Category Archives: politics

government, news, politics

JUST IN: MASSIVE WALKOUT ALERT | Over 100,000 federal employees are expected to resign — setting up what could be the largest exodus in U.S. history.

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**JUST IN: MASSIVE WALKOUT ALERT**
Over 100,000 federal employees are expected to resign, setting up what could be the largest exodus in U.S. history.

**Source:** X.com
**Time:** 2:20 PM, September 28, 2025
**Posted by:** Tony Lane US (@TonyLaneNV)
**Shared by:** E. Pluribus Unum

These are career bureaucrats who don’t want accountability. The system is finally being exposed for what it is. The question is: is this a crisis or the reset America needs? Thoughts?

*(Excerpt)*
Read more at x.com.

—

### Topics:
Government

### Keywords:
wellbye

—

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—

### Community Reactions:

**E. Pluribus Unum**
These are career bureaucrats who don’t want accountability. The system is finally being exposed for what it is.

**mewzilla:**
Swing away, Mr. President, swing away!

**Texas Eagle:**
Looks like they can find jobs at sign-making businesses.

**ProgressingAmerica:**
I hope they all get fired. Progressive President John F. Kennedy is the reason this is happening for his approval of unionizing federal workers.

**PhiloBedo:**
This is what I voted for!

**Robert A Cook PE:**
Bye, buy, by.
(Repeated twice)

**Nevernikki:**
All I got to say is PRAISE THE LORD! Don’t let the door hit you in the A$$.
(Repeated twice)

**logitech:**
Winning.

**Mark17 (Retired USAF air traffic controller, Father of USAF ISR pilot):**
I have a hard time believing they will walk out on these cushy jobs with great benefits.

**nickcarraway:**
It’s BS, a made-up talking point for Dems.

**digger48 (Mp):**
2 million excess employees to go.

**Secret Agent Man (Gone Galt; not averse to Going Bronson):**
Libsocs cashing out.

**Fzob:**
I’ll believe this when I see it. And 100k is a good start if accurate.
(Repeated three times)

**Blood of Tyrants (No Jesus. No Peace. Know Jesus. Know peace.):**
Some federal employees are hard workers. But they are quickly dragged down by the ones who do little or nothing.

—

*Disclaimer:* Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright.
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/4343185/posts

afghanistan, international relations, politics, regional cooperation, security

Top diplomats of North Korea, China agree to deepen ties and resist hegemonism

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**North Korea and China Pledge to Deepen Ties and Resist Hegemonism**

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The foreign ministers of North Korea and China recently agreed to strengthen their bilateral relationship and jointly resist hegemonism and unilateralism, signaling a continued pushback against the United States.

The meeting took place in Beijing on Sunday, roughly three weeks after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first summit in over six years, where they pledged mutual support and enhanced cooperation.

Earlier, Kim and Xi attended a massive military parade in Beijing commemorating the end of World War II. The event also featured other world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. The joint appearance of Kim, Xi, and Putin—the first of its kind—highlighted a potential three-way unity against the United States. However, it remains unclear how far China is willing to go in such an anti-U.S. partnership.

During the meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui cited Kim Jong Un’s statement that further strengthening ties with China remains an unwavering position for North Korea. Choe expressed intent to deepen and develop friendly relations with China, aligning with the spirit of the Kim-Xi summit, according to the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Wang emphasized that China is committed to solidifying bilateral ties and stressed the need to boost strategic communications and exchanges. China’s Xinhua News Agency quoted Wang as stating that China opposes all forms of hegemonism and is ready to strengthen cooperation with North Korea in international and regional affairs.

Choe echoed this sentiment by expressing North Korea’s willingness to closely cooperate with China in multilateral affairs, jointly resist unilateralism and power politics, and promote a fairer and more just world order. These remarks are likely referring to both countries’ ongoing confrontations with the United States—China due to strategic competition and North Korea regarding its nuclear weapons program.

KCNA reported that Choe and Wang exchanged views on regional and international affairs and reached a complete consensus on key issues, though further details were not disclosed.

Kim Jong Un’s attendance at the Beijing military parade marked his first participation in a major multilateral event during his 14-year rule. In recent years, North Korea has increasingly focused on expanding cooperation with Russia, reportedly supplying combat troops and ammunition to support Russia’s war in Ukraine.

However, analysts suggest that Kim now sees a pressing need to improve relations with China, North Korea’s largest trading partner and primary aid benefactor, as the war’s end approaches. For its part, China seeks to maintain its influence over North Korea, especially as bilateral ties reportedly cooled in recent years.

Attention is now turning to the composition of the Chinese delegation expected to visit North Korea next month for the 80th founding anniversary of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party. North Korea is also expected to mark the occasion with its own military parade, likely showcasing new weapons aimed at the United States and its allies.
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/2025/09/28/top-diplomats-of-north-korea-china-agree-to-deepen-ties-and-resist-hegemonism

activism, health, local news, politics

Indore News: JAYS Protest Intensifies, Half Naked Rally Taken Out

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**Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Protest by Jai Adivasi Yuva Shakti (JAYS) Enters Second Week Over ‘Rat Bite Incident’ at MY Hospital**

The protest by Jai Adivasi Yuva Shakti (JAYS) against the infamous “rat bite incident” at Maharaja Yeshwantrao (MY) Hospital has now entered its second week. For the past seven days, JAYS activists have been staging an indefinite sit-in outside the hospital gate, demanding the suspension of the dean and superintendent, along with the registration of an FIR against them.

On Sunday afternoon, when their demands were not met, JAYS activists gathered at the MY Hospital gate and marched towards the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, raising slogans. From there, they proceeded in a half-naked rally to the Collectorate as a mark of strong protest.

The protestors are demanding the suspension of the dean, superintendent, and other negligent officials, as well as the registration of a culpable homicide case following the death of an Adivasi newborn from RupaPada village in Dhar district. The infant succumbed after suffering rat bites at the hospital’s NICU.

JAYS state president Pawan Dawar said, “We had informed the authorities on September 6, but till now no strict action has been taken. The government keeps giving assurances, but no accountability is being fixed.”

JAYS national president Lokesh Mujalda added, “Our demands are clear: book the dean, MY superintendent, and other responsible officials under criminal charges, and provide adequate compensation to the affected families so such incidents never happen again.”

The protest initially began on Sunday, September 21, when JAYS workers occupied the MY Hospital gate late into the night. The organisation has announced it will continue the agitation until their demands are met.

—

### JAYS’ Key Demands
– Immediate suspension of the dean and superintendent of MY Hospital, along with other responsible officials.
– FIR and criminal proceedings against negligent officers.
– Compensation of Rs 1 crore each to the families of the two victims.

—

### MY Hospital Rat Incident Timeline

**August 30–31**
– Rats attacked newborns in the NICU of Emway Hospital.

**September 1**
– Video surfaced showing rats present in the NICU ward.

**September 2**
– Death of a newborn from Dhar district.
– Dr Arvind Ghamghoria formed an investigation committee.
– Nurse suspended for negligence.
– Notices issued to Pediatric Surgery HOD and in-charge Anaesthesia.

**September 3**
– Death of a newborn from Dewas district.
– State-level investigation committee formed on the Chief Minister’s orders.

**September 4**
– State-level committee from Bhopal inspected the hospital.

**September 6**
– Family of the Dhar victim reached the hospital.
– Informed that four fingers of the newborn were bitten by rats.

**September 9**
– Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla reviewed the incident at MY Hospital.

**September 10**
– Family of the Dewas victim met Collector Shivam Verma.
– Rs 5 lakh assistance provided to the family.
– NICU incident in-charge Dr Mukesh Joshi suspended.
– Departmental head Dr Brajesh Rathore removed from his post.
– Madhya Pradesh High Court took suo motu cognizance of the case.
– State government directed status report submission by September 15.

**September 21**
– JAYS began protest at main gate of MY Hospital.

**September 23**
– Doctors and staff of Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital Junior Doctors Association launched a counter-protest against the indefinite agitation by JAYS.
– Alumni of MGM extended support to JAYS.

—

The protest continues as JAYS demands strict accountability and justice for the victims of this tragic incident. Updates will follow as the situation unfolds.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/indore-news-jays-protest-intensifies-half-naked-rally-taken-out

government, military, politics

President Donald Trump To Address Meeting Of Top US Military Leaders At Quantico

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Washington: President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at a hastily-called meeting of top military leaders on Tuesday, according to a person familiar with his plans.

Hundreds of generals and admirals—senior commanders of the one-star rank or higher, along with their top advisers—have been summoned to the gathering at the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia. The meeting was organized with little notice by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The source, who was not authorized to discuss the president’s plans publicly before an official announcement, spoke on condition of anonymity.

News about the meeting emerged on Thursday. When first asked by reporters during an Oval Office appearance, President Trump appeared unaware of the event.

The Pentagon’s top spokesman has since confirmed that Secretary Hegseth “will be addressing his senior military leaders early next week.”

Across the military, there are approximately 800 generals and admirals of all ranks. Many of these senior leaders command thousands of service members and are stationed worldwide, across more than a dozen countries and multiple time zones.

*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/world/president-donald-trump-to-address-meeting-of-top-us-military-leaders-at-quantico

banking, business, gender, politics

Mumbai Bank Launches 0% Interest Loans For Women Recipients Of Ladki Bahin Scheme; BJP Leader Pravin Darekar Supports Initiative

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**Mumbai Bank Launches Zero-Interest Loans to Support Women Under Ladki Bahin Scheme**

Mumbai: As the Ladki Bahin scheme experiences a slight decline, Mumbai Bank has introduced a new initiative aimed at supporting women beneficiaries of the program. Under the vision of BJP leader Pravin Darekar, the bank is offering zero percent interest loans to women recipients of the Chief Minister’s Ladki Bahin Yojana, which was launched on September 4.

The rollout event took place at Mumbai Bank’s head office auditorium in Fort and was attended by the bank’s chairman and MLA Pravin Darekar. During the press conference, Darekar shared, “Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis personally addressed the sisters present at the program where loans were provided at zero percent interest from Mumbai Bank. The Maharashtra government launched the Ladki Bahin Yojana to provide ₹1,500 per month to women in order to improve their financial condition and ensure their overall development.”

He further explained, “The women can use the monthly amount to invest in their businesses. This idea aligns with the vision of Honorable Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Saheb. I requested the Chief Minister to allow me to provide 1 lakh interest-free loans to these beloved sisters.”

### Key Details of the Loan Program

Under this initiative, Mumbai Bank will offer loans up to ₹1 lakh to Ladki Bahin beneficiaries at zero percent interest. According to a report by *Saamana*, approximately 5,000 women are expected to benefit from this program. At the launch event, loans were disbursed to the first 200 beneficiaries.

The event was also attended by Mumbai Bank Vice President Siddharth Kamble, along with other dignitaries including Shivajirao Nalawade, Prasad Lad, Nandkumar Katkar, Shilpa Sarpotdar, Tejaswini Ghosalkar, Kavita Deshmukh, and Sandeep Ghandat.

### Introduction of QR Code Service

In addition to the loan scheme, the bank also introduced a QR code service rollout at the same event, aimed at facilitating easier and more secure transactions for beneficiaries.

—

### Recent Updates on the Ladki Bahin Scheme

The Maharashtra government encountered controversy and audits in 2025 over irregularities in the scheme’s benefit disbursements. Minister Aditi Tatkare revealed in August that around 26 lakh women might be ineligible for the benefits.

In response, a physical verification drive was launched to confirm eligibility based on criteria such as age, income, and household status. The government temporarily paused payments in July 2025 to complete this verification process, with plans to resume payouts to eligible women subsequently.

An audit uncovered fraudulent enrollments, including over 14,000 men listed as beneficiaries, resulting in ₹21 crore being wrongly disbursed. Opposition leaders have demanded a CBI investigation into alleged scams worth ₹4,800 crore linked to the scheme.

Despite these challenges, the government disbursed the July installment of ₹1,500 on August 8 to the verified eligible beneficiaries.

—

Mumbai Bank’s new zero-interest loan program aims to revitalize support for women under the Ladki Bahin scheme, promoting financial empowerment and encouraging entrepreneurship among Maharashtra’s women.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-bank-launches-0-interest-loans-for-women-recipients-of-ladki-bahin-scheme-bjp-leader-pravin-darekar-supports-initiative

political, politics, protest

Bihar Bandh: BJP, NDA Allies Stage Statewide Protest Against Remarks On PM Modi’s Mother

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**Bihar Observes Five-Hour Bandh Over Derogatory Remarks Against PM Modi’s Late Mother**

Gaya: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers led protests on Thursday in Bihar’s Gaya and Danapur as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) observed a five-hour bandh across the state. The bandh was called in response to derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late mother during a Mahagathbandhan event in Bihar.

BJP’s Bihar state president, Dilip Jaiswal, announced that the bandh would be observed from 7 a.m. to 12 noon. However, essential services, including emergency facilities and rail operations, remained unaffected during the shutdown. The BJP Mahila Morcha also played a significant role in leading the protests.

The state-wide bandh was organized as a protest against the objectionable comments made by Congress workers against Prime Minister Modi and his mother last week in Darbhanga during the Voter Adhikar Yatra.

Commenting on the matter, Janata Dal (United) leader Umesh Kushwaha stated, “During the opposition’s rally in Darbhanga, abusive words were used against Prime Minister Modi and his mother. This is wrong, both morally and politically.” He added, “Using such language is highly inappropriate, and so far, the Mahagathbandhan leaders have not apologised. This shows how arrogant they are. They have insulted our mothers and sisters, and now we will retaliate. Therefore, the NDA has called for a Bihar bandh, and the women’s wing will hold protests across Bihar.”

Earlier, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav took to social media platform X to condemn the use of abusive language but also took a dig at the Prime Minister. He said, “A mother is a mother. The word ‘mother’ brings so much peace the moment it comes to the tongue. Even for the speechless, a mother exists. No one should ever use abusive words against anyone’s mother, sister, or daughter. Every human being, living creature, animal, and bird in this world is born of a mother.”

Tejashwi further alleged, “If Prime Minister Modi campaigns for and appeals to elect Prajwal Revanna, who rapes women and girls, then that is Modi’s masterstroke. If Modi calls someone’s mother a 50-crore girlfriend, then wow Modi ji, wow! If Modi refers to the wife of a brave former Prime Minister who sacrificed for the country and the mother of the Leader of the Opposition as a widow and a Jersey cow, then shameless people will say that Modi gave a brilliant speech.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the abusive remarks directed at his late mother during a public address on Tuesday. He said the comments were an insult to all mothers, sisters, and daughters in India.

“Mother is our world. Mother is our self-respect. I had not even imagined what happened a few days ago in this tradition-rich Bihar. My mother was abused from the stage of RJD-Congress in Bihar… These abuses are not just an insult to my mother. These are insults to the mothers, sisters and daughters of the country,” he remarked.

PM Modi added, “My mother, who has nothing to do with politics, who is no more, was abused from the stage of the RJD, Congress. Sisters and mothers, I can see your faces; I can only imagine the pain you must have felt. I can see tears in the eyes of some mothers. This is very sad, painful.”

*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/bihar-bandh-bjp-nda-allies-stage-statewide-protest-against-remarks-on-pm-modis-mother

economy, government, politics, taxation

CBIC Fact-Checks Journalist Rajdeep Sardesai Over His Claims Of 18% GST On Caramel Popcorn

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**CBIC Corrects Rajdeep Sardesai on GST Rates for Popcorn Following Recent Reforms**

*New Delhi:* The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), the statutory body under the Ministry of Finance responsible for administering indirect taxes, fact-checked journalist Rajdeep Sardesai regarding the latest GST reforms on Thursday.

In a now-deleted post on X, Sardesai had claimed that caramel popcorn would be taxed at 18%. His post read:
*“The POPCORN debate has been resolved at last! Salted or spiced popcorn will now attract a uniform 5% GST, whether it’s sold loose or in pre-packaged form. Caramel popcorn will be taxed at 18%. Bring on the salted popcorn folks!”*

CBIC was quick to respond, sharing a screenshot of the post and clarifying:
*“Dear @sardesairajdeep, all sugar confectionery items will now be taxed at 5%. Kindly refrain from sharing incorrect information. Please see below the latest rates in Annexure II.”*

### Rajdeep Sardesai Issues Clarification

In a separate post on X, Sardesai corrected his earlier statement, saying:
*“Clarification: @cbic_india has clarified that ALL popcorn will have GST at 5%. Whether loose or packaged, or caramel. Earlier reports had said salted popcorn at 5% and caramel at 18% because of sugar element. Now, ALL sugar confectionery products will be at 5%.”*

### Background: The Popcorn GST Debate

Last year, popcorn became a topic of heated debate due to differentiated GST rates based on type:
– Loose salted popcorn: 5% GST
– Packaged popcorn: 12% GST
– Caramel popcorn: 18% GST

However, with the new GST reforms, the inclusion of all sugar confectionery items under the 5% tax bracket has effectively standardized GST rates for this popular snack.

The revised GST rates will come into effect from September 22.

The “popcorn controversy” dates back to the rollout of GST in July 2017. Initially, loose popcorn was exempt from tax, whereas packaged popcorn attracted 12% GST, leading to ongoing confusion and debate around applicable rates.

—

Stay tuned for more updates on GST reforms and their impact on consumers and businesses.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/cbic-fact-checks-journalist-rajdeep-sardesai-over-his-claims-of-18-gst-on-caramel-popcorn

law, media, politics, rights

Bombay HC Transfers Sanatan Sanstha’s Defamation Suits Against Narendra Dabholkar’s Son, Journalists From Goa To Kolhapur

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**Mumbai: Bombay High Court Orders Transfer of Defamation Suits Filed by Sanatan Sanstha Against Hamid Dabholkar and Journalists from Goa to Maharashtra**

The Bombay High Court has directed the transfer of multiple defamation suits filed by the right-wing group Sanatan Sanstha against Hamid Dabholkar, son of the late rationalist Dr. Narendra Dabholkar, and several journalists. These cases, originally heard in Goa, will now be moved to Maharashtra following the court’s observations that the petitioners’ apprehensions regarding their safety appear “reasonable and genuine.”

### Background of the Defamation Suits

Sanatan Sanstha, headquartered in Ponda, Goa, had filed several defamation suits in 2017 and 2018 against Hamid Dabholkar and various journalists. The organization alleged that the accused had made or published false and defamatory statements that damaged its reputation. Until now, these cases were being adjudicated by the court in Ponda, Goa.

### Petitioners Seek Transfer Citing Safety Concerns

Hamid Dabholkar and the journalists petitioned the Bombay High Court to transfer the proceedings outside Goa, expressing fears for their personal safety if the trials continued within Sanstha’s stronghold. They referenced the assassinations of Dr. Narendra Dabholkar, activist Govind Pansare, scholar M.M. Kalburgi, and journalist Gauri Lankesh—all outspoken critics of the group—arguing that they too could face similar threats.

### High Court Recognizes Threat and Orders Transfer

Justice Jamadar, hearing the matter, accepted the petitioners’ concerns. He stated, “If the animosity bordering on enmity between the Sanatan Sanstha and the applicants is considered, then the apprehension raised by the petitioners in their pleas are reasonable and genuine.” The judge added that “the command of dictate of justice would be better saved if the suits are transferred from the court at Goa to a court in Maharashtra.”

### Defamation Suits to be Heard in Kolhapur

Consequently, the court ordered the transfer of these defamation suits to a court in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, “in the interest of justice.” However, at Sanatan Sanstha’s request, the High Court stayed the operation of its order for six weeks.

### Court Refers to Dabholkar Murder Trial Findings

In support of its ruling, the court referred to the findings from the 2013 murder trial of Dr. Narendra Dabholkar. The Pune sessions court had convicted two individuals for their involvement in the killing and noted that Sanatan Sanstha and affiliated groups had strongly opposed Dabholkar’s anti-superstition campaigns. Prosecution witnesses also established connections between the accused and the Sanstha.

### Applicants’ Vulnerability Highlighted

Justice Jamadar emphasized that the sessions court had found “reliable evidence” of Sanatan Sanstha’s opposition to Dabholkar. He further noted that even the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had been unable to identify the mastermind behind the assassination. “These findings of the sessions court appear sufficient to instill a sense of fear in the minds of the applicants,” the judge remarked.

### Historical Murders Lend Gravity to Safety Concerns

The court underscored that Hamid Dabholkar, having testified as a prosecution witness in the Dabholkar trial and continuing to criticize the Sanstha’s ideology, remains particularly vulnerable. Additionally, the judge highlighted the murders of Govind Pansare (February 2015), M.M. Kalburgi (August 2015), and Gauri Lankesh (September 2017)—all critics of similar ideologies—as factors that “lend gravity to the situation.”

**[End of Article]**
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-transfers-sanatan-sansthas-defamation-suits-against-narendra-dabholkars-son-journalists-from-goa-to-kolhapur

economy, interest rates, monetary policy, politics, trade

RBI should opt for 25bps repo rate cut, says SBI

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**RBI Should Opt for 25bps Repo Rate Cut, Says SBI**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 28, 2025, 04:49 pm*

A recent report by the State Bank of India (SBI) has recommended a 25 basis points (bps) cut in the repo rate for the upcoming Reserve Bank of India (RBI) monetary policy meeting. This suggestion comes amid expectations of benign inflation. However, most economists anticipate that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will likely maintain the status quo when it announces its decision on October 1.

**Rate Reduction Considered the Best Option**

The SBI report described a 25bps rate cut as the “best possible option” for the RBI. This recommendation follows the central bank’s earlier actions, where it slashed the key short-term lending rate (repo) by 100bps in three installments since February, prompted by a decline in consumer price index (CPI)-based inflation.

Despite this, some experts believe the MPC may choose to maintain the current stance during its upcoming policy review meeting.

**Upcoming MPC Meeting**

The MPC, headed by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, will convene for a three-day meeting from October 1 to 3 to discuss the policy rate. The meeting takes place amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and the US imposing 50% tariffs on Indian shipments.

In its August bi-monthly monetary policy review, the central bank opted to keep rates on hold while assessing how these external factors might impact India’s economy.

**Expectations and Analyst Views**

Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist at ICRA, noted that GST rationalization could lower headline CPI inflation by 25-50bps during Q3 FY2026 and Q2 FY2027. She also expects October-November 2025 to bring a new low in CPI inflation, though anticipates an upward trend thereafter.

Dharmakirti Joshi of Crisil Limited expects a repo rate cut as early as October, driven by lower-than-expected inflation and robust demand.

As the MPC meeting approaches, market watchers will keenly observe how these factors influence the RBI’s policy stance.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/sbi-recommends-25bps-repo-rate-cut-for-upcoming-rbi-mpc/story

disaster, politics, public safety, regional news

Karur stampede: Eyewitness accounts reveal chaos, panic before tragedy struck

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**Karur Stampede: Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Chaos and Panic Before Tragedy Struck**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 28, 2025, 01:43 PM*

A political rally in Karur took a tragic turn on Saturday evening when a stampede claimed the lives of 39 people, including women and children, and left dozens injured. The incident occurred during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally where crowds had gathered to see actor-turned-politician Vijay, affectionately known as Vijay Mama by his fans.

**Initial Chaos**

Eyewitnesses and victim families have shared harrowing details of the chaos leading up to the disaster. Vinod Kumar, brother-in-law of one of the victims, recounted how a family of four had been waiting to see Vijay. “There was a power cut from 7 to 7:30 pm. The crowd surged forward just before his arrival,” he said. Tragically, his sister-in-law and her two children died on the spot due to suffocation.

Another victim, 45-year-old Jayanti, had attended the rally with her 20-year-old son, Ashwin Kumaran. Jayanti also lost her life during the stampede.

**Emergency Chaos at the Venue**

Ashwin Kumaran described the harrowing scene following the stampede. He alleged that police and TVK volunteers were unable to assist due to their own injuries. “No one was telling us where ambulances were. There was no water supply, and the road was very narrow and constricted,” he revealed.

The rally venue was strewn with shoes, crushed water bottles, torn flags, broken poles, and other debris. Many attendees were pushed into low-lying sewerage drains while attempting to escape, and some climbed onto thatched roofs only to fall down.

**Aftermath and Response**

Following the tragedy, Vijay expressed his “unbearable, inexplicable pain and grief” on social media. He prayed for those hospitalized and announced compensation of ₹20 lakh each to the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh each to the injured.

Calling the loss “irreparable,” Vijay assured full support from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to the victims’ families. In addition, both the state government and the Central government have announced compensation packages for those affected by the tragedy.

The stampede at the Karur rally serves as a grim reminder of the need for stringent crowd control and emergency preparedness measures, especially during large public gatherings.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/power-cut-narrow-roads-what-factors-led-to-karur-stampede/story