraud. The US Department of Health and Human Services named him as Khadeer Khan Mohammed. Authorities said he used a company called American Premier to submit false claims for genetic tests. Medicare paid at least $65 million on these claims, officials said. In just 10 days in 2023, Medicare reportedly paid around $13 million in suspected fraudulent claims. Mohammed allegedly used doctors’ personal information without their knowledge to file claims. Authorities said the tests were not ordered by the doctors. He is believed to be in Hyderabad.  

The Hockey India League (HIL) is facing a major crisis ahead of its third season. Four of the eight men’s teams have pulled out or remain uncertain. The women’s league is also in trouble, with only one team confirmed so far. Financial problems and a power struggle within Hockey India have affected the league. President Dilip Tirkey and secretary general Bhola Nath Singh are involved in an ongoing dispute. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has asked officials and team owners to prepare a new financial plan by October 14. A new Bengaluru team is interested, while talks are on for a Chennai replacement.