Pakistan has introduced sweeping austerity measures to conserve fuel and curb non-essential spending amid renewed Middle East tensions and disruption in the Red Sea. The measures include a complete ban on government vehicle purchases, a 50% reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles and a single-dish rule for marriage functions. The government has also imposed restrictions resembling Covid-era curbs, including limits on new vehicle purchases, foreign travel restrictions and market closures by 9 pm. The measures come as Pakistan faces a deepening fuel crisis, with motorists lining up at petrol stations. The government is seeking to conserve fuel and control spending as regional conflict continues to disrupt energy and shipping routes. (PC: Reuters)

Australia has announced plans to prevent most international students from bringing partners and dependent children with them while studying, as part of a broader immigration crackdown. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government aims to reduce net overseas migration to 225,000 by 2028. Existing families already in Australia will not be separated under the changes. Exemptions will apply to students from Pacific and Southeast Asian countries and those enrolled in certain courses, including PhD programs. The government will also tighten rules on temporary migrants switching visas. International education contributes significantly to Australia’s economy, while universities have raised concerns about the impact on overseas student demand. (PC: AP)

Iranian strikes caused significant damage to three U.S. military facilities in the Gulf, including one base in Saudi Arabia and two in Kuwait, according to images reviewed by CBS News and findings cited by the Pentagon inspector general. The wider attacks damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings and structures at U.S. bases across eight Middle Eastern countries, while dozens of American aircraft were also damaged or destroyed. The U.S. Defense Department estimated the war had cost $33.4 billion as of June 29, excluding infrastructure repair expenses. The conflict has also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and contributed to higher global oil prices. 

Nepal has sharply increased the number of people reported missing after the devastating August 26 floods to 6,150, up from 5,179, following fresh data collection and verification across affected districts. Authorities said 1,403 bodies have been recovered, but only 105 have been identified so far. Across the border in China, 43 people have died and 519 remain missing. The combined toll from the disaster in Nepal and China now stands at 1,446 deaths and at least 6,669 missing people. Several hundred foreigners, including tourists and pilgrims, are also among those missing. Nepal estimates reconstruction costs at $4.78 billion. (PC: Reuters)

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the European Union’s proposal for Canada to become an “associate member” of the bloc during a speech to the European Parliament. Carney said Canada and Europe were “stronger together” and described closer ties as a potential “beacon” for other democracies. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the idea on Wednesday, saying partnerships needed to be urgently reimagined. US President Donald Trump criticised the proposal as “laughable” and threatened tariffs on Europe. The move comes as trade tensions between Washington and Ottawa continue, with both the US and Canada imposing tariffs on each other. (PC: BBC)

US drone maker Powerus has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Pakistan Army, including an initial order for power systems, co-founder Brett Velicovich told Reuters. He declined to disclose the value or technology involved, citing security sensitivities. Powerus is set to merge with Aureus Greenway Holdings, a publicly traded firm backed by Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump, with the deal expected to close in early October. CEO Andrew Fox dismissed any link between the company's growth and the Trump sons, saying contracts are awarded on merit. A Trump Jr spokesperson said he is a passive investor. (PC: India Today)

India on Thursday said it was monitoring developments after the US Congress passed a Russia sanctions bill that gives President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas. India and China are among the major buyers potentially affected by the measure. The Ministry of External Affairs said India remains committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people through diversified sourcing and changing market conditions. New Delhi said it had raised its concerns with US officials over the possible impact on bilateral ties and global energy markets, while stressing that it would take necessary steps to protect its trade and economic interests.

Richie Mehta’s ‘Phoolan’ received a standing ovation at its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on Wednesday. The Hindi action drama, based on the life of former bandit and politician Phoolan Devi, was screened in the festival’s Special Presentation section at the Princess of Wales Theatre. The film stars Sneha Kumari in the lead role, with Anurag Thakur, Aakash Dahiya and Vikram Pratap Singh also part of the cast. Mehta said the film aims to present Phoolan Devi’s life beyond the mythology surrounding her. Based on her autobiography, the film will stream on Prime Video, with its release date yet to be announced. (PC: HT)

The United States has denied Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a visa to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The State Department said Abbas’ application was rejected, preventing him from travelling to the US and addressing the gathering in person. Abbas will miss the UN meeting for a second consecutive year, with Palestinian officials expected to arrange a remote or prerecorded address. Washington has cited US laws concerning security, associations and statutory compliance for restrictions on Palestinian officials. The decision raises questions over US obligations under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, which requires facilitating access for foreign officials attending UN business, though Washington says domestic laws can affect decisions. (PC: X)

Muslim-majority countries condemned an attempted Houthi drone attack near the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, with several governments calling for restraint and an end to regional escalation. Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday, outside the prohibited airspace over the city. The incident occurred amid escalating tensions in Yemen, which have affected Saudi energy infrastructure and international shipping routes. The Houthis have denied responsibility for the incident. The reported drone incident has drawn condemnation from governments across the Muslim world, with reactions focused on the security of Mecca and the need to prevent further regional escalation. (PC: Times Now)