politics 17 - The Latremie Post

Department of War Puts the Pentagon Press on Notice: ‘Follow the Rules or Go Home’

**Pentagon Implements New Restrictions on Press Access and Reporting**

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced new restrictions Friday on how members of the press may operate inside the Pentagon, significantly tightening rules for access and reporting. The measures require all journalists to work through established public affairs channels, display press credentials at all times, and accept that possession of unauthorized information may result in the loss of press credentials.

The policy, laid out in a memo released Friday, follows restrictions introduced earlier this year. In May, Hegseth directed the Pentagon to impose tighter controls on press activity after a series of leaks he said endangered military operations.

The new regulations cover not only classified national security information, known as CNSI, but also controlled unclassified information, or CUI. This category includes a wide range of materials. For example, planning documents for the Army’s 250th anniversary parade in June—such as how many tanks would participate in the event viewed by President Donald Trump—were initially labeled as CUI. Under the new rules, information designated as CUI is also barred from public release.

Reporters accustomed to broad access within the Pentagon will also see limits on where they can move. In past years, credentialed journalists were permitted to walk throughout most of the building, outside of secured areas. Now, according to Pentagon officials, escorts will be required for reporters seeking access to restricted sections.

“Up until now, the press could wander all around the Pentagon with no oversight,” spokesman Sean Parnell said in May when earlier restrictions were announced. “Even outside of sensitive/classified areas. So moving forward, they’ll need an escort to access those areas. They still have access to the entire defense press office, the press secretary & my office, as well as much of the rest of the building. These are pragmatic changes to protect operational security & ultimately brings the Pentagon in line with other government buildings.”

Hegseth explained the reasoning behind the new requirements, stating, “The press does not run the Pentagon—the people do. The press is no longer allowed to roam the halls of a secure facility. Wear a badge and follow the rules or go home.”

Media outlets have raised concerns about the implications of the changes. The Washington Post described the requirement as a demand that journalists pledge not to obtain unauthorized material. NPR reported that Hegseth was requiring a new pledge for Pentagon reporters, and Politico noted that access would be limited unless journalists agreed not to publish certain information.

Pentagon officials, however, emphasized that the restrictions are focused on activities inside the building. Reporters remain free to publish information obtained through other means, but under the new policy, access to the Pentagon itself will require adherence to the rules.

The restrictions will also make it more difficult for informal exchanges to take place inside the building. Reporters will no longer be able to freely walk hallways, encounter staff, or overhear conversations. These conditions, combined with visible badge requirements and designated press areas, are expected to limit unsanctioned contact between reporters and Pentagon personnel.

Hegseth has emphasized operational security as the driving factor behind the measures. With leaks continuing to pose challenges for the Department of Defense, officials said the new rules are intended to bring the Pentagon in line with other secure federal facilities where press activity is tightly controlled.

The implementation of these restrictions marks a shift in the longstanding relationship between the Pentagon and the defense press corps, where open access has historically been viewed as part of routine coverage of the U.S. military. Now, with the new rules in effect, Pentagon reporters face tighter oversight and potential penalties for violations.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/09/department-of-war-puts-the-pentagon-press-on-notice-follow-the-rules-or-go-home/

Women practising garba abducted by armed group in MP`s Mandsaur; 7 held

At around 9:30 pm on Saturday, several unidentified men and women entered Bhavsar Dharamshala within Kotwali police station limits, brandishing illegal weapons and forcibly abducted a woman by dragging her into a four-wheeler, an official confirmed.

Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar Meena stated that the abduction was carried out by the woman’s relatives, according to reports from IANS. Kotwali station in-charge Pushpendra Singh Rathore identified the arrested individuals as Ramchandra; Manisha, also known as Bunty; Kamlesh, also known as Ghota; Fakirachand; Shambhulal; Shyamabai—all residents of Chachawada Sathiya under Garoth Police Station—and Dinesh from Bhunki Hatunia.

A case has been registered under charges relating to kidnapping, the Arms Act, and other relevant sections. Officials have confirmed that further investigation is ongoing.

The woman was participating in a Navratri celebration alongside other women and young girls when four men and two women suddenly arrived at the venue. Without warning, they grabbed her and began forcibly dragging her away. A young woman who tried to intervene was pushed aside. One of the accused brandished a pistol-like object, causing panic among attendees.

Video footage captured the chaos, showing people fleeing in fear as the woman was taken away, said Kotwali police station in-charge Pushpendra Singh Rathore, according to the IANS report.

Upon receiving the alert, police quickly responded and imposed a district-wide blockade. Within two hours, Kotwali police traced and apprehended all seven accused and safely recovered the abducted woman. The vehicle involved in the abduction and the pistol—which was later confirmed to be a toy—were also seized, police added.

According to the woman’s statement, she had previously been married but left her husband due to repeated physical abuse and had filed for divorce. For the past four months, she had been living with a young man named Yash in Khanpura. Her family and in-laws, reportedly angered by this relationship, orchestrated the abduction to bring her back home.

Local residents have expressed outrage over the incident, especially given its timing during a significant cultural celebration. The event has reignited discussions on personal freedom, family pressure, and the urgent need for stronger protections for women in both private and public spaces.

(With inputs from PTI and IANS)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/navratri-2025-women-practising-garba-abducted-by-armed-group-in-mps-mandsaur-7-held-23595111

Brazil joins South Africa’s genocide case at ICJ against Israel

**Brazil Joins South Africa’s Genocide Case at ICJ Against Israel**

Brazil has officially joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This move is largely symbolic, signifying that whatever construction emerges from the court’s eventual judgment will be equally binding upon Brazil.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva recently engaged in discussions that underscore the country’s growing involvement in international legal matters. During a meeting with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia on March 6, 2024, President Lula emphasized Brazil’s commitment to upholding international justice.

*Photo credit: REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino/File Photo*

By SARAH BEN-NUN
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868287

Brazil joins South Africa’s genocide case at ICJ against Israel

**Brazil Joins South Africa’s Genocide Case at ICJ Against Israel**

In a recent development, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia on March 6, 2024. This meeting underscores Brazil’s growing engagement in international legal matters.

*Photo credit: REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino/File Photo*

By SARAH BEN-NUN
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https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868287

H-1B visa fee hike: Beneficiaries like Musk, Nadella, Pichai silent

**H-1B Visa Fee Hike: Beneficiaries Like Musk, Nadella, Pichai Remain Silent**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 21, 2025, 06:25 PM*

Silicon Valley’s tech giants, including Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, and Satya Nadella, have remained notably silent following the announcement of a new $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions. The fee hike was introduced by the Trump administration last Saturday, sparking surprise given that some of these leaders, notably Musk, have previously expressed strong opposition to changes in the H-1B visa system.

**Musk’s Previous Stance on H-1B Visa Changes**

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has been vocal about the importance of the H-1B visa program. In December, Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight that many critical contributors to his companies are beneficiaries of the H-1B visa. He went as far as threatening to “go to war” if the system was altered in a way that could harm these professionals.

**Details of the New Rule**

The recent regulation, signed by President Trump, imposes a hefty $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions. According to the administration, the goal is to ensure that only “extraordinarily skilled” individuals enter the U.S. workforce, preventing companies from using foreign professionals to replace American workers.

This fee hike predominantly affects Indian professionals, who make up approximately 71% of all H-1B visa holders.

**Clarifications on the Fee**

The administration clarified that this new rule only applies to *new* visa petitions and does not impact existing H-1B visa holders who are re-entering the country. Karoline Leavitt, White House spokesperson, explained on X that “this is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition.”

A petition refers to a company’s request to bring a skilled foreign worker to the U.S. workforce.

—

The response—or lack thereof—by influential tech leaders continues to draw attention as the industry assesses the impact of this significant policy change on talent acquisition and innovation.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/h-1b-visa-s-100-000-fee-what-are-silicon-valley-ceos-saying/story

UK’s Starmer set to recognize Palestinian state today despite strong opposition from Israel, US

UK’s Starmer Set to Recognize Palestinian State Despite Strong Opposition from Israel and US

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce the recognition of a Palestinian state on Sunday, a move that has drawn significant criticism from Israel, former US President Donald Trump, and segments of the UK public ahead of a key United Nations meeting.

Starmer’s decision marks a notable shift in the UK’s foreign policy stance and is seen as an effort to support renewed efforts toward peace in the Middle East. However, it has also sparked controversy given the complex geopolitical implications and the strong opposition from Israel and its allies.

Keir Starmer, pictured on July 28, 2025. (Photo credit: REUTERS/EVELYN HOCKSTEIN)

As the announcement approaches, attention is focused on how this recognition might influence the broader UN discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the international community’s role in seeking a resolution.

By MATHILDA HELLER

https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868242

Bear Attacks Surge as Fatality Rate Reaches 24%

Autumn is the most dangerous season in Japan as bears become highly active in search of food before winter hibernation. The country is home to two bear species: the brown bear, or higuma, found in Hokkaido, and the Asiatic black bear, or tsukinowaguma, which lives in Honshu and Shikoku.

A large brown bear can stand nearly three meters tall and possesses enough strength to break a horse’s neck with a single blow. Remarkably, they can sprint 100 meters in as little as six seconds, while black bears cover the same distance in about eight seconds. The fatality rate for victims attacked by brown bears is 24 percent, compared to just 2.3 percent for black bears.

Between April and August 2025, 69 people were injured or killed by bears—matching the pace from two years earlier, when an acorn shortage triggered the worst year on record for bear-related incidents.

Surveys conducted since 2018 by the Environment Ministry have confirmed new areas of bear habitation, with populations expanding across Japan except in Shikoku. Hokkaido’s brown bear population has more than doubled over the past 30 years, while black bears have expanded their range by 1.4 times. Today, Chiba Prefecture remains the only part of Honshu without wild bears, and the species is extinct in Kyushu.

The surge in bear numbers is linked to shifts in human society. During the early 20th century, widespread hunting for pelts and gallbladders—used in traditional medicine—threatened bear populations with extinction in some regions. However, following the introduction of a new protection framework in 1999, combined with population decline and abandoned farmland providing more food, bear populations rebounded rapidly.

As their habitats have extended closer to towns and villages, many bears have lost their natural fear of humans. This has led to more frequent appearances in residential areas, increasingly referred to as “urban bears.”

Experts emphasize that both population management and deterrence measures are essential. Mayumi Yokoyama, a professor at the University of Hyogo, highlights the need to capture not only bears that enter towns but also those living near homes to reduce overall numbers. At the same time, food sources such as persimmons and garbage should be controlled, and electric fences installed around farmland to deter bears.

In 2024, the government removed bears from its list of protected species and reclassified them as managed wildlife, alongside deer and wild boar. This change permits more aggressive population control through concentrated hunting. Since September, municipalities have also been authorized to permit the use of hunting rifles in urban areas.

Bears have long been familiar figures in Japanese folklore—from legends of Kintaro wrestling a bear to tales of coexistence with nature. Yet, the growing frequency of bear encounters underscores the need for modern solutions.

As experts warn, only by combining careful population management with preventive measures can people and bears continue to coexist in today’s Japan.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146950.php

Sikh organizations urge Centre to reconsider Pakistan pilgrimage travel ban

**Sikh Organizations Urge Centre to Reconsider Pakistan Pilgrimage Travel Ban**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 21, 2025, 12:48 PM*

Sikh organizations and political parties have appealed to the Indian government to rethink its decision to halt pilgrimage travel to Nankana Sahib, Pakistan, a site of great religious significance. Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) advised states to stop processing applications for journeys to Nankana Sahib citing security concerns related to Pakistan.

This directive has left many devotees disappointed. Among them is Kanwaljit Kaur Dhillon from Ludhiana district in Punjab, who, along with her husband, had been eagerly planning to visit Nankana Sahib to participate in Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary celebrations in November. “If the game of cricket between two nations could be allowed, then why restrict us?” Dhillon questioned. She is one of approximately 1,900 applicants who submitted their documents through the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for the pilgrimage.

### Demand for Reopening Kartarpur Corridor

In addition to the plea for resuming pilgrimages to Nankana Sahib, Sikh organizations are also demanding the reopening of the Kartarpur corridor. This corridor, established in 2019 to facilitate easier access to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, was temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic but reopened in 2021. However, it was shut again in May following Operation Sindoor.

On May 9, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the suspension of the corridor citing security concerns. So far, the Ministry of External Affairs has not indicated when it might reopen the corridor.

### Concerns Over Discrimination and Security Claims

Amarjit Singh, Director of the Sikh Studies Chair at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, questioned the government’s decision, pointing out that Sikh devotees from across the globe visit Nankana Sahib. “So, security would not be an issue only for Sikhs from India, would it?” he asked.

Similarly, Dharam Singh, a former professor at Punjabi University Patiala, criticized the ban, remarking that if bilateral cricket matches are permitted between India and Pakistan, then pilgrims should logically be allowed to visit as well.

### SGPC Seeks Permission for Pilgrimage

The SGPC had begun collecting passports from devotees in July to send pilgrimage visa applications to the Pakistan High Commission. This process was initiated before the Home Ministry issued its advisory.

Currently, the SGPC has formally requested the Centre to grant permission for pilgrims to visit Nankana Sahib during the upcoming Guru Nanak Dev birth anniversary celebrations in November.

The Sikh community awaits a favorable response, hoping for the restoration of pilgrimage rights that hold deep spiritual significance.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/if-cricket-allowed-why-not-pilgrimages-to-pakistan-sikh-groups/story

Indian Embassy in US issues emergency number for H-1B concerns

**Indian Embassy in US Issues Emergency Number for H-1B Concerns**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 21, 2025, 01:47 PM*

**Overview**

The Indian Embassy in the United States has issued an emergency assistance number for Indian nationals amid growing concerns following a new proclamation by President Donald Trump. The proclamation imposes a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, raising alarm among thousands of Indian tech professionals working in the US.

The embassy shared an official message on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Indian nationals seeking emergency assistance may call cell number +1-202-550-9931 (and WhatsApp).”

—

**Impact on Indian Tech Professionals**

The announcement of the hefty new fee has triggered widespread worry about its impact on Indian tech workers and remittances sent back home. Indians make up approximately 71-72% of all H-1B visa recipients, highlighting the significance of this policy change.

Fortunately, a senior official from the US administration clarified that the annual fee applies only to new H-1B visa petitions and does not affect existing visa holders or those renewing their visas. While this offers some relief, uncertainties remain among businesses and affected individuals.

—

**Important Note**

The emergency number provided by the Indian Embassy is intended strictly for urgent assistance related to the new fee structure and is **not** for routine consular queries.

—

**Diplomatic Response**

In response to these changes, the Indian government has instructed all its missions and posts in the US to provide maximum support to Indian nationals preparing to travel or return in the next 24 hours.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is closely analyzing how these new rules could affect Indian families and professionals living in the US.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal commented on the situation, saying, “The full implications of the measure are being studied by all concerned.” He emphasized that both Indian and American industries have a shared interest in fostering innovation and creativity, suggesting ongoing consultations to find the best way forward.

—

The situation is evolving, and Indian nationals affected by these changes are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and utilize the emergency assistance number if needed.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/h-1b-row-indian-embassy-issues-emergency-number-for-assisting-nationals/story

Russia launches large-scale attack on Ukraine, three dead, dozens injured

The enemy’s target was our infrastructure, residential areas, and civilian enterprises, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated. He added that a missile armed with cluster munitions struck a multi-storey building in the city of Dnipro.

“Each such strike is not a military necessity but a deliberate strategy by Russia to intimidate civilians and destroy our infrastructure,” Zelenskyy wrote on his official Telegram account.

The Ukrainian President also informed that he expects to meet United States (US) President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) next week. He added that the first ladies of Ukraine and the US would likely hold separate talks focused on humanitarian issues concerning children.

His comments, made on Friday, were embargoed until Saturday morning.

—

At least 30 people were wounded in the attack in Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region, Governor Serhii Lysak said. Several high-rise buildings and homes were damaged in the eastern city of Dnipro, according to the Associated Press (AP).

In the Kyiv region, authorities reported strikes in Bucha, Boryspil, and Obukhiv, which damaged homes and cars. In western Lviv, Governor Maxim Kozytsky said two cruise missiles were shot down.

Russia launched 619 drones and missiles, Ukraine’s Air Force reported. This included 579 drones, eight ballistic missiles, and 32 cruise missiles. Ukrainian forces shot down 552 drones, two ballistic missiles, and 29 cruise missiles.

“Western weapons once again prove their effectiveness on the battlefield,” the Air Force said.

—

**Russia Denies Violating Estonia’s Airspace**

Russia’s Defence Ministry denied its aircraft violated Estonia’s airspace after Tallinn reported that three Russian fighter jets crossed into its territory on Friday without permission for 12 minutes. The incident was described by Estonia’s top diplomat as an unprecedentedly brazen incursion.

This occurred just over a week after NATO planes downed Russian drones over Poland, raising fears that the conflict could spill over into NATO territory.

Moscow stated that the MiG-31 fighter jets remained over neutral Baltic Sea waters, more than three kilometres from Estonia’s Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland.

On September 19, the three MiG-31 fighter jets completed a scheduled flight from Karelia to an airfield in the Kaliningrad region. The Russian Defence Ministry emphasized that the flight was conducted in strict compliance with international airspace regulations and did not violate the borders of other states, as confirmed through objective monitoring.

Estonian officials said Tallinn summoned a Russian diplomat to protest the incident and initiated consultations among NATO allies under Article 4, which allows members to confer whenever territorial integrity, political independence, or security is threatened.

—

**Polish and Allied Aircraft Scrambled**

Poland’s Operational Command reported that Polish and allied aircraft were deployed overnight in response to Russian long-range airstrikes in neighbouring Ukraine. The operation was described as preventive and aimed at securing airspace near the threatened zones.

Polish jets have frequently patrolled the country’s airspace in connection with Russian attacks on Ukraine. Last week, Romania deployed two F-16 jets to intercept a drone that briefly entered its airspace.

—

**Zelenskyy Seeks to Finalise Security Guarantees in New York Meetings**

President Zelenskyy said Ukraine and its partners have laid the groundwork for long-term security guarantees. He hopes to gauge progress during next week’s meetings in New York.

He added that European nations are ready to move forward with a framework if the United States remains closely engaged, with ongoing discussions among military leadership and general staffs in Europe and the US.

“I would like to receive signals for myself on how close we are to understanding that the security guarantees from all partners will be the kind we need,” Zelenskyy said.

He stressed that sanctions against Russia must remain in place if peace efforts stall and stated he would press the issue with President Trump.

“If the war continues and there is no movement toward peace, we expect sanctions,” he said, adding that Trump is seeking strong steps from Europe.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/russia-ukraine-war-three-killed-in-massive-drone-and-missile-attack-across-nine-regions-says-volodymyr-zelenskyy-23594995