China will take over the BRICS chairmanship in 2027 and host the group’s next summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.   Xi made the announcement at the closing session of the 18th BRICS Summit, after India hosted the two-day meeting on September 12 and 13. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Xi on China taking over the presidency. The dates and host city for the 2027 summit have not yet been announced. China’s presidency will follow India’s year-long chairmanship, which focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. (PC: X)

Indian-origin woman Shalini Thakur, 38, was shot dead outside her workplace in Sacramento, California, on September 8 after months of alleged stalking by a 22-year-old man identified as Rohit. Investigators said the warning signs included an Apple AirTag found under her car, tampered tyres, being followed to work and an alleged break-in at her home. Thakur had obtained a civil harassment restraining order against Rohit in May. Authorities later said they had probable cause to arrest him after a reported violation in July but could not locate him. Rohit later died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police pursuit.

Ancient DNA evidence suggests the relationship between the Indus Valley and Mesopotamian civilisations went beyond the exchange of goods and included movement of people. BHU geneticist Professor Gyaneshwer Chaubey said DNA analysis of remains found in present-day Syria identified South Asian mitochondrial lineages linked to populations in India, Pakistan and the Himalayan region. The remains date from around 2650 BCE to 700 CE. Archaeological evidence had already established trade links between the regions, including references to Meluhha in Mesopotamian texts and the discovery of Indus seals and beads. The genetic findings now provide further evidence of ancient human connections along trade routes. (PC: X)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali left New Delhi on Sunday after attending the two-day BRICS Summit hosted by India. The summit brought together leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The meeting concluded with discussions on global growth, technology, climate, trade and cooperation among developing nations. BRICS members also adopted the New Delhi Declaration, which condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and called for dialogue and diplomacy to address conflicts in West Asia. Modi said India’s BRICS presidency focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a gala dinner for BRICS leaders and delegates at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi during the opening day of the 2026 BRICS Summit. A 160-member ensemble of Indian and international artistes performed BRICS Symphony – One Rhythm, Many Cultures, showcasing the cultural diversity of BRICS nations. Indian classical dance forms including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Kathak were presented alongside traditional music from participating countries. The programme was coordinated by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and highlighted cultural exchange, shared heritage and people-to-people connections among BRICS members and partner countries. 

BRICS leaders have strongly condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. In the New Delhi Declaration 2026, leaders called for a zero-tolerance approach and stressed the importance of international cooperation against terrorism. The declaration also expressed concern over the continuing escalation of tensions in West Asia, urging all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could worsen the situation. The leaders reiterated their support for resolving international disputes through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy during the BRICS Summit under India’s chairship. (PC: X)

Darjeeling tea exports have declined 46% over the past decade, falling from 3.95 million kg in 2015 to just 2.13 million kg in 2025. Production also dropped around 36%, from 8.76 million kg to 5.60 million kg. The prolonged 2017 Gorkhaland agitation severely disrupted exports, prompting overseas buyers to shift towards Nepalese tea. The industry now faces labour shortages, weak investment, rising production costs and financially struggling estates. At least nine tea gardens remain closed, while worker absenteeism has reportedly reached nearly 45%. Despite higher auction prices, producers say earnings remain below production costs, raising concerns over the future of Darjeeling’s iconic tea industry. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm welcome during his 2014 visit to Gujarat during bilateral talks in New Delhi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. Xi smilingly mentioned that Modi had received him in his home state on September 17, 2014, which was also Modi’s birthday, prompting a light-hearted reaction from the Indian Prime Minister. Xi noted that the two leaders have met 21 times over the years. Their discussions focused on stabilising India-China relations, addressing border issues and expanding economic and strategic cooperation. Both sides emphasised dialogue, mutual understanding and continued efforts to strengthen bilateral ties. 

Russian airstrikes killed nine people and injured dozens across Ukraine on Saturday, damaging civilian areas and critical infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched nearly 500 drones, accusing Moscow of increasingly targeting economic and logistical facilities. Attacks struck areas including Kramatorsk, Zviahel, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih and Odesa, with civilians among the casualties. Ukrainian officials warned that intensified attacks on power infrastructure and export facilities could make the coming winter extremely difficult. Infrastructure damage is estimated at nearly $10 billion this year, while disruptions to ports and the economy have reduced GDP. Zelenskyy also proposed talks with Putin, but Russia rejected the offer. (PC: AFP)

A Mumbai-based Air India captain in his 40s was found dead inside a hotel room in south Delhi’s Vasant Kunj on Friday, a day before he was scheduled to operate a flight. The pilot had been staying at the hotel during a layover since Thursday. His brother alerted hotel staff after the captain stopped responding to phone calls. The room was locked from inside, and the hotel manager opened it using a master key. Police found the pilot unconscious and took him to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead. An autopsy was conducted, while police await the postmortem report to determine the cause of death. (PC: X)