US President Donald Trump has dismissed growing warnings that artificial intelligence could pose an existential threat to humanity. His comments came as Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and other AI leaders raised concerns about the rapid development of increasingly powerful systems. Trump said his priority was ensuring the United States remains ahead of China in AI, arguing that falling behind could put America in a difficult position. Meanwhile, researchers have warned that self-improving AI could become difficult to control and potentially cause catastrophic harm. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Elon Musk have also weighed in on the growing debate over AI safety. (PC: AP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the second day of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin seated on either side of him. Modi warned against the “weaponisation” of technology and critical minerals, saying such trends could hurt global development and shared prosperity. He stressed the need for greater cooperation among BRICS nations and said the grouping must remain inclusive and people-centric. Modi highlighted India’s focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability during its BRICS chairship. He also called for wider participation from entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers, women and youth in the grouping’s initiatives. (PC: X)

China will take over the BRICS chairmanship in 2027 and host the group’s next summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.   Xi made the announcement at the closing session of the 18th BRICS Summit, after India hosted the two-day meeting on September 12 and 13. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Xi on China taking over the presidency. The dates and host city for the 2027 summit have not yet been announced. China’s presidency will follow India’s year-long chairmanship, which focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. (PC: X)

Russian airstrikes killed nine people and injured dozens across Ukraine on Saturday, damaging civilian areas and critical infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched nearly 500 drones, accusing Moscow of increasingly targeting economic and logistical facilities. Attacks struck areas including Kramatorsk, Zviahel, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih and Odesa, with civilians among the casualties. Ukrainian officials warned that intensified attacks on power infrastructure and export facilities could make the coming winter extremely difficult. Infrastructure damage is estimated at nearly $10 billion this year, while disruptions to ports and the economy have reduced GDP. Zelenskyy also proposed talks with Putin, but Russia rejected the offer. (PC: AFP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi aboard a specially modified Ilyushin Il-96-300PU, one of Russia’s most heavily guarded presidential aircraft, for the BRICS Summit. The Soviet-era aircraft is popularly known as the “Flying Kremlin” and is sometimes referred to as Putin’s “Doomsday Plane”. However, the aircraft is not Russia’s dedicated doomsday plane; that title is generally associated with the Ilyushin Il-80, designed as an airborne command centre during a nuclear conflict. Putin’s Il-96-300PU is primarily a presidential transport and command aircraft, equipped for secure communication while airborne. (PC: NDTV)

Saudi Arabia has shut its 1,200-km East-West oil pipeline as a precaution after a drone attack launched from Iraq damaged the facility and injured several people. Iraq confirmed the attack originated in Maysan province, which borders Iran, and removed a military commander from his post while opening an investigation. Saudi Arabia has not retaliated and said it would support Iraq’s efforts to prevent further attacks. The pipeline helps Saudi Arabia bypass the Strait of Hormuz and carries around 4% to 5% of global oil supplies. The attack comes as Iran-backed Houthis expand their control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, pushing oil prices above $100 a barrel. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump has again said the war with Iran will end “very soon.” His remarks come as fighting and tensions in the region continue. Trump said the Houthis do not want to fight the US. He also said Iran was “probably” behind a recent Saudi pipeline attack. Trump had earlier linked the end of the war to the US midterm elections on November 3. Meanwhile, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remain high. Shipping through the key route has fallen sharply. Oil prices have also risen above $100 a barrel. Major issues between Washington and Tehran remain unresolved.  

Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut its 1,200-km East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack, which Riyadh and Baghdad said originated from Iraq. The pipeline, capable of carrying 4–5 million barrels of oil per day, allows Saudi Arabia to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. The closure comes as Iran-aligned Houthi forces expand their presence near Yemen’s strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, including reported control of Perim Island. The disruptions have intensified concerns over global oil supplies and pushed crude prices above $100 a barrel. Saudi Arabia has sought U.S. military assistance, while Washington is currently offering intelligence and targeting support. (PC: Reuters)

Iran-aligned Houthi forces have captured Perim Island, also known as Mayun, in Yemen’s Bab al-Mandab Strait, expanding their control over a crucial global shipping chokepoint. The island divides the narrow waterway linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Suez Canal. The takeover follows the Houthis’ recent capture of the strategic port of Mocha and advances along Yemen’s western coast. Saudi Arabia has responded with airstrikes and is working with regional partners to strengthen maritime security. The development has heightened concerns over disruptions to international trade and oil shipments, with crude prices rising above $100 a barrel amid escalating regional tensions. (PC: EPA)

Saudi Arabia has faced an uncomfortable lesson about its defence partners as Iran-backed Houthis pummeled its military and oil facilities. Pakistan appeared to step back from its military threat against the Houthis, despite the much-touted Mecca defence pact, prompting Saudi Arabia to seek help from the United States. However, US President Donald Trump declined any direct US military action, dashing Riyadh’s hopes for American intervention. With Pakistan seemingly backing away and Washington staying out, Saudi Arabia is left confronting the Houthis with fewer partners willing to fight the Iran-backed militants. The developments have once again exposed the unpredictable nature of both Pakistan and the United States, leaving Saudi Arabia facing a difficult security challenge. (PC: India Today)