Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter Observes Solar Eruption's Impact on Moon for First Time
A payload on India's Chandrayaan-2 lunar orbiter has made the first-ever direct observation of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the Sun affecting the Moon's environment. The Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2 (CHACE-2) instrument detected a dramatic, tenfold increase in the pressure of the Moon's tenuous exosphere as solar particles impacted its surface. This landmark observation confirms long-held theoretical models and provides crucial new data on lunar space weather, essential for planning future lunar bases.
Pakistani Airstrike Kills Three Afghan Cricketers, Prompts T20 Series Withdrawal
A Pakistani airstrike in Afghanistan's Paktika province has killed at least eight people, including three cricketers. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) identified the players as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon. In response to the attack, which it called a devastating blow to the nation's sports community, the ACB has withdrawn its team from an upcoming T20 tri-series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from Afghan players and threatens a fragile ceasefire agreement between the two nations.
Palestinian Death Toll in Gaza Surpasses 68,000 Amid Ceasefire
Gaza's Health Ministry reports the Palestinian death toll has exceeded 68,000 since the conflict began, with many bodies recovered since a ceasefire started over a week ago. Meanwhile, Israel identified the remains of another hostage, 76-year-old Eliyahu Margalit, handed over by Hamas. The recovery of the remaining 18 hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid remain critical points in the ongoing process. The Rafah border crossing, Gaza's only non-Israeli gateway, is expected to reopen on Monday for Gazans returning home.
First Batch of Lucknow-Made BrahMos Missiles Flagged Off for Armed Forces
India’s defence manufacturing capabilities received a boost as the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, produced at a new facility in Lucknow, was flagged off for deployment. The event marks a key milestone for the 'Make in India' initiative and the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. The new facility aims to produce around 100 missile systems annually, enhancing India's strategic deterrence and self-reliance. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned that the missile puts every inch of Pakistani territory within range.
Government Reports GST Rate Cut Benefits Reaching Consumers on Key Items
The Union government announced that the benefits of recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate reductions have been passed on to consumers across all 54 monitored daily-use items, including cars, two-wheelers, and televisions. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated the resulting surge in consumption is expected to sustain beyond the festive season. The government estimates these reforms could generate an additional ₹20 lakh crore in demand this year, bolstering the economy and offsetting potential impacts from US tariffs.
JMM to Contest Bihar Assembly Polls Independently, Straining INDIA Bloc
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a key member of the INDIA bloc, announced it will contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections independently. The party plans to field candidates in six constituencies after its demand for a "respectful number of seats" within the alliance was not met. The JMM also stated it would "review" its alliance with the Congress and RJD in its home state of Jharkhand after the Bihar polls, signalling significant friction within the opposition coalition.
Boat Accident Off Mozambique Coast Kills Three Indians, Five Missing
A launch boat carrying 14 Indian nationals capsized off the coast of Beira, Mozambique, during a crew transfer operation. The Indian High Commission has confirmed that three Indians have died, five have been successfully rescued, and a search operation is underway for five others who remain missing. One survivor is receiving medical treatment in a local hospital. The High Commission is coordinating with local authorities on the search and rescue efforts and is extending all possible assistance to the affected families.
Gold Prices Reach New All-Time High on Dhanteras Amid Strong Festive Demand
Gold prices surged to a new record high in India, with 24-carat gold briefly touching ₹1,30,874 per 10 grams on the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras. The rally is driven by strong festive demand, global economic uncertainties, and increased investment buying. Since last Dhanteras, gold has delivered returns of approximately 63% in rupee terms. Analysts anticipate a 12-15% increase in jewellery sales, with consumers favouring lightweight pieces and investment-grade coins and bonds.
Boat Capsizes Off Mozambique Coast, Killing 3 Indians and Leaving 5 Missing
A boat carrying 14 crew members, including several Indian nationals, capsized off the coast of Beira, Mozambique. At least three Indians have been confirmed dead, five have been rescued, and a search is underway for five who remain missing. The incident occurred during a routine transfer of crew to a tanker. The Indian High Commission in Maputo is in contact with local authorities and the families of the victims, and has dispatched a consular officer to assist survivors.
Massive Fire at Dhaka International Airport Halts All Flights
A major fire erupted at the cargo complex of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, forcing a complete suspension of all flight operations. Thick black smoke engulfed the area, with over 30 firefighting units, including those from the Air Force, battling the blaze. There were no immediate reports of casualties, but at least nine incoming flights were diverted to other airports. The presence of stored chemicals in the cargo area posed a significant challenge for firefighters.
Afghanistan Pulls Out of Cricket Series After Airstrikes Kill Three Players
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has withdrawn its team from an upcoming T20 tri-series in Pakistan after three Afghan cricketers were killed in a Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province. The ACB condemned the assault, which it said targeted a civilian gathering, as a "cowardly attack." The incident, which comes amid escalating border tensions and fragile ceasefire talks, has been condemned by the ICC and BCCI, highlighting the severe impact of the conflict on the sporting world.
Record Gold Prices Dampen Dhanteras Sales Volumes by up to 15%
Dhanteras celebrations saw muted physical gold buying as record-high prices deterred consumers. While jewellers expect footfalls over the weekend festival, they anticipate sales volume could drop by up to 15% compared to last year. Gold is trading at nearly ₹1,35,000 per 10 grams, a 65% increase from Dhanteras 2024. Despite the drop in volume, sales are expected to grow by 40-45% in value terms, with many consumers shifting towards lighter-weight jewellery or silver.
Chandrayaan-2 Detects Solar Ejection's Impact on Moon's Atmosphere
In a landmark scientific breakthrough, ISRO announced its Chandrayaan-2 orbiter has directly observed the impact of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the Sun on the Moon's tenuous atmosphere for the first time. During a solar event in May 2024, an instrument on the orbiter detected a tenfold increase in the density of the lunar exosphere. This validates long-held theories about space weather's effect on the Moon and provides crucial data for future lunar missions and potential human habitats.
US Chamber of Commerce Sues Trump Administration Over $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against the Donald Trump administration's recent proclamation to impose a $100,000 fee on all new H-1B visa petitions. The business body argues the move is "plainly unlawful" and circumvents Congress's authority. The lawsuit states the exorbitant fee would make the program cost-prohibitive for many US employers, especially smaller businesses, harming American innovation and competitiveness. The H-1B program is particularly crucial for Indian tech professionals, who receive the majority of these visas annually.
Centre Orders Judicial Probe into Deadly Leh Violence
The Union Home Ministry has ordered a judicial inquiry into the September 24 violence in Leh, which resulted in four deaths and nearly 100 injuries during protests for statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Retired Supreme Court Justice B.S. Chauhan will head the probe. The move meets a key demand of Ladakhi leaders from the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, who had suspended talks with the government, potentially paving the way for renewed dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis.