Category Archives: politics

international relations, politics, security

‘Harbouring UN-Proscribed Terrorists, Bombing Own People’: India Tears Into Pakistan At UNHRC Over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Strikes By PAF; VIDEO

Leave a comment

**India Hits Back at Pakistan Over Air Strikes at the UN Human Rights Council**

*New York:* India on Tuesday strongly responded to Pakistan during the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session, delivering a sharp rebuttal over recent allegations and cross-border tensions.

India’s representative, Kshitij Tyagi, referenced the air strikes conducted by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which reportedly killed at least 30 civilians. He accused Pakistan of abusing the UNHRC platform with baseless and provocative statements targeted at India.

“A delegation that epitomises the antithesis of this approach continues to abuse this forum with baseless and provocative statements against India,” Tyagi said. “Instead of coveting our territory, they would do well to vacate the Indian territory under their illegal occupation and focus on rescuing an economy on life support, a polity muzzled by military dominance, and a human rights record stained by persecution,” he added.

Tyagi further criticized Pakistan, stating, “Perhaps once they find time away from exporting terrorism, harbouring UN-proscribed terrorists, and bombing their own people,” they might engage constructively.

These remarks came during the discussion on Agenda Item 4 at the UNHRC session. A video of Tyagi’s response to Pakistan has since gone viral.

The backdrop to this exchange involves reports that surfaced on Monday, revealing that at least 30 civilians, including women and children, were killed in air strikes conducted by the PAF in Matre Dara village in the Tirah Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attacks reportedly took place in the early hours of Sunday, September 21.

According to these reports, the PAF used JF-17 Thunder jets to drop at least eight LS-6 precision glide bombs on the civilian settlement. However, the Pakistan Army has denied these media reports.

Earlier, Amnesty International had criticized Pakistan’s counter-terrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing them as demonstrating an “alarming disregard for civilian life.”

Eyewitnesses claimed that several houses collapsed during the alleged air strikes, with bodies being pulled out from the rubble afterward.

This latest confrontation at the UNHRC underscores the continuing tensions between India and Pakistan, with both sides trading accusations amidst ongoing regional instability.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/harbouring-un-proscribed-terrorists-bombing-own-people-indias-tears-into-pakistan-at-unhrc-over-airstrikes-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-video

conflict, international relations, military, politics, security

Donald Trump Tells NATO To Shoot Down Russian Jets Crossing Airspace In Fresh Jibe At Putin

Leave a comment

When asked by reporters if he believed NATO should take action against Russian aircraft crossing their airspace, Donald Trump responded affirmatively. “Yes, I do,” Trump said on Tuesday, asserting that NATO should shoot down Russian aircraft entering their airspace. He made these remarks while speaking to reporters after meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

During the meeting, when asked about NATO shoot-downs, Trump reiterated, “Yes, I do.”

In response, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte adopted a more measured stance. According to a report by US broadcaster CNN, Rutte emphasized that shoot-down decisions should depend on available intelligence regarding the threat posed by the aircraft. He noted, “This also includes questions we have to answer like intent, armaments and potential risk to allies, forces, civilians or infrastructure. We will always assess the situation, assess the immediate threat the plane poses.”

These comments came shortly after the first direct encounters between NATO and Moscow since the start of the Ukraine war. Alleged incursions of Russian aircraft over Poland, Estonia, and other NATO countries have recently tested the alliance’s preparedness and credibility in deterring Russia. For instance, Russian jets reportedly violated Estonian airspace, prompting Tallinn to call for an urgent meeting.

Meanwhile, Trump suggested that Ukraine has the potential to reclaim more than just the territory it has lost to Russia since the war began in February 2022. In a Truth Social post following his meeting with Zelenskyy at the United Nations, Trump wrote:
“I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form.”

He added that Kyiv could possibly go even further, although he did not provide specifics on what he meant by that statement.
https://www.news18.com/world/donald-trump-tells-nato-to-shoot-down-russian-jets-crossing-airspace-in-fresh-jibe-at-putin-ws-kl-9592594.html

entertainment, freedom of speech, media, politics, television

Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Set To Return On Air, But Still May Face Partial Boycott

Leave a comment

Despite ABC revoking Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, Nexstar and Sinclair have refused to air his show over concerns of “insensitivity” following his remarks about the MAGA movement.

A day after ABC lifted the suspension order on Jimmy Kimmel’s show, several local TV stations chose not to broadcast the program, citing its insensitivity. According to the BBC, Nexstar and Sinclair—which together operate dozens of ABC-affiliated stations—announced they would continue to replace the show with regular programming on Tuesday.

Sinclair’s vice-chairman, Jason Smith, stated, “Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country.”

The late-night talk show was abruptly pulled last week after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr and affiliate networks threatened ABC in response to Kimmel’s comments during a monologue about the MAGA movement’s reaction to Charlie Kirk’s assassination attempt.

This decision sparked a debate between supporters of former President Donald Trump’s administration and advocates of Kimmel regarding government interference and freedom of speech.

On Monday, over 400 artists—including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Jennifer Aniston—signed an open letter organized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to express their support for Kimmel, CNN reported.

Following this, a spokesperson for the Walt Disney Company, ABC’s parent company, told CNN, “We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.”
https://www.news18.com/world/tv-stations-refuse-to-air-insensitive-kimmels-show-despite-abc-lifting-suspension-ws-l-9592556.html

activism, egypt, politics

Family reunites as activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah returns home after 12 years in Egyptian prison

Leave a comment

CAIRO (AP) — The downtown Cairo apartment of Alaa Abd el-Fattah was filled with laughter and joy Tuesday as family and friends gathered to absorb the long-awaited news: the pro-democracy Egyptian-British activist had finally walked free.

Abd el-Fattah was pardoned by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and released Monday after spending almost all of the past 12 years in prison. He and five other prisoners had been pardoned after the National Council for Human Rights acted on behalf of their families, urging the president to consider their situations on humanitarian grounds.

“I felt a wave of sudden relief as if my body had been clenched tight for years and was finally loosening and just now releasing a weight that I have been carrying,” Abd el-Fattah’s sister, Sanaa Seif, told The Associated Press at the family apartment. She is one of the family members who waged an international campaign for his release.

Seif was walking her dog when the news broke that her brother had been pardoned. As her phone rang nonstop with calls and notifications, she and her family drove to Wadi Natroun prison, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) outside Cairo, to pick him up. They then received a call from a neighbor’s phone: it was Abd el-Fattah himself, telling them he had already arrived at the family’s house.

‘Wrapped by a layer of sadness’

Abd el-Fattah was first sent to prison in 2014 for participating in an unauthorized protest and allegedly assaulting a police officer, before being released in early 2019. He was arrested again in September 2019 during a security crackdown that followed rare anti-government protests in Egypt.

After more than two years in pretrial detention, an emergency security court sentenced him to five years for spreading false news. When his release date came up in September 2024, authorities refused to count his time in pretrial detention and ordered him held until January 3, 2027.

When Egypt didn’t release Abd el-Fattah last September, his mother, Laila Soueif, began her own hunger strike in Britain but became seriously ill and ended the strike in July. Soueif, a mathematics professor at Cairo University who was born in London, helped her son obtain British citizenship in 2021, hoping it would lead to his release.

Due to her deteriorating health from the hunger strike, Soueif frequently received treatment at St. Thomas’s Hospital in London. She ended the strike in July after multiple appeals from family and friends. Seif said Tuesday that her mother is “miraculously doing better” despite some lingering health issues.

Abd el-Fattah’s family is still adjusting to his freedom. His sister said she is slowly getting used to hearing her brother’s voice in the background again.

“Our happiness, no matter how huge, is wrapped by a layer of sadness because the situation [in Egypt] is bad,” Soueif said. “Real happiness will not be complete unless those unjustly detained are released.”

A family looks to the future

With Abd el-Fattah now free, his family is looking to the future. Soueif said her son will likely settle a few matters in the U.K. for the sake of his son Khaled, and that she will return to teaching at the university next week.

“I’m going back to my regular life as a faculty teaching member living in Egypt and expressing opposition against the government when I see something wrong,” she said.

Abd el-Fattah previously took part in the 2011 uprising that toppled autocratic former President Hosni Mubarak, and later was active in protests against human rights abuses and military trials of civilians.

An influential blogger, Abd el-Fattah hails from a family of political activists, lawyers, and writers. His late father was one of Egypt’s most tireless rights lawyers, his sisters — British citizens as well — are also political activists, and his aunt is the award-winning novelist Ahdaf Soueif.

Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, praised Egypt’s decision to release Abd el-Fattah in a statement Tuesday and called “on Egypt to ensure the release of all those arbitrarily detained.”

https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-family-reunites-as-activist-alaa-abd-el-fattah-returns-home-after-12-years-in-prison/

international relations, Middle East, politics

Italy to recognize Palestine only if Hamas is excluded and all hostages freed

Leave a comment

**Italy to Recognize Palestine Only If Hamas Is Excluded and All Hostages Freed**

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stated that Italy will only recognize Palestine if Hamas is excluded and all hostages are freed. Her statements come amid ongoing tensions in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labeled the Israel-Hamas war as a “genocide,” highlighting the differing international perspectives on the conflict.

The remarks from Meloni were made during the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City, where she was seen reacting while listening to a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump.

*Photo credit: AL DRAGO/REUTERS*
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868429

local governance, politics, public health, religion

Which states have banned sale of meat, eggs during Navratri

Leave a comment

**Which States Have Banned Sale of Meat and Eggs During Navratri?**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Sep 23, 2025, 08:29 PM*

As the Hindu festival of Navratri commences, several state and district administrations across India have imposed bans on the sale of meat, fish, and eggs to respect religious sentiments and promote public health.

**Bhopal District Imposes Ban in Madhya Pradesh**

The Bhopal district administration in Madhya Pradesh has announced a ban on the sale of meat, fish, and eggs during the nine-day Navratri festival. This restriction took effect on September 22 and will remain in force until October 2. Bhopal Sub-Divisional Magistrate Divya Patel stated, “Navratri will begin from September 22. In view of this, the sale of meat, fish, and eggs has been banned in this city from September 22 to October 2.”

**Similar Restrictions in Uttar Pradesh’s Harpur**

In Uttar Pradesh, Harpur police have ordered the closure of restaurants serving non-vegetarian food as well as meat shops until October 2. Circle Officer (City) Varun Mishra told Aaj Tak that these establishments traditionally remain closed during Navratri. He added that the police would ensure strict compliance to protect the religious sentiments of devotees.

**VHP Demands Meat Shops Closure in Gurugram, Haryana**

In Haryana’s Gurugram, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner demanding the closure of all meat and fish shops during Navratri. According to India Today, the VHP argues that having such establishments near temples and residential areas hurts devotees’ sentiments and violates food safety and hygiene norms. VHP leader Surendra Tanwar emphasized the need to respect religious feelings while ensuring public health compliance.

**Municipal Directive in Varanasi**

Varanasi’s Mayor Ashok Tiwari has ordered the closure of all meat and fish shops throughout Navratri. Municipal Corporation Public Relations Officer Sandeep Srivastava confirmed that the mayor appointed veterinary officer Dr. Santosh Pal to oversee compliance through regular inspections. Violators will face action as per municipal regulations.

—

These measures across Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh reflect a collective effort to honor religious traditions during Navratri by restricting the availability of meat, fish, and eggs in public marketplaces.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/which-states-have-banned-meat-for-navratri-festival/story

domestic politics, economy, immigration, international affairs, politics

H-1B visa fee hike driven by Trump`s domestic politics: Tharoor

Leave a comment

Days after United States President Donald Trump signed a proclamation mandating a USD 100,000 fee for each new H-1B visa petition filed after September 21, Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor criticised the move, calling it an attempt to appease Trump’s “so-called MAGA” supporters, reported ANI.

Speaking to ANI on Monday, Shashi Tharoor stated that the sudden surge in H-1B visa fees is driven by domestic political considerations in the US. Trump aims to rally support from his anti-immigration base ahead of the upcoming US legislative elections scheduled for November. “Once again, the motivations are primarily rooted in domestic politics,” Tharoor said.

Trump believes—as those around him have convinced him—that the ease of obtaining an H-1B visa has allowed many American workers, who merit higher wages, to be overlooked in favour of Indians willing to work for less, Tharoor told ANI.

Linking the policy shift to broader political sentiment in the US, Tharoor noted, “At present, the dominant political current within the so-called MAGA movement is overtly anti-immigration, particularly targeting visible minorities—individuals of different ethnic backgrounds who are not part of the white mainstream.”

The former Union minister added that Trump’s supporters perceive Indian professionals as undercutting the wages of American workers by accepting lower pay. “An Indian tech worker earning sixty thousand dollars annually is, in the eyes of Trump’s backers, displacing an American who would refuse to work for anything less than eighty-five to ninety thousand dollars,” Tharoor explained, according to ANI.

He further stated that only the top-tier, highly skilled, irreplaceable professionals—those genuinely worth the hundred-thousand-dollar cost to employers—will continue to be brought in.

Tharoor also warned that this policy might ultimately harm the US economy. “The natural outcome will be job outsourcing. Tasks once performed in America will now be handled by multinational units in Europe or by global capability centres in India,” he said.

He pointed out that Indian tech professionals might still perform the same tasks for American firms, just remotely from India rather than from within the US.

Expressing concern for Indian IT firms, Shashi Tharoor emphasized that the steep visa fee structure could render many contracts financially unfeasible. “We simply cannot afford to pay one hundred thousand dollars per person for a low-end contract,” he remarked.

(with ANI inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/us-h-1b-visa-news-h-1b-visa-fee-hike-driven-by-donald-trumps-domestic-politics-shashi-tharoor-23595399

justice, law, law enforcement, politics, regional politics

SP’s Azam Khan released from Sitapur jail after 2 years

Leave a comment

**SP’s Azam Khan Released from Sitapur Jail After 2 Years**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 23, 2025, 01:45 pm*

Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan was released from Sitapur jail after nearly two years of incarceration. His release followed bail being granted in all cases against him, as reported by news agency ANI.

### Legal Developments

On September 18, the Allahabad High Court granted Azam Khan bail in the Quality Bar land encroachment case in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur district. The bail was granted by a bench headed by Justice Samir Jain after hearing arguments from all parties involved.

The Quality Bar land encroachment case dates back to 2019 and was originally filed against Khan’s wife, Tazeen Fatma, son Abdullah Azam, and Syed Jafar Ali Jafri. Khan himself was named an accused during the course of a reinvestigation.

In another significant legal development, Khan was acquitted last week by a special MP-MLA court in a 17-year-old case related to road blockade and damage to public property.

### Anticipated Gathering and Security Measures

Ahead of Khan’s release, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to prevent any potential violence. The police utilized drone surveillance to monitor the situation due to anticipated large gatherings in support of Khan.

Despite these security measures, a large number of supporters gathered near the jail, leading to traffic congestion in the area.

### Political Reactions

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav welcomed the court’s decision and Khan’s release. He stated, “I would like to thank the court for this. We, the Samajwadis, believed that the court would do justice. We hope that in the time to come, no false cases will be filed and no injustice will be done by the BJP.”

SP MLA Shivpal Singh Yadav also expressed his support for the court’s decision and dismissed speculations regarding Khan joining the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

—

Azam Khan’s release marks a significant moment for the Samajwadi Party, with supporters hopeful for a fresh start and fairer political proceedings in the future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/sp-s-azam-khan-released-from-sitapur-jail-after-2-years/story

celebrity, entertainment, politics, regional culture

Zubeen Garg Funeral: Singer Laid To Rest With Full State Honours As Thousands Pay Emotional Tribute In Assam

Leave a comment

**Singer Zubeen Garg Laid to Rest with Full State Honours in Assam**

Renowned singer Zubeen Garg was laid to rest with full state honours in Assam on Tuesday, September 23. Thousands of fans gathered at the crematorium in Kamarkuchi Village, Sonapur, to pay their last respects to the beloved artist.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju attended Garg’s funeral on behalf of the central government, while Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also paid his respects at the cremation ground.

Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore on September 19, leaving fans and the nation in shock. He breathed his last while scuba diving during a visit to attend the Northeast India Festival.

His mortal remains were flown to Delhi and subsequently transported to Assam on a commercial flight, arriving in Guwahati on Sunday morning. A sea of fans gathered to bid farewell, with several heart-wrenching visuals circulating on social media that captured the collective grief of a nation mourning the loss of one of its most cherished voices.

### Details Surrounding Zubeen Garg’s Death

According to the festival organizers, Zubeen Garg experienced breathing difficulties while scuba diving, which led to his untimely demise.

Amid circulating allegations of foul play, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that a fresh post-mortem examination will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.

The autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday morning at Guwahati Medical College and will be supervised by a team from AIIMS Guwahati. The Chief Minister confirmed that the singer’s family has given their consent for this procedure.

“This step is being taken in response to public demand and to ensure complete transparency in the investigation,” CM Sarma stated.

Zubeen Garg’s sudden and tragic passing has left a void in the music fraternity and among fans across the nation. The investigation continues as the community seeks answers and closure.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/zubeen-garg-funeral-singer-laid-to-rest-with-full-state-honours-as-thousands-pay-emotional-tribute-in-assam

entertainment, music, politics

Pop singer Dua Lipa reportedly drops Jewish agent who urged Kneecap’s removal from Glastonbury

Leave a comment

**Pop Singer Dua Lipa Reportedly Drops Agent Over Glastonbury Kneecaps Removal Dispute**

Pop star Dua Lipa has reportedly ended her professional relationship with her Jewish agent, David Levy, following disagreements related to the Glastonbury music festival. According to a music industry source speaking to The Mail, Dua made it clear through her representatives that Levy would no longer be involved in managing her music career.

The source also revealed that Dua Lipa’s openly pro-Palestine stance was at odds with David Levy’s views, contributing to the split.

Dua Lipa, known for her powerful voice and chart-topping hits, continues to make waves both on and off the stage. Recently, she was seen attending Paris Fashion Week on July 7 in Paris, France.

*Photo Credit: Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images*

By GRACE GILSON/JTA
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868400