Category Archives: politics

Russia proposes Su-57 production in India: Report

**Russia Proposes Su-57 Production in India: Report**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 22, 2025 | 05:48 PM*

**What’s the Story?**

Russia has proposed to India the supply and local production of its fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets, according to the Russian news agency TASS. This proposal comes as Russia prepares to complete the delivery of five S-400 “Triumf” surface-to-air missile systems to India by 2026.

Dmitry Shugayev, head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, confirmed that discussions are underway for acquiring additional S-400 systems, signaling deepening defense collaboration between the two nations.

**Defense Collaboration: S-400 Deliveries and Beyond**

The $5.5 billion deal for five S-400 systems, signed in 2018, aims to bolster India’s air defense capabilities and counter China’s growing military presence. Despite earlier delays, the final two S-400 units are now expected to be delivered by 2026 and 2027.

Between 2020 and 2024, Russia accounted for approximately 36% of India’s weapons imports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). France and Israel followed closely, supplying 33% and 13% respectively.

India’s armed forces have successfully employed the S-400 system during ‘Operation Sindoor’ in May 2025, intercepting incoming missiles from Pakistan. This operation highlighted the system’s crucial role in India’s air defense strategy.

**A Strategic Defense Alliance**

India and Russia share a long-standing defense partnership, including licensed production of T-90 tanks and Su-30 MKI fighter jets. The two countries have also collaborated on significant projects like the BrahMos missile system.

The recent proposal concerning the Su-57 fighter jet production in India further cements this strategic alliance, potentially enhancing India’s indigenous manufacturing capabilities and modernizing its air force fleet.

**Political Dynamics: Steadfast Ties Amid Global Pressure**

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the strong ties between India and Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin described Modi as a “dear friend,” to which the Indian leader responded by emphasizing that the two countries stand “side by side even in difficult times.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov acknowledged India’s resistance to Western pressure aimed at curbing purchases of Russian resources. This steadfast relationship indicates a mutual commitment to continued cooperation despite shifting geopolitical dynamics.

**Conclusion**

With the proposed Su-57 fighter jet production in India and ongoing S-400 missile system deliveries, the Russia-India defense partnership is entering a new phase of cooperation. This development not only strengthens India’s military capabilities but also reinforces the strategic bond between the two nations amid complex global challenges.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/russia-proposes-su-57-production-in-india-report/story

‘Very heavy times’: Angelina Jolie reacts to free speech decline

**‘Very Heavy Times’: Angelina Jolie Reacts to Free Speech Decline**

*By Shreya Mukherjee | Sep 22, 2025, 05:30 PM*

Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie recently voiced her concerns regarding the state of free speech in the United States. Speaking at Spain’s San Sebastian Film Festival, Jolie remarked, “I love my country, but at this time, I don’t recognize my country.” Although she refrained from naming specific individuals or providing detailed context, her comments come amid ongoing controversy surrounding Disney and ABC’s decision to suspend *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* indefinitely.

### Free Speech Concerns

Jolie elaborated on her fears both as an artist and as an American, emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression. She stated, “My worldview is equal, united and international. Anything anywhere that divides or limits personal expressions and freedoms from anyone, I think, is very dangerous. These are such serious times that we have to be careful not to say things casually. These are very, very heavy times we are living in together.”

### Support for Jimmy Kimmel from Disney Stars

The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel has sparked discontent among numerous Disney stars and Hollywood figures. Mark Ruffalo, known for his role as the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, took to Threads to warn that Disney’s stock could “go down a lot further if they cancel” Kimmel’s show permanently.

Pedro Pascal, star of Disney’s *Fantastic Four: First Steps* and other upcoming projects, expressed his support for Kimmel on Instagram. Additionally, Tatiana Maslany and Damon Lindelof have publicly voiced their disagreement with the suspension.

### Why Was Jimmy Kimmel Suspended?

The indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel followed criticism from Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), who condemned Kimmel’s remarks about the aftermath of the fatal shooting of conservative speaker Charlie Kirk. This triggered a social media backlash that ultimately led to ABC — owned by Disney — putting Kimmel’s show on hold.

As debates surrounding free speech continue to ignite strong emotions, many in Hollywood and beyond watch closely how these tensions unfold in the entertainment industry and the broader society.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/don-t-recognize-my-country-says-angelina-after-kimmel-speech-outcome/story

Israeli drone strikes kill five, including children, in southern Lebanon

An Israeli drone strike killed five people, including three children, in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil on Sunday, Lebanon’s health ministry reported.

Israel has frequently targeted what it calls Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon since a US-brokered truce between Lebanon and Israel took effect in November. This truce followed more than a year of conflict sparked by the war in Gaza.

According to Lebanon’s state news agency, the strike hit a motorbike and a vehicle, wounding two others. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stated that a father and his three children were among the dead, with the mother wounded. He added that the family held US citizenship.

The Israeli military confirmed that it killed a Hezbollah member in the strike but acknowledged that “several uninvolved civilians were killed.” In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expressed regret over any harm caused to uninvolved individuals and said it operates to minimize such harm as much as possible. The incident is currently under review.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attack in a post on X, describing it as a “blatant crime against civilians and a message of intimidation aimed at our people returning to their villages in the south.”

Lebanon is under pressure from the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Hezbollah’s domestic rivals to disarm the Iranian-backed group. However, Hezbollah has stated that discussing disarmament would be a serious misstep while Israel continues airstrikes on Lebanon and occupies swaths of territory in the south.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/update-2-israeli-drone-strikes-kill-five-including-children-in-southern-lebanon-1809505.html

North Korea can talk to US if it stops insisting on denuclearisation, Kim says

North Korea Open to Talks with US if Denuclearization Demand is Dropped, Says Kim Jong Un

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has indicated that his country could resume talks with the United States if Washington abandons its insistence on denuclearization. Reflecting on past interactions, Kim recalled fond memories of former President Donald Trump.

In a statement released during a meeting of the Supreme People’s Assembly at the Mansudae Assembly Hall in Pyongyang, Kim emphasized the potential for renewed dialogue under the right conditions.

The comments were published on September 22, 2025, by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency, signaling a possible shift in Pyongyang’s approach to diplomatic engagement with the US.

https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868317

‘Your children could be home tomorrow’: Mediator says Hamas ready for talks

Your Children Could Be Home Tomorrow: Mediator Says Hamas Ready for Talks

“I received indications from Hamas that they are prepared to resume negotiations immediately,” said Bishara Bahbah in a January 2024 interview.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons / Medyascope TV

By MAARIV ONLINE

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-868291

Bangladesh Cricket Board elections on October 6, Tamim raises concerns

**Bangladesh Cricket Board Elections Scheduled for October 6; Tamim Iqbal Raises Concerns**

*By Rajdeep Saha | September 21, 2025, 9:55 PM*

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections are set to take place on October 6, as announced today by the country’s Election Commission. In this election, the general members body, known as the councilors, will elect 23 out of the 25 board directors. Following this, a BCB president will be chosen from the 25 directors to serve a four-year term.

**Tamim Iqbal Alleges Interference in Election Process**

Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, who recently declared his intention to run for a position, has raised serious concerns about the election process. During a press conference in Dhaka held alongside other candidates and former BCB directors, Tamim accused the current BCB president, Nazmul Hassan, of “interference” in the elections.

Tamim criticized Nazmul Hassan for unilaterally extending the deadline for nomination submissions twice. He pointed out that a letter dated September 18, signed by Nazmul himself to extend the deadline, was not issued by the BCB’s chief executive. “The election commission has been in charge since their appointment. The BCB president extended the nomination deadline twice,” Tamim stated.

**Concerns Over Violation of BCB Constitution**

Tamim further alleged that the BCB’s constitution was breached when board representatives from eight divisions and 64 districts were nominated by an ad-hoc committee. He expressed that this nomination process conflicted with the established constitution, describing the entire procedure as a “selection” rather than a true election.

“If elections are conducted this way, it is no longer an election but a selection. Elections should be open and fair for everyone,” Tamim emphasized.

**Call for Fairness and Integrity**

Tamim appealed to the authorities to respect the original list of councilors. “I hope that those declared as councilors on September 17 remain unchanged. There should be no modifications,” he urged, stressing the need for a transparent and fair election process.

The election schedule includes the publication of a draft voter list on September 22, followed by the final list on September 25.

**Overview of the BCB Election Process**

The upcoming BCB election will proceed in three categories:

1. **Division and District Directors**: 10 directors will be elected from divisions and districts across Bangladesh.

2. **Dhaka Clubs Representatives**: 12 directors will be elected from representatives of Dhaka’s cricket clubs.

3. **Special Category Director**: One director will be elected from former cricketers, national captains, security forces, and councilors nominated by the National Sports Council.

Additionally, the Bangladesh government will appoint two directors to serve on the board.

As election day approaches, all eyes remain on the BCB and the Election Commission to ensure that the process is conducted fairly and transparently for the betterment of Bangladesh cricket.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/tamim-iqbal-raises-concerns-ahead-of-bcb-elections/story

MK Ayman Odeh to submit bill to Knesset to recognize Palestinian state

MK Ayman Odeh to Submit Bill to Knesset to Recognize Palestinian State

MK Ayman Odeh has announced his intention to submit a bill to the Knesset aimed at recognizing the Palestinian state. Odeh welcomed the recent trilateral recognition efforts and expressed his views on the Palestinian people, stating, “The Palestinian people are not the best people in the world, but there is no people in the world better than them.”

Odeh was seen attending a Hadash-Ta’al faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on June 30, 2025.

(Photo credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-868288

Asia Cup: Sahibzada Farhan’s gun gesture after half-century draws flak

**Asia Cup 2025: Sahibzada Farhan’s Gun Gesture After Half-Century Draws Flak**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 21, 2025, 09:53 pm*

Pakistan cricketer Sahibzada Farhan has come under fire for his controversial celebration during the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash against India. After scoring a stylish half-century, Farhan made a gun firing gesture towards his dugout, a move that sparked widespread criticism and outrage.

The incident has been particularly sensitive given the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent Indian citizens at the hands of Pakistan-based militants. Many fans took to social media to express their disappointment over Farhan’s actions, interpreting the gesture as an insensitive provocation.

**The Controversial Celebration**

Farhan reached his 50 runs in impressive fashion during the match on September 21, hitting a massive six off Axar Patel in the 10th over. However, instead of a standard celebration, Farhan’s firing gun gesture quickly drew sharp attention and backlash online, overshadowing his performance.

**Reactions from Fans**

Social media users reacted swiftly to Farhan’s gesture, condemning it for being inappropriate amidst the recent tragic events. One disappointed fan wrote, “Disappointed with Sahibzada Farhan’s gun gesture after his 50 in the IND vs PAK match. Felt like a jab at India’s hospitality.” Another user added, “Sahibzada Farhan showing how his brothers killed innocent tourists in Pahalgam through his half-century celebration.”

**Match Summary**

On the field, Pakistan faced challenges early in their innings at the Dubai International Stadium. They lost three wickets during the powerplay. Farhan himself was eventually dismissed by Indian all-rounder Shivam Dube for 58 runs off 45 balls.

Dube had earlier taken the wicket of Saim Ayub, who scored 21 runs. Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman’s innings ended controversially when he was caught behind by Sanju Samson off Hardik Pandya’s bowling. Additionally, Kuldeep Yadav took the wicket of Hussain Talat as India aimed to keep Pakistan’s score in check during this crucial Super 4 match.

The Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan always carries intense emotions on and off the field, but Farhan’s celebration has heightened debates around sportsmanship and respect amid ongoing political sensitivities.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/pakistan-cricketer-sahibzada-farhan-s-gun-gesture-anger-fans/story

Asia Cup: Sahibzada Farhan’s gun gesture after half-century draws flak

**Asia Cup: Sahibzada Farhan’s Gun Gesture After Half-Century Draws Flak**

*By Rajdeep Saha | September 21, 2025, 9:53 PM*

Pakistan cricketer Sahibzada Farhan’s celebration following his half-century in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash against India has sparked widespread criticism and controversy.

During the match held on September 21 at the Dubai International Stadium, Farhan reached his 50 runs in style by smashing a huge six off India’s Axar Patel in the 10th over, injecting momentum into Pakistan’s innings. However, his subsequent celebration raised eyebrows — Farhan made a firing gun gesture pointed towards his dugout.

This act quickly drew backlash on social media, given the sensitive context. The incident occurred only months after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 innocent Indian tourists lost their lives in an assault claimed to be carried out by Pakistan-based militants. Many fans interpreted Farhan’s gesture as highly inappropriate and disrespectful in light of recent events.

**Public Reaction and Outrage**

Social media users were swift to express their disappointment and anger over Farhan’s celebration. One fan tweeted, “Disappointed with Sahibzada Farhan’s gun gesture after his 50 in the Ind vs Pak match. Felt like a jab at India’s hospitality.” Another harshly commented, “Sahibzada Farhan showing how his brothers killed innocent tourists in Pahalgam through his half-century celebration.”

The gesture not only overshadowed Farhan’s on-field performance but also intensified tensions between cricket fans amid the longstanding rivalry between the two nations.

**Match Summary**

In the Super 4 clash, Pakistan faced early setbacks as they lost three wickets in the powerplay overs. Farhan gave a fighting effort, scoring 58 runs off 45 balls before being dismissed by Shivam Dube.

Earlier wickets included Saim Ayub, who was taken out by Dube after scoring 21, and Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman, controversially caught behind by Sanju Samson off Hardik Pandya’s bowling. Kuldeep Yadav also claimed the wicket of Hussain Talat as India aimed to restrict Pakistan’s scoring.

The match remains a high-stakes encounter as both teams compete fiercely in the Asia Cup tournament.

*Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis of the Asia Cup 2025.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/pakistan-cricketer-sahibzada-farhan-s-gun-gesture-anger-fans/story

Palestinian foreign minister says recognition brings independence, sovereignty closer

Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian stated that the recognition of a Palestinian state by several countries this week represents an irreversible step that brings independence and sovereignty closer. This move is seen as preserving the two-state solution, which remains a critical goal for peace in the region.

Countries recognizing a Palestinian state are contributing to the realization of long-standing aspirations for Palestinian self-determination. Such diplomatic developments highlight growing international support for a negotiated settlement based on two states, living side by side in peace and security.

Photo credit: REUTERS/BORUT ZIVULOVIC

https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868276