Times of India

The 18th BRICS Summit is set to take place in New Delhi on September 12-13, bringing together world leaders, including Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. With a focus on pivotal discussions surrounding economic cooperation, technology, energy, and global governance, the summit will address pressing issues such as food and energy security, alongside current global trade tensions. This gathering aims to strengthen resilience, innovation, and sustainable collaboration among member nations.

Tanya Chaudhary has made headlines by breaking the national record in women's hammer throw with a stunning distance of 68.35m. This impressive accomplishment occurs within days of the Asian Games, overshadowing Anushka Yadav's former record. Both athletes are now among India's elite competitors, providing significant encouragement to the country's prospects in athletics at the upcoming Games.

In an effort to mitigate local air pollution, American power companies constructed towering smokestacks, effectively releasing sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into higher winds. Unfortunately, this practice contributed to acid rain, harming ecosystems throughout North America. In response, Congress revised the Clean Air Act to restrict the use of tall stacks and improve emission control by emphasizing source capture instead.

Apple's new iPhones cost more this year, not just the Duo, its first foldable, or the 18 Pro. Older models went up too, breaking a five-year run of steady pricing in India. Some of that is tax and currency. Most of it is a global memory shortage, squeezed by AI's appetite for chips. Add India's duty structure and Apple's read on what buyers will pay, and the entry fee for an iPhone has never been higher.

The increase in smuggling comes at a time when the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has intensified its action against organised gold smuggling networks. According to the latest government data released on July 25, the agency seized more than 27 kg of foreign-origin smuggled gold.

The eagerly anticipated first T20I match between India and Afghanistan is on track for September thirteenth, with Delhi officials pledging robust security for the event. The matches will unfold at Arun Jaitley Stadium, where Shreyas Iyer will lead the Indian squad. Afghanistan is expected to showcase a formidable spin attack, spearheaded by the talented Ibrahim Zadran.

An alleged murder plot to stage a heart attack was foiled when the victim returned home. The intended suffocation plan changed to a violent stabbing after the victim discovered the attackers. The victim sustained 26 stab wounds during the assault which occurred late at night. The alleged conspirator was reportedly dancing at a lounge while the killing unfolded.

A 22-year-old organized a scheme stealing over 4,100 Bitcoin from an investor. The stolen cryptocurrency was then spent on luxury items and lavish experiences. Investigators traced the digital trail through a missed IP address, leading to arrests. Several defendants have pleaded guilty, and others are awaiting sentencing in the ongoing case. This incident highlights the growing threat of social engineering in cryptocurrency fraud.

Pakistan has clarified that there are no current discussions about military responses related to the Mecca defense pact, following recent warnings from its defense minister. The agreement aims to enhance deterrence and defense cooperation among the involved nations, becoming active only if the Yemen conflict spreads to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Pakistan has confirmed that there are no immediate plans to expand the Mecca defense alliance.

Amid political turmoil, Akash Anand has again been demoted by Mayawati, who has questioned her nephew's maturity. His X profile has devolved from National Convenor to Party Worker and now to Supporter. His younger sibling, Ishan Anand, has been brought to the centre stage. Mayawati freed Akash political prospects to his father-in-law's exit from the scene, as the BSP confronts a challenging landscape with dwindling votes and approaching UP elections.

Once celebrated for its grazing benefits, Guinea grass has become a formidable threat to Hawaii's delicate ecosystems. Since its introduction in the 19th century, it has proliferated, reaching impressive heights. This resilient perennial can generate thousands of seeds and rebound swiftly from fires, exacerbating wildfire risks by providing ample fuel across the islands. Its growth pattern serves as a stark reminder of the lasting ecological impact of imported plant species.

Indian soldiers joined forces with twenty nations for Super Garuda Shield 2026. This large multinational exercise recently concluded in Indonesia's archipelago. Personnel participated in advanced shooting drills and airborne parachute operations. The event aimed to enhance operational readiness and defense diplomacy among partners. Such exercises strengthen India's strategic ties and maritime security cooperation.

Truman Lake in Missouri is undergoing remarkable enhancements for its underwater habitat. Recently, 93 cedar brush piles have been established to provide refuge and food for fish. The goal is to install a total of 450 habitat structures throughout the reservoir, backed by a $75,000 grant aimed at improving fishing experiences. Various organizations and community volunteers are joining forces for this multi-year initiative.

Baltimore has replaced the Chanticleer pear, its official tree since 1974, with the native tulip poplar after Maryland banned sales of the invasive callery pear. Six native species competed for the title, with residents voting before the winner was announced through a costumed tree race at Cylburn Arboretum attended by hundreds.

Investigators found WhatsApp messages indicating Shalu urged Vishal Gautam to murder her father-in-law. Shalu and Vishal engaged in conversations for months, with Shalu complimenting Vishal and inquiring about his relationship status. Police believe Shalu manipulated Vishal into planning and executing the murder of Vineet Minocha. Vishal erased chat history but failed to remove all WhatsApp call records, which investigators recovered.

A social media trend uses ChatGPT to recreate photos in 1980s styles. Users are now focusing on regional aesthetics, specifically 1980s Kerala and Malayali culture. Prompts request authentic family, wedding, college, and studio portraits from the period. These images incorporate traditional clothing, jewellery, and home settings from Kerala. The AI maintains recognizable facial features while adding retro photographic elements.

'Mirzapur The Movie' has continued its steady climb at the box office, entering Day 7 with its India net collection touching close to Rs. 139 crore. After a blockbuster opening weekend, the Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal starrer has settled into a typical weekday rhythm, adding smaller but consistent numbers each day. With the film now firmly in its second week of release, the focus has shifted to whether it can hold enough screens and audience interest to make a genuine push toward the Rs. 150 crore milestone.

Kentucky's iconic Shaker residence, over two centuries old, is on the path to a remarkable restoration. This $1.5 million endeavor will culminate in the building’s reopening as a community hub by 2029. Funded through a mix of federal grants and private contributions, this project promises to illuminate the dwelling's compelling historical significance.

Russian transport aircraft landed at Noida International Airport ahead of the upcoming BRICS Summit. President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit New Delhi for the multilateral event. He is also scheduled for a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. The leaders will discuss bilateral relations and expand cooperation between the two nations. Russia supports greater cooperation among member countries and the idea of inviting new members.