🏏 Smith backs young Pakistan squad despite batting struggles 🏏

Pakistan's batting coach Michael Smith stated the squad's mood was good despite recent tour difficulties. He mentioned this while the team is currently 52/2 and 268 runs away from forcing England to bat again at Edgbaston. The tour has faced off-field issues, including the PCB recalling seven players and Sarfaraz Ahmed. Smith highlighted the quality in Pakistani cricketers, noting the youngsters are in a transition phase. He expressed hope for an upward trend in future UK tours to truly judge the young players.

🔥 Oil prices hit $100+ amid Middle East tensions ⛽

Oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel for the first time in four months due to growing supply fears in the Middle East. Brent crude traded at $107.70 per barrel, while WTI stood at $102.50 at around 7:30 am IST. Both benchmarks surged over 6% on Thursday, leading to nearly 13% weekly gains. Tensions rose as Houthis took control of Mocha and Strait of Hormuz traffic remains restricted. The market's future hinges on China's continued crude imports and OPEC's revised demand forecast.

📈 IMF cheers India's new GDP data framework

The International Monetary Fund has praised India's newly implemented GDP calculation framework. This upgrade was developed by Indian economists and adopted by the government. The new system aims to improve data accuracy significantly across various sectors. It replaces older methodologies, providing a more comprehensive economic picture. This move sets a new standard for national economic reporting going forward. 📈

🤦 Nasser Hussain slams PCB over Saim Ayub selection

Saim Ayub's return to the Pakistan Test team resulted in a disastrous performance with two ducks. He was selected ahead of the final Test against England at Edgbaston. This occurred during the third Test, with results coming out on September 10, 2026. Former captain Nasser Hussain criticized the PCB for this 'stunt' due to Ayub's lack of first-class cricket exposure. Hussain pointed to Virender Sehwag's similar experience in England as proof of the board's amateur approach. 🏏

🌍 BRICS Summit 2026 kicks off in New Delhi

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Delhi ahead of the BRICS Summit 2026, which starts on Saturday. The summit will be held in New Delhi and feature leaders like Xi Jinping and Cyril Ramaphosa. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence in positive discussions focused on global welfare. Authorities have heightened security, monitoring social media and rehearsing contingency plans. The weather forecast suggests potential rain throughout the summit dates of September 12 and 13. 🌧️

🚗 Modi Govt cuts VIP convoys for BRICS summit

The Modi government is reducing VIP convoys for Union ministers and CMs during the BRICS Summit in Delhi. Ministers and CMs attending from September 12-13 will now travel together in one common bus to the Bharat Mandapam venue. This move aims to significantly lessen traffic disruption and inconvenience for the general public. Authorities are deploying around 30,000 security personnel for the high-profile summit. The government is taking this step amidst widespread traffic restrictions for foreign leaders' movements.

⚠️ Delhi trains facing major changes for BRICS Summit

Train operations around New Delhi are undergoing significant changes from September 11 to 13 due to the BRICS Summit 2026. Northern Railway has issued a detailed plan covering cancellations, diversions, and rescheduling for the event. Several services are cancelled, while others, like the 20840 Rajdhani Express, will be diverted via altered routes. Passengers must expect delays as multiple trains face time adjustments across the three days. Travelers are advised to check NTES or call 139 for the latest status before heading out. 🚆

👨 Magnus Carlsen: Even chess gods gotta pay bills

Magnus Carlsen, the world's top chess player, shared his views on life after becoming a father. Speaking at the Global Chess League (GCL) in Bengaluru, he stated that his professional life hasn't changed drastically. He emphasized that he remains a provider for his family, which dictates his ongoing work. This responsibility reinforced his decision to not return to the classical World Championship. Carlsen described his life as a blend of joy in fatherhood and the duty to support his family.

⛽ Fuel prices steady despite global oil surge

Petrol and diesel prices in Indian cities saw slight changes on September 11th, though they align with the May 25th adjustment. This movement occurs as Brent crude rallied due to intensified Houthi strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure. Brent crude surged 0.4% to nearly $110 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate edged up to $103.40. Despite global volatility, OMCs keep domestic rates stable, mirroring the last increase of ₹2.7 to ₹2.8 per litre. Future price shifts depend on the severity of the West Asia conflict and Chinese oil demand recovery. ⛽

🦠 Ebola spreads to seventh DRC province

Ebola has now spread to a seventh province in the Democratic Republic of Congo following a 23-year-old man's cross-country trip. This case occurred in Gwaka in the northwestern province of Sud-Ubangi, after the individual traveled through Rwanda and Uganda. Authorities declared the outbreak on Thursday after the National Institute of Biomedical Research confirmed the Bundibugyo strain. The case expands an existing outbreak and raises concerns about virus spread along major transport routes. Transmission is currently accelerating in North Kivu while easing in the original epicenter in Ituri.

🤖 OpenAI might slow down cutting-edge AI development

OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, has informed his staff about a potential slowdown in the development of cutting-edge artificial intelligence. This strategic shift impacts the pace of future AI advancements within the company. No specific timelines or reduction percentages were provided in the recent internal communication. The move comes as the industry grapples with ethical concerns and rapid technological evolution. The company will continue to monitor global AI regulations and internal research progress moving forward. 🤖