Russia launched one of its deadliest attacks on Kyiv this year overnight, firing 28 ballistic and hypersonic missiles along with 115 drones. Ukraine's air force said it failed to intercept any of the missiles, citing a critical shortage of air-defence interceptors. The strikes killed at least 17 people and injured 44, with multiple sites across the capital hit. President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to speed up deliveries of anti-ballistic missile systems, saying delays were costing civilian lives. Russia claimed it targeted military logistics hubs and drone facilities in Kyiv, while reports suggested some strikes may have involved cluster-munition-equipped Iskander-M ballistic missiles. (PC: The Telegraph)

Air India has appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its new CEO and Managing Director, weeks after reports linked him to the top job at Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). According to media reports, Gebremariam had been selected to lead PIA, but his appointment was delayed pending security clearances. Before the process concluded, Tata Group-owned Air India secured him to lead its next phase of expansion. The appointment follows Campbell Wilson’s resignation and comes as Air India pushes ahead with fleet modernisation, network growth and service improvements. Gebremariam is widely credited with transforming Ethiopian Airlines into one of the world’s most successful and profitable carriers. (PC: ITG)

The number of US student visas issued to Indian applicants dropped sharply in 2025, according to a report by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS). The report found that only 22,149 F-1 visas were issued to Indians between May and August 2025, down 62% from the same period in 2024. Chinese student visas also declined, though less steeply. Despite the drop, Indian and Chinese students remain the largest international student groups in US universities, accounting for 53% of all foreign enrolments in 2024-25. The report warns that fewer student visas could reduce international enrolment and shrink the pipeline of skilled graduates entering the US workforce through the Optional Practical Training programme. (PC: ANI)

A protest by government job aspirants in Jharkhand has evolved into a broader movement demanding reforms in recruitment, education and examination processes. At Ranchi's Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, several protesters, including 30-year-old Brahmanand Kumar Mahato from Ramgarh, have been on a hunger strike for four days, with doctors monitoring their health. Mahato, a father, says he cannot return home without securing justice for thousands of unemployed youth, despite his young daughter asking him to come back. Protesters allege repeated delays, irregularities and lack of transparency in recruitment have pushed many aspirants into prolonged uncertainty, turning the agitation into a wider campaign for systemic change.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has alleged that Bangladesh is "becoming another Pakistan" and warned that the development poses a security concern for India. Speaking ahead of Hasina's first public address since her ouster, Joy claimed Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and other foreign intelligence agencies have been given free rein to operate in Bangladesh. He also questioned the reported death toll from the July-August 2024 protests, citing discrepancies between casualty figures released by the United Nations and those presented by the previous Muhammad Yunus-led administration. Bangladesh's current authorities have not publicly responded to Joy's allegations.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged that communication with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has become "very difficult" amid the ongoing war, while insisting Khamenei's leadership remains a vital source of strength for the country. In an interview with state broadcaster IRIB, Pezeshkian said he had nonetheless held productive meetings with the supreme leader and praised his "kindness and very sound logic." Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli strike earlier this year, has largely remained out of public view since assuming office, fuelling speculation over his role and accessibility during the conflict. (PC: News18)

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has alleged that the Centre breached a mutual understanding by releasing photographs of him ending his 26-day hunger strike after a meeting with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. Speaking to India Today TV, Wangchuk claimed it had been agreed that no images would be made public until Opposition leaders and student representatives were also associated with the announcement. He said the incident left him disillusioned with political leaders across party lines and questioned the government's handling of the engagement. The remarks come amid continuing discussions over Ladakh-related demands and Wangchuk's campaign for constitutional safeguards and greater protections for the region. (PC: India Today)

Sheikh Hasina has said she will return to Bangladesh in December despite the risk of imprisonment or death, insisting her decision is driven by the country's future rather than a desire for power. Addressing journalists virtually on Wednesday, the former prime minister said she wanted to stand with the people after they had "suffered a lot." She described the July-August 2024 unrest as an organised campaign for regime change, not a peaceful student movement. Hasina also alleged widespread political persecution, attacks on minorities and journalists, and attempts to erase Bangladesh's Liberation War legacy. India clarified it had no role in or endorsement of her virtual address. (PC: NDTV)

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha welcomed judoka Asmita Dey after her return from the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Dey made history by becoming the first Indian judoka to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal. The Chief Minister congratulated her and praised her hard work and dedication. He said her success has made Tripura and the country proud. He also wished her success in future international events. Many sports officials and supporters gathered to welcome the champion. Dey thanked everyone for their support. She said the medal was the result of years of training and promised to continue working hard for India. (PC: Getty Images)

17 people, including four crew members, were injured after severe turbulence hit an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi. Passengers said the aircraft shook violently, throwing people into the air and damaging overhead luggage compartments. An air hostess repeatedly shouted, "Fasten your seatbelts," as panic spread inside the cabin. One passenger said it felt like "a rebirth" after the plane landed safely. Seven passengers were admitted to a hospital in Delhi for treatment. Air India said the flight landed safely. Passengers praised the crew and called for a detailed investigation into the incident.