Indian-origin woman Shalini Thakur, 38, was shot dead outside her workplace in Sacramento, California, on September 8 after months of alleged stalking by a 22-year-old man identified as Rohit. Investigators said the warning signs included an Apple AirTag found under her car, tampered tyres, being followed to work and an alleged break-in at her home. Thakur had obtained a civil harassment restraining order against Rohit in May. Authorities later said they had probable cause to arrest him after a reported violation in July but could not locate him. Rohit later died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police pursuit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali left New Delhi on Sunday after attending the two-day BRICS Summit hosted by India. The summit brought together leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The meeting concluded with discussions on global growth, technology, climate, trade and cooperation among developing nations. BRICS members also adopted the New Delhi Declaration, which condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and called for dialogue and diplomacy to address conflicts in West Asia. Modi said India’s BRICS presidency focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. (PC: HT)

BRICS leaders have strongly condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. In the New Delhi Declaration 2026, leaders called for a zero-tolerance approach and stressed the importance of international cooperation against terrorism. The declaration also expressed concern over the continuing escalation of tensions in West Asia, urging all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could worsen the situation. The leaders reiterated their support for resolving international disputes through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy during the BRICS Summit under India’s chairship. (PC: X)

Chinese President Xi Jinping recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm welcome during his 2014 visit to Gujarat during bilateral talks in New Delhi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. Xi smilingly mentioned that Modi had received him in his home state on September 17, 2014, which was also Modi’s birthday, prompting a light-hearted reaction from the Indian Prime Minister. Xi noted that the two leaders have met 21 times over the years. Their discussions focused on stabilising India-China relations, addressing border issues and expanding economic and strategic cooperation. Both sides emphasised dialogue, mutual understanding and continued efforts to strengthen bilateral ties. 

Newly declassified CIA presidential intelligence briefs have revealed that India was among several countries Osama bin Laden had considered targeting before the September 11, 2001 attacks. The CIA released more than 70 intelligence documents, covering the period from 1998 to 2001, to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11. A 1998 brief said bin Laden wanted to launch attacks against countries including India, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Uganda. The documents also show repeated warnings to U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush about al-Qaeda’s plans to attack American targets. (PC: NDTV)

BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration in New Delhi on Saturday, backing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and calling for stronger international support for Palestine. The declaration supported Palestine’s full UN membership and said a lasting solution should include a sovereign Palestinian state within the internationally recognised 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. BRICS also welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon, condemned violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and called on Israel to respect its agreement with the Lebanese government and withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory. The declaration also raised concerns over unilateral tariffs and trade restrictions. (PC: X/Narendramodi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, with both sides stressing the need to improve ties. India highlighted peace and tranquillity along the border as essential for stronger relations, while the two countries committed to finding a fair and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary issue. Modi said differences should not become disputes and called for mutual respect, sensitivity and interest. Xi described India and China as partners and backed a strategic, long-term approach to ties. The leaders also discussed trade, business and people-to-people exchanges. (PC: India Today)

BRICS leaders strongly condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians and reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism in all forms. The New Delhi Declaration said all acts of terrorism are “criminal and unjustifiable”, regardless of their motivation or perpetrators. The leaders called for action against cross-border movement of terrorists, terror financing and safe havens, while stressing that terrorism must not be linked to any religion, nationality or ethnic group. They also urged BRICS countries to reject double standards, hold terrorists and their supporters accountable, and take coordinated action against UN-designated terrorists and terrorist groups. (PC: NDTV)

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim added a Bollywood touch to his India visit by singing Kishore Kumar’s popular song Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat from the 1965 film Teen Deviyan. Anwar, who is in New Delhi to attend the BRICS Summit, was seen singing the classic Hindi track at his hotel. The song was composed by S.D. Burman and written by Majrooh Sultanpuri. The moment highlighted Anwar’s long-standing appreciation for Indian cinema and music. He has previously shared his love for Bollywood, including using the song Bole Chudiyan during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Malaysia earlier this year. 

Tamil cinema stars Ajith Kumar and Vijay are set to share the spotlight at Silverstone, decades after their careers and fan bases became linked by a long-running rivalry. Vijay, now Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, is attending the Michelin Le Mans Cup round as a special guest and will wave the ceremonial green flag, while Ajith is competing in the LMP3 Pro/Am category. The Le Mans Cup organisers confirmed Vijay’s appearance, saying he would support Indian drivers and officially start the race. Ajith has also praised Vijay’s efforts to promote motorsport in Tamil Nadu, calling the development plans a potential boost for racing in India.