Iran has received new Russian MiG-29 fighter jets, boosting its air power and regional security threat to Israel. The twin-engine MiG-29s are deployed at Shiraz airbase, while Iran awaits advanced Su-35 jets. Lawmaker Abolfazl Zoharevand said Iran will also get Russian S-400 missile systems and Chinese HQ-9 air defenses. The acquisitions follow past losses of Iranian aircraft and air defenses in conflicts. Experts say these weapons strengthen Iran’s air and missile capability, signaling a shift in Middle East power dynamics. The move highlights Iran’s growing ties with Russia and China. (PC: X)

India captain Suryakumar Yadav was fined 30% of his match fee by the ICC for comments during India’s Asia Cup group match against Pakistan. His remarks dedicated India’s win to Pahalgam terror attack victims and the armed forces. The BCCI has appealed the fine ahead of Sunday’s final. Pakistan players Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan were also fined and reprimanded for provocative gestures. India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in the Super 4 match. Suryakumar was warned not to make political comments during the tournament, while the final between India and Pakistan will mark their first meeting in Asia Cup history. (PC: India Today)

The Sikkim government will open battlefield sites Doka-La and Cho-La for domestic tourists from October 1 under the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative. Tourists must have voter ID cards and obtain permits from tourism or civil aviation departments through registered tour operators. A permit fee of Rs 1,120 per person includes wildlife and sanctuary fees. Daily entry is limited to 25 vehicles and 25 bikers, with vehicles above 1,400 cc only. Staggered timings, security from the Army and police, and strict environmental rules will be enforced to ensure safety and protect these historic sites. (PC: X)

India posted 202/5 in 20 overs against Sri Lanka in their Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match. Abhishek Sharma scored a record-breaking 61 runs off 31 balls. Tilak Varma added 49 not out from 34 balls. Sanju Samson also contributed 39 runs. Abhishek became the highest run-scorer in a T20 Asia Cup edition, surpassing Mohammad Rizwan and Virat Kohli. Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and chose to bowl first. India’s strong batting performance gives them a good chance to defend the total and push for a Super Four win. (PC: BCCI)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced strong protests at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday. As he began his speech, dozens of delegates walked out, showing their disagreement with his remarks on Palestinian recognition, while some in the hall applauded him. Netanyahu called recognition of a Palestinian state “sheer madness” and “disgraceful,” insisting Israel would never accept it. He addressed hostages held by Hamas, saying they were not forgotten, and mentioned that his speech was broadcast into Gaza. The walkouts highlight growing international frustration over Israel’s actions in the West Bank and Gaza.

US President Donald Trump made Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wait nearly an hour before their first White House meeting. The talks, held behind closed doors, were seen as a step toward stronger US-Pakistan ties. Sharif was also among eight leaders from Muslim-majority countries who met Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to discuss the Israel-Hamas war. Washington and Islamabad recently signed a trade deal aimed at reducing tariffs and boosting oil investment. Sharif has openly praised Trump’s role in easing tensions with India. Trump, meanwhile, has imposed new tariffs on India over Russian oil imports. (PC: mint)

In Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district, 40 minor girls aged 9 to 14 were rescued from the toilet of an illegal madrassa during a raid by the district administration. The action was led by SDM Ashwani Pandey and police officials after villagers raised complaints. Madrassa operator Khalil Ahmad tried to block the raid but fled after police entered. Authorities confirmed the madrassa was unregistered, with 495 such institutions running in the district. Parents of the girls have been contacted. A full police probe is underway, and officials hinted the case may be sent to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for further investigation. (PC: AI generated )

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the UN General Assembly that Pakistani fighter pilots “turned 7 Indian jets into scrap” during a military clash earlier this year. He praised the pilots as “falcons” of the nation. India has dismissed such claims as baseless, saying Pakistan has provided no proof. The conflict followed the Pahalgam terror attack, after which India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, striking terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India said its response was targeted, avoiding civilians. Hostilities ended after talks between both armies. Sharif later met US President Donald Trump to discuss security issues. (PC: HT)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit India in the second week of October at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will be Starmer’s first official trip to India since taking office in July last year. He is expected to hold talks with Modi on trade, defence, and technology. The visit is seen as a step to strengthen ties between the two nations. Both leaders are likely to review recent developments in bilateral relations. Officials said the trip highlights India’s importance as a key partner for the UK in global politics and economic cooperation. (PC:X)

India has categorically rejected NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's assertion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Moscow's strategy on Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) termed the claim as "factually incorrect and entirely baseless," emphasizing that no such conversation took place. Rutte had suggested that U.S. tariffs on India were affecting Russia, prompting Modi to seek clarification from Putin. The MEA urged NATO leadership to exercise greater caution in making public statements.