Category Archives: politics

CM Yogi Offers Prayers At Kashi Vishwanath, Kashi Kotwal & Kaal Bhairav Temples On Sharad Purnima

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Varanasi, October 6: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who also holds the title of Gorakshpeethadhipati, visited and worshipped at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham and the ‘Kashi Kotwal’ Kaal Bhairav temples on Monday, marking the auspicious occasion of Sharad Purnima.

The Chief Minister performed the Shodashopachar puja in the sanctum sanctorum of Kashi Vishwanath and offered prayers at the Kaal Bhairav temple seeking the prosperity of the state.

During his visit, CM Yogi also greeted devotees, blessed a newborn child, and distributed chocolates to children, taking a moment to inquire about their studies. He formally inaugurated the Ganga Aarti at Namo Ghat, adding a personal touch to the spiritual proceedings.

Devotees expressed their enthusiasm by chanting “Har Har Mahadev” upon seeing the Chief Minister at the temples.

The prayers were attended by several dignitaries including Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, Minister of State for Stamps (Independent Charge) Ravindra Jaiswal, Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) Dr. Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’, Legislative Council Member Dharmendra Singh, and MLAs Dr. Neelkanth Tiwari, Dr. Awadhesh Singh, and T. Ram.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/uttar-pradesh/cm-yogi-offers-prayers-at-kashi-vishwanath-kashi-kotwal-kaal-bhairav-temples-on-sharad-purnima

‘Benefits India’: Russian expert backs RD-93 engines sale to Pakistan

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**‘Benefits India’: Russian Expert Backs RD-93 Engines Sale to Pakistan**

*By Snehil Singh | Oct 06, 2025, 03:45 PM*

A recent report on the sale of Russian RD-93 engines to Pakistan for its JF-17 aircraft has stirred significant debate. However, a Russian defense expert has come forward to defend the deal, suggesting it could actually benefit India in unexpected ways.

**Strategic Insight from Russia**

Pyotr Topychkanov, head of the Section on New Challenges in South and Southeast Asia at Moscow’s Primakov Institute, emphasized that the reported transaction highlights China and Pakistan’s continued reliance on Russian technology.

According to Topychkanov, “Firstly, it shows that China and Pakistan haven’t yet managed to replace the Russian-origin engine. Secondly, the new aircraft will be familiar and predictable to India, especially since they share the same engine and India observed the JF-17’s operational use during the May 2025 crisis (Operation Sindoor).”

He argued that this predictability could offer India a strategic advantage in anticipating JF-17 capabilities given the shared engine technology.

**Conflicting Reports from Moscow**

Despite these assertions, another senior Russian source denied any confirmation of such a deal. In a conversation with WION, the insider called the reports illogical for serious observers monitoring India-Russia defense relations.

The source also suggested that these rumors might be driven by ulterior motives, potentially aiming to undermine the promising cooperation ahead of upcoming high-level engagements between the countries.

**Political Controversy in India**

The alleged engine sale has sparked political backlash in India. The opposition Congress party has heavily criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for allegedly allowing Russia to supply advanced RD-93 engines to Pakistan.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned why Russia would provide military support to Pakistan while India continues to purchase S-400 missile systems and negotiate for Su-57 stealth fighters from Moscow. He condemned the government for what he described as a lack of vigilance in safeguarding India’s strategic interests.

**BJP Stands Firm**

In response, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended the Modi government against these allegations, labeling the reports as “reckless information warfare.”

Amit Malviya, head of BJP’s IT cell, cited a report that included Russia’s clarification on the matter. He accused Ramesh of spreading unsubstantiated claims on social media based on content from a website known for pro-Pakistan propaganda.

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The debate over the RD-93 engine sale continues to fuel discussions on India-Russia-Pakistan defense dynamics, highlighting the complex nature of geopolitical alliances and regional security concerns.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/russian-expert-defends-rd-93-sale-to-pakistan/story

‘Benefits India’: Russian expert backs RD-93 engines sale to Pakistan

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**‘Benefits India’: Russian Expert Backs RD-93 Engines Sale to Pakistan**

*By Snehil Singh | October 6, 2025, 3:45 PM*

A recent report about Russia supplying RD-93 engines to Pakistan for its JF-17 aircraft has sparked intense debate. However, a Russian defense expert has come forward defending the move, suggesting it could actually benefit India in unexpected ways.

**Strategic Insight from Russia**

Pyotr Topychkanov, head of the Section on New Challenges in South and Southeast Asia at Moscow’s Primakov Institute, shed light on the potential strategic implications of the deal. According to him, if the sale is indeed going ahead, it reveals an important dynamic — China and Pakistan remain dependent on Russian technology despite efforts to diversify.

Topychkanov explained, “Firstly, it shows that China and Pakistan haven’t yet managed to replace the Russian-origin engine. Secondly, the new aircraft will be familiar and predictable to India, especially since they share the same engine. India also observed the JF-17’s operational use during the May 2025 crisis (Operation Sindoor).”

This familiarity could give India a tactical advantage by making the behavior and performance of Pakistan’s JF-17 fleet more predictable in combat scenarios.

**Denial from Another Russian Source**

Despite Topychkanov’s comments, a senior Russian insider has denied any official confirmation of the RD-93 engine supply to Pakistan. Speaking exclusively to WION, the source called the rumors “illogical” and suggested they might be attempts to disrupt growing ties between Russia and India, especially in light of upcoming high-level engagements.

**Political Fallout in India**

The alleged deal has also ignited political controversy domestically. The Indian National Congress party has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for failing to prevent Russia from supporting Pakistan militarily.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned the logic behind Russia supplying advanced engines to Pakistan while India continues to procure Russian defense systems like the S-400 missile system and negotiates for Su-57 stealth fighters.

**BJP’s Defense of the Government**

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dismissed the allegations as baseless and part of a “reckless information warfare” campaign. Amit Malviya, BJP’s IT cell head, referenced Russia’s clarification on the matter and accused Ramesh of spreading misinformation based on reports from sources with a known pro-Pakistan bias.

**Conclusion**

While the controversy continues, the discourse highlights the complex interplay of defense diplomacy and strategic calculations in South Asia. Whether or not the RD-93 engines are being supplied to Pakistan, the debate underscores the sensitivity surrounding military technology transfers and the geopolitical ramifications for the region.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/russian-expert-defends-rd-93-sale-to-pakistan/story

‘Benefits India’: Russian expert backs RD-93 engines sale to Pakistan

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**‘Benefits India’: Russian Expert Supports Reported Sale of RD-93 Engines to Pakistan**

*By Snehil Singh | Oct 06, 2025, 3:45 PM*

A recent report about Russia potentially supplying RD-93 engines to Pakistan for its JF-17 fighter aircraft has sparked significant discussion. While the news has caused controversy in India, a Russian defense expert asserts that such a deal could actually offer strategic benefits to India.

**Russian Expert Highlights Strategic Advantage**

Pyotr Topychkanov, head of the Section on New Challenges in South and Southeast Asia at Moscow’s Primakov Institute, defended the reported sale. He emphasized that if true, the deal underscores China and Pakistan’s continued dependence on Russian technology.

Topychkanov explained that this dependence works in India’s favor by making the JF-17 aircraft more predictable. “Firstly, it shows that China and Pakistan haven’t yet managed to replace the Russian-origin engine. Secondly, the new aircraft will be familiar and predictable to India, especially since they share the same engine and India observed the JF-17’s operational use during the May 2025 crisis (Operation Sindoor),” he stated.

**Contradictory Reports on Engine Sale**

Despite the expert’s comments, a senior Russian official denied any confirmation of the RD-93 engine supply deal to Pakistan. In a conversation with WION, the insider labeled the rumors as illogical, especially for those closely monitoring major defense deals between Russia and India. The source suggested that these reports might be driven by ulterior motives aimed at undermining promising cooperation ahead of high-level diplomatic contacts.

**Political Fallout in India**

The alleged deal has ignited political controversy within India. The opposition Congress party has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for failing to prevent the sale of advanced RD-93 engines to Pakistan. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned why Russia would continue offering military support to Pakistan while India is actively procuring sophisticated defense equipment like the S-400 missile systems and negotiating for the Su-57 stealth fighters from Moscow.

In response, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended the government, dismissing the reports as “reckless information warfare.” BJP IT-cell head Amit Malviya cited Russia’s clarification on the matter and accused Congress leaders of making baseless accusations based on sources known for pro-Pakistan propaganda.

—

This developing story highlights the complex interplay of defense diplomacy, strategic interests, and political narratives shaping India-Russia-Pakistan relations. Further official updates are awaited to clarify the situation.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/russian-expert-defends-rd-93-sale-to-pakistan/story

Bihar election to be held on November 6 and 11

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**Bihar Assembly Elections Scheduled for November 6 and 11**

*By Chanshimla Varah | October 6, 2025, 4:36 PM*

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that the Bihar Assembly elections will be conducted in two phases on November 6 and November 11, 2025. The results are expected to be declared on November 14.

The current 243-member Bihar Assembly’s term concludes on November 22, making it mandatory to hold elections before that date. The election schedule aligns with political parties’ requests to hold polls after the Chhath Puja festival to boost voter turnout.

### Bypolls to be Held Alongside Second Phase

On November 11, alongside the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, eight Assembly bypolls will take place. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar confirmed that results for both the general elections and bypolls will be announced on November 14.

The bypolls will be held for the following seats:

– Budgam and Nagrota (Jammu and Kashmir)
– Anta (Rajasthan)
– Ghatsila (ST) (Jharkhand)
– Jubilee Hills (Telangana)
– Tarn Taran (Punjab)
– Dampa (ST) (Mizoram)
– Nuapada (Odisha)

### Political Dynamics: Major Contestants

The Bihar elections will largely be a contest between two major alliances:

– **National Democratic Alliance (NDA):** Led by incumbent Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, currently holding 131 seats.
– **Mahagathbandhan:** Led by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), with the opposition bloc, including the Congress, holding 111 seats.

New entrant Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj party is also set to contest all 243 seats, marking its debut in Bihar’s political landscape.

### Election Commission’s Preparations and Voter Details

Ahead of the announcements, an ECI delegation led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, visited Bihar to review poll preparations. They met representatives from 12 political parties, including prominent national parties like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

On September 30, the ECI published the final electoral roll for Bihar, which lists 7.42 crore registered voters. This reflects a decrease of over 47 lakh voters since the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) started in June.

Out of the total electorate, 3.92 crore are male and 3.5 crore are female voters. Additionally, there are approximately 14 lakh first-time voters participating in these elections. Remarkably, around 14,000 voters are over the age of 100.

In a significant update, CEC Kumar announced that the new voter ID cards will feature color photographs of electors, replacing the earlier black and white images.

### Polling Arrangements

A total of 90,712 polling stations have been arranged across Bihar to facilitate smooth and accessible voting for all electors.

Stay tuned for further updates as Bihar gears up for this crucial electoral exercise.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/bihar-election-dates-announced/story

Rule Of Law Vs Rule By Force

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The principal characteristic of the Indian Constitution is the rule of law it mandates. This foundational principle envisions that the law, established under the constitutional framework, holds primacy over all other considerations—be they individual, ideological, or political. It is the bedrock that ensures we are a nation governed by laws, not by men.

This ideal, however, has faced a starkly modern challenge: the rise of ‘bulldozer justice’. In states like Uttar Pradesh, governments have employed strong-arm methods, using machinery to raze homes and properties of individuals deemed suspects, bypassing the judicial process entirely. This practice conflates accusation with guilt and allows the executive to act as judge, jury, and executioner.

It creates a dangerous precedent where the government of the day believes it can operate outside the sanctity of established legal procedure. What began as a political theatre of “instant justice” has now become an instrument of fear and selective punishment, often targeting minorities or dissenters.

It is against this backdrop that Chief Justice of India BR Gavai’s recent remarks in Mauritius carry profound significance. Defending his own verdict, he emphatically stated that the Indian legal system is governed by the “rule of law, not by the rule of the bulldozer.”

The Supreme Court’s ruling, which held that such demolitions violate the rule of law and infringe upon the fundamental right to shelter, was a necessary and powerful corrective. It reaffirmed that the executive’s authority is not absolute but is circumscribed by constitutional morality and judicial oversight.

This judicial stance is deeply rooted in our constitutional history, notably the Kesavananda Bharati case, which established that the Constitution’s basic structure is immutable. While not exhaustively defined, this structure is undeniably animated by the principles enshrined in the Preamble—Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.

‘Bulldozer justice’ assaults each of these ideals, substituting the rule of reason with the rule of muscle.

Yet, a sobering reality remains. The courts often move at a deliberate pace, granting the executive considerable leeway to act in the interim. This temporal gap between executive action and judicial redress can render the latter a pyrrhic victory for those whose homes and rights are instantly demolished. The damage is done long before the court’s pen can restore what the bulldozer’s blade destroyed.

Therefore, the judiciary’s role is not just to settle matters but to set boundaries—clearly, promptly, and fearlessly. As Justice Gavai articulated, the rule of law is not a rigid doctrine but a continuous conversation—a substantive principle that restrains arbitrary power and embeds democratic accountability.

In defending the Constitution against the bulldozer, the Supreme Court is defending the very idea of India as a democratic republic where no one is above the law.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/analysis/rule-of-law-vs-rule-by-force

If Iran restarts nuclear program, we will deal with that too, Trump warns

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Trump Warns: “If Iran Restarts Nuclear Program, We Will Deal With That Too”

US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions during a speech at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. The event commemorated the 250th anniversary of the US Navy.

Speaking at the Navy 250 Celebration in Norfolk on October 5, 2025, Trump emphasized that if Iran restarts its nuclear program, the United States is prepared to address the challenge decisively.

First Lady Melania Trump was also present, applauding as the president spoke.

Photo credit: REUTERS/JONATHAN ERNST

By Jerusalem Post Staff, Maariv, REUTERS

https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-869560

BIZ BUZZ: IC poised to crack whip on erring insurance firms

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It looks like it’s the Insurance Commission’s (IC) turn to weed out or sanction bad actors within its sphere of influence.

This development comes in the wake of an ever-widening investigation into the extent of corruption in flood control projects, which has revealed that even nonlife insurance companies are involved.

As Senate hearings have shown, only a handful of closely related entities are at the center of these irregularities, signaling a deeper issue that the IC must now address.
https://business.inquirer.net/550872/biz-buzz-ic-poised-to-crack-whip-on-erring-insurance-firms

Chancellor faces calls to axe stamp duty on shares

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Rachel Reeves is under mounting pressure to axe stamp duty on share trading in order to breathe new life into the UK stock market.

Concerns are growing that the number of firms leaving London for rival financial hubs, including New York, will increase unless urgent action is taken.

In response, the Chancellor is considering introducing a stamp duty break for investors buying newly listed shares, aiming to encourage more companies to list on the UK stock market.

However, there are increasing calls to scrap the 0.5 percent levy on share trading altogether.

Charles Hall, from Peel Hunt, argued that the tax should be abolished but acknowledged that Labour is unlikely to do so given the current state of the economy. He also pointed to AstraZeneca’s plans for a full listing in New York as a “proper warning shot” for the UK market.
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-15164389/Chancellor-faces-calls-axe-stamp-duty-shares.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

High Court of Justice rejects requests to delay Zini’s appointment as Shin Bet chief

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**High Court of Justice Rejects Requests to Delay Zini’s Appointment as Shin Bet Chief**

The High Court of Justice has rejected requests to delay the appointment of David Zini as the new head of the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet). This decision follows the government’s unanimous approval of Zini’s appointment, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

David Zini, the designated head of Shin Bet, was recently seen with Ultra-Orthodox Jewish soldiers from the Hasmonean Brigade after they completed their beret march at the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City on August 6, 2025.

*Photo Credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90*

By SARAH BEN-NUN
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https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-869531