At the 25th SCO summit in China, a viral clip captured Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif rushing to greet Chinese President Xi Jinping, only to be seemingly ignored as Xi walked alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin. The moment sparked a wave of online trolling, with users mocking Sharif as “a kid in men’s world” and “ignored like a non-living object.” Critics called the gesture desperate and embarrassing, especially given Pakistan’s financial dependence on China. Meanwhile, PM Modi and Xi held bilateral talks to restore ties post-Ladakh standoff. The SCO declaration may also include condemnation of cross-border terrorism, potentially targeting Pakistan.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Shanghai Cooperation Organization members to strengthen AI cooperation while rejecting "Cold War mentality" at the largest-ever SCO summit in Tianjin. Over twenty foreign leaders attended, including Putin and Modi. Xi announced China's $84 billion investment in SCO countries and pledged support for 10,000 students in Beijing's vocational education program. He proposed a new "Global Governance Initiative" and emphasized peaceful coexistence without targeting third parties. Modi and Xi met Saturday, affirming partnership over rivalry for their 2.8 billion peoples. Putin will stay for Beijing's WWII commemoration military parade. Leaders signed the "Tianjin Declaration" and approved a decade-long development plan through 2035, adopting twenty-four cooperation documents covering security, economy, and humanity. (PC: X)

The ICC has announced record prize money for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2. The total prize pool is set at $13.88 million, a 297% increase from 2022. The winners will receive $4.48 million, while the runners-up will get $2.24 million. Semi-finalists will earn $1.12 million each. The prize pot is higher than the $10 million offered at the 2023 Men’s World Cup. ICC said the move is a “defining milestone” to boost women’s cricket and ensure pay parity in the sport. (PC: NDTV)

At the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was seen looking on as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin walked past him. The two leaders walked together, speaking warmly, while Sharif stood nearby observing. A widely shared video showed the moment on social media. Modi and Putin later exchanged a hug and posed with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Modi also shared a group picture from the summit on X. The SCO summit, hosted by China, brought together leaders from 10 member states and several international organisations. 

More than 600 people are feared dead after a powerful magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, the Taliban interior ministry said. Officials reported that dozens of houses are “under rubble” and entire villages have been destroyed. “The situation is catastrophic,” a Taliban spokesperson added, warning that casualty figures could rise. The quake, at a shallow depth of 8km, shook buildings from Kabul to Pakistan’s capital Islamabad. Locals said landslides cut off areas near the epicentre, making rescue difficult. “We heard screams under collapsed roofs,” one resident told BBC. Hospitals are overwhelmed as the injured are rushed in. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, stressing that “the time has come for peace in Ukraine.” Modi said India and Russia “have always stood together, even in difficult times,” emphasizing their cooperation is essential for global stability. He added, “The world is looking at us with hope.” Putin praised the “special trust” between the two nations, noting their partnership extends beyond politics. Both leaders reaffirmed economic and strategic ties, with Modi inviting Putin to visit India in December to deepen cooperation. (PC: News18)

Greta Thunberg has left Barcelona with the largest flotilla of boats carrying aid to Gaza. The 22-year-old activist was cheered by thousands of supporters waving Palestinian flags as she departed on Sunday. The flotilla includes activists from 44 countries and aims to deliver aid and push for a humanitarian corridor. Thunberg said the mission challenges an unjust system and shows solidarity with Gaza. Israel has long enforced a naval blockade, saying it is needed to stop weapons from reaching Hamas. Previous aid attempts, including one by Thunberg in June, were blocked by Israeli forces. More ships will join from Europe. (PC: Sky News)

Israel said Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida was killed in an air strike in Gaza City’s al-Rimal area. Defence Minister Israel Katz praised the “flawless execution” by the IDF and Shin Bet. The strike hit a six-storey building, reportedly killing at least seven people and injuring 20, including children. Hamas has not confirmed Obeida’s death but accused Israel of killing civilians. Obeida, always masked, was the voice of Hamas’s military wing since 2003. The IDF said steps were taken to limit civilian harm. The attack comes ahead of Israel’s planned offensive to seize control of Gaza City. (PC: Getty Images)

Indian PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Tianjin during the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) summit. It was Modi’s first visit to China in 7 years. Xi said India and China should be “partners, not rivals,” while Modi noted an “atmosphere of peace and stability” after border tensions. Modi also announced that suspended flights between both countries will soon resume. The summit, attended by over 20 world leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, comes as the US imposes steep tariffs on India. Leaders are also addressing trade wars and shared regional concerns. (PC: X)

Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has confirmed his entry into the International League T20 auction, set for September 30 in Dubai. The 38-year-old, who recently retired from all formats of Indian cricket, said, “I have sent my name for the ILT20 auction. Hopefully, I will have a buyer.” This marks Ashwin’s first move into foreign T20 leagues. If picked, he will be the biggest Indian name in the West Asian league. The BCCI restricts active players from joining overseas leagues, but Ashwin’s retirement allows him to explore global opportunities as both player and mentor. (PC: X)