✈️ Australia cracks down on international student visas

The Australian government has introduced visa changes making it harder for international students to bring their families along. This decision was announced by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke in Australia on Thursday. Last year, over 45,000 visas were granted to family members of international students. These measures aim to lower net overseas migration from about 290,000 to 225,000 by 2027-’28. Students will also need to prove progression to a higher course level to avoid 'visa hopping'. 🎓

🤝 India-Russia eyeing $100B trade goal

Russia and India are concentrating on growing their trade, defense cooperation, and economic connections. Both nations have set an ambitious target of reaching $100 billion in bilateral trade by the year 2030. To counter Western sanctions, they are strengthening alternative payment systems and increasing the use of their national currencies. Furthermore, recent talks emphasized deeper industrial and defense collaboration, including joint production possibilities. This evolving partnership significantly impacts the future trajectory of their economic relationship. 🤝

👶 Ranveer's big return after baby girl arrives 👶

Ranveer Singh made his first public appearance at the Hunkkaar premiere after his family welcomed a second baby girl on September 19. The actor attended the event with Deepika Padukone in a striking all-white suit. The couple announced the birth of their second child on September 19, 2026, two years after their first daughter, Dua, in September 2024. Friends and fans quickly congratulated the beaming new dad on his recent arrival. Ranveer is also currently gearing up for his next film, Pralay.

🤝 US and Iran talk about Hormuz deal

The US and Iran have reportedly discussed a phased deal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This high-level conversation took place between officials from both nations. The talks reportedly focused on ending the existing US blockade in the region. This potential agreement is seen as a crucial step toward stabilizing the Middle East's maritime routes. Further details on the implementation timeline are expected in the coming weeks. 🤝

📰 White House lets CNN, Politico back in after judge ruling

CNN, MS NOW, and Politico regained access to the White House after a federal judge intervened. District Judge Timothy Kelly ordered the restoration of press credentials for these three media outlets in Washington D.C. This happened six days after President Donald Trump initially banned them on Friday. The judge ruled the ban likely violated their constitutional due process rights, striking against the White House's actions. Now, the news organizations are back, supported by other broadcasters halting pool coverage in solidarity. 📰

🛂 US national and Ukrainians get one-month travel pass

US national Matthew VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals were allowed to leave India for one month. This was granted by a special NIA court on Thursday, allowing their release later that evening. The seven foreigners were arrested in March on allegations of training ethnic armed groups in drone warfare in Myanmar. The NIA did not use UAPA chargesheet due to lack of evidence affecting national interest. The agency confirms the anti-terror investigation is still ongoing. ✈️

🌳 Cubbon Park land use dispute heats up

The Cubbon Park and Lalbagh Walkers’ Association claims land near the Metro station is for a coffee shop. They allege this land inside Cubbon Park is being carved out for commercial use. The Horticulture Department counters that the parcel originally belonged to BSNL and was acquired by BMRCL. The association president, S. Umesh, noted this is a loss of protected green space. Officials stated BMRCL must decide on any construction on that property. ☕

🏛️ Tata Sons pushes back on charity legality claims

Tata Sons has officially rejected allegations concerning the illegality of controlling charities. The conglomerate addressed these claims in a formal letter to relevant authorities. The allegations surfaced recently, drawing attention to the governance structures within the charitable trusts. Tata Sons maintains that all operations strictly adhere to the legal frameworks established for such entities. The company is expected to continue its robust philanthropic activities moving forward. 🏛️

🌾 Karnataka gives farmers ₹2500 aid amid drought 🌾

The Karnataka government announced a one-time aid of ₹2,500 to farmers across the state due to drought-related crop losses. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara made this announcement in the Legislative Assembly in Bengaluru on Thursday. Approximately 45 lakh to 50 lakh farmers are expected to benefit from this package, which costs the exchequer around ₹1,250 crore. Furthermore, a 12-month moratorium on loan repayment and loan tenure extensions were also declared. The government plans to appeal to the PM to declare drought a national disaster given the situation in multiple states.

🛡️ NATO ramps up intel sharing amid Russian sabotage fears

NATO is intensifying intelligence sharing due to recent sabotage incidents apparently linked to Russia. US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich made these comments on Thursday regarding concerns in Europe. These incidents include a drone attempt at Leipzig/Halle Airport and flares near a Danish helicopter. Denmark warns Russia might increase its hybrid warfare campaign, posing a low but growing risk of limited attack. European allies are taking on bigger security roles as the alliance prepares for future threats.

🐎 Horse cleared for Asian Games despite initial doubts

Hriday Vipul Chheda's horse, Dono Di Maggio, has been cleared by Asian Games organisers in Japan for the event. The horse was previously declared 'unfit' by the Equestrian Federation of India’s (EFI) ad-hoc committee in Germany. This clearance allows Chheda to compete in the Equestrian Dressage Individual Final at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Chheda expressed relief and thanked PT Usha, the IOA president, for ensuring his fair chance to compete. Separately, three riders rejected the start order, proposing a sequence based on merit and experience. 🏇