New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday warned BRICS leaders that the growing weaponisation of technology and critical minerals poses a serious threat to global stability and could undermine the economic and developmental gains achieved by nations over decades.

Addressing the second day of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders, Modi said the interconnected nature of the global economy meant that geopolitical crises could no longer be treated as isolated regional developments.

“The world is witnessing increasing tensions, having a significant negative impact on the lives of ordinary people,” Modi said, pointing to pandemics, climate disasters and disruptions in global supply chains as examples of how crises in one part of the world can rapidly affect countries far beyond their immediate geographical boundaries.

His warning assumes particular significance at a time when geopolitical rivalries are increasingly spilling over into trade, technology, energy and access to strategic resources. Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements have become essential to electric vehicles, renewable energy, semiconductors, defence systems and advanced manufacturing. Their concentration in a limited number of countries has created new vulnerabilities for the global economy.

Modi cautioned that the use of technology and critical minerals as instruments of geopolitical pressure could reverse the benefits of globalisation and shared economic progress. For developing economies, which depend heavily on predictable access to energy, technology, capital and raw materials, such disruptions can have particularly damaging consequences.

The Prime Minister said BRICS must therefore focus on building greater resilience within the grouping while developing mechanisms capable of identifying emerging threats before they become full-scale crises.

“It is equally essential to identify challenges in a timely manner, remain prepared for them and take immediate action,” he said.

The emphasis on resilience has also been reflected in India's efforts to strengthen cooperation among BRICS members in areas extending beyond conventional diplomacy and trade. One of the significant outcomes highlighted by Modi was the consensus on establishing a BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for the prevention of and response to infectious diseases.

Guidelines for an early-warning data integration mechanism have already been prepared, he said, underlining the importance of collective preparedness after the devastating experience of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The pandemic demonstrated how quickly a health emergency can become an economic and geopolitical crisis. Production was disrupted, international travel collapsed, supply chains were strained and millions of people across the world were affected. The experience reinforced the argument that national resilience alone is insufficient in an interconnected global economy.

Modi said India's BRICS presidency had concentrated on four broad pillars — resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. The objective, he said, was to convert the shared aspirations of member countries into practical outcomes that could benefit all participants.

The summit is taking place against a backdrop of mounting geopolitical tensions, including the continuing conflict in West Asia and disruptions to global energy and shipping networks. The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz has once again highlighted the vulnerability of international commerce to regional conflicts, with any prolonged disruption having consequences for energy-importing economies across Asia and beyond.

The BRICS New Delhi Declaration adopted on Saturday expressed deep concern over the continuing escalation of tensions in the Middle East and called for maximum restraint. It also urged nations to avoid actions that could further aggravate the situation.

On the Israel-Palestine conflict, BRICS reaffirmed support for a lasting two-state solution and called for stronger international institutional support for Palestine. The declaration also reaffirmed Israel's legal obligation to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in Gaza.

Economic protectionism emerged as another major concern. The declaration called for an end to unilateral economic sanctions and expressed concern over the growing use of protectionist measures. It warned that arbitrary tariff increases and trade barriers imposed in the name of environmental objectives could disrupt global supply chains and disproportionately hurt emerging economies.

The message from New Delhi was therefore broader than a call for greater cooperation among BRICS members. It was an argument for a more resilient and balanced international economic order in which technology, energy, minerals and trade are not routinely converted into instruments of political coercion.

With China, Russia, Iran, India and several other major emerging economies represented at the summit, BRICS increasingly provides a platform where the developing world can articulate its concerns over an international system undergoing profound transformation.

Modi's warning reflects the central challenge before the grouping: whether BRICS can move beyond declarations and build practical mechanisms that protect members from future shocks.

The leaders also posed for a group photograph at Bharat Mandapam before beginning a series of bilateral engagements. Modi was scheduled to meet leaders from several countries, including South Africa, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Egypt, Burundi, Uganda and Nigeria.

For India, the larger objective remains clear — BRICS must become not merely a forum for discussing global crises, but a mechanism for building collective resilience against them. In an increasingly fragmented world, safeguarding technology, critical minerals, energy supplies and supply chains may prove as important as safeguarding borders.

United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Wednesday described Jammu and Kashmir as “an important part of India” during his first visit to the Union Territory, signalling Washington’s emphasis on strengthening engagement with the region.

Gor arrived in Srinagar as part of a two-day visit covering Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. During his stay, he met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and discussed ways to deepen ties between the United States and the Union Territory.

“Kashmir is an important part of India,” Gor told reporters after his meeting with Abdullah. Describing his first visit to the region, the US envoy praised its natural beauty and said the discussions with the Chief Minister had been warm.

Gor said both sides were looking forward to building on their relationship, with Abdullah standing alongside him during the interaction with the media.

The visit assumes added diplomatic significance as Gor is not only the US Ambassador to India but also serves as US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. His trip marks his first visit to Kashmir since Operation Sindoor last year.

The envoy’s presence in Srinagar comes at a time of significant strategic developments across South Asia. His engagement with local leadership is therefore being closely watched for its potential implications for India-US relations and Washington’s approach towards Jammu and Kashmir.

Abdullah said his meeting with Gor provided an opportunity to discuss the broader relationship between India and the United States, while also focusing specifically on Jammu and Kashmir. According to the Chief Minister, the talks covered areas where greater US engagement could benefit the region.

Abdullah acknowledged that certain longstanding issues remain and said these would need to be addressed gradually. However, he expressed optimism about continuing the dialogue with both Washington and New Delhi.

He said future discussions would involve all three stakeholders, with the aim of expanding cooperation between the United States and Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Minister also expressed hope that American engagement with the region would become broader and deeper in the coming years. His comments suggested that Srinagar sees scope for greater interaction in areas beyond traditional diplomatic concerns.

Gor’s remarks and the meeting with Abdullah together highlight a renewed phase of US engagement with Jammu and Kashmir. While the visit is primarily diplomatic, it also carries wider strategic importance amid evolving India-US ties and developments across the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide sports talent hunt for children aged five to 15 as part of India's push to strengthen its sporting base ahead of a possible 2036 Olympics.

While addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, Modi said India aims to compete in at least three-fourths of Olympic events by 2036, significantly expanding its participation across disciplines.

“We have decided that in 2036, we should participate in at least three-fourths of events. We are launching a nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5 to 15 to identify prospects in every corner of the country. They will get special training to become world-class athletes,” Modi said.

He said the talent hunt would seek promising young athletes across the country and provide them with specialised training to compete at the highest level.

Modi also highlighted the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, launched in 2014, and the government's efforts through the Khelo India Games, University Games, Beach Games and Winter Games, along with investments in sports training, medicine and nutrition.

“India is making space for itself in the world of sports. We hear our national anthem frequently and see our tricolour going up very often,” he said.

Expanding the pool of athletes across disciplines where India has traditionally had limited representation, Modi said, would be a key priority.

Ahmedabad, which India has put forward as its proposed host city for the 2036 Olympics, is also set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The hosting rights were formally transferred to Ahmedabad at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on August 2.

It will be India's second Commonwealth Games after New Delhi hosted the event in 2010.

New Delhi: Heavy security was deployed across the national capital on Monday as thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) attempted to march towards Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session despite being denied permission by the Delhi Police.

The protest, called by the CJP leadership to press its political demands, witnessed large gatherings at multiple locations in Central Delhi. Anticipating unrest, authorities erected multi-layered barricades, deployed rapid action units, and imposed traffic diversions around key government establishments, including Parliament, Vijay Chowk, and adjoining high-security zones.

As the demonstrators advanced towards the restricted area, police repeatedly appealed to them to disperse and follow the restrictions imposed under security protocols. However, sections of the crowd allegedly attempted to push through the barricades, leading to brief scuffles between protesters and security personnel.

To prevent the march from entering the high-security zone surrounding Parliament, security forces resorted to firing tear gas shells to disperse the gathering. Several protesters retreated while others continued raising slogans before being moved away by the police. Authorities stated that the force used was measured and aimed solely at maintaining law and order.

According to preliminary official information, a number of protesters and police personnel sustained minor injuries during the confrontation. Medical teams stationed nearby provided immediate treatment, and no serious casualties were reported.

Security agencies maintained a tight vigil throughout the day, with surveillance drones, CCTV monitoring, and additional police contingents deployed across sensitive areas. Entry into the Parliament complex remained strictly regulated as Members of Parliament arrived for the commencement of the session.

As a precautionary measure, mobile internet services were temporarily suspended in parts of Central Delhi to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent mobilisation through social media platforms. Traffic movement was also affected on several major routes, prompting commuters to use alternate roads.

The Monsoon Session of Parliament commenced amid heightened political activity, with the government and opposition expected to engage in heated debates on several national issues. The attempted march added to the charged atmosphere in the capital, underscoring the challenges faced by authorities in balancing democratic protest with security considerations around vital government institutions.

Police officials said the situation was brought under control after the crowd was dispersed, while investigations are underway to identify individuals allegedly involved in attempting to breach security barricades. Authorities have appealed to political parties and supporters to conduct demonstrations peacefully and in accordance with the law.

The United States launched a second consecutive night of precision strikes against Iranian military targets on Saturday after Tehran allegedly attacked another commercial oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, sharply escalating tensions and placing the fragile ceasefire agreement under severe strain.

According to US officials, Iran targeted the Panama-flagged tanker KIKU, which was carrying nearly two million barrels of crude oil while transiting the strategic waterway. The vessel reportedly sustained damage, although all crew members were confirmed safe. Washington described the attack as a serious violation of the recently negotiated ceasefire and a direct threat to global maritime security.

In retaliation, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted coordinated strikes on 10 Iranian military installations. The targets included surveillance networks, communication systems, air defence batteries, drone storage facilities, and capabilities linked to naval mine deployment. CENTCOM also released a 38-second video on X showing footage of the overnight operation.

The US military stated that Iran had been given an opportunity to uphold the ceasefire following Friday's American strikes but instead chose further escalation by launching a one-way attack drone that struck the tanker. Friday's US operation had already targeted Iranian missile depots, drone infrastructure, and coastal radar installations after Washington accused Tehran of attacking another cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the renewed exchange of military action, CENTCOM confirmed that commercial shipping continues to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil trade flows. However, the command stressed that US forces remain on high alert and are fully prepared to respond to any further threats against international shipping or regional stability.

The latest confrontation has cast fresh uncertainty over diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict, raising fears that the already fragile ceasefire could unravel completely if hostilities continue.

British Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer on Monday announced his resignation, triggering a leadership contest that will determine his successor in the coming weeks, with a new prime minister expected to be in place before Parliament returns in September.

The 63-year-old said he would remain in office until a new Labour leader is elected and pledged his “full and unequivocal support” to his successor to ensure an orderly transfer of power.

“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace,” an emotional Starmer said during a statement outside 10 Downing Street.

“The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” he said.

Starmer revealed that he had informed King Charles III of his decision earlier on Monday. The outgoing prime minister said he would ask the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to establish a timetable for selecting his successor. Nominations are set to open on July 9, with the process expected to conclude before Parliament’s summer recess on July 17.

However, growing support within Labour for Andy Burnham, who returned to the House of Commons on Monday after winning a crucial by-election last week, has fuelled speculation that he could secure the leadership unopposed and take office as prime minister as early as mid-July.

“I will put myself forward as part of this process,” Burnham said in a social media post shortly after Starmer’s announcement.

“In the case of a contest, this timetable will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September,” Starmer said. “I will remain in post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete, and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power.”

He added that his successor would inherit “a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago” and expressed confidence that Labour would remain well positioned to seek a second term in Government.

Starmer led Labour to a landslide victory in the July 2024 general election, ending more than a decade of Conservative rule. While his government initially enjoyed strong public support, his popularity declined sharply in recent months amid a series of controversial policy decisions and internal party tensions.

During his farewell remarks, Starmer reflected on his government’s achievements, highlighting economic growth, rising wages, increased investment and major infrastructure projects. “Look at what we have achieved in just two years — an economy that is stronger, growing faster than our peers, wages rising faster than inflation in every single month since we came to power, investment secured, infrastructure being built,” he said. “Change promised by a Labour Government, change fought for by a Labour Government, change delivered by a Labour Government.”

The departing leader also pointed to his role in rebuilding Labour after its electoral setbacks, noting that he inherited a party that was “politically, financially and morally bankrupt” and transformed it into a Government with a commanding parliamentary majority of 174 seats.

At one point, Starmer struggled to contain his emotions as he paid tribute to his family.

“When I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job — being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and joy,” he said.

Potential contenders in the leadership race are expected to include former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, alongside Burnham. Candidates must secure the backing of at least 20 per cent of Labour MPs and meet additional support thresholds from constituency Labour parties or affiliated organisations and trade unions.

Starmer’s departure will leave the United Kingdom searching for its seventh prime minister in a decade, continuing a period of significant political turnover that has characterised British politics in recent years.

His premiership faced mounting challenges over the past year, including criticism surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States and growing backlash over welfare reforms, tax policy reversals and changes to social benefits. With support within his Cabinet reportedly weakening, pressure mounted for a change in leadership direction, ultimately leading to Starmer’s decision to step down.

A dramatic shift in West Bengal’s political landscape unfolded on Wednesday as the split within the Trinamool Congress appeared to deepen beyond reconciliation. In a significant development, Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose formally recognized rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, effectively granting institutional legitimacy to the breakaway faction.

The move was accompanied by another symbolic gesture that underscored the changing political equations. The keys to the Opposition office within the Assembly complex were handed over to Banerjee, signaling official acceptance of the new arrangement and strengthening the position of the dissident camp.

Shortly after assuming his new role, Ritabrata Banerjee sought to project confidence and authority while also sending a pointed message to the Trinamool leadership. Addressing reporters, he proposed an unexpected position for party supremo Mamata Banerjee, saying the rebel group would welcome her as the “chief advisor” to the opposition bloc.

The statement drew immediate attention because of its resemblance to political realignments witnessed elsewhere in the country, where rival factions have claimed organizational control while continuing to express respect for founding leaders. Banerjee’s remarks appeared designed to suggest that the dissident group views itself as the legitimate political heir within the larger Trinamool framework.

He was, however, unequivocal when discussing the role of Abhishek Banerjee. According to the newly recognized Opposition leader, Abhishek Banerjee would have no involvement in the functioning or leadership structure of the emerging opposition formation.

“Abhishek Banerjee has no connection to the formation of the 18th Assembly of West Bengal,” Ritabrata Banerjee said, indicating a clear attempt to distance the new faction from the Trinamool Congress general secretary and one of the party’s most influential figures.

The political drama intensified earlier in the day when Banerjee arrived at the Assembly and asserted that his faction enjoyed the backing of 59 legislators out of the Trinamool Congress’s total strength of 80 MLAs in the House. If accurate, the claim would represent a commanding majority of the party’s legislative wing and significantly alter the balance of power within the state’s political establishment.

With the Speaker’s decision now in effect and rival camps staking competing claims to political legitimacy, the crisis within the Trinamool Congress appears to have entered a decisive new phase, setting the stage for an intense battle over leadership, loyalty, and the party’s future direction.

In a major political development in Karnataka, senior Congress leader and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has resigned from his post after receiving directions from the party high command, marking the beginning of a leadership transition in the state government.

The resignation paves the way for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is widely expected to take over as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.

Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation in Bengaluru at Lok Bhavan, which was received by officials in the absence of the Governor. The formal acceptance is expected once the Governor returns. The transition comes after months of internal discussions within the Indian National Congress regarding leadership balance in the state.

Addressing the media after resigning, Siddaramaiah said he followed the instructions of the party leadership, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. He thanked them for giving him the opportunity to serve as Chief Minister twice.

He strongly defended his government’s performance, particularly the implementation of the Congress “guarantee schemes,” stating that the state’s financial position remained strong despite criticism from opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Siddaramaiah also highlighted that Karnataka continues to rank among the top states in GST collection and income generation, rejecting claims that welfare schemes had weakened the state treasury.

The outgoing Chief Minister also revealed that he was offered a Rajya Sabha seat and a national role by the party high command but chose to remain in state politics.

Meanwhile, celebrations and political activity intensified within Congress circles as DK Shivakumar’s supporters prepared for his expected elevation. The leadership change is seen as a carefully managed transition aimed at maintaining unity within the Karnataka Congress government.

Siddaramaiah reaffirmed that he will continue active politics in the state and fight against communal forces, emphasizing his commitment to constitutional values and social justice.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday praised Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “great leader” and spoke optimistically about a “fantastic future” for ties between the world’s two largest economies as the two leaders opened a crucial summit in Beijing.

Speaking before bilateral talks began, Trump described it as an “honour” to meet Xi and referred to him as a “friend”, highlighting what he called their ability to resolve disputes through direct communication.

“We've gotten along. When there were difficulties, we worked it out. I would call you and you would call me. Whenever we had a problem we worked it out very quickly,” Trump said.

The two-day summit comes at a tense moment in US-China relations, with disagreements over trade, Taiwan, technology and the ongoing Iran conflict dominating the agenda. Despite the friction, Trump projected confidence about future cooperation.

“You're a great leader. Sometimes people don't like me saying it, but I say it anyway because it's true,” Trump remarked. “It’s an honour to be with you and to be your friend. We’re going to have a fantastic future together.”

Trump also highlighted the presence of leading American business executives accompanying him to Beijing, saying he had brought “the best business leaders in the world” to pay their respects to Xi. The delegation includes top CEOs such as Jensen Huang and Elon Musk.

Xi, in his response, stressed the need for “cooperation instead of confrontation” between Beijing and Washington. He warned that the world was facing rapid geopolitical changes and said stable ties between China and the United States were essential for global stability.

The summit is expected to focus heavily on trade, Taiwan, security concerns and broader efforts to prevent a fresh escalation in tensions between the two powers.

In a major political development in West Bengal, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari has been announced as the state’s new Chief Minister, according to party sources.

The announcement comes amid ongoing government formation talks following the recent Assembly election results in which the BJP emerged victorious.

As per reports, the new West Bengal cabinet is expected to include two deputy chief ministers, with one of the positions likely to be reserved for a woman leader.

Party insiders said the decision was taken after internal consultations within the BJP legislature party in Kolkata.

Reacting to the development, Suvendu Adhikari’s brother Dibyendu Adhikari said that the decision was entirely within the party’s framework and organisational structure.

He also commented on outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stating that she did not resign formally or accept constitutional norms during the transition process.