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.
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".
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.
Renowned Assamese Singer Zubeen Garg Dies in Scuba Diving Accident
Zubeen Garg, a celebrated singer and cultural icon from Assam, has died at the age of 52 following a scuba diving accident in Singapore. Garg, known for his versatile voice and hit songs in multiple languages including the Bollywood track "Ya Ali", was in Singapore for the North East Festival. He reportedly experienced breathing difficulties during the dive and was declared dead at a hospital. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the music industry and among his vast fanbase across India.
Indian Software Engineer from Telangana Shot Dead by US Police
A 30-year-old software engineer from Telangana, Mohammed Nizamuddin, was shot and killed by police in Santa Clara, California. His family, who learned of the incident on Thursday, said it reportedly occurred on September 3 following a scuffle with his roommate, though details remain unclear. The family has requested assistance from India's External Affairs Minister to repatriate his body. The incident has added to growing concerns about the safety of Indians living and working in the United States.
Supreme Court Upholds Secularism, Rejects Plea Against Author Inaugurating Mysuru Dasara
The Supreme Court dismissed a petition that challenged the Karnataka government's decision to have Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq, a Muslim, inaugurate the historic Mysuru Dasara festivities. In a strong affirmation of constitutional values, the court reminded the petitioner of the Preamble, which enshrines secularism, liberty, and fraternity as cardinal national ideals. The ruling reinforces the principle that religious identity should not be a barrier to participation in cultural events, upholding the secular fabric of the nation.
SEBI Clears Adani Group of Hindenburg's Related-Party Transaction Allegations
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has cleared Gautam Adani and Adani Group entities of allegations made by Hindenburg Research regarding illicit fund routing through related parties. In its final orders, SEBI concluded that the challenged transactions did not qualify as related-party dealings under the regulations applicable at the time. The regulator found no evidence of fraud or siphoning of funds, noting that loans were repaid with interest, and has consequently dropped all related proceedings against the conglomerate.
US Revokes Visas of Indian Executives Over Fentanyl Trafficking Links
The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has revoked visas for several Indian business executives and corporate leaders allegedly involved in trafficking fentanyl precursors. This action is part of a broader U.S. effort to combat the flow of synthetic narcotics. The embassy stated that the individuals, their companies, and their families will face consequences, including being denied access to the United States. The move follows the indictment of two Indian chemical companies by the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this year.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Sign Mutual Defence Pact, India to Study Implications
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, stipulating that any aggression against one nation will be considered an attack on both. The pact was signed in Riyadh during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit. It aims to formalize and strengthen long-standing defence cooperation between the two countries. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated it is aware of the development and will study its implications for national security and regional stability, remaining committed to protecting India's interests.