Category Archives: government

Trump says he will send troops to Portland to handle ‘domestic terrorists’

President Donald Trump announced that he will send troops to Portland, Oregon, to handle what he describes as domestic terrorists, expanding his controversial deployments to additional American cities. He made the announcement on social media, stating that he is directing the Department of Defense to provide all necessary troops to protect the “war-ravaged” city of Portland.

“I am also authorizing full force, if necessary,” Mr. Trump said.

Oregon’s Democratic Governor Tina Kotek responded by saying that President Trump is abusing his authority by ordering troops to Portland, a city she said is managing its public safety concerns on its own. At a news conference on Saturday afternoon, Governor Kotek stated that she had directly told Mr. Trump earlier that day that federal troops are not needed—and expressed her belief that he does not have the authority to deploy the military there.

“We can manage our own local public safety needs. There is no insurrection. There is no threat to national security,” Ms. Kotek told reporters.

President Trump defended his decision, saying it was necessary to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, which he described as being under siege from attacks by Antifa and other domestic terrorists.

Since the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the Republican president has escalated his efforts to confront what he calls the “radical left,” blaming them for the country’s ongoing problems with political violence.

Earlier in September, Mr. Trump described living in Portland as “like living in hell,” and said he was considering sending in federal troops—a threat he has made regarding other cities facing crime issues, including Chicago and Baltimore.

Over the summer, he deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles and has also carried out a law enforcement takeover in the District of Columbia.

In Tennessee, Memphis has been preparing for an influx of National Guard troops. On Friday, Governor Bill Lee announced that these forces will be part of a surge of resources aimed at fighting crime in the city.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/trump-says-he-will-send-troops-to-portland-to-handle-domestic-terrorists-1811904.html

TN: 31 dead in stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s rally

**31 Dead in Stampede at TVK Chief Vijay’s Rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 27, 2025, 9:30 PM*

A tragic incident unfolded at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, where a stampede claimed the lives of at least 31 people and left over 40 hospitalized. The rally was organized by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay.

### Overwhelming Crowd Turns Deadly

The gathering had swelled to tens of thousands, creating an overwhelming situation as Vijay addressed the crowd. As the situation worsened, many attendees, including children, started fainting due to the crush.

Vijay was heard pleading for police assistance and was seen distributing water bottles from his customized campaign bus to those affected. Despite these efforts, ambulances struggled to navigate through the densely packed crowd to reach the injured. The fainted individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, though some tragically succumbed to their injuries.

### Political Reactions and Government Response

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the Tamil Nadu police for inadequate preparation in handling such a massive rally and demanded accountability from the ruling DMK government.

In response, Chief Minister MK Stalin took immediate notice of the incident. He directed state ministers Anbil Mahesh and Ma Subramaniam to proceed to Karur promptly. Former minister V Senthilbalaji was also tasked with ensuring that medical assistance reaches those affected by the crowd surge.

### Controversies Surrounding Vijay’s Rallies

Vijay’s political rallies have often been mired in controversy due to the massive crowds they attract. The DMK-led administration had previously imposed several restrictions on his events to manage scale and security concerns.

Positioning his party as a third alternative to both DMK and AIADMK, Vijay has consistently criticized both parties. At his rallies, he accuses the state government of neglecting basic public amenities such as roads, healthcare, clean water, and security.

As investigations continue, this tragic event highlights the challenges of managing large political gatherings and the urgent need for enhanced crowd control and emergency response measures at such events.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/31-dead-in-stampede-at-tvk-chief-vijay-s-tn-rally/story

TN: 31 dead in stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s rally

**31 Dead in Stampede at TVK Chief Vijay’s Rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu**

*By Snehil Singh | September 27, 2025, 09:30 PM*

A tragic stampede at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, has claimed the lives of at least 31 people, with over 40 others hospitalized. The incident occurred during a massive gathering for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay.

### Overwhelming Crowd Leads to Chaos

The rally attracted tens of thousands of attendees, resulting in an overwhelming and uncontrollable situation as Vijay addressed the crowd. Amid the chaos, many people, including children, began to faint due to the crushing crowd and heat.

Vijay was reportedly heard pleading for police assistance and personally distributing water bottles from his customized campaign bus to ease the distress. However, the dense crowd made it extremely difficult for ambulances to reach those in urgent need. Fainted individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, but sadly, some could not be saved.

### Political Reactions and Accountability Demands

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sharply criticized the Tamil Nadu police for inadequate preparations to manage such a large rally. The party demanded accountability from the state government led by the DMK.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin responded swiftly, taking notice of the incident and dispatching ministers Anbil Mahesh and M.A. Subramaniam to Karur. Former minister V. Senthilbalaji was also tasked with ensuring that prompt medical assistance was provided to those affected by the crowd surge.

### Vijay’s Controversial Rally History and Political Stance

Vijay’s rallies have frequently sparked controversy, prompting the DMK-led administration to impose multiple restrictions aimed at crowd management and public safety. The TVK leader positions his party as an alternative to both the DMK and AIADMK, often criticizing them in his speeches.

He has accused the state government of neglecting essential public services, including roads, healthcare, clean water, and security, vowing not to ally with either of the dominant political factions.

This tragic event underscores the critical need for better crowd control measures and emergency preparedness at large political gatherings in Tamil Nadu.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/31-dead-in-stampede-at-tvk-chief-vijay-s-tn-rally/story

TN: 31 dead in stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s rally

**31 Dead in Stampede at TVK Chief Vijay’s Rally in Tamil Nadu**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 27, 2025, 9:30 PM*

A tragic stampede at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, has resulted in the deaths of at least 31 people, with over 40 others hospitalized. The incident took place during a rally organized by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay. Tens of thousands had gathered to hear Vijay speak, which led to an overwhelming and uncontrollable crowd situation.

### Rally Disruption and Plea for Help

As the situation worsened, many attendees—including children—began fainting due to the dense crowd and lack of basic amenities. Vijay was seen pleading for police assistance and distributing water bottles from his customized campaign bus to help those affected. However, the chaos made it difficult for ambulances to reach the injured promptly.

Several fainted individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, but unfortunately, some did not survive.

### Political Reactions

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the Tamil Nadu police for their apparent lack of preparedness for managing such a large gathering. The BJP demanded accountability from the ruling DMK government for the tragedy.

In response, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin took immediate notice of the incident. He directed state ministers Anbil Mahesh and Ma Subramaniam to travel to Karur and oversee relief efforts. Additionally, former minister V. Senthilbalaji was tasked with ensuring adequate medical assistance for those affected by the crowd surge.

### Rally Restrictions and Controversies

Vijay’s political rallies have frequently been the subject of controversy due to the massive crowds they attract. The DMK-led administration has imposed several restrictions on his events to manage safety concerns.

Vijay has positioned his party as a viable alternative to the established DMK and AIADMK parties. He has consistently criticized both parties during his rallies, asserting that he will not form alliances with either. Among his key accusations against the state government are failures to provide essential services such as roads, healthcare, clean water, and security.

As investigations into the stampede continue, questions remain about the adequacy of crowd management and emergency preparedness at large political events in Tamil Nadu.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/31-dead-in-stampede-at-tvk-chief-vijay-s-tn-rally/story

Centre considers extending parliamentary standing committees’ tenures by 2 years

**Centre Considers Extending Parliamentary Standing Committees’ Tenures by 2 Years**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 27, 2025, 10:38 AM*

The Indian government is deliberating a proposal to extend the tenure of parliamentary standing committees from the current one year to two years. If approved, this change aims to enhance continuity within the committees and enable a more comprehensive examination of bills, reports, and policy issues.

### Current Scenario and Proposed Change

Currently, the terms of these parliamentary committees are set to end on September 26 each year, after which they are reconstituted. Several Members of Parliament (MPs) have advocated for longer tenures, arguing that a two-year term would facilitate more detailed and in-depth studies of their assigned subjects.

### Political Implications: Shashi Tharoor’s Position

The proposed extension carries notable political significance, especially for Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who chairs the External Affairs Committee. An extension would allow him to continue in this role for an additional two years, despite ongoing tensions within his party.

### Decision-Making Process

The final decision on extending committee tenures is still pending and will be made after consultations with the Rajya Sabha chairman and the Lok Sabha speaker. While the proposal suggests that the leadership of committees is unlikely to change, the tenures of newly appointed members may be lengthened to maintain continuity.

### Role of Parliamentary Standing Committees

Parliamentary standing committees are permanent bodies composed of MPs from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. They serve a critical function in:

– Examining proposed legislation
– Reviewing government policies
– Scrutinizing budget allocations
– Holding ministries accountable through inquiries and evidence collection

When Parliament is not in session, these committees often act as “mini-parliaments,” enabling MPs to conduct detailed oversight of policies and legislative matters without having to wait for full parliamentary sittings.

### Looking Ahead

If implemented, extending the tenure of standing committees could have significant administrative and political ramifications for how Parliament functions in the coming years. It is viewed as a step toward improving parliamentary efficiency and deepening legislative scrutiny.

*Stay tuned for updates as this proposal develops.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/centre-may-extend-parliamentary-panels-terms-by-2-years/story

Centre considers extending parliamentary standing committees’ tenures by 2 years

**Centre Considers Extending Parliamentary Standing Committees’ Tenures by 2 Years**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 27, 2025, 10:38 AM*

The Indian government is considering extending the tenure of parliamentary standing committees from the current one year to two years. If approved, this move could improve continuity and allow for more thorough examination of bills, reports, and key policy issues. Presently, the terms of these committees are set to end on September 26.

### Political Implications: Tharoor’s Position at Stake

The proposal carries particular political significance for Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who chairs the External Affairs Committee. An extension would enable him to retain his role for an additional two years, despite recent disagreements with his party. Traditionally, these committees are reconstituted annually, but several MPs have advocated for longer terms to facilitate more detailed work on their assigned subjects.

### Term Extension: Decision Pending

The government is still in the process of deliberating the proposal. A final decision is expected following consultations with the Rajya Sabha chairman and the Lok Sabha speaker. While it is unlikely that committee chairpersons will be changed, the tenures of newly appointed members could be extended to maintain continuity. This decision is anticipated to have significant administrative and political impacts on parliamentary functioning in the coming years.

### Role of Parliamentary Standing Committees

Parliamentary standing committees are permanent bodies comprising MPs from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. They play a crucial role in scrutinizing proposed legislation, reviewing government policies, and examining budget allocations. Additionally, these committees hold ministries accountable through inquiries and by gathering evidence on specific areas of governance.

When Parliament is not in session, standing committees often act as “mini-parliaments,” enabling MPs to conduct detailed policy and legislative oversight without waiting for full parliamentary sittings. This continuous functioning is vital for effective governance and thorough legislative scrutiny.

The potential extension of parliamentary standing committees’ tenures underscores the government’s intent to strengthen institutional continuity and enhance parliamentary oversight in India.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/centre-may-extend-parliamentary-panels-terms-by-2-years/story

Meet Lisa Monaco, Microsoft executive Trump wants to see fired

**Meet Lisa Monaco, Microsoft Executive Trump Wants Fired**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 27, 2025, 11:36 AM*

**What’s the Story?**

US President Donald Trump has called on Microsoft to fire its head of global affairs, Lisa Monaco. Trump accused Monaco of being a “menace” to national security and linked his demand to ongoing legal cases against him.

Lisa Monaco was appointed as Microsoft’s head of global affairs in June 2025. Prior to this role, she served prominently in the Barack Obama and Joe Biden administrations.

**Accusations: ‘Corrupt and Totally Trump Deranged’**

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Monaco as “corrupt and totally Trump deranged.” He argued that her previous government roles posed national security risks due to Microsoft’s extensive contracts with US government agencies.

Furthermore, Trump alleged that Monaco’s past actions led to the US government stripping her of all security clearances and access to national security intelligence.

**Background: A Look at Lisa Monaco**

Lisa Monaco has a notable career in public service. She served as Deputy Attorney General under President Biden and was a national security advisor during the Obama administration. She also played a key role in coordinating the Justice Department’s response to the January 6 Capitol attack.

Trump’s demand for her dismissal is consistent with his history of targeting perceived political opponents since returning to office in January 2025. His previous pressure campaigns include demanding the resignation of Intel’s CEO and influencing Disney’s ABC regarding Jimmy Kimmel’s show.

**Ongoing Scrutiny: Microsoft’s Contracts Under Review**

Lisa Monaco’s LinkedIn profile confirms her current position at Microsoft. However, as of now, there is no public indication that Microsoft will respond to Trump’s demand for her removal.

Microsoft itself is under intense scrutiny due to its contracts with US government agencies. The company recently made headlines for restricting certain cloud services to a unit of the Israeli military following concerns about alleged surveillance practices.

Meanwhile, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently attended a White House dinner featuring Trump and other leading figures in the tech industry, highlighting the complex relationship between tech companies and government officials.

*Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/trump-demands-microsoft-fire-global-affairs-head/story

Senior Railway Board Officials Review Infrastructure Progress in Bengaluru Division

**Railway Board Officials Conduct Review Meeting on Key Infrastructure Projects in Bengaluru Division**

A review meeting was held on Friday in the Bengaluru Division, convened by senior officials from the Railway Board to assess the status and progress of important infrastructure projects in the region.

The meeting was led by Vikas Kumar, Executive Director (Public Grievances) to the Hon’ble Minister of Railways; S.M. Sharma, PEDME (Coaching), Railway Board; and Dhananjay Singh, EDPG to the Hon’ble Minister of State for Railways.

During the session, officials reviewed ongoing and proposed works in detail, focusing on critical areas such as land acquisition, project implementation timelines, and the elimination of level crossing (LC) gates to enhance safety and improve operational efficiency.

A key highlight of the review was the proposed plan for a Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Maintenance Depot at Thanisandra, Bengaluru. This depot is expected to support the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper variant trains by providing dedicated maintenance infrastructure.

Additionally, Railway Board officials gathered updates on projects being undertaken by K-RIDE and discussed plans for the decongestion of KSR Bengaluru Station to improve passenger experience and operational flow.

The meeting was attended by Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Divisional Railway Manager of Bengaluru Division; Additional Divisional Railway Managers Parikshit Mohan Puria and Praveen Kataraki; along with other senior officers from the division.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/corporate-gallery/senior-railway-board-officials-review-infrastructure-progress-in-bengaluru-division

Ministry Of Home Affairs Extends AFSPA For 6 Months In Parts Of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh & Nagaland

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another six months in certain parts of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, officials said.

According to three separate notifications issued by the MHA, the further extension of the special law will be effective from October 1.

The AFSPA, which grants armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest, and open fire if deemed necessary for the “maintenance of public order,” was extended for six more months in the entire state of Manipur, excluding areas under the jurisdiction of 13 police stations across five districts — Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.

Manipur, which has 16 districts, has been ravaged by ethnic violence between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribals since May 3, 2023. This prolonged conflict has claimed over 260 lives.

Following the unrest, Manipur has been under President’s rule since February 13, just four days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who led the second BJP government, resigned on February 9.

The MHA notification stated that after reviewing the law and order situation in Manipur, the central government, in exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 of the AFSPA, 1958, extended the Act for another six months effective October 1.

In Nagaland, the AFSPA has been extended in eight districts — Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren — along with 21 police stations in five other districts: Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto. These areas have been declared ‘disturbed areas’ for six months from April 1.

Similarly, in Arunachal Pradesh, the AFSPA has been extended in Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts, including areas under the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur, and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district bordering Assam. These have also been declared ‘disturbed areas’ for six months effective October 1.

The government reviewed the law and order situations in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh before deciding to extend the Act in these regions.

Meanwhile, various organizations in Manipur, including the Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), Nupi Khunai-Yairipok, and Meira Paibis, continue to agitate, demanding the withdrawal of AFSPA from the state.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier noted that the MHA has lifted AFSPA from many parts of his state. “At one time, the entire state was under AFSPA. The Centre has steadily reduced the areas where the Act applies,” Sarma said.

Originally imposed across Assam in 1990 due to insurgent activities led by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), AFSPA has been renewed every six months since, with periodic reviews gradually excluding certain areas based on improvements in security.

With significant improvements, AFSPA was lifted from Tripura in 2015, Meghalaya in 2018, and Mizoram in the 1980s.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/ministry-of-home-affairs-extends-afspa-for-6-months-in-parts-of-manipur-arunachal-pradesh-nagaland

Sonam Wangchuk arrested in Leh; prohibitory orders remain in force in Ladakh

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested in Leh on Friday, two days after violent protests demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution left four people dead and 90 others injured, officials said.

Wangchuk was taken into custody by a police team led by Ladakh Deputy General of Police (DGP) SD Singh Jamwal around 2:30 pm, according to officials. It was not immediately clear what charges were pressed against him.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier blamed Wangchuk, a senior member of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), for provoking the violence. The LAB, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has been spearheading the agitation for more than five years.

Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike supporting the demands, denied the charges. He condemned the violence and ended his fortnight-long fast on Wednesday after the protests turned violent.

Meanwhile, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, remain in force in Leh following the September 24 clashes. The assembly of five or more persons has been banned in the district, and no procession, rally, or march can be carried out without prior written approval. Security personnel continue to be deployed across Leh.

The prohibitory orders were imposed after protestors targeted the BJP office in Leh, escalating tensions.

On Thursday, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta chaired a high-level security review meeting with Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal, DGP SD Singh Jamwal, and senior officers of the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The Lt Governor emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, better inter-agency coordination, and proactive measures to safeguard peace and public order across the Union Territory.

The violence has also triggered a political row, with BJP leader Amit Malviya alleging that Congress councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag had “instigated” protestors who attacked the BJP office in Leh on Wednesday.

Wangchuk rejected claims of Congress involvement in the unrest. Speaking to ANI, he said, “What is the name of the person who entered the BJP office? First of all, a few weeks ago, the Congress party was removed from our Apex Body so that it can remain apolitical. So you can understand that this movement has nothing to do with Congress. They were told to move away from the movement until the elections are over. Otherwise, they also have a place in it.”

(With PTI and ANI inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/ladakh-protest-sonam-wangchuk-arrested-in-leh-two-days-after-violent-clashes-left-four-people-dead-23595958