A Mumbai-based Air India pilot died at a hotel in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj area during a layover, hours before he was scheduled to operate a flight to Seoul. The pilot was found unconscious in his hotel room on Friday evening and was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead. He had previously worked with Air India Express and joined Air India a few months ago. Sources suspect a heart attack, but police said the exact cause of death will be known after the final medical opinion. A post-mortem was conducted at Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday. (PC: HT)

Saudi Arabia has shut its 1,200-km East-West oil pipeline as a precaution after a drone attack launched from Iraq damaged the facility and injured several people. Iraq confirmed the attack originated in Maysan province, which borders Iran, and removed a military commander from his post while opening an investigation. Saudi Arabia has not retaliated and said it would support Iraq’s efforts to prevent further attacks. The pipeline helps Saudi Arabia bypass the Strait of Hormuz and carries around 4% to 5% of global oil supplies. The attack comes as Iran-backed Houthis expand their control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, pushing oil prices above $100 a barrel. (PC: BBC)

The BRICS joint declaration adopted unanimously in New Delhi on Saturday expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in West Asia and called on all parties to exercise “maximum restraint.” The statement urged countries to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions and encouraged dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace and stability. BRICS members also called for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and stressed respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The declaration raised serious concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure and safeguarded nuclear facilities, warning of risks to people and the environment. Iran and UAE leaders also met on the summit sidelines. (PC: X/Narendramodi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged BRICS members to stand on the “right side of history” and work towards a fairer global order at the summit in New Delhi on Saturday. Xi called for stronger cooperation in artificial intelligence, industries and supply chains, while inviting BRICS nations to join China’s proposed AI cooperation framework. He also said the bloc should play a “due role” in promoting peace in the Middle East and oppose interference in countries’ internal affairs. Xi criticised unilateralism, protectionism and efforts to disrupt global supply chains, while urging members to strengthen institutions such as the UN and WTO. (PC: X/Narendramodi)

Indian-origin woman Shalini Thakur, 38, was shot dead outside a restaurant in Sacramento, California, on Tuesday after months of alleged stalking and harassment by 22-year-old Rohit Rohit. Authorities said Thakur tried to flee when Rohit confronted her, but he chased and shot her multiple times. She had obtained a restraining order against him after reporting escalating harassment, including alleged tracking and unwanted contact. Rohit fled the scene and was later tracked to Highway 50, where he died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound during a standoff with deputies. The case has raised fresh questions about protections for stalking victims.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration 2026 at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, calling it a significant step towards stronger cooperation among member countries. The declaration condemns unilateral coercive measures, including economic sanctions and tariffs, and calls for maximum restraint amid escalating tensions in West Asia. Consensus was reached after intensive negotiations that continued until 4 am, with differences over the regional conflict threatening to divide the expanded grouping. India held sustained consultations with members, including Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to bridge differences and secure a common position. (PC: X)

Chinese President Xi Jinping said India and China can learn from each other’s strengths and work towards shared development. He made the remarks during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday. Xi also called on both countries to work together to strengthen cooperation among BRICS members. Modi welcomed Xi to India and thanked China for its support during India’s BRICS chairmanship. He said the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation. The talks are being closely watched as India and China seek to improve ties and increase cooperation on key regional and global issues.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin shared a warm moment at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday. Modi posted a picture of the three leaders holding hands and embracing. He captioned it, “BRICS Summit 2026 gets underway in Delhi.” During his address, Modi called for safer sea routes for seafarers. He proposed a “Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network” to help workers during emergencies. Modi also raised seafarer safety in meetings with Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Xi said the Middle East war had caused serious losses and urged BRICS nations to support peace.  

BRICS countries adopted the New Delhi Declaration on Saturday and strongly condemned the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. The attack killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. The declaration called terrorism “criminal and unjustifiable” and backed stronger action against terror networks, funding and safe havens. BRICS nations also expressed “deep concern” over rising tensions in the Middle East. They called for restraint and the protection of civilians. The group urged countries to use dialogue and diplomacy to resolve disputes. The declaration also warned about growing nuclear risks. Members adopted the statement despite differences between Iran and the UAE over the regional conflict.  

US President Donald Trump has again said the war with Iran will end “very soon.” His remarks come as fighting and tensions in the region continue. Trump said the Houthis do not want to fight the US. He also said Iran was “probably” behind a recent Saudi pipeline attack. Trump had earlier linked the end of the war to the US midterm elections on November 3. Meanwhile, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remain high. Shipping through the key route has fallen sharply. Oil prices have also risen above $100 a barrel. Major issues between Washington and Tehran remain unresolved.