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BRICS 2026 preparations

18th BRICS summit: Moving in new directions

India will host the BRICS Summit in New Delhi from September 12-13, focusing on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability amid global challenges like the energy crisis and regional tensions. The summit aims to enhance India's diplomatic stature while addressing environmental issues and fostering multilateral cooperation, reflecting its leadership role in the Global South.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia October 23, 2024.

China signals reset as Xi visits India, vows to 'properly handle differences'

China's envoy, Xu Feihong, stated that Beijing is committed to collaborating with India to manage their differences, emphasizing mutual cooperation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping. This statement comes ahead of Xi's visit to India for the BRICS Summit, where a bilateral meeting with Modi is scheduled.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia October 23, 2024.

Modi-Xi meeting at BRICS: Where do India-China ties stand today?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, marking Xi's first visit to India in seven years, aimed at stabilizing ties after the 2020 Ladakh crisis. Despite recent improvements in relations, tensions persist along the border, and economic collaboration remains limited due to lingering trust issues.

Snippet from a video shared by Bittu Tabahi.

Bittu Tabahi’s video call with Dutch NGO after CEO offers him job on X. Watch

Surendra Singh Choudhary, known as Bittu Tabahi, received a job offer from The Ocean Cleanup's CEO, Boyan Slat, after gaining viral attention for cleaning Madhya Pradesh's Ajnar River. Choudhary shared a video of their interaction, inspiring social media praise. The 21-year-old’s efforts have led to decreased littering in his community, prompting recognition from local officials.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

Expand use of local currencies to tackle sanctions: Iran President in India

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged Brics members to enhance trade using national currencies to mitigate the impact of sanctions, emphasizing geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain issues. He proposed the establishment of financial instruments and infrastructure to boost cooperation, suggesting the New Development Bank finance projects in local currencies. Pezeshkian also condemned US and Israeli actions, asserting Iran's resilience.

G Herbo reacts to Lil Durk’s acquittal in the federal murder-for-hire case.

Lil Durk acquittal: G Herbo drops bombshell reaction - watch viral video

Lil Durk was acquitted of orchestrating a 2022 murder-for-hire plot against rapper Quando Rondo, which resulted in the death of Rondo's cousin, during a trial that spanned two weeks. Prosecutors linked the case to retaliation for a previous killing of Durk’s friend, King Von; however, Durk's defense successfully challenged the evidence. Despite this victory, Durk faces separate federal racketeering charges with a trial scheduled for October 5.

Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma and Julia Roberts are devotees of Neem Karoli Baba.

Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli, Julia Roberts to feature in Hanuman Ansh sequel?

Devotional drama *Hanuman Ansh*, directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, is a surprise success, grossing Rs 173.63 crore. The film, depicting Neem Karoli Baba's early life, has drawn praise from political figures and raised speculation about celebrity cameos in its sequel. Conceived as a trilogy, it highlights the influence Baba had on numerous devotees, both Indian and international. Released on August 7, the film gained traction through positive word of mouth.

Hamza bin Laden was seen as the designated heir to Osama before his reported death along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in a US operation in 2019.

Al-Qaeda releases video of Osama bin Laden's son on 9/11 anniversary

Al-Qaeda's As-Sahab media wing released a video featuring footage of Hamza bin Laden, reported dead since 2019, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of 9/11, aiming to bolster recruitment and leadership under Saif al-Adl. The video showcases footage of past attacks and invokes Hamza's potential as a successor to Osama bin Laden, despite conflicting reports about his fate.

The former Indian domestic giant (in the middle) with Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammad Azharuddin.

10120 runs, 38 tons, 67 average: Banned for life alongside Azharuddin

Ajay Sharma, once a prominent cricketer, faced a life ban in 2000 due to match-fixing allegations, severely impacting his career and family. In 2014, a Delhi court lifted the ban, allowing him to return to cricket. Eventually, as a coach, he led Jammu and Kashmir to their first Ranji Trophy victory, marking a remarkable comeback from scandal to success. Sharma's journey reflects resilience after nearly two decades of stigma.

China's President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive for a signing ceremony during Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China June 10, 2018.

Modi, Xi meet today: Arunachal border, mega dam and bilateral ties on agenda

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi during the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, focusing on normalizing bilateral ties and addressing a long-standing border dispute. This meeting marks Xi's first visit to India since 2019 and aims to assess progress from previous talks while navigating ongoing tensions and issues.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday seized nearly  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>39.43 lakh worth of paneer and khoya in Pune ahead of Ganeshotsav. (HT)

FDA seizes 4,600 kg khoya, 12,500 kg paneer in Pune

The Pune FDA seized nearly ₹39.43 lakh worth of paneer and khoya, totaling 17,100 kg, amid a crackdown on suspected adulterated food ahead of Ganeshotsav. Investigations revealed the products, intended for local traders, were transported under unhygienic conditions from Karnataka and Maharashtra. Laboratory tests will determine safety, with further action anticipated based on results.

Elephant Madhuri, popularly known as Mahadevi in Kolhapur, returned to Kolhapur after spending more than a year in Vantara in Gujarat’s Jamnagar run by Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust. (HT)

After year at Vantara, Madhuri returns home to Kolhapur

Elephant Madhuri, returning to Kolhapur after over a year at Gujarat's Vantara for medical treatment, is expected by 11:30 PM, greeted by crowds and flowers. The Supreme Court-appointed committee mandated her return, ensuring strict care regulations. Despite concerns about her new facility, improvements have been promised. Madhuri's journey signifies strong public support for her return.

Deputy chief minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar on Friday reviewed preparations at a meeting held at the divisional commissioner’s office. (HT)

Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar reviews Ganeshotsav preparations

PUNE: The state government is enhancing traffic, security, and cleanliness for the anticipated influx of devotees during Ganeshotsav, as stressed by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar. She emphasized safety measures, including round-the-clock police patrolling and proper Nirmalya disposal. The civic administration has been tasked with ensuring adequate facilities and coordination, drawing lessons from previous festivals.

Vijay Bhagwan Dagade arrested for allegedly using button-operated mechanism to conceal his vehicle’s registration number was granted bail by court. (HT FILE)

Vehicle owner held, gets bail in ‘disappearing’ number plate case

Wakad police arrested Vijay Bhagwan Dagade, 44, for using a button-operated mechanism to conceal his vehicle’s registration number while driving on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway. A viral video led to the arrest and subsequent bail granted by the court, which cited insufficient grounds for physical custody. The case is under investigation to uncover details about the vehicle modification.

Pune district administration withdrew 13-day blanket ban on liquor sales during Ganeshotsav after the high court questioned the rationale behind the decision and called it ‘arbitrary’. (Getty Images/iStockphoto (PIC FOR REPRESENTATION))

13-day liquor sale ban during Ganeshotsav withdrawn in Pune

MUMBAI: The Pune district administration's 13-day liquor sales ban during Ganeshotsav was rescinded after the high court deemed it arbitrary, noting it could hinder celebrations without cause. The court criticized the lack of similar restrictions in other cities and ordered the administration to clarify their intent, resulting in a revised dry day schedule only for September 14 and 25.

Haryana transport minister Anil Vij said the ring road project will prove to be a milestone in Ambala’s infrastructure history and will push Ambala toward becoming a metropolitan city. (HT)

Haryana: Ambala ring road project to ease traffic on Delhi-Chandigarh highway

The nearly complete six-lane Ambala ring road project, costing ₹691 crore, promises to improve connectivity and ease traffic on the Delhi-Chandigarh highway. With 90% of work finished, it links multiple highways and aims to reduce congestion and accidents in Ambala's busy areas. This initiative is part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, enhancing Ambala’s infrastructure significantly.

Superintending engineer, Zirakpur, Amandeep Singh said around  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>184 crore had been allocated for the important project. He said work on the project would commence soon after possession of the land was handed over. (HT File)

Zirakpur: Land price fixed for setting up 220-kV substation near Nabha Sahib gurdwara

A meeting at the DC Office in Mohali set the land price for a 220-kV substation near Gurdwara Nabha Sahib at ₹4 crore per acre for 5 acres. Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal confirmed the project's importance for Zirakpur's power infrastructure, backed by ₹184 crore funding. Dera Bassi MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa praised the committee’s efforts.

Adding amounts for loss of estate, funeral expenses and consortium, the tribunal fixed the total compensation at  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>21 lakh with 7.5% annual interest from the date of filing until realisation. (HT)

Tribunal awards 21 lakh to kin of ASI killed in Panchkula road mishap

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in Panchkula has awarded ₹21 lakh to the family of Haryana police ASI Anil Kumar, who died in a road accident on May 18, 2025. His family, seeking ₹5 crore, proved the Volvo driver's negligence. Anil’s income was evaluated at ₹10 lakh, leading to compensation inclusion for various losses, effective with interest.

The tertiary care hospital offers a diverse range of tests, with intake of around 7000 blood samples a day. (HT)

Chandigarh: PGIMER approves outsourcing of diagnostic services, union condemns the move

The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research has approved outsourcing diagnostic services, sparking backlash from the PGI Medical Technologist Union, which argues that essential health services require consistent, trained staff rather than contractual labor. Concerns arise over prior fund mismanagement linked to outsourced staff. The administration claims this is a temporary measure to enhance patient care amid rising demands.

A Wikipedia page is seen on a laptop screen.

Wikipedia down update: How to fix ‘too many requests’ error as thousands hit

Wikipedia experienced widespread outages on September 11, affecting thousands of users who took to social media to express their frustration. Downdetector reported over 1,000 incidents of accessibility issues at that time. This disruption highlights the significance of Wikipedia as a crucial resource for information, demonstrating the rapid response and engagement of users during site downtimes.

Police have registered a case under Section 306 of the Bharatiya Nayaya Sanhita (BNS) which deals with theft committed by a clerk in respect of property belonging to their master. (HT)

Mohali: Seven food delivery employees booked for 2 lakh inventory theft

Seven employees at a Swiggy Instamart hub in Zirakpur allegedly orchestrated thefts by substituting inventory and concealing cigarettes, resulting in a ₹2 lakh loss. The police have charged them after the company uncovered the scheme through CCTV footage and order trails. The investigation commenced following a July 27 order, with audits ongoing to assess inventory loss.

The Commandant’s office complex in Sector 30 has dues to the tune of  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>3 crore, while its residential complex in Sector 29 owes nearly the same amount. Among private properties, Amandeep Dahiya’s Hotel North Park in Sector 32 has dues of around  <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>2 crore. (HT File)

ITBP, Haryana devp authority among 33 tax defaulters who owe 15-cr to Panchkula MC

The municipal corporation (MC) is ramping up its recovery efforts against property tax defaulters, targeting 33 properties with ₹15 crore in dues. Notable defaulters include government properties of the ITBP and various private entities like Hotel North Park. The MC has issued second notices and plans to seal properties that remain unpaid after the deadline, highlighting ongoing revenue growth.

The insurer was directed to deposit the compensation in Garg’s bank account within the prescribed period after receiving her account details. (HT File)

MACT tells insurer to pay 47L relief to road mishap victim

A 30-year-old chartered accountant, Neha Garg, who sustained permanent disability in her left hand from a car accident in 2022, has been awarded ₹47 lakh plus 9% interest by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Chandigarh. The tribunal found the other driver's negligent driving caused the collision. Garg’s injuries hindered her work, prompting her compensation claim.

In a post on X, Mayawati said the BSP’s blue colour has been targeted since inception by leaders and workers of the SP, Congress and other Opposition parties. (FILE PHOTO)

After expelling nephew, Mayawati attacks SP, Congress

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati criticized the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress for being insincere regarding Dalit welfare amid her expulsion of nephew Akash Anand and Ashok Siddharth's political retirement. She emphasized the BSP's true commitment to the Dalit movement, condemning rival parties for opportunism. The backdrop includes strategic election shifts and internal party dynamics.

BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh was among the leaders present at the meeting. (SOURCED)

BJP core group draws roadmap for Seva Sankalp blitz, discusses 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership convened to strategize for the Seva Sankalp campaign beginning September 17, aimed at showcasing welfare schemes and prepping for the 2027 assembly polls. Key figures discussed making the campaign a mass movement while tackling community grievances. The initiative is part of the BJP’s broader engagement with voters as it approaches key elections.

Out of power in Uttar Pradesh since 1989, the Congress is trying to regain lost ground. (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)

Big ticket changes in UP Congress on cards ahead of assembly polls

Ahead of the 2027 assembly polls, significant changes are anticipated within the Uttar Pradesh Congress amid tensions between state president Ajay Rai and in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam. Party leadership is considering new appointments to boost grassroots connections. The Congress aims to regain momentum, having not held power since 1989, as it reshapes its strategy for upcoming elections.

Uttar Pradesh fisheries minister Sanjay Nishad. (FILE PHOTO)

UP minister Sanjay Nishad says protest doesn’t mean differences with BJP

Uttar Pradesh fisheries minister Sanjay Nishad staged protests following the murder of Gonda trader Vinod Kumar Sahni, asserting his actions support the Nishad community without signaling rifts with the BJP government. He demanded impartial investigations, while also rejecting a potential alliance with the Samajwadi Party. Akhilesh Yadav condemned the murder, attributing it to BJP’s oppressive governance. Nishad's party has fluctuated between alliances since its formation.

The accused were caught while allegedly roaming in the stolen Honda City on the road leading towards Panjab University in Sector 25. (Shutterstock)

3 arrested after carjacking in Manimajra

Three of six suspects in a Manimajra carjacking were arrested within 18 hours. Police intercepted the trio in the stolen Honda City, recovering weapons including a knife and a toy pistol. The suspects, identified as Krish, Sourabh, and Saran Kumar, are drug addicts. The robbery involved threats to the victim, Pulkit Sharma, at 12:30 AM Thursday.

Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria (centre) and mayor Saurabh Joshi (right) listening to the complaints of Manimajra residents on Friday. (Sant Arora/HT)

Chandigarh: Manimajra residents demand development of 12-acre college land during 4th Samaadhaan Shivir

Residents of Manimajra demanded development of a 12-acre site from a new government college and multi-level parking to alleviate severe congestion during a grievance session on Friday. Governor Gulab Chand Kataria addressed 83 issues, including infrastructure, sanitation, and public health. He committed to timely resolutions and emphasized ongoing engagement through ‘Samaadhaan Shivirs’ for governance accessibility.

After the exercise carried out in the presence of representatives of various parties, Wards 1, 3, 4, 9, 15, 29 and 32 were reserved for SC candidates, out of which, Wards 3, 29 and 32 are exclusively for SC women. (HT File)

Chandigarh MC polls: Ward reservation rejig pushes parties back to drawing board

The state election commissioner has reshuffled ward reservations for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates and women ahead of municipal elections in December, compelling parties to revise strategies. This includes seven wards for SC candidates, with three specifically for SC women, and nine for general category women. The process, led by commissioner Vijay Dev, follows a rotation policy to diversify representation.