budget, government, law, politics, regional

Ogun Assembly receives Abiodun’s request seeking approval for 2026-2028 MTEF

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Ogun State House of Assembly has acknowledged a correspondence from the State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, seeking approval for the 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the state.

The Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, on Friday stated that the request aligns with the Ogun State Fiscal Responsibility Law of 2020 (as amended).

DAILY POST reports that the governor’s letter is titled “Request for the Approval of the 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) by the State House of Assembly.”

According to the letter, the Executive Council has reviewed and endorsed the prepared 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework. Governor Abiodun urged the Assembly to consider and approve the framework to facilitate the planning and budgetary process for the 2026 fiscal year, as well as the outer years of 2027 and 2028.

Following this, the Speaker referred the request to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriations for further legislative action.
https://dailypost.ng/2025/09/26/ogun-assembly-receives-abioduns-request-seeking-approval-for-2026-2028-mtef/

media, politics, public figures

‘One Of My Statements Was Edited’: Ruta Awhad Clarifies After Comparing Abdul Kalam To Osama Bin Laden

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Just hours after her video comparing former Indian president Abdul Kalam to Al Qaeda terrorist Osama Bin Laden went viral, Ruta Awhad, wife of Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) MLA Jitendra Awhad, sought to clarify her statement.

As reported by news agency ANI, Awhad blamed editing for her statements being taken out of context. Regarding her statement urging people to read Osama Bin Laden’s autobiography, she said that she was encouraging youngsters to take their minds off mobile phones and read books.

“…Nobody is good or bad by birth but he became so bad…” she said, as quoted by ANI.

### What Did Ruta Awhad Say Previously?

Awhad’s video created quite a stir. In the clip, she can be heard saying in Hindi:
“Read the biography of Osama Bin Laden. Just like APJ Abdul Kalam became Kalam Saheb, Osama became a terrorist. But why did he become a terrorist? He was not born one. Society made him one. He became a terrorist out of frustration.”

### BJP’s Response

The BJP went on the offensive following Ruta Awhad’s comment. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the INDIA alliance of having a ‘soft corner’ for terrorists.

In a press conference, he mentioned a list of Opposition leaders and accused them of supporting terrorists like Ajmal Amir Kasab, Afzal Guru, and more.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/one-of-my-statements-was-edited-ruta-awhad-clarifies-after-comparing-abdul-kalam-to-osama-bin-laden-video

accident, construction, traffic, transportation, urban development

Thane: 1 Injured As Truck Carrying Iron Materials For Metro Construction Overturns On Honda Car On Ghodbunder Road; Video Surfaces

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**Accident on Ghodbunder Road: Truck Overturns onto Car, Driver Injured**

Thane: An accident occurred on Friday afternoon in Thane’s Ghodbunder Road area, involving a truck transporting iron materials for Metro Rail construction. The truck overturned onto a Honda Elevate car, causing significant damage.

The incident took place at Kajupada in the Ghodbunder Road area. Visuals circulating on the internet show the iron rods-laden truck tilted over the Honda car, with the driver’s side of the vehicle completely crushed under the truck’s weight.

The driver of the car was injured in the accident. However, details regarding the extent of the injuries sustained by the car driver are currently unknown. Similarly, there is no information available about the condition of the truck driver.

This is a developing story, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/thane-1-injured-as-truck-carrying-iron-materials-for-metro-construction-overturns-on-honda-car-on-ghodbunder-road-video-surfaces

diplomacy, economy, international relations, politics, trade

Trump says Ireland and US will ‘work closely’ as new embassy opens in Washington

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US President Donald Trump expressed his eagerness to “work closely” with Ireland to strengthen the long-standing relationship between the two nations.

This announcement coincided with Tanaiste Simon Harris formally opening the new offices of the Irish Embassy in the United States, located in Washington, DC. The new Embassy, situated on Pennsylvania Avenue next to the White House, was warmly welcomed by President Trump, who emphasized his commitment to advancing fair trade policies and investment opportunities that benefit the citizens of both countries.

Speaking in Washington, DC, the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade said:
“I want to thank President Trump for his kind words as we begin to write the next chapter in the great story of Ireland-US relations. These offices at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, next to the White House, represent the culmination of a nearly four-year project to realize a significant commitment of the Global Ireland Strategy and National Development Plan.”

He continued, “This will be an excellent base from which to grow our vital political, economic, and cultural ties with the US over the years ahead. Our ambition stretches beyond Washington, DC too. The Government has deepened its investment in our diplomatic platform across the United States recently, with new Ireland Houses in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, as well as new Consulates in Los Angeles and Miami.”

Mr. Harris also announced the launch of an economic impact report that maps Ireland’s economic footprint across the US. The report highlights the remarkable impact of the Ireland-US partnership in trade, employment, research, tourism, and investment.

Ireland is now the 5th largest source of foreign direct investment in America, with Irish companies creating more than 200,000 American jobs.

This growing collaboration promises a continued strengthening of ties and mutual prosperity between Ireland and the United States.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/trump-says-ireland-and-us-will-work-closely-as-new-embassy-opens-in-washington-1811131.html

general

Trump says Ireland and US will ‘work closely’ as new embassy opens in Washington

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Tánaiste Simon Harris officially opened the new offices of the Irish Embassy in the United States on Thursday.

The ceremony took place in Washington, DC, marking a significant milestone in Ireland’s diplomatic presence in the region.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/trump-says-ireland-and-us-will-work-closely-as-new-embassy-opens-in-washington-1811131.html

bollywood, cinema, entertainment, film, visuals

LEAKED footage from Cocktail 2 gives a glimpse of Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna on Sicily streets

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The much-anticipated *Cocktail 2* has found itself in the spotlight after a leaked video from the film’s Sicily schedule began circulating online. The footage shows Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, joined by co-star Rashmika Mandanna, strolling through the picturesque streets of Sicily as the crew films around them.

According to earlier reports, the makers had planned a lavish song sequence in Italy, and the latest visuals appear to confirm that. Shot against stunning seaside backdrops, the sequence reportedly features grand choreography and vibrant aesthetics, aimed at recapturing the freshness of the original *Cocktail*.

An insider told Mid-Day, “The idea is to not only create a visually stunning number with Shahid and Kriti, but also match the freshness of the original *Cocktail*. The song is likely to be shot in the last week of September.”

Director Homi Adajania has dedicated an entire month to filming in Sicily, with beach sequences playing a pivotal role in the narrative. A source from the production added, “The director has set some key moments on Sicily’s beaches. Homi wants to capture the warmth of the setting as he feels it will lend a beautiful mood to the sequences.”

After wrapping up the Italy schedule, the team is expected to return to Mumbai next month. The second leg of filming will begin post-Diwali, with *Cocktail 2* slated for a 2026 release.

—

**Also Read:**
[Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon set Sicily ablaze with grand song shoot for Cocktail 2]

**More Pages:**
– Cocktail 2 Box Office Collection
– BOLLYWOOD NEWS LIVE UPDATES
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/leaked-footage-cocktail-2-gives-glimpse-shahid-kapoor-kriti-sanon-rashmika-mandanna-sicily-streets/

general

BSP prefers ‘case-by-case’ review of thrift bank liquidity relief

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MANILA, Philippines — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will evaluate requests from thrift banks to ease liquidity requirements on an individual basis.

The regulator is opting against a blanket approach to better reflect differences in each lender’s liquidity profile and operations.

Suzanne Felix, executive director of the Chamber of Thrift Banks (CTB), told the

https://business.inquirer.net/548663/bsp-prefers-case-by-case-review-of-thrift-bank-liquidity-relief

defense, india, military

MiG-21 Retires: India Bids Farewell To IAF’s Iconic Fighter Jet During Decommissioning Ceremony Held In Chandigarh; VIDEO

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**Indian Air Force’s Legendary MiG-21 Decommissioned in Chandigarh**

Chandigarh: The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) iconic MiG-21 fighter jet was officially decommissioned on Friday, September 26, in a grand ceremony held in Chandigarh. The event was graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and other senior IAF officials.

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh flew the last sortie of the squadron with the call sign ‘Badal 3’. The formation included three aircraft flying in the Badal formation and four in the Panther formation. Squadron Leader Priya Sharma also flew alongside Air Chief Marshal Singh, marking a memorable finale.

Adding to the spectacle, the IAF’s elite skydiving team, ‘Akash Ganga,’ performed a breathtaking display by skydiving from a height of 8,000 feet, captivating the audience below.

### Full Decommissioning Ceremony

The skydiving event was followed by a majestic flypast of MiG-21 aircraft, accompanied by a precision drill display by the air warrior team and an aerial salute. The famous Surya Kiran aerobatic team also enthralled attendees with their exquisite maneuvers.

Prominent guests at the ceremony included former IAF Chiefs S.P. Tyagi and B.S. Dhanoa. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), was also present to witness this historic moment.

### MiG-21’s Legacy

The MiG-21 holds a special place in India’s aviation history as the country’s first supersonic jets. These aircraft served in the Indian Air Force for over six decades and were the backbone of India’s air defence during the 1960s and 1970s.

The fighter jet played critical roles in key military operations, including the 1999 Kargil conflict and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. However, over time, the MiG-21 earned the unfortunate nickname ‘Flying Coffin’ due to a rising number of crashes and safety concerns.

### LCA Tejas Mk-1A to Replace MiG-21

With the retirement of the MiG-21, the IAF’s fighter squadron strength is expected to reduce to 29 squadrons from the sanctioned strength of 42. To bridge this gap, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A, the most advanced version of the Tejas, will be inducted.

Recently, the Ministry of Defence signed a landmark contract worth Rs 62,370 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to procure 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft for the IAF. The new fighters will feature 64% indigenous content and come equipped with state-of-the-art systems, including the Uttam active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, the Swayam Raksha Kavach electronic warfare suite, and advanced flight actuators.

The decommissioning of the MiG-21 marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the Indian Air Force with cutting-edge indigenous technology leading the way.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/mig-21-retires-india-bids-farewell-to-iafs-iconic-fighter-jet-during-decommissioning-ceremony-held-in-chandigarh

economy, international relations, manufacturing, politics, trade

Trump imposes 100 pc tariff on imported drugs without US manufacturing base

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Former President Donald Trump has clarified the scope of his recent tariff measures, stating that companies that have already begun construction of plants in the U.S. will be exempt from the new pharmaceutical tariffs. In a post, he wrote, “There will, therefore, be no Tariff on these Pharmaceutical Products if construction has started. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Trump also announced sweeping tariffs on a variety of household products, including imported kitchen cabinets and certain types of furniture, potentially adding to the rising costs in this category seen in recent months. According to CNN, Trump detailed the new tariffs in a Truth Social post, stating:

“We will be imposing a 50 percent Tariff on all Kitchen Cabinets, Bathroom Vanities, and associated products, starting October 1st, 2025. Additionally, we will be charging a 30 percent Tariff on Upholstered Furniture.”

These tariffs come amidst a notable increase in furniture prices over the past year. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that overall furniture costs rose 4.7 percent compared to August 2024. Specifically, living room and dining room furniture prices jumped 9.5 percent over the last 12 months.

The surge in furniture prices is closely linked to recent tariff hikes on imports from China and Vietnam, the two largest sources of imported furniture into the U.S. Last year, both countries exported approximately USD 12 billion worth of furniture and fixtures, according to data from the U.S. Commerce Department. Notably, furniture prices had generally declined for about two and a half years before these tariffs were introduced.

Trump defended the tariffs, arguing that foreign manufacturers have been oversupplying the U.S. market. He described the large-scale “flooding” of products from other countries as “a very unfair practice,” emphasizing the need to protect U.S. manufacturing for national security and other reasons.

Meanwhile, new tariff rates affecting dozens of countries were introduced in August, following delays that allowed time for trade negotiations. These include:

– 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods, with an additional 25 percent penalty for trade related to Russia
– 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian goods
– 30 percent tariffs on South African goods
– 20 percent tariffs on Vietnamese goods
– 15 percent tariffs on Japanese goods
– 15 percent tariffs on South Korean goods

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove content at their absolute discretion and without prior notice.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/donald-trump-announces-100-per-cent-tariff-on-imported-pharmaceuticals-without-us-based-manufacturing-plants-23595880

general

PAL lines up nonstop Cebu-Guam flights for December

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MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is boosting its Visayas network with the launch of nonstop flights between Cebu and Guam beginning Dec. 16.

In a statement Friday, the air carrier said the new routes, using its Airbus A321ceo aircraft, would run thrice weekly.

READ: PAL A321ceo retrofit takes off

Introducing this new service marks a significant expansion of PAL’s operations in the region, offering more convenient travel options for passengers between the Visayas and Guam.

https://business.inquirer.net/549352/pal-lines-up-nonstop-cebu-guam-flights-for-december

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