politics 24 - The Latremie Post

‘This Is The Prime Minister’: UK PM Keir Starmer Surprises British Airways Co-Passengers From Cockpit On Maiden India Visit – Video

**British PM Keir Starmer Begins Historic First Visit to India with Focus on Trade**

**New Delhi:** British Prime Minister Keir Starmer commenced his maiden visit to India on an unusual yet engaging note aboard his British Airways flight from London to Mumbai. A video surfaced showing Starmer greeting passengers by saying, “This is the Prime Minister. I’m in the cockpit. This is the biggest trade mission to India that the UK has ever sent. I’m looking forward to working with you as we explore all the opportunities in our new free trade agreement.”

**PM Modi’s Warm Welcome**

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to Starmer on his “historic first visit to India.” Posting on X, Modi expressed optimism about their upcoming meeting:
_”Looking forward to our meeting tomorrow for advancing our shared vision of a stronger, mutually prosperous future.”_

**Details of the Visit**

Starmer is on a two-day visit to India, accompanied by a robust 125-strong business delegation. Upon arrival in Mumbai, he visited the iconic Yash Raj Film studio and also took part in a football event, signaling a blend of cultural engagement and diplomacy.

Following the informal activities, Starmer prepared for discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. These talks are a prelude to his meeting with PM Modi, where both leaders plan to review the progress made under the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership aligned with their ambitious ‘Vision 2035.’

Trade tops the agenda of the visit, with Starmer’s delegation aiming to capitalize on opportunities arising from the recently signed trade agreement. This deal aspires to double bilateral trade between the two nations to nearly $100 billion by 2030.

**Trade Agreement Under Scrutiny**

While the agreement marks a significant milestone, it is still undergoing scrutiny by the British Parliament. The House of Lords International Agreements Committee launched an inquiry on September 10, focusing on the potential benefits and risks for the UK, broader geopolitical implications, and the future of UK-India relations.

Lord Goldsmith, chair of the committee, emphasized these focal points amid ongoing evaluations.

**Indian Perspective on the Agreement**

Ambassador Ruchi Ghanashyam, former High Commissioner to the UK, acknowledged the agreement’s ambitious roadmap to deepen economic ties over the medium and long term but also highlighted areas needing further work.

“We are yet to see easing of visas from the UK side, but important agreements covering migration, mobility, and social security contributions of Indian nationals working in the UK are definitely steps in the right direction,” she noted. “There is a strong logic behind forging stronger bilateral ties between India and the UK, and governments in both countries recognize this.”

**Visa Issues: A Point of Friction**

Visa policies remain a slight point of friction in the India-UK relationship. Starmer clearly stated during an interaction with reporters in Mumbai that visa issues would not be discussed on this visit.

Rahul RoyChaudhury, Senior Fellow for South and Central Asian Defence, Strategy, and Diplomacy at the UK-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), described this as expected given the domestic political climate in the UK.

“Immigration has become a significant political issue with recent large anti-immigration rallies in London. It is anticipated to influence the local elections in 2026 and the general elections in 2029, where the Labour party could potentially lose ground to right-wing parties,” said RoyChaudhury.

He added, “Consequently, the government is enforcing a tough crackdown on illegal immigration alongside proposals to restrict legal migration to address public concerns.”

**Engagement at CEO Forum and Global Fintech Fest 2025**

Starmer and Modi are also scheduled to participate jointly in the CEO Forum and the Global Fintech Fest 2025 on Thursday, further underlining the commitment to expand economic and technological cooperation.

**Addressing Concerns on Sikh Extremism**

On India’s concerns regarding Sikh extremism, experts believe Starmer’s government has countered the expectations of Sikh separatists that the Labour administration might sympathize with their cause.

“There is now heightened awareness within the British government about the detrimental impact of Sikh separatists in the UK, and a clear intent to prevent a situation akin to what has been seen in parts of Canada and the US,” asserted RoyChaudhury.

Ambassador Ghanashyam agreed, emphasizing balance: “While the two sides will continue to engage on this subject, it is important not to blow the issue out of proportion. Sikh separatists are a small group and do not represent the majority view of the Sikh community in the UK.”

—

**Summary**

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s inaugural trip to India signals a broadened and deepened collaboration between the two nations, especially in trade and economic partnerships. While challenges such as visa issues and security concerns remain, both countries appear committed to advancing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for a mutually prosperous future.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/this-is-the-prime-minister-uk-pm-keir-starmer-surprises-british-airways-co-passengers-from-cockpit-on-maiden-india-visit-video

Navi Mumbai Airport Inauguration Leaves Villagers Disappointed Over No D B Patil Naming Announcement

Villagers from Navi Mumbai and adjoining coastal districts have expressed deep disappointment following the inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made only passing references to the late farmer leader D. B. Patil, without officially announcing that the airport would be named after him.

Just before the ceremony, Dashrat Patil, President of the NMIA Kruti Samiti (All-Party Action Committee), had expressed optimism. “I am sure today is the day the airport will get its much-deserved name. Our hard work will not go waste,” he said.

### Hopes Dashed Despite PM and CM Mentions

However, during the inauguration, PM Modi merely stated, “Today I would also like to remember the great leader D. B. Patil, who toiled for farmers and remains an inspiration to all of us.” Similarly, Chief Minister Fadnavis acknowledged Patil’s contributions but stopped short of making any formal naming declaration.

“When Fadnavis called out D. B. Patil’s name, we were hopeful it was about the airport naming,” shared Dashrat Patil. “It was a huge disappointment. He had earlier assured us that the Prime Minister had agreed in principle, but nothing was mentioned today.”

The Kruti Samiti has announced plans to meet CM Fadnavis within the next ten days to seek documentary clarity on the airport naming process.

### Locals Threaten Political Action

According to Nilesh Patil, a member of the Action Committee representing project-affected persons (PAPs), the silence from the Prime Minister has triggered anger among locals. “We were all waiting to hear that the airport would be named after our leader. It’s really disappointing, and there will be repercussions,” he said.

Leaders of the committee and representatives of affected villages have hinted at intensifying their agitation and potentially taking decisive political steps ahead of the upcoming civic elections.

### Long-Standing Demand Across Coastal Maharashtra

The demand to name NMIA after D. B. Patil has been a decades-long movement, uniting villages from Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts. These communities are collectively represented by the D. B. Patil Navi Mumbai Airport Naming All-Party Action Committee.

A massive morcha (protest march) planned for October 6 was postponed after Chief Minister Fadnavis assured further talks.

“We would not let any flight take off if the naming is not done,” warned Dhanraj Mungaji from the committee. “It was a golden day for aviation, and today the announcement should have been made. We are extremely disappointed, but our fight will continue.”
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbai-airport-inauguration-leaves-villagers-disappointed-over-no-d-b-patil-naming-announcement

The wealth beneath our soil should serve the Filipino people

MANILA, Philippines – Now that we have finally enacted the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining (under Republic Act No. 12253), I want to explain why I fought so hard for one particular element of this law: transparency.

As governor of Albay, I stood firmly against irresponsible mining. I was a supporter of Alyansa…

https://business.inquirer.net/551622/the-wealth-beneath-our-soil-should-serve-the-filipino-people

Wyoming library director fired amid book dispute wins $700,000 settlement

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) —

A former Wyoming library director who was fired amid an uproar over books with sexual content has become the center of a heated debate on free speech and censorship.

The controversy began when several parents raised concerns about certain titles available to young readers, leading to widespread discussions in the community and local media coverage.

Supporters of the director argue that removing books from library shelves infringes on intellectual freedom, while opponents believe some materials are inappropriate for children.

As the debate continues, the incident highlights broader national conversations about the role of libraries, parental control, and access to information in public spaces.
https://wtop.com/education/2025/10/wyoming-library-director-fired-amid-book-dispute-wins-700000-settlement/

Live Updates: Israel and Hamas Reach Deal on Hostage and Prisoner Exchange

President Trump announced that Israel would begin pulling back troops in the first phase of the agreement.

This development has raised hopes that the two-year war in Gaza may be nearing its end.
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/10/08/world/israel-hamas-gaza-ceasefire

Israel optimistic about prospects of reaching a Gaza deal, sources tell ‘Post’

Israel Optimistic About Prospects of Reaching a Gaza Deal, Sources Tell ‘Post’

An additional source stated that, as the deal currently stands, Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat will not be released.

Families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza built a sukkah outside the Prime Minister’s residence in Jerusalem, displaying photographs of the hostages on October 5, 2025.

(Photo Credit: Chaim Goldbeg/FLASH90)

By AMICHAI STEIN, Jerusalem Post Staff
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-869809

Uneasy Questions Arise In Haryana IGP Y Puran Kumar’s Suicide Case

**Chandigarh:** A day after Inspector General of Police (IGP) Y Puran Kumar allegedly died by suicide, controversy has erupted over the inclusion of his name—without the state government’s prior sanction—in an FIR lodged against his former aide. The aide is accused of demanding a bribe from a liquor contractor in Kumar’s name.

District Rohtak police arrested Head Constable Sushil, a former aide of IGP Kumar, on Monday. He was sent to judicial custody on Tuesday. Sushil was arrested for allegedly demanding a bribe in the name of the deceased IPS officer, despite Kumar not being summoned to join the investigation.

According to police sources, Sushil had previously worked with IGP Kumar during his tenure as IG, Rohtak range. Kumar reportedly continued to keep Sushil on his team even after Kumar’s transfer as IG, Police Training Centre, Sunaria, Rohtak.

The arrest stems from allegations that Sushil demanded Rs 2.5 lakh monthly from a liquor businessman, invoking IGP Kumar’s name. The FIR was filed based on a written complaint and video footage provided by the businessman. Police added that Sushil allegedly threatened the businessman by warning that failure to pay the bribe could result in implicating him in a liquor smuggling case.

Sources suggest this bribery case might have been one of the reasons that led Kumar to take the extreme step of suicide.

### Vocal Advocate for Officers’ Rights and Seniority

IGP Y Puran Kumar, a 2001-batch IPS officer, was known for his vocal stance on issues concerning the rights and seniority of officers. He frequently challenged the government on matters such as promotions granted to certain batches and the representation of Scheduled Caste (SC) officers in police ranks.

Though an official statement on Kumar’s suicide note has not yet been released, it is reported that the note mentioned several serving and former top IPS officers who allegedly “authorised” a campaign aimed at humiliating him.

Reports revealed that Kumar had written to Chief Minister Nayab Saini, expressing that his representations had been ignored, particularly those concerning himself and his batch-mates from the SC category. He also claimed that in the state home department, even routine files that did not require legal opinions were unnecessarily being sent for such reviews.

Kumar had reportedly filed five complaints alleging harassment and humiliation by a senior IAS officer. He objected to the formation of a committee comprising three former IAS officers tasked with probing his allegations.

### Allegations of Intentional Humiliation

In March 2023, while posted as IGP, Home Guards, Kumar informed then Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal that the position he was assigned was not a cadre post. He stated that the Home Department had told the Punjab and Haryana High Court the same year that the state government had never formally created this post. Kumar alleged that his posting was intended to insult and humiliate him publicly.

—

This tragic incident has brought to light underlying tensions within the police department regarding seniority, caste representation, and internal politics. Further updates are awaited as investigations continue.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/uneasy-questions-arise-in-haryana-igp-y-puran-kumars-suicide-case

Bihar Election 2025: Jitan Ram Manjhi & Chirag Paswan Toughen Stand On Seat-Sharing Ahead Of Assembly Polls

**Patna:** Bihar’s two prominent Dalit leaders and Union ministers, Jitan Ram Manjhi and Chirag Paswan, are posing a significant challenge to the BJP by hardening their stance on seat-sharing deals for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

Manjhi, leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), has asserted that his party will not contest the polls unless it is allotted at least 15 seats in the alliance. Speaking to reporters, he clarified that HAM would remain part of the NDA camp but emphasized the need for adequate recognition through a respectable number of seats.

“I don’t want to become chief minister. I just want our party to be recognized,” Manjhi said. “In the absence of recognition, we face humiliation. If we do not get the proposed number of seats, we will not contest the election. We will support the NDA, but we won’t contest.”

BJP national president JP Nadda reportedly contacted Manjhi to pacify him and discuss the seat-sharing issue.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Manjhi quoted lines from Dinkar’s classic war poem *Rashmirathi*, with a slight modification. The poem narrates Lord Krishna’s desperate attempt to prevent the Mahabharata battle. Manjhi’s version reads:

*“Ho nyay agar to aadha do, yadi us mein bhi koi badha ho, to de do keval 15 gram, rakho apni dharti tamam, HAM wahi khushi se khayenge, parijan pe asi na uthayenge.”*

This loosely translates to: “Give us just 15 villages and keep everything else. HAM will be happy and won’t raise arms against our own.” In the original poem, Dinkar wrote ‘5 gram’—five villages for the five Pandava brothers—but Manjhi replaced this with 15 to underline his demand.

On the other hand, Chirag Paswan, leader of the undivided Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), is more reserved but still sends clear signals about his intentions. Though he has refrained from openly applying pressure, he dropped a cryptic message on the death anniversary of his late father, Ram Vilas Paswan, the founder of LJP.

Recalling his father, Chirag said, “Papa always used to say, do not commit a crime, do not endure a crime. If you want to live, learn to die, learn to fight at every step.”

Reports suggest that the LJP is demanding 40 seats in the NDA’s seat-sharing arrangement. However, the BJP reportedly wants to allocate only eight seats to HAM and 22 seats to Chirag’s faction, highlighting the ongoing tussle ahead of the elections.

The seat-sharing negotiations within the NDA are still in the early stages, with further information expected to be shared at the appropriate time. Meanwhile, both Manjhi and Chirag remain key players whose decisions could significantly impact the alliance’s prospects in Bihar.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/bihar-election-2025-jitan-ram-manjhi-chirag-paswan-toughen-stand-on-seat-sharing-ahead-of-assembly-polls

‘Terrorists targeting Jaffar Express were proxies of India’: Pakistan minister

**‘Terrorists Targeting Jaffar Express Are Proxies of India’: Pakistan Minister**

*By Snehil Singh | October 8, 2025, 3:49 PM*

—

**Overview of the Incident**

Pakistan Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi has accused India of orchestrating a series of attacks on the Jaffar Express train. The most recent attack occurred on Tuesday when an explosion near Sultan Kot derailed four bogies of the train, injuring seven passengers.

According to Shikarpur Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Ahmed Abro, the blast happened at 8:15 AM, and all injured individuals were promptly taken to Shikarpur Civil Hospital for treatment.

—

**Accusations Against India**

Speaking to *Dawn*, Railways Minister Abbasi claimed that the terrorists targeting the Jaffar Express are, in fact, proxies of India. He stated:
*”India is not ready to digest and bear its defeat during Operation Bunyan Al Marsoos. These cowardly acts are the pain India continues to feel from the wounds it received during the May war.”*

Abbasi further assured the public that the train service would continue as usual, emphasizing, *”We will never be afraid of such attacks.”*

—

**Responsibility Claimed by Baloch Republican Guards**

The militant group Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) has claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s attack. The group stated that the Jaffar Express was targeted specifically when “occupying Pakistani Army” personnel were on board, causing casualties among soldiers.

The BRG declared,
*”We claim responsibility for this attack and announce that such operations will continue until the independence of Balochistan is achieved.”*

—

**History of Attacks on Jaffar Express**

The Jaffar Express, which operates between Peshawar and Quetta, has been a frequent target of militant attacks, especially in recent months. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has often been implicated in these assaults.

The latest explosion marks the seventh attack on this train in 2025 alone. The deadliest incident occurred in March when militants hijacked the train and killed 21 passengers.

—

**Diplomatic Tensions and Denials**

Following the March hijacking, Pakistan accused terrorists of coordinating with handlers in Afghanistan and alleged that India was behind the masterminding of the attack.

However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal strongly rejected these claims, stating:
*”The whole world knows where the epicenter of global terrorism is.”* He urged Pakistan to reflect inward rather than blaming external forces for its internal challenges and failures.

—

**Conclusion**

The recurrent attacks on the Jaffar Express highlight ongoing tensions and security challenges in Pakistan’s railway corridors, with serious accusations and denials between the two neighboring countries underscoring the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/pakistan-minister-blames-india-over-jaffar-express-attack/story

‘Terrorists targeting Jaffar Express were proxies of India’: Pakistan minister

**‘Terrorists Targeting Jaffar Express Were Proxies of India’: Pakistan Minister**

*By Snehil Singh | Oct 08, 2025, 03:49 PM*

—

**Pakistan Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi Blames India for Attacks on Jaffar Express**

Pakistan Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi has accused India of orchestrating a series of attacks on the Jaffar Express train. The most recent incident occurred on Tuesday when an explosion near Sultan Kot derailed four bogies of the train, injuring seven passengers.

Shikarpur Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Ahmed Abro confirmed that the blast took place at 8:15 AM and that all injured individuals were promptly taken to Shikarpur Civil Hospital.

—

**Accusations Against India**

Speaking to *Dawn*, Minister Abbasi stated, “The terrorists targeting Jaffar Express again and again are, in fact, proxies of India that is not ready to digest and bear its defeat it faced during Operation Bunyan Al Marsoos.”

He further added, “These incidents are a cowardly act of India that is still feeling the pain of wounds it received during the May war.”

Despite the attacks, Abbasi assured that the train service would continue as usual. “The train will continue operating as per routine, as we will never be afraid of such attacks,” he asserted.

—

**Baloch Republican Guards Claim Responsibility**

The Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) have claimed responsibility for the latest attack on the Jaffar Express. According to the group, the train was targeted when “the occupying Pakistani Army” personnel were on board, leading to casualties among soldiers.

“The BRG claims responsibility for this attack and declares that such operations will continue until the independence of Balochistan,” the group announced.

—

**Jaffar Express: A Frequent Target for Militants**

The Jaffar Express, which runs between Peshawar and Quetta, has become a frequent target of militant attacks in recent months. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has often been held responsible for these attacks.

Tuesday’s blast marks the seventh attack on the Jaffar Express in 2025. The deadliest incident occurred in March when militants hijacked the train, resulting in the deaths of 21 passengers.

—

**Pakistan Alleges Indian Masterminding; India Denies**

Following the March hijacking, Pakistan alleged that terrorists involved were in contact with handlers in Afghanistan and accused India of masterminding the attack.

However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal vehemently rejected these claims. He stated, “The whole world knows where the epicenter of global terrorism is.” Jaiswal advised Pakistan to focus on addressing its internal issues rather than blaming other countries for its problems and failures.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/pakistan-minister-blames-india-over-jaffar-express-attack/story