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)

Elena Rybakina defeated defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the 2026 US Open women’s singles final to claim her first title at Flushing Meadows. The Kazakh player secured her third Grand Slam crown after previously winning Wimbledon in 2022 and the Australian Open earlier this year. Rybakina’s victory also confirmed her rise to the world No. 1 ranking, ending Sabalenka’s 99-week reign at the top. Sabalenka had been seeking a historic third consecutive US Open title, but Rybakina’s powerful serving, composure and consistent baseline play proved decisive in the closely contested final. (PC: Getty)

BRICS leaders at the 2026 summit in New Delhi expressed serious concern over the growing risks of nuclear confrontation amid escalating global conflicts. In the New Delhi Declaration, leaders stressed the importance of protecting civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities from attacks. They called for maximum restraint, dialogue, consultation and diplomatic solutions to international disputes. The declaration also highlighted concerns over rising global polarisation, distrust and instability, particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law, nuclear safety and multilateral cooperation, urging countries to prevent further escalation and work towards lasting peace and stability. (PC: PTI)

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. 

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)

England batter Joe Root surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most half-centuries in Test cricket during England’s eight-wicket win over Pakistan at Edgbaston on Saturday. Root remained unbeaten on 62 off 39 balls, taking his Test fifties tally to 69, one ahead of Tendulkar’s 68. His knock helped England chase down 130 and complete a 3-0 series sweep against Pakistan. Root also became the first batter to score more than 1,000 Test runs at Edgbaston. He is only the third player, after Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting, to cross 1,000 Test runs at four different venues. (PC: NDTV)

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.