Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi praised India's leadership as BRICS chair, expressing confidence that New Delhi can guide the bloc excellently. Speaking amid India's 2025 BRICS presidency, Araghchi highlighted India's diplomatic strength and its ability to unite diverse member nations. Iran, which joined BRICS in 2024, views India as a key partner. India aims to focus on multilateralism, economic cooperation, and reforming global institutions during its chairmanship, strengthening South-South ties.

The CIA declassified numerous Presidential Daily Briefs (PDBs) given to Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush before the September 11, 2001 attacks. These intelligence documents revealed that U.S. agencies had received multiple warnings about Osama bin Laden and al-Qaida's growing threat, including plans to attack within the U.S. The most notable was the August 6, 2001 brief titled "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in US." The release reignited debate over whether 9/11 could have been prevented.

India's Finance Minister emphasized that global tech companies must pay fair taxes in countries where they generate revenue. She stressed that digital giants often exploit tax loopholes, shifting profits to low-tax jurisdictions while earning substantially from markets like India. The FM advocated for equitable tax frameworks, supporting international efforts like the OECD's global minimum tax initiative. She urged multilateral cooperation to ensure tech firms contribute their fair share, promoting economic justice and preventing base erosion in developing nations that fuel their growth.

The Bharat Innovates Exposition, held on September 11-12, showcased 37 cutting-edge deep-tech innovations from across India. The event highlighted breakthroughs in areas like AI, robotics, biotechnology, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing. Organized to promote India's growing deep-tech ecosystem, the exposition brought together startups, researchers, and industry leaders. It aimed to foster collaboration, attract investment, and accelerate commercialization of homegrown technologies, reinforcing India's position as a global innovation hub.

Russian President Vladimir Putin took a swipe at the G7, claiming the BRICS bloc now accounts for roughly 40% of global GDP, surpassing the Western-led group's economic share. Putin used the statement to highlight the declining dominance of Western economies and the rising influence of BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—along with new members like Egypt and Ethiopia. The remarks went viral, sparking global debate about shifting power dynamics and the erosion of Western-led economic governance.

India's Finance Minister emphasized that global technology companies must pay fair taxes in countries where they generate revenue. The statement addresses concerns over tech giants routing profits through low-tax jurisdictions, depriving developing nations of rightful tax income. The FM advocated for equitable digital taxation frameworks, supporting international efforts like the OECD's global minimum tax initiative. India has already implemented measures like the equalization levy to tax digital transactions. The FM stressed that as digitalization grows, tax structures must evolve to ensure no country loses its fair share of revenue from tech firms operating within its borders.

US diesel prices have surged to record highs, severely impacting American farmers during peak planting season. Diesel fuels tractors, harvesters, and transport trucks essential to agriculture. Rising costs squeeze already thin profit margins, threatening food production and supply chains. The spike stems from global supply disruptions, refinery capacity issues, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict reducing exports. Farmers face tough choices: absorb costs, reduce acreage, or pass expenses to consumers, potentially driving food prices even higher nationwide.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent engagement with India highlights the challenge of diversifying bilateral trade, which remains heavily dominated by Russian oil imports and Indian weapons purchases. India has become Russia's top oil buyer since Western sanctions over Ukraine, while Russia remains India's largest arms supplier. Both nations aim to expand cooperation in technology, agriculture, and manufacturing, but structural barriers, payment mechanism issues, and Western pressure complicate progress. India walks a diplomatic tightrope, balancing its strategic partnership with Russia against ties with the US and Europe.

The AI industry is increasingly split over development speed. Tech leaders like Sam Altman push for rapid advancement, while critics—including prominent researchers and ethicists—warn that rushing AI development risks safety, job displacement, and misuse. Concerns center on insufficient regulation, lack of transparency, and potential existential threats. Governments worldwide are struggling to keep pace with legislation. Meanwhile, companies race to deploy powerful models, deepening tensions between innovation advocates and those demanding caution, accountability, and robust safeguards before further scaling.

The viral BRICS summit photo from Kazan, Russia (October 2024) captured PM Modi, Russian President Putin, and Iranian President Pezeshkian standing together, symbolizing growing multipolarity. This image may unsettle Trump as it signals key nations building alliances outside US influence. India, despite being a US strategic partner, engaged with sanctioned Russia and Iran. The optics challenge US diplomatic isolation strategies against Moscow and Tehran, highlighting BRICS' expanding clout as a counterweight to Western-led global order.

Three individuals were detained in Odisha in connection with the illegal possession and trafficking of orangutans, a critically endangered species not native to India. Authorities conducted a rescue operation, recovering the orangutans believed to be smuggled for illegal wildlife trade. The suspects were apprehended by forest officials and police working in coordination. Orangutans are protected under international wildlife laws, including CITES. An investigation is underway to uncover the larger smuggling network involved in this crime.

The Students' Federation of India (SFI) accused police of carrying out a vendetta against its leaders after several members were handcuffed inside a court premises. The incident sparked outrage, with SFI condemning the action as an attempt to intimidate and suppress student activism. The organization demanded strict action against the officers involved, calling the handcuffing unnecessary and a violation of human rights. SFI leaders stated the arrests were politically motivated, linked to their recent protests. The party plans legal action and widespread demonstrations against police highhandedness.

India's Q1 GDP growth of 7.8% surpassed IMF expectations, demonstrating resilience amid global energy price shocks driven by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The IMF acknowledged India's strong economic momentum despite rising crude oil and commodity prices, which strained fiscal and trade balances. High inflation and a weakening rupee posed challenges, yet robust domestic demand, services sector growth, and government capital expenditure supported the economy. The IMF maintained India's position as one of the fastest-growing major economies globally.

Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping are set for a crucial bilateral meeting where border tensions in Arunachal Pradesh and economic concerns will dominate discussions. China continues to claim Arunachal as its territory, causing recurring friction. Recent military standoffs along the LAC have heightened tensions. On the economic front, trade imbalance, restrictions on Chinese investments, and app bans remain key issues. Both leaders aim to stabilize ties, seeking diplomatic solutions while safeguarding national interests amid growing geopolitical rivalry.

**Aviation News This Week**

India's DGCA has mandated drug testing for all pilots, extending beyond alcohol checks to ensure safer skies. Random and pre-employment drug screenings will now be enforced, addressing growing safety concerns after recent incidents involving impaired crew members. Meanwhile, the Adani Group plans to raise approximately $1 billion to fund its ambitious aviation infrastructure expansion, including the development of Mumbai's Navi Mumbai International Airport and modernization of other airports under its portfolio, boosting India's aviation growth.