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The US Justice Department &nbsp;has secured the first deportation through the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, a little-known tribunal that had never been used by previous administrations. The department announced on Friday (Sept 11) that Afghan national Nazira Haji Zada had been deported to Afghanistan after she admitted to being an "alien terrorist". The case was linked to allegations that she helped her son and son-in-law plan a terror attack that was foiled in 2024.&nbsp;The deportation marks the first use of the Alien Terrorist Removal Court since the Donald Trump administration activated the tribunal earlier this year.&nbsp;According to newly unsealed court documents and the Justice Department, Haji Zada agreed to the alien terrorist designation before she was removed from the United States.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-prince-asks-trump-twice-to-strike-houthis-us-president-declines-report-1789146851795">Saudi prince asks Trump twice to strike Houthis, US president declines: Report</a>&nbsp;Attorney General Todd Blanche described the case as a victory for US national security and the rule of law.&nbsp;"The landmark case, resulting in the prompt removal of this alien terrorist to her country of origin, is a win for national security and the rule of law," Blanche said in a statement on Friday.&nbsp;He added that people who support or condone terrorism should not be allowed to remain in the United States. Blanche said the case demonstrated that the Justice Department would use every available legal tool to protect the country.&nbsp;Haji Zada's lawyers had earlier challenged the constitutionality of the tribunal. They argued that its procedures violated due process and other constitutional protections.&nbsp;The Alien Terrorist Removal Court allows the Justice Department to keep certain classified information secret during deportation proceedings. This can include information that the government uses to classify an immigrant as an "alien terrorist".&nbsp;The cases are heard by Article III federal judges. These judges are considered more independent from the executive branch than immigration judges who normally handle deportation cases.&nbsp;Previous US administrations had never used the tribunal. One possible reason was concern that using it could lead to a court ruling that the system itself was unconstitutional.&nbsp;The Trump administration's first successful case before the tribunal now marks a significant new development in how the US government handles immigration cases involving alleged terrorism.

The Trump administration has secured the first deportation through the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, removing Afghan woman Nazira Haji Zada after she admitted to being an "alien terrorist" in a case linked to a foiled 2024 terror plot.

The US Justice Department has secured the first deportation through the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, a little-known tribunal that had never been used by previous administrations. The department announced on Friday (Sept 11) that Afghan national Nazira Haji Zada had been deported to Afghanistan after she admitted to being an "alien terrorist". The case was linked to allegations that she helped her son and son-in-law plan a terror attack that was foiled in 2024. The deportation marks the first use of the Alien Terrorist Removal Court since the Donald Trump administration activated the tribunal earlier this year. According to newly unsealed court documents and the Justice Department, Haji Zada agreed to the alien terrorist designation before she was removed from the United States. Also Read: Saudi prince asks Trump twice to strike Houthis, US president declines: Report Attorney General Todd Blanche described the case as a victory for US national security and the rule of law. "The landmark case, resulting in the prompt removal of this alien terrorist to her country of origin, is a win for national security and the rule of law," Blanche said in a statement on Friday. He added that people who support or condone terrorism should not be allowed to remain in the United States. Blanche said the case demonstrated that the Justice Department would use every available legal tool to protect the country. Haji Zada's lawyers had earlier challenged the constitutionality of the tribunal. They argued that its procedures violated due process and other constitutional protections. The Alien Terrorist Removal Court allows the Justice Department to keep certain classified information secret during deportation proceedings. This can include information that the government uses to classify an immigrant as an "alien terrorist". The cases are heard by Article III federal judges. These judges are considered more independent from the executive branch than immigration judges who normally handle deportation cases. Previous US administrations had never used the tribunal. One possible reason was concern that using it could lead to a court ruling that the system itself was unconstitutional. The Trump administration's first successful case before the tribunal now marks a significant new development in how the US government handles immigration cases involving alleged terrorism.

The Trump administration has secured the first deportation through the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, removing Afghan woman Nazira Haji Zada after she admitted to being an "alien terrorist" in a case linked to a foiled 2024 terror plot.

In first of its kind, Trump admin deports Afghan woman via Alien Terrorist Court

As the world grapples with a litany of wars and America's hegemonic designs, India's approach has stood out with its consistent thrust on diplomacy and a multipolar world.&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the tone for the BRICS summit by highlighting the expanse and economic power of the bloc. BRICS now comprises 11 members and 10 partner countries, representing half of the world's population, 40 per cent of the world's GDP and more than 25 per cent of global trade.&nbsp;Addressing the BRICS Business Forum, Modi said the GDP of BRICS nations has grown at nearly twice the pace of the rest of the world despite adverse circumstances.&nbsp;He urged the forum to prepare a report on removing the top 10 trade barriers and support 100 startups from BRICS countries. Citing India's accomplishments, Modi issued a call for other nations to "innovate with India".&nbsp;The safety of seafarers was also high on Modi's agenda. He stressed that global trade can progress only when sea lanes and supply routes remain open and seafarers are safe.&nbsp;The day also witnessed key high-profile bilateral meetings. Modi held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian amid the ongoing crisis around the Strait of Hormuz, whose virtual closure has triggered an energy crisis affecting several countries, including India.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, Modi held a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The bonhomie between the two leaders was once again on display.&nbsp;On arriving at New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam, the two leaders shared a warm hug and shook hands as they reviewed progress across multiple domains, including the economy, defence, energy, space, skill mobility and people-to-people exchanges.&nbsp;The meeting assumes significance as India is considering a Russian proposal to buy five more S-400 air defence systems following the success of Operation Sindoor. There are also reports that Moscow is offering Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets to India.&nbsp;The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia and the Black Sea, where multiple Indian seafarers have lost their lives amid the ongoing Iran and Russia-Ukraine wars.&nbsp;While agreeing to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, Modi reiterated the importance of diplomacy in resolving conflicts and expressed India's willingness to assist in peace efforts.&nbsp;According to sources, other issues that may have come up for discussion included achieving a bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030, broadening India's access to the Russian market and strengthening civil nuclear cooperation.&nbsp;Modi also gifted Putin a Russian translation of the ancient Tamil classic Thirukkural. Russian author Leo Tolstoy was captivated by the treatise for its emphasis on non-violence and compassion. The work also offers lessons on diplomacy, leadership and governance.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-still-sending-terrorists-to-where-they-belong-says-trump-at-9-11-memorial-event-1789137990009">'We are still sending terrorists to where they belong', says Trump at 9/11 memorial event</a>&nbsp;Following the meeting, Modi and Putin travelled together in the same car. They later visited Russia's International Industrial Exhibition, Innoprom India, which seeks to further expand trade and industrial ties between the two countries.&nbsp;Amid Trump's global tariffs and the United States' strengthening of sanctions against Russia and Iran, a key question is how BRICS is responding to the changing global trade order.&nbsp;The BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors collectively voiced concern over the unilateral imposition of tariffs and non-tariff measures that distort trade.&nbsp;They also encouraged discussions on promoting the use of local currencies among BRICS countries for trade and investments.&nbsp;Addressing the BRICS Business Forum, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also voiced support for this approach.&nbsp;This is already taking place between India and Russia. Estimates suggest that around 96 per cent of their bilateral trade is now settled in rupees and roubles.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov to strengthen the India-Russia payments system.&nbsp;All eyes will now be on the next two days to see how BRICS seeks to put forward an alternative vision for the world, as peaceful coexistence remains a casualty of ongoing conflicts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the BRICS summit to champion diplomacy and a multipolar world while strengthening India's strategic and economic ties with Russia and Iran amid global conflicts, US tariffs and sanctions.

As the world grapples with a litany of wars and America's hegemonic designs, India's approach has stood out with its consistent thrust on diplomacy and a multipolar world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the tone for the BRICS summit by highlighting the expanse and economic power of the bloc. BRICS now comprises 11 members and 10 partner countries, representing half of the world's population, 40 per cent of the world's GDP and more than 25 per cent of global trade. Addressing the BRICS Business Forum, Modi said the GDP of BRICS nations has grown at nearly twice the pace of the rest of the world despite adverse circumstances. He urged the forum to prepare a report on removing the top 10 trade barriers and support 100 startups from BRICS countries. Citing India's accomplishments, Modi issued a call for other nations to "innovate with India". The safety of seafarers was also high on Modi's agenda. He stressed that global trade can progress only when sea lanes and supply routes remain open and seafarers are safe. The day also witnessed key high-profile bilateral meetings. Modi held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian amid the ongoing crisis around the Strait of Hormuz, whose virtual closure has triggered an energy crisis affecting several countries, including India. Earlier in the day, Modi held a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The bonhomie between the two leaders was once again on display. On arriving at New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam, the two leaders shared a warm hug and shook hands as they reviewed progress across multiple domains, including the economy, defence, energy, space, skill mobility and people-to-people exchanges. The meeting assumes significance as India is considering a Russian proposal to buy five more S-400 air defence systems following the success of Operation Sindoor. There are also reports that Moscow is offering Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets to India. The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia and the Black Sea, where multiple Indian seafarers have lost their lives amid the ongoing Iran and Russia-Ukraine wars. While agreeing to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries, Modi reiterated the importance of diplomacy in resolving conflicts and expressed India's willingness to assist in peace efforts. According to sources, other issues that may have come up for discussion included achieving a bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030, broadening India's access to the Russian market and strengthening civil nuclear cooperation. Modi also gifted Putin a Russian translation of the ancient Tamil classic Thirukkural. Russian author Leo Tolstoy was captivated by the treatise for its emphasis on non-violence and compassion. The work also offers lessons on diplomacy, leadership and governance. Also Read: 'We are still sending terrorists to where they belong', says Trump at 9/11 memorial event Following the meeting, Modi and Putin travelled together in the same car. They later visited Russia's International Industrial Exhibition, Innoprom India, which seeks to further expand trade and industrial ties between the two countries. Amid Trump's global tariffs and the United States' strengthening of sanctions against Russia and Iran, a key question is how BRICS is responding to the changing global trade order. The BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors collectively voiced concern over the unilateral imposition of tariffs and non-tariff measures that distort trade. They also encouraged discussions on promoting the use of local currencies among BRICS countries for trade and investments. Addressing the BRICS Business Forum, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also voiced support for this approach. This is already taking place between India and Russia. Estimates suggest that around 96 per cent of their bilateral trade is now settled in rupees and roubles. Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov to strengthen the India-Russia payments system. All eyes will now be on the next two days to see how BRICS seeks to put forward an alternative vision for the world, as peaceful coexistence remains a casualty of ongoing conflicts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the BRICS summit to champion diplomacy and a multipolar world while strengthening India's strategic and economic ties with Russia and Iran amid global conflicts, US tariffs and sanctions.

PM Modi's power meet with Putin & Pezeshkian, all eyes on BRICS Summit | Gravitas

Skyroot Aerospace, the Indian rocket-making firm that succeeded in reaching orbit in its first attempt in July 2026, is now targeting its second launch by the year-end. "We have shipped the first stage of the (four-stage) Vikram-1 rocket to the ISRO Spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. "It'll take a few more months... We are targeting year-end... However, it depends on the improvements that we are going to do from the first launch. We are just about to complete post-flight analysis to understand our first flight fully and make the necessary changes for the second flight. Based on that, the second launch schedule will come, but we are targeting year-end, hopefully," Skyroot's Co-Founder and CEO Pawan Chandana told this author during an exclusive conversation at the Bengaluru Space Expo.Skyroot's Vikram-1 rocket is the first privately designed and developed spacefaring vehicle from India to reach orbit and deploy satellites. Until this feat, only the Government-run space agency ISRO had been designing, developing, and launching rockets to space from India. The successful execution of Vikram-1's mission on July 18th 2026, made India the third nation after the USA and China to demonstrate private orbital launch capability.While Pawan did not reveal whose satellites would fly on the second mission of Vikram-1, he said that the specific information would be shared closer to launch. Further, he mentioned that there is quite a lot of interest in launches after the first mission. "In global launches, there is a lot of gap...There is a lot of increased interest in launches," he added.<h2>Skyroot's Rs 250 cr investment in Tamil Nadu</h2>Queried about Skyroot's recent MoU with the Tamil Nadu Government to invest Rs 250 cr (approx $26mn) in Thoothukudi, Pawan explained that it was meant to set up infrastructure for rocket testing and integration near the upcoming spaceport. This investment in infrastructure is meant to support Skyroot's future launches from Kulasekarapattinam, which is located barely 100 kms away from mainland India's southernmost tip, where the Indian government is building its second spaceport.This 2300-acre Kulasekarapattinam facility is meant for efficiently launching small rockets on southward trajectories. This includes rockets such as ISRO's SSLV and those being built by private firms such as Skyroot.While launching southwards from Sriharikota, rockets would need to perform a turn manoeuvre to avoid overflying the island nation of Sri Lanka. Such a manoeuvre expends fuel and curbs the rocket's lifting ability. In the case of smaller rockets, such turn manoeuvres could drastically cut down their lifting ability. India is building the spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam to facilitate direct southwards launches of small rockets at their maximum lifting ability.<h2>Will Skyroot build its own launchpad?</h2>Given the company's goal to provide quick and frequent launches to meet customer needs, Pawan was asked if they would build a launchpad at either Sriharikota or Kulasekarapattinam. Further, this author also asked if Skyroot would continue launching from Sriharikota on the East Coast or whether Skyroot would move launches to the upcoming spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam. To this, Pawan replied that the firm would launch low- and mid-inclination missions from the Sriharikota spaceport, while the high-inclination, southward missions would be launched from Kulasekarapattinam. He added that the launch site would depend on the preferences of their customers and the specific orbit requirements of the passenger satellites."As of now, both spaceports have good launch capacity... As we keep launching further, we will think about having our independent launch pad, but the existing launchpads are good enough for a large number of launches," Pawan replied.<h2>How does Skyroot view its competition?</h2>Pawan says that the competition is that the launch market is global. However, he also pointed out that there are only two firms launching regularly, and both are doing so from the US. Though he did not name the firms, the reference is obvious: SpaceX and RocketLab. "The world needs more launch capacity. If it can come from more Indian firms, it is good for the ecosystem. We are gearing up for more launches and hope to create good launch capacity for the global space sector.. 70-80% of our market is global. As a company, Skyroot got to orbit in its first attempt. We will keep doing more launches," he concluded.<h2>Global launch statistics from 2025</h2>Last year, of more than 320 launches globally, the USA led with 181 launches, while China did over 90. Most of these were driven by the private sector in the respective countries. All other spacefaring countries and private firms cumulatively did fewer than 60 launches. In a good year, India does about five or seven space launches. In 2025, the Indian space agency ISRO had done five launch missions, and private firms had not done any.<h2>About Skyroot's Vikram-1 rocket</h2>Vikram-1 is a seven-storeys-tall, four-stage orbital launch vehicle built with an all-carbon composite structure and powered by in-house developed propulsion systems, including 3D-printed engines and high-thrust solid-fuel rocket boosters. Designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit, about 500 km above Earth.

Last year, of more than 320 launches globally, the USA led with 181 launches, while China did over 90. Most of these were driven by the private sector in the respective countries. All other spacefaring countries and private firms cumulatively did fewer than 60 launches.

Skyroot Aerospace, the Indian rocket-making firm that succeeded in reaching orbit in its first attempt in July 2026, is now targeting its second launch by the year-end. "We have shipped the first stage of the (four-stage) Vikram-1 rocket to the ISRO Spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. "It'll take a few more months... We are targeting year-end... However, it depends on the improvements that we are going to do from the first launch. We are just about to complete post-flight analysis to understand our first flight fully and make the necessary changes for the second flight. Based on that, the second launch schedule will come, but we are targeting year-end, hopefully," Skyroot's Co-Founder and CEO Pawan Chandana told this author during an exclusive conversation at the Bengaluru Space Expo. Skyroot's Vikram-1 rocket is the first privately designed and developed spacefaring vehicle from India to reach orbit and deploy satellites. Until this feat, only the Government-run space agency ISRO had been designing, developing, and launching rockets to space from India. The successful execution of Vikram-1's mission on July 18th 2026, made India the third nation after the USA and China to demonstrate private orbital launch capability. While Pawan did not reveal whose satellites would fly on the second mission of Vikram-1, he said that the specific information would be shared closer to launch. Further, he mentioned that there is quite a lot of interest in launches after the first mission. "In global launches, there is a lot of gap...There is a lot of increased interest in launches," he added. Skyroot's Rs 250 cr investment in Tamil Nadu Queried about Skyroot's recent MoU with the Tamil Nadu Government to invest Rs 250 cr (approx $26mn) in Thoothukudi, Pawan explained that it was meant to set up infrastructure for rocket testing and integration near the upcoming spaceport. This investment in infrastructure is meant to support Skyroot's future launches from Kulasekarapattinam, which is located barely 100 kms away from mainland India's southernmost tip, where the Indian government is building its second spaceport. This 2300-acre Kulasekarapattinam facility is meant for efficiently launching small rockets on southward trajectories. This includes rockets such as ISRO's SSLV and those being built by private firms such as Skyroot. While launching southwards from Sriharikota, rockets would need to perform a turn manoeuvre to avoid overflying the island nation of Sri Lanka. Such a manoeuvre expends fuel and curbs the rocket's lifting ability. In the case of smaller rockets, such turn manoeuvres could drastically cut down their lifting ability. India is building the spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam to facilitate direct southwards launches of small rockets at their maximum lifting ability. Will Skyroot build its own launchpad? Given the company's goal to provide quick and frequent launches to meet customer needs, Pawan was asked if they would build a launchpad at either Sriharikota or Kulasekarapattinam. Further, this author also asked if Skyroot would continue launching from Sriharikota on the East Coast or whether Skyroot would move launches to the upcoming spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam. To this, Pawan replied that the firm would launch low- and mid-inclination missions from the Sriharikota spaceport, while the high-inclination, southward missions would be launched from Kulasekarapattinam. He added that the launch site would depend on the preferences of their customers and the specific orbit requirements of the passenger satellites. "As of now, both spaceports have good launch capacity... As we keep launching further, we will think about having our independent launch pad, but the existing launchpads are good enough for a large number of launches," Pawan replied. How does Skyroot view its competition? Pawan says that the competition is that the launch market is global. However, he also pointed out that there are only two firms launching regularly, and both are doing so from the US. Though he did not name the firms, the reference is obvious: SpaceX and RocketLab. "The world needs more launch capacity. If it can come from more Indian firms, it is good for the ecosystem. We are gearing up for more launches and hope to create good launch capacity for the global space sector.. 70-80% of our market is global. As a company, Skyroot got to orbit in its first attempt. We will keep doing more launches," he concluded. Global launch statistics from 2025 Last year, of more than 320 launches globally, the USA led with 181 launches, while China did over 90. Most of these were driven by the private sector in the respective countries. All other spacefaring countries and private firms cumulatively did fewer than 60 launches. In a good year, India does about five or seven space launches. In 2025, the Indian space agency ISRO had done five launch missions, and private firms had not done any. About Skyroot's Vikram-1 rocket Vikram-1 is a seven-storeys-tall, four-stage orbital launch vehicle built with an all-carbon composite structure and powered by in-house developed propulsion systems, including 3D-printed engines and high-thrust solid-fuel rocket boosters. Designed to carry small satellites weighing up to 350 kg to Low Earth Orbit, about 500 km above Earth.

Last year, of more than 320 launches globally, the USA led with 181 launches, while China did over 90. Most of these were driven by the private sector in the respective countries. All other spacefaring countries and private firms cumulatively did fewer than 60 launches.

Skyroot plans 2nd launch by 2026-end; future launches from AP & TN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held wide-ranging talks in New Delhi on Friday (Sep 11) on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. The two leaders discussed the wars in West Asia and Ukraine, their impact on the global economy and the need to reform multilateral institutions.<h2>Wars, food security and freedom of navigation</h2>The two leaders discussed the impact of ongoing conflicts on food and fertiliser supplies, along with global food security and freedom of navigation. According to the UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson, they “had a wide-ranging discussion on the current conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the impact both are having on the global economy, including regarding access to food and fertiliser.” Guterres also “reaffirmed the principle of freedom of navigation.”Their discussions also touched on sustainable development, renewable energy and human-centric artificial intelligence, as global disruptions continue to put pressure on economies and supply chains.<h2>Push for UN Security Council reform</h2>PM Modi and Guterres also stressed the importance of multipolarity and reforming global institutions to reflect present-day geopolitical realities.“Both leaders underscored the significance of multipolarity and the need to reform multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council, to reflect contemporary realities,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said.The issue carries particular significance for India, which is seeking a larger role in global decision-making. New Delhi formally launched its campaign in July for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term.<h2>India’s BRICS priorities</h2>Guterres congratulated PM Modi on India’s BRICS chairship, while the two leaders discussed priorities for the grouping, including strengthening multilateral institutions.India is hosting the BRICS summit on September 12 and 13, bringing together leaders from member and partner countries. The grouping has become an important platform for emerging economies to coordinate on issues ranging from trade and finance to technology, energy and development.Guterres is scheduled to address the summit’s Open Session on September 13. Modi also wished the UN chief well for the remainder of his tenure, which ends in December 2026.

Modi and Guterres discussed the West Asia and Ukraine wars, global food security, freedom of navigation and UN reforms on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held wide-ranging talks in New Delhi on Friday (Sep 11) on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. The two leaders discussed the wars in West Asia and Ukraine, their impact on the global economy and the need to reform multilateral institutions. Wars, food security and freedom of navigation The two leaders discussed the impact of ongoing conflicts on food and fertiliser supplies, along with global food security and freedom of navigation. According to the UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson, they “had a wide-ranging discussion on the current conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the impact both are having on the global economy, including regarding access to food and fertiliser.” Guterres also “reaffirmed the principle of freedom of navigation.” Their discussions also touched on sustainable development, renewable energy and human-centric artificial intelligence, as global disruptions continue to put pressure on economies and supply chains. Push for UN Security Council reform PM Modi and Guterres also stressed the importance of multipolarity and reforming global institutions to reflect present-day geopolitical realities. “Both leaders underscored the significance of multipolarity and the need to reform multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council, to reflect contemporary realities,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said. The issue carries particular significance for India, which is seeking a larger role in global decision-making. New Delhi formally launched its campaign in July for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term. India’s BRICS priorities Guterres congratulated PM Modi on India’s BRICS chairship, while the two leaders discussed priorities for the grouping, including strengthening multilateral institutions. India is hosting the BRICS summit on September 12 and 13, bringing together leaders from member and partner countries. The grouping has become an important platform for emerging economies to coordinate on issues ranging from trade and finance to technology, energy and development. Guterres is scheduled to address the summit’s Open Session on September 13. Modi also wished the UN chief well for the remainder of his tenure, which ends in December 2026.

Modi and Guterres discussed the West Asia and Ukraine wars, global food security, freedom of navigation and UN reforms on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

BRICS Summit: Modi-Guterres discuss West Asia, Ukraine and UN reforms

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) called US President Donald Trump twice on Thursday (Sept 10) and urged him to authorise American strikes against Yemen’s Iran backed Houthi forces, Axios reported, citing two US officials.&nbsp;The request came as Houthi forces advanced towards the strategically important Bab al Mandab Strait, a key Red Sea chokepoint and major maritime trade route. The waterway is also an important route for Saudi oil exports.&nbsp;Trump is said to have declined the request as Washington seeks to keep its military focus on Iran and the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz instead of opening another front in Yemen.&nbsp;The Saudi appeal came as fighting in Yemen intensified, with Houthi forces seizing a key coastal city and moving closer to Bab al Mandab.&nbsp;The latest confrontation between Riyadh and the Houthis began escalating in July after Saudi Arabia stopped an Iranian aircraft carrying senior Houthi officials from returning to Sanaa following the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;The crown prince later sought Trump’s political backing for a possible Saudi strike on Sanaa airport. Riyadh had indicated that it did not require direct US military assistance at the time, and Trump backed the Saudi position.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-unity-on-display-pm-modi-holds-pezeshkian-s-hand-putin-ramaphosa-walk-alongside-1789137013838">BRICS unity on display: PM Modi holds Pezeshkian’s hand; Putin, Ramaphosa walk alongside</a><h2>Saudi Arabia seeks greater US support</h2>The latest request marks a shift from Riyadh’s position in July, when Saudi officials told Washington that they could deal with the Houthis without direct US military involvement, Axios reported.&nbsp;On Thursday, Mohammed bin Salman first called Trump to brief him on the deteriorating battlefield situation as Houthi forces advanced towards the coastal city of Mokha and Saudi backed Yemeni forces pulled back.&nbsp;Several hours later, he called Trump again and pressed him to order US strikes against Houthi positions. Trump is said to have declined the request.&nbsp;US military and civilian officials have told their Saudi counterparts that the current directive is to keep American forces concentrated on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper travelled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for urgent discussions, according to two people familiar with the matter.&nbsp;Washington is nevertheless expected to increase non combat support for Riyadh. A US official told Axios that the administration would provide intelligence and targeting information on Houthi forces.&nbsp;Around 200 US military personnel are already stationed in Saudi Arabia providing non kinetic support, the official said.&nbsp;A senior Trump administration official said Washington’s priority was keeping the Red Sea open while leaving the broader fight to regional partners.&nbsp;"The United States is focused on protecting our core national security interests — such as ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea — while empowering our regional partners to take the lead in managing and resolving regional security challenges," the official told Axios.<h2>Pakistan clarifies defence pact position</h2>The developments come as Pakistan, a treaty bound ally of Riyadh under the recently signed Mecca Pact defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, has indicated that it is not currently considering military action against the Houthis.&nbsp;Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan issued the clarification on Thursday while responding to questions about the agreement signed by the three countries last month.&nbsp;“There is no such thing under discussion right now ... When time comes (we) will act under the agreement,” Khan said, referring to the pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman twice urged US President Donald Trump to authorise strikes against the Houthis, but Trump declined as Washington keeps its military focus on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) called US President Donald Trump twice on Thursday (Sept 10) and urged him to authorise American strikes against Yemen’s Iran backed Houthi forces, Axios reported, citing two US officials. The request came as Houthi forces advanced towards the strategically important Bab al Mandab Strait, a key Red Sea chokepoint and major maritime trade route. The waterway is also an important route for Saudi oil exports. Trump is said to have declined the request as Washington seeks to keep its military focus on Iran and the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz instead of opening another front in Yemen. The Saudi appeal came as fighting in Yemen intensified, with Houthi forces seizing a key coastal city and moving closer to Bab al Mandab. The latest confrontation between Riyadh and the Houthis began escalating in July after Saudi Arabia stopped an Iranian aircraft carrying senior Houthi officials from returning to Sanaa following the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The crown prince later sought Trump’s political backing for a possible Saudi strike on Sanaa airport. Riyadh had indicated that it did not require direct US military assistance at the time, and Trump backed the Saudi position. Also Read: BRICS unity on display: PM Modi holds Pezeshkian’s hand; Putin, Ramaphosa walk alongside Saudi Arabia seeks greater US support The latest request marks a shift from Riyadh’s position in July, when Saudi officials told Washington that they could deal with the Houthis without direct US military involvement, Axios reported. On Thursday, Mohammed bin Salman first called Trump to brief him on the deteriorating battlefield situation as Houthi forces advanced towards the coastal city of Mokha and Saudi backed Yemeni forces pulled back. Several hours later, he called Trump again and pressed him to order US strikes against Houthi positions. Trump is said to have declined the request. US military and civilian officials have told their Saudi counterparts that the current directive is to keep American forces concentrated on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper travelled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for urgent discussions, according to two people familiar with the matter. Washington is nevertheless expected to increase non combat support for Riyadh. A US official told Axios that the administration would provide intelligence and targeting information on Houthi forces. Around 200 US military personnel are already stationed in Saudi Arabia providing non kinetic support, the official said. A senior Trump administration official said Washington’s priority was keeping the Red Sea open while leaving the broader fight to regional partners. "The United States is focused on protecting our core national security interests — such as ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea — while empowering our regional partners to take the lead in managing and resolving regional security challenges," the official told Axios. Pakistan clarifies defence pact position The developments come as Pakistan, a treaty bound ally of Riyadh under the recently signed Mecca Pact defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, has indicated that it is not currently considering military action against the Houthis. Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan issued the clarification on Thursday while responding to questions about the agreement signed by the three countries last month. “There is no such thing under discussion right now ... When time comes (we) will act under the agreement,” Khan said, referring to the pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman twice urged US President Donald Trump to authorise strikes against the Houthis, but Trump declined as Washington keeps its military focus on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi prince asks Trump twice to strike Houthis, US president declines: Report

A silent crisis is deepening among young girls in America. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among children aged 10 to 14 in the United States. But a new study has uncovered another deeply unsettling trend: suicide rates among girls in this age group have risen sharply, narrowing the long-standing gap between boys and girls.&nbsp;The study, conducted by an American psychologist at San Diego State University, analysed federal data spanning 2001 to 2024 to examine gender patterns in youth suicide rates and identify areas where prevention efforts could be better targeted.<h3>Suicide gap between boys and girls nearly disappears</h3>According to the study, the difference in suicide rates between boys and girls aged 10 to 14 in the U.S. had nearly disappeared by 2024.&nbsp;The most striking finding was among girls. The suicide rate for girls in this age group increased almost fourfold between 2007 and 2024. The trend became even more pronounced in recent years.&nbsp;Between 2018 and 2024, the suicide rate among boys aged 10 to 14 fell by 35%, while the rate among girls increased by 13%.<h3>What is driving the rise?</h3>The study did not establish a single, concrete cause behind the increase. However, its author pointed to smartphone access and social media exposure as potentially important factors.The argument is particularly significant amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on children's mental health.&nbsp;Young girls, experts say, can be exposed to relentless comparisons with peers and influencers, appearance-related pressure, cyberbullying and disrupted sleep.&nbsp;Constant exposure to carefully curated images of seemingly perfect bodies and lifestyles can also affect how young people perceive themselves.<h3>Social media and the pressure to fit in</h3>For many young girls, social media can turn everyday experiences into a constant cycle of comparison.&nbsp;The pressure to look a certain way, gain approval, receive likes or fit into a particular social group can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.&nbsp;The study's findings come against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, when children and teenagers spent significantly more time at home and, in many cases, increasingly relied on digital platforms for social interaction.&nbsp;However, the researchers did not conclude that social media alone is responsible for rising suicide rates.&nbsp;Instead, the findings point to a complex problem involving multiple social, psychological and environmental factors.<h3>Meta faces growing scrutiny</h3>The issue has also intensified scrutiny of social media companies in the U.S.&nbsp;Amid lawsuits and growing concerns over the effects of social media on young users, Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has faced increasing pressure to strengthen protections for children and teenagers.&nbsp;The debate centres on whether platforms should do more to limit excessive use, reduce harmful content and protect young users from online pressures.<h3>Why the findings matter</h3>The sharp increase in suicide rates among girls aged 10 to 14 is particularly concerning because this is a very young age group. It also highlights the need for gender-specific suicide prevention strategies, rather than assuming that the same interventions will work equally well for boys and girls.&nbsp;Social media may not be the sole explanation for the trend. But its role in shaping children's social lives, sleep patterns, self-image and exposure to peer pressure makes it an issue policymakers, parents, schools and technology companies cannot ignore.&nbsp;The study therefore serves as another warning sign: the mental-health crisis among children is evolving, and prevention strategies may need to evolve with it.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or feels at immediate risk, seek help from emergency services or a qualified mental-health professional immediately.

The suicide rate for girls in this age group increased almost fourfold between 2007 and 2024. The trend became even more pronounced in recent years.

A silent crisis is deepening among young girls in America. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among children aged 10 to 14 in the United States. But a new study has uncovered another deeply unsettling trend: suicide rates among girls in this age group have risen sharply, narrowing the long-standing gap between boys and girls. The study, conducted by an American psychologist at San Diego State University, analysed federal data spanning 2001 to 2024 to examine gender patterns in youth suicide rates and identify areas where prevention efforts could be better targeted. Suicide gap between boys and girls nearly disappears According to the study, the difference in suicide rates between boys and girls aged 10 to 14 in the U.S. had nearly disappeared by 2024. The most striking finding was among girls. The suicide rate for girls in this age group increased almost fourfold between 2007 and 2024. The trend became even more pronounced in recent years. Between 2018 and 2024, the suicide rate among boys aged 10 to 14 fell by 35%, while the rate among girls increased by 13%. What is driving the rise? The study did not establish a single, concrete cause behind the increase. However, its author pointed to smartphone access and social media exposure as potentially important factors. The argument is particularly significant amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on children's mental health. Young girls, experts say, can be exposed to relentless comparisons with peers and influencers, appearance-related pressure, cyberbullying and disrupted sleep. Constant exposure to carefully curated images of seemingly perfect bodies and lifestyles can also affect how young people perceive themselves. Social media and the pressure to fit in For many young girls, social media can turn everyday experiences into a constant cycle of comparison. The pressure to look a certain way, gain approval, receive likes or fit into a particular social group can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. The study's findings come against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, when children and teenagers spent significantly more time at home and, in many cases, increasingly relied on digital platforms for social interaction. However, the researchers did not conclude that social media alone is responsible for rising suicide rates. Instead, the findings point to a complex problem involving multiple social, psychological and environmental factors. Meta faces growing scrutiny The issue has also intensified scrutiny of social media companies in the U.S. Amid lawsuits and growing concerns over the effects of social media on young users, Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has faced increasing pressure to strengthen protections for children and teenagers. The debate centres on whether platforms should do more to limit excessive use, reduce harmful content and protect young users from online pressures. Why the findings matter The sharp increase in suicide rates among girls aged 10 to 14 is particularly concerning because this is a very young age group. It also highlights the need for gender-specific suicide prevention strategies, rather than assuming that the same interventions will work equally well for boys and girls. Social media may not be the sole explanation for the trend. But its role in shaping children's social lives, sleep patterns, self-image and exposure to peer pressure makes it an issue policymakers, parents, schools and technology companies cannot ignore. The study therefore serves as another warning sign: the mental-health crisis among children is evolving, and prevention strategies may need to evolve with it. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or feels at immediate risk, seek help from emergency services or a qualified mental-health professional immediately.

The suicide rate for girls in this age group increased almost fourfold between 2007 and 2024. The trend became even more pronounced in recent years.

Suicide among girls aged 10–14 in US grows 4 times from 2007: Study

BRICS arrives at its 18th summit in New Delhi with an expanded membership of 11 countries and 10 partners, together accounting for close to half the world's population and roughly 40 per cent of global GDP.&nbsp;According to a briefing by the research group Climate Trends, over the past year, India's chairship has convened more than 350 meetings across 25 cities, producing around 20 sectoral agreements on energy, agriculture and urban planning. But the same briefing flags a consistent pattern behind those numbers: the outcomes are voluntary and non-binding, and none of them is backed by a dedicated financing mechanism — a gap that becomes harder to ignore against the New Development Bank's own reported climate-lending figures, which sit below the target the bank has set for itself.&nbsp;On energy specifically, that BRICS has adopted guiding principles on energy storage and smart grids, and launched a Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage, with cooperation extending to hydrogen, biofuels, critical minerals and carbon capture. The bloc's membership spans both major energy producers and consumers, alongside countries holding significant renewable-energy capacity.&nbsp;Dammu Ravi, former Secretary for Economic Affairs at India's Ministry of External Affairs, frames this as an opening for joint projects rather than parallel national ones. "No single country can do these energy projects alone," he said, citing China's capital, technology and critical-mineral capacity, India's renewable-energy investment base, Brazil's experience with flex-fuel biofuels and Russia's nuclear expertise, including small modular reactors. Combined, he said, these strengths could support what he called "gigawatt scale mega projects." He added that "political and bilateral issues" among members would still need to be resolved.&nbsp;Beyond energy generation, the briefing lists BRICS principles on community-based climate adaptation and traditional and indigenous knowledge systems, along with initiatives on regenerative agriculture, digital farming and climate-resilient logistics, and a proposed urban mobility and research network aimed at building climate and disaster risk into city planning. It characterizes all of these as cooperation and knowledge-sharing platforms rather than binding commitments.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/economic-bridges-not-barriers-pm-modi-flags-trade-barriers-seafarer-safety-at-brics-business-forum-1789132762442">‘Economic bridges, not barriers’: PM Modi flags trade barriers, seafarer safety at BRICS Business Forum</a>&nbsp;On financing, according to &nbsp;the New Development Bank's own figures, it’s authorized capital of $100 billion, against $53.4 billion subscribed and roughly $42.9 billion in cumulative approvals across 139 projects. The Bank reported climate finance stood at $8.1 billion at the end of 2024, or 23 per cent of the Bank's portfolio, with mitigation lending far outpacing adaptation.&nbsp;Ravi argues that renewable-energy models developed in India and China could be replicated in other parts of the Global South, particularly Africa, but says the missing elements are financing structures, incentives and mechanisms to reduce investment risk.&nbsp;Experts also raise a technology question that BRICS has not yet addressed: rising electricity demand from data centres tied to AI and digital agriculture initiatives, in economies where additional power generation still relies significantly on coal.&nbsp;On fossil fuels, the briefing notes that BRICS energy ministers have emphasized flexibility based on national circumstances and development priorities, and that the bloc continues to recognize a continuing role for fossil fuels alongside its just-transition language — a position it describes as consistent with the bloc's stance in prior years rather than a new shift.&nbsp;Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute, described the bloc's approach as "variable geometry" — cooperation where interests overlap even amid disagreement elsewhere. "Climate change is clearly one area where this diverse group has a shared interest," he said, pointing to falling clean-energy costs and mounting climate impacts as reasons for collective action.&nbsp;The period after the summit is the real test of the chairship: whether the agreements reached this year convert into investment, technology partnerships and actual projects. With COP31 set to open in Antalya in November, &nbsp;that BRICS' positions on adaptation finance, just transition and carbon accounting could shape what a large share of the Global South brings into those negotiations.

BRICS’ expanded climate cooperation under India’s chairship has produced hundreds of meetings and sectoral agreements, but experts flag the lack of dedicated financing and binding commitments as the bloc’s key challenge in turning plans into projects.

BRICS arrives at its 18th summit in New Delhi with an expanded membership of 11 countries and 10 partners, together accounting for close to half the world's population and roughly 40 per cent of global GDP. According to a briefing by the research group Climate Trends, over the past year, India's chairship has convened more than 350 meetings across 25 cities, producing around 20 sectoral agreements on energy, agriculture and urban planning. But the same briefing flags a consistent pattern behind those numbers: the outcomes are voluntary and non-binding, and none of them is backed by a dedicated financing mechanism — a gap that becomes harder to ignore against the New Development Bank's own reported climate-lending figures, which sit below the target the bank has set for itself. On energy specifically, that BRICS has adopted guiding principles on energy storage and smart grids, and launched a Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage, with cooperation extending to hydrogen, biofuels, critical minerals and carbon capture. The bloc's membership spans both major energy producers and consumers, alongside countries holding significant renewable-energy capacity. Dammu Ravi, former Secretary for Economic Affairs at India's Ministry of External Affairs, frames this as an opening for joint projects rather than parallel national ones. "No single country can do these energy projects alone," he said, citing China's capital, technology and critical-mineral capacity, India's renewable-energy investment base, Brazil's experience with flex-fuel biofuels and Russia's nuclear expertise, including small modular reactors. Combined, he said, these strengths could support what he called "gigawatt scale mega projects." He added that "political and bilateral issues" among members would still need to be resolved. Beyond energy generation, the briefing lists BRICS principles on community-based climate adaptation and traditional and indigenous knowledge systems, along with initiatives on regenerative agriculture, digital farming and climate-resilient logistics, and a proposed urban mobility and research network aimed at building climate and disaster risk into city planning. It characterizes all of these as cooperation and knowledge-sharing platforms rather than binding commitments. Also Read: ‘Economic bridges, not barriers’: PM Modi flags trade barriers, seafarer safety at BRICS Business Forum On financing, according to the New Development Bank's own figures, it’s authorized capital of $100 billion, against $53.4 billion subscribed and roughly $42.9 billion in cumulative approvals across 139 projects. The Bank reported climate finance stood at $8.1 billion at the end of 2024, or 23 per cent of the Bank's portfolio, with mitigation lending far outpacing adaptation. Ravi argues that renewable-energy models developed in India and China could be replicated in other parts of the Global South, particularly Africa, but says the missing elements are financing structures, incentives and mechanisms to reduce investment risk. Experts also raise a technology question that BRICS has not yet addressed: rising electricity demand from data centres tied to AI and digital agriculture initiatives, in economies where additional power generation still relies significantly on coal. On fossil fuels, the briefing notes that BRICS energy ministers have emphasized flexibility based on national circumstances and development priorities, and that the bloc continues to recognize a continuing role for fossil fuels alongside its just-transition language — a position it describes as consistent with the bloc's stance in prior years rather than a new shift. Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute, described the bloc's approach as "variable geometry" — cooperation where interests overlap even amid disagreement elsewhere. "Climate change is clearly one area where this diverse group has a shared interest," he said, pointing to falling clean-energy costs and mounting climate impacts as reasons for collective action. The period after the summit is the real test of the chairship: whether the agreements reached this year convert into investment, technology partnerships and actual projects. With COP31 set to open in Antalya in November, that BRICS' positions on adaptation finance, just transition and carbon accounting could shape what a large share of the Global South brings into those negotiations.

BRICS’ expanded climate cooperation under India’s chairship has produced hundreds of meetings and sectoral agreements, but experts flag the lack of dedicated financing and binding commitments as the bloc’s key challenge in turning plans into projects.

BRICS built 350 meetings' worth of climate cooperation this year, almost none of it comes with money

Vice President Kashim Shettima has touched down in New Delhi to stand in for President Bola Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit, as Abuja works to convert its partner-country status into concrete trade and investment wins with India and other emerging powers.He heads a heavyweight delegation that includes Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole, Communications and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijani, and Environment Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal, alongside other senior officials. The summit runs under the banner of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.Nigeria's presence at the gathering reflects a broader strategy: turn BRICS membership into real economic gains through fresh investment, wider market access and closer ties with fast-growing economies outside the traditional Western bloc.Odumegwu-Ojukwu said ahead of the trip that Nigeria wants to explore partnerships with India spanning agriculture, artificial intelligence, technology and the digital economy, pointing to India's success in deploying tech to engage its youthful population as a model worth studying.Oduwole, meanwhile, said trade between the two countries has historically touched around $14 billion, and that the government is working to rebuild and strengthen that relationship. She noted that Indian investors have already signalled interest in meeting the Nigerian team during the visit, with talks also expected with other BRICS members. A key priority, she added, is boosting India's purchases of Nigerian crude, restoring a market that was once a major outlet for the country's oil exports.Beyond commercial talks, Shettima is billed to join wider BRICS discussions on global growth, resilience and sustainable development, plus one-on-one meetings aimed at advancing Nigeria's interests in trade, agriculture, technology and industrial growth.Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, a status that opened the door to deeper South-South cooperation and stronger diplomatic and economic engagement with major emerging markets. The delegation is also expected to join the BRICS open session and other sideline events during the summit.

Nigeria's presence at the gathering reflects a broader strategy: turn BRICS membership into real economic gains through fresh investment, wider market access and closer ties with fast-growing economies outside the traditional Western bloc.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has touched down in New Delhi to stand in for President Bola Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit, as Abuja works to convert its partner-country status into concrete trade and investment wins with India and other emerging powers. He heads a heavyweight delegation that includes Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole, Communications and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijani, and Environment Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal, alongside other senior officials. The summit runs under the banner of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. Nigeria's presence at the gathering reflects a broader strategy: turn BRICS membership into real economic gains through fresh investment, wider market access and closer ties with fast-growing economies outside the traditional Western bloc. Odumegwu-Ojukwu said ahead of the trip that Nigeria wants to explore partnerships with India spanning agriculture, artificial intelligence, technology and the digital economy, pointing to India's success in deploying tech to engage its youthful population as a model worth studying. Oduwole, meanwhile, said trade between the two countries has historically touched around $14 billion, and that the government is working to rebuild and strengthen that relationship. She noted that Indian investors have already signalled interest in meeting the Nigerian team during the visit, with talks also expected with other BRICS members. A key priority, she added, is boosting India's purchases of Nigerian crude, restoring a market that was once a major outlet for the country's oil exports. Beyond commercial talks, Shettima is billed to join wider BRICS discussions on global growth, resilience and sustainable development, plus one-on-one meetings aimed at advancing Nigeria's interests in trade, agriculture, technology and industrial growth. Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, a status that opened the door to deeper South-South cooperation and stronger diplomatic and economic engagement with major emerging markets. The delegation is also expected to join the BRICS open session and other sideline events during the summit.

Nigeria's presence at the gathering reflects a broader strategy: turn BRICS membership into real economic gains through fresh investment, wider market access and closer ties with fast-growing economies outside the traditional Western bloc.

VP Shettima rallies Nigeria’s BRICS bid for oil deals, tech ties and jobs for youth

Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, America once again pauses to read the names, lower the flags and remember nearly 3,000 people murdered on a morning that transformed the United States and much of the world.But a quarter-century later, remembrance alone may no longer be enough.The more difficult question is whether America learned from what followed.September 11 produced an extraordinary moment of national unity. It also unleashed a global War on Terror that would span presidencies, continents and generations.George W. Bush invaded Afghanistan to dismantle Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban government that sheltered it. But his administration then invaded Iraq over weapons of mass destruction that were never found.Barack Obama eventually oversaw the operation that killed Osama bin Laden, but his administration dramatically expanded America's use of drone warfare.Joe Biden ended America's longest war by withdrawing from Afghanistan in 2021, but the chaotic final evacuation from Kabul left another painful image in the history of the conflict.Donald Trump built part of his political identity around rejecting America's "endless wars". Yet 25 years after 9/11, the United States once again finds itself fighting a prolonged Middle Eastern conflict — this time against Iran.That contradiction becomes even sharper when compared with American public opinion.A new Reuters/Ipsos poll finds 48 per cent of Americans believe the Afghanistan war was not worth its toll and 51 per cent say the same about Iraq. Just 25 per cent believe the current Iran conflict has been worth it.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/RaceToPower?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RaceToPower</a> | 25 years after 9/11, America remembers. But after Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran — and a rising fear of extremism from within — has America actually learned? THE VERDICT with <a href="https://x.com/eriknjoka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eriknjoka</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/September11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#September11</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/911Anniversary?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#911Anniversary</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TheVerdict?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheVerdict</a> <a href="https://t.co/YLzzYu9mfH">pic.twitter.com/YLzzYu9mfH</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2098452221021352377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>The threat came home</h2>Perhaps the greatest transformation, however, is in what Americans now fear.September 11 focused American attention overwhelmingly on terrorism originating overseas.Today, 61 per cent of Americans say ideology-driven attacks by domestic extremists pose the greater threat, compared with 34 per cent who point to extremists abroad. When asked more broadly about threats to ordinary Americans, mass shootings ranked even higher.America spent decades hunting terrorism thousands of kilometres from its shores. Twenty-five years later, its citizens increasingly fear violence emerging from within their own country.That is an extraordinary reversal.<h2>The people 9/11 never stopped killing</h2>Then there is another legacy — one measured not in geopolitics but in hospital wards.Thousands of first responders, recovery workers, survivors and residents have suffered illnesses associated with exposure to the toxic aftermath of the World Trade Center collapse. This year's commemoration even added, for the first time, a moment of silence for people who later died from 9/11-related illnesses.And just days before the anniversary, Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration released the first 170,000 pages of previously withheld city records concerning air quality and the government's response after the attacks. The release followed years of litigation and campaigning by 9/11 advocates. More documents are expected over the next year.It creates a striking political juxtaposition.Former mayor Rudy Giuliani, whose public image became inseparable from his leadership after September 11, has been among Mamdani's fiercest critics. Yet Mamdani's administration is now opening records concerning what City Hall knew about toxic conditions after Ground Zero and when it knew it.For survivors and families, accountability cannot end with memorial ceremonies."Never forget" must also mean never forgetting those who survived the morning but have spent decades living with its consequences.<h2>America's unfinished lesson</h2>There is no denying that America changed after September 11.Airport security was transformed. Intelligence agencies were reorganised. Al-Qaeda's leadership was devastated. Osama bin Laden was killed.But America also paid heavily for some of the choices made in the shadow of those burning towers: long wars, expanded surveillance, enormous expenditure, civilian casualties abroad and deep political arguments at home.A quarter-century later, America is considerably more politically divided than the country that briefly united on September 12, 2001. The Financial Times notes how starkly today's polarisation contrasts with the extraordinary national solidarity immediately following the attacks.That may be the uncomfortable lesson of this anniversary.Grief without reflection can become policy.Fear without restraint can become war.And remembrance without accountability can become ceremony.America has kept its promise to never forget September 11.Twenty-five years later, the harder question is whether it has finally learned from everything that came after.&nbsp;

Donald Trump built part of his political identity around rejecting America's "endless wars". Yet 25 years after 9/11, the United States once again finds itself fighting a prolonged Middle Eastern conflict — this time against Iran.

Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, America once again pauses to read the names, lower the flags and remember nearly 3,000 people murdered on a morning that transformed the United States and much of the world. But a quarter-century later, remembrance alone may no longer be enough. The more difficult question is whether America learned from what followed. September 11 produced an extraordinary moment of national unity. It also unleashed a global War on Terror that would span presidencies, continents and generations. George W. Bush invaded Afghanistan to dismantle Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban government that sheltered it. But his administration then invaded Iraq over weapons of mass destruction that were never found. Barack Obama eventually oversaw the operation that killed Osama bin Laden, but his administration dramatically expanded America's use of drone warfare. Joe Biden ended America's longest war by withdrawing from Afghanistan in 2021, but the chaotic final evacuation from Kabul left another painful image in the history of the conflict. Donald Trump built part of his political identity around rejecting America's "endless wars". Yet 25 years after 9/11, the United States once again finds itself fighting a prolonged Middle Eastern conflict — this time against Iran. That contradiction becomes even sharper when compared with American public opinion. A new Reuters/Ipsos poll finds 48 per cent of Americans believe the Afghanistan war was not worth its toll and 51 per cent say the same about Iraq. Just 25 per cent believe the current Iran conflict has been worth it.

Donald Trump built part of his political identity around rejecting America's "endless wars". Yet 25 years after 9/11, the United States once again finds itself fighting a prolonged Middle Eastern conflict — this time against Iran.

The Verdict | 25 years after 9/11: America remembers — but has it learned?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday (Sep 11) on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The talks with the leaders come at a time when both Russia and Iran are gripped by ongoing wars. While Russia has been engaged in a deadly conflict with Ukraine for more than four years, Iran is trading strikes with the United States.India, which shares good relations with both nations, is no stranger to the effects of the two conflicts. As tensions in the Middle East escalated, disrupting a key energy supply route through the Strait of Hormuz, New Delhi turned to Moscow to meet its crude oil needs. However, both conflicts have not only impacted India’s trade and economic decisions but have also shaken the country with a human cost, with vessels being attacked during the hostilities near Hormuz and Black Sea.<h2>What did PM Modi discuss with Putin and Pezeshkian about wars?</h2>During the talks with Putin and Pezeshkian, the Indian prime minister called for an end to the conflicts, stating India’s firm position for “dialogue and diplomacy” to reach a solution. He urged that security remains a key issue in both regions. PM Modi also raised New Delhi’s concerns over the protection of Indian seafarers and commercial vessels. He also stressed that freedom of navigation and commerce should not be disrupted due to ongoing wars.Following the bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Putin, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the two leaders “exchanged views on issues of mutual interest in the regional and global sphere, including conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region. PM reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward in resolving conflicts and India stands ready to assist in peace efforts.”According to the MEA, PM Modi and Pezeshkian “exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia. Prime Minister reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also underscored the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce, and the safety and well-being of seafarers.”Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum, PM Modi reiterated the importance of secure supply routes for global trade. “Global trade progress is possible only when sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open, and seafarers are safe. That is why India is a staunch supporter of freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers,” he said.<h2>Impact of wars on Indian seafarers</h2>Two Indian seafarers reportedly lost their lives in separate ship-related incidents in recent months near the Strait of Hormuz. While five Indian sailors were killed and several others were missing and stranded after attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea.India has a major presence in the global shipping workforce. Government figures show that more than 300,000 Indian seafarers are employed on ships operating across international waters, making the country the world’s third-largest supplier of maritime workers.In response to the deaths and the worsening security situation, Indian authorities have urged Indian nationals to assess security risks before sailing through the Strait of Hormuz and Black Sea.

Modi’s talks with Putin and Pezeshkian focused on ending wars through diplomacy, protecting Indian seafarers, and keeping key trade routes open amid risks in Hormuz and the Black Sea.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday (Sep 11) on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The talks with the leaders come at a time when both Russia and Iran are gripped by ongoing wars. While Russia has been engaged in a deadly conflict with Ukraine for more than four years, Iran is trading strikes with the United States. India, which shares good relations with both nations, is no stranger to the effects of the two conflicts. As tensions in the Middle East escalated, disrupting a key energy supply route through the Strait of Hormuz, New Delhi turned to Moscow to meet its crude oil needs. However, both conflicts have not only impacted India’s trade and economic decisions but have also shaken the country with a human cost, with vessels being attacked during the hostilities near Hormuz and Black Sea. What did PM Modi discuss with Putin and Pezeshkian about wars? During the talks with Putin and Pezeshkian, the Indian prime minister called for an end to the conflicts, stating India’s firm position for “dialogue and diplomacy” to reach a solution. He urged that security remains a key issue in both regions. PM Modi also raised New Delhi’s concerns over the protection of Indian seafarers and commercial vessels. He also stressed that freedom of navigation and commerce should not be disrupted due to ongoing wars. Following the bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Putin, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the two leaders “exchanged views on issues of mutual interest in the regional and global sphere, including conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region. PM reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward in resolving conflicts and India stands ready to assist in peace efforts.” According to the MEA, PM Modi and Pezeshkian “exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia. Prime Minister reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also underscored the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce, and the safety and well-being of seafarers.” Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum, PM Modi reiterated the importance of secure supply routes for global trade. “Global trade progress is possible only when sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open, and seafarers are safe. That is why India is a staunch supporter of freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers,” he said. Impact of wars on Indian seafarers Two Indian seafarers reportedly lost their lives in separate ship-related incidents in recent months near the Strait of Hormuz. While five Indian sailors were killed and several others were missing and stranded after attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. India has a major presence in the global shipping workforce. Government figures show that more than 300,000 Indian seafarers are employed on ships operating across international waters, making the country the world’s third-largest supplier of maritime workers. In response to the deaths and the worsening security situation, Indian authorities have urged Indian nationals to assess security risks before sailing through the Strait of Hormuz and Black Sea.

Modi’s talks with Putin and Pezeshkian focused on ending wars through diplomacy, protecting Indian seafarers, and keeping key trade routes open amid risks in Hormuz and the Black Sea.

Wars, trade and seafarers: What Modi’s Putin, Pezeshkian meetings mean for India | BRICS Summit 2026

Iran on Friday said it would be meeting Gulf states in Oman on Monday to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping waterway, which Tehran blockaded after war with US and Israel. Ismail Bqaie, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced plans for a regional meeting involving countries bordering the Gulf.&nbsp;"This meeting is intended to promote better understanding among the countries of the region and help strengthen shared regional security," the ministry said in a statement on Friday, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;<h2>After Hormuz, another shipping route at risk?</h2>&nbsp;As Iran seeks to resolve the Strait of Hormuz, there is another shipping route at risk.&nbsp;Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have taken control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast, including areas near the Bab al-Mandeb shipping lane, according to various reports. They have seized Mayun, a strategic island in the strait located at the entrance to the Red Sea, and the key port city of Mocha.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-still-sending-terrorists-to-where-they-belong-says-trump-at-9-11-memorial-event-1789137990009">'We are still sending terrorists to where they belong', says Trump at 9/11 memorial event</a>&nbsp;The development has raised concerns over disruption of the key shipping route that may threaten oil exports from Saudi Arabia. In retaliation, Saudi Arabia also launched airstrikes on Mocha airport.&nbsp;The Bab al-Mandeb is a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. Control of islands around the strait could give the Houthis greater ability to monitor or disrupt shipping passing through the waterway.&nbsp;The route has assumed greater importance after Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has led to major shipping disruption.&nbsp;The Bab al-Mandeb is also an important route for Saudi oil exports and international commercial shipping. The waterway includes four strategic islands – Zuqar, Mayun and the two Hanish islands.&nbsp;

As Iran seeks to resolve the Hormuz, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have taken control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast, including areas near the Bab al-Mandeb shipping lane, putting another shipping route at risk.

Iran on Friday said it would be meeting Gulf states in Oman on Monday to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping waterway, which Tehran blockaded after war with US and Israel. Ismail Bqaie, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced plans for a regional meeting involving countries bordering the Gulf. "This meeting is intended to promote better understanding among the countries of the region and help strengthen shared regional security," the ministry said in a statement on Friday, as reported by AFP. After Hormuz, another shipping route at risk? As Iran seeks to resolve the Strait of Hormuz, there is another shipping route at risk. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have taken control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast, including areas near the Bab al-Mandeb shipping lane, according to various reports. They have seized Mayun, a strategic island in the strait located at the entrance to the Red Sea, and the key port city of Mocha. ALSO READ: 'We are still sending terrorists to where they belong', says Trump at 9/11 memorial event The development has raised concerns over disruption of the key shipping route that may threaten oil exports from Saudi Arabia. In retaliation, Saudi Arabia also launched airstrikes on Mocha airport. The Bab al-Mandeb is a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. Control of islands around the strait could give the Houthis greater ability to monitor or disrupt shipping passing through the waterway. The route has assumed greater importance after Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has led to major shipping disruption. The Bab al-Mandeb is also an important route for Saudi oil exports and international commercial shipping. The waterway includes four strategic islands – Zuqar, Mayun and the two Hanish islands.

As Iran seeks to resolve the Hormuz, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have taken control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast, including areas near the Bab al-Mandeb shipping lane, putting another shipping route at risk.

Iran says will discuss Strait of Hormuz with Gulf states to 'promote better understanding'

The 9/11 terror attacks left thousands dead. 25 years on, the wounds and memories are still fresh. While many lost their lives as the Twin Towers in New York were hit by hijacked planes, there were also several who narrowly escaped the disaster and lived to tell the tale. Missed trains and flights, missed appointments, and other mishaps helped several escape death on that fateful day in September 2001. One such story is of Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg. The actor was scheduled to fly on American Airlines Flight 11, which was the first plane that crashed into the World Trade Center. But a last-minute decision saved his life.&nbsp;<h2>Mark Wahlberg narrowly escaped 9/11 attacks</h2>On the day of the attacks, Wahlberg was reportedly scheduled to fly on American Airlines Flight 11- the first plane that crashed into the World Trade Centre.&nbsp;&nbsp;The actor and his friend made a last -minute change in travel plans and decided not to fly to Los Angeles, where was the plane was headed. Instead, Wahlberg attended the Toronto film festival.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/9-11-through-cinema-films-that-remind-you-of-the-deadly-attack-1789113424093">9/11 through cinema: Films that remind you of the deadly attack</a>&nbsp;

File image of Mark Wahlberg

<h2>Wahlberg’s controversial remark years later</h2>While the actor had a narrow escape thanks to a last-minute change of plans, years later, he courted controversy for making a remark about the hijacked plane. “If I was on that plane with my kids, it wouldn’t have went down like it did,” Wahlberg told Men’s Journal in an interview some years later. “There would have been a lot of blood in that first-class cabin and then me saying, ‘Okay, we’re going to land somewhere safely, don’t worry.’” The remark did not go down well with most. The actor particularly faced backlash and criticism from victims’ families. After a public outcry, Wahlberg issued a formal apology. He called his comments irresponsible and ridiculous, stating it was wrong to speculate or suggest he would have acted differently than the passengers on board.

Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg was scheduled to fly on American Airlines Flight 11, which was the first plane to strike the World Trade Center. However, the actor changed his plans at the last minute and thus escaped the horrific tragedy.

The 9/11 terror attacks left thousands dead. 25 years on, the wounds and memories are still fresh. While many lost their lives as the Twin Towers in New York were hit by hijacked planes, there were also several who narrowly escaped the disaster and lived to tell the tale. Missed trains and flights, missed appointments, and other mishaps helped several escape death on that fateful day in September 2001. One such story is of Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg. The actor was scheduled to fly on American Airlines Flight 11, which was the first plane that crashed into the World Trade Center. But a last-minute decision saved his life. Mark Wahlberg narrowly escaped 9/11 attacks On the day of the attacks, Wahlberg was reportedly scheduled to fly on American Airlines Flight 11- the first plane that crashed into the World Trade Centre. The actor and his friend made a last -minute change in travel plans and decided not to fly to Los Angeles, where was the plane was headed. Instead, Wahlberg attended the Toronto film festival. Also read: 9/11 through cinema: Films that remind you of the deadly attack

Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg was scheduled to fly on American Airlines Flight 11, which was the first plane to strike the World Trade Center. However, the actor changed his plans at the last minute and thus escaped the horrific tragedy.

Did you know THIS actor narrowly escaped the 9/11 terror attacks due to a last-minute change of travel plans?

United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on Friday observed the 25th anniversary of the Sept 11 attacks by attending a ceremony at the Pentagon. They listened as the names of the 184 people killed at the Pentagon were read aloud at the start. During the event Trump said that his country would never forget the September 11, 2001 attacks and would continue to "fight" terrorism in all its forms.&nbsp;"Today we renew the sacred oath that we first swore in their names a quarter of a century ago. We will never, ever forget. That's why we fight today," said Trump.&nbsp;"We don't have a choice. There can only be victory. We fight hard. We fight to win," he added.He also touched upon the war with Iran reiterating that US will never allow Tehran to possess Nuclear weapons.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-unity-on-display-pm-modi-holds-pezeshkian-s-hand-putin-ramaphosa-walk-alongside-1789137013838">BRICS unity on display: PM Modi holds Pezeshkian’s hand; Putin, Ramaphosa walk alongside</a>&nbsp;“We’re still sending terrorists where they belong – to hell. And tankers to the bottom of the ocean where they belong, and we are ensuring that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. The economic pressure tightens every day. We control the Strait. We will finish this fight,' said Trump in his speech at the Pentagon to honor the lives lost in the September 11 attacks.&nbsp;Trump skipped the Ground Zero ceremony in New York for the second consecutive year, instead Vice President JD Vance attended the event.&nbsp;On Sept. 11, 2001, al-Qaida extremists hijacked four commercial jets and crashed them into New York’s World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing nearly 3,000 people.&nbsp;

Trump skipped the Ground Zero ceremony in New York for the second consecutive year, instead Vice President JD Vance attended the event.

United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on Friday observed the 25th anniversary of the Sept 11 attacks by attending a ceremony at the Pentagon. They listened as the names of the 184 people killed at the Pentagon were read aloud at the start. During the event Trump said that his country would never forget the September 11, 2001 attacks and would continue to "fight" terrorism in all its forms. "Today we renew the sacred oath that we first swore in their names a quarter of a century ago. We will never, ever forget. That's why we fight today," said Trump. "We don't have a choice. There can only be victory. We fight hard. We fight to win," he added. He also touched upon the war with Iran reiterating that US will never allow Tehran to possess Nuclear weapons. ALSO READ: BRICS unity on display: PM Modi holds Pezeshkian’s hand; Putin, Ramaphosa walk alongside “We’re still sending terrorists where they belong – to hell. And tankers to the bottom of the ocean where they belong, and we are ensuring that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. The economic pressure tightens every day. We control the Strait. We will finish this fight,' said Trump in his speech at the Pentagon to honor the lives lost in the September 11 attacks. Trump skipped the Ground Zero ceremony in New York for the second consecutive year, instead Vice President JD Vance attended the event. On Sept. 11, 2001, al-Qaida extremists hijacked four commercial jets and crashed them into New York’s World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing nearly 3,000 people.

Trump skipped the Ground Zero ceremony in New York for the second consecutive year, instead Vice President JD Vance attended the event.

'We are still sending terrorists to where they belong', says Trump at 9/11 memorial event

In a visible display of unity among BRICS nations amid global tensions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led several leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as they walked side by side at the BRICS Business Forum 2026 in New Delhi on Friday.&nbsp;In a notable moment, Modi was seen holding hands with Pezeshkian as the two leaders walked together along the red carpet. The moment highlighted the solidarity among leaders of the expanded grouping as they met to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, innovation and global development.&nbsp;The photograph drew added attention as Iran remains locked in an escalating conflict with the United States. The war has spread across West Asia, disrupting key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. Indian seafarers, who make up a significant share of crews on commercial ships, have also been caught in the conflict, with fatalities and disruptions reported since the war began with a joint US Israeli campaign against Iran on February 28.&nbsp;The leaders walked through the summit venue with the official “BRICS INDIA 2026” branding visible on the wall. Modi was seen leading the group as the leaders walked together through the venue.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/economic-bridges-not-barriers-pm-modi-flags-trade-barriers-seafarer-safety-at-brics-business-forum-1789132762442">‘Economic bridges, not barriers’: PM Modi flags trade barriers, seafarer safety at BRICS Business Forum</a><h2>Pezeshkian calls for BRICS cooperation</h2>Addressing the Leaders' Session of the BRICS Business Forum, Pezeshkian said the strength of the grouping goes beyond the size of its economies. He stressed the need to turn that economic strength into practical cooperation.&nbsp;“We believe that the true strength of BRICS is not confined merely to the size of its members' economies; rather, it becomes more apparent when these capacities are transformed into a network of trade, investment and joint financing – a transition from potential cooperation to operational one,” he said.&nbsp;Pezeshkian also pointed to growing challenges facing the global economy, including geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and the use of economic tools for political pressure.&nbsp;“The world today is going through one of its most complex periods. Geopolitical uncertainty, disruption in its supply chains and the increasing use of economic instruments to exert political pressure have made the economic environment in which countries operate more complex. The question is, what is BRICS' response to these challenges?” he said.&nbsp;<h2>Modi highlights BRICS economic strength</h2>Modi also highlighted the collective economic strength of BRICS countries and described them as major centres of innovation and solutions amid global uncertainty.&nbsp;“Today, BRICS nations represent 50% of the world's population, 40% of its GDP, and over 25% of global trade. Moreover, while global GDP has grown approximately two-and-a-half-fold over these years, the combined GDP of BRICS nations has expanded nearly four-and-a-half-fold.”&nbsp;India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 under its 2026 chairship. The chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with development, sustainability and innovation at the centre of its agenda.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s hand as Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa walked alongside, highlighting a show of unity among BRICS leaders.

In a visible display of unity among BRICS nations amid global tensions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led several leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as they walked side by side at the BRICS Business Forum 2026 in New Delhi on Friday. In a notable moment, Modi was seen holding hands with Pezeshkian as the two leaders walked together along the red carpet. The moment highlighted the solidarity among leaders of the expanded grouping as they met to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, innovation and global development. The photograph drew added attention as Iran remains locked in an escalating conflict with the United States. The war has spread across West Asia, disrupting key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. Indian seafarers, who make up a significant share of crews on commercial ships, have also been caught in the conflict, with fatalities and disruptions reported since the war began with a joint US Israeli campaign against Iran on February 28. The leaders walked through the summit venue with the official “BRICS INDIA 2026” branding visible on the wall. Modi was seen leading the group as the leaders walked together through the venue. Also Read: ‘Economic bridges, not barriers’: PM Modi flags trade barriers, seafarer safety at BRICS Business Forum Pezeshkian calls for BRICS cooperation Addressing the Leaders' Session of the BRICS Business Forum, Pezeshkian said the strength of the grouping goes beyond the size of its economies. He stressed the need to turn that economic strength into practical cooperation. “We believe that the true strength of BRICS is not confined merely to the size of its members' economies; rather, it becomes more apparent when these capacities are transformed into a network of trade, investment and joint financing – a transition from potential cooperation to operational one,” he said. Pezeshkian also pointed to growing challenges facing the global economy, including geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and the use of economic tools for political pressure. “The world today is going through one of its most complex periods. Geopolitical uncertainty, disruption in its supply chains and the increasing use of economic instruments to exert political pressure have made the economic environment in which countries operate more complex. The question is, what is BRICS' response to these challenges?” he said. Modi highlights BRICS economic strength Modi also highlighted the collective economic strength of BRICS countries and described them as major centres of innovation and solutions amid global uncertainty. “Today, BRICS nations represent 50% of the world's population, 40% of its GDP, and over 25% of global trade. Moreover, while global GDP has grown approximately two-and-a-half-fold over these years, the combined GDP of BRICS nations has expanded nearly four-and-a-half-fold.” India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 under its 2026 chairship. The chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with development, sustainability and innovation at the centre of its agenda.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s hand as Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa walked alongside, highlighting a show of unity among BRICS leaders.

BRICS unity on display: PM Modi holds Pezeshkian’s hand; Putin, Ramaphosa walk alongside

The world loses between $700 billion and $800 billion worth of infrastructure every year due to natural disasters, underscoring the urgent need for disaster-resilient infrastructure and stronger climate adaptation measures, according to Amit Prothi, Director General of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).&nbsp;Addressing international journalists covering the BRICS meetings in New Delhi, Prothi said governments must better understand the scale of risks confronting infrastructure systems as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of disasters.&nbsp;"On average, we lose about $700 to $800 billion of infrastructure every year. That's only the direct damage. The economic cost of that damage is roughly seven times higher," Prothi said.&nbsp;He cited recent wildfires in Los Angeles, floods, earthquakes and cyclones across different regions as examples of increasingly costly disasters affecting infrastructure networks worldwide.&nbsp;<h2>Growing Global Coalition</h2>&nbsp;Launched by India in 2019 at the United Nations in New York, CDRI has expanded rapidly from 24 founding members to 70 members today, with the Philippines expected to become the 71st member.&nbsp;The coalition includes countries from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific, along with multilateral institutions such as the World Bank and regional development banks.&nbsp;"The coalition was created to bring practices, knowledge and experiences together so that countries can better understand and address the growing complexities of disaster risks," Prothi said.&nbsp;India remains the permanent co-chair of the coalition, while the second co-chair rotates every two years. Previous co-chairs have included the United Kingdom, the United States and France, while India and Brazil currently lead the organisation.&nbsp;<h2>Focus on Resilient Infrastructure</h2>&nbsp;Prothi emphasised that CDRI does not finance infrastructure projects directly but works with governments to incorporate resilience into infrastructure planning and design.&nbsp;"We are the chilli in the soup," he said, using an analogy to explain CDRI's role. "When countries build roads, power systems or telecommunications networks, we help them understand how those investments can withstand future risks from climate change and disasters."&nbsp;He said changing climate patterns require governments to rethink traditional infrastructure standards and building codes.&nbsp;"You may not have experienced floods before, but patterns are changing. The question is how you prepare your infrastructure for those future risks," he said.&nbsp;<h2>Telecommunications, Power and Transport Under Threat</h2>&nbsp;Among the coalition's priorities are telecommunications, energy and transport infrastructure.Recalling his experience during Nepal's devastating 2015 earthquake, Prothi highlighted the importance of resilient communication networks.&nbsp;"I was in Kathmandu during the earthquake and could send a brief message to my family. Others couldn't contact their loved ones because telecommunications infrastructure had broken down," he said. "Communication is becoming increasingly critical during disasters."&nbsp;CDRI is also working with governments to assess risks to power systems and transportation infrastructure, helping countries integrate risk data into planning processes.&nbsp;<h2>Support for BRICS and G20 Agendas</h2>&nbsp;Prothi said CDRI has become an active technical partner in major global forums, including the G20, BRICS, COP climate conferences and United Nations platforms.&nbsp;Under India's G20 presidency, the coalition supported the creation of a Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilient Infrastructure Working Group. The work continued under Brazil's presidency and has remained part of broader international discussions on climate adaptation and resilience.&nbsp;"As global conversations move increasingly toward adaptation and resilience, the relevance of disaster-resilient infrastructure is growing," he said.&nbsp;<h2>Faster Recovery Needed After Disasters</h2>&nbsp;Prothi stressed that resilience extends beyond preparedness and prevention to post-disaster recovery.&nbsp;Pointing to differences in rebuilding timelines after major disasters, he questioned why some countries recover rapidly while others take more than a decade.&nbsp;"The speed of recovery matters. The longer it takes countries to rebuild, the greater the impact on communities and national economies," he said.&nbsp;He said discussions are underway on innovative financing mechanisms, including insurance and private-sector participation, to ensure countries can access reconstruction funding more quickly after disasters.<h2>Data-Driven Decision-Making</h2>&nbsp;CDRI has developed a global risk database that estimates infrastructure losses for countries around the world.&nbsp;According to Prothi, Brazil faces average annual infrastructure losses of around $13 billion, while losses across Africa are estimated at a similar scale.&nbsp;The database helps governments identify vulnerabilities across sectors and tailor resilience measures accordingly.&nbsp;"Different infrastructure sectors face different risks. Power transmission systems, for example, may be highly vulnerable to cyclones, while buildings may face greater risks from earthquakes," he said.&nbsp;<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>&nbsp;The coalition's future focus will include dedicated programmes for Africa, small island developing states, mountain regions and cities, where climate and disaster risks are becoming increasingly complex.&nbsp;Prothi also highlighted opportunities to use artificial intelligence, satellite data and advanced modelling to strengthen early warning systems and improve disaster preparedness.&nbsp;"There is an incredible amount of work under way on using data and predictive models. This will be one of the most important conversations over the coming years," he said.&nbsp;Calling for greater participation from ASEAN nations, Prothi said countries in the region possess valuable experience in dealing with earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and other natural hazards.&nbsp;"The expertise that countries such as those in ASEAN have developed can benefit the rest of the world, while they also gain from shared global experiences," he said.

Addressing international journalists covering the BRICS meetings in New Delhi, Prothi said governments must better understand the scale of risks confronting infrastructure systems as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of disasters.

The world loses between $700 billion and $800 billion worth of infrastructure every year due to natural disasters, underscoring the urgent need for disaster-resilient infrastructure and stronger climate adaptation measures, according to Amit Prothi, Director General of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Addressing international journalists covering the BRICS meetings in New Delhi, Prothi said governments must better understand the scale of risks confronting infrastructure systems as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of disasters. "On average, we lose about $700 to $800 billion of infrastructure every year. That's only the direct damage. The economic cost of that damage is roughly seven times higher," Prothi said. He cited recent wildfires in Los Angeles, floods, earthquakes and cyclones across different regions as examples of increasingly costly disasters affecting infrastructure networks worldwide. Growing Global Coalition Launched by India in 2019 at the United Nations in New York, CDRI has expanded rapidly from 24 founding members to 70 members today, with the Philippines expected to become the 71st member. The coalition includes countries from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific, along with multilateral institutions such as the World Bank and regional development banks. "The coalition was created to bring practices, knowledge and experiences together so that countries can better understand and address the growing complexities of disaster risks," Prothi said. India remains the permanent co-chair of the coalition, while the second co-chair rotates every two years. Previous co-chairs have included the United Kingdom, the United States and France, while India and Brazil currently lead the organisation. Focus on Resilient Infrastructure Prothi emphasised that CDRI does not finance infrastructure projects directly but works with governments to incorporate resilience into infrastructure planning and design. "We are the chilli in the soup," he said, using an analogy to explain CDRI's role. "When countries build roads, power systems or telecommunications networks, we help them understand how those investments can withstand future risks from climate change and disasters." He said changing climate patterns require governments to rethink traditional infrastructure standards and building codes. "You may not have experienced floods before, but patterns are changing. The question is how you prepare your infrastructure for those future risks," he said. Telecommunications, Power and Transport Under Threat Among the coalition's priorities are telecommunications, energy and transport infrastructure. Recalling his experience during Nepal's devastating 2015 earthquake, Prothi highlighted the importance of resilient communication networks. "I was in Kathmandu during the earthquake and could send a brief message to my family. Others couldn't contact their loved ones because telecommunications infrastructure had broken down," he said. "Communication is becoming increasingly critical during disasters." CDRI is also working with governments to assess risks to power systems and transportation infrastructure, helping countries integrate risk data into planning processes. Support for BRICS and G20 Agendas Prothi said CDRI has become an active technical partner in major global forums, including the G20, BRICS, COP climate conferences and United Nations platforms. Under India's G20 presidency, the coalition supported the creation of a Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilient Infrastructure Working Group. The work continued under Brazil's presidency and has remained part of broader international discussions on climate adaptation and resilience. "As global conversations move increasingly toward adaptation and resilience, the relevance of disaster-resilient infrastructure is growing," he said. Faster Recovery Needed After Disasters Prothi stressed that resilience extends beyond preparedness and prevention to post-disaster recovery. Pointing to differences in rebuilding timelines after major disasters, he questioned why some countries recover rapidly while others take more than a decade. "The speed of recovery matters. The longer it takes countries to rebuild, the greater the impact on communities and national economies," he said. He said discussions are underway on innovative financing mechanisms, including insurance and private-sector participation, to ensure countries can access reconstruction funding more quickly after disasters. Data-Driven Decision-Making CDRI has developed a global risk database that estimates infrastructure losses for countries around the world. According to Prothi, Brazil faces average annual infrastructure losses of around $13 billion, while losses across Africa are estimated at a similar scale. The database helps governments identify vulnerabilities across sectors and tailor resilience measures accordingly. "Different infrastructure sectors face different risks. Power transmission systems, for example, may be highly vulnerable to cyclones, while buildings may face greater risks from earthquakes," he said. Looking Ahead The coalition's future focus will include dedicated programmes for Africa, small island developing states, mountain regions and cities, where climate and disaster risks are becoming increasingly complex. Prothi also highlighted opportunities to use artificial intelligence, satellite data and advanced modelling to strengthen early warning systems and improve disaster preparedness. "There is an incredible amount of work under way on using data and predictive models. This will be one of the most important conversations over the coming years," he said. Calling for greater participation from ASEAN nations, Prothi said countries in the region possess valuable experience in dealing with earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and other natural hazards. "The expertise that countries such as those in ASEAN have developed can benefit the rest of the world, while they also gain from shared global experiences," he said.

Addressing international journalists covering the BRICS meetings in New Delhi, Prothi said governments must better understand the scale of risks confronting infrastructure systems as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of disasters.

BRICS, G20 and Global South must prioritise resilient infrastructure, says CDRI chief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Sept 11) said India is building “economic bridges” at a time when trade barriers are increasing globally. Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, Modi said India has entered into free trade agreements with nearly 40 countries since 2014.&nbsp;“Our approach remains focused on reducing barriers and expanding opportunities for businesses. That is why, under our BRICS presidency, we have established new cooperation networks in sectors such as agriculture, health, skills, and smart grids,” he said.&nbsp;The Prime Minister was joined at the forum by several BRICS leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.&nbsp;External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal were also present.<h3>Modi highlights BRICS economic strength</h3>Addressing the leaders session, Modi highlighted the collective economic strength of BRICS countries and described them as major centres of global innovation and solutions amid growing uncertainty.&nbsp;“Today, BRICS nations represent 50% of the world's population, 40% of its GDP, and over 25% of global trade. Moreover, while global GDP has grown approximately two-and-a-half-fold over these years, the combined GDP of BRICS nations has expanded nearly four-and-a-half-fold. In other words, the economic strength of BRICS has grown at nearly twice the pace of the rest of the world. BRICS nations are also emerging as key hubs for global innovation and solutions. New possibilities for innovation, spanning everything from grassroots initiatives to frontier technologies, are taking shape within our countries. The growing scale, speed, and optimism of BRICS are clearly evident among us. This forum, hosted in India, is the largest BRICS Business Forum to date.”&nbsp;Modi said India has made resilience and innovation central to its economic and trade policies.&nbsp;“The theme of India’s BRICS chairmanship is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability.' Over the past 12 years, India has made this mantra the foundation of its economic and trade policies,” the Prime Minister said.<h3>Modi stresses seafarer safety</h3>The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of safe sea routes for global trade and said seafarer safety must remain a priority.&nbsp;“Global trade can move forward only when sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open and seafarers are safe. That is why India is a steadfast advocate of freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers,” Modi said at the BRICS Business Forum.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-floods-4-78-billion-rebuild-cost-as-1-385-killed-5-130-still-missing-1789129913648">Nepal floods: Rebuild cost estimated at $4.78 billion as 1,385 killed, 5,130 still missing</a><h3>India focuses on stronger supply chains</h3>Modi said India has worked to make supply chains across sectors such as energy and technology more diverse and reliable.&nbsp;“India has made supply chains spanning sectors from energy to technology more diversified and reliable. It is a result of this resilience that, even amidst global uncertainties, India today offers the assurance of growth and stability. We are rapidly expanding our roads, railways, ports, and airports," he said.&nbsp;He added that India is also building new capabilities in strategic sectors such as shipbuilding, semiconductors, quantum technology, critical minerals and biotechnology.&nbsp;“India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has given fresh momentum to financial inclusion and digital transactions on a massive scale. Today, 50% of the world's real-time payments take place using this technology,” he added.&nbsp;India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 under its 2026 chairship. The chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with development, sustainability and innovation at the centre of its agenda.

PM Modi highlighted BRICS' collective strength, noting that its members account for 50% of the world's population, 40% of global GDP and over 25% of global trade.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Sept 11) said India is building “economic bridges” at a time when trade barriers are increasing globally. Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, Modi said India has entered into free trade agreements with nearly 40 countries since 2014. “Our approach remains focused on reducing barriers and expanding opportunities for businesses. That is why, under our BRICS presidency, we have established new cooperation networks in sectors such as agriculture, health, skills, and smart grids,” he said. The Prime Minister was joined at the forum by several BRICS leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal were also present. Modi highlights BRICS economic strength Addressing the leaders session, Modi highlighted the collective economic strength of BRICS countries and described them as major centres of global innovation and solutions amid growing uncertainty. “Today, BRICS nations represent 50% of the world's population, 40% of its GDP, and over 25% of global trade. Moreover, while global GDP has grown approximately two-and-a-half-fold over these years, the combined GDP of BRICS nations has expanded nearly four-and-a-half-fold. In other words, the economic strength of BRICS has grown at nearly twice the pace of the rest of the world. BRICS nations are also emerging as key hubs for global innovation and solutions. New possibilities for innovation, spanning everything from grassroots initiatives to frontier technologies, are taking shape within our countries. The growing scale, speed, and optimism of BRICS are clearly evident among us. This forum, hosted in India, is the largest BRICS Business Forum to date.” Modi said India has made resilience and innovation central to its economic and trade policies. “The theme of India’s BRICS chairmanship is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability.' Over the past 12 years, India has made this mantra the foundation of its economic and trade policies,” the Prime Minister said. Modi stresses seafarer safety The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of safe sea routes for global trade and said seafarer safety must remain a priority. “Global trade can move forward only when sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open and seafarers are safe. That is why India is a steadfast advocate of freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers,” Modi said at the BRICS Business Forum. Also Read: Nepal floods: Rebuild cost estimated at $4.78 billion as 1,385 killed, 5,130 still missing India focuses on stronger supply chains Modi said India has worked to make supply chains across sectors such as energy and technology more diverse and reliable. “India has made supply chains spanning sectors from energy to technology more diversified and reliable. It is a result of this resilience that, even amidst global uncertainties, India today offers the assurance of growth and stability. We are rapidly expanding our roads, railways, ports, and airports," he said. He added that India is also building new capabilities in strategic sectors such as shipbuilding, semiconductors, quantum technology, critical minerals and biotechnology. “India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has given fresh momentum to financial inclusion and digital transactions on a massive scale. Today, 50% of the world's real-time payments take place using this technology,” he added. India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 under its 2026 chairship. The chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with development, sustainability and innovation at the centre of its agenda.

PM Modi highlighted BRICS' collective strength, noting that its members account for 50% of the world's population, 40% of global GDP and over 25% of global trade.

‘Economic bridges, not barriers’: PM Modi flags trade barriers, seafarer safety at BRICS Business Forum

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Sep 11) slammed the “ugly” economic warfare by Western nations, accusing them of undermining fair economic competition through sanctions, restrictions on trade routes and other measures. He also hailed BRICS as steadily becoming a bigger force in the global economy. The Russian president also compared the growth of BRICS countries, which make up 40 per cent of the global GDP, to that of the 29 per cent share of G7 nations.Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, Putin said competition had increasingly taken “ugly forms”, including physical attacks on infrastructure and attempts to restrict international transport.“Sometimes there are measures resorted to of a physical nature, when pipelines are being destroyed, when attempts are undertaken to block international transport corridors, to seize maritime vessels, other illegal restrictions are being applied,” Putin said.He also pointed to the use of secondary sanctions against countries that refuse to align their policies with Western interests. Putin claimed Russia has faced more than 30,000 sanctions, describing the figure as twice the number imposed on all other countries combined.“We’re not against anyone, and what we are doing is not against anyone either. We are in favour of our interests, and we stand ready to work together with all of our partners, old ones and new ones,” he said.<h2>Putin says BRICS outpaces G7</h2>Putin also used the summit to highlight what he described as the growing economic weight of BRICS compared with the Group of Seven. He said BRICS countries accounted for more than 40 per cent of global GDP over the past five years, while the G7 contributed 29 per cent.“Over the last five years, more than 40 per cent of the world GDP has been produced by the BRICS countries, whereas the contribution of the so-called G7, the Group of Seven, I don't know why they call that the Group of Seven, stands at only 29 per cent,” Putin said.According to Putin, BRICS countries also accounted for more than half of global economic growth during the period, compared with 18 per cent for the G7.<h2>Putin highlights BRICS corporate power</h2>Putin attributed the bloc’s growth to its large population, expanding domestic markets and rapid urbanisation.He cited Indian company Mahindra, China’s Huawei, Brazil’s Embraer, UAE-based DPO and Russia’s Rosatom as examples of BRICS businesses gaining international influence.“There are many other success stories from our business community, but behind each and every one of them is hard work on a daily basis,” Putin said.

Putin accused the West of “ugly” economic warfare and said BRICS now accounts for over 40 per cent of global GDP, outpacing the G7’s 29 per cent share.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Sep 11) slammed the “ugly” economic warfare by Western nations, accusing them of undermining fair economic competition through sanctions, restrictions on trade routes and other measures. He also hailed BRICS as steadily becoming a bigger force in the global economy. The Russian president also compared the growth of BRICS countries, which make up 40 per cent of the global GDP, to that of the 29 per cent share of G7 nations. Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, Putin said competition had increasingly taken “ugly forms”, including physical attacks on infrastructure and attempts to restrict international transport. “Sometimes there are measures resorted to of a physical nature, when pipelines are being destroyed, when attempts are undertaken to block international transport corridors, to seize maritime vessels, other illegal restrictions are being applied,” Putin said. He also pointed to the use of secondary sanctions against countries that refuse to align their policies with Western interests. Putin claimed Russia has faced more than 30,000 sanctions, describing the figure as twice the number imposed on all other countries combined. “We’re not against anyone, and what we are doing is not against anyone either. We are in favour of our interests, and we stand ready to work together with all of our partners, old ones and new ones,” he said. Putin says BRICS outpaces G7 Putin also used the summit to highlight what he described as the growing economic weight of BRICS compared with the Group of Seven. He said BRICS countries accounted for more than 40 per cent of global GDP over the past five years, while the G7 contributed 29 per cent. “Over the last five years, more than 40 per cent of the world GDP has been produced by the BRICS countries, whereas the contribution of the so-called G7, the Group of Seven, I don't know why they call that the Group of Seven, stands at only 29 per cent,” Putin said. According to Putin, BRICS countries also accounted for more than half of global economic growth during the period, compared with 18 per cent for the G7. Putin highlights BRICS corporate power Putin attributed the bloc’s growth to its large population, expanding domestic markets and rapid urbanisation. He cited Indian company Mahindra, China’s Huawei, Brazil’s Embraer, UAE-based DPO and Russia’s Rosatom as examples of BRICS businesses gaining international influence. “There are many other success stories from our business community, but behind each and every one of them is hard work on a daily basis,” Putin said.

Putin accused the West of “ugly” economic warfare and said BRICS now accounts for over 40 per cent of global GDP, outpacing the G7’s 29 per cent share.

Putin accuses West of ‘ugly’ economic warfare, says BRICS is outpacing G7

Nepal will need around $4.78 billion to rebuild after deadly floods caused by a glacial mountain collapse last month, the country’s foreign ministry said on Friday (September 11).&nbsp;The disaster struck on August 26 when a huge flow of water, mud and debris swept through areas near the China Nepal border. Around 1,400 people have died, while more than 5,000 are still missing.&nbsp;Nepali foreign ministry spokesman Lok Bahadur Chhetri said most of the money will be needed for long term reconstruction.&nbsp;“The total estimated requirement for reconstruction is approximately $4.78 billion,” Chhetri told reporters.&nbsp;“Of this, approximately $57.67 million is estimated to be required for short-term reconstruction and recovery over the next six months, while approximately $4.71 billion is required for longer-term reconstruction.”<h3>Nepal seeks help for rebuilding</h3>The latest figures from Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority show that 1,385 people have died and 5,130 are still missing.&nbsp;Rescue teams have so far saved 13,676 people. Search and relief operations are continuing in the affected areas.&nbsp;The government has deployed 21,022 security personnel for rescue and relief work. They include 8,844 Nepal Army personnel, 7,975 Nepal Police personnel and 4,203 Armed Police Force personnel.&nbsp;Nepal's leaders have said the country needs long term international support to deal with the changing conditions in its mountain regions.&nbsp;Prime Minister Balendra Shah had earlier said Nepal must “strongly raise” with the international community the disasters it has faced because of climate change.&nbsp;Shah is expected to travel abroad for the first time as prime minister this month to attend the United Nations General Assembly and raise the issue.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fm-sitharaman-meets-putin-s-deputy-manturov-on-brics-sidelines-pushes-for-deeper-economic-ties-1789125378841">FM Sitharaman meets Putin’s deputy Manturov on BRICS sidelines, pushes for deeper economic ties</a><h3>Floods leave widespread destruction</h3>Nepal is a largely rural country with a population of around 30 million. It produces only a small share of the world's greenhouse gas emissions compared with industrialised countries.&nbsp;The exact reason behind the glacial collapse is still unclear. However, glaciers around the world are melting as global temperatures rise, increasing the risk of such disasters.&nbsp;Scientists say glaciers in the Himalayas, the world's highest mountain range, are melting faster because of rising temperatures.&nbsp;Chhetri said the government is now assessing the full damage caused by the disaster.&nbsp;“Given the scale and extent of the damage, the government is also undertaking a comprehensive post-disaster needs assessment to determine the full extent of loss and damage and the requirement for recovery, rebuilding and reconstruction,” he said.&nbsp;A preliminary UN assessment estimated damage to buildings from the floods at $158 million. It said the total losses would be much higher after taking into account damage to roads, bridges and farmland, as well as humanitarian costs.&nbsp;The disaster also caused deaths in neighbouring China. According to state media, 43 people have died and 519 are still missing.&nbsp;The combined death toll in Nepal and China now stands at 1,428, while more than 5,649 people remain missing. Around 800 foreigners, including tourists and pilgrims, are among those missing.

Nepal has estimated a $4.78 billion reconstruction cost after deadly floods killed 1,385 people and left 5,130 missing, as rescue and relief operations continue.

Nepal will need around $4.78 billion to rebuild after deadly floods caused by a glacial mountain collapse last month, the country’s foreign ministry said on Friday (September 11). The disaster struck on August 26 when a huge flow of water, mud and debris swept through areas near the China Nepal border. Around 1,400 people have died, while more than 5,000 are still missing. Nepali foreign ministry spokesman Lok Bahadur Chhetri said most of the money will be needed for long term reconstruction. “The total estimated requirement for reconstruction is approximately $4.78 billion,” Chhetri told reporters. “Of this, approximately $57.67 million is estimated to be required for short-term reconstruction and recovery over the next six months, while approximately $4.71 billion is required for longer-term reconstruction.” Nepal seeks help for rebuilding The latest figures from Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority show that 1,385 people have died and 5,130 are still missing. Rescue teams have so far saved 13,676 people. Search and relief operations are continuing in the affected areas. The government has deployed 21,022 security personnel for rescue and relief work. They include 8,844 Nepal Army personnel, 7,975 Nepal Police personnel and 4,203 Armed Police Force personnel. Nepal's leaders have said the country needs long term international support to deal with the changing conditions in its mountain regions. Prime Minister Balendra Shah had earlier said Nepal must “strongly raise” with the international community the disasters it has faced because of climate change. Shah is expected to travel abroad for the first time as prime minister this month to attend the United Nations General Assembly and raise the issue. Also Read: FM Sitharaman meets Putin’s deputy Manturov on BRICS sidelines, pushes for deeper economic ties Floods leave widespread destruction Nepal is a largely rural country with a population of around 30 million. It produces only a small share of the world's greenhouse gas emissions compared with industrialised countries. The exact reason behind the glacial collapse is still unclear. However, glaciers around the world are melting as global temperatures rise, increasing the risk of such disasters. Scientists say glaciers in the Himalayas, the world's highest mountain range, are melting faster because of rising temperatures. Chhetri said the government is now assessing the full damage caused by the disaster. “Given the scale and extent of the damage, the government is also undertaking a comprehensive post-disaster needs assessment to determine the full extent of loss and damage and the requirement for recovery, rebuilding and reconstruction,” he said. A preliminary UN assessment estimated damage to buildings from the floods at $158 million. It said the total losses would be much higher after taking into account damage to roads, bridges and farmland, as well as humanitarian costs. The disaster also caused deaths in neighbouring China. According to state media, 43 people have died and 519 are still missing. The combined death toll in Nepal and China now stands at 1,428, while more than 5,649 people remain missing. Around 800 foreigners, including tourists and pilgrims, are among those missing.

Nepal has estimated a $4.78 billion reconstruction cost after deadly floods killed 1,385 people and left 5,130 missing, as rescue and relief operations continue.

Nepal floods: Rebuild cost estimated at $4.78 billion as 1,385 killed, 5,130 still missing

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have taken control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast, including areas near the Bab al-Mandeb shipping lane, reports indicate. They have seized Mayun, a strategic island in the strait located at the entrance to the Red Sea, and the key port city of Mocha. The development has raised concerns over disruption of the key shipping route that may threaten oil exports from Saudi Arabia. In retaliation, Saudi Arabia also launched airstrikes on Mocha airport.“Boats carrying armed Houthi fighters reached Mayun Island after government forces withdrew from it yesterday,” a Yemeni government official told AFP.“The Houthis have completed their takeover of the Bab al-Mandab area and Mayun Island, which is located in the middle of the strait,” he added.According to eyewitnesses, gunmen were seen along the Bab al-Mandab shore and were driving around in military vehicles.A Yemeni military official told AFP, “Everything that was under our control on the western coast has fallen.”<h2>Why the Houthi takeover of Red Sea port raises alarm</h2>The Bab al-Mandeb is a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. Control of islands around the strait could give the Houthis greater ability to monitor or disrupt shipping passing through the waterway.The route has assumed even greater importance amid the wider Middle East conflict, particularly after Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted another major energy corridor.The Bab al-Mandeb is also an important route for Saudi oil exports and international commercial shipping.The waterway includes four strategic islands – Zuqar, Mayun and the two Hanish islands. The latest developments could therefore significantly alter the military balance around the strait.<h2>Saudi oil lifeline reportedly hit in Houthi strike</h2>Saudi Arabia’s main East-West oil pipeline was reportedly hit in a suspected Houthi attack, with video footage and satellite imagery showing smoke and possible fire along the pipeline route between Medina and Mahd adh Dhahab.Sentinel-3 satellite imagery showed a black smoke plume over the desert route, while NASA’s FIRMS system detected clustered thermal anomalies in the area. There has been no independent confirmation of a fire so far.The reported incident comes after a series of Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia over the past 24 hours.<h2>Houthis say ‘no cause for concern’ after Red Sea port takeover</h2>Despite concerns over the Houthi takeover of the strategic area, the Iran-backed group sought to reassure the international community that commercial shipping through the Bab al-Mandab remains secure.Houthi politburo member Hazem al-Assad told Al-Araby al-Jadeed news outlet that “Freedom of navigation and international trade in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab are safe and orderly.” He added, “There is no cause for international concern, as they face no danger from the Yemeni side.”Meanwhile, Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, hailed the Houthi advance as a major victory.“Congratulations on this resounding victory, Ansar Allah,” Mokhber wrote on X, referring to the Houthis by their formal name.

Houthis have seized strategic areas near the Bab al-Mandeb, raising fears of disruption to Red Sea shipping. A suspected strike also reportedly hit Saudi Arabia’s key oil pipeline.

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have taken control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast, including areas near the Bab al-Mandeb shipping lane, reports indicate. They have seized Mayun, a strategic island in the strait located at the entrance to the Red Sea, and the key port city of Mocha. The development has raised concerns over disruption of the key shipping route that may threaten oil exports from Saudi Arabia. In retaliation, Saudi Arabia also launched airstrikes on Mocha airport. “Boats carrying armed Houthi fighters reached Mayun Island after government forces withdrew from it yesterday,” a Yemeni government official told AFP. “The Houthis have completed their takeover of the Bab al-Mandab area and Mayun Island, which is located in the middle of the strait,” he added. According to eyewitnesses, gunmen were seen along the Bab al-Mandab shore and were driving around in military vehicles. A Yemeni military official told AFP, “Everything that was under our control on the western coast has fallen.” Why the Houthi takeover of Red Sea port raises alarm The Bab al-Mandeb is a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. Control of islands around the strait could give the Houthis greater ability to monitor or disrupt shipping passing through the waterway. The route has assumed even greater importance amid the wider Middle East conflict, particularly after Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted another major energy corridor. The Bab al-Mandeb is also an important route for Saudi oil exports and international commercial shipping. The waterway includes four strategic islands – Zuqar, Mayun and the two Hanish islands. The latest developments could therefore significantly alter the military balance around the strait. Saudi oil lifeline reportedly hit in Houthi strike Saudi Arabia’s main East-West oil pipeline was reportedly hit in a suspected Houthi attack, with video footage and satellite imagery showing smoke and possible fire along the pipeline route between Medina and Mahd adh Dhahab. Sentinel-3 satellite imagery showed a black smoke plume over the desert route, while NASA’s FIRMS system detected clustered thermal anomalies in the area. There has been no independent confirmation of a fire so far. The reported incident comes after a series of Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia over the past 24 hours. Houthis say ‘no cause for concern’ after Red Sea port takeover Despite concerns over the Houthi takeover of the strategic area, the Iran-backed group sought to reassure the international community that commercial shipping through the Bab al-Mandab remains secure. Houthi politburo member Hazem al-Assad told Al-Araby al-Jadeed news outlet that “Freedom of navigation and international trade in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab are safe and orderly.” He added, “There is no cause for international concern, as they face no danger from the Yemeni side.” Meanwhile, Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, hailed the Houthi advance as a major victory. “Congratulations on this resounding victory, Ansar Allah,” Mokhber wrote on X, referring to the Houthis by their formal name.

Houthis have seized strategic areas near the Bab al-Mandeb, raising fears of disruption to Red Sea shipping. A suspected strike also reportedly hit Saudi Arabia’s key oil pipeline.

After Hormuz, another shipping route at risk? Houthis seize key Red Sea port

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in New Delhi on Friday, ahead of the BRICS Summit (Sept 12-13). PM Modi during his meeting gifted Putin the translation of the ‘Thirukkural’, the celebrated Tamil classic by poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. Putin arrived in India on Friday for the Summit being hosted by India.&nbsp;"Presented President Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, which carries the eternal wisdom of the great Thiruvalluvar across languages and borders," PM Modi said on X.&nbsp;The edition, published in 2026 by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil, has been translated into Russian by Naira Mkrtchyan.&nbsp;<h2>About ‘Thirukkural’, the celebrated Tamil classic</h2>&nbsp;Thirukkural comprises 1,330 couplets dealing with ethics, virtue, governance, love and the conduct of life. &nbsp;The book has been translated into several languages and is widely regarded for its universal ethical themes.&nbsp;The gift is significant as the book has influenced writers and intellectuals for centuries. As far as Russia is concerned the most profound historical connection is the books direct influence on the legendary Russian author Leo Tolstoy.&nbsp;In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Tolstoy read a German translation of the Thirukkural and was impressed by its teaching of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Arul (compassion/grace).&nbsp;Moved by the teachings, Tolstoy in his famous essay A Letter to a Hindu argued that love and non-violent resistance were the keys to overcoming colonial oppression.&nbsp;Russian scholars have appreciated and respected Kural as a masterpiece of world literature rather than a localised religious text.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The edition, published in 2026 by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil, has been translated into Russian by Naira Mkrtchyan.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in New Delhi on Friday, ahead of the BRICS Summit (Sept 12-13). PM Modi during his meeting gifted Putin the translation of the ‘Thirukkural’, the celebrated Tamil classic by poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. Putin arrived in India on Friday for the Summit being hosted by India. "Presented President Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, which carries the eternal wisdom of the great Thiruvalluvar across languages and borders," PM Modi said on X. The edition, published in 2026 by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil, has been translated into Russian by Naira Mkrtchyan. About ‘Thirukkural’, the celebrated Tamil classic Thirukkural comprises 1,330 couplets dealing with ethics, virtue, governance, love and the conduct of life. The book has been translated into several languages and is widely regarded for its universal ethical themes. The gift is significant as the book has influenced writers and intellectuals for centuries. As far as Russia is concerned the most profound historical connection is the books direct influence on the legendary Russian author Leo Tolstoy. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Tolstoy read a German translation of the Thirukkural and was impressed by its teaching of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Arul (compassion/grace). Moved by the teachings, Tolstoy in his famous essay A Letter to a Hindu argued that love and non-violent resistance were the keys to overcoming colonial oppression. Russian scholars have appreciated and respected Kural as a masterpiece of world literature rather than a localised religious text.

The edition, published in 2026 by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil, has been translated into Russian by Naira Mkrtchyan.

PM Modi gifts translation of 'Thirukkural' to Putin. What is this celebrated Tamil classic?

Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday (Sept 11) held talks with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov in New Delhi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit.The meeting focused on ways to expand economic ties between India and Russia, with both sides discussing steps to deepen cooperation in key areas.&nbsp;The two sides agreed to move ahead with negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) aimed at creating a mutually beneficial framework to boost investment flows and strengthen economic engagement.&nbsp;“It was agreed to advance negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), with a view to establishing a mutually beneficial framework for enhancing investment flows and economic engagement,” the Ministry of Finance said in a post on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Union Minister for Finance &amp; Corporate Affairs Smt. <a href="https://x.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> met H.E. Mr. Denis Manturov, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, in New Delhi, today. Both sides held discussions on ways to further strengthen and deepen economic cooperation between the two… <a href="https://t.co/KtVYszxSKh">pic.twitter.com/KtVYszxSKh</a>&mdash; Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) <a href="https://x.com/FinMinIndia/status/2098303201086972302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sitharaman and Manturov also discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in the financial services sector, according to the ministry.&nbsp;The talks come as investment and financial cooperation remain important parts of the economic relationship between the two countries.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-at-forefront-of-fight-against-terrorism-pm-modi-remembers-9-11-victims-1789125097628">'India at forefront of fight against terrorism': PM Modi remembers 9/11 victims</a><h2>Putin in Delhi for BRICS summit</h2>Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit. He was received by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh after his arrival.&nbsp;Putin is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday for bilateral talks. The discussions are expected to cover strategic trade resilience, cross-border payment mechanisms, energy security and conflict resolution pathways linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and West Asia.&nbsp;Putin will also visit the INNOPROM exhibition with Modi on Friday. The exhibition has been organised by the industry and trade ministries of Russia and India.&nbsp;India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 under its 2026 BRICS Chairship. The chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with development, sustainability and innovation among its key areas of focus.&nbsp;BRICS has become an important platform for coordination among major emerging economies and for promoting the interests of the Global South in multilateral institutions. Its agenda includes development, finance, technology, trade and people to people exchanges.&nbsp;The grouping currently has 11 members: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE.&nbsp;Together, BRICS members account for around 49.5 per cent of the global population, 40 per cent of global GDP and 26 per cent of global trade, according to background information on India's 2026 Chairship.&nbsp;India's BRICS Chairship comes at a time of global economic fragmentation, technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty, climate change and growing resource pressures.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov agreed to advance Bilateral Investment Treaty talks and strengthen financial cooperation during their BRICS sidelines meeting in New Delhi.

Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday (Sept 11) held talks with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov in New Delhi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. The meeting focused on ways to expand economic ties between India and Russia, with both sides discussing steps to deepen cooperation in key areas. The two sides agreed to move ahead with negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) aimed at creating a mutually beneficial framework to boost investment flows and strengthen economic engagement. “It was agreed to advance negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), with a view to establishing a mutually beneficial framework for enhancing investment flows and economic engagement,” the Ministry of Finance said in a post on X.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov agreed to advance Bilateral Investment Treaty talks and strengthen financial cooperation during their BRICS sidelines meeting in New Delhi.

FM Sitharaman meets Putin’s deputy Manturov on BRICS sidelines, pushes for deeper economic ties

Rain lashed across parts of Delhi-NCR on Friday (Sep 11) as the national capital hosts the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit and BRICS Business Forum. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert, warning of more rainfall across most parts of the city. The weather warning comes as Delhi hosts the high-stakes summit, with several world leaders and top-level delegations arriving in the capital for the three-day gathering from September 11 to 13.The IMD had forecast thunderstorms and lightning along with light to moderate rain in northern Delhi, followed by moderate to heavy showers in several other areas.<h2>More showers likely over weekend</h2>The wet spell is expected to continue. For Saturday (Sep 12), the weather department has forecast one or two spells of very light to light rain at many places from early morning to forenoon, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Another spell of light to moderate rain is likely from evening to night.The showers are expected to bring down temperatures in the capital. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 36.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday (Sep 10), but the maximum temperature is forecast to remain below 33 degrees Celsius from Saturday (Sep 12).Meteorologists have linked the current weather pattern to the movement of the monsoon axis over the region. The axis is expected to shift south, while easterly winds are likely to take over from Friday (Sep 11).This could trigger passing spells of moderate rain across parts of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh and Rajasthan through the weekend. However, rainfall is expected to remain largely localised, with overall coverage estimated at around 30-40 per cent.<h2>Rain clouds over BRICS events</h2>The weather conditions coincide with key BRICS Summit events at Bharat Mandapam. On Friday (Sep 11), Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold key meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.Saturday’s schedule includes a closed-door leaders’ session, the Bharat Innovates Exhibition, a family photograph, a tree-planting ceremony and a gala dinner hosted by PM Modi. The main open session is scheduled for Sunday, when leaders are also expected to oversee the release of the New Delhi Declaration.

Delhi witnessed heavy rain as the IMD issued a red alert amid the BRICS Summit, with more showers, thunderstorms and lightning forecast over the capital through the weekend.

Rain lashed across parts of Delhi-NCR on Friday (Sep 11) as the national capital hosts the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit and BRICS Business Forum. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert, warning of more rainfall across most parts of the city. The weather warning comes as Delhi hosts the high-stakes summit, with several world leaders and top-level delegations arriving in the capital for the three-day gathering from September 11 to 13. The IMD had forecast thunderstorms and lightning along with light to moderate rain in northern Delhi, followed by moderate to heavy showers in several other areas. More showers likely over weekend The wet spell is expected to continue. For Saturday (Sep 12), the weather department has forecast one or two spells of very light to light rain at many places from early morning to forenoon, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Another spell of light to moderate rain is likely from evening to night. The showers are expected to bring down temperatures in the capital. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 36.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday (Sep 10), but the maximum temperature is forecast to remain below 33 degrees Celsius from Saturday (Sep 12). Meteorologists have linked the current weather pattern to the movement of the monsoon axis over the region. The axis is expected to shift south, while easterly winds are likely to take over from Friday (Sep 11). This could trigger passing spells of moderate rain across parts of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh and Rajasthan through the weekend. However, rainfall is expected to remain largely localised, with overall coverage estimated at around 30-40 per cent. Rain clouds over BRICS events The weather conditions coincide with key BRICS Summit events at Bharat Mandapam. On Friday (Sep 11), Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold key meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Saturday’s schedule includes a closed-door leaders’ session, the Bharat Innovates Exhibition, a family photograph, a tree-planting ceremony and a gala dinner hosted by PM Modi. The main open session is scheduled for Sunday, when leaders are also expected to oversee the release of the New Delhi Declaration.

Delhi witnessed heavy rain as the IMD issued a red alert amid the BRICS Summit, with more showers, thunderstorms and lightning forecast over the capital through the weekend.

Red alert in Delhi: Heavy rain lashes national capital as world leaders arrive for BRICS Summit

Nigeria is preparing to regulate internet access for children under the age of 16, said Nigeria’s current minister of education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa.&nbsp;The announcement was made in Abuja during the launch of the government's Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria. Alausa said the planned measure is intended to strengthen online child protection. Importantly, the government has not announced an outright internet ban for children. The minister referred to “regulated access”, but did not explain whether this would involve content filtering, parental controls, age verification or restrictions imposed through internet service providers.<h2>What did Nigeria's minister say?</h2>Alausa said the government was preparing a measure under which there would eventually be regulated internet access for every Nigerian child below 16. He said further details would be announced by the relevant security authorities in the coming days or weeks.&nbsp;The minister also stressed that online content available to children should be “appropriate, credible, safe” and aligned with educational objectives and the national curriculum. That means the exact impact on children, parents, schools and internet providers remains unclear for now.<h2>Free educational data starts October 1</h2>The announcement comes alongside a separate move to make digital education cheaper. From October 1, 2026, participating mobile operators will provide 100MB of free data every day for access to approved educational websites and platforms. The initial rollout will cover senior secondary and tertiary students before being expanded. Approved platforms can include learning management systems, digital libraries, educational repositories and teacher-development services. The government says the aim is to remove data costs as a barrier to online learning.<h2>Why the policy matters</h2>Nigeria is therefore pursuing two seemingly different goals at the same time: expanding access to useful online education while placing stronger safeguards around children's internet use. The challenge will be deciding what “regulated access” means in practice. Until the government publishes the technical and legal framework, it is too early to say whether Nigerian children will face age verification, restricted websites, filtered content or other controls. For now, the key message is clear: Nigeria is not announcing an internet shutdown for under-16s. It is preparing a regulated-access system whose details are still to come.

Nigeria plans to introduce regulated internet access for children under 16 as part of online child protection measures. The government has not announced an internet ban or explained the technical system yet. 

Nigeria is preparing to regulate internet access for children under the age of 16, said Nigeria’s current minister of education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa. The announcement was made in Abuja during the launch of the government's Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria. Alausa said the planned measure is intended to strengthen online child protection. Importantly, the government has not announced an outright internet ban for children. The minister referred to “regulated access”, but did not explain whether this would involve content filtering, parental controls, age verification or restrictions imposed through internet service providers. What did Nigeria's minister say? Alausa said the government was preparing a measure under which there would eventually be regulated internet access for every Nigerian child below 16. He said further details would be announced by the relevant security authorities in the coming days or weeks. The minister also stressed that online content available to children should be “appropriate, credible, safe” and aligned with educational objectives and the national curriculum. That means the exact impact on children, parents, schools and internet providers remains unclear for now. Free educational data starts October 1 The announcement comes alongside a separate move to make digital education cheaper. From October 1, 2026, participating mobile operators will provide 100MB of free data every day for access to approved educational websites and platforms. The initial rollout will cover senior secondary and tertiary students before being expanded. Approved platforms can include learning management systems, digital libraries, educational repositories and teacher-development services. The government says the aim is to remove data costs as a barrier to online learning. Why the policy matters Nigeria is therefore pursuing two seemingly different goals at the same time: expanding access to useful online education while placing stronger safeguards around children's internet use. The challenge will be deciding what “regulated access” means in practice. Until the government publishes the technical and legal framework, it is too early to say whether Nigerian children will face age verification, restricted websites, filtered content or other controls. For now, the key message is clear: Nigeria is not announcing an internet shutdown for under-16s. It is preparing a regulated-access system whose details are still to come.

Nigeria plans to introduce regulated internet access for children under 16 as part of online child protection measures. The government has not announced an internet ban or explained the technical system yet.&nbsp;

Nigeria plans to regulate internet access for children under 16: What we know so far

Germany's far-right opposition AfD party on Friday (September 11) filed a criminal complaint against Chancellor Friedrich Merz over his accusation that the party is responsible for "ethnic cleansing," according to German media reports. Stephan Brandner, parliamentary secretary of the AfD's Bundestag group, called Merz's statement "criminal in nature" and "completely unacceptable." However, he added that his party remains "firmly on the ground of the constitution." The development unfolded after Merz on Wednesday (September 9), accused the party of promoting ethnic cleansing during a heated parliamentary exchange, drawing loud protest from the opposition party's ranks. "The word 'remigration' is nothing other than a synonym for ethnic cleansing," Merz said of the AfD's flagship slogan. "Remigration is nothing other than ethnic cleansing by skin colour and origin." The AfD maintains that "remigration" simply means deporting foreign criminals and those who entered Germany illegally. However, some far-right figures have also utilised the term to refer to deporting migrants and even German citizens of foreign origin.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-summit-2026-egypt-s-delegation-stay-in-saket-hotel-complicates-delhi-police-plans-check-roads-diversions-and-traffic-restrictions-1789119655269">BRICS Summit 2026: Egypt delegation's stay in Saket hotel complicates Delhi Police plans. Check roads, diversions and traffic restrictions</a><h3>AfD lawmaker calls Merz's remarks ‘nonsense’</h3>Brander, the AfD lawmaker, dismissed Merz's remarks as "nonsense," saying it was "unacceptable for the head of the executive of our country to come up with such lies and slander." Like many countries, Germany grants parliamentarians immunity for statements made within the chamber. That said, the law does carve out an exception for "defamatory insults." Beyond parliament, Germany's free speech laws have sparked considerable debate in recent years, with critics, including some within the AfD itself, arguing that the strict rules limit free expression. In the recent past, multiple cases were reported in Germany where people were criminally investigated for insulting, mocking or harshly criticising political figures. In one of those cases, a court fined a man earlier this year for calling Merz in an online comment a "Lackaffe", which means a snobbish dandy. However, others have been investigated for calling him "Pinocchio" and "Lying Fritz".

The development unfolded after Merz on Wednesday (September 9) accused the party of promoting ethnic cleansing during a heated parliamentary exchange, drawing loud protest from the opposition party's ranks.

Germany's far-right opposition AfD party on Friday (September 11) filed a criminal complaint against Chancellor Friedrich Merz over his accusation that the party is responsible for "ethnic cleansing," according to German media reports. Stephan Brandner, parliamentary secretary of the AfD's Bundestag group, called Merz's statement "criminal in nature" and "completely unacceptable." However, he added that his party remains "firmly on the ground of the constitution." The development unfolded after Merz on Wednesday (September 9), accused the party of promoting ethnic cleansing during a heated parliamentary exchange, drawing loud protest from the opposition party's ranks. "The word 'remigration' is nothing other than a synonym for ethnic cleansing," Merz said of the AfD's flagship slogan. "Remigration is nothing other than ethnic cleansing by skin colour and origin." The AfD maintains that "remigration" simply means deporting foreign criminals and those who entered Germany illegally. However, some far-right figures have also utilised the term to refer to deporting migrants and even German citizens of foreign origin. Also read: BRICS Summit 2026: Egypt delegation's stay in Saket hotel complicates Delhi Police plans. Check roads, diversions and traffic restrictions AfD lawmaker calls Merz's remarks ‘nonsense’ Brander, the AfD lawmaker, dismissed Merz's remarks as "nonsense," saying it was "unacceptable for the head of the executive of our country to come up with such lies and slander." Like many countries, Germany grants parliamentarians immunity for statements made within the chamber. That said, the law does carve out an exception for "defamatory insults." Beyond parliament, Germany's free speech laws have sparked considerable debate in recent years, with critics, including some within the AfD itself, arguing that the strict rules limit free expression. In the recent past, multiple cases were reported in Germany where people were criminally investigated for insulting, mocking or harshly criticising political figures. In one of those cases, a court fined a man earlier this year for calling Merz in an online comment a "Lackaffe", which means a snobbish dandy. However, others have been investigated for calling him "Pinocchio" and "Lying Fritz".

The development unfolded after Merz on Wednesday (September 9) accused the party of promoting ethnic cleansing during a heated parliamentary exchange, drawing loud protest from the opposition party's ranks.

AfD party files criminal complaint against German chancellor Merz over 'ethnic cleansing' remark

BRICS is aiming to make cross-border payments faster, cheaper and less dependent on traditional financial channels. The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) recent comments and recommendations point towards a potentially significant shift in how trade and other cross-border payments could be settled among BRICS economies. This is not being described as dedollarisation per se. But it has elements of countries being able to settle trade in their local currencies.<h2>What did RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra say on BRICS payments?</h2>RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra recently said BRICS members were discussing possible links between their fast payment systems and central bank digital currencies, or CBDCs. “Cross-border payments is an area of interest for all of us, including the BRICS, because we feel there is a lot of scope for reducing cost,” Malhotra said in Mumbai.Various options are on the table, he said, while highlighting the speed of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), compared with international remittances that can take hours or days to settle.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brics-focuses-on-diversification-over-de-dollarisation-1789104909152/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/brics-focuses-on-diversification-over-de-dollarisation-1789104909152/embed</a><h2>BRICS is considering more than one mechanism</h2>Linking existing fast-payment systems is one way, while interoperability between national CBDCs is another. But a single BRICS-wide payment network is yet to take shape.The Indian central bank had recommended that the linking of BRICS members’ CBDCs be included on the agenda of the 2026 BRICS Summit. The aim was to streamline cross-border trade, trade finance and tourism payments through compatible technology and governance arrangements.India has been pushing the CBDC-linking proposal ahead of the BRICS Summit. But technical and political hurdles remain. There are questions over governance, technology compatibility and the issue of trade imbalances between member countries.Currency-swap arrangements and regular settlement mechanisms could be required in the case of large bilateral trade imbalances.Finance ministers and central bank governors have been discussing the BRICS Cross-Border Payments Initiative for some time. The BRICS Payment Task Force is exploring greater interoperability between member states’ payment systems.The idea is for facilitating cross-border payments that are fast, low-cost, accessible, efficient, transparent and safe, while supporting trade and investment flows.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/de-dollarisation-question-of-the-brics-economy-how-upi-cips-pix-and-spfs-could-link-up-to-bypass-swift-explaind-1788694362366">De-dollarisation question of the BRICS economy: How UPI, CIPS, Pix and SPFS could link up to bypass SWIFT? EXPLAIND</a><h2>Settling trade in local currencies: The other part of the equation</h2>The RBI is also pushing to expand the international use of the rupee and other national currencies. Malhotra said the RBI would continue efforts to internationalise the rupee and promote the use of local currencies for cross-border payments and trade. India already has bilateral local-currency settlement arrangements with the UAE, Indonesia, Maldives and Mauritius.The RBI’s framework for international trade settlement through the rupee, including Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs), is an arrangement alongside the existing system using freely convertible currencies.The RBI’s Inter-Departmental Group on Internationalisation of the Indian Rupee (INR) had recommended expanding the use of local currencies, particularly with major trading partners.&nbsp;<h2>Reducing dollar dependence without removing it entirely</h2>These measures could reduce the need for, and dependence on, the US dollar in some bilateral transactions, even if “dedollarisation” is not the stated objective.If two BRICS nations can use interoperable payment systems to settle directly in their respective currencies, the transaction may not need to be routed through the dollar.For CBDCs, if digital currencies issued by participating central banks can eventually interact directly under agreed technical and regulatory standards, cross-border payments could become faster and potentially cheaper.It is a form of smart diversification, and eventually a third currency such as the dollar may be required less for such transactions.<h2>Is this BRICS dedollarisation?</h2>The RBI and Indian government have not presented these initiatives as dedollarisation or as a move towards establishing a BRICS currency.The RBI’s CBDC proposal is not aimed at promoting dedollarisation, and India’s objective is to make international transactions easier and faster, rather than to replace the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency.India has been cautious about BRICS turning into an explicitly anti-dollar financial bloc. There is no agreed BRICS common currency yet. No plan has been announced for a BRICS alternative to the existing international monetary system either.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peskov-russia-brics-transactions-national-currencies-1788862059036">BRICS 2026: Russia says over 90% of Russia-BRICS trade settled in national currencies</a><h2>The big challenge of trade imbalances</h2>The basic problem on any future payment mechanism is how to settle persistent trade imbalances. If a country accumulates large balances in another country’s currency but has limited opportunities to spend or invest them, local-currency settlement can become unsustainable.To manage such imbalances, potential BRICS arrangements could require currency swaps and regular settlement mechanisms.

RBI’s BRICS payments push could make cross-border trade faster and cheaper. Mechanisms being considered include CBDCs, UPI links and local currency settlments. These could reduce dollar dependence without formally pursuing dedollarisation 

BRICS is aiming to make cross-border payments faster, cheaper and less dependent on traditional financial channels. The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) recent comments and recommendations point towards a potentially significant shift in how trade and other cross-border payments could be settled among BRICS economies. This is not being described as dedollarisation per se. But it has elements of countries being able to settle trade in their local currencies. What did RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra say on BRICS payments? RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra recently said BRICS members were discussing possible links between their fast payment systems and central bank digital currencies, or CBDCs. “Cross-border payments is an area of interest for all of us, including the BRICS, because we feel there is a lot of scope for reducing cost,” Malhotra said in Mumbai. Various options are on the table, he said, while highlighting the speed of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), compared with international remittances that can take hours or days to settle. https://www.wionews.com/videos/brics-focuses-on-diversification-over-de-dollarisation-1789104909152/embed BRICS is considering more than one mechanism Linking existing fast-payment systems is one way, while interoperability between national CBDCs is another. But a single BRICS-wide payment network is yet to take shape. The Indian central bank had recommended that the linking of BRICS members’ CBDCs be included on the agenda of the 2026 BRICS Summit. The aim was to streamline cross-border trade, trade finance and tourism payments through compatible technology and governance arrangements. India has been pushing the CBDC-linking proposal ahead of the BRICS Summit. But technical and political hurdles remain. There are questions over governance, technology compatibility and the issue of trade imbalances between member countries. Currency-swap arrangements and regular settlement mechanisms could be required in the case of large bilateral trade imbalances. Finance ministers and central bank governors have been discussing the BRICS Cross-Border Payments Initiative for some time. The BRICS Payment Task Force is exploring greater interoperability between member states’ payment systems. The idea is for facilitating cross-border payments that are fast, low-cost, accessible, efficient, transparent and safe, while supporting trade and investment flows. Also read: De-dollarisation question of the BRICS economy: How UPI, CIPS, Pix and SPFS could link up to bypass SWIFT? EXPLAIND Settling trade in local currencies: The other part of the equation The RBI is also pushing to expand the international use of the rupee and other national currencies. Malhotra said the RBI would continue efforts to internationalise the rupee and promote the use of local currencies for cross-border payments and trade. India already has bilateral local-currency settlement arrangements with the UAE, Indonesia, Maldives and Mauritius. The RBI’s framework for international trade settlement through the rupee, including Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs), is an arrangement alongside the existing system using freely convertible currencies. The RBI’s Inter-Departmental Group on Internationalisation of the Indian Rupee (INR) had recommended expanding the use of local currencies, particularly with major trading partners. Reducing dollar dependence without removing it entirely These measures could reduce the need for, and dependence on, the US dollar in some bilateral transactions, even if “dedollarisation” is not the stated objective. If two BRICS nations can use interoperable payment systems to settle directly in their respective currencies, the transaction may not need to be routed through the dollar. For CBDCs, if digital currencies issued by participating central banks can eventually interact directly under agreed technical and regulatory standards, cross-border payments could become faster and potentially cheaper. It is a form of smart diversification, and eventually a third currency such as the dollar may be required less for such transactions. Is this BRICS dedollarisation? The RBI and Indian government have not presented these initiatives as dedollarisation or as a move towards establishing a BRICS currency. The RBI’s CBDC proposal is not aimed at promoting dedollarisation, and India’s objective is to make international transactions easier and faster, rather than to replace the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency. India has been cautious about BRICS turning into an explicitly anti-dollar financial bloc. There is no agreed BRICS common currency yet. No plan has been announced for a BRICS alternative to the existing international monetary system either. Also read: BRICS 2026: Russia says over 90% of Russia-BRICS trade settled in national currencies The big challenge of trade imbalances The basic problem on any future payment mechanism is how to settle persistent trade imbalances. If a country accumulates large balances in another country’s currency but has limited opportunities to spend or invest them, local-currency settlement can become unsustainable. To manage such imbalances, potential BRICS arrangements could require currency swaps and regular settlement mechanisms.

RBI’s BRICS payments push could make cross-border trade faster and cheaper. Mechanisms being considered include CBDCs, UPI links and local currency settlments. These could reduce dollar dependence without formally pursuing dedollarisation&nbsp;

BRICS Summit 2026: Dedollarisation by other methods? What RBI’s remarks on easier trade payment mechanisms means

At least five people were killed and 67 others injured after a Russian drone struck a shopping centre in Pavlohrad in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region on Thursday (Sep 10), Ukrainian officials said. The attack took place during daylight hours, hitting shops and vehicles when the area was crowded. Interior Minister Ivan Vyhivskyi said the strike happened “when the streets were full of people”.Regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha said eight of those injured were children. Images released by Ukraine’s State Emergency Service showed firefighters battling flames and spraying water on burning vehicles as thick smoke filled the streets.President Volodymyr Zelensky offered condolences to the families of those killed and condemned the attack.“The Russians used drones to kill people who were simply standing near shopping centres,” Zelensky said in a statement.The latest strike comes after attacks on shopping centres elsewhere in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said a Russian drone hit a mall in Sumy on Wednesday, killing two people and injuring 20. Russian aerial strikes in the city on Thursday reportedly wounded eight people, including three children.A shopping mall in Zaporizhzhia was also almost completely destroyed in a Russian air strike on Monday, although it was closed at the time and no casualties were immediately reported.<h2>Kyiv calls attack ‘tactic of coercion’</h2>Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the strike as a “tactic of coercion”, accusing Moscow of trying to pressure Ukraine through repeated attacks on civilians.“Russia believes that relentless attacks on civilians can exhaust Ukrainians and force Ukraine into concession,” he said.Pavlohrad, a key logistics hub near Dnipro, has previously been targeted. Two people were killed in a Russian attack on warehouses in the city last month.<h2>Violence continues despite peace efforts</h2>The latest attacks came as a fresh US-backed diplomatic push appeared to make little progress. US President Donald Trump’s envoys held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Zelensky in Kyiv over the weekend.Meanwhile, Russian officials reported Ukrainian attacks, including a seaborne drone strike on Sochi that injured 28 people. Moscow also blamed Ukrainian strikes for several deaths in Russian and Russian-controlled areas. &nbsp;

Russian drone strikes a shopping centre in Pavlohrad, Ukraine, killing five and injuring 67, including eight children, as Kyiv accuses Moscow of targeting civilians amid stalled peace efforts.

At least five people were killed and 67 others injured after a Russian drone struck a shopping centre in Pavlohrad in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region on Thursday (Sep 10), Ukrainian officials said. The attack took place during daylight hours, hitting shops and vehicles when the area was crowded. Interior Minister Ivan Vyhivskyi said the strike happened “when the streets were full of people”. Regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha said eight of those injured were children. Images released by Ukraine’s State Emergency Service showed firefighters battling flames and spraying water on burning vehicles as thick smoke filled the streets. President Volodymyr Zelensky offered condolences to the families of those killed and condemned the attack. “The Russians used drones to kill people who were simply standing near shopping centres,” Zelensky said in a statement. The latest strike comes after attacks on shopping centres elsewhere in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said a Russian drone hit a mall in Sumy on Wednesday, killing two people and injuring 20. Russian aerial strikes in the city on Thursday reportedly wounded eight people, including three children. A shopping mall in Zaporizhzhia was also almost completely destroyed in a Russian air strike on Monday, although it was closed at the time and no casualties were immediately reported. Kyiv calls attack ‘tactic of coercion’ Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the strike as a “tactic of coercion”, accusing Moscow of trying to pressure Ukraine through repeated attacks on civilians. “Russia believes that relentless attacks on civilians can exhaust Ukrainians and force Ukraine into concession,” he said. Pavlohrad, a key logistics hub near Dnipro, has previously been targeted. Two people were killed in a Russian attack on warehouses in the city last month. Violence continues despite peace efforts The latest attacks came as a fresh US-backed diplomatic push appeared to make little progress. US President Donald Trump’s envoys held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Zelensky in Kyiv over the weekend. Meanwhile, Russian officials reported Ukrainian attacks, including a seaborne drone strike on Sochi that injured 28 people. Moscow also blamed Ukrainian strikes for several deaths in Russian and Russian-controlled areas.

Russian drone strikes a shopping centre in Pavlohrad, Ukraine, killing five and injuring 67, including eight children, as Kyiv accuses Moscow of targeting civilians amid stalled peace efforts.

Five killed, 67 injured after Russian drone hits Ukraine shopping mall

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Five killed, 67 injured after Russian drone hits Ukraine shopping mall