Scientists Discover Moonquakes Are Causing Landslides on the Moon
Chinese scientists have discovered that seismic activity on the Moon, known as "moonquakes," can trigger landslides on the lunar surface. The finding offers new insights into the Moon's ongoing geological processes, suggesting it is more dynamic than previously thought. This discovery has implications for understanding lunar geology and is a crucial consideration for the safety and planning of future missions and potential habitats on the Moon, revealing a previously underestimated hazard.
US Imposes $100,000 Annual Fee on H-1B Visas, Impacting Indian Tech Sector
The US administration has imposed a staggering $100,000 annual fee on new H-1B visa applications, a move set to severely impact Indian tech professionals and companies. Indians comprise over 70% of H-1B holders. The Indian government expressed concern over potential "humanitarian consequences" for families, while industry body Nasscom warned of business disruptions. The Indian Embassy in the US has issued an emergency helpline. The policy change has sent shockwaves through the global IT industry and among Indian workers in the US.
US Imposes $100,000 Annual Fee on H-1B Visas, Affecting Indian Professionals
The US administration has mandated a new $100,000 annual fee for each H-1B visa, a program heavily used by Indian IT professionals. The order, effective September 21, aims to ensure only "very highly skilled" individuals are hired and to prevent the replacement of American workers. This move is expected to significantly impact US tech companies and the Indian technology sector, which supplies the majority of H-1B visa holders, potentially making it prohibitively expensive to hire foreign talent.
Multiple Delhi Schools Evacuated After Receiving Coordinated Bomb Threats
Several schools across Delhi, including DPS Dwarka and Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, received bomb threats on Saturday morning, prompting immediate evacuations of students and staff. Police and bomb disposal squads launched extensive search operations across the campuses. While the threat at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya was declared a hoax after a thorough search, operations continued at other locations. Authorities are investigating the source of the threats to determine if it was a coordinated effort to create widespread panic in the national capital.
Allahabad High Court Bans Mention of Caste in Uttar Pradesh Police Records
In a landmark ruling, the Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to stop the practice of recording caste in police investigation documents and other public records. The court called the practice a form of identity profiling that reinforces prejudice and violates fundamental rights. It also ordered a ban on caste-based slogans on vehicles. The bench stated that modern identification tools like Aadhaar make caste-based identification obsolete and that investigative impartiality must be cultivated to combat societal biases.
Over ₹34,200 Crore in Development Projects Launched in Gujarat
The Prime Minister is set to inaugurate and lay the foundation for development projects worth over ₹34,200 crore in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. These initiatives span multiple sectors with a major focus on maritime infrastructure, including a new international cruise terminal in Mumbai and port expansions in Kolkata, Paradip, and Kandla. The projects in Gujarat also cover renewable energy, LNG infrastructure, highways, and healthcare, aiming to boost economic growth and sustainable industrialization in the state and across the country.
Government Warns Indian Nationals of Kidnapping Risk from Fake Job Offers in Iran
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong advisory cautioning Indian citizens against fake job offers in Iran. The MEA noted a recent trend where Indians are lured with false employment promises, only to be kidnapped by criminal gangs upon arrival who then demand ransoms. The advisory highlights that Iran's visa-free entry for Indians is for tourism only, and any agent promising employment via this route may be colluding with criminals, urging "strictest vigilance".
Russia Launches Large-Scale Missile and Drone Attack Across Ukraine
Russia has unleashed a massive wave of missile and drone attacks across nine regions of Ukraine, killing at least three people and injuring dozens. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the strikes deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure and residential areas, including a multi-story building in Dnipro hit by a cluster munition. Ukraine's air force reported that it intercepted the majority of the 619 projectiles launched, crediting Western-supplied air defence systems, including F-16s, for their effectiveness in the engagement.
Malayalam Superstar Mohanlal to Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Veteran actor Mohanlal has been selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023, India's highest honour in cinema. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry announced that the 65-year-old actor, director, and producer is being recognized for his "iconic contribution to Indian cinema." With a career spanning over four decades and more than 350 films across multiple languages, Mohanlal is celebrated for his versatility and acclaimed performances in films like "Iruvar," "Vanaprastham," and "Drishyam." The award will be presented on September 23.
India Voices Expectation of 'Sensitivity' Following Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact
Following the signing of a "Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement" between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, India has stated it expects its strategic partner, Saudi Arabia, to keep "mutual interests and sensitivities" in mind. The pact declares that an aggression against one nation is an aggression against both. India's Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the significant geopolitical development, which could alter security dynamics in the region and impact India's strategic partnerships in the Middle East.
Powerful 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck off the east coast of Russia’s remote Kamchatka Peninsula on Friday morning local time. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake's epicenter was 127 km east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a relatively shallow depth. The Pacific Tsunami Warning System issued a brief threat advisory which was later lifted. There were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties in the sparsely populated region, which has experienced a series of strong tremors recently.
Two Assam Rifles Soldiers Killed in Militant Ambush in Manipur
Two Assam Rifles personnel were killed and five others injured after their vehicle was ambushed by unidentified militants in Manipur's Bishnupur district. The attack occurred in the Nambol area on Friday evening. The deceased were identified as Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap. While no group has claimed responsibility, security officials suspect the involvement of a valley-based insurgent group. The incident highlights the persistent security challenges and ongoing violence in the state.
Supreme Court Adjourns Bail Plea Hearing for Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam
The Supreme Court has deferred the bail plea hearing for activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case to September 22. The accused, charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), are challenging a Delhi High Court order that denied them bail. They have argued that their prolonged pre-trial detention, lasting over five and a half years for Imam, violates their fundamental right to a speedy trial.
Indian Army Soldier Killed in Gunfight with Terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir
An Indian Army soldier was killed during a gunfight with terrorists in a remote forest in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. The soldier sustained critical injuries during the encounter on Friday evening and later succumbed. Security forces, including the Army and J&K Police's Special Operations Group, have cordoned off the area and resumed a massive joint search operation to track down the two to three terrorists believed to be hiding in the Seoj Dhar forest.
Election Commission De-lists 474 More Inactive Political Parties
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has de-listed an additional 474 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) for failing to comply with electoral norms. This action targets parties that have not contested any election for six consecutive years. The move is part of the ECI's ongoing efforts to cleanse the electoral system of non-serious entities. With this second phase of de-listing, a total of 808 such parties have been removed from the register in the last two months.