BRICS Summit 2026 arrives at a moment of unusual geopolitical pressure, placing India's chairmanship under a global spotlight. Wars, tariff threats, energy risks and India-China tensions will test New Delhi's ability to preserve BRICS unity while protecting strategic autonomy. SCO 2026 Sets the Stage for BRICS India will host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to address the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26, representing India during the annual high-level General Debate attended by world leaders and senior diplomats. Jaishankar to Represent India at UNGA 2026 NEW DELHI, September 5, 2026. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will deliver India’s nationa

A powerful El Nino is strengthening across the tropical Pacific and could become the most intense event recorded during four decades of World Meteorological Organization monitoring. The WMO says there is a nearly 100% likelihood that the event will persist through February 2027, with major implications for global temperatures, rainfall and extreme weather. El Nino 2026 could reach exceptional strength

Bitcoin remained relatively resilient around the $77,000 level on Wednesday as rising US Treasury yields, stronger interest-rate expectations and renewed inflation concerns weighed on global financial markets. The cryptocurrency traded in the upper-$70,000 range even as several major digital assets and equity markets faced selling pressure. Investors are closely tracking developments in the bond market, oil prices and expectations surrounding the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy

The Himalayas face a growing danger from glacial floods as warming temperatures destabilize glaciers and expand high-altitude lakes. UN officials and Chinese authorities have warned that millions of people across Nepal, China and India could face more destructive events in the years ahead. Himalayan glacial floods threaten mountain communities Concerns have intensified following the catastrophi

Mumbai will host the second edition of the Global Impact Forum on September 5 and 6, bringing together diplomats, business leaders, scholars, artists and investors from BRICS countries ahead of the bloc’s leaders’ summit in New Delhi. The two-day event, titled Global Impact Forum II: Civilisational Legacy, will be held at The Taj Mahal Palace. It will be the forum’s first edition in India and is expected to serve as a cultural and economic platform in the run-up to the BRICS S

Raksha Bandhan 2026 will not fall on the same civil date worldwide. Local Hindu Panchang calculations place the festival on August 27 in much of North America and Europe, while India and much of Asia-Pacific observe it on August 28, with city-specific Rakhi timings. Raksha Bandhan 2026 falls on two local dates Raksha Bandhan is observed on Shravana Purnima, but its Gregorian date can change dependin

Oil prices surged on Monday as fading hopes for a US-Iran settlement renewed fears of prolonged supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude closed above $90 a barrel, while WTI oil also climbed sharply as traders reacted to stalled diplomacy and Iran's warning of possible military escalation. Brent crude rises as Iran ceasefire hopes fade Brent crude futures settled $2.22 higher at

A new India global opinion survey shows striking differences in how the country is viewed worldwide. Sri Lanka records the strongest favourable opinion, while the UK, Kenya and Germany also show strong goodwill. Pakistan stands at the opposite end, giving India its lowest rating among the 36 countries surveyed. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka emerged as the most India-friendly country in Pew Research Cente

Panama Canal shipping costs have surged as global maritime disruption and tighter water conditions squeeze one of the world's most important trade routes. The Seaspan Benefactor reportedly paid about $4 million for priority transit as some vessels faced waits of roughly 10 days. Canal congestion pushes auction prices sharply higher The Seaspan Benefactor, a container ship with capacity of roughly 10,000 TEU, reportedly paid about $4 mill

The WION Summit 2026 will bring policymakers, entrepreneurs, innovators and Indian diaspora leaders together in New Jersey and New York from September 9 to 14. The programme combines an Indo-US leadership agenda, Global Indian Honours, networking, Bollywood entertainment and New York Fashion Week access. WION Summit 2026 Agenda The Zee Media–WION Global Innovation & Leadership Summit is s

India Condemns Red Sea Attack on MSV Faize Noore Oliya India has condemned the Red Sea attack that sank the Indian-flagged vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya near Yemen. All 13 Indian crew members and one foreign national were rescued by the Yemen Coast Guard as New Delhi called for an immediate end to attacks on commercial shipping. MSV Faize Noore Oliya sinks after projectile strike

Iran Oman talks amid tensions have emerged as a possible diplomatic channel as Tehran denies holding direct negotiations with Washington. Oman is discussing maritime issues with Iran, while conflicting US and Iranian statements add uncertainty to the Hormuz dispute, nuclear row and wider Gulf risks. Oman role Iran has confirmed that discussions are taking place with Oman, but officials say the

El Niño Aug-Oct 2026 is expected to intensify, raising the likelihood of widespread heat and major rain shifts. The WMO warning points to India monsoon risks, regional drought, flooding and changing weather patterns, although local outcomes will vary. Heat outlook A strong El Niño is developing and is expected to influence global climate patterns from August through October 2026, according to

Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji led 11,000 participants from 18 countries in a Texas Bhagavad Gita chant for global peace. The gathering marked its 11th uninterrupted year and emphasized memorization, daily recitation, India-U.S. goodwill and prayers for fallen soldiers.   11,000 participants from 18 countries join parayana Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji led 11,000 participants from 18

US President Donald Trump is considering a renewed Trump Iran air war as military officials prepare options for a potentially intensive two-week operation. The reported US air plan would focus on Iran’s missile capabilities, although Trump has not announced a final decision. US air plan The Wall Street Journal reported that US military planners have developed a two-week air campaign intended to weaken Iran’s ability to produce, store and launch missiles. The proposal would represent a wider and more sustained operation than the limited retaliatory strikes conducted during earlier stages of the confrontation. People familiar with the discussions told the newspaper that Trump is examining several military choices. One option involves a concentrated campaign against a broader range of Iranian missile facilities. Another would limit the scale of US action and leave greater room for negotiations with Tehran. The president has not publicly approved the reported campaign. The absence of a final decision remains important because planning by the Pentagon does not automatically mean that military action will take place. CENTCOM Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of US Central Command, reportedly developed the more intensive proposal. CENTCOM oversees American military activity across West Asia and has already directed US operations involving Iran, regional missile defence and maritime security. According to the report, Cooper believes sustained strikes could severely reduce Iran’s offensive missile capacity and ease pressure on US defensive systems. However, senior officials are also considering the strain that an expanded campaign could place on American interceptor supplies and military resources needed in other regions. Official CENTCOM material confirms that Cooper currently leads the command and has overseen recent US operations involving Iran. However, CENTCOM has not publicly released the reported two-week proposal. Iran arms Iran’s missile infrastructure remains central to Washington’s calculations. Previous US and allied strikes damaged launchers, storage areas and production facilities, but assessments cited in recent reporting suggest that Tehran still retains missiles and can rebuild parts of its military network. Iran has also continued launching missiles and drones despite months of military pressure. That resilience has raised questions about whether air power alone can permanently remove the threat or merely delay Iran’s ability to restore its arsenal. A wider campaign could target launch systems, underground facilities, command centres and manufacturing sites. Such an operation would also carry substantial risks, including retaliation against US forces, Gulf partners, energy facilities and commercial shipping routes. Trump call The final Trump call will determine whether Washington chooses a major escalation or a narrower response. The president has recently promised strong retaliation following Iranian attacks, but he has also paused military action at different stages to allow diplomatic efforts to continue. The White House and Pentagon had not publicly confirmed the specific two-week plan when the report emerged. Any article describing the proposal should therefore present it as a reported option under consideration, not as an approved military operation. Iran talks Iran talks remain a possible alternative even as military preparations continue. Washington and Tehran remain divided over Iran’s nuclear programme, missile forces, regional activities and support for armed groups. A limited US response could preserve space for intermediaries to pursue negotiations. A prolonged air campaign, however, could trigger another cycle of Iranian retaliation and American strikes, increasing the danger of a wider regional conflict. Trump now faces a difficult choice: attempt to reduce Iran’s missile threat through sustained military force or pursue a more restrained response that keeps diplomacy alive. The Pentagon can prepare options, but the political and strategic consequences will depend on the decision made by the White House.

The Hangu checkpoint attack left eight police personnel and eight militants dead after armed attackers targeted the Khazina Banda police post in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Police launched a clearance operation as injured officers received hospital treatment. Hangu Police Deaths Confirmed After Gunfight Eight police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, were kill

Saudi Arabia is exploring a Saudi Red Sea shipping coalition as Houthi attacks, a maritime embargo and possible vessel fees raise concerns over security, global trade and energy flows through the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait. Security Saudi Arabia is holding discussions with dozens of countries about forming an international coalition to protect commercial shipping in the Red Se

Trump Iran nuclear threat returned to the spotlight after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could launch fresh military strikes if Tehran refuses a nuclear agreement. Speaking before meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump questioned Israel's public intelligence disclosures while reaffirming that military action remains an option.

New Delhi: India has strongly condemned an attack on the commercial vessel MV Omorfi in the Black Sea that killed an Indian seafarer and placed other civilian crew members at risk. The Ministry of External Affairs said attacks on commercial shipping were unacceptable and called on all parties to protect maritime navigation and the uninterrupted movement of global trade. The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of Indian sailors w