Dubai | 13 Sep 2026

India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, reclaiming the continental crown and winning a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana powered India to 183/5 before the bowlers dismissed Sri Lanka for 111.

India vs Sri Lanka Women’s Asia Cup Final dominated by Indian openers

India elected to bat and made a commanding start through Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. The opening pair put Sri Lanka under immediate pressure and laid the foundation for the match-winning total.

Shafali struck 68 from 39 balls, including nine fours and two sixes. She completed her half-century from just 24 deliveries, the fastest fifty in Women’s T20 Asia Cup history.

Mandhana scored 59 from 39 balls and reached her half-century from 35 deliveries. The openers added 130 runs for the first wicket before Sri Lanka finally broke the partnership in the 13th over.

India lost wickets towards the end of the innings, but G Kamalini’s late contribution helped the side finish on 183/5 from 20 overs.

Sree Charani and Deepti Sharma dismantle Sri Lanka chase

Chasing 184, Sri Lanka lost Imesha Dulani in the opening over before captain Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne attempted to rebuild the innings.

India’s spinners then took control. Deepti Sharma removed Athapaththu and Gunaratne in quick succession, while Sree Charani repeatedly struck through the middle and lower order.

Charani finished with four wickets, while Deepti claimed three as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111. India completed a comprehensive 72-run victory and finished the tournament unbeaten.

“We set some really high standards for us and we had to match them every day.”— Harmanpreet Kaur, India captain

India reclaim Women’s Asia Cup after 2024 final defeat

The victory gave India their eighth Women’s Asia Cup crown and reversed the outcome of the 2024 final, when Sri Lanka defeated India in Dambulla to claim their first title.

India reached their 10th consecutive Women’s Asia Cup final in 2026 and completed the campaign without defeat. Shafali ended the tournament with 236 runs from five innings, playing a decisive role in India’s title run.

India do not accept trophy from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi

The post-match presentation also drew attention after the Indian team did not accept the Women’s Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council president Mohsin Naqvi.

Indian head coach Amol Muzumdar later said the position had been taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India and that the team stood by the board’s decision. The episode came after a similar trophy dispute involving India’s men’s team at the 2025 Asia Cup.

The on-field result, however, remained emphatic: India finished champions after a 72-run victory built around Shafali and Mandhana’s opening partnership and a dominant performance from the spin attack.

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New Delhi | 14 Sep 2026

Home loan and other floating-rate borrowers could face higher borrowing costs if the Reserve Bank of India raises the repo rate in the coming months, as advocated by SBI Research. Its latest Ecowrap report has called for a 25-basis-point increase in October followed by another 25-bps rise in December, citing crude oil prices above $100 a barrel, external shocks and growing inflation risks.

SBI Research advocates RBI repo rate hike in October and December

SBI Research has recommended that the RBI raise the policy repo rate by 25 basis points at the next Monetary Policy Committee meeting and consider another 25-bps increase in December. If both increases are implemented, the cumulative rise would be 50 basis points, or 0.50 percentage point.

The recommendation is not an RBI decision. The central bank has kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% for four consecutive policy reviews, including its August 2026 meeting. The next MPC meeting is scheduled for 5-7 October.

“We strongly advocate a 25-bps rate hike in the upcoming October policy.”— SBI Research, Ecowrap report

SBI Research said the economic environment had changed significantly over the past month, with elevated energy prices and wider inflationary pressures increasing the case for monetary tightening.

What an RBI rate hike could mean for home loan EMIs

A higher repo rate can eventually make loans more expensive, particularly for borrowers whose floating-rate loans are linked to an external benchmark such as the RBI repo rate.

If banks transmit a higher policy rate to customers, borrowers could see their lending rates revised at the applicable reset date. Depending on the loan agreement and lender policy, this may result in a higher monthly EMI, a longer repayment tenure or a combination of the two.

The impact would not necessarily be immediate or identical for every borrower. Fixed-rate loans and loans linked to other benchmarks may respond differently.

Crude oil above $100 raises inflation concerns

The SBI Research assessment comes as international crude oil prices have moved above $100 a barrel amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty. India, which imports most of its crude oil requirements, is particularly sensitive to prolonged increases in global energy prices.

Higher crude prices can affect transportation, fuel, manufacturing and logistics costs, potentially feeding into consumer inflation. They can also put pressure on the rupee and India’s current account position.

SBI Research said one of its models indicated crude prices could reach $123 a barrel over a 15-day period under a higher-risk scenario, while another model projected an average closer to $105 a barrel. These are estimates rather than confirmed future prices.

Inflation outlook puts October RBI MPC meeting in focus

SBI Research said inflationary pressure was showing signs of becoming more broad-based, including in areas such as crude petroleum and natural gas, beverages, pharmaceuticals and electronics.

The report estimated that if crude oil prices remain elevated, inflation in October and November could move towards 6.5% or higher. The trajectory of food prices, energy costs, the rupee and global financial conditions will therefore remain important ahead of the October RBI policy decision.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra has meanwhile maintained that the prevailing monetary policy remains appropriate, while the central bank continues to monitor inflation, liquidity and external risks.

RBI has not announced a 0.50% repo rate increase

Borrowers should note that the proposed increases are recommendations from SBI Research and not a confirmed RBI decision. The Monetary Policy Committee will independently decide the repo rate after evaluating inflation, economic growth and financial conditions.

If the RBI ultimately follows the two-step path suggested by SBI Research, the repo rate would rise from the current 5.25% to 5.50% after a 25-bps increase and to 5.75% after a further 25-bps rise. Such a move could raise borrowing costs for eligible floating-rate home, vehicle and personal loans, subject to individual banks’ transmission and reset mechanisms.

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New Delhi | 12 Sep 2026

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sang a Kishore Kumar classic at the BRICS gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on 12 September. Accompanied by a pianist, Anwar performed “Khwaab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat”.

Anwar Ibrahim Shares Singing Video

Anwar shared a video of the performance on his X account. The clip showed him standing beside the pianist and joining the musical performance during the gathering.

The dinner formed part of the 18th BRICS Summit programme in the Indian capital.

A Familiar Song for the Malaysian Leader

The song is from the 1965 Hindi film Teen Devian. Kishore Kumar sang the original, with music composed by S. D. Burman and lyrics written by Majrooh Sultanpuri.

Anwar had previously sung the same number during his 2024 visit to India, on the sidelines of an India Today interview. His latest performance brought the song back into his public appearances in India.

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New Delhi | 12 Sep 2026

The BRICS Summit in New Delhi backed greater use of national currencies in trade and investment, while India clarified that there was no proposal for a common BRICS currency. The discussions focused on reducing transaction costs and improving cross-border payments, according to remarks by India’s BRICS Sherpa Sudhakar Delela. 

BRICS Summit Prioritises Local-Currency Trade

Delela, Secretary for Economic Relations in the Ministry of External Affairs, said the emphasis was on expanding trade within BRICS and strengthening engagement with businesses internationally.

The New Delhi Declaration supported further work on connecting payment and messaging systems. It also backed discussions on settling trade and investment transactions in members’ currencies, while recognising that countries would need approaches suited to their circumstances.

These commitments concern cooperation between existing national financial systems; they do not amount to the launch of a shared currency.

Development Finance and Payment Cooperation in Focus

The declaration encouraged the New Development Bank to expand local-currency financing and diversify funding for infrastructure projects. The BRICS Payment Task Force is also examining closer integration of national payment systems to improve the speed and security of international transactions, according to [The Indian Express](https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/brics-new-delhi-summit-declaration-key-takeaways-10875050/).

The financial agenda therefore centres on further technical cooperation and financing initiatives. The commitments should not be read as confirmation that a unified BRICS payment network is already operational.

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New Delhi | 12 Sep 2026

Flooding across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh has affected millions of residents, submerged villages and forced evacuations as swollen rivers remain above danger levels at several locations. The India Meteorological Department has also forecast further rain across parts of northern, central and eastern India.

Bihar floods affect more than four million people

More than four million people across 14 Bihar districts have been affected by flooding, according to state-level figures reported by multiple news organisations. Relief and rescue operations are continuing in inundated settlements.

The Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Budhi Gandak, Punpun and Ghaghra have crossed danger levels along different stretches. Bihar’s real-time flood-monitoring system showed the main Ganga channel above warning level on September 12, although some monitored rivers were falling.

The flooding has occurred despite Bihar recording about 27 per cent less rainfall than normal between June 1 and the first week of September. Heavy upstream flows and intense local rainfall have pushed rivers beyond their carrying capacity.

High Ganga level worsens drainage problems

The elevated Ganga has created a backwater effect in tributaries including the Gandak and Punpun. Because these rivers discharge into the Ganga, its high water level has restricted their flow and caused water to accumulate in adjoining areas.

Flood pressure has damaged three protective bunds in Bhagalpur, leading to fresh inundation. Authorities are monitoring embankments, river levels and vulnerable settlements while relief teams distribute essential supplies and assist displaced families.

More than 350,000 residents affected in Uttar Pradesh

Floods have affected about 353,000 people across 26 districts of Uttar Pradesh, according to figures reported by state officials. More than 17,500 residents have been moved to safer locations, while thousands are staying in relief shelters.

The Ganga has crossed or approached the danger mark at several monitoring points. Ballia, Ghazipur, Varanasi, Badaun, Farrukhabad and adjoining riverine areas have faced inundation, while the Ghaghra and other rivers have also threatened low-lying settlements.

Floodwater has submerged several Varanasi ghats and disrupted cremations at traditional sites. Relief camps have been opened for evacuated families, with arrangements for food, drinking water, bedding and medical assistance.

IMD forecasts renewed rain across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh

The IMD’s extended forecast indicates widespread rain with thunderstorms and lightning over western Madhya Pradesh from September 12 to 14. Similar conditions are forecast over eastern Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh until September 14.

Rainfall activity is expected to increase over eastern Rajasthan from September 13 to 15, with isolated heavy rain possible on September 13 and 14. Uttarakhand could also receive isolated heavy rain, raising the risk of localised flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.

Residents in flood-prone locations have been advised to follow official weather and river-level alerts, avoid overflowing roads and bridges, and comply with evacuation directions issued by local authorities.

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New Delhi | 12 Sep 2026

The 18th BRICS Summit began at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday, bringing together leaders and representatives of 11 major emerging economies as India seeks stronger cooperation on trade, investment, technology, energy security and reform of global institutions.

BRICS Summit in New Delhi draws major world leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting the two-day summit on 12–13 September under India’s 2026 BRICS chairship. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa are among the prominent leaders attending.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed are also participating. Brazil is represented by Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, while Saudi Arabia’s delegation is headed by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The United Arab Emirates is represented by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Leaders and representatives from partner countries, invited nations and international organisations are also attending.

Xi Jinping arrives for first India visit in seven years

Xi arrived in New Delhi on Saturday, marking his first visit to India since 2019. He received a ceremonial welcome at the airport before joining the summit engagements.

Modi and Xi are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on Saturday evening. Their meeting will be closely watched as India and China cautiously work to stabilise relations following the deterioration caused by the 2020 military clash along their disputed Himalayan border.

China’s Foreign Ministry said ahead of the visit that Beijing was willing to view bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, manage differences appropriately and strengthen cooperation with India.

Modi and Putin discuss trade, energy and regional conflicts

Modi held bilateral talks with Putin in New Delhi on Friday, a day before the leaders’ summit. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders reviewed their special and privileged strategic partnership and discussed political, defence, energy and economic cooperation.

They also exchanged views on conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, including their effects on maritime trade and the safety of Indian seafarers. India and Russia have
BRICS Summit Opens in New Delhi as Modi Hosts Putin and Xi New Delhi | 12 Sep 2026

The 18th BRICS Summit opened at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday, bringing together leaders and representatives of major emerging economies for two days of talks on trade, investment, global governance, technology and regional conflicts.

BRICS Summit begins amid global economic and geopolitical tensions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting the September 12–13 meeting under India’s fourth BRICS chairship. India’s theme for 2026 is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with an emphasis on development-oriented cooperation and a stronger voice for the Global South.

The summit is taking place against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, war involving Iran, disruption to global energy and shipping routes, and growing disputes over tariffs, sanctions and Western-led financial systems.

Talks are expected to cover political and security cooperation, economic and financial coordination, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Members are also considering ways to expand trade in national currencies, strengthen supply chains and reform international institutions.

Xi Jinping arrives in India after seven years

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday for the summit and a scheduled bilateral meeting with Modi. It is Xi’s first visit to India since 2019 and comes as the two Asian neighbours cautiously seek to stabilise relations damaged by the deadly 2020 border confrontation.

The Modi-Xi talks are expected to focus on bilateral relations and the management of continuing differences. China’s Foreign Ministry said before the visit that Beijing was willing to approach relations from a strategic and long-term perspective and properly manage disagreements.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed are among the prominent participants.

Brazil is represented by Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, while Saudi Arabia’s delegation is led by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Representatives from partner countries, invited nations and international organisations are also attending.

Modi and Putin discuss trade, energy and regional conflicts

Modi held bilateral talks with Putin in New Delhi on Friday, a day before the leaders’ summit. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said they reviewed political, defence, energy and economic cooperation and exchanged views on conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region that have affected maritime trade and the safety of Indian seafarers.

India and Russia have set a target of increasing bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, from nearly $70 billion in the 2024–25 financial year. New Delhi continues to defend its energy purchases from Russia as necessary for securing affordable and reliable supplies.

Expanded BRICS seeks greater influence in global governance

BRICS now comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. According to Indian government figures, the 11 members account for 49.5 per cent of the world’s population, about 40 per cent of global gross domestic product and 26 per cent of global trade.

The New Delhi summit will test whether the expanded grouping can reach common positions despite differences among members over major conflicts and their relationships with the United States and other Western powers. Negotiations on the summit’s final outcome will indicate the extent of consensus on trade, financial cooperation, multilateral reform and global security.

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New Delhi | 11 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held bilateral talks in New Delhi on Friday, reviewing cooperation in trade, energy, defence and technology ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit.

The meeting covered the broader India-Russia strategic partnership, including civil nuclear energy, fertilisers, critical minerals, manufacturing, railways and steel. Defence proposals involving the Su-57 fighter aircraft, S-400 air-defence system and BrahMos missile programme were also expected to feature in the discussions.

Modi-Putin meeting puts defence cooperation in focus

Russia has proposed supplying its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft to India and has expressed readiness to discuss technology sharing and domestic production. India had not announced any purchase or production agreement at the time of reporting.

The two sides were also expected to review the remaining S-400 deliveries and long-term maintenance arrangements. A proposed upgrade of India’s Su-30MKI fleet and future cooperation on advanced air-defence systems have formed part of wider defence discussions.

India and Russia are separately examining improvements to the jointly developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. The proposed BrahMos-NG would be lighter than the existing system and designed for integration with a wider range of aircraft, including the Tejas fighter.

Trade, energy and Ukraine discussed

Modi and Putin discussed expanding bilateral trade and developing reliable payment and transport mechanisms. India and Russia have explored greater use of national currencies while seeking solutions to the imbalance created by India’s substantially higher imports from Russia.

Energy remains central to the relationship. India has defended its purchases of Russian oil by citing the need for secure, affordable and dependable supplies for its population and economy.

Modi reiterated India’s position that the conflict in Ukraine should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. New Delhi has said it supports credible efforts aimed at achieving peace while continuing its economic engagement with Moscow.

Civil nuclear cooperation, including existing Russian involvement at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant and the possibility of additional projects, was also expected to receive attention.

BRICS Business Forum draws more than 2,000 delegates

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said more than 2,000 business leaders and delegates from BRICS member and partner countries attended the BRICS Business Forum. Discussions covered non-tariff barriers, global value chains, agriculture, services, women-led enterprises and the digital economy.

International delegations arrive in New Delhi

Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima arrived in India to participate in the BRICS Summit, joining leaders and senior representatives from member, partner and invited countries.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also arrived in New Delhi and was received at the airport by Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar.

Foreign ministers hold bilateral consultations

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira at Hyderabad House. Their discussions covered bilateral relations and international issues ahead of the summit.

Modi also presented Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the classical Tamil work attributed to poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, during their engagement in New Delhi.

Indian cuisine and millets feature in summit hospitality

Hotels accommodating BRICS delegates prepared Indian menus featuring millet-based dishes. Amit Biswas, executive sous chef at The Lalit New Delhi, said the menu was designed to promote millets while serving the requirements of international guests.

The BRICS leaders’ summit is scheduled for 12 and 13 September at Bharat Mandapam. Leaders are expected to discuss economic cooperation, global governance, trade, financial coordination, sustainable development and current international conflicts.

Dhaka | 10 Sep 2026

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will not attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi after Dhaka said the invitation was issued to the current BIMSTEC chair rather than to Rahman in his capacity as Bangladesh’s head of government.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir confirmed the decision while speaking to reporters on Thursday. Bangladesh will consequently have no government representative at the summit, according to the latest reports.

Dhaka clarifies BIMSTEC invitation

Bangladesh is not a BRICS member. India had invited the BIMSTEC chair to participate in an outreach session organised alongside the summit. Bangladesh currently holds the chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.

Dhaka’s position is that the invitation was addressed to the head of the regional grouping and did not constitute a formal invitation to the Bangladeshi prime minister. Indian authorities had not publicly announced a change to the invitation arrangement at the time of reporting.

BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The grouping promotes cooperation in areas including trade, connectivity, security, energy and economic development.

What is the BRICS outreach session?

The host country may invite non-member states and representatives of regional organisations to BRICS outreach meetings. These sessions allow participants outside the bloc to discuss development, trade, energy, food security and other international issues with BRICS leaders.

India previously brought BRICS and BIMSTEC leaders together during the 2016 summit in Goa. The 2026 BRICS Summit is scheduled for 12 and 13 September at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Separate India visit remains under consideration

Kabir indicated that Dhaka was considering a separate bilateral visit by Rahman, but no date had been finalised. A proposed visit in August did not take place, with Bangladesh saying at the time that no final decision had been made.

India and Bangladesh have been seeking to stabilise relations amid differences over former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has remained in India since leaving Bangladesh in 2024. Dhaka has requested her extradition, while India has said the request is under examination.

Bangladesh has also signalled that future bilateral talks should address trade, water sharing and other unresolved issues. Any visit by Rahman would be his first to India since assuming office in February 2026.