politics 46 - The Latremie Post

Taxpayers’ Money Must Be Used Wisely: Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana

**Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee Holds Inaugural Meeting**

The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) convened its first meeting in Lucknow on Thursday. Addressing the session, Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana emphasized the importance of the committee’s role in strengthening democracy and serving the public interest.

Mahana highlighted that the committee comprises experienced legislators whose skills are vital for ensuring constitutional accountability. “India’s democratic system is rooted in constitutional accountability and sustained by taxpayers’ contributions,” he stated. The Speaker stressed the responsibility of elected representatives to ensure the proper utilization of public funds, particularly those collected from poor taxpayers.

Describing the PAC as one of the most crucial legislative bodies, Mahana underlined that no development or governance is possible without financial discipline. He urged committee members to engage in serious discussions on public welfare issues. For first-time members, the Speaker advised learning from senior colleagues to improve the committee’s effectiveness.

Newly elected PAC Chair Mahboob Ali expressed his gratitude to the Speaker, calling the meeting historic. He expressed confidence that Mahana’s guidance will continue to strengthen the committee’s functioning.

Senior legislators Om Prakash Singh and Saurabh Srivastava also praised the Speaker for his efforts in enhancing the dignity of the Assembly.

Nearly all committee members attended the meeting, along with senior officials including Assembly Secretary Pradeep Kumar Dubey, highlighting the importance of this crucial gathering.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/uttar-pradesh/taxpayers-money-must-be-used-wisely-uttar-pradesh-assembly-speaker-satish-mahana

International Olympic Committee rejects Spanish calls to expel Israel

**International Olympic Committee Rejects Spanish Calls to Expel Israel from 2026 Olympics**

The Spanish Prime Minister recently called for Israeli teams to be barred from participating in the 2026 Olympic Games, citing the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict as the reason for this demand. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially rejected these calls, emphasizing the importance of keeping politics separate from sports and allowing all qualified athletes to compete.

At the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games, Israel was proudly represented by flag bearers Romi Paritzki and Tom Reuveny, showcasing the country’s commitment to the Olympic spirit despite the current tensions.

*(Photo credit: Rob Schumacher/USA Today Sports)*

By JERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sports/article-868003

India likely to resolve tariffs issue with US within two months: CEA

Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran expressed optimism on Thursday that a resolution to the tariff-related issues with the United States could be reached within the next eight to ten weeks, reported the PTI.

Speaking at an interactive session hosted by the Bharat Chamber of Commerce, Nageswaran said, “Underneath the surface, conversations are going on between the two governments. My hunch is that in the next eight to ten weeks, we will likely see a solution to the tariffs imposed by the US on Indian goods,” according to the PTI.

The United States had imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods from August in response to India’s purchase of Russian oil, bringing the total levy on certain products to 50 per cent. The CEA warned that if these tariffs remain in place, Indian exports to the US could decline.

Describing India as an aspirational lower-middle-income economy, Nageswaran highlighted that the real GDP growth for the first quarter of the current financial year stood at 7.8 per cent. He added that post-pandemic, India has outpaced many other economies in terms of recovery and growth, as per the PTI.

Nageswaran expects the manufacturing, services, and agriculture sectors to play a key role in driving economic progress over the next two years. Consumption and investment, he said, will continue to be the main pillars of growth.

He noted that India has a strong debt-to-GDP ratio, generating more GDP per US dollar of debt compared to many other countries — a sign of efficient capital utilisation. Additionally, rural demand remains resilient, while urban demand is improving.

The recent reduction in GST rates, he said, will result in more disposable income in the hands of consumers, potentially boosting urban consumption, the news agency reported.

The CEA also highlighted that credit to the MSME sector is on the rise, while lending to large industries is undergoing structural change. Resource mobilisation today is well supported by various financial channels.

India’s external sector remains solid despite global headwinds, with robust trade activity and healthy foreign exchange reserves. The current account deficit has eased to just 0.2 per cent of GDP in the first quarter of FY 2025-26.

Regarding the rupee, Nageswaran said, “The rupee is depreciating against the US dollar. But given the underlying strength of the economy, I believe the rupee is likely to stabilise and strengthen in the long term,” as per the PTI.

Outlining the government’s policy priorities, he stressed continued emphasis on capital expenditure, incentives for private investment, and systemic deregulation. Infrastructure development—particularly in ports and airports—has improved, ensuring that economic growth does not lead to overheating, he added.

Touching upon India’s trade with China, he noted that imports are largely composed of capital and intermediate goods. He urged the Indian private sector to increase investment in innovation and research and development (R&D).

On artificial intelligence (AI), Nageswaran remarked that its impact has been limited so far. He cautioned that entry-level coding jobs may be at risk, but overall employment effects are manageable—provided that workers upskill and adapt, the PTI reported.

(With PTI inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/us-tariffs-on-india-india-likely-to-resolve-tariffs-issue-with-us-within-two-months-says-chief-economic-adviser-v-anantha-nageswaran-23594656

PM Modi conveys India is ready to support Nepal as protests eases

**PM Narendra Modi Holds Telephonic Talk with Nepal’s Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki Amid Recent Protests**

Nepal has recently witnessed intense protests led by the Gen Z movement, which resulted in significant turmoil and unfortunate loss of lives. However, the situation now appears to be stabilizing. In the wake of these developments, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation on Thursday with Nepal’s Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki.

According to an official statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi extended his condolences for the tragic loss of lives during the protests. He assured Nepal of India’s readiness to work closely towards strengthening the special ties between the two countries. Furthermore, he conveyed India’s full support for Nepal’s efforts to restore peace, stability, and progress for its people, as reported by news agency ANI.

The MEA statement also highlighted that the Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Karki on her appointment and conveyed best wishes on behalf of the Government and people of India. It emphasized the strong commitment of both nations to fostering close cooperation during this critical time.

Responding to this, Nepal’s Interim Prime Minister Karki thanked PM Modi for India’s unwavering support and reciprocated the desire to further strengthen bilateral relations. She emphasized the importance of accountable, responsive, and corruption-free governance, particularly reflecting the aspirations of Nepal’s youth.

On a cordial note, PM Modi extended felicitations on the occasion of Nepal’s upcoming National Day. Both leaders agreed to maintain close contact moving forward.

In a statement from Nepal’s Foreign Ministry, PM Karki also conveyed her heartfelt greetings and best wishes to PM Modi on his 75th birthday and appreciated his message of solidarity. She reaffirmed that, in response to the recent Gen Z movement, holding elections remains the top priority of the current government. This election is scheduled for the first week of March 2026 and will mark the end of her tenure as interim prime minister.

Sushila Karki holds the distinction of being Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice and now also the country’s first woman Prime Minister. She is supported by the Gen Z-led movement that has played a significant role in reshaping Nepal’s political landscape.

The Gen Z revolution led to 74 deaths when police used lethal force to suppress protests against the regime of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently in hiding. The upcoming elections are viewed as a critical step toward restoring democratic governance in Nepal.

Interim Prime Minister Karki will remain in office until the elections in March 2026, setting the stage for a new executive leadership in Nepal.

*With inputs from ANI.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/pm-modi-conveys-india-is-ready-to-support-nepal-in-efforts-towards-restoring-peace-and-stability-23594664

China ends Google antitrust probe, shifts regulatory focus to NVIDIA

**China Ends Google Antitrust Probe, Shifts Regulatory Focus to NVIDIA**
*By Akash Pandey | Sep 18, 2025, 01:21 PM*

China has decided to end its antitrust investigation into tech giant Google, six months after it was launched, according to the Financial Times. This development comes amid escalating trade talks between Beijing and Washington, particularly concerning TikTok. It is important to note that Google has not yet been officially informed about the decision to terminate the probe.

### Details of the Probe into Google’s Android OS

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of China decided to end the competition investigation against Google, a move referred to as “zhongzhi” in Chinese. The probe, launched in February, focused on Google’s dominance in the Android operating system market. Authorities scrutinized how this dominance affects Chinese smartphone manufacturers such as OPPO and Xiaomi, which heavily rely on Google’s software ecosystem.

### Strategic Shift in China’s Regulatory Focus

The termination of the investigation is seen as a positive gesture toward Washington, signaling Beijing’s willingness to negotiate in ongoing trade discussions. A source told the Financial Times, “Drop one case but seize the other. China is trying to narrow its retaliatory targets to make them more potent.”

Now, China’s regulatory attention has shifted to NVIDIA, the world’s most valuable chipmaker. This shift could serve as leverage in the broader context of US-China trade negotiations.

### TikTok: US Ban Extended by Three Months

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump announced an agreement had been reached with China over the sale of TikTok. This announcement followed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s confirmation of a “framework agreement” related to the app.

Despite the progress, Trump signed an executive order extending the ban on TikTok for an additional three months. This marks the fourth delay of the law intended to compel the sale of TikTok from its Chinese owner, extending regulatory uncertainty around the popular social media platform.

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China’s move to end the Google antitrust probe while focusing on NVIDIA highlights a tactical shift in its regulatory approach amidst sensitive US-China trade relations. The developments around TikTok remain closely watched as part of these ongoing geopolitical negotiations.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/china-ends-probe-into-google-amid-trade-talks-with-us/story

Melania Trump and Princess Kate make bold fashion choices for their historic first outing together

First Lady Melania Trump and Princess Kate are set to make history with their first joint outing together during President Donald Trump’s state visit to the United Kingdom.

On Wednesday, Prince William and Princess Kate greeted President Trump and the First Lady as they disembarked Marine One upon landing on the grounds of the Windsor estate. The couple was then taken to meet the King and Queen.

Princess Kate was dressed in a bold, burgundy Emilia Wickstead dress paired with a matching hat by Jane Taylor, featuring a feather brooch. Kate’s hat, made from luxury felt with a satin bow and veiling, retails for £2,330 and is made to measure. Meanwhile, Melania Trump wore a Christian Dior Haute Couture dark grey suit complemented by a wide-brimmed purple hat that obscured her eyes.

Later in the day, the two women will visit Frogmore Gardens together as part of President Trump’s second state visit, marking their first solo outing without their respective spouses. During this visit, Melania and Kate will meet UK Scoutmaster Dwayne Fields and members of the Scouts Squirrels program. A former Scout herself, Kate has served as co-president of the Scout Association since 2020.

Ahead of their historic outing, Melania Trump and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, joined their respective spouses for the Beating Retreat military ceremony. Camilla chose a royal blue dress and matching hat, accessorized with three strands of pearls, a gold brooch, and a handbag that matched her shoes.

The Trumps stayed overnight on Tuesday at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in London before traveling to Windsor Castle on Wednesday for a ceremonial welcome and a lavish state banquet.

Melania’s itinerary for the short visit also includes an outing with Camilla. Together, the two will visit Queen Mary’s Dollhouse and the Royal Library at Windsor Castle.

This trip carries extra significance as the late Queen Elizabeth previously hosted the Trumps for a state visit during his first term. President Trump is now the first elected political leader in modern history to be invited to two state visits by British monarchs.

Crowds have turned out to support the U.S. President in the Berkshire town. Dianne, 52, from North London, told The Independent that she believes Trump is a special man. However, thousands are expected to demonstrate against the president’s stay on the streets of London later in the week.

The U.S. President’s visit is under tight security. Four arrests were made near Windsor after images of Trump and the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were projected onto Windsor Castle.

Wednesday’s events include a military parade described by the Ministry of Defence as the largest guard of honour ever held at a state visit. The day will also feature gun salutes, a joint U.S.-U.K. flypast, a carriage procession, and a lavish state banquet.
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/melania-trump-kate-middleton-hat-dress-fashion-b2828931.html

Hamas reaching ‘breaking point’ as Gaza City evacuation expands, security source says

Hamas Reaching ‘Breaking Point’ as Gaza City Evacuation Expands, Security Source Says

“Once more than half a million Palestinians have evacuated, criticism of the Hamas leadership will intensify to the point where signs of its collapse may begin to appear,” a security source stated amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

Displaced Palestinians, fleeing northern Gaza due to an Israeli military operation, are moving southward following orders from Israeli forces for residents of Gaza City to evacuate to the south, in the central Gaza Strip.

Photo credit: REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa (September 17, 2025)

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-867857

In Future If India Attacks Pakistan, Will It Be Considered As Act Of Aggression Against Saudi Arabia? Defence Pact Between 2 Islamic Nations Explained

**Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Sign Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement**

*New Delhi:* In a significant development, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Wednesday signed a “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement.” According to the defence pact, any aggression against either nation will be treated as an attack on both countries.

The agreement was inked during a state visit by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Riyadh, at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

### Joint Statement Highlights Historic Partnership

Both nations issued a joint statement following the agreement, emphasizing the historic partnership between them.

> “Building on the historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defence cooperation between the two countries, HRH the Crown Prince and the Pakistani prime minister signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement,” the statement read.

The agreement reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhancing their security and working towards regional and global peace. It aims to develop various aspects of defence cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence against any acts of aggression.

> “The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both,” the joint statement further added.

### Details of the Agreement

The pact formalizes defence cooperation between the two Islamic nations, clearly stipulating that any aggression on one country will be regarded as an attack on both.

As highlighted in the joint statement:

> “This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression.”

Notably, Pakistan is the only Islamic country with nuclear weapons. Reports suggest that following this agreement, Saudi Arabia may gain access to Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.

The agreement marks a shift from informal defence ties to structured military cooperation between the two nations.

### Implications for India

The pact has raised alarm bells in New Delhi. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained close relations for decades, with Riyadh providing Islamabad financial support through grants and loans on several occasions.

This defence pact effectively provides Pakistan with a strategic shield. Pakistan’s stance in the region could become emboldened as Islamabad may invoke the agreement to involve Saudi Arabia in any dispute with India, especially in the context of Kashmir.

India’s relations with Saudi Arabia have generally been cordial. Saudi Arabia is India’s fifth-largest trade partner, while India ranks as Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trade partner.

On the surface, the pact appears to substantially bolster Pakistan’s military and diplomatic position in the region.

### Context: Recent Regional Tensions

The agreement was signed just months after the Pahalgam attack in which 26 people were killed by heavily armed terrorists belonging to The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.

In retaliation, India launched **Operation Sindoor**, targeting nine high-value terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Pakistan responded with counterstrikes, escalating tensions further.

Following the military operation, India initiated **Operation Sindoor Outreach** by sending delegations of parliamentarians and officials to friendly nations to highlight Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism. One such delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, visited Saudi Arabia as part of this campaign.

### India’s Reaction

In response to the Pakistan-Saudi pact, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement:

> “We have seen reports of the signing of a strategic mutual Defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The Government was aware that this development, which formalises a long-standing arrangement between the two countries, had been under consideration.”

> “We will study the implications of this development for our national security as well as for regional and global stability. The Government remains committed to protecting India’s national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains.”

### Geopolitical Impact

The agreement is considered a major diplomatic victory for Pakistan and is expected to have significant geopolitical repercussions in the near future.

This development came after a summit attended by 40 Islamic nations in Doha, where reports suggest a NATO-like alliance was proposed in response to Israel’s attack on Qatar.

—

*Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/in-future-if-india-attacks-pakistan-will-it-be-considered-as-act-of-aggression-against-saudi-arabia-defence-pact-between-2-islamic-nations-explained

Trump tariffs could fund bailout for US farmers, says agriculture secretary

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https://www.ft.com/content/0267b431-2ec9-4ca4-9d5c-5abf61f2b082

Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence pact: Declares joint response to any agresssion on either; no shift in India ties, says Riyadh

**Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Sign Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement to Formalize Security Cooperation**

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have formalized their long-standing security cooperation by signing a **Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement**, marking a significant step toward institutionalizing their military ties. The pact pledges mutual support in the event of any external aggression, reflecting a shared commitment to regional security and peace.

The agreement was signed during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh and was announced through a joint statement following his talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to Reuters, this new accord aims to enhance defense cooperation between the two Islamic nations and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression.

A key feature of the pact is that any attack on either country will be considered an attack on both, representing a major shift from informal security arrangements to a formalized military framework.

A senior Saudi official described the deal as the culmination of years of discussions and emphasized that it is not a reaction to any recent conflict or specific country. The official also noted that it is a comprehensive defensive agreement encompassing all military means but declined to specify whether it includes Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.

This agreement follows days after an extraordinary joint session of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), convened in response to Israel’s strike on Doha on September 9 targeting senior Hamas leaders. However, the Saudi official stressed that the new pact is not directly linked to this incident.

In addition to defense cooperation, both leaders discussed ways to enhance the strategic partnership across various fields and exchanged views on regional and global issues, according to Al Jazeera.

While Saudi Arabia strengthens its defense ties with Pakistan, it reiterated that its growing relationship with India remains unaffected. The Saudi official commented, “Our relationship with India is more robust than it has ever been,” a noteworthy statement given the brief conflict between India and Pakistan earlier in May.

**A Long History of Military Cooperation**

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a deep history of military collaboration. Since 1967, Islamabad has trained over 8,200 Saudi military personnel, and the two nations have conducted multiple joint military exercises, underscoring their enduring partnership.

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/pakistan-saudi-arabia-defence-pact-declares-joint-response-to-any-agresssion-on-either-no-shift-in-india-ties-says-riyadh/articleshow/123961139.cms