US visa interviews on hold; China slams fresh sanctions over Iran: SCMP’s 7 highlights

1. US green card interviews are on hold worldwide, with new restrictions imposed on student and work visas, and citizenship under fresh scrutiny. The SCMP explains the implications of the latest US immigration crackdown for those planning to study, work, or settle in America.

2. In response to US sanctions over ties to Iran, China has vowed to safeguard its interests, pledging "all necessary measures" to protect its interests following the "Economic D-Day" sanctions imposed on Chinese entities over their connections to Iran.

3. A massive mudslide and flash flood on the China-Nepal border has claimed 392 lives, with over 1,000 people still missing. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to reach the disaster site and provide aid to those affected.

4. A Malaysian Islamic university has distanced itself from an academic who made viral claims about ancient Malay civilization, including the assertion that Malays could fly and taught the Chinese "flying kung fu." Historians have ridiculed these claims, which have drawn widespread ridicule.

5. Chinese archaeologists have embarked on their first field project in South America, aiming to trace ancestral links between ancient Chinese and native American civilizations. This marks a significant step in exploring historical connections between the two regions.

6. Alibaba Group Holding founder Jack Ma has increased his stake in the company by purchasing over HK$600 million worth of its Hong Kong-listed shares on consecutive days. This move is seen as a demonstration of confidence in the firm's long-term prospects for artificial intelligence development.

7. In a recent incident, two women in Hong Kong were arrested on suspicion of assault at a shopping center in Kwun Tong. A viral video captured a fight breaking out after a five-year-old girl was shoved and then knocked to the ground. Police are investigating the incident and gathering evidence to determine the full extent of the situation.