politics 19 - The Latremie Post

“Donald Trump made the deal with the Taliban” – Martina Navratilova criticizes US President over airfield move in Afghanistan

Martina Navratilova has responded to Donald Trump’s announcement regarding the United States’ efforts to negotiate a takeover of Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.

The former tennis champion shared her thoughts on the development, highlighting the potential implications of U.S. involvement in the region. Navratilova’s reaction adds a unique perspective to the ongoing discussions about Afghanistan’s strategic sites and international relations.

As the situation unfolds, public figures like Navratilova continue to voice their opinions, shedding light on the broader impact of such political decisions.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-donald-trump-made-deal-taliban-martina-navratilova-criticizes-us-president-airfield-move-afghanistan

Britain’s MI6 set to attract spies from around the world

A new dark web portal launched on Friday aims to recruit spies from around the world for Britain, utilizing MI6’s new secure messaging platform called Silent Courier. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) revealed that the initiative targets recruitment of agents in Russia as well as other locations by harnessing the anonymity of the dark web for the first time.

Instructions on how to access the portal will be publicly available on MI6’s verified YouTube channel, as the UK proactively reaches out to potential new agents in various parts of the world.

“As the world changes, and the threats we’re facing multiply, we must ensure the UK is always one step ahead of our adversaries,” said Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. “Our world-class intelligence agencies are at the coalface of this challenge, working behind the scenes to keep British people safe. Now we’re bolstering their efforts with cutting-edge tech so MI6 can recruit new spies for the UK, in Russia and around the world.”

Silent Courier will enable anyone, anywhere in the world, who has access to sensitive information relating to terrorism or hostile intelligence activity, to securely contact the UK and offer their services.

The MI6 dark web portal builds on a similar approach taken by America’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which published videos on social media channels to target potential Russian spies in 2023.

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, and data accuracy. 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/britains-mi6-set-to-attract-spies-from-around-the-world-23594919

SC defers hearing on bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, others

The activists have challenged a September 2 Delhi High Court order which denied bail to nine people.

While the High Court stated that the right to participate in peaceful protests and to make speeches in public meetings is protected under Article 19(1)(a), the bail was still denied in this case.

Exciting news! Mid-day is now available on WhatsApp Channels.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/delhi-riots-case-sc-defers-hearing-on-bail-pleas-of-umar-khalid-sharjeel-imam-others-23594913

Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact Shifts Middle East Security, Ties Riyadh To Beijing

The announcement of a mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan could have consequences far beyond the perception of the House of Saud simply buying extra insurance against a possible Israeli attack.

The pact was revealed just days after Israel’s strike on Qatar—an event that underscored the fragility of American guarantees to its allies. This incident compelled Riyadh to expand an earlier agreement with Islamabad, which had allowed the use of Pakistani forces on Saudi soil.

By turning to Islamabad, and by extension Beijing, to underwrite its defence, Saudi Arabia raises some uncomfortable questions: If even Riyadh no longer trusts American protection, can anyone else?

For decades, Saudi Arabia has been viewed as the quintessential American client state—a kingdom where oil flowed in dollars, American arms ensured security, and Washington’s word carried the weight of strategic reassurance.

### A Sweeping Defence Agreement

The new pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is sweeping in scope. A senior Saudi official told Al Jazeera that it is a “comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means.” This suggests that Saudi Arabia may now be covered under Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal—an arsenal that does not adhere to a “no first use” doctrine.

By extension, this development implies that West Asia now has two opposing nuclear-backed blocs: Israel and the United States on one side, and Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on the other.

### Broader Geopolitical Implications

The ripple effects of the pact extend far beyond the Middle East.

Pakistan sources the overwhelming majority of its weaponry from China. By binding its security to Pakistan’s defence umbrella, Saudi Arabia is effectively tethering itself to the Chinese military-industrial complex.

This carries significant ramifications. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Beijing’s flagship Belt and Road project, may now gain a de facto extension to the Persian Gulf. This extension provides China with an energy lifeline that bypasses the Strait of Malacca—a chokepoint long considered vulnerable.

### A Strategic Conundrum for India

India finds itself in a strategic bind. Its most vital energy supplier, Saudi Arabia, has entrusted its security to Pakistan—India’s arch-enemy.

It remains to be seen how New Delhi will reconcile this with the planned India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, a signature initiative intended as a counterbalance to China’s Belt and Road project.

### The Future of Global Energy and Currency

Lastly, there is an important financial dimension. The Saudi-American bargain of the past half-century was built on oil priced in dollars and underwritten by U.S. military protection.

With Saudi Arabia outsourcing its protection to Islamabad, and indirectly to Beijing, the privileged role of the U.S. dollar in global energy markets looks increasingly precarious.

If the Suez Crisis of 1956 symbolized the eclipse of European empires, the Saudi-Pakistan pact may come to be remembered as the moment when America’s unipolar dominance of the world began to fray.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/analysis/saudi-pakistan-defence-pact-shifts-middle-east-security-ties-riyadh-to-beijing

Madhya Pradesh: Waqf Committees’ Extortion Case; Raids In Jabalpur, Ujjain

**Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Ujjain Police Conduct Raids in Search of Former Waqf Board President and Advocate**

The Ujjain police carried out raids in Ujjain and Jabalpur on Friday in search of former Waqf Board president Shokat Khan and Jabalpur-based advocate Taklib Nasir. Both are wanted in a case related to blackmailing Waqf committees for extortion, officials said.

Earlier, on September 14, the Kharakuan police of Ujjain district arrested three other accused individuals involved in blackmailing members of the Waqf Board Masjid and Mazar Madargate Committee. This action followed a complaint filed by the committee’s vice-president, Haroon Nagauri.

The arrested accused include Salim Khan from Narmadapuram, and Ayyub Ahmed Khan and Amjad Hussain from Sohagpur. They have been charged with blackmailing and illegal recovery by producing fake documents. According to police, the gang used threats to extort large sums of money from Waqf committees across the state.

During the recent raids, police searched the house of Shokat Khan located in NRI Colony, Bhopal, but he was not present. Authorities pasted a notice on his door instructing him to report to the police station within 24 hours.

Similarly, the residence of advocate Taklib Nasir in Naya Mohalla, Jabalpur, was also raided. However, he had fled prior to the police arrival. A notice was similarly pasted on his door, directing him to appear at the police station within three days.

The police continue their efforts to apprehend both individuals as the investigation progresses.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/madhya-pradesh-waqf-committees-extortion-case-raids-in-jabalpur-ujjain

Suspect arrested for burglary, arson attempt at Israeli embassy in the Hague – report

**Suspect Arrested for Burglary and Arson Attempt at Israeli Embassy in The Hague**

According to reports, a suspect has been arrested in connection with a burglary and an attempted arson at the Israeli embassy in The Hague. Fortunately, no embassy employees were harmed during the incidents.

The attack included a smashed door at the embassy premises, as confirmed by the Israeli embassy in the Netherlands.

[Photo credit: Israeli Embassy in the Netherlands]

*By JERUSALEM POST STAFF*
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-868119

How much gold, silver does Sabarimala temple hold

**How Much Gold and Silver Does Sabarimala Temple Hold?**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Sep 19, 2025, 08:21 PM*

**Introduction**

The Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala is one of India’s richest and most revered pilgrimage sites. Situated at an altitude of 4,133 feet in the Pathanamthitta district, the temple attracts millions of devotees annually. Its wealth extends beyond spirituality, encompassing vast material riches, including significant gold and silver reserves alongside substantial annual donations.

**Gold and Silver Reserves**

According to reports from Mathrubhumi, the temple currently holds approximately 227.824 kilograms of gold, which is not utilized for daily rituals or other temple expenses. Additionally, the temple’s silver reserves stand at an estimated 2,994 kilograms.

Every year, devotees offer over 15 kilograms of gold, with monetary donations often surpassing ₹105 crore. In recent times, the temple’s gold assets have been placed under a deposit scheme to earn interest, contributing to its growing wealth.

**Financial Overview**

As of September 2025, the net worth of the Sabarimala temple is estimated at ₹245 crore. During the 2023 pilgrimage season, the temple’s revenues reached a remarkable ₹320 crore.

The Mandala-Makaravilakku season in January 2025 was especially lucrative, generating ₹440 crore alone—an increase of ₹80 crore compared to the previous season. This period also saw a rise in the number of devotees, with over six lakh pilgrims visiting and daily footfalls peaking at around 1.8 lakh on the busiest days.

Besides gold and silver, the temple’s assets include fixed deposits and jewelry of significant cultural and historical importance.

**Legal Investigation Over Missing Gold**

Recently, the temple came under scrutiny following a vigilance probe ordered by the Kerala High Court. The investigation was prompted by a discrepancy of approximately 4.541 kilograms in the gold-plated copper covering of the Dwarapalaka idols at Sabarimala.

The copper plates, which initially weighed 42.8 kilograms before being sent for re-plating in Chennai in August 2019, were found to weigh only 38.258 kilograms upon return. This indicated a loss of over 4.5 kilograms of gold—a discrepancy not reported by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), the temple’s managing body.

**Accountability and Transparency**

The Kerala High Court questioned the temple administration about how such a significant quantity of gold could go missing. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining faith and transparency concerning temple properties, the court directed the Devaswom Vigilance to carry out a thorough investigation.

The vigilance team has been ordered to submit a detailed report within three weeks. Additionally, the court mandated an inspection of all other gold-plated items at the temple to ensure no further irregularities exist.

—

**Conclusion**

Sabarimala Temple remains one of India’s wealthiest religious institutions, with vast reserves of gold and silver and substantial annual donations. However, recent incidents highlighting discrepancies in gold reserves underline the necessity for enhanced transparency and robust oversight to maintain the trust of millions of devotees who regard the temple with deep reverence.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/how-much-gold-silver-and-wealth-does-sabarimala-temple-hold/story

Israel proved technological supremacy over Iran, Rafael’s Yuval Steinitz tells ‘Post’

Israel Proved Technological Supremacy Over Iran, Rafael’s Yuval Steinitz Tells ‘Post’

In an exclusive interview with the Jerusalem Post, Yuval Steinitz, chairman of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, highlighted Israel’s advanced military technology and discussed future developments for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Steinitz emphasized that Israel has achieved what global superpowers have struggled with—successfully deploying laser air defense technology on the battlefield. This breakthrough underscores Israel’s technological superiority in the face of regional threats such as Iran.

The chairman’s insights shed light on Rafael’s pivotal role in enhancing Israel’s defense capabilities and the strategic edge this brings to the IDF in maintaining national security.

( Photo Credit: Marc Israel Sellem/The Jerusalem Post )
https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-868031

‘Pakistan felt like home’: Congress’s Sam Pitroda bats for talks

**’Pakistan Felt Like Home’: Congress’s Sam Pitroda Bats for Talks**
*By Chanshimla Varah | Sep 19, 2025 | 01:23 PM*

Sam Pitroda, a prominent Congress leader and chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, has called for a shift in India’s foreign policy to focus on strengthening ties with neighboring countries. Emphasizing cultural and social connections, he urged a renewed engagement with countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

“Our foreign policy, according to me, must first focus on our neighborhood. Can we really substantially improve relationships with our neighbors? I’ve been to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and I feel at home,” Pitroda remarked.

—

### Political Backlash

Pitroda’s comments have sparked sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari called him “Rahul Gandhi’s blue-eyed boy and Congress Overseas chief,” highlighting his statement about feeling “at home” in Pakistan as controversial. Bhandari also criticized the then United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for allegedly taking no tough action against Pakistan after the 26/11 attacks.

Shehzad Poonawalla, BJP national spokesperson, also targeted Pitroda and the Congress party, alleging they harbor an “undying love” for Pakistan. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Poonawalla said, “They give clean chit to Pak on 26/11, Samjhauta, Pulwama and Pahalgam. They give 80% water to Pak under IWT! They love Pakistan! INC is Islamabad National Congress. Sam Pitroda who divides Indians & stays in US away from India finds a home in Pakistan! Is anyone surprised?”

—

### Previous Controversies

This is not the first time Pitroda has attracted political controversy for his views on foreign policy. Earlier this year, in February, he suggested that India tends to exaggerate the threat from China and advocated for a more collaborative approach with Beijing.

“Our approach has been confrontational from the very beginning, and this attitude creates enemies, which in turn garners support within the country. We need to change this mindset and stop assuming that China is the enemy from day one,” Pitroda said, sparking debate on India’s stance towards China.

—

Sam Pitroda’s recent remarks continue to fuel the ongoing discourse over India’s foreign relations strategy, particularly in the context of its neighbors and regional diplomacy.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/pakistan-felt-like-home-sam-pitroda-bats-for-talks/story

‘Pakistan felt like home’: Congress’s Sam Pitroda bats for talks

**‘Pakistan felt like home’: Congress’s Sam Pitroda Bats for Talks**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Sep 19, 2025, 01:23 pm*

Sam Pitroda, a prominent Congress leader and chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, has called for a shift in India’s foreign policy to prioritize improving relations with neighboring countries. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and social ties with these nations.

### Political Backlash

Pitroda’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari condemned the comments, stating, “Rahul Gandhi’s blue-eyed boy and Congress Overseas chief Sam Pitroda says he ‘felt at home’ in Pakistan.” He further criticized the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for allegedly failing to take tough action against Pakistan following the 26/11 attacks.

Shehzad Poonawalla, BJP national spokesperson, also targeted Pitroda and the Congress, accusing them of harboring an “undying love” for Pakistan. Writing on X, Poonawalla said, “They give clean chit to Pak on 26/11, Samjhauta, Pulwama and Pahalgam. They give 80% water to Pak under IWT! They love Pakistan! INC is Islamabad National Congress. Sam Pitroda, who divides Indians & stays in US away from India, finds a home in Pakistan! Is anyone surprised?”

### Previous Controversies

This is not the first time Pitroda has sparked political controversy with his statements. In February, he suggested that India exaggerates the threat posed by China and advocated for a collaborative approach rather than viewing Beijing as an adversary.

As debates continue around India’s foreign policy approach, Pitroda’s calls for engagement with neighbors remain a contentious issue in the political landscape.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/pakistan-felt-like-home-sam-pitroda-bats-for-talks/story