Degree of improvement | Australian universities have improved their global rankings despite warnings that a proposed international student cap on the horizon could dissuade thousands from applying at the country’s institutions.

Defence planning | Anthony Albanese has left room to appoint an independent to a new defence committee otherwise restricted to Labor and Liberal members. Guardian Australia understands the prime minister wants the 13th position on the body – which will scrutinise defence strategy, funding, procurement and operations – left vacant for the time being in case he needs to offer something to independents after the next election.

Snow death | The average Australian ski seasons will shrink from the current 105 days to 81 by 2030 and just 70 days by 2050 even if emissions are cut radically, a new study claims.

Shred ruling | The federal government is fighting for the right to destroy documents when it loses office after a judge warned the practice of shredding paperwork to keep it from incoming opponents could be criminal.

Exclusive | Fast food chains are successfully influencing news outlets to produce “covert marketing” for their brands, according to a study based on the press releases of McDonald’s, KFC and Domino’s Pizza over 12 months.

Farage shaken | A woman has been arrested after a milkshake was thrown over the UK Reform party leader, Nigel Farage, on his first day of campaigning in Clacton, the Essex constituency where he is making his eighth attempt to become an MP. As the Brexit maverick returns to haunt Rishi Sunak, keep up to speed with our campaign catchup – and check our site for live coverage of the first leaders’ debate.

Ceasefire push | Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is facing growing pressure both at home and internationally to support a new ceasefire plan for Gaza, as the US president, Joe Biden, accused him of prolonging the war for political gain.

Modi in minority? | India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, has lost his aura of invincibility. Though he looks poised to win a third term in power, early election results indicate he has not achieved the landslide victory many had predicted.

Cancer hope | Weight-loss drugs offer a new weapon in the fight against cancer, with “enormous potential” to prevent new cases and shrink tumours, new research shows.

Newborn mystery | A newborn baby girl found in a park in east London earlier this year has an older brother and sister who were also abandoned in very similar separate earlier incidents, tests have revealed.

State of Origin | The Blues are entering a new era under Michael Maguire, but our NRL expert Nick Tedeschi says it will take a lot to dethrone a Maroons team with winning in its blood.

Tennis | Novak Djokovic, the world No 1 and defending champion, has been forced to withdraw from the French Open due to a knee injury.

Football | Manchester City have launched a full legal assault against the Premier League with the champions challenging everything from sponsorship rules to the means by which decisions are taken by the competition. Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne could leave for Saudi, however, and Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes wants “clarity” about his future.

Sport | The Australian Olympic Committee will host a media conference ahead of Paris Olympics.

Economy | An ABS release on national accounts is expected.

Media | Michael Miller, the executive chairman of News Corp Australasia, addresses the National Press Club in the wake of recent overhauls at the publisher.

Quick crossword

Cryptic crossword