India has served eight times as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, most recently in 2021-22, and continues to press for a permanent seat.   New Delhi first put forward its candidature in 1994 and says the Council must expand in both permanent and non-permanent categories to reflect today's world. The five permanent members, China, France, Russia, the UK and the US, have not changed since 1945, and each holds veto power.   India cites its size, democracy, economic weight and peacekeeping role. It has also launched a campaign for a non-permanent seat for 2028-29. China has not explicitly backed India's bid.

Around 80 Indian customer-service employees at an unnamed US-based financial firm were reportedly informed of their termination during a five-minute Google Meet, according to a Reddit post. The employee said workers, scheduled for a 6:30 pm shift, were initially asked to work from home for “operational reasons” before receiving a meeting invitation around 9:30 pm. The post claimed the entire Indian customer-service team was dismissed, potentially affecting 80 families. The employee later attributed the decision to the company’s concerns about the Indian team’s output. However, the claims, including the number of employees affected and the reason for the layoffs, have not been independently verified. (PC: News18)

An Indian man who moved to Australia to study 11 years ago has become an Australian citizen, owning three pizza restaurants, a house and a BMW. His story was shared on X by his brother-in-law, entrepreneur Vineeth K. Unable to find a job in his field after his studies, he took a full-time job at a pizza shop, including deliveries. Three years later, he bought a pizza franchise with a partner and some funds, then added two more. He has also built a house in Hyderabad and flown his parents to Australia. His family received citizenship this week. (PC: HT)

The UN human rights office says Russian authorities were behind 89 per cent of verified conflict-related sexual violence cases in Ukraine. Its report documents 1,004 cases between February 2022 and July 2026, involving civilians and prisoners of war. The remaining 11 per cent were attributed to Ukrainian authorities. Most victims were men, while women and children were affected mainly in occupied territory. The UN says the true figure is likely higher because of underreporting and Russia's refusal to grant access. Russia declined to comment, while Ukraine welcomed the report. UN rights chief Volker Türk said the violence must stop immediately. (PC: India Today)

Three people were killed and another critically injured after a speeding BMW crashed on Mumbai’s Coastal Road and fell from a bridge early Sunday morning. The black BMW was travelling from Marine Drive towards Haji Ali when the driver allegedly lost control, hit a boundary wall and plunged into an area where parking work was underway. All four occupants were taken to Nair Hospital, where three were declared dead. The victims included 21-year-old Shanay Gajjal and 17-year-old Dhirya Seth, while the third deceased was a 25-year-old man. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. 

Japan Air Self-Defense Force chief General Takehiro Morita flew a sortie in India's indigenous LCA Tejas at Jodhpur on Sunday, during the India-Japan air exercise Veer Guardian-2026. IAF chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said the flight showed Japan's "faith and trust" in homegrown Indian aircraft. Singh also flew a Tejas. He called it a milestone that Japanese fighters are operating from Indian soil for the first time. Morita said Tejas symbolises India's technological innovation and the Make in India drive. The 14-day exercise began on September 8, with JASDF F-2 jets joining IAF Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale aircraft.

A Sikh bus driver was attacked before a man hijacked a bus in Telford, UK, on Friday evening. A video circulating online appears to show the man pulling the driver’s beard and headbutting him before taking control of the bus. Police said the vehicle was driven on the wrong side of the road and crashed into several vehicles. Armed officers stopped the bus and arrested a 33-year-old man within 10 minutes of receiving the first emergency call. The driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of robbery and dangerous driving. Police said inquiries into the incident are continuing.  

Indian fish importers have urged Bangladesh to lift its hilsa export ban ahead of Durga Puja, but no 2026 export quota has been announced. Eighteen Bangladeshi companies have applied for permission, and Dhaka's Commerce Ministry has asked the Fisheries Ministry to assess domestic supply first. Last year, Bangladesh allowed 1,200 tonnes of hilsa to go to India. This year the flow has reversed. India has exported about 500 tonnes of hilsa to Bangladesh in two months, amid lower production there, and 150-200 tonnes more are expected. For Bengalis on both sides of the border, Padma ilish remains central to the festive table. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, giving him authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that continue major purchases of Russian oil and gas. India and China, among the largest buyers of Russian energy, could potentially face such measures, though the law does not automatically impose them. The legislation expands sanctions on Russia, targets its energy sector, banks, officials and shadow fleet, and extends existing sanctions on Iran. India has expressed concern over possible effects on bilateral ties, energy security and markets. New Delhi says it will continue sourcing energy based on prices and availability. (PC: NY Times)

Japanese airmen at the India-Japan air exercise "Veer Guardian 2026" have praised Indian Air Force personnel as "approachable" and spoken warmly of Indian curry and yoga.   The drill is being held at the Air Force Station in Jodhpur and will run until September 22. The IAF welcomed Japan's F-2 fighter jets and 110 Japan Air Self-Defense Force members on September 8.   Airmen from Tsuiki Air Base said training with aircraft their force does not have is improving their skills. They called the curry "super delicious" and said yoga left an impression. Rajnath Singh called the visit a "significant milestone" for India-Japan defence ties. (PC:  HT)