A US military aircraft landed at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport on Tuesday, triggering speculation amid heightened tensions between Washington and Moscow over the Ukraine conflict. Flight-tracking data reportedly indicated that the aircraft was likely a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, a US Air Force transport plane designed to carry personnel, military equipment and cargo over long distances. The unusual arrival in Russia has prompted widespread theories about its possible purpose, although no official explanation for the flight has been provided in the report. The C-17 is primarily used for military logistics and strategic transport, making its reported presence at a Russian airport particularly notable. The aircraft’s identity and mission remain the focus of ongoing speculation. (PC: India Today)

The mystery surrounding the Kirana Hills incident during Operation Sindoor has been explained by former CDS General Anil Chauhan. He said an Indian loitering munition, believed to be a Harop drone, accidentally struck the Pakistani military’s nuclear-linked Kirana Hills area after running low on fuel. The drone had been sent to locate radars around Sargodha and Kirana Hills and was designed to loiter while searching for targets. When it failed to find one within its operational window, it eventually hit the hills. Chauhan reiterated that India had not deliberately targeted Kirana Hills. He also disclosed that the IAF had approval to strike Skardu, but bad weather forced commanders to switch the planned target to Bholari.

A bottle of Fanta in India may not be nutritionally equivalent to the same brand sold in the UK. According to a Reuters comparison, the UK version contains about 63 calories per can, while the Indian version delivers nearly three times the energy because of its higher sugar content. Britain’s 2018 Soft Drinks Industry Levy encouraged beverage companies to reformulate drinks with less sugar and more low-calorie sweeteners. India’s formulation, meanwhile, reflects stronger demand for sweeter flavours. The difference demonstrates how multinational food and beverage companies modify recipes according to local regulations, consumer preferences and ingredient supply chains. With health awareness increasing, Indian consumers are also seeing a wider range of low- and zero-sugar options. (PC: Reuters)

The US hosted a record 1.18 million international students in 2024-25, up 5% from the previous year. However, new international enrolments fell 7% to 277,118. India remained the largest source, with 363,019 students, up 10%. But Indian applicants to US colleges fell 15% in the 2025-26 application season, according to Common App data. Overall international applicants fell 10%, even as total US applications rose. International graduate enrolment also dropped 3%. Meanwhile, OPT participation rose 21%. Proposed changes to H-1B fees and student immigration rules are adding more uncertainty for Indian students planning to study and work in the US.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing during his two-day visit to China. The meeting came ahead of the 25th round of Special Representatives’ talks between Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the India-China boundary issue.   According to the Indian Embassy, Doval and Han discussed maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border and strengthening ties in economic, political and multilateral areas. Doval and Wang, the designated Special Representatives, are also expected to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues as India and China continue efforts to gradually normalise relations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has assured India of continued supplies of fuel and fertilisers despite disruptions caused by the escalating crisis in West Asia. The assurance came amid concerns over global energy supplies and rising prices as the conflict affected key shipping routes. Russia remains a major supplier of crude oil and fertilisers to India, making uninterrupted deliveries crucial for the country’s energy and agricultural needs. The development highlights the close economic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow as India works to secure essential supplies and reduce the impact of the regional crisis on its economy. (PC: HT)

The Reserve Bank of India’s FCNR(B) forex swap scheme mobilised $73 billion in foreign exchange inflows, significantly exceeding the $26 billion attracted by its 2013 FCNR(B) swap scheme over nearly three months. Of the latest mobilisation, FCNR(B) deposits accounted for $65.40 billion. The strong response led the central bank to close the facility early. The scheme was aimed at mobilising foreign exchange through FCNR(B) deposits, with the scale of inflows highlighting strong participation from banks and depositors. The latest mobilisation marks a substantial increase compared with the 2013 initiative and underscores the scale of foreign exchange raised through the RBI’s latest swap facility. The RBI’s forex initiative therefore generated considerably higher inflows than its previous programme. (PC: X)

Around 150 Pakistani Sindhi women engaged to men in India have travelled to the country for their weddings after receiving visas despite restrictions following Operation Sindoor. With the Wagah-Attari route closed, the brides and their families entered India through air transit routes via Dubai, Oman, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and other countries. The restrictions had left at least 150 weddings on hold, with the women waiting to move to their marital homes. The families approached Sant Yudhishtirlal Shadaani, spiritual head of Shadaani Darbar in Pakistan’s Sindh province, whose shrine helped prepare a list submitted to India’s Ministry of Home Affairs. Since April, 150 brides and families have arrived, while nearly 300 more women await visas. (PC: X)

Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to visit India for the Brics summit in New Delhi, accompanied by around 400 officials, Reuters reported. If confirmed, it would be Xi’s first India visit in seven years. India will host the summit on September 12 and 13. Chinese officials are reportedly working on hotel bookings and security arrangements, though Beijing has not confirmed his plans. India-China relations deteriorated after the deadly June 2020 border clash that killed 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, followed by a prolonged military standoff. A 2024 disengagement agreement eased tensions, while recent diplomatic engagement has indicated a gradual thaw. Xi’s visit could deepen dialogue and address outstanding issues. (PC: AFP)

The US Department of Homeland Security is reportedly planning to raise the H-1B visa fee to $103,265, a move that could significantly affect Indian workers and employers. Indians account for more than 70% of H-1B visa beneficiaries, making them particularly vulnerable to higher costs. The proposal is still under review and its final details have not been released. The administration is also considering a possible $100,000 fee for certain OPT applications. Separately, DHS has proposed ending the 60-day grace period for unemployed H-1B workers, potentially forcing affected workers and their families to leave the US sooner.