India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday dismissed social media reports claiming that several world leaders fell sick after attending the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The MEA’s fact-checking unit called the reports “fake” and warned against “malicious” posts. The rumours surfaced after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was advised to rest following his return from India. Unverified reports also claimed Chinese President Xi Jinping had left the summit early for medical reasons. However, reports said Xi skipped the leaders’ dinner because he was tired after a long day of engagements. The BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. (PC: HT)

Ladakh filmmaker Stanzin Jigmet has won the Gold award in the Narrative category at the 53rd Student Academy Awards for his film ‘The Dragon Letter’. The awards ceremony was held on September 14 during the Toronto International Film Festival. Jigmet, who studied film directing at ESCAC in Barcelona, was among the student filmmakers recognised this year. The competition received 2,972 entries from 894 colleges and universities worldwide. ‘The Dragon Letter’ is now eligible for consideration at the 99th Academy Awards. Jigmet earlier dedicated the achievement to his family, cast, crew and supporters, calling the journey from Ladakh to the Academy “unreal.” (PC: X)

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce was among 64 investors defrauded in a $35 million Ponzi scheme operated by Indian-origin investment adviser Siddharth Jawahar, US prosecutors said.   Jawahar, founder of Texas-based Swiftarc Capital, pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud and was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison. He was also ordered to pay $31.35 million in restitution. Prosecutors said Jawahar used new investors’ money to repay earlier investors and fund a lavish lifestyle. Only about $10 million of the money raised was invested. Details of Kelce’s investment and losses have not been publicly disclosed. (PC: India Today)

Climate change was a key factor in last month’s deadly glacial mountain collapse on the China-Nepal border, scientists said on Thursday. The disaster killed more than 1,400 people and left at least 6,600 missing.   Researchers from the World Weather Attribution group described the disaster as a “compound crisis” rather than the result of one extreme weather event. They said long-term warming, glacier retreat, melting permafrost and geological instability combined to increase the risk of the collapse. Scientists also noted that the region has experienced significant warming, making high-altitude areas increasingly vulnerable to such disasters.

Richie Mehta’s ‘Phoolan’ received a standing ovation at its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on Wednesday. The Hindi action drama, based on the life of former bandit and politician Phoolan Devi, was screened in the festival’s Special Presentation section at the Princess of Wales Theatre. The film stars Sneha Kumari in the lead role, with Anurag Thakur, Aakash Dahiya and Vikram Pratap Singh also part of the cast. Mehta said the film aims to present Phoolan Devi’s life beyond the mythology surrounding her. Based on her autobiography, the film will stream on Prime Video, with its release date yet to be announced. (PC: HT)

India on Thursday said it would take all necessary steps to protect its trade and economic interests after the US Congress passed a sweeping bill targeting Russia and Iran. The legislation gives US President Donald Trump the power to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue significant trade with Russia, including Russian oil and gas.   India’s External Affairs Ministry said the government remains committed to securing energy supplies for its 1.4 billion people. It said India would continue sourcing energy based on market conditions and through diversified suppliers, while assessing the impact of the US measures. (PC: India Today)

Indian athletes are facing accommodation and logistical difficulties in Japan ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, according to sources. The Games begin September 19 and end October 4. Athletes, including members of the shooting contingent, are reportedly waiting for rooms, while shooters are taking more than two hours to reach training venues. Sources claimed some room bookings were cancelled and athletes and officials spent hours at the airport before receiving accommodation. India's Chef de Mission has reportedly booked 15 additional rooms. Venues allegedly lack adequate facilities apart from drinking water. More than 11,000 athletes from over 45 countries are expected, with accommodation split between hotels, containers and Costa Serena.

A unit of Adani Power’s Godda thermal plant in Jharkhand, which supplies electricity to Bangladesh, shut down on September 10 after a boiler fault, halving supplies. The unit was restored on September 13, while Bangladesh was facing a power deficit of around 2,500 MW and outages lasting three to 10 hours in several regions. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Secretary-General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged the shutdown was linked to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman skipping the Brics Summit in New Delhi. Speaking outside Dhaka’s Jatiya Press Club, Rizvi accused India of creating a “web of conspiracy” against Bangladesh and said Rahman’s decision upheld Bangladesh’s “independence and sovereignty,” according to Bangladeshi media reports. (PC: BNP/Social Media)

The United States has denied Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a visa to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The State Department said Abbas’ application was rejected, preventing him from travelling to the US and addressing the gathering in person. Abbas will miss the UN meeting for a second consecutive year, with Palestinian officials expected to arrange a remote or prerecorded address. Washington has cited US laws concerning security, associations and statutory compliance for restrictions on Palestinian officials. The decision raises questions over US obligations under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, which requires facilitating access for foreign officials attending UN business, though Washington says domestic laws can affect decisions. (PC: X)

A Pakistan Navy vessel collided with an Indian Navy warship in the Arabian Sea on September 15 after manoeuvring at high speed, India said the Pakistani vessel acted in an “unprofessional and unsafe” manner and summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires to lodge a strong protest. The collision occurred in international waters and caused no damage to the Indian warship, while India said the conduct violated Article 10 of the 1991 agreement requiring naval vessels to maintain three nautical miles’ distance. Pakistan later summoned India’s charge d’affaires, alleging the Indian vessel made aggressive manoeuvres inside Pakistan’s exclusive economic zone. Both sides urged adherence to international law and agreements to prevent incidents at sea.