800 dead in Afghanistan quake
A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, killing at least 800 people and injuring over 2,500, according to Taliban officials. The shallow quake, centered near Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, caused extensive damage across Kunar province, where entire villages were reduced to rubble. Desperate residents searched through debris for survivors using bare hands. Footage showed chaotic rescue efforts amid destroyed mud-brick homes. Communication lines are down, and officials fear the death toll may rise. Medical teams from Kabul and nearby provinces have been deployed. The disaster echoes last year’s deadly quake, underscoring Afghanistan’s vulnerability to natural calamities.
New immigration law in force
The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, came into effect on September 1, replacing four older laws to regulate all matters related to immigration and foreigners in India. The new law mandates stringent penalties for using forged passports or visas, including imprisonment of two to seven years and fines up to `10 lakh. It also makes reporting by hotels, universities, hospitals, and airlines mandatory to track foreign nationals. Unauthorised entry into restricted areas can invite a jail term of up to five years. The Act gives the Central Government powers to control access to places frequented by foreigners. President Murmu approved the law in April.
Patwari attacked again in MP
Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari faced consecutive attacks during his anti-Government rallies, including stone-pelting near Ratlam and an ink-and-effigy protest in Neemuch. The violence followed Patwari’s controversial remark that women in the state consume the most alcohol nationwide, prompting backlash from BJP’s women’s wing, which accused him of insulting women. BJP leaders demanded an apology, citing public outrage, while Congress condemned the attacks as orchestrated and aimed at silencing the Opposition. Despite heightened security concerns, Patwari vowed to continue his campaign against intoxication and electoral malpractice. Congress leaders say the BJP is resorting to mob tactics out of political insecurity.
HC flags protest rule violations
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday assured that the Maharashtra Government will implement Bombay HC directives concerning the Manoj Jarange-led Maratha quota protest. The HC observed violations of permissions and asked the state to take lawful action.