Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Prince Rahim Aga Khan V in New Delhi on September 10 to discuss strengthening India’s partnership with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Their discussions covered healthcare, agriculture, rural development, youth and women’s empowerment. Prince Rahim, the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, is visiting India from September 9 to 15 and will also travel to Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Hyderabad. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan separately discussed cooperation in education and sports with him. Both sides highlighted AKDN initiatives in water, sanitation, education and community development, while reaffirming dialogue, peace and efforts against radicalisation. (PC: X) 

New Delhi has been transformed into a high-security zone ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, with around 25,000 security personnel deployed across the capital. The security operation includes Delhi Police, paramilitary forces, NSG commandos, anti-drone systems and extensive surveillance arrangements. Key routes, hotels and the summit venue at Bharat Mandapam have been secured for visiting world leaders and delegations. Authorities have also introduced traffic restrictions and diversions on several major roads to facilitate VVIP movements. The extensive measures aim to prevent security threats and ensure the smooth conduct of the high-profile summit, scheduled for September 11–13. (PC: X)

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)