Twenty-one of 24 crew members aboard merchant vessel MV KMAX EMPEROR were safely evacuated after it collided with another merchant vessel, MV TRUE MARINER, off the outer anchorage OTB Kandla in Gujarat, the Indian Coast Guard said. Following the collision, the Coast Guard launched a swift rescue operation to evacuate the crew aboard MV KMAX EMPEROR. Three crew members remained onboard the vessel after the evacuation. The incident occurred off Gujarat’s Kandla coast, prompting the Coast Guard to activate pollution response measures alongside the rescue operation. The Coast Guard shared details of the incident and rescue efforts on social media, confirming that 21 crew members had been safely evacuated following the collision.

New Delhi has been transformed into a high-security zone ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, with around 25,000 security personnel deployed across the capital. The security operation includes Delhi Police, paramilitary forces, NSG commandos, anti-drone systems and extensive surveillance arrangements. Key routes, hotels and the summit venue at Bharat Mandapam have been secured for visiting world leaders and delegations. Authorities have also introduced traffic restrictions and diversions on several major roads to facilitate VVIP movements. The extensive measures aim to prevent security threats and ensure the smooth conduct of the high-profile summit, scheduled for September 11–13. (PC: X)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has highlighted several benefits India has gained from BRICS after party colleague P. Chidambaram questioned the grouping’s tangible value for the country. Chidambaram had asked what concrete economic or strategic advantages India had received from BRICS membership. Tharoor responded by pointing to BRICS’ role in expanding India’s diplomatic outreach, strengthening ties with emerging economies and providing a platform for cooperation on global issues. He also stressed the importance of India using the grouping to advance its interests rather than viewing it solely through immediate economic gains. The debate comes amid India hosting the 2026 BRICS Summit. (PC: NDTV)

Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, has returned to Kolhapur after being at Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat, following a prolonged dispute over her relocation and welfare. Vantara said Madhuri’s wellbeing remains its primary concern and committed to providing veterinary support every fortnight. The elephant had spent decades at a Jain temple in Kolhapur before being moved to Vantara amid concerns over her health and living conditions. Her return follows legal and public developments surrounding her care. Vantara has maintained that specialised treatment and rehabilitation were undertaken in her best interests, while authorities continue monitoring her health and welfare. (PC: Vantara)

A new assessment by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) estimates that India may have produced enough weapons-grade plutonium to support 140–225 nuclear warheads. The study estimates India currently possesses around 190 assembled nuclear warheads, including more than 160 associated with operational delivery systems and additional warheads intended for newer missiles under development. It also highlights India’s continuing production of plutonium and highly enriched uranium, with the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor potentially increasing future plutonium availability. The assessment notes uncertainty over India’s advanced warhead designs. India continues to maintain its declared No First Use nuclear policy.

Ahead of the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi, several Union Ministers and Chief Ministers are set to adopt a simplified travel arrangement by using a common bus from Parliament instead of separate VIP convoys. The move is aimed at reducing traffic disruption and presenting a coordinated approach during the high-profile international event. The shared transport arrangement is expected to help minimise the movement of multiple official vehicles through central Delhi, where extensive security measures are already in place. The initiative also reflects efforts to balance stringent security requirements with smoother traffic management during the summit. (PC: Moneycontrol)

New Delhi has been placed under a high-security cover ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13. Authorities have prepared extensive security arrangements for visiting leaders, particularly Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Separate hotels and dedicated security teams have been arranged for the two leaders, while Delhi Police and specialised units are overseeing their movements. Around 15,000 police personnel, 200 paramilitary companies and more than 500 CCTV cameras are being deployed across the capital. Traffic restrictions, route diversions and intensive surveillance have also been introduced to secure key areas and ensure the summit proceeds without disruption. (PC: India Today)

Forest department teams in Assam’s Golaghat district successfully rescued a wild elephant after a tractor tyre became tightly lodged around its neck. The elephant was reportedly spotted in the Bokiyal Tea Garden area of Numaligarh while searching for food. The unusual incident created a potentially life-threatening situation, as the heavy tyre restricted the animal’s movement and could have caused serious injuries. Forest personnel carried out a careful rescue operation and eventually removed the tyre, freeing the elephant. The successful intervention prevented further harm and highlighted the risks wildlife faces from discarded human-made objects in forest and animal habitats. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi would feature positive and meaningful discussions among participating leaders. Ahead of the summit, Modi said India was looking forward to welcoming leaders and delegations from BRICS countries and strengthening cooperation within the grouping. Discussions are expected to focus on global challenges, economic cooperation, development and other issues of shared interest. India’s presidency of BRICS comes as the grouping continues to expand its influence in global affairs. Modi’s remarks underline New Delhi’s emphasis on constructive dialogue, cooperation and collective efforts to address pressing international challenges during the summit. (PC: PMO)

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on September 11, 2026, to attend the 18th BRICS Summit hosted by India. His visit highlights the importance of India-Russia relations amid major geopolitical tensions and the continuing war in Ukraine. Putin is expected to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with discussions likely to cover defence, energy, trade and strategic cooperation. His presence at the summit also underlines Russia’s engagement with the expanded BRICS grouping. The visit comes as India seeks greater cooperation among emerging economies while maintaining strategic ties with major global powers, including Russia.