Australia’s sweeping student visa reforms, aimed at reducing net migration, have sparked concern among Indian students and education stakeholders. Stricter rules and a sharp drop in approvals — with Indian visas falling by 48% — have raised fears of discrimination and policy opacity. The move also risks straining Indo-Australian ties and weakening Australia’s global education appeal.

In the last week, on-field umpires have checked bats of multiple players during the Indian Premier League (IPL). Shimron Hetmyer, Hardik Pandya and Phil Salt have all had their bats checked at different times in IPL matches. What is the reason behind the interruptions in play?

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed diplomats to rigorously examine social media content of visa applicants, particularly students. This directive aims to bar individuals suspected of criticizing the US or Israel. Consular officers must refer certain student visa applicants to the fraud prevention unit for mandatory social media checks.

President Trump is set to introduce tariffs on imported semiconductors, potentially reshaping the electronics trade. This follows a temporary reprieve for smartphones and computers from reciprocal tariffs on China. Trump emphasized the need to bolster domestic chip production and hinted at possible exemptions, while a national security investigation into the semiconductor sector is underway.

In Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, a shocking incident occurred where a 20-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted and stripped of her hijab, while her male companion was beaten. The attack, captured in a viral video, took place in Khalapar as they returned from collecting a loan EMI.

Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, wanted in connection with the Rs 14,000 crore PNB scam, has been arrested in Belgium following renewed extradition efforts by Indian probe agencies. After evading authorities since 2018, Choksi was detained from a hospital where he was receiving medical treatment. Indian agencies are completing extradition procedures, while Choksi may seek relief on medical grounds.

In Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, a shocking incident occurred where a 20-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted and stripped of her hijab, while her male companion was beaten. The attack, captured in a viral video, took place in Khalapar as they returned from collecting a loan EMI.

Bengaluru is witnessing a surge in incidents involving youths brandishing machetes and performing dangerous stunts, prompting concern from law enforcement and mental health experts. Recent arrests highlight a troubling trend of aggression and weapon possession among adolescents. Psychiatrists attribute this behavior to unresolved emotional issues and urge parents to be vigilant and seek professional help when needed.

A leaked Karnataka caste census report has ignited controversy, revealing recommendations to increase backward caste reservations to 51%. The report, which has divided the ruling Congress, suggests specific reservation percentages for Muslims, Vokkaligas, and Veerashaiva-Lingayats. Opposition parties criticize the report, while community leaders question its accuracy, prompting a special cabinet meeting to address the contentious findings.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a commercial flight from Hisar to Ayodhya and laid the foundation for a new terminal at Maharaja Agrasen Airport, costing over ₹410 crore. This initiative aims to enhance air travel accessibility with modern facilities, including a cargo terminal and ATC building, expected to be completed in two years.

Kannada cinema lost a beloved figure as veteran comedy actor Bank Janardhan passed away at 79 due to prolonged illness and multi-organ complications. Known for his impeccable comic timing and character roles in over 500 films, including Shhh! and Tarle Nan Maga, he also charmed audiences through television serials like Papa Pandu.

Indian stock exchanges will be closed on Monday for Dr BR Ambedkar Jayanti. Last week, the markets closed positively, recovering from an initial decline triggered by US-China tariff concerns. Investors are now awaiting corporate earnings reports from major companies like Wipro, Infosys, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank in the holiday-shortened week.

In a joint operation, the Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS seized over 300kg of narcotics worth approximately Rs 1,800 crore. The ICG ship intercepted a transshipment attempt near the International Maritime Boundary Line based on intelligence from Gujarat ATS. While the suspects fled across the IMBL, the ICG recovered the jettisoned narcotics.

Chennai Super Kings, enduring a five-match losing streak and struggling with batting woes, seek redemption against the confident Lucknow Super Giants. LSG, positioned fourth with four wins, aim to maintain their momentum. Historically, LSG holds a 3-1 head-to-head advantage, setting the stage for a crucial clash at the Ekana Cricket Stadium with favourable weather conditions expected.

A 26-year-old man, Santosh Daniel, was arrested in Kerala for allegedly molesting a girl in Bengaluru. The incident, captured on CCTV, sparked outrage and a police manhunt. Daniel, a test driver, fled the city after the video went viral, leading police to trace him through multiple states using CCTV footage and technical analysis.