TODAY

SpaceX is preparing to launch its Starship megarocket on its first-ever flight to orbit. The launch is scheduled for today, September 28, and can be watched live. The uncrewed test flight is a key milestone in SpaceX's program to develop the most powerful rocket ever built, which it plans to use for missions to the Moon and Mars.

President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree immediately increasing the size of the Russian armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, including 1,550,500 military personnel. The decree replaces all previous ones on army size and is described as the seventh expansion of Russia's military staffing since the start of the war in Ukraine. Commentators see it as a continuation of Russia's gradual force buildup.

Beijing has published its official statement on today's meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump at the White House, while Washington has yet to release its own account. The Chinese readout is described as short but unusually dense, and observers are combing it for signals on trade and bilateral ties ahead of the US version.

Finland's President delivered a widely shared address at the United Nations, framing what he described as today's world disorder. The speech is being circulated as an essential explanation of the current global situation, drawing millions of engagements and commentary that it cuts through to explain the state of international politics.

Spain's government representative in Ceuta resigned after months of scrutiny over the city's handling of the migration crisis. Ceuta, one of the EU's only two land borders with Africa, bordering Morocco, saw a massive surge in late July when more than 72,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave. The resignation adds pressure on Madrid over its migration and border policy.

Pope Leo concluded his trip to France with a message aimed squarely at European leaders, urging the continent to resist the 'desire for domination' he says is driving today's wars. The appeal came as the closing note of his visit, framing Europe's role as one of restraint and peace-making at a time of ongoing conflict.

India and the West Indies are meeting in the first One Day International of their 2026 series, with live scores and commentary covering the final 30 overs of the match. Cricket fans are following ball-by-ball updates as the two sides open the bilateral contest, with the result expected to set the tone for the rest of the series.

US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has recused himself from a major climate change case before the court, according to reports from USA Today and the Detroit Free Press. The move means the remaining eight justices will decide the landmark litigation. His withdrawal is drawing attention because recusals at the Supreme Court are rare and the case could shape US climate policy.

India and West Indies are playing the first One Day International of their 2026 series, with fans following ball-by-ball commentary and the second innings score updates. The match is drawing large live audiences as viewers track how India's chase or defence unfolds, with commentary streams pulling well over a million engagements as cricket fans follow every over in real time.

India are facing the West Indies in the first One Day International of their 2026 series, with fans following ball-by-ball commentary and live scores. Coverage of the match is drawing large audiences, with viewers discussing the early stages of the game and reacting to key moments as the two sides open their limited-overs campaign.

News18 India's live coverage is tracking a dispute involving the Election Commission and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside reports of a Houthi attack and rising US-Iran tensions. The broadcast bundles several developing international and domestic stories. No further details on the specifics of any of these events are available in the current evidence.

India and the West Indies began their first One Day International, with India striking early as Prasidh Krishna had Cartey caught at hand by Naman Dhir, leaving the West Indies at 70/1. Attention also centres on Virat Kohli, who sits 59 runs short of becoming the fastest to 15,000 ODI runs, while Rohit Sharma plays his 200th innings as an opener.

India and West Indies are playing the first One Day International of their 2026 series, with live score and ball-by-ball commentary available as the match unfolds. Fans are closely tracking the game, which has drawn heavy online attention and engagement from cricket followers around the world following the action in real time.

EU ministers are holding a meeting focused on continued aid for Ukraine, while in parallel diplomatic news has broken that Donald Trump has rejected a deal proposed by Iran concerning the Strait of Hormuz. The simultaneous developments keep both the Ukraine war funding question and Gulf shipping tensions at the centre of international attention today.

EU foreign ministers are gathering to discuss further aid for Ukraine, amid ongoing debates over support levels among member states. The same news cycle also carries reports that Donald Trump has rejected Iran's proposed deal concerning the Strait of Hormuz, keeping two major foreign policy stories in focus at once.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is holding talks with Qatari mediators in New York today. Qatar has positioned itself as a key intermediary between Tehran and Western capitals amid ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear program and regional conflicts. The meeting, on the sidelines of United Nations activity, is being watched for signals on whether diplomacy between Iran and the United States could resume.

India and the West Indies are meeting in the first One Day International of their 2026 series, with fans following live scores and commentary as the match unfolds. Cricket audiences are heavily engaged, tracking every ball and reacting to key moments as both sides look to take the early advantage in the series.

India are playing Japan in the first T20 international of their 2026 series, with live score commentary drawing a large audience following the match ball by ball. A bilateral T20 series between the two sides is an unusual pairing given Japan's emerging status in international cricket, and fans are closely tracking the result and commentary updates as the game unfolds today.

The US Department of Transportation has finalized plans to weaken federal fuel efficiency standards, describing the move as one of the largest deregulatory actions of the second Trump Administration. The decision rolls back Biden-era rules that would have required carmakers to raise fleet-wide average fuel economy, easing pressure on automakers while drawing criticism from climate and consumer advocates.

India are playing Japan in the first T20I of a 2026 cricket series, with live score commentary drawing a large audience. The matchup is unusual, as Japan is not a regular opponent for India's national team, and many fans are debating whether the fixture is an official international match or a broadcast of questionable authenticity.

India and the West Indies are playing the first One Day International of their 2026 series, with live scores and ball-by-ball commentary available for fans. Cricket followers are closely tracking the match as it unfolds, and the fixture is drawing large audiences eager to follow the series opener between the two sides.

Belgium and France are set to meet on the football pitch, and searches for the fixture are surging in Brazil. Sports outlets are listing the match among today's live football schedule, with broadcast information and kickoff times for fans. Both European sides are regular contenders in major international competitions, giving the fixture added weight.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is experiencing a record number of firings and resignations, according to a USA Today report outlining what is known about the departures and their causes. The article explains the scale of the staff losses and what they could mean for the agency's operations, though specific figures and reasons are not detailed in the available coverage.

Voting for the Ballon d'Or closed today, with fans and media debating who will win football's top individual award. Spanish outlet El Confidencial ran through the leading candidates and confirmed the date of the awards gala. Attention now turns to the ceremony, where the winner will be revealed, with supporters arguing over the merits of the main contenders.

Five European Union member states are planning to send rejected asylum seekers to countries outside the bloc starting in 2027, according to an EU Today report. The scheme reflects a broader tightening of EU migration policy, with governments seeking third countries willing to accept deported migrants whose asylum claims have failed. Critics are likely to raise concerns about the legality and ethics of such returns.

India and the West Indies are meeting in the first one-day international of their series, with cricket fans following the match live and sharing commentary throughout. Supporters of both teams are debating performances, selections and key moments as the game unfolds, with discussion running high across social media during the contest.