NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), will celebrate her 59th birthday on September 19. Due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, Williams, who has been in space since June 6 with Barry Wilmore, will mark her birthday in orbit for the second time. Williams first celebrated a birthday in space during Expedition 32/33 in 2012. Set to return to Earth in February 2025 via SpaceX’s Dragon Crew capsule, she has accumulated 322 days in space. NASA has configured the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as an emergency return option.

Doctors in West Bengal defied the Supreme Court's deadline to return to work by 5 pm, continuing their protest over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The doctors marched to the Health Department, demanding the removal of key officials and better safety measures. They have also criticized the government’s response and the language of official communications. The Supreme Court had previously warned of disciplinary actions if the strike continued, highlighting disruptions in healthcare services. Protests and rallies across Kolkata have intensified, with public demonstrations calling for justice.

A woman Flying Officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has accused a Wing Commander of rape and harassment at an Air Force Station in Jammu and Kashmir. The alleged incident occurred on December 31, 2023, during a New Year's party at the Officers' mess. The complaint led to the registration of an FIR under Section 376(2) of the IPC, which addresses aggravated rape by authority figures. The IAF has initiated an internal inquiry and is cooperating with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, who are handling the investigation at Budgam Police Station.

A recent study published in Nature identifies India as the world's largest plastic emitter, surpassing China. The research, led by the University of Leeds, estimates India contributes about 20% of global plastic emissions, totaling approximately 9.3 million metric tonnes annually. Factors include inadequate waste management and a high population growth rate. Despite improvements in China’s waste management, it ranks fourth in emissions. The study highlights significant issues in waste collection, particularly in southern Asia and Africa, and underscores the need for improved policies and practices to tackle global plastic pollution.

Apple has officially discontinued the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 13 following the launch of its new iPhone 16 series. The iPhone 15 Pro, introduced last year, and the iPhone 13, a popular model, are no longer available on Apple’s official store but can still be purchased through e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon. The iPhone 13 is priced at Rs 50,499 on Flipkart, while the iPhone 15 Pro is available for Rs 1,29,800. The new iPhone 16 series starts at Rs 79,900 and will be available for pre-order from September 13.

SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission has launched, sending four civilians, including SpaceX engineers and billionaire Jared Isaacman, on a historic journey. The crew aims to break records by flying higher than NASA's 1966 Gemini 11 mission and conducting the first-ever commercial spacewalk. The mission, which took off from Kennedy Space Center, is also significant as the crew will explore the hazardous Van Allen radiation belts and test the limits of human space exploration. SpaceX's reusable Falcon 9 rocket was used for the mission, with the crew scheduled to spend five days in orbit before returning to Earth.

Sheikha Mahra Al Maktoum, daughter of Dubai’s ruler, has launched a perfume line named “Divorce” under her brand Mahra M1, referencing her recent high-profile separation. The 30-year-old princess shared a teaser of the fragrance on social media, featuring a black bottle engraved with the word 'Divorce' and visuals of broken glass and a black panther. The launch follows Mahra’s public Instagram announcement of her divorce, using triple talaq. The perfume release has sparked global attention, with fans praising her creativity and empowerment. Mahra is known for advocating women's rights and supporting UAE designers.

Bengaluru-based space tech startup Pixxel has secured a major contract with NASA, becoming the first Indian company to be part of NASA’s $476 million Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program. The contract, valid until November 2028, involves Pixxel supplying hyperspectral earth observation data to NASA, the US government, and academic partners. This data will aid research on climate change, agriculture, and resource management. Co-founder Awais Ahmed called the deal “a monumental achievement,” highlighting its potential to advance space-based environmental monitoring. Pixxel plans to launch its Fireflies satellite constellation to provide high-resolution hyperspectral imaging.

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza’s Khan Younis “safe zone” killed at least 19 people and injured 60, according to Gaza health officials. The densely packed humanitarian zone was hit by four missiles, leaving craters and setting tents on fire. Thousands of displaced Palestinians had taken shelter in the area, which has been targeted multiple times since the war began. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the strike aimed at Hamas commanders, including two involved in the October 7 attack on Israel. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with casualties expected to rise as residents search for missing family members.

Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced a complete ban on the production, sale, and use of all firecrackers, including green crackers, until January 1, 2025. The decision aims to control the spike in air pollution during winter, especially from firecrackers. The ban also extends to online sales. A joint action plan will be implemented involving the Delhi Police, Pollution Control Committee, and revenue department to ensure strict enforcement. Rai urged citizens to celebrate Diwali responsibly by lighting lamps and sharing sweets, emphasizing the need for collective action to reduce pollution as part of Delhi’s 21-point Winter Action Plan.