It has long been a Netanyahu mantra that Israel must stand against a hostile world, alone if necessary. However, through his own government’s missteps, he has brought Israel to the brink of true isolation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the opening of the Knesset Museum, Jerusalem, August 11, 2025; illustrative.
(Photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
By MARK LAVIE / THE MEDIA LINE
Intervision, the Russian alternative to the Eurovision Song Contest, has kicked off in Moscow with a message from President Vladimir Putin. In his address, Putin emphasized that the event promotes the preservation of cultural identity. “Respect for traditional values and the diversity of cultures is the fundamental idea of the competition and inspires participants to achieve artistic heights,” he stated.
The musical competition features 23 countries and is being held in front of about 11,000 spectators at the Live Arena concert hall in Moscow, according to the organizers.
Shortly before the performance of Australian-born singer Vasiliki Karagiorgos, known professionally as Vassy, who was set to represent the United States, the hosts announced that she would no longer be participating. The organizers, noting that Vassy holds US citizenship, attributed her withdrawal to alleged “unprecedented political pressure from the Australian government.”
Vassy had already been a replacement candidate, stepping in after the originally announced US entry, musician B Howard (Brandon Howard), withdrew on Wednesday due to “unforeseen family reasons.”
Russia’s state-run Channel One is broadcasting the three-and-a-half-hour show. The winner will be decided by an international jury made up of representatives from the participating countries. These include former Soviet republics such as Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, as well as Russia’s allies in the BRICS group, including China, India, Brazil, and South Africa.
Unlike Eurovision, Intervision does not allow public voting.
Russia has been barred from participating in Eurovision since 2022, following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Intervision is widely seen as President Putin’s conservative counter-project to Eurovision. “There will be no perversions or mockery of human nature,” commented Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/australian-singer-quits-russias-eurovision-alternative-c-20091307
It has long been a Netanyahu mantra that Israel must stand against a hostile world, alone if necessary. However, through his own government’s missteps, he has brought Israel to the brink of true isolation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the opening of the Knesset Museum, Jerusalem, August 11, 2025; illustrative.
Photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90
By MARK LAVIE / THE MEDIA LINE
The Assam government has announced a three-day state mourning following the death of renowned singer Zubeen Garg, reported news agency ANI.
The Assam Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated that there will be no official entertainment, ceremonial programs, or public celebrations during this period. However, “essential activities” will continue under the ‘Sewa Saptah’ campaign.
This decision for a three-day state mourning was taken by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. In a tweet, CM Sarma wrote, “In loving memory of Assam’s eternal voice, Zubeen Garg. As a mark of respect, HCM Dr @himantabiswa has directed that State Mourning be declared from 20th to 22nd September 2025. During this period, all official entertainment, ceremonial programs, and public celebrations will be in abeyance. Assam Government stands in solidarity with the people in mourning beloved Zubeen. His legacy will forever resonate in our hearts. Essential service activities under ‘Sewa Saptah’ will continue, while ceremonial or benefit-distribution events stand postponed.”
Earlier, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma provided updates regarding the mortal remains of the late singer, who passed away at the age of 52 in Singapore on Friday. On Saturday, the CM posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Garg’s post-mortem will be conducted in Singapore, after which his mortal remains will be handed over to Indian authorities.
In another tweet, he announced that Garg’s mortal remains will be kept at Sarusajai, Guwahati, to allow supporters to pay their last tributes.
The sudden demise of Zubeen Garg has left a deep void among his fans both in Assam and beyond. The Chief Minister, who has been in regular contact with Singaporean authorities, has requested a detailed inquiry into the circumstances leading to Garg’s death. According to ANI, CM Sarma stated, “I spoke to the High Commissioner of Singapore, His Excellency Simon Wong, and requested a detailed enquiry into the circumstances leading to the untimely demise of our beloved Zubeen Garg. Excellency has assured me of complete cooperation in this regard.”
The Assam CM also shared that he will travel to the national capital on Saturday to receive Garg’s mortal remains. “I will be going to Delhi later today to receive our beloved Zubeen’s mortal remains from Singapore. From there, we will immediately bring him back to Guwahati, hopefully by 6 am,” he added.
Meanwhile, fans across Assam, including those in Guwahati and Jorhat, were seen breaking down as they paid emotional tributes to the beloved singer.
(With inputs from ANI)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/assam-declares-three-day-state-mourning-in-honour-of-zubeen-garg-cm-to-receive-late-singers-mortal-remains-23594981
**Rajnath Singh to Visit Morocco: First Visit by an Indian Defence Minister**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 20, 2025, 02:54 PM*
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to embark on a two-day official visit to Morocco starting September 22. This marks the first time an Indian Defence Minister will visit the North African country, underscoring the importance of strengthening strategic ties between India and Morocco.
### Strengthening Strategic Ties
The visit aims to enhance defense cooperation and industrial collaboration between the two nations. During his trip, Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Tata Advanced Systems Maroc’s new manufacturing facility for the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 in Berrechid.
### A Milestone in Defence Manufacturing
The Berrechid plant stands out as a significant milestone — it is the first Indian defense manufacturing unit established on African soil. This development is a major achievement under India’s **Aatmanirbhar Bharat** initiative and highlights the expanding global footprint of India’s defence industry.
The visit follows an invitation from Morocco’s Minister Delegate of National Defense, Abdellatif Loudiyi, emphasizing the diplomatic significance of this engagement.
### Strategic Discussions and Cooperation
During the visit, Singh will hold bilateral talks with Minister Loudiyi to explore avenues for enhanced defense cooperation and strategic partnerships. Additionally, he is expected to meet Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, to discuss opportunities for industrial collaboration.
A key outcome anticipated from this visit is the signing of a **Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation**. This MoU would formalize bilateral exchanges, joint training programs, and industrial linkages between the two countries.
### Growing Diplomatic Relations
India-Morocco relations have progressively strengthened since 2015, following a notable meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and King Mohammed VI. Rajnath Singh’s visit is expected to inject fresh momentum into this growing partnership, particularly in the defense and strategic sectors.
The Ministry of Defence also highlighted that Indian Navy ships have been making regular port calls at Casablanca in recent years. The new agreements set to be signed during this visit are anticipated to further consolidate maritime cooperation between India and Morocco.
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This historic visit and the initiatives it heralds signify India’s commitment to expanding its defense diplomacy and industrial collaboration beyond traditional boundaries, paving the way for deeper bilateral engagement with Morocco and the African continent.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/rajnath-to-inaugurate-tasl-armored-vehicle-unit-during-morocco-visit/story
After Mehbooba Mufti urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to look into Yasin Malik’s case through a humanitarian lens, the former Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) Director General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid on Friday criticised JKLF chief Yasin Malik’s claims.
The former JK DGP revealed that Yasin Malik had briefed then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after meeting Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, calling it a “matter of shame” for the government at that time. Yasin Malik has been convicted in terror-related cases and is currently serving a life sentence in a 2017 terror-funding case.
Malik claimed in a sworn affidavit that he travelled to Pakistan, met Hafiz Saeed, and subsequently briefed Manmohan Singh, according to a report by ANI.
Speaking to the media on Friday, former JK DGP SP Vaid expressed shock that someone involved in killings could have been used for “diplomatic purposes.” He asserted, “What could be more shameful than this?”
According to ANI, Vaid said, “Yasin Malik’s affidavit states that he travelled to Pakistan, met with Hafiz Saeed, and subsequently briefed then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh upon his return. This means you are using a murderer like Yasin Malik, who killed five of your air force men and was responsible for the deaths of many Kashmiri Hindu pandits.”
He further added, “A murderer is being used as a diplomat to approach Hafiz Saeed, who is an India-hater and heads Lashkar-e-Taiba, responsible for killing thousands of Indians. I leave it to the people of this country to decide what kind of government they want. It is such a disgrace to have such diplomacy and government.”
A day earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik claimed before the Delhi High Court that, far from being a terrorist, he was repeatedly engaged by six successive Indian governments—from VP Singh to Manmohan Singh—to participate in peace initiatives concerning Kashmir.
Malik further alleged that the meetings facilitated by the Indian establishment were later “twisted” to portray him as a conspirator, ANI reported.
Currently serving a life sentence in a 2017 terror-funding case, Malik made these assertions in detailed written submissions filed in response to the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) appeal seeking the death penalty against him.
According to Malik, his engagement began in the early 2000s when then Intelligence Bureau (IB) Special Director Ajit Doval visited him in jail to convey the Vajpayee government’s interest in a peace process.
Malik further asserted that following his meeting with Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor set up a meeting with IB Director Shyamal Dutta and NSA Brajesh Mishra, who asked for his support for the Ramzan ceasefire.
(With inputs from ANI)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/former-jammu-and-kashmir-dgp-on-yasin-maliks-claims-says-what-could-be-more-shameful-than-this-23594966
Former US President Donald Trump recently stated that the United States will have “tight control” over the popular app TikTok, describing the arrangement as a “very good deal” for Washington.
“We are going to have very tight control. It is an amazing thing that has been created. I am a little prejudiced because I frankly did so well on it. It got me numbers that nobody has ever even heard before,” Trump said. He added that the app is highly sought after by young Americans and their parents alike.
Trump also highlighted the positive relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying, “So we were able to work out a deal with China. It’s a very good deal for us. I hope it’s a good deal for them. These are American investors. They are very famous people financially. They’ll have control of it. I want to thank President Xi because he was a gentleman. We just had a good relationship.”
The remarks came after a telephonic conversation between Trump and President Xi Jinping, during which they discussed various issues, including TikTok. The app faces the threat of a ban in the US following legislation passed by the Biden administration mandating that TikTok divest its ownership from the Chinese internet company ByteDance.
In response to the talks, ByteDance released a statement expressing gratitude to both leaders and affirming its commitment to complying with Chinese law to ensure TikTok continues operating in the US. The statement read:
“We thank President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump for their attention to TikTok. ByteDance will advance related work in accordance with the requirements of Chinese law, allowing TikTok U.S. to continue serving American users well.”
The legislation, passed in April 2024, aims to ban TikTok in the US starting January 19, 2025. However, the government has not yet enforced the ban as it negotiates a deal with China.
According to reports by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, citing sources familiar with the discussions, the proposed agreement would grant a group of American investors control of 80% of TikTok, while the remaining 20% would remain with Chinese firms including ByteDance.
This development reflects ongoing efforts by the US to secure greater control over the platform amid national security concerns.
*Note: This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day does not accept responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. Mid-day management reserves the right to alter, delete, or remove content at its sole discretion without prior notice.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/donald-trump-says-chinas-president-xi-jinping-approved-tik-tok-deal-23594932
Danica Patrick recently shared a blunt take regarding the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show by ABC.
The network made the decision to end the show following a controversy sparked by Kimmel’s comments on Charlie Kirk’s death.
Patrick’s straightforward opinion adds a notable perspective to the ongoing discussions about the incident and its repercussions.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nascar/news-danica-patrick-reacts-abc-indefinitely-cancelling-jimmy-kimmel-charlie-kirk-comments-thank-god
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephonic conversation, Xinhua News reported on Friday.
Prior to the call between the two leaders, US media reported that President Trump declined to approve USD 400 million in military aid to Taiwan. This move is seen as part of his effort to negotiate a trade deal with China. Trump is also striving to arrange a summit with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, according to US media reports. The Trump administration is generally seeking to soften relations with Beijing.
A White House representative stated that the decision regarding the aid package has not been finalized and may be reviewed.
According to local US media outlets, Trump and Xi were expected to discuss a deal to confirm the framework for separating the TikTok app from its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to avoid a potential US ban.
“We have a deal on TikTok. I’ve reached a deal with China. I’m going to speak to President Xi on Friday to confirm everything,” Trump told reporters outside the White House.
Last year, former US President Joe Biden enacted a law mandating that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance—based in China—sell off the app or face a ban in the US due to national security concerns. A US federal law was scheduled to take effect in January this year, requiring the company to find a non-Chinese owner or face a ban in the US. Trump later extended this deadline.
Chinese and US officials recently held a new round of trade talks in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday and Monday, following earlier discussions in Switzerland, Britain, and Sweden.
*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 text. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content at their absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/us-president-donald-trump-halts-military-aid-package-to-taiwan-23594917
Across Maharashtra, from small talukas to big districts and cities, streets are now filled with rallies, processions, and even hunger strikes — all demanding one thing: reservation.
The Dhangars have started a protest asking for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The Banjara community and the Kolis (fisherfolk), too, want the same. However, these demands are met with stiff resistance and protests by other communities, who fear any new inclusion will reduce their own share.
Sadly, instead of reducing the inequality gap, reservation is spilling into fresh rivalries. The state is witnessing communities locked in battles for their own share of the quota. Such is the situation that villages where communities have lived in peace for generations are now witnessing tensions, with old grudges surfacing solely over reservation. Quota politics is pulling communities apart.
Many experts see the implementation of the Mandal Commission as a turning point for the reservation issue. The Maratha community’s demand intensified in early 2000 when the Kunbi (an agrarian sub-caste) was officially granted OBC status.
Of the 12 crore-plus population in Maharashtra, 28 percent are Maratha, while 53 percent are OBC. Despite having a ceiling of 50 percent for reservation, in many states, including Maharashtra, the ceiling has been breached. Yet political promises continue to stretch the limits.
Currently, Maharashtra has 52 percent reservation for SC, ST, Vimukt Jati, Nomadic Tribes, and OBC. In addition, a 10 percent reservation for Marathas (socially and economically backward class) takes the total reservation to 62 percent.
Maharashtra has always been referred to as the land of reformers. History reminds us how several stalwart reformists and leaders — including Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Shahu Maharaj, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar — fought to break the caste system and barriers and worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the marginalized. The goal was inclusion, not rivalry.
However, as political parties have changed the definition of reforms, reservation is now seen as one of the major elements that define electoral issues. Even if framed as justice, the bigger motive often becomes, “What about one’s own community?”
Political parties, instead of coming together to find an amicable solution to the problem, are milking the situation as they view this divide among communities as an opportunity to create vote banks.
When the ruling regime — the BJP-led Maharashtra government — called for an all-party meeting on the Maratha reservation issue, the Opposition remained absent from the discussion.
Ideally, one would expect leaders to seek votes on the basis of vision and development. Instead, they are asking for votes in the name of caste.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s reaction clearly speaks about political posturing. Last week, Fadnavis claimed that the government decision had not touched or altered any quota, adding, “But if anyone still wants to play politics over it, what can be said?”
According to media reports, OBC strongman and state minister Chhagan Bhujbal has openly urged the community to teach lessons to Maratha leaders backing quota activist Manoj Jarange. On the other hand, Jarange has instructed all Marathas to ensure the defeat of OBC leaders opposing their demand.
This is a clear indication that society continues to prioritize caste over policy and progress.
For now, such parties may see short-term gains in the form of popularity and electoral votes, but in the long run, this will certainly erode social trust.
Everyone in society needs to be taken into confidence and reminded that reservation is not the only path to progress or a quality life. Creating more employment, education, and job opportunities — along with quota — are also needed if the state wants to see tangible results and real change.
Phule fought for education, Shahu Maharaj sought to break caste monopolies in Kolhapur, and Ambedkar’s cause was to bring equality and dignity.
If Maharashtra wishes to retain its tag as a reformist state, the time has come for all political parties, community leaders, organizations, and civil society to come together.
Along with reservation, making education affordable, improving its quality, and ensuring wide access to everyone are crucial. Additionally, working on upgrading the skills of the youth and addressing unemployment by providing more opportunities are imperative for the state to rediscover its vision and the spirit of reform.
If these steps are ignored, the gap will widen, rivalries between communities will rise, and the social fabric will be torn beyond repair.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/quota-politics-of-divide-and-rule-23594907
