ID Cards for Women SHG Members
News-Tamil Nadu Becomes First State to Issue ID Cards for Women SHG Members.
- Tamil Nadu – first State to issue ID cards to women Self-Help Group (SHG) members.
- Inauguration – by Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin.
- Loans – ₹3,500 crore announced for SHGs.
- SHGs in State – over 5 lakh operating
- Benefits of ID card – free bus travel up to 100 km, discounts at government outlets.
- Announcement – made earlier by CM M.K. Stalin after demand from SHG women.
- Aim – empower women and ensure access to schemes like Magalir Urimai Thogai.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023
News-Malayalam superstar Mohanlal honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023.
- Malayalam superstar Mohanlal received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023.
- Award presented at the 71st National Film Awards on 23 September 2025.
- Career – over 400 films across multiple languages.
- Famous roles – Kireedam, Bharatham, Manichithrathazhu, Vanaprastham, Drishyam.
- Honours – 5-time National Award winner.
- Civilian Awards – Padma Shri (2001), Padma Bhushan (2019).
- Admired for – versatility and cultural impact.
- Leaders and celebrities – PM Narendra Modi, Amitabh Bachchan hailed his contribution.
H-1B Visa
News-H-1B Visa Fee Hike: $100,000 for New Petitions.
- Event – Proclamation signed by U.S. President Donald Trump introducing $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions.
- Date – September 20, 2025 (effective from September 21, 2025).
- Applies To – Only new H-1B petitions filed from outside the U.S.
- Exemptions – Existing holders, renewals, and cases deemed in national interest.
- Rationale – To curb abuse and attract only “extraordinary talent”.
- Impact on Employers – Sharp rise in costs, likely shift toward local hiring.
- Impact on Workers – Entry barrier for junior/mid-level professionals, travel concerns for dependents.
- Impact on Indian IT Firms – Nasscom warns of disruption, firms may accelerate local recruitment.
Homebound
News-Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound Selected as India’s Official Entry to Oscars 2026.
- Film – Homebound (Hindi).
- Director – Neeraj Ghaywan.
- Official Entry – India’s entry for Best International Feature Film, 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026).
- Producers – Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla.
- Cast – Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, Janhvi Kapoor.
- Theme – Friendship between a Muslim and a Dalit aspiring for dignity through police jobs.
- Premiere – Cannes Film Festival, received a standing ovation.
- Executive Producer – Martin Scorsese.
- Achievements – Won major international awards.
- Significance – Hopes to secure India’s first Oscar win in this category.
Asian Cadet Cup 2025
News-Uttarakhand Hosts Asian Cadet Cup 2025 & State CM Inaugurated.
- Event – Asian Cadet Cup India-2025 (Fencing).
- Inauguration – By Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami in Haldwani.
- Focus – Rising youth interest in fencing and potential for international glory.
- State Initiatives – Chief Minister Sports Development Fund, Emerging Players Scheme, proposed Sports University, and Women’s Sports College.
- Participation – Over 250 athletes from India and several Asian countries.
- Significance – First-ever international fencing event hosted in India.
MCQs
Q1. Which Indian state became the first to issue ID cards for women Self-Help Group (SHG) members?
a) Kerala
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Karnataka
d) Maharashtra
Q2. Who was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023?
a) Amitabh Bachchan
b) Rajinikanth
c) Mohanlal
d) Prabhas
Q3. What is the new fee for filing a fresh H-1B visa petition from outside the U.S.?
a) $50,000
b) $75,000
c) $100,000
d) $125,000
Q4. Which Hindi film was selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2026?
a) Gangubai Kathiawadi
b) Homebound
c) RRR
d) Pathaan
Q5. Which event did Uttarakhand host in 2025?
a) Asian Junior Athletics Championship
b) Asian Cadet Cup (Fencing)
c) South Asian Youth Games
d) Asian Junior Swimming Championship