politics 46 - The Latremie Post

Mumbai: VHP Advises Only Hindus Should Attend Garba, Suggests Aadhaar Verification

**VHP States Only Hindus Should Be Allowed Entry to Garba Events During Navratri**

Mumbai: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Saturday declared that only Hindus must be permitted entry to garba events held in observance of Navratri. The organization also advised event organizers to verify the identity of participants by checking their Aadhaar cards at entry points.

Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule commented on the matter, stating that organizers have the right to set conditions for entry to their events, provided they have obtained the necessary police permissions. However, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticized the VHP’s stance, accusing the group of attempting to “set society on fire.”

Navratri is scheduled to be observed from September 22 to October 1 this year.

“Garba is not merely a dance but a form of worship to please the goddess,” said VHP national spokesperson Shriraj Nair. “Those who do not believe in idol worship—apparently referring to Muslims—should not be allowed to participate. Only those who have faith in the rituals must be permitted.”

The VHP has issued advisories to garba event organizers, instructing them to check Aadhaar cards at entry, apply a ’tilak’ (a religious mark) on participants, and ensure that the participants perform puja before entering the event.

Furthermore, Nair added, “VHP and Bajrang Dal workers will monitor the events. Garba is a form of worship, not entertainment. Those who do not have faith in the goddess should not be part of it.”
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-vhp-advises-only-hindus-should-attend-garba-suggests-aadhaar-verification

Durga Puja 2025: CM Mamata Banerjee Inaugurates Pandals, Plans 3,000 Openings Ahead Of Mahalaya; VIDEO

Kolkata: Braving the rains, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday began inaugurating several Durga Puja pandals ahead of Mahalaya.

### CM to Inaugurate Durga Idols from Mahalaya

Speaking at the Tala Prattoy Durga Puja in north Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee announced that she will also inaugurate Durga idols starting from Mahalaya.

### 3,000 Pandal Inaugurations Planned

“I will be inaugurating three thousand puja pandals this year over the next four to five days, which includes several virtual inaugurations,” said the Chief Minister.

### Sreebhumi Sporting Club Puja Inaugurated

During the inauguration of the Sreebhumi Sporting Club Puja, conducted by State Fire and Emergency Service Minister Sujit Bose, Mamata once again criticized the central government for allegedly heckling Bengali-speaking migrant workers. She made these remarks without naming anyone specifically.

### Also Watch: Songs Composed by Mamata to Launch on Mahalaya

Notably, Mamata Banerjee has composed a few songs for Durga Puja, which are scheduled to be launched on Mahalaya.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/durga-puja-2025-cm-mamata-banerjee-inaugurates-pandals-plans-3000-openings-ahead-of-mahalaya-video

Palestinian Hamas-aligned journalist Mustafa Ayash arrested at Netherlands airport – report

**Palestinian Hamas-Aligned Journalist Mustafa Ayash Arrested at Netherlands Airport**

Mustafa Ayash, a Palestinian journalist known for his alignment with Hamas, was reportedly arrested at a Netherlands airport. Sources indicate that Ayash is set to be deported to Austria.

Meanwhile, Dutch mobile police officers were deployed in Amsterdam city center following several scuffles that broke out after the UEFA Europa League, League Phase Matchday 4 football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 8, 2024.

(Photo credit: VLN Niews / ANP / AFP)

— By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868151

Palestinian Hamas-aligned journalist Mustafa Ayash arrested at Netherlands airport – report

**Palestinian Hamas-Aligned Journalist Mustafa Ayash Arrested at Netherlands Airport**

Mustafa Ayash, a Palestinian journalist reportedly aligned with Hamas, was arrested at an airport in the Netherlands. Reports indicate that Ayash is set to be deported to Austria.

In a related event, Dutch mobile police officers were deployed and stood guard after several scuffles broke out in Amsterdam’s city center. These disturbances followed the UEFA Europa League Group Phase Matchday 4 football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 8, 2024.

*Photo credit: VLN Niews / ANP / AFP*

—
*By JERUSALEM POST STAFF*
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868151

Palestinian Hamas-aligned journalist Mustafa Ayash arrested at Netherlands airport – report

**Palestinian Hamas-aligned Journalist Mustafa Ayash Arrested at Netherlands Airport**

Mustafa Ayash, a Palestinian journalist reportedly aligned with Hamas, was arrested at a Dutch airport. According to reports, Ayash is set to be deported to Austria.

In a related incident, Dutch mobile police officers were deployed to stand guard after several scuffles broke out in Amsterdam’s city center. The disturbances followed the UEFA Europa League Group Stage Matchday 4 football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 8, 2024.

*Photo credit: VLN Niews / ANP / AFP*

*By JERUSALEM POST STAFF*
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868151

Rajnath to visit Morocco, first by any Indian Defence Minister

**Rajnath Singh to Visit Morocco: First Indian Defence Minister to Do So**

*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 beginning September 22. Marking a historic milestone, this will be the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to the North African nation.

### Strengthening Strategic Ties

The visit aims to bolster strategic ties between India and Morocco, with a special emphasis on enhancing defense cooperation and industrial collaboration. One of the highlights of the trip will be the inauguration of Tata Advanced Systems Maroc’s new manufacturing facility in Berrechid, dedicated to the production of the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8.

### A Milestone for India’s Defence Manufacturing

The Berrechid plant stands as the first Indian defense manufacturing unit on African soil. This achievement aligns with India’s *Aatmanirbhar Bharat* initiative and underscores the growing global footprint of India’s defense industry.

Invited by Morocco’s Minister Delegate of National Defense, Abdellatif Loudiyi, Rajnath Singh’s visit cements the significance of deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.

### Key Strategic Discussions and Agreements

During the visit, Singh will engage in bilateral talks with Minister Loudiyi focusing on expanding defense cooperation and strategic partnerships. He is also likely to meet Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, to discuss avenues for enhanced industrial collaboration.

A major expected outcome of the visit is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation. This agreement will pave the way for formal exchanges, training programs, and stronger industrial linkages between India and Morocco.

### Growing Diplomatic and Maritime Cooperation

India-Morocco relations have seen significant momentum since 2015 following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and King Mohammed VI. Rajnath Singh’s visit is anticipated to inject renewed energy into this partnership, particularly within defense and strategic sectors.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) also highlighted that Indian Navy ships have made regular port calls at Casablanca in recent years. The new agreement is expected to further consolidate maritime cooperation between the two nations.

—

This landmark visit by Rajnath Singh underscores India’s expanding role in global defense partnerships and strengthens its ties with Morocco, fostering cooperation across defense, industrial, and maritime domains.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/rajnath-to-inaugurate-tasl-armored-vehicle-unit-during-morocco-visit/story

Assam Government To Probe Zubeen Garg’s Death, Multiple FIRs Filed Against Event Organiser, Singer’s Manager

**Assam Government to Probe the Death of Singer Zubeen Garg**

Guwahati: The Assam government has announced that it will investigate the death of renowned singer Zubeen Garg. State Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that an official inquiry will be conducted into the circumstances surrounding the singer’s untimely demise.

An FIR has been registered at the Morigaon police station against Shyamkanu Mahanta, organiser of the North East India Festival, and Siddhartha Sharma, Zubeen Garg’s manager. “Assam Police will probe the death of Zubeen Garg and both Mahanta and Sharma, along with those who were present with the singer in his last moments, will be interrogated,” Sarma told reporters.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister further stated that he has directed the Assam Police to transfer all FIRs related to the case to the Central Investigation Department (CID). “Multiple FIRs have been filed against Shri Shyamkanu Mahanta and Shri Siddhartha Sharma in connection with the unfortunate and untimely demise of our beloved Zubeen Garg. I have directed the @DGPAssamPolice to transfer all the FIRs to the CID and to register a consolidated case for a thorough investigation,” he said.

Reports have also emerged indicating that the singer was taken to a party the night before his death. Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore on Friday while swimming in the sea without a life jacket.

According to the Assam Chief Minister, Singaporean authorities have initiated their own investigation since the incident occurred outside India. Additionally, the Assam government will examine whether the singer was taken from Assam with any malicious intent.

As the investigations proceed, authorities aim to uncover the full details behind the tragic death of one of Assam’s most beloved cultural icons.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/breaking-news-assam-government-to-probe-zubeen-gargs-death-multiple-firs-filed-against-event-organiser-singers-manager

“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