Pakistan’s U-19 cricket team was mistakenly identified as asylum seekers by protesters outside the Marriott Hotel in Portsmouth, where the squad is staying for a four-match youth ODI series in England. Around 30-40 people gathered after rumours spread that foreign nationals had arrived at the hotel. Police intervened and explained that the group was Pakistan’s youth cricket team. The situation was calmed after Reform councillor George Madgwick contacted the hotel and spoke with Pakistan’s head coach. Madgwick then informed protesters they had mistaken the group, calling the episode unfortunate. The crowd left within minutes and the incident ended peacefully, after the misunderstanding was cleared. The misunderstanding cleared quickly, ending the protest. (PC: X)

China confirmed on Thursday that President Xi Jinping will attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, marking his first visit to India in almost seven years. Xi last visited India in October 2019 for an informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mamallapuram near Chennai. The two leaders are expected to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the summit. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will also hold discussions during the event, with bilateral trade and normalisation on the agenda. Xi’s visit comes after the seven-year gap, as the summit provides an opportunity for discussions between India and China. (PC: The Daily Jagaran)

The Dorchester hotel has secured a court order to sell a car belonging to Sheikh Nasser bin Abdullah al-Thani, a member of Qatar’s ruling family, after he accumulated an unpaid bill of £458,000. The five-star Mayfair hotel sued him in March over unpaid room charges, other expenses and interest. A London County Court ruled in July that al-Thani owed £198,180.33 plus £3,266.89 interest and another £256,627.86. The court also authorised the sale of his 2011 Fiat 500 Abarth Tributo Ferrari, though its estimated resale value of £23,500 would cover little of the debt. Al-Thani’s lawyers dispute the claim, saying he was not properly served and will seek to overturn the judgment. (PC: Chris Mouyiaris/Dreamstime)

Delhi has tightened security ahead of the BRICS summit, with elaborate arrangements for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Putin’s stay at the Maurya Hotel has prompted authorities to turn the property into an “impregnable fortress”, with a four-layer security cordon. The first layer will consist of the CPT, or Close Protection Team, tasked with Putin’s close protection and remaining with him at all times. The broader security plan includes special security teams for Putin and Xi, verified hotel staff, rehearsed routes, and senior police officers, commandos and paramilitary personnel overseeing hotels and key routes. The arrangements reflect heightened security measures across Delhi ahead of the BRICS summit.

Tehran lawmaker Kamran Ghazanfari warned that the world is “practically on the brink of World War III” amid tensions with the United States and the widening Russia-Ukraine conflict. His warning followed the US military’s destruction of five Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island, after repeated missile strikes on a Navy warship. Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensified hostilities, striking Saudi cities, injuring at least 73 people and taking energy facilities offline. The Saudi-led coalition pledged a firm response, raising fears of further conflict as diplomacy remains stalled. Middle East tensions pushed Brent crude above $100 a barrel, fuelling concerns over global inflation ahead of central bank decisions. (PC: AFP)

The rupee weakened 25 paise to 95.33 against the US dollar during early trading hours on Thursday, pressured by Brent crude prices crossing $100 and persistent dollar demand. The currency opened at 95.15 at the interbank foreign exchange market before declining to 95.33, marking a 25-paise loss from Wednesday’s close of 95.08. Forex traders said higher crude prices, which raise concerns over India’s import bill, and sustained dollar demand weighed on investor sentiment. The rupee’s move beyond the psychologically important 95-per-dollar level also triggered additional dollar demand and stop-loss activity. However, Reserve Bank of India intervention helped contain further losses, according to Anil Kumar Bhansali of Finrex Treasury Advisors in Mumbai. (PC: PTI)

India will host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, bringing together major global leaders and representatives from member, partner and outreach countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among the prominent leaders expected to attend. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed are also expected. Partner and outreach leaders from countries including Belarus, Kazakhstan, Malaysia and Thailand will participate. The summit will focus on global governance, economic cooperation, resilience, innovation and sustainable development. (PC: X)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has highlighted the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan as Japanese F-2 fighter jets arrive in Jodhpur for Exercise Veer Guardian 2026. The bilateral air-combat exercise, scheduled from September 11 to 22, marks the first participation of Japan’s F-2 aircraft in India. Indian Air Force aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30MKI and Tejas fighters, will participate alongside the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force. The exercise aims to improve operational coordination, interoperability and combat preparedness between the two air forces. Singh described the drill as an important milestone in strengthening India-Japan defence cooperation and supporting regional security in the Indo-Pacific. (PC: ET)

Five baby orangutans rescued from a forest in Odisha’s Balasore district are showing varied emotions at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, from relaxed and playful behaviour to anxiety and clinging to one another. The animals, all around one year old, were found in a frightened condition and are now being kept under close veterinary supervision. Zoo officials have provided them with teddy bears, nutritious food, sunlight and a temperature-controlled quarantine facility. Three animal keepers and a veterinary team are monitoring them around the clock. Authorities are also investigating how the non-native animals reached Odisha, including possible wildlife trafficking. 

The Supreme Court on Thursday sought a report on allegations that a 14-year-old girl who participated in a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest was harassed after her father was allegedly assaulted by Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said allegations involving a minor could not be ignored and stressed that the girl and her family must not face pressure for pursuing criminal proceedings. The court sought details from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh authorities on the FIR, security arrangements and action taken against those accused of assault and intimidation. It also directed immediate action on the girl’s complaint and police protection. (PC: India Today)