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All Eyes On Thackeray Cousins’ Dussehra Rally: Possible Shiv Sena-MNS Reunion Could Shake Up Maharashtra Politics

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All eyes are on Thursday’s Dussehra rally to be held by Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai. The buzz is that some kind of reunion, if not an alliance, may be announced between Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena and his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray’s party, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

Will this actually happen, or is it only a rumour? And if such a reunion or alliance is announced, will it be limited to Mumbai municipal polls, or will it cover the entire state of Maharashtra? These are questions on the minds of many followers of the Thackeray cousins, especially since, less than 24 hours before the Dussehra rally, little has been revealed.

One thing is certain: many new political equations could be set across Maharashtra if the Thackeray cousins announce some kind of alliance for the forthcoming civic polls. The possible reunion may alter prospects significantly, especially in the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Asia’s richest civic body.

In the last civic polls, there was a close contest between the BJP and Shiv Sena. The saffron partners had been in alliance for over two and a half decades but fought a bitter battle, with Uddhav Thackeray’s faction emerging with a slight edge to form the government in the BMC.

The next elections were due in 2022 but were delayed mainly because of disputes over reservation for certain categories of candidates. Now, finally, the polls are scheduled, and for Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, this is truly a ‘make or break’ battle.

The BJP has been very alert, keenly watching developments between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. Raj Thackeray’s political stance has been notably unpredictable; at times he has extended support to the BJP in his speeches, while at other times he has sharply criticised it. In the 2019 Lok Sabha and assembly polls, Raj targeted the BJP and sided with Sharad Pawar and other opposition partners, but for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, he openly announced unconditional support for Narendra Modi-led BJP.

BJP insiders have been discussing various options in conventions in Mumbai and Pune to handle the situation if Uddhav and Raj form an alliance for the Mumbai and Thane municipal polls. Most believe the alliance, if any, will be limited to Mumbai and Thane, with seat-sharing deals possible, while other municipal corporations like Pune, Navi Mumbai, and Nashik may remain unaffected.

Such a development would subtly change dynamics within the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. Firstly, the BJP would likely recalibrate its relationship with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Currently sidelined, Shinde could be empowered as the BJP perceives the Uddhav-Raj alliance as a significant political threat. The Mumbai municipal polls have become a matter of prestige for the BJP, which is expected to go all out to secure a majority in the BMC, partnering closely with Shinde.

Secondly, the BJP is expected to value its current partners more. If Uddhav and Raj unite, the BJP may ease its approach toward Ajit Pawar’s NCP in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations (PCMC), while giving more prominence to Shinde in Thane and Navi Mumbai.

Thirdly, the BJP-led Mahayuti might intensify efforts to attract second- or third-tier leaders from the Thackeray-led parties to cross over to the BJP alliance across various cities in Maharashtra. Such political maneuvering reminiscent of the past “Operation Kamal” could impact outcomes significantly.

The potential Uddhav-Raj reunion also raises questions about how Uddhav’s current partners — Congress and Sharad Pawar’s NCP — will respond. The Congress is likely to feel uneasy about the MNS coming closer to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, shifting the balance of power in the state.

How the MVA reacts to this new political alignment could lead to broader changes in Maharashtra’s political landscape.

To summarise, the upcoming Dussehra rally could redefine Maharashtra’s political equations. It will be fascinating to observe how events unfold post-announcement.

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*Rohit Chandavarkar is a senior journalist with 31 years of experience, having worked with leading newspaper brands and television channels in Mumbai and Pune.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/analysis/all-eyes-on-thackeray-cousins-dussehra-rally-possible-shiv-sena-mns-reunion-could-shake-up-maharashtra-politics

environment, infrastructure, politics, water

MP seeks pre-emptive discharge from Ukai Dam

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**Surat MP Mukesh Dalal Raises Alert on Water Management at Ukai Dam**

Surat MP Mukesh Dalal has sounded an alert regarding the management of water at the Ukai Dam. He suggested pre-emptive measures such as releasing water downstream in advance to avoid sudden, high-volume discharge. Alternatively, he recommended storing additional water above the full reservoir level to maintain safe discharge rates in case of heavy inflows.

On Monday, Dalal wrote to the Surat district collector highlighting that heavy rainfall has been forecasted for the Ukai Dam’s catchment area in Madhya Pradesh, while heavy rains continue in Maharashtra.

“In case of heavy rain and inflow, there is limited scope to store more water in the reservoir, and water will have to be released, affecting downstream areas adjoining the river,” Dalal stated in his letter.

Stay updated on this developing situation and follow us on social media for more news.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/mp-seeks-pre-emptive-discharge-from-ukai-dam/articleshow/124265387.cms

festival, film, horror, independent

‘F— My Son!’ Sets Theatrical Run; Shares NSFW First Footage in Trailer (EXCLUSIVE)

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**X-Rated Festival Favorite *Fuck My Son!* Heading to Theaters This Fall**

The provocative horror-comedy *Fuck My Son!*—a standout at this year’s Midnight Madness lineup at the Toronto International Film Festival—is now set for a theatrical release starting mid-October. Directed by Todd Rohal, this feature-length adaptation of Johnny Ryan’s subversive comic book tells the story of an obsessive mother who kidnaps a woman to sleep with her frighteningly disfigured son.

Premiering at TIFF on September 10, the film elicited a range of reactions from audiences, including laughter, groans, and even a few walkouts. Rather than partnering with a traditional distributor, the filmmakers are taking a bold, innovative route for their release.

The film will be distributed through a filmmaker-led collective—a new model that blends the independence of DIY cinema with the reach and expertise typically associated with the industry’s major players. According to a statement from the collective, this approach allows the creators to retain full ownership of the film while leveraging the strategy, resources, and connections normally reserved for studio-backed releases.

The collective’s goal is clear: to demonstrate that daring, independent films can succeed in theaters without sacrificing their rights or creative vision.

### Meet the Collective Behind *Fuck My Son!*

– **Todd Rohal** – Writer, director, producer, editor, post supervisor, VFX artist, accountant, and mixing assistant
– **Tommy Lucente** – Media and entertainment executive, formerly with Vice, Fox, and Disney
– **James Belfer** – Producer and distributor at Cartuna
– **Gavin Briscoe** – Booker and distributor at Cartuna
– **Michael Tully** – Publicist, writer/director of *Septien*, *Ping-Pong Summer*, and *Don’t Leave Home*

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### Initial *Fuck My Son!* Theatrical Screening Dates

The collective has committed to keeping *Fuck My Son!* in theaters exclusively throughout 2026 and beyond. Below is the first batch of announced screenings, with more dates to follow:

– **10/16–23** – New York, NY | IFC Center
– **10/23–30** – Los Angeles, CA | Alamo Drafthouse Los Angeles
– **10/31–11/04** – Austin, TX | Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
– **10/31–11/01** – Brooklyn, NY | Nitehawk Cinema Williamsburg *(35mm)*
– **11/05–08** – San Francisco, CA | Alamo Drafthouse New Mission *(35mm)*
– **11/14–15** – Chicago, IL | Music Box Theatre *(35mm)*
– **11/28–29** – Dallas, TX | Texas Theatre *(35mm)*
– **12/05–06** – Seattle, WA | Grand Illusion Cinema at SIFF Film Center *(35mm)*
– **12/19** – Toronto, ON | Revue Cinema
– **12/26–27** – Philadelphia, PA | PhilaMOCA
– **01/02–03/26** – Omaha, NE | Film Streams Dundee Theater *(35mm)*

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Additionally, the collective debuted the NSFW trailer exclusively on Variety. Check out the bold first look at *Fuck My Son!* through the link below.

*Stay tuned for more updates as this daring indie horror-comedy makes its way to a theater near you.*
https://variety.com/2025/film/news/fuck-my-son-theatrical-run-trailer-1236534924/

crime, entertainment, news

Zubeen Garg Death Probe: Manager Siddharth Sharma & Event Organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta Arrested – VIDEO

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**Guwahati: New Developments in the Probe into Zubeen Garg’s Mysterious Death**

The ongoing investigation into the death of Assam’s beloved music composer, singer, lyricist, and actor Zubeen Garg has gained new momentum with the dramatic arrests of his manager Siddharth Sharma and North East India Festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta early this morning.

Mahanta was apprehended around midnight at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi shortly after returning from Singapore. Meanwhile, Sharma was reportedly arrested near a toll plaza in Gurugram around 1 a.m. while traveling from Rajasthan to Delhi. Some reports also suggest that Sharma was taken into custody from an apartment in Gurugram.

A convoy of three vehicles, including two buses carrying security personnel, escorted both men to the Magistrate’s House before they were transferred to the CID headquarters for interrogation. Following this, Mahanta and Sharma were flown under police protection to Guwahati where they were produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate.

“The investigation will proceed strictly as per the law,” SIT chief M.P. Gupta told the press. He further explained that Mahanta was arrested upon arrival from Singapore at Delhi airport after a lookout circular was issued against him. “The Bureau of Immigration detained him and handed him over to us,” Gupta added.

Regarding Sharma, Gupta revealed that he was tracked down to a location between Rajasthan and Haryana and arrested the previous night. “We have also recovered Zubeen Garg’s mobile phone from Sharma,” he said.

Both Mahanta and Sharma have been remanded in police custody for 14 days as the probe intensifies.

Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore on September 19, reportedly due to drowning, which plunged the entire state into grief and sorrow. Millions of fans took to the streets to pay homage to the cultural icon. He was cremated with full state honours near Sonapur on September 23.

However, as reports about the mysterious circumstances of his death surfaced, public anger grew, leading to multiple FIRs being filed at various police stations across Assam against the duo, who are suspected of foul play. In response, the Assam government constituted a nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly probe the matter.

Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma assured the public that strict action would be taken if anyone was found guilty.

Reacting to the recent arrests, Garg’s wife Garima expressed faith in the Assam Police. “I want the police to get all the details out of them. Now that the investigation is on, we are hoping the facts will come to light and the law will take its course,” she stated. She added, “All we, and millions of his admirers, want is fast justice.”
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/zubeen-garg-death-probe-manager-siddharth-sharma-event-organiser-shyamkanu-mahanta-arrested-video

general

BCDA taps 3 Japanese institutions for connectivity, sustainability projects

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MANILA, Philippines — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has signed three memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with Japanese institutions to explore collaboration opportunities in waste management, renewable energy, telecommunications, and sustainable development.

These agreements were signed during an official mission to Tokyo, marking a significant step towards strengthening international partnerships.

The first MOU was signed with Japanese industrial and engineering firm Kanadevia Corp. This partnership involves conducting a feasibility study on building a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility, aiming to promote sustainable waste management solutions.

https://business.inquirer.net/550153/bcda-taps-3-japanese-institutions-for-connectivity-sustainability-projects

banking, economy, finance, policy

RBI raises IPO financing limit to ₹25L per investor

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**RBI Raises IPO Financing Limit to ₹25 Lakh Per Investor**

*By Akash Pandey | Oct 01, 2025, 05:12 PM*

—

**Overview**

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a significant increase in the financing limit for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), raising it from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh per investor. This decision aims to improve credit flow in the economy and was revealed by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra following a three-day meeting of the monetary policy committee.

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**Key Regulatory Changes**

Alongside the hike in IPO financing limits, the RBI is set to remove the regulatory cap on lending against listed debt securities. In addition, the loan limit against shares has been raised substantially—from ₹20 lakh to ₹1 crore per person.

These measures form part of RBI’s wider strategy to enhance credit availability across the Indian economy.

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**Expansion of Banking Lending Scope**

In a major policy shift, Indian banks are now permitted to finance mergers and acquisitions (M&A) among domestic companies. This structural change is anticipated to bolster the banking sector by diverting deal financing from private credit players to formal banking channels.

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**Industry Response and Policy Alignment**

Experts have welcomed the RBI’s measures aimed at boosting credit flow. Chanchal Agarwal, Chief Investment Officer at Equirus Family Office, highlighted that these reforms will help banks regain credit flows previously moving towards structured credit products.

Furthermore, the RBI’s policy focuses on broadening credit intermediation, especially by enabling Urban Cooperative Banks to expand their services. This aligns with the government’s “Viksit Bharat” agenda, which emphasizes improving credit access and deepening India’s financial ecosystem.

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**Economic Projections**

The RBI has revised upward its GDP growth forecast for the current fiscal year from 6.5% to 6.8%, while lowering its Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation estimate from 3.1% to 2.6%.

Murthy Nagarajan, Head of Fixed Income at Tata Asset Management, noted that these adjustments may create room for potential rate cuts in upcoming monetary policy meetings. The repo rate remains unchanged for now, as broadly expected.

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**Promoting the International Use of the Indian Rupee**

In efforts to enhance the global footprint of the Indian rupee (INR), the RBI has proposed measures to allow authorized Indian banks to offer rupee-denominated loans to non-residents in Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka for cross-border trade transactions.

Governor Malhotra stated that the RBI has made steady progress toward this goal, with the current proposals serving as critical steps in that direction.

—

**Conclusion**

The RBI’s recent policy measures—including raising IPO financing limits, expanding lending scopes, and promoting the rupee’s internationalization—are designed to stimulate credit flow, support economic growth, and strengthen India’s financial system. Market participants and experts alike view these steps as positive developments for India’s evolving economic landscape.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/rbi-enhances-ipo-financing-limit-improving-credit-flow/story

asia-pacific, defense, geopolitics, military

Japan arms warship with US missiles capable of 1,600km strikes

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**Japan Arms Warship with US Missiles Capable of 1,600km Strikes**
*By Akash Pandey | Oct 01, 2025 | 05:52 pm*

Japan is set to upgrade one of its warships with US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles amid rising military tensions in the region, particularly involving China and North Korea.

The JS Chokai, a guided-missile destroyer equipped with Aegis technology, is scheduled for a year-long deployment to the United States. During this period, the vessel will be modified and the crew trained to operate these advanced weapons systems.

### Strategic Upgrade: Extended Strike Capability

The addition of Tomahawk cruise missiles, which have a striking range of approximately 1,600 kilometers, will empower Japan to target locations deep inside China and North Korea. This upgrade is part of Tokyo’s broader strategy to boost its defense capabilities in response to escalating regional threats.

This move follows a significant deal signed between Japan and the US in early 2024, which included the acquisition of 400 Tomahawk missiles.

### Rising Regional Threats

Japan’s Defense Minister, Gen Nakatani, has described the current security environment as the “most severe and complex” since World War II. The Defense Ministry’s annual white paper, released in July, identified China’s military expansion as “the greatest strategic challenge” facing Japan today.

Minister Nakatani highlighted Beijing’s rapid enhancement of its military capabilities and intensified activities particularly around disputed territories such as the Senkaku Islands.

### Offensive or Defensive?

While Japan emphasizes the Tomahawk missile’s defensive utility, these missiles are widely regarded as offensive weapons. According to a US Navy fact sheet, Tomahawks are designed for “deep land-attack warfare.”

When Japan announced its intention to purchase the Tomahawks in 2023, China criticized the decision, claiming it violates Japan’s post-World War II pacifist constitution, which restricts the country’s military operations to purely defensive actions.

### About Tomahawk Cruise Missiles

Manufactured by Raytheon, Tomahawk cruise missiles are known for their precision strike capability from long distances, even within heavily defended enemy airspace. These versatile missiles can be launched from naval surface ships, submarines, and land-based platforms.

Tomahawks have seen combat over 2,000 times, demonstrating their proven effectiveness on the battlefield.

### Preparing for Deployment

The Japanese Defense Ministry plans to have the JS Chokai ready for “actual missions” by next summer. This timeline includes comprehensive live-fire testing and operational training to ensure full combat readiness.

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Japan’s move to arm its warships with Tomahawk missiles marks a significant shift in its defense posture as regional tensions continue to mount. The strategic upgrade reflects Tokyo’s commitment to strengthening its deterrence capabilities in a challenging security environment.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/japan-to-equip-warship-with-us-made-tomahawks-amid-china-threat/story

general

Pacquiao revives ‘Thrilla in Manila’ on 50th anniversary

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Manny Pacquiao will lead the 50th anniversary celebration of the iconic “Thrilla in Manila” as a promoter, headlining a blockbuster boxing card on October 29 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The event, co-presented by Pacquiao and the International Boxing Association (IBA), promises to deliver thrilling action for boxing fans.

A highlight of the celebration will be the WBC strawweight world title bout featuring Filipino champion Melvin Jerusalem.
https://sports.inquirer.net/642562/pacquiao-revives-thrilla-in-manila-on-50th-anniversary

banking, economy, finance, policy

RBI proposes risk-based deposit insurance premium structure for banks

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**RBI Proposes Risk-Based Deposit Insurance Premium Structure for Banks**
*By Akash Pandey | Oct 01, 2025, 04:54 PM*

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a significant change to the deposit insurance premium structure for banks, shifting from the current flat-rate system to a risk-based model. This move aims to align India’s banking practices with international standards and promote stronger risk management within the sector.

**Current Premium Structure and Proposed Changes**
At present, all banks pay a uniform premium of 12 paise per ₹100 of deposits to the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), irrespective of their financial health or risk profile. Under the new proposal, this flat rate would act as a ceiling, ensuring that no bank pays more than the current premium.

However, banks with stronger balance sheets and healthier financial indicators could benefit by paying lower premiums. This approach rewards sound financial management and incentivizes banks to maintain robust risk profiles.

**Linking Premiums to Financial Health**
The proposed risk-based premium structure will factor in critical indicators such as capital adequacy, asset quality, and governance standards. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra emphasized that this framework is designed to encourage sound risk management practices and increase accountability among banks.

By tying premiums to financial health, the RBI expects to foster greater market discipline and reduce the systemic risks posed by weaker banks.

**No Change in Insurance Coverage Limit**
It is important to note that this proposal does not affect the existing deposit insurance coverage. Depositors continue to enjoy protection up to ₹5 lakh per depositor, per bank— a limit that was raised from ₹1 lakh in 2020 following several bank failures that undermined depositor confidence.

The coverage includes both principal and accrued interest.

**Context of Wider Banking Sector Reforms**
The RBI’s premium restructuring is part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening India’s banking sector resilience. These reforms include implementing expected credit loss provisioning, introducing Basel III capital norms starting 2027, and enforcing stricter governance requirements under the amended banking laws.

Alongside these regulatory measures, the RBI recently maintained the repo rate unchanged for the second consecutive meeting and signaled a neutral stance on future monetary policy moves.

**Conclusion**
By transitioning to a risk-based deposit insurance premium framework, the RBI is incentivizing healthier banking practices and aligning India’s financial system with global best practices, all while ensuring continued protection for depositors.

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*Stay updated with the latest developments in India’s banking sector by following our coverage.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/rbi-to-introduce-risk-based-deposit-insurance-premium/story

antitrust, business, law, technology

Apple defends OpenAI partnership, refutes claims of harming Musk’s xAI

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**Apple Defends OpenAI Partnership, Refutes Claims of Harm to Musk’s xAI**

*By Akash Pandey | Oct 01, 2025, 05:38 PM*

Apple has defended its decision to partner with OpenAI instead of Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI. The tech giant’s legal team made this statement in a court filing on Tuesday, emphasizing that even if Apple initially teamed up with OpenAI, it is “widely known” that the company plans to collaborate with other generative AI chatbots in the future.

### Legal Dispute Between xAI, X Corp., Apple, and OpenAI

In August, Elon Musk’s AI startup xAI and his social media platform X Corp. filed a lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI, seeking billions of dollars in damages. The lawsuit alleges that Apple’s preference for OpenAI over xAI has stifled innovation in the AI sector and limited consumer options.

The case was filed in Fort Worth, Texas, where Apple is now requesting the court to dismiss the lawsuit.

### Apple Seeks Dismissal of Musk’s Claims

Apple’s legal team dismisses the antitrust claims made by Musk’s companies as “speculation on top of speculation.” They argue that Apple is under no obligation to partner with every generative AI chatbot regardless of factors such as quality, privacy, or safety.

This response was issued in reply to X Corp.’s claim that Apple cannot exclusively partner with OpenAI without simultaneously partnering with every other generative AI chatbot.

Apple’s stance highlights its intention to maintain control over partnership decisions, emphasizing the importance of standards and security in its AI collaborations moving forward.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/apple-defends-openai-partnership-denies-harming-xai/story