Environment Minister Calls for Restraint on Mega-Solar Project

Environment Minister Keiichiro Asao has expressed his view that the construction of large-scale solar panel projects in the Kushiro Wetlands of Hokkaido should be restrained. The minister’s comments highlight growing concerns over the environmental impact of such developments in this ecologically sensitive area.

Former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi has announced her candidacy in the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election, which is set to be officially declared next week. Takaichi unveiled a platform centered on bold growth investment, aiming to revitalize Japan’s economy. Notably, her policy package incorporates some proposals from opposition parties, signaling an openness to potential collaboration across the political spectrum.

Marking the 94th anniversary of the Mukden Incident, which triggered the Manchurian Incident, China released the film *731* on September 18. The film focuses on Unit 731, a former Japanese military unit allegedly involved in the development of biological weapons during World War II. This release has drawn fresh attention to anti-Japan sentiment in China, coinciding with a date that also marks the 80th anniversary of what China frames as its victory in the war against Japan. These events have raised concerns for Japanese residents and businesses in China amid escalating tensions.

In a separate development, an initiative to reuse soil generated during decontamination work in Fukushima Prefecture—following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident—has started at central government ministries in Kasumigaseki, Tokyo. This effort aims to promote sustainable practices in managing contaminated materials.

On the legal front, the first hearing for former House of Councillors member Ohno Yasumasa and his secretary was held at the Tokyo District Court on September 10. Both are charged with violating the Political Funds Control Act over an alleged slush fund tied to Liberal Democratic Party fundraising parties. Ohno pleaded not guilty, stating, “I have never committed a crime.”

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is currently entering a leadership contest amid deepening factional infighting. The outcome of this contest is expected to significantly influence the government’s approach to inflation and the complexities of minority governance.

Meanwhile, opposition parties are preparing to invoke Article 53 of the Constitution to demand an extraordinary Diet session. They argue that a prolonged political vacuum is unacceptable and are pushing for urgent parliamentary deliberations to address pressing national issues.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146967.php

WNBA: A’ja Wilson earns historic fourth MVP award

Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson is in a class by herself, winning the WNBA MVP award for an unprecedented fourth time.

She previously won the award last season as the unanimous choice, as well as in 2020 and 2022. This achievement sets her apart from other WNBA legends.

For comparison, Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson each won the MVP award three times.

READ: A’ja Wilson shocked at…
https://sports.inquirer.net/641174/wnba-aja-wilson-earns-historic-fourth-mvp-award

Mumbai Housing Society Queries: ‘Co-Opted Members Cannot Vote In Managing Committee Polls,’ Says Expert

**Nomination, Membership, Voting Rights, and Meeting Notices in Cooperative Housing Societies**

**Q1: My sister and I are non-resident Indians. I am the 100% nominee to my parents’ flat in Mumbai. After their death, my sister claimed a 50% share, and I asked her to reimburse half of the expenses incurred towards the flat from 2019 (when both my parents had passed away) till date. Given the dispute, the managing committee (MC) has not admitted me as a member. The society is going for redevelopment and has asked both of us to sign the consent for the same. The secretary told me that in case of limbo, they will approach the registrar, adding that the builder will take over the flat. Is it possible that the builder or my sister can take over the flat? Can I be admitted as a member? Also, can my sister directly interact with the society?**
— *Rajeev Nischal, Mumbai*

**Answer:**
If your nomination is duly registered, the society must admit you as a provisional member. However, full membership will be granted only after the legal heirs are brought on record by submitting one of the following documents: a succession certificate, a legal heirship certificate, or a duly registered family arrangement, as per Section 154B-13 of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act.

Your sister, as a legal heir, can interact with the society, but she cannot take over the flat. Similarly, the builder cannot take over the flat without proper legal authority.

The society should not entertain any request from your sister to transfer the flat in her name unless she produces valid legal documents mentioned above.

Since your sister has claimed a share, it is important that both of you settle your differences amicably and decide who will hold the ownership and in what proportion.

It is in your best interest to resolve these disputes through a family arrangement document that records the understanding between both of you. This process is cost-effective, time-saving, and straightforward. Please note that both of you will need to be present for the registration of such an agreement.

**Q2: Can a member nominated or elected on account of a casual vacancy vote in the society meetings? I have been told that a co-opted member does not have the right to vote.**
— *Namita Desai, Dahisar*

**Answer:**
Yes, a member nominated or elected to fill a casual vacancy in the Managing Committee (MC) has the right to vote in society meetings.

When a casual vacancy occurs due to reasons like death, resignation, or disqualification, the remaining committee members may fill the position by nominating an eligible member. Such a member is considered a full-fledged member for the remainder of the original member’s term and enjoys all rights and responsibilities of an elected member, including voting rights.

It is important to distinguish between a nominated member filling a casual vacancy and a co-opted member:

– The MC can co-opt up to two ‘expert directors’ relevant to the society’s objects and activities. These co-opted members do not have voting rights in MC elections and cannot be elected as office-bearers.

– Similarly, the MC can co-opt up to two ‘functional directors’ who are excluded from the count of total members and do not have voting rights in meetings.

(Refer to Bylaw 115 (b) (c) for details)

**Q3: Our society secretary never mentions the meeting agenda. Isn’t it mandatory to give the agenda along with the notice? What remedies do we have if the secretary fails to issue the meeting notice?**
— *Parekh Nitin, Ghatkopar*

**Answer:**
Yes, it is mandatory for the secretary to provide the meeting agenda along with the notice. The secretary must give at least three clear days’ notice to all members. The notice should include the date, time, and place of the meeting along with details of the business to be transacted.

If the secretary fails to issue the notice with the agenda:

– The chairman of the society is required to issue the notice.

– If both the secretary and chairman fail, the housing federation, with which the society is affiliated, may convene the meeting upon receiving information and a formal request.

You may approach the housing federation and request their intervention.

Additionally, you can file a complaint with the registrar for non-compliance with the rules.

(Refer to Bylaws 98, 132, and 140)

*The above questions were answered by Sharmila Ranade, a legal expert associated with Mumbai Grahak Panchayat.*

**Got more questions?**
You may send them in brief to: fpjchs@gmail.com

**Looking for affordable and exclusive property deals in Mumbai and surrounding areas?**
Visit: [https://budgetproperties.in/](https://budgetproperties.in/)


https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-housing-society-queries-co-opted-members-cannot-vote-in-managing-committee-polls-says-expert

World summit to meet on two-state solution as support grows for Palestinian state

World Summit to Meet on Two-State Solution as Support Grows for Palestinian State

The US administration has warned of possible consequences for those who take measures against Israel, including against France, whose president, Emmanuel Macron, is hosting the New York summit.

Delegates reacted to the voting results during the United Nations General Assembly vote on a draft resolution that would recognize the Palestinians as qualified to become a full UN member. The vote took place in New York City, US, on May 10, 2024.

Photo credit: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

By REUTERS

https://www.jpost.com/international/article-868328

‘1500 strike drones, 1280 guided bombs, 50 missiles targeted Ukraine this week’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday called for stronger international sanctions and increased military support to counter Russia’s escalating attacks. He revealed that Ukraine faced over 1,500 strike drones, 1,280 guided aerial bombs, and 50 missiles of various types in the past week alone.

“Russia must feel the consequences of what it is doing. Sufficient counteraction is needed to force them to seek peace. That can be achieved with adequate strength of our army, our long-range strike capabilities, and strong sanctions and pressure against Russia,” Zelenskyy said.

He added, “Right now, we are defending ourselves from Russian attacks almost every day. This week alone, there were more than 1,500 strike drones, over 1,280 guided aerial bombs, and 50 missiles of various types.”

In a post on X, Zelenskyy warned that Russian military production relies heavily on foreign-made components and technologies. He revealed that over 132,000 foreign components from countries including Europe, the US, China, Japan, and others have been identified in Russian weaponry.

“Thousands of foreign components have been found in this weaponry — more than 132,000 items from many countries: Europe, the US, China, Japan, and dozens of others. All these technologies help Russia create weapons on a large scale. All for the sake of terror against our people,” his post read.

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the text. 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/1500-strike-drones-1280-guided-bombs-50-missiles-targeted-ukraine-this-week–23595146

US lawmakers seek to ‘break the ice’ in China visit amid trade, TikTok tensions

**US House Representatives Meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing to ‘Break the Ice’ Amid Tense US-China Relations**

A delegation of US House of Representatives members met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, expressing hopes to “break the ice” as the two global superpowers seek to stabilize their strained relationship.

This rare visit by US lawmakers comes amid a week marked by tense phone calls and high-stakes negotiations between Washington and Beijing. The trip underscores ongoing efforts to ease tensions that continue to revolve around trade disputes, the future of the popular app TikTok, and escalating military tensions in the South China Sea.

Just two days prior to the meeting, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first phone call in three months. While their discussion addressed several critical issues, including trade and security, there was no breakthrough regarding TikTok — the Chinese-owned app boasting 170 million users in the United States.

The White House reported on Saturday that a potential deal is taking shape which would place control of TikTok’s algorithm into the hands of US companies. Furthermore, US citizens would hold the majority of seats on a board overseeing TikTok’s US operations, with six out of seven board members being American.

TikTok’s algorithm is crucial as it determines the content users see, and US officials have repeatedly expressed concerns about its vulnerability to manipulation by Chinese authorities.

Despite these concerns, President Trump told reporters Saturday evening that “great American patriots” are preparing to acquire TikTok’s US operations. The app was originally slated for a ban in the US this January, but Trump has issued several orders to keep it operational while negotiations with ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company in China, continue.

“And they’re very smart technologically, and they will not let anything bad happen to TikTok,” Trump said.

Among the likely buyers of TikTok’s US operations is Oracle, the technology giant led by billionaire Larry Ellison, a longtime Trump supporter.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated in a Fox News interview on Saturday that the administration is “100 percent confident that a deal is done.” She added, “President Trump recognized the need to protect Americans’ privacy and data while also keeping this app open.”

Leavitt also emphasized TikTok’s importance, calling it “a vital part of our democratic process,” and predicted that the deal would be finalized “in the coming days.”

As both nations continue to navigate this complex relationship, the lawmakers’ visit and ongoing negotiations signal a cautious but hopeful step toward easing US-China tensions.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/us-lawmakers-seek-to-break-the-ice-in-china-visit-amid-trade-tiktok-tensions/articleshow/124036815.cms

Weekend Discussion – September 21, 2025

Hey Shacknews, it’s time for Weekend Discussion! Let’s officially close out our weekend with some fun and interesting notes.

**Your Daily Dose of Sudoku**
They’re having a laugh with this puzzle—four numbers and four lines? Okay, that’s definitely different!

**Captcha: Impossible**
I love how this guy trolls scammers. Brilliant!

**Dark Souls 3 Was Beautiful**
The map at the end of the world is truly stunning.

**Crazy That LEGO is Now a Commodity**
I hope LEGO keeps pushing forward with their unique creations and community-made ideas. Crossovers are cool and all, but that’s not why I love LEGO.

**To Git Gud or Not to Git Gud?**
Making a game hard, but not frustrating, sounds… hard.

**Time for a Strange Video**
Alien hunting is all the rage these days.

**Cheeky Will and His “Steroids”**
I felt a bit bad for his friend, but he took it like a champ.

**Weekend Vibes — What I’m Listening To:**
– *The Taste of Ink* — The Used
– *Du Hast* — Rammstein
– *So Far Away* — Crossfade
– *Face Down* — The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

**Here Are Some Shacknews Articles From This Week:**
– *Dying Light: The Beast* review: The real monsters are exactly who you’d expect
– *Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds* review: The scenic route
– The top five most terrifying Kirby bosses
– This Week in Switch 2: Nintendo Prices, Emerald Rush, Hyrule Warriors & Console War Talk (09/18/25)

There you have it, Shacknews. Your Weekend Discussion for another beautiful weekend.

Please consider subscribing to Shacknews Mercury to support our site for as little as a dollar a month. Want to support us for free? Check out Shackmaps — our interactive video game map platform where you can find collectibles and more in games you love to play, entirely free!

Have a great week ahead!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146017/weekend-discussion-september-21-2025

US lawmakers seek to ‘break the ice’ in China visit amid trade, TikTok tensions

**US House Representatives Meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, Aim to ‘Break the Ice’ Amid Tense US-China Relations**

A delegation from the US House of Representatives met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The lawmakers conveyed their hope to “break the ice” as the two superpowers strive to make progress toward stabilizing their increasingly tense relationship.

This visit comes during a week marked by high-stakes negotiations and tense phone calls between Washington and Beijing. According to Al Jazeera, the US delegation’s trip is a rare occasion aimed at thawing frozen ties amid ongoing disputes over trade, the fate of TikTok, and escalating military tensions in the South China Sea.

Just two days prior, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first phone call in three months. While the leaders discussed several critical issues, no breakthrough was reached regarding TikTok — the immensely popular Chinese-owned app boasting 170 million users in the United States.

The White House announced on Saturday that a prospective deal would grant US companies control over TikTok’s algorithm, with US citizens holding the majority on a board overseeing the app’s US operations—six out of seven seats. The app’s algorithm, which determines what content users see, has been a point of concern for US officials who fear potential manipulation by Chinese authorities.

Despite this, President Trump told reporters on Saturday evening that “great American patriots” are planning to purchase TikTok’s US operations. Originally slated for a ban in the US in January, TikTok has instead remained operational due to repeated executive orders allowing the app to continue while negotiations with its owner, China’s ByteDance, proceed.

“And they’re very smart technologically,” Trump said of the potential buyers, “and they will not let anything bad happen to TikTok.”

Oracle, the tech giant led by billionaire and longtime Trump supporter Larry Ellison, is one of the frontrunners to acquire TikTok’s US operations.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed confidence in the deal during a Fox News interview on Saturday, stating the administration is “100 per cent confident that a deal is done.” She added, “[Trump] recognized the need to protect Americans’ privacy and data while also keeping this app open.”

Leavitt emphasized TikTok’s importance, calling it “a vital part of our democratic process,” and anticipated the agreement would be finalized “in the coming days.”

As tensions continue, this diplomatic engagement and potential TikTok deal represent crucial steps in addressing the complex challenges defining US-China relations.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/us-lawmakers-seek-to-break-the-ice-in-china-visit-amid-trade-tiktok-tensions/articleshow/124036815.cms

Bhopal Rural Police Hold Mock Drills To Control ‘Farmers’ Protest’

**Bhopal Rural Police Conduct Mock Drills to Ensure Festival Preparedness**

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): In a proactive move ahead of the upcoming festival season, the Bhopal Rural Police organized mock drills on Sunday in Itkhedi and Berasia areas to enhance preparedness and coordination.

The exercises were conducted under the direction of Superintendent of Police Ramsharan Prajapati and the guidance of Additional SP Neeraj Chaurasia.

At the Acharpura outpost within the Itkhedi police station jurisdiction, the drill simulated a farmers’ protest demanding higher compensation for crop loss caused by heavy rains. During the simulation, protesters raised slogans against the government. Despite efforts by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) to pacify the crowd, tensions escalated, leading to police intervention.

The drill showcased various crowd control measures including tear gas deployment, baton charges, and controlled firing. Two protesters and two policemen were reportedly injured during the exercise and were immediately provided medical aid via ambulance. Following the intervention, the police successfully dispersed the crowd and restored order.

Simultaneously, another mock drill was held at the Berasia police station premises, overseen by the Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP), Berasia, Sarvapriya Sinha, with active participation from local police station in-charges.

In total, 118 police officers and personnel took part in these drills, aiming to strengthen their readiness and ensure effective security management during the festive period.

These exercises reflect the Bhopal Rural Police’s commitment to maintaining law and order and safeguarding the community during large gatherings and events.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/bhopal-rural-police-hold-mock-drills-to-control-farmers-protest

Weekend Discussion – September 21, 2025

Hey Shacknews, it’s time for Weekend Discussion! Let’s officially close out our weekend together.

**Your Daily Dose of Sudoku**
They’re having a laugh with this puzzle—four numbers and four lines? Okay, that’s a new twist!

**Captcha: Impossible**
I love how this guy trolls scammers. Sometimes a little humor is the best way to deal with them.

**Dark Souls 3 Was Beautiful**
The map at the end of the world is something else. Such a breathtaking experience from start to finish.

**Crazy That LEGO Is Now a Commodity**
I hope LEGO keeps moving forward with their unique creations and community-made ideas. Crossovers are cool and all, but that’s not really why I love LEGO. It’s all about creativity and building your own world.

**To Git Gud or Not to Git Gud?**
Making a game hard, but not frustrating, sounds hard—pun intended. The balance between challenge and fun is always tricky.

**Time for a Strange Video**
Alien hunting is all the rage right now. Plus, cheeky Will and his “steroids” had me laughing. I felt a bit bad for his friend, but he took it like a champ.

**Weekend Vibes: What I’m Listening To**
– *The Taste of Ink* – The Used
– *Du Hast* – Rammstein
– *So Far Away* – Crossfade
– *Face Down* – The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

**Here Are Some Shacknews Articles from This Week:**
– *Dying Light: The Beast Review*: The real monsters are exactly who you’d expect
– *Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Review*: The scenic route
– *The Top Five Most Terrifying Kirby Bosses*
– *This Week in Switch 2*: Nintendo Prices, Emerald Rush, Hyrule Warriors & Console War Talk (09/18/25)

There you have it, Shacknews—your Weekend Discussion for another beautiful weekend.

If you love what we do, please consider subscribing to Shacknews Mercury to support our site for as little as a dollar a month.

Want to support us for free? You can do that by checking out Shackmaps—our interactive video game map platform where you can find collectibles and more in the games you love to play. And yes, it’s completely free!

Enjoy your week ahead!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146017/weekend-discussion-september-21-2025

Exit mobile version