diplomacy, economy, international relations, politics, trade

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

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

**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

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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

business, india, markets, real estate, urban development

Mumbai’s Residential Market Records 9% YoY Growth In Q3, Reveals Knight Frank Report

Leave a comment

In its latest report, **‘India Real Estate: Residential and Office Q3 2024 (July – September 2024)’**, Knight Frank India revealed significant growth trends in Mumbai’s real estate market.

### Mumbai’s Residential Market Leads with Highest Sales

Mumbai’s residential market recorded the highest sales among eight major Indian cities, with **24,222 units sold**, marking a **9% year-on-year (YoY) growth**. During the same period, the city witnessed the launch of **23,677 new residential units**.

The average weighted residential price in Mumbai saw a **6% YoY increase**, reaching **Rs 8,056 per sq ft**, making it the highest residential price in the country.

### Growth Across Price Segments

Mumbai experienced a **10% YoY growth** in the Rs 5 million to 10 million ticket size category during Q3 2024, which contributed to **24% of the city’s total sales**. Meanwhile, the under Rs 5 million segment recorded the highest sales volume, with **10,198 units sold**—representing **42% of total sales**.

The Rs 10 million and above category showed a robust **16% YoY growth**, rising from 7,018 units in Q3 2023 to 8,153 units in Q3 2024.

### Office Space: Record Transactions and Completions

Mumbai also led the office real estate market, reporting the highest number of office space transactions among the eight cities, with **1.93 million sq ft** leased during Q3 2024.

The city’s total office space transactions reached **2.7 million sq ft** during this period, while office completions surged by **167%**, hitting **0.8 million sq ft**.

### Industry Insights from Knight Frank India

Shishir Baijal, Chairman and Managing Director of Knight Frank India, commented,
“**Mumbai’s residential market has sustained its strong momentum in 2024**, supported by steady sales, a solid economic outlook, and stable interest rates, all contributing to positive homebuyer sentiment. With continued stability in socio-economic and political conditions, the upcoming festive season, and the ongoing growth trajectory, we expect a strong close to 2024, with both residential and commercial office transactions hitting record levels.”

### Broader Office Market Trends

The report also highlighted that office space transactions across the country reached **19 million sq ft in Q3 2024**, the highest quarterly absorption since Q1 2018. This reflects an **18% YoY increase** from 16.1 million sq ft in Q3 2023.

Year-to-date leasing stood at **53.7 million sq ft** within the first nine months of 2024, a **27% increase YoY**, putting the market on track to achieve a new annual high.

The strong demand in office space demonstrates business confidence in the Indian economy’s ongoing growth. Additionally, increased interest from GCC countries signals a growing commitment from global enterprises towards India’s business environment.

### Perspective from Ajmera Realty & Infra India Ltd

Dhaval Ajmera, Director at Ajmera Realty & Infra India Ltd, added,
“India’s real estate sector, particularly in cities like Mumbai, is experiencing significant growth due to extensive infrastructural development. Mumbai has seen a strong increase in redevelopment activities, reshaping the skyline of key micro-markets and creating demand in emerging areas. The recognition of real estate as a valuable asset class has also attracted numerous domestic and NRI investors.”

He further noted,
“When it comes to commercial real estate, established locations like BKC and Nariman Point are nearly at peak capacity. However, emerging micro-markets such as Wadala are becoming strong contenders for commercial and retail real estate. The reopening of offices and growth in job opportunities in India’s Silicon Valley are attracting businesses and professionals, driving increases in commercial real estate sales and rental prices in this area.”

“Overall, with strong support from the increased purchasing power of homebuyers and their desire to enhance living conditions, the positive growth trend in the Indian real estate market is expected to continue into the coming year,” Ajmera concluded.

—

**For more updates and insights on India’s real estate sector, stay tuned to Knight Frank India.**
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/mumbais-residential-market-records-9-yoy-growth-in-q3-reveals-knight-frank-report

business, cricket, local sports, sports

Kanga League: Vinayak Bhoir’s All-Round Efforts Help Islam Gymkhana Brush Aside Khar Gymkhana

Leave a comment

All-rounder Vinayak Bhoir played an impressive role with both bat and ball to help Islam Gymkhana secure a win against Khar Gymkhana by gaining the first innings lead in a B Division match of the MCA Dr. H. D. Kanga Cricket League. The match was played at the Islam Gymkhana ground on Wednesday.

Sent in to bat first, Islam Gymkhana amassed a total of 192 runs for 9 wickets in 34.3 overs. Middle-order batsman Bhoir smashed a quick 73 runs off 59 balls, including four boundaries and six sixes. Khar Gymkhana’s medium pacer Abdul Khan was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 6 wickets for 45 runs.

In response, Islam Gymkhana’s bowling attack, led by medium pacer Javed Khan and left-arm spinner Vinayak Bhoir, dismantled Khar Gymkhana. Javed Khan took 4 wickets for 30 runs, while Bhoir picked up 3 for 35. They bowled out Khar Gymkhana for 127 runs in 39.5 overs, gaining a crucial first innings lead.

Islam Gymkhana started their second innings strongly, reaching 25 for 2 in 4.4 overs.

**Brief Scores – B Division:**

– Young Comrade CC: 98 all out in 31.2 overs (Shameet Shetty 28; Sachin Gupta 3/20) & 65 for 5 in 22.5 overs (Mayuresh Tandel 37)
Vs Sind SC: 128 for 4 declared in 30.2 overs (Sai Chavan 45, Sujay Thakkar 28; Shameet Shetty 3/45)
*Result:* Sind SC won on 1st innings lead.

– New Hindu CC: 172 all out in 53.5 overs (Vinay Kunwar 36, Rohit Shukla 28; Sachin Solanki 4/44, Vedant Gurav 3/27)
Vs Sainath SC: 97 all out in 24.2 overs (Jigar Rana 36; Rajesh Sardar 5/23, Jugraj Mehta 4/22)
*Result:* New Hindu CC won on 1st innings lead.

– Islam Gymkhana: 192 for 9 in 34.3 overs (Vinayak Bhoir 73, Sufiyan Shaikh 28, Shashwat Pathak 25; Abdul Khan 6/45) & 25 for 2 in 4.4 overs
Vs Khar Gymkhana: 127 all out in 39.5 overs (Swayam Waghmare 42; Javed Khan 4/30, Vinayak Bhoir 3/35, Hitesh Kadam 3/52)
*Result:* Islam Gymkhana won on 1st innings lead.

– Goregaon Sports Club: 116 all out in 39.4 overs (Rohan Bhosale 43; Kunal Thorat 7/20) & 20 for no loss
Vs Shivaji Park Youngsters SC: 120 for 6 declared in 29 overs (Shubham Shinde 50)
*Result:* Shivaji Park Youngsters won on 1st innings lead.

– Muslim United SC: 195 for 9 in 39.5 overs (Shashikant Kadam 77, Mahamad Yaseen Saudagar 34; Khizar Dafedar 4/55, Harsh Mendon 3/27)
Vs Dadar Union SC: 134 for 6 in 29 overs (Ashay Akre 45, Aadit Degaonkar 31)
*Result:* Match drawn.

– Payyade SC: 144 all out in 41.2 overs (Omkar Ghule 29, Vicky Patil 27, Vedant Gadia 26; Anikit Vishwakarma 3/16, Jagdish Jadhav 3/34, Sandeep Pawar 3/53)
Vs United Cricketers: 118 for 6 in 39.1 overs (Prithvik Pandit 45, Darshan Kamthe 27; Ajay Mishra 5/28)
*Result:* Match drawn.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/kanga-league-vinayak-bhoirs-all-round-efforts-help-islam-gymkhana-brush-aside-khar-gymkhana

accidents, crime, local news, road safety

Mumbai: 67-Year-Old Killed In Wrong-Side Collision On WEH; 16-Yr-Old Dies In Separate Accident After His Electric Scooty Skids At Palm Beach Road

Leave a comment

**Mumbai: Two Separate Fatal Road Accidents Claim Lives in Borivali and Navi Mumbai**

A 67-year-old man lost his life in a tragic road accident in Borivali when a motorcyclist allegedly driving on the wrong side collided head-on with his two-wheeler. In a separate incident in Navi Mumbai, a 16-year-old boy died after his electric scooty skidded on a wet road.

—

### Borivali: Elderly Man Killed in Head-On Collision

On the night of September 19, Anwar Mithani, 67, was riding pillion with his son Yash on their two-wheeler after closing their shoe shop at Carter Road no 7, Borivali East. Around 11:20 pm, as they approached the southbound lane of the Western Express Highway, they were involved in a head-on collision with a motorcycle coming from the wrong direction.

The accused, 24-year-old Aniket Jadhav from Borivali, fled the scene without offering any assistance. Mithani sustained serious injuries to his right leg, head, face, and fingers and was bleeding heavily. Yash also suffered injuries to his hands and legs.

Bystanders helped transport Mithani to Shatabdi Hospital in Kandivali West, where he was under medical care. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead around 11:30 am the following day.

The Kasturba police traced and arrested Jadhav four days later. An FIR has been filed against him under sections 106(1) (causing death by negligence), 125(a) (act endangering life), and 281 (rash driving) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act.

—

### Navi Mumbai: Teen Dies After Electric Scooty Skids on Wet Road

In another fatal mishap, 16-year-old Shivam Patil died after his electric scooty skidded on the wet Palm Beach Road in Navi Mumbai. Patil, a class 10 student and resident of Nerul, was returning home along with his friend Sahil Bavliya, also 16.

Earlier in the evening, the duo attended karate classes in Seawoods and decided to stop by Sanpada for snacks. Around 8 pm, as they were heading back home, it had rained slightly, making the road slippery.

Patil was riding an electric scooty belonging to his father and was not wearing a helmet at the time. According to Police Sub-Inspector Amol Munde of Sanpada police station, the bike skidded, causing Patil to fall and hit his head on a metallic road barricade, resulting in fatal injuries.

Patil was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Bavliya sustained a fractured hand and abrasions and is currently receiving treatment at Vashi municipal hospital.

Patil has been posthumously booked for rash driving and causing death due to negligence.

—

Both incidents underscore the urgent need for road safety awareness, adherence to traffic rules, and protective measures like helmet use to prevent such tragic losses.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-67-year-old-killed-in-wrong-side-collision-on-weh-16-yr-old-dies-in-separate-accident-after-his-electric-scooty-skids-at-palm-beach-road

Exit mobile version