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)

Mumbai Police said the city is on high alert after a call claimed 34 “human bombs” with 400 kg of RDX were planted in cars. The caller, linked to an organisation called Lashkar-e-Jihadi, warned of explosions that would “shake the city.” The threat came on the eve of Anant Chaturdashi, when lakhs of devotees joined Ganesh visarjan. Police said security has been tightened across Maharashtra. Recently, hoax threats targeted a railway station, ISKCON temple, and Mumbai airport. Officials urged citizens to remain calm and report suspicious activity. “We are prepared,” a senior officer said. (PC: HT)

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, “India will say sorry in two months” and return to trade talks with Washington. Speaking to Bloomberg, he warned that unless India stops buying Russian oil and aligns with the US, it will face 50% tariffs on exports. Lutnick also said India’s purchases of cheap Russian crude were about “making a ton of money.” Earlier, Donald Trump posted that the US had “lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China.” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replied India would “undoubtedly continue” buying Russian oil, while the foreign ministry rejected US claims as “inaccurate.” (PC: NDTV)

Sourav Ganguly will make his debut as head coach in the SA20 league with Pretoria Capitals. The former India captain, known as “Dada,” was officially welcomed by League Commissioner Graeme Smith on Friday. Smith praised Ganguly’s leadership and said his presence would add great value to the tournament. Ganguly expressed excitement about the challenge and looked forward to working with young players. Smith also explained why no Indian players are part of this season’s auction, citing BCCI’s rules. The SA20 season begins soon, and Ganguly’s new role has already created strong buzz among cricket fans. (PC: India Today)