Researched by: Rachel John, Nirmal Bhansali, Aarthi Ramnath & Anannya Parekh
Haryana is burning
The context: Five people were killed during a yatra taken out by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. The trigger appears to have been reports of the presence of Monu Manesar. He is the prime suspect in the horrific killings of two Muslim men—who were kidnapped on suspicion of cow smuggling in February. The Bajrang Dal activist had posted a video on social media boasting of his plans to participate in the yatra. A handful of teenagers pelted stones on the vehicles participating in the yatra—which was followed by rioting in the Muslim-dominated district of Nuh.
What happened now: The violence has now spread across the state—and turned even uglier. A Hindu mob killed the deputy imam of a Gurgaon mosque—and set it on fire. According to his family members, he had reassured them that he was safe—thanks to a strong police presence outside the masjid. The Wire has horrific details of how he was killed.
What’s notable: Local Muslim leaders, VHP and the authorities held a meeting prior to the yatra—and everyone promised each other that no one would carry weapons. And yet both sides were armed on the day of the clash. Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh told the Indian Express:
Kisne hathiyar diye unko is procession mein le jaane ke liye? Koi talwar leke jata hai procession mein? Lathi-dande leke jata hai (Who gave weapons to them for the procession? Who goes to a procession carrying swords, or sticks)? This is wrong. A provocation took place from this side too. I am not saying there was no provocation from the other side.
In other places, shops and restaurants were set on fire. So far 17 FIRs have been issued and 100 people are in custody. (Indian Express)
Moving on to Manipur: According to a Newslaundry report, 53 bodies—mostly of Kukis—lie unclaimed at two Imphal hospitals. Lawyers told the Supreme Court that the total number is 118. The government told the Court that these are of “infiltrators who came with a particular design and got killed.” But it had no clear answers when the justices asked if any attempt had been made to identify the bodies—and notify relatives. (Indian Express)
Trump indicted of election fraud
The ex-president—and frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination—has been charged with working to overturn the results of the 2020 election—in the run-up to the Capitol Hill riots. The indictment outlines in great detail the “criminal steps” Trump took “to reverse the clear verdict voters had rendered.” It is the third criminal case against Trump—but this one is especially momentous:
The charges signify an extraordinary moment in United States history: a former president, in the midst of a campaign to return to the White House, being charged over attempts to use the levers of government power to subvert democracy and remain in office against the will of voters.
New York Times and Associated Press have lots more details.
Blackrock & Morgan Stanley under investigation
Two of the world’s biggest financial companies are being investigated by a US House subcommittee for investing in more than 60 blacklisted Chinese firms. These have been flagged for violating human rights or working with the Chinese military. Both have denied all accusations. The committee doesn’t have any power to impose penalties. But the latest move is part of an increasingly aggressive approach among lawmakers towards US companies’ dealings with China. (Wall Street Journal, paywall, Quartz)
Speaking of China: In most parts of the world, a sudden cabinet reshuffle is a big deal—but not remarkable. In China, however, any unplanned change in the top leadership is rare and surprising. President Xi has replaced two top-most leaders—General Li Yuchao and his deputy General Liu Guangbin—who handled the country’s nuclear arsenal. Much like the recently deposed Foreign Minister Qin Gang, the two men had disappeared from public sight in recent months. The trigger is likely to be a crackdown on military corruption. The disruption may be good news for Taiwan—as the missiles are a key part of China’s military strategy—and would be important for any invasion plans. (Bloomberg News, paywall, BBC News)
An electrifying experiment on DNA
Researchers have successfully shown that human genes can be controlled with electricity. They have invented a battery-powered interface—“the direct current (DC)-actuated regulation technology,” or DART—that triggers specific gene responses with an electric current. Sounds nerdy but this could be the foundation for medical wearables that can deliver gene-based therapies:
[R]esearchers were able to trigger insulin production in human cells by sending electrical currents through an “electrogenetic” interface that activates targeted genes. Future applications of this interface could be developed to deliver therapeutic doses to treat a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, by directly controlling human DNA with electricity.
Vice has lots more on the experiment.
Say hello to Luna the avocado
US scientists have unveiled a new variety of every guac-lover’s fave fruit. It took over half a century to breed an avocado that produces more fruit and on a smaller tree—making it easier to harvest than the popular Hass variety. Happily, it makes a creamier guacamole—and is better adapted to extreme weather triggered by global warming. Point to note: it won’t hit the market for another 15-20 years—which is perfect timing given all the gloomy climate change predictions. (Axios)
Speaking of climate change: Getting on the UNESCO World Heritage list is a highly prized honour. But the organisation also has an ‘in danger’ list that highlight places that “are under threat of losing the unique qualities”—and can therefore be stripped of their World Heritage status. The UN body had planned to red flag the Great Barrier Reef as it has suffered multiple severe mass bleaching events in 2016, 2017 and 2020 due to rising ocean temperatures. But it has changed its mind due to a $792 million Aussie government plan to save the reef.
Still in danger of being listed as endangered: Venice—which is under threat due to rising sea levels and hordes of tourists. Climate scientists have warned that Venice could be entirely underwater by 2100. Washington Post has that story.
Two things to see
One: Chinese zoos are infamous for faking their residents—“trying to pass off dogs dyed to look like wolves or African cats, and donkeys painted to look like zebras.” So it isn’t clear if this Malaysian sun bear is a human in an animal suit—as many on social media insist—or the real thing as authorities insist. FYI: Sun bears are usually the size of large dogs and are at most 1.3 metres (50 inches) tall on their hind legs. (The Guardian)
Two: The trailer for season 2 of ‘Loki’ is out. Marvel fans can look forward to the return of Tom Hiddleston as the God of Mischief—and Owen Wilson as Morbius. Ke Huy Quan—who won an Oscar for his turn in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’—plays a new character named O.B. The series drops on Disney+ Hotstar on October 6. (Deadline)
