Author: space4knews

September 2, Sydney – The housing crisis in Australia has worsened due to a sharp increase in rental prices and limited housing availability. In major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide, finding affordable rooms or apartments has become increasingly difficult, placing significant financial pressure on international students, new immigrants, and low- to middle-income families. According to the latest analysis by the Commonwealth Bank in September 2026, the national rental vacancy rate has fallen to 1.8 percent, down from an average of 2.8 percent during 2015–2019. Rental prices for advertised properties in eight key cities have risen by 5.7 percent annually, reflecting heightened competition and economic strain among renters.

The surge in rent has hit international students hardest. A 2026 study by global housing consultancy CBRE revealed a stark nationwide gap of approximately 185,000 between potential student housing demand and available rooms. In Sydney, weekly rents for student-targeted accommodations have reached AUD 700 to 900. The high rental costs force many students to share rooms, live far from university campuses, or dedicate a substantial portion of their income to housing expenses.

Another affected group is new immigrants and refugees. According to an ABC News report, Je Biayi, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, spent six months searching for accommodation in Adelaide. After inspecting more than 100 properties and facing multiple rejections, he finally secured a home in northern Adelaide. As of June, Adelaide’s vacancy rate was a low 0.4 percent, with average weekly rents reaching AUD 650. Experts warn that slow new construction and rising costs will pose further challenges in the future.

CBRE forecasts that rising construction costs and cancellations of private projects may cause average apartment rents to increase by up to 26 percent over the next five years. Around 40 percent of two-bedroom apartments could command weekly rents exceeding AUD 1,000. To combat this crisis, the federal government has set a target to build 1.2 million new homes over the next five years. However, construction industry representatives have expressed concerns that rising costs, skilled labor shortages, and delays in project approvals will make achieving this goal difficult.

The national housing crisis is directly impacting the Nepalese student and immigrant communities residing in Australia. Nepalese newcomers moving to new cities for education or work face significant difficulties managing upfront payments, bond deposits, and regular rent. Stakeholders recommend prospective renters ensure thorough property inspections, formal written agreements, and official bond registrations to avoid risky situations during their housing search.

16th Ashwin, Moscow (RASS/ANI) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the significant potential to expand economic cooperation with India. He expressed the Russian side’s eagerness to partner with New Delhi in developing key international transportation and logistics routes. Speaking at a global transport corridor development event on Thursday, he clarified that the collaboration with India extends beyond mere logistics management.

Putin noted that Russia has already advanced cooperation with commercial vessels from China and South Korea and that discussions are underway with India to jointly utilize such international corridors. He mentioned that Russia is prepared to provide financial resources for the development of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), while emphasizing that Iran needs to complete its responsibilities for the project.

He praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to end the Ukraine conflict and stated that Russia is grateful for Modi’s desire to conclude the conflict as swiftly as possible. Earlier in August, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin had suggested exploring the feasibility of constructing a direct railway link in the Indian Ocean region.

This corridor is considered critically important for international trade, as it accounts for approximately 25 percent of global oil trade and around 20 percent of LNG shipments.

October 3, Washington (RASAS/ANI) – US President Donald Trump has indicated that he may request European countries to use their diesel reserves to help reduce rising fuel prices. In a discussion with journalists, when asked about the possibility of contacting European governments to release emergency supplies to lower diesel prices in the market, he acknowledged that such a move is possible. “Prices are coming down,” Trump said during his visits to Texas and Oklahoma.

He explained that the administration is reviewing various options, including a potential export ban, to control the increasing price of diesel in the US. However, he noted that restricting exports could cause gasoline prices to rise somewhat, so the matter is being considered seriously. Trump pointed out that the main cause of current market disruptions is not instability in the Middle East but rather attacks by Ukraine on Russian refining infrastructure. Since Russia processes a large volume of diesel, attacks on its refineries have affected supply.

More than 30 American trade associations from the corporate, construction, and energy sectors have opposed limiting US diesel exports to increase domestic reserves. According to them, such a step might reduce domestic refining and lead to higher prices. While seeking to increase diesel supplies from European partner countries’ reserves, the overall expectation is that this would elevate market availability rather than imposing export restrictions. However, Trump has not specified which European countries might be contacted or the volume of diesel requested.

On Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, student organizations and social activists in Delhi are preparing to hold a massive demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Expressing dissatisfaction with the Election Commission’s working methods, particularly concerning the update of voter lists and the ‘Special Intensive Revision’ (SIR) process, protesters are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The call for this demonstration has been made by the All India Students Association (AISA), Students Federation of India (SFI), and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI).

Despite the announcement of the protest, Delhi Police has not granted permission for the march at Jantar Mantar. Even without authorization, the organizations plan to gather there, prompting police to impose heavy security measures including barricades on roads leading to the venue. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of New Delhi stated on the social media platform ‘X’ that, “Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS), 2023, has been enforced in New Delhi district to ensure public safety, law and order, and smooth traffic flow. Under this, unauthorized gathering, public speaking, slogan shouting, processions, protests, sit-ins, and other activities specified in the order are prohibited.”

The stringent measures to control the protest have drawn widespread criticism. Senior Supreme Court advocate and social activist Prashant Bhushan sharply criticized the Delhi Police’s actions on X, stating, “On orders from Modi/Shah, Delhi Police has completely locked down Central Delhi to prevent the Jantar Mantar protest. Eleven metro stations have been shut, curfew imposed, and internet services suspended. The police have cordoned off Jantar Mantar and are detaining those present. Even Member of Parliament Manoj Jha has been taken into custody.”

Meanwhile, in Mumbai, Abhijit Deepak, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), announced a “Jail Bharo Andolan” to be held at Shivaji Park at 4 PM on October 2. Deepak declared this fast after Mumbai Police denied permission for the protest against Gyanesh Kumar. However, Mumbai Police clarified that following the 2013 Bombay High Court order, Shivaji Park is considered a “Silence Zone,” and no assembly or events are permitted there. The protest has also received full support from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Delhi’s former Chief Minister and AAP MLA Atishi appealed to the public to participate in the demonstration.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the phone with Captain Smith Machchar, a pilot for Flydubai. During the conversation, Modi praised Smith for his bravery and presence of mind. He conveyed that the entire country is hoping for Smith’s long life and swift recovery. Modi expressed national pride in Smith’s decision to save passengers’ lives despite sustaining serious injuries.

“The whole nation is praying for you. The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is being recited across many places,” Modi told Smith. “Your courage, patience, and quick thinking saved many lives.”

The Prime Minister acknowledged that even while critically wounded and fighting for his life, Captain Smith prioritized passenger safety over his own wellbeing. Modi added that Smith’s heroic actions have made 1.4 billion Indians hold their heads high. Smith informed Modi that he had fallen and sustained multiple injuries during the incident. He realized the situation inside the plane was deteriorating. “I felt that if I didn’t get up and act, things would get worse. I have been flying planes for 17 years and have served as captain for the last 11 years,” Smith said.

Captain Smith described how, after a final effort to open the cockpit door, others were able to enter and assist. He emphasized the important roles played by other individuals during the rescue. “I was moving forward to save my life, but I also knew I could not let those people die,” he said. Modi also mentioned his conversations with Smith’s father Bhupendrabhai, mother Geetaben, and wife Sonalben. He praised Geetaben for raising Smith with strong values and thanked the governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE for their care and treatment of Captain Smith.

Smith stated that he does not see his injuries simply as wounds but as part of a journey towards recovery, expressing confidence that he will fully heal. Modi shared that pujas and prayers for Smith’s long life and speedy recovery are taking place in various parts of the country, including Savarkundla. He added the entire nation is eagerly awaiting Captain Smith’s full return to health.