Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi would feature positive and meaningful discussions among participating leaders. Ahead of the summit, Modi said India was looking forward to welcoming leaders and delegations from BRICS countries and strengthening cooperation within the grouping. Discussions are expected to focus on global challenges, economic cooperation, development and other issues of shared interest. India’s presidency of BRICS comes as the grouping continues to expand its influence in global affairs. Modi’s remarks underline New Delhi’s emphasis on constructive dialogue, cooperation and collective efforts to address pressing international challenges during the summit. (PC: PMO)

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said its naval forces struck a US Saildrone Explorer unmanned surface vessel near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC alleged that the drone was conducting an “aggressive mission” and warned that any hostile presence in the strategic waterway would be targeted. Tehran also reiterated that the Strait remains closed and under Iranian control. The claim follows another confrontation involving a US underwater drone, which Washington said had malfunctioned. Iran has further threatened restrictions against vessels entering a proposed maritime zone without coordination with Tehran, increasing concerns over regional maritime security. 

China had begun preparations for President Xi Jinping’s India visit weeks before Beijing publicly announced his participation in the BRICS Summit. According to people familiar with the matter, the Chinese embassy submitted visa requests on August 27 for a 67-member government delegation accompanying Xi. The early application indicates that logistical planning for the visit was already underway well before the official announcement. Xi is set to attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13 and is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The development highlights the importance Beijing placed on Xi’s India visit and the summit. (PC: X)

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on September 11, 2026, to attend the 18th BRICS Summit hosted by India. His visit highlights the importance of India-Russia relations amid major geopolitical tensions and the continuing war in Ukraine. Putin is expected to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with discussions likely to cover defence, energy, trade and strategic cooperation. His presence at the summit also underlines Russia’s engagement with the expanded BRICS grouping. The visit comes as India seeks greater cooperation among emerging economies while maintaining strategic ties with major global powers, including Russia.

Anthropic has revealed multiple cases of suspected state-linked groups, criminals and political actors misusing its Claude AI models between December 2025 and August 2026. The company said the incidents involved attempts related to biological research, conventional weapons, mass surveillance, cyber espionage, influence operations and data theft. Anthropic identified cases involving groups linked to China, Russia, Iran and other countries. Some users allegedly used Claude for surveillance, weapons-related software and sophisticated cyberattacks. The company said it blocked accounts, strengthened safety controls and shared relevant intelligence with authorities and industry partners. Anthropic warned that such threats could increase as AI models become more capable. (PC: Claude)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shared a video highlighting preparations at the venue ahead of the BRICS 2026 Summit in New Delhi. India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13, with leaders from major member countries expected to attend. The event at Bharat Mandapam will focus on strengthening multilateral cooperation and addressing global political and economic challenges. Extensive security arrangements have also been put in place across the capital, with thousands of personnel deployed around key locations. The summit is expected to include bilateral meetings involving leaders including Modi, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin.

An IndiGo flight from Lucknow to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, made an emergency landing at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on September 10 after a bomb threat was reported onboard. The flight, carrying 107 passengers and six crew members, landed safely at around 5:43 pm. The threat reportedly followed the discovery of a tissue paper bearing the word “bomb” inside an aircraft lavatory. Passengers were kept at the airport while security agencies, including the police, CISF, Crime Branch and SOG, searched the aircraft. No suspicious object was found during the initial checks, and authorities began investigating the threat. (PC: Reuters)

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to India for the BRICS Summit marks his first trip to the country in seven years and is being viewed as an important step in improving India-China relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi are expected to discuss peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), border management, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges. The visit comes after a period of military and diplomatic talks aimed at reducing tensions following the 2020 Galwan clash. Both sides are seeking to rebuild trust while expanding cooperation through BRICS, although strategic differences and mutual security concerns continue to shape bilateral relations. (PC: Reuters)

A survivor of the Satya Niketan building collapse in Delhi has recalled the moments before the tragedy, saying there was no warning that basement-related work could pose a danger. The five-storey building, operating as a student accommodation, collapsed on September 6, killing seven people and injuring others. Investigators are examining whether basement work, structural alterations and repair activities weakened the ageing structure. Police are also investigating the role of the building’s operators and others connected with the property. The incident has raised serious concerns over unauthorized construction, student housing safety and enforcement of building regulations in Delhi. (PC: PTI)

India reached the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final after defeating Bangladesh by 40 runs in the semifinal. Batting first, India posted 149/5, with Shafali Verma producing a crucial 64 off 40 balls, including three sixes. Despite a difficult pitch and Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling, Shafali’s aggressive innings gave India a competitive total. Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 24, while Richa Ghosh contributed 21. Bangladesh struggled during the chase and finished at 109/7 in 20 overs. Deepti Sharma led India’s bowling with three wickets, helping seal a comfortable victory. India will face the winner of Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the final. (PC: IANS)