Tamil YouTuber Madan Gowri revealed on Instagram how he lost his phone at Dubai International Airport roughly a week before returning to Chennai. After emailing the phone’s details to airport staff as instructed, he thought the device was gone for good. Much to his surprise, Dubai Police and Emirates Airlines located it and arranged to send it back to Chennai—completely free of cost on the next available flight . The Instagram post, shared on September 2, 2025, swiftly went viral with over 2.6 million views and 200,000 likes . Netizens were stunned and impressed by the efficiency and safety—some even dubbing Dubai the “safest country in the world”.

A data scientist in Minneapolis publicly condemned the U.S. H-1B visa policy after his Indian friend—who spent eight years in the country earning degrees and contributing professionally—was compelled to return to India under the strict 60-day grace period rule for visa holders who lose their job. He called the policy “ridiculous,” highlighting that she had studied, worked long hours, paid taxes, and built a community in Austin, Texas, before being uprooted. The post emphasized how such inflexible rules drive talented individuals away, urging immediate reform to retain international professionals and warning that America is losing out on innovation and investment. (PC: The Times of India)  

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk triggered a firestorm on X by declaring, “America does not need more visas for people from India,” arguing it displaces American workers . His remarks, made amid speculation that future US-India trade negotiations could include expanded visa quotas, have sparked widespread outrage, particularly given the reliance of critical sectors—technology, healthcare, engineering—on Indian talent . Critics warn that limiting access to Indian professionals risks dampening US innovation, shrinking STEM enrolments, and encouraging skilled individuals to migrate to more welcoming countries. The episode underscores policy confusion and the looming threat to America’s global competitiveness. (PC: The Economic Times)

Canada, once known for its openness to global students, is now tightening its borders significantly. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reports a record-breaking 62% of student visa applications were denied in 2025, compared to 52% in 2024 and an average of 40% in earlier years . Indian applicants have been impacted most severely, facing a staggering 80% rejection rate . In response, Canada has cut study permit quotas, doubled proof of funds requirements, and terminated the Student Direct Stream fast-track channel .

The longest total lunar eclipse visible in India since 2022 will occur during the night of September 7–8, 2025. All phases—from the penumbral start through partial and total eclipse—will be observable across India’s major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and more. Totality will begin around 11:00 PM IST and last approximately 82 minutes, ending around 12:22 AM IST. The moon’s red appearance ("Blood Moon") results from sunlight bending through Earth's atmosphere. No special equipment is needed—just head out, find a clear sky, and enjoy the cosmic spectacle. (PC: NDTV)  

In eastern Afghanistan, a deadly 6.0-magnitude earthquake has claimed over 2,200 lives. Disturbingly, strict Taliban-imposed gender norms—most notably the prohibition on "skin contact" between male rescuers and unrelated women—have severely impeded rescue operations in remote Kunar areas. Female victims, including injured women and girls, were often left trapped, bleeding, or buried, while men and children were prioritized. The scarcity of female medical personnel, a result of bans on women’s education and public roles, further worsened delays. Survivors recount feeling invisible—ignored by rescue teams—even as calls grow for international aid and inclusive relief responses. (PC: AP)

US President Donald Trump said India and Russia appear to be “lost” to China, following the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin. Sharing a photo of PM Modi, Xi Jinping, and Putin, Trump wrote, “May they have a long and prosperous future together!” The remark comes amid rising tensions between the US and India, after Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50%. Former US officials blame Trump for pushing India closer to China. Experts say China now appears more responsible in the eyes of global allies, while the US brand suffers. (PC: X)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reshuffled his cabinet after Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigned for underpaying property tax. David Lammy, formerly Foreign Secretary, is now Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister. Yvette Cooper moves from Home Secretary to Foreign Secretary, while Shabana Mahmood becomes Home Secretary, handling issues like illegal migration. Rayner also stepped down as Housing Minister and Labour’s Deputy Leader, admitting she failed to seek proper tax advice. Starmer said he was “very sad” about her resignation but called her an important figure in the party. The reshuffle also included changes in environment, business, housing, and pensions departments. (PC: News18)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed that GST 2.0 will start on September 22 with a simpler two-slab tax system. Basic goods like salt and sugar will have lower taxes, while luxury and high-sugar products will be taxed higher. Education for regular schools remains tax-free, but commercial coaching centres will pay taxes. Sitharaman urged businesses to pass on tax benefits to consumers and said public sector companies will be monitored. She also hinted at GST 3.0, which aims to make taxes simpler, fairer, and more stable. The reforms are expected to boost consumption and economic growth in India. (PC: India Today)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected plans by Western countries to send troops to Ukraine. He said any foreign soldiers in Ukraine would be “legitimate targets.” The announcement came after a Paris summit where leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron, discussed deploying a “reassurance force” once a ceasefire begins. Macron said troops would prevent new aggression, not fight Russia. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the plans but said deployment details are premature. Putin also expressed willingness to meet Zelensky but doubted progress. Western leaders insist Ukraine’s security decisions are sovereign. Russia continues its military campaign across multiple fronts in Ukraine. (PC: BBC)