The Supreme Court has urged the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to reconsider and potentially relax existing noise limit restrictions on firecrackers ahead of the Diwali festival. The court's suggestion comes amid demands from firecracker manufacturers and traders who argue that strict regulations have severely impacted their livelihoods and the industry. Currently, CPCB enforces noise caps on firecrackers to curb pollution and protect public health. The court asked CPCB to balance environmental concerns with cultural traditions and economic interests while reviewing the norms.

The NCLT imposed ₹15 lakh in costs on SpiceJet and aircraft maintenance firm Aviator ML for attempting a last-minute settlement after prolonged insolvency proceedings. Aviator ML had filed an insolvency petition against SpiceJet over unpaid dues for maintenance services. Despite lengthy hearings and judicial time spent, both parties sought settlement at an advanced stage, wasting tribunal resources. The NCLT criticized this approach, directing ₹10 lakh from SpiceJet and ₹5 lakh from Aviator ML as costs, payable to the PM CARES Fund. The tribunal emphasized that courts' time is valuable public resource and parties cannot misuse insolvency proceedings as a pressure tactic for recovery before settling conveniently.

On India's Independence Day, a school in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, was sealed after a video went viral showing students performing a dance wearing burqas during the celebration. The video sparked outrage on social media and drew attention from authorities. Officials deemed the act inappropriate for a national celebration. The district administration ordered the school sealed and launched an investigation. The school management faced scrutiny for allowing the performance, which critics called communally provocative. Authorities took strict action to address the controversy.

**EB1A Visa Experts Urge Professionals to Prepare Before October Reset**

Immigration experts are advising high-skilled professionals to prepare their EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) green card petitions before the U.S. government's new fiscal year begins in October, when visa quotas reset. Each fiscal year brings fresh visa allocations, potentially improving approval chances. The EB-1A category targets individuals with extraordinary achievements in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Experts recommend gathering strong evidence of national/international recognition, published work, and significant contributions early to file promptly when new slots open, avoiding backlogs that build later in the year.

The BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—have collectively condemned the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a carbon tax on imports of carbon-intensive goods like steel, cement, and aluminum. BRICS argues the tax is protectionist, violates free trade principles, and disproportionately burdens developing economies. They view it as a unilateral climate measure that shifts costs onto emerging nations rather than promoting equitable global climate cooperation, calling for multilateral solutions instead.

**डॉक्टरों के लिए यूनिक आईडी प्रस्ताव**

केंद्र सरकार ने डॉक्टरों के लिए एक यूनिक आइडेंटिफिकेशन नंबर (Unique ID) का प्रस्ताव रखा है। इसके तहत हर डॉक्टर को एक राष्ट्रीय स्तर की ID मिलेगी, जिससे वे देश में कहीं भी प्रैक्टिस कर सकेंगे। अभी डॉक्टरों को हर राज्य में अलग-अलग रजिस्ट्रेशन कराना पड़ता है, जो समय और पैसे की बर्बादी है। यूनिक ID से यह समस्या खत्म होगी। इससे फर्जी डॉक्टरों पर भी लगाम लगेगी और मरीजों को बेहतर स्वास्थ्य सेवा मिलेगी। NMC इस योजना को लागू करेगा।

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued an important advisory for candidates appearing in the Mains Exam 2026, detailing items permitted and prohibited at exam centres. Candidates must carry their admit card, valid photo ID, and black ballpoint pens. Electronic devices, smartwatches, calculators, and mobile phones are strictly banned. Only transparent water bottles and simple analog watches are allowed. Candidates should report early to avoid last-minute issues. Violation of rules may lead to disqualification. Candidates are advised to check the official UPSC website regularly.

The Supreme Court ruled that police cannot investigate offences under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, which prohibits sex determination of foetuses. The Court held that only Appropriate Authorities appointed under the Act have the power to file complaints and initiate prosecution, not police officers. This judgment reinforces the Act's special enforcement mechanism designed to prevent female foeticide and sex-selective abortions, ensuring only designated authorities handle such sensitive cases.

South Korea's intelligence agencies have disputed former President Donald Trump's claim regarding North Korea's nuclear arsenal, estimating that Kim Jong Un possesses between 80 to 120 nuclear weapons. Trump had reportedly cited a significantly different figure during discussions about North Korea's military capabilities. South Korean officials emphasized their own intelligence assessments as more accurate, based on years of close monitoring. The disagreement highlights differing perspectives between allies on the scale of Pyongyang's nuclear threat, complicating diplomatic efforts toward denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.

On Independence Day 2024, PM Modi announced key initiatives targeting Gen Z. He launched AI skilling programs to prepare youth for emerging tech careers and introduced free coaching schemes for students from underprivileged backgrounds preparing for competitive exams. Speaking from the Red Fort, Modi emphasized empowering youth as India's demographic dividend. The AI initiative aims to train millions in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital skills. The free coaching scheme targets students unable to afford expensive preparation, ensuring equal opportunities. These moves align with Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047, positioning the younger generation as drivers of innovation and economic growth.

Former President Donald Trump is set to host top cryptocurrency executives at a high-profile meeting as the SEC actively considers new regulatory frameworks for digital assets. The gathering signals Trump's growing embrace of the crypto industry, positioning himself as a pro-crypto candidate. Key industry leaders are expected to discuss deregulation, innovation, and clearer guidelines. Meanwhile, the SEC under scrutiny is weighing how to balance investor protection with fostering crypto growth, potentially easing enforcement-heavy approaches of the past.

The Supreme Court of India has issued a strict directive stating that malls, hotels, and commercial establishments lacking proper solid waste management systems will face disconnection of power and water supply. The court emphasized that these establishments generate significant waste and must comply with waste disposal norms. This decision aims to enforce accountability and address India's growing garbage crisis. Authorities have been directed to monitor compliance and take immediate action against violators to ensure a cleaner environment.

South Korea's military intelligence estimates North Korea possesses up to 120 nuclear warheads, significantly higher than the figure cited by former President Trump, who suggested around 20-25. This discrepancy highlights differing intelligence assessments between allies. The South Korean estimate reflects concerns about Pyongyang's accelerating nuclear program, including expanded uranium enrichment and plutonium production. The revelation complicates denuclearization diplomacy and raises alarm about the growing threat on the Korean Peninsula.

OpenAI has launched a tailored version of ChatGPT designed for teenagers aged 13-17, featuring enhanced safety guardrails and new parental controls. Parents can now manage their teen's account settings, monitor usage, and restrict certain features. The platform blocks age-inappropriate content, limits data collection, and provides safer responses on sensitive topics like mental health and violence. OpenAI aims to balance AI accessibility for education while addressing growing concerns about minors' online safety and responsible AI use.

The Trump administration has tightened eligibility rules for refundable tax credits, including the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), impacting Indian H-1B visa holders. New IRS enforcement measures require stricter identity verification and valid Social Security Numbers for dependents. H-1B workers claiming credits for children born abroad may face delays or denials. The changes aim to curb fraud but disproportionately affect immigrant taxpayers. Experts advise H-1B holders to ensure proper documentation, consult tax professionals, and file accurately to avoid audits or penalties under the revised framework.