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.

New Delhi | 11 Sep 2026

A reported cloudburst and landslide closed the Kedarnath pedestrian route in Uttarakhand on Friday as renewed monsoon activity intensified flooding across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.

Large boulders reportedly fell on the Kedarnath route after heavy rain, blocking the pilgrimage track. No confirmed casualty figure was immediately available.

Kedarnath route closed after landslide

Uttarakhand remained under a yellow alert for thunderstorms and rain across all districts. Heavy rainfall was forecast at isolated places in Dehradun, Tehri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Nainital, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh.

Officials were assessing the affected section of the Kedarnath route. Travellers and pilgrims were advised to follow local administration instructions and avoid landslide-prone areas.

Floods affect 26 districts in Uttar Pradesh

More than 10 rivers, including the Ganga and Yamuna, were reported to be in spate across Uttar Pradesh. Flooding affected 26 districts and more than 400,000 people, according to figures cited in state-level reports.

A bridge was submerged in Mirzapur, while floodwater covered part of a highway in Farrukhabad. Residents of several villages in Unnao were using improvised boats after the swollen Ganga disrupted local transport.

The weather department forecast heavy rain in 48 districts on Friday. Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj and Kaushambi were among 32 districts that received rain on Thursday.

Bihar flood crisis affects about 4.4 million people

Eight rivers were flowing above their danger levels in Bihar, where flooding had affected approximately 4.4 million people across 2,360 villages in 14 districts, according to disaster-management figures reported by Indian media.

Nearly 27,954 people were staying in relief camps. Floodwater had also entered parts of Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, while villages in Munger and other riverine districts remained inundated.

Authorities continued relief operations as rising water levels in the Ganga, Kosi and other rivers threatened low-lying settlements.

Heavy-rain alert issued for 12 Madhya Pradesh districts

The monsoon system became active again in Madhya Pradesh after a three-day break. Heavy rain was forecast in 12 districts on Friday, with further rainfall expected in the Indore, Narmadapuram and Ujjain divisions from 12 September.

Flood-like conditions were reported in Damoh, where several residential areas were waterlogged. Bhopal, Narmadapuram and Vidisha also received rain on Thursday night.

Rain alerts extend across Rajasthan and Jharkhand

Rajasthan issued a yellow alert for heavy rain in nine districts as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal revived monsoon activity. The wet spell was expected to continue until 15 September.

Jharkhand forecast heavy rain in eight districts, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 30–40 kilometres per hour. Residents in vulnerable areas were advised to avoid flooded roads, swollen rivers and unstable slopes.

New Delhi | 11 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to hold bilateral talks in New Delhi on Friday, with defence, trade, energy and technology cooperation expected to dominate the agenda ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit.

Putin arrived in the Indian capital late on Thursday for a three-day visit. The proposed sale and possible production of Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft in India may figure in the talks, but New Delhi has not announced any agreement.

Modi-Putin meeting to cover major defence programmes

Discussions are expected to include pending S-400 air-defence system deliveries, maintenance support and the proposed upgrade of India’s Su-30MKI fighter fleet.

Russia has also proposed expanding cooperation on the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile programme. The two countries are examining improvements to the existing missile and the development of the lighter BrahMos-NG variant, which is intended for deployment on a wider range of aircraft.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said earlier that the possible sale of the Su-57 to India was on the agenda. Any purchase, technology-transfer arrangement or domestic production plan would require formal negotiations and approval from the Indian government.

Trade, nuclear energy and connectivity also in focus

The two leaders are expected to review bilateral trade, investment, civilian nuclear energy and payment arrangements. India and Russia have been exploring wider use of national currencies while addressing practical difficulties created by their trade imbalance.

Connectivity projects, including the International North-South Transport Corridor and the proposed Chennai-Vladivostok maritime route, may also be discussed as both countries seek faster and more reliable supply chains.

BRICS leaders and delegates arrive in Delhi

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

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira at Hyderabad House for discussions on bilateral relations and international issues.

Delegates attending the summit are being offered an Indian menu featuring millet-based dishes, according to Amit Biswas, executive sous chef at The Lalit New Delhi.

Iranian President arrives for BRICS Summit

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also arrived in New Delhi on Friday. He is scheduled to meet Modi separately as India engages key BRICS partners amid continuing geopolitical and economic tensions.

The BRICS leaders’ summit is scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on 12 and 13 September.

New Delhi | 11 Sep 2026

Banking services across India are expected to face disruption on Friday, 11 September, after the United Forum of Bank Unions went ahead with a nationwide strike demanding implementation of a five-day banking week. With banks also closed on the second Saturday, 12 September, and Sunday, 13 September, customers dependent on branch services could face a three-day gap in regular banking operations.

Bank strike in India goes ahead over five-day working demand

The United Forum of Bank Unions, an umbrella body of major bank employee and officer unions, decided to proceed with the strike after talks with the Indian Banks’ Association and government representatives failed to produce a definite timeline for implementing five-day banking.

In an official circular issued ahead of the strike, the All India Bank Employees’ Association said the Department of Financial Services had informed union representatives that the five-day banking proposal remained under government consideration. The unions, however, declined requests to defer the industrial action in the absence of a firm decision or timeline.

The five-day banking proposal was agreed between the unions and the Indian Banks’ Association as part of the March 2024 settlement and subsequently sent to the government for approval, according to the union.

Cash, cheque and other branch services may be affected

Customers could face delays in branch-dependent services such as cash deposits and withdrawals at counters, cheque-related work, passbook updates, loan processing and other in-person transactions, depending on employee participation in the strike.

The strike does not mean that every bank branch across India is automatically closed. September 11 is not a nationwide bank holiday under the Reserve Bank of India’s holiday calendar, and individual banks have made arrangements to maintain essential operations where possible.

State Bank of India and Punjab National Bank have cautioned customers that branch operations may be affected. The banks have advised customers to use digital and alternative banking channels for essential transactions.

UPI, ATMs and online banking expected to remain available

Digital banking services including UPI, mobile banking, internet banking and ATMs are expected to remain available during the strike. SBI has also advised customers to use its digital platforms, ATMs, automated deposit-cum-withdrawal machines and customer service points where required.

However, customers requiring physical branch assistance may experience delays, particularly because the strike immediately precedes the second Saturday and Sunday.

Why bank employees are on strike

The principal demand is the introduction of a five-day working week for banks. Unions have also raised concerns over the Performance Linked Incentive scheme and several pending service-related issues.

The Department of Financial Services has informed the unions that the Performance Linked Incentive scheme for Scale IV to VIII officers for 2025-26 has been kept in abeyance and would be discussed bilaterally. Despite that development, the UFBU said the absence of progress on five-day banking remained sufficient reason to continue with the September 11 strike.

Other issues raised by the unions include recruitment, pensions, gratuity, medical insurance for retirees and other service conditions.

More bank strikes planned if dispute remains unresolved

The September 11 stoppage is part of a wider programme of industrial action announced by the UFBU. The unions have also called for a three-day nationwide strike on 28, 29 and 30 September if their demands remain unresolved.

They have further warned of an indefinite strike from 26 October. Whether those actions proceed will depend on developments in negotiations with the government and the Indian Banks’ Association.

Cupertino | 9 Sep 2026

Apple has launched its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at its September product event in Cupertino. The iPhone Duo will start at ₹299,900 in India, while the iPhone 18 Pro range starts at ₹164,900, marking a major expansion of Apple’s premium smartphone line-up.

iPhone Duo starts at ₹299,900 in India

The iPhone Duo opens to reveal a 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR folding OLED display and carries a 5.4-inch outer display for use when the device is closed. Apple says the inner screen is its largest iPhone display to date.

The foldable model is powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip and uses a vapour-chamber cooling system. It features a dual-battery architecture and Apple’s C2 modem, while iOS 27 has been adapted for the folding design and supports multitasking across the larger display.

Apple is offering the iPhone Duo in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB storage configurations. Indian prices start at ₹299,900 for 256GB, rising to ₹449,900 for the 2TB version. The phone will be available in Night Sky and Star White finishes.

Pre-orders in India are scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm IST on 16 October, with sales starting on 23 October.

“iPhone Duo is the most transformational change to iPhone since the original.”— John Ternus, Apple CEO

Foldable design brings new display and camera features

The iPhone Duo uses a Grade 5 titanium frame and hinge cover and carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Apple says the device measures 5.2mm thick when open and weighs 254 grams.

Both displays support ProMotion with adaptive refresh rates of up to 120Hz, Always-On functionality and peak outdoor brightness of up to 3,000 nits. The inner display also uses a nano-texture finish designed to reduce reflections and make the fold less visually prominent.

The rear camera system includes a 48MP Fusion Main camera and a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera. Apple has also added a 12MP Center Stage front camera and an under-display FaceTime camera for the inner screen.

Unlike Apple’s recent flagship iPhones, the Duo uses Touch ID integrated into the side button rather than Face ID. Apple says support for the USB-C Apple Pencil will arrive later in 2026. The iPhone Duo is eSIM-only worldwide.

iPhone 18 Pro adds variable-aperture camera and longer battery life

Apple also unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, powered by the same A20 Pro processor. The Pro models introduce a 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture, allowing the camera to adjust for lighting conditions and depth of field.

The iPhone 18 Pro has a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display, while the Pro Max uses a 6.9-inch screen. Both models are available in Burgundy, Glacier, Silver and Black.

Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro Max can deliver up to 43 hours of video playback, the longest claimed battery life on an iPhone. The Pro range also introduces a redesigned Dynamic Island and a next-generation vapour chamber for sustained performance.

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹164,900 in India. Pre-orders will open at 5:30 pm IST on 12 September, with availability beginning on 18 September.

Apple event also brings new Watches and AirPods

Alongside the new iPhones, Apple announced the Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and AirPods 5. The event was the company’s first major product launch under chief executive John Ternus.

Apple did not introduce a standard iPhone 18 during the September event, focusing its smartphone announcements on the premium iPhone 18 Pro models and the new foldable iPhone Duo.

The iPhone Duo puts Apple directly into the foldable smartphone segment already contested by companies including Samsung and Huawei, while its ₹299,900 starting price positions it well above Apple’s conventional flagship models in India.

India | 09 Sep 2026

The official trailer for Drishyam: The Conclusion was released on Wednesday, bringing Ajay Devgn back as Vijay Salgaonkar for the final chapter of the Hindi crime-thriller franchise. The film will open in cinemas on 2 October 2026.

Drishyam: The Conclusion trailer revives the Salgaonkar case

The trailer shows Vijay and his family facing renewed scrutiny as investigators continue trying to establish the truth behind the unresolved disappearance that drove the first two films.

Tabu returns as Meera Deshmukh, who remains determined to hold Vijay accountable. Shriya Saran reprises her role as Vijay’s wife, Nandini, while Ishita Dutta returns as their elder daughter, Anju.

The footage presents the concluding film as a confrontation between Vijay’s carefully maintained account and a renewed investigation supported by additional legal and police figures.

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the investigation

Jaideep Ahlawat joins the franchise as a Crime Branch superintendent of police, while Prakash Raj appears as a lawyer. Their characters strengthen the investigation against Vijay and his family as the decade-long storyline moves towards its conclusion.

Akshaye Khanna, who played investigating officer Tarun Ahlawat in Drishyam 2, does not appear in the newly released trailer. The production has not announced his return for the concluding film.

Drishyam: The Conclusion releases on 2 October

Abhishek Pathak, who directed Drishyam 2, has directed the new instalment. He co-wrote the screenplay with Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh.

The film is presented by Star Studio18 and produced by Panorama Studios. Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak are credited as producers.

The 2 October release date carries narrative significance for the franchise because Vijay used events associated with that date to construct his family’s alibi in the first film. The makers have promoted the new instalment as the conclusion to Vijay Salgaonkar’s story in the Hindi series.

Cupertino | 09 Sep 2026

Apple will hold its “Surprise and shine” product event on Wednesday, with the iPhone 18 Pro series and the company’s first foldable iPhone widely expected to headline the presentation. The event begins at 10 am Pacific Time, or 10:30 pm in India.

Apple Event 2026: When and where to watch

Apple has confirmed that the event will be streamed on its official website and through the Apple TV app. The keynote is also expected to be available through Apple’s official YouTube channel.

The presentation will be Apple’s first major product event under chief executive John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook on 1 September. Cook now serves as executive chairman of Apple’s board.

Apple’s first foldable iPhone expected

Apple has not officially disclosed the event’s product line-up. However, reports indicate that the company could introduce its long-awaited foldable smartphone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The foldable device is expected to use a book-style design with an external display and a larger internal screen. Its official name, specifications, price and release date remained unconfirmed before the keynote. Reports have referred to possible names including “iPhone Ultra” and “iPhone Duo”, but Apple has announced neither.

Base iPhone 18 may not appear at September event

Unlike Apple’s traditional September launch cycle, the standard iPhone 18 is not expected to be unveiled alongside the Pro models. Industry reports suggest that Apple may introduce the base iPhone 18 later, potentially with an updated iPhone Air and iPhone 18e.

The reported change would allow Apple to separate its premium autumn releases from lower-priced models. Apple has not confirmed the delay or announced a launch schedule for the standard iPhone 18.

New Apple Watch and AirPods models also anticipated

Apple is also expected to present updated wearables and audio products, potentially including Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and new AirPods. Details remain based on pre-event reporting and should be treated as unconfirmed until Apple’s presentation.

Official specifications, Indian prices, pre-order dates and retail availability will become clear only after the keynote. Consumers should therefore avoid relying on leaked prices or purported product listings circulating before the event.

New Delhi | 09 Sep 2026

Brent crude climbed above $100 a barrel on Wednesday as escalating US-Iran attacks threatened shipping and energy supplies near the Strait of Hormuz, increasing pressure on India’s oil-import bill and raising the risk of higher petrol, diesel and LPG costs.

US-Iran conflict drives Brent crude above $100

Brent crude rose about 3% to trade above $100 a barrel for the first time in nearly six weeks, while US West Texas Intermediate crude advanced beyond $95. Prices increased after attacks involving tankers and other vessels intensified concerns about further disruption to Gulf energy shipments.

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the market’s concerns. The International Energy Agency estimates that about 25% of global seaborne oil trade passed through the waterway in 2025, while alternative export routes have limited capacity.

Indian crude basket rises above $106

India’s Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell placed the Indian crude basket at $106.26 a barrel on 7 September. Its September average up to that date was $100.75, compared with $90.19 in August and $82.04 in July.

The increase raises costs for Indian refiners and places additional pressure on the country’s import bill. A weaker rupee compounds that burden because crude purchases are largely settled in US dollars. The rupee closed at 95.1050 against the dollar on Wednesday amid rising oil prices and wider market uncertainty.

Will petrol and diesel prices rise in India?

The crude oil surge does not automatically result in an immediate or proportionate increase in retail petrol and diesel prices. Pump prices also depend on international refined-product rates, the rupee-dollar exchange rate, freight, dealer margins, central excise duty and state taxes.

Oil marketing companies and the government may absorb part of a temporary increase through marketing margins or tax adjustments. However, if crude prices remain elevated for an extended period, pressure could build either for higher pump prices, lower taxes or financial support for fuel retailers.

No nationwide increase in Indian petrol or diesel prices had been officially announced in response to Wednesday’s market movement at the time of reporting.

LPG and inflation risks for India

India depends substantially on imported LPG, making domestic cooking-gas costs vulnerable to sustained increases in international prices and disruptions to Gulf shipping. The final retail effect would depend on import costs, government subsidy decisions and the pricing policies of oil companies.

Prolonged high crude prices could also increase transport, aviation, manufacturing and logistics costs, feeding into broader inflation. The scale of the impact will depend on how long the conflict continues, whether tanker traffic faces further restrictions and whether additional global supplies can offset losses from the region.

New Delhi | 09 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court on Wednesday questioned a Greater Noida executive magistrate’s decision to issue a ₹5 lakh peace-bond notice to Gautam Buddha University law student Akshat Tripathi, despite an earlier order protecting students from action over Cockroach Janta Party protests.

Supreme Court questions notice to Akshat Tripathi

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant raised the matter after a lawyer informed the court that Tripathi, a second-year student, had received the notice following allegations that he encouraged other students to participate in a proposed CJP demonstration.

“We are surprised; how did the magistrate dare to issue a notice when we have already annulled, and we have directed that on already registered FIRs, no action will be taken.”— Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India

The bench, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, was told that the notice had subsequently been withdrawn. The Chief Justice directed the lawyer to place the relevant facts on record and said an explanation would be sought from the district administration.

Notice sought ₹5 lakh personal bond and two sureties

The notice, dated 4 September, called upon Tripathi to explain why he should not be required to execute a personal bond of ₹5 lakh, along with two sureties of the same amount, to maintain peace for six months.

Proceedings were initiated under Sections 126 and 135 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. A police report alleged that Tripathi was spreading misleading and anti-government statements and provoking students in a manner that could disturb public peace. These claims remain allegations and were denied by Tripathi.

Tripathi said he had not visited the university for three months and was working at the Allahabad High Court during July. He questioned how he could have instigated students on campus when classes had shifted online because of maintenance work.

Notice withdrawn after police review

Police said the order was revoked a day after it was issued following an examination of the allegations. Tripathi has nevertheless challenged the notice before the Supreme Court, arguing that its issuance violated the court’s 1 September ruling.

The Gautam Buddh Nagar administration separately said neither the district magistrate nor the district administration had issued such an order. Court proceedings and the student’s petition, however, attributed the notice to Executive Magistrate-III in the Greater Noida Police Commissionerate.

Earlier order protected CJP student protesters

On 1 September, the Supreme Court quashed FIRs registered against students who participated in CJP demonstrations held from 20 to 25 July, subject to an exception concerning people with criminal antecedents. The court had also directed that no penal action be taken against protected student protesters.

The Supreme Court has not yet recorded a finding of contempt against any official. Further action will depend on the documents placed before the bench and the explanation sought from the authorities.

Nagoya | 09 Sep 2026

About 400 athletes and staff were temporarily evacuated after record rainfall flooded parts of Nagoya, but officials said the 2026 Asian Games would open as scheduled on 19 September.

Nagoya floods force athletes and staff to higher ground

The athletes and officials, who were staying in temporary container-style accommodation at Nagoya’s Garden Pier area, were moved to higher ground during the heavy rain on Tuesday. They later returned safely, and no injuries were reported.

The rainfall flooded dozens of roads and homes, stranded vehicles and pedestrians, and temporarily disrupted city bus and subway services. About 3,500 residents sought shelter at emergency evacuation centres, according to reports citing local authorities.

Asian Games venues escape major damage

Rainwater entered some Asian Games facilities and several venue roofs developed leaks. Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa said, however, that no serious damage had been identified at the venues inspected within the city.

“We are not worried about the conditions of the venues and we believe there is no problem holding the Asian Games as planned.”— Ichiro Hirosawa, Mayor of Nagoya

Hirosawa said authorities had not completed their assessment of areas outside Nagoya and therefore could not yet give a comprehensive account of conditions across every Games location.

Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games scheduled from 19 September

The 20th Asian Games will be held across Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture and other locations from 19 September to 4 October. More than 11,000 athletes representing 45 countries and regions are registered to participate.

Organisers are continuing safety inspections and preparations as the host region recovers from the flooding. Based on the information available on Wednesday, neither city authorities nor organisers had announced any postponement or change to the Games schedule.