Category Archives: politics

conflict, humanitarian, Middle East, politics

IDF evacuation of Gaza City reaches 700,000 civilians

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**IDF Evacuation of Gaza City Reaches 700,000 Civilians**

The evacuation efforts led by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza City have reached approximately 700,000 civilians. Despite this significant movement, around 300,000 Palestinian civilians still remain in the area.

The general population continues to evacuate amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Many Palestinians are making their way out of the region to seek safety.

![Palestinians evacuating amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas travel on a vehicle in Khan Younis in the Southern Gaza Strip, May 6, 2024. (Photo Credit: Ramadan Abed/Reuters)](URL-to-image)

By Yonah Jeremy Bob
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-868625

international relations, Middle East, politics

Trump says he had good talks on Gaza, including with Netanyahu

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**Trump Says He Had Good Talks on Gaza, Including with Netanyahu**

U.S. President Donald Trump reported progress in talks concerning Gaza, including discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Speaking during the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City on September 23, 2025, Trump highlighted positive developments in the ongoing efforts to address the situation in Gaza.

*Photo credit: REUTERS/JEENAH MOON*

By Reuters, Amichai Stein
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868630

government, justice, law, politics, social issues

MP News: ‘Congress’ Hurry May Be Harmful For OBC Category,’ Says CM Mohan Yadav

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**Supreme Court to Hear OBC Reservation Case from October 8**

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the OBC reservation case starting October 8. Originally set for a Wednesday hearing, the date was further extended.

The Congress party has accused the government of not presenting the case properly before the apex court. In response, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav advised the party against rushing the process. He emphasized that any haste could be detrimental to the interests of the OBC community and noted that an all-party meeting had been convened to ensure unity.

“Only unity before the court will be helpful,” Yadav said. He added that the case to restore 13% reservation in held posts was pleaded collectively by all parties. Highlighting the complexity of the matter, Yadav mentioned that over 15,000 documents have been filed in connection with the case. The government has informed the Supreme Court that it should consider the views of all parties whenever it hears the matter.

“Our aim is to benefit each category—SC, ST, and OBC—under the reservation policy,” Yadav stated.

**Government Advocates Accused of Being Unprepared**

Reacting to Chief Minister Yadav’s remarks, Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Jitu Patwari said, “If the party does not react, the government will do nothing.”

Patwari recalled that when his government granted 27% reservation to the OBC, the BJP’s proxy team challenged the move in court. He noted that this legal battle has been ongoing for six years.

At a recent meeting, it was decided that government lawyers would first argue to restore 13% of the reserved posts. However, instead of taking this step, the government sought to postpone the hearing by four months, prompting a reprimand from the court, Patwari said.

According to him, the government does not appear willing to grant the OBC quota, which is the root cause of the delay and inaction.

—

This case remains a focal point in the state’s politics as stakeholders await a resolution that balances reservation benefits across communities.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/mp-news-congress-hurry-may-be-harmful-for-obc-category-says-cm-mohan-yadav

india, politics, security, tourism

Uttar Pradesh News: President Droupadi Murmu Visits Mathura; Offers Prayers At Iconic Temples Amid Tight Security

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**President Droupadi Murmu Visits Mathura Aboard Luxury Maharaja Express**

Mathura: President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Mathura on Thursday morning aboard the luxury Maharaja Express train for a day-long visit. The special train, equipped with a Presidential suite, deluxe suites, restaurants, and lounges, brought the President and her delegation to Vrindavan Road railway station at 10 a.m.

**Temple Visits and Prayers**

According to the President’s office, her itinerary for the day includes prayers at several revered sites: Shri Banke Bihari Temple, Nidhivan, Kubja Krishna Temple, and Shri Krishna Janmsthan in Mathura. Additionally, she will visit Sudama Kuti during the day.

A special ‘maha aarti’ has been planned at the 500-year-old Kubja Krishna Temple, where prayers will be dedicated to world peace and the health of critically ill patients.

**Reception and Security Measures**

District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh confirmed that the President was warmly received by Minister for Sugarcane Development and Sugar Industry Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary, Mayor Vinod Kumar Agarwal, and senior officials.

To ensure the utmost security, more than 4,000 police personnel have been deployed across the city. This effort is supported by eight companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary as well as ATS commandos. Central security agencies have also been deployed to augment the safety arrangements, and a strict no-fly zone remains in effect over the city.

**Traffic and Surveillance**

Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar stated that surveillance measures include active monitoring of social media and prompt reporting of any suspicious activities. Traffic has been diverted along the President’s convoy routes to facilitate smooth movement.

Furthermore, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which prohibits gatherings of more than five people, has been strictly enforced throughout the city during the visit.

**Return to Delhi**

After concluding her engagements in Mathura, the President’s special train is scheduled to depart from Mathura Junction in the evening, returning to Delhi.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/uttar-pradesh-news-president-droupadi-murmu-visits-mathura-offers-prayers-at-iconic-temples-amid-tight-security

government, law, politics, social equity, society

HC upholds Karnataka`s socio-economic survey, mandates voluntary participation

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The court has emphasized the importance of strict confidentiality in handling survey data. Authorities have been instructed to ensure that no personal or sensitive information collected is made public or shared with any unauthorized entities, ANI reported.

Senior Advocate Vivek Reddy, representing the petitioners, criticized the survey process, calling it flawed. He stated, “First of all, the division of caste is not correct by the state government. The entire exercise is flawed because there is no proper head caste and sub-caste. When we are undergoing a survey of this comprehensive nature, it should be scientific and clear. They have included various other groups that were not included in the survey. Our main concern is regarding the creation of an artificial caste to manipulate the survey and take it in the wrong direction. There was also a concern regarding data storage and protection.”

On September 12, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the launch of a large-scale caste-based socio-economic survey aimed at assessing the state’s socio-educational landscape. The initiative is being carried out under the leadership of Madhusudan Naik, Chairman of the Backward Classes (BC) Commission, along with five commission members. The survey, targeting approximately seven crore residents, is scheduled to take place between September 22 and October 7.

Despite opposition criticism, CM Siddaramaiah has remained firm on the government’s position. Speaking to reporters, he said, “The BJP is doing politics on this issue and accusing the Congress government of being anti-Hindu. All the ministers have been instructed to condemn this unanimously. The survey will start from September 22, and will not be postponed.”

Earlier in July, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy presented the Telangana Socio-Economic Survey Model and Methodology at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi. Highlighting the survey’s comprehensive approach, Reddy explained that the initiative was not just a caste survey, but a social, economic, educational, employment, and political survey.

According to Telangana’s data, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), including practising Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and Buddhists, comprise 56.4 percent of the state’s population. Scheduled Castes (SCs) make up 17.4 percent, Scheduled Tribes (STs) 10.8 percent, and forward castes 10.9 percent. Additionally, 3.9 percent of the population has been categorized as having no caste, the report noted.

The survey also documented previously unlisted castes and assessed their socio-economic status by name and location, providing a detailed understanding of the community dynamics within the state.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/karnataka-hc-upholds-socio-economic-survey-but-mandates-voluntary-participation-and-data-privacy-23595801

international relations, politics, security

Iran says US desire for nuclear diplomacy is a deception

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Iran Says US Desire for Nuclear Diplomacy Is a Deception

The United States, its European allies, and Israel accuse Tehran of using its nuclear program to conceal efforts aimed at developing the capability to produce nuclear weapons.

In response, Iran has dismissed the US approach to nuclear diplomacy as a mere deception, emphasizing that its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes. The ongoing tensions highlight the deep mistrust between Iran and the international community over the true intentions behind its nuclear ambitions.

https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-868556

conflict, dignity, government, politics, security

Crisis is BJP govt`s own creation: Congress on Ladakh violence

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Congress’ media and publicity department head Pawan Khera described the loss of precious lives in Ladakh as tragic. He said, “It’s a grim reminder of the government’s failed promises. In 2019, from the floor of Parliament, the nation was assured that the humiliation being inflicted on the people of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir then would usher in peace. Six years later, the trouble has only deepened.”

Khera further stated on X, “Far from restoring normalcy in the valley, the Centre’s shortsightedness has pushed Jammu and Ladakh also into an incinerator of violence. This crisis is the BJP government’s own creation—one it now seeks to unfairly ignore.”

He emphasized that Ladakh’s demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, for dignity and the protection of their identity, is both legitimate and just. According to the Congress leader, it deserves not neglect but compassion and statesmanship.

On Wednesday, groups of youths engaged in arson and vandalism, targeting the headquarters of the BJP and the Hill Council. They also set ablaze vehicles. Police and paramilitary forces, deployed in strength across the town, lobbed teargas shells to bring the situation under control, officials said.

The Centre alleged that the mob violence was instigated by “provocative statements” from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. It added that certain “politically motivated” individuals were unhappy with the progress made in the ongoing talks between government representatives and Ladakhi groups.

In a statement, the Union Home Ministry said that barring a few unfortunate incidents that occurred early on Wednesday, the situation was brought under control by 4 pm. The ministry also urged everyone not to circulate old and provocative videos on media and social platforms.

At least 50 people were detained as police and paramilitary forces strictly enforced curfew on Thursday in the violence-hit Leh.

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, and data of the text. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content at their absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/crisis-is-bjp-govts-own-creation-congress-on-ladakh-violence-23595754

disaster, exams, politics, public service

Pune: Stranded By Floods, MPSC Aspirants Demand Postponement Of Sept 28 Prelims

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Aspirants preparing for the exams conducted by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) are demanding the postponement of the State Services Exam’s preliminary test, scheduled for September 28. The reason behind this plea is the widespread floods across the state that have caused significant logistical issues, with many candidates losing their study materials.

Students from various parts of Maharashtra are pressing for the postponement, especially after the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) exam, initially scheduled for September 25 and 26, was also postponed.

Rohit Narayankar, a resident of Solapur, shared his concerns: “Incessant rains in Solapur, Jalgaon, and the Marathwada region have caused floods, and many residents and civil services aspirants are suffering too, as they have lost their study material.”

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-50 kmph between September 25 and 28. These conditions are expected to bring heavy downpours, waterlogging, and slower transportation flow due to generally cloudy skies.

Akshay Killedar, an MPSC aspirant, highlighted the impact on connectivity: “Beed, Dharashiv, Latur, Nanded, Solapur, Parbhani, and other parts of Maharashtra have been suffering from floods, and their road connectivity has been disrupted. Key routes such as Pune-Solapur and Kolhapur-Solapur have been affected due to the floods. We therefore request the MPSC to postpone the prelims, keeping in mind the hardships faced by aspirants.”

Support for the postponement has also come from political leaders. NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule tweeted in solidarity with the students, stating:

“The ongoing heavy rains across the state have caused great damage to students academically. Libraries are closed, and study materials have been damaged. Apart from this, the transport system is disrupted, and vehicles cannot reach many places. Despite this, the Maharashtra Public Service Commission State Service Examination is scheduled for September 28.

It is unlikely that students from Marathwada will be able to reach the examination centres on time. Therefore, the students are demanding that the examination be postponed until the situation returns to normal. I request the government to consider the students’ views and make a decision regarding postponing the examination.”

As the floods continue to hamper normal life across Maharashtra, the fate of the MPSC preliminary exam remains uncertain, with aspirants and authorities awaiting a decision that takes the prevailing difficulties into account.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pune-stranded-by-floods-mpsc-aspirants-demand-postponement-of-sept-28-prelims

climate, politics, protests, security, urban development

Ladakh protest: LG reviews security situation in Leh, calls for vigilance

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The situation in Ladakh remains extremely concerning amid ongoing protests that have resulted in four deaths and over 80 injuries. The incident occurred during widespread clashes amid a shutdown in the region.

In an effort to bring the situation under control, Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory, Kavinder Gupta, chaired a security review meeting in Leh on Thursday. During the meeting, Gupta called for heightened vigilance to maintain peace across Ladakh, as reported by news agency PTI.

The shutdown and protest were called by a constituent of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) in support of demands to expedite proposed talks with the Centre regarding the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and statehood for Ladakh.

The Lieutenant Governor’s office posted on social media platform X: “A high-level security review meeting assessed the emerging situation across Ladakh, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance, seamless inter-agency coordination, and proactive measures to safeguard peace, security, and public order across the UT,” according to PTI.

Officials from Ladakh stated that senior officers from the police, CRPF, and civil administration attended the meeting, discussing in detail the prevailing law and order situation in the region.

On Wednesday, hundreds of protesters supporting the movement for Ladakh’s statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule turned violent. As reported by PTI, the protest intensified quickly, with demonstrators setting fire to the BJP office in Leh and several vehicles.

In response, authorities imposed a curfew in Leh and its adjoining areas to restore order.

The Centre alleged that the mob violence was incited by “provocative statements” made by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The Modi-led party also suggested that some “politically motivated” individuals were unhappy with the progress of ongoing talks between government representatives and Ladakhi groups.

Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk, who was leading a hunger strike in Leh to support the twin demands, called off his strike following the violence on Wednesday. He urged people to restore peace throughout Ladakh, according to PTI.

(With inputs from PTI)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/ladakh-protest-lg-reviews-security-situation-in-leh-calls-for-heightened-vigilance-23595753

conflict, international relations, Middle East, politics

South Yemen would join Abraham Accords, says separatist leader Aidaros al-Zubaidi

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**South Yemen Would Join Abraham Accords, Says Separatist Leader Aidaros al-Zubaidi**

Aidaros al-Zubaidi, President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), recently expressed his support for a two-state solution involving both Israel and Palestine, as well as in Yemen. Speaking to UAE state media, al-Zubaidi emphasized the potential for South Yemen to join the Abraham Accords, signaling a significant shift in the region’s diplomatic landscape.

Al-Zubaidi, who leads the anti-Houthi Southern Transitional Council, made these remarks during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on September 24, 2025. His statements underscore the growing interest among some Middle Eastern actors in pursuing peaceful resolutions and normalized relations through frameworks like the Abraham Accords.

![Aidaros al-Zubaidi speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, New York City, September 24, 2025](SCREENSHOT/X/@STCSouthArabia)

*Photo credit: SCREENSHOT/X/@STCSouthArabia*

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-868510