The Latremie Post

India and China decide to resume direct flights by late October

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced the resumption of direct air services connecting designated points in India and China later this month, in accordance with the winter schedule. This agreement marks a significant step towards normalising air connectivity between the two countries.

The operations will depend on commercial decisions made by the designated carriers and the fulfilment of all operational requirements. The resumption of flights is expected to enhance people-to-people contact, strengthen business ties, and support the gradual normalisation of bilateral exchanges between the neighbouring nations. This development will particularly benefit students, tourists, and professionals travelling between India and China.

Flight services between the two countries had been suspended following the 2017 Doklam standoff and were further impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely restricted international travel. Relations between India and China deteriorated further after the Galwan standoff in May-June 2020.

The current agreement signals a thaw in ties and reflects renewed efforts to normalise relations after an extended period of disruption. In August, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India and held talks with his Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar. Both sides agreed to resume direct flight connectivity at the earliest and to finalise an updated Air Services Agreement during the meeting.

In addition to flight connectivity, discussions included facilitating visa processes for tourists, business travellers, media personnel, and other visitors travelling in both directions. During his visit, the Chinese Foreign Minister also co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ dialogue on the Boundary Question with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that stable, predictable, and constructive ties between India and China are crucial for regional and global peace and prosperity. He also highlighted the importance of strong people-to-people and economic exchanges for long-term bilateral stability.

(With ANI inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/india-china-to-resume-direct-flights-by-late-october-in-a-bid-to-boost-bilateral-exchanges-amid-thaw-in-ties-23596916

Mike Johnson ‘Betrays’ Trump and Agrees He’s ‘Unhinged’ in Hot Mic Moment… as He Rages ‘This Is Not a Game’ After the Prez Shares ‘Racist’ Meme

Oct. 2, 2025, Published 3:45 p.m. ET

Donald Trump may be slowly losing some of his closest allies, as Speaker of the House Mike Johnson was caught seemingly agreeing that the president is not mentally well, RadarOnline.com can reveal.

The hot mic moment occurred when Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean confronted Johnson at Capitol Hill, forcing him to respond to a “racist” AI-generated video of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries that Trump posted on Truth Social.

What Did Mike Johnson Say?

In new footage aired by MSNBC’s All In with Chris Hayes on Wednesday, October 1, Dean cornered Johnson and said, “The president is unhinged. He is unwell.”

Johnson responded, “A lot of folks on your side are too, I don’t control him…” appearing to agree with Dean’s comments.

Dean then referenced Trump’s recent bizarre military speech, where he rambled on about using the “N word,” and claimed America is “under invasion from within.”

“Oh my God, please. That performance in front of the generals?” Dean exclaimed, to which Johnson quickly replied, “I didn’t see it.”

Dean continued, “It’s so dangerous! You know, I serve on Foreign Affairs and Appropriations; it’s a collision of those two things. Our allies are looking elsewhere. Our enemies are laughing. You have a president who is unwell.”

While Johnson didn’t have much to say back to Dean at the moment, he spoke at length later that evening during an interview with Kaitlan Collins on CNN.

Johnson said, “I’m the Speaker of the House, so I represent Republicans and Democrats in that capacity, and I always hear complaints and concerns from members, and I always stop and hear that. I did that for Madeleine Dean; I respect her as an individual.”

He continued, “We disagree on every policy matter, and she was concerned about a social media post of the president, which he meant as a joke, and we talked about that. I told her I disagreed with her perspective on it, but I tried to bring her back to the real issue. The fight tonight is not about social media posts. The fight is about where they‘re going to keep the government open for the American people.”

‘Is That Really Racist?’

The chaos kicked off after Trump posted an odd AI-generated video of Schumer and Jeffries, which showed Jeffries with a mustache and wearing a sombrero. In the clip, an AI-dubbed Schumer spoke to reporters as mariachi music played in the background.

According to Dean, she also revealed Johnson’s baffled response when asked about the “racist” video.

“He asked me, like, rhetorically, ‘Is that really racist?'” Dean recalled while speaking to CNN’s Manu Raju. “It’s really racist, it’s despicable, and he should have called it out.”

Johnson Addresses the Meme

Johnson, 53, was more vocal about the meme on Thursday, October 2, during a House Republican leadership press conference outside his office.

Hakeem Jeffries Responds to Trump

“Many of you asked me this morning about sombreros and memes and why Hakeem Jeffries is all alarmed by that,” Johnson said. “These are games. These are sideshows. People are getting caught up in battles over social media memes.”

“This is not a game. We’ve got to keep the government open for the people. I don’t know why this is so complicated.”

Johnson then offered some advice to Jeffries: “To my friend, Hakeem. Man, just ignore it.”

However, Jeffries was not interested in “ignoring” Trump’s post, calling it “racist” and adding, “Mr. President, the next time you have something to say about me, don’t cop out with a racist and fake AI video. The next time I’m back in the Oval Office, say it to my face.”

https://radaronline.com/p/mike-johnson-betrays-trump-unhinged-hot-mic-not-a-game-racist-meme/

Concerns for patient data after suspected cyberattack on Shamir Medical Center

Concerns for Patient Data After Suspected Cyberattack on Shamir Medical Center

Shamir Medical Center recently experienced a suspected cyberattack, raising concerns about the security of patient data. Despite the incident, the hospital’s operations have continued as normal, ensuring that patient care remains uninterrupted.

Experts are currently investigating the situation to determine whether any sensitive data may have been leaked during the attack. The investigation aims to assess the extent of any potential damage and implement measures to prevent future breaches.

Shamir Medical Center. (photo credit: Aharofeh/Wikimedia Commons)

By Dr. Itay Gal

https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-869266

Ether.fi price hits 8-month high amid 25% spike

Ether.fi Price Surges 25% to Eight-Month High Amid Broader Crypto Rally

Ether.fi (ETHFI), the native token of the decentralized and non-custodial Ethereum staking protocol, experienced a significant price surge, rising over 25% within 24 hours to reach an eight-month high of $1.79. This marks a sharp uptick from previous levels and represents prices last seen in January 2025.

The notable pump coincided with a substantial increase in trading volume, which soared by 123% to more than $225 million. With these double-digit gains, ETHFI emerged as one of the top performers among the 100 largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, consolidating its position after breaking above the $1.40 resistance level.

Ether.fi Price Rally Follows Ethereum’s Surge to $4,500

This breakout mirrors the broader crypto market momentum, where Bitcoin (BTC) recently shrugged off concerns surrounding the United States government shutdown to break past the $120,000 resistance mark. Ethereum (ETH) also reclaimed the $4,500 level, bolstering several top Ethereum-based projects, including Ether.fi, Ethena, and EigenLayer.

Amid heightened volatility among major altcoins, ETHFI appears poised for a potential retest of the $2.00 mark, signaling strong bullish sentiment.

Recent Developments Fueling Momentum

Several recent developments have contributed to Ether.fi’s rally. Notably, Ether.fi’s integration with crypto platform FalconX and its listing on Upbit have provided additional catalysts for growth.

FalconX, a leading digital assets prime brokerage, recently partnered with Ether.fi to support eETH, a liquid Ethereum restaking token. eETH is now accessible across FalconX’s spot, derivatives, and custody solutions, enabling institutional clients to access over-the-counter liquidity for this innovative token.

Joshua Lim, Global Co-Head of Markets at FalconX, commented on the integration: “By supporting eETH across our platform, we’re enabling clients to engage with one of the fastest-growing restaking protocols in ways that fit seamlessly into their existing strategies.”

Ether.fi’s Total Value Locked Surpasses $11 Billion

The protocol’s total value locked (TVL) currently stands at over $11.26 billion, underscoring its growing prominence within the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.

As Ether.fi continues to build momentum alongside the broader Ethereum ecosystem, market participants will be closely watching its price action and adoption trends in the coming weeks.
https://crypto.news/ether-fi-price-hits-8-month-high-amid-25-spike/

US Govt Shutdown: Republicans, Democrats trade barbs as tourist places close

The first day of the federal government shutdown saw Republicans and Democrats trading blame, as iconic sites across the United States (US) — from the Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii — were temporarily closed, news agency AP reported.

Vice-President JD Vance appeared at the White House briefing room to assert that Democrats had refused to keep the government funded because they were seeking to extend health coverage to people in the country illegally. This claim was disputed by top leaders of the Opposition, who argued that their sole aim was to renew funding for health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act to prevent insurance premiums from rising nationwide, AP reported.

Neither side showed signs of compromise, raising concerns that the economic impact of the shutdown could grow, putting hundreds of thousands of jobs and essential services at risk.

Callers to the White House comment line heard a recorded message from Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blaming Democrats for shutting down the government to prioritise healthcare for illegal immigrants over American citizens, AP reported. Several federal agencies also posted messages on their websites echoing this claim.

In a controversial move, the White House additionally revived a deepfake video of House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, edited with a moustache and sombrero, which Jeffries described as offensive. He responded with a meme mocking Vice-President Vance.

The Vice-President admitted that he could not predict the shutdown’s duration but hoped some moderate Senate Democrats would vote with Republicans to restore funding. “If this thing drags on for another few days, or God forbid weeks, we are going to have to lay people off,” said Vance.

Meanwhile, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused the Trump administration of using the American public as pawns. “Donald Trump says it loud and clear: He is threatening pain on the country as blackmail,” Schumer said.

An estimated 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed, with some potentially facing permanent job losses. Many offices have been shuttered as the administration seeks to pressure Democrats, though key policy priorities — including deportation measures — continue with minimal disruption.

The Trump administration has also withheld funds for projects in Democratic states, including nearly USD 18 billion for New York City transport projects and almost USD 8 billion in green energy initiatives across 16 states.

The US shutdown has partially disrupted public services, with national parks and memorials closed to tourists. At Acadia National Park in Maine, visitors found trail maps missing and rangers absent, leaving them uncertain about hiking.

“It’s frustrating that they’re playing politics in D.C.,” said visitor Jim Feather, adding, “Their job is to pass a budget. If they’re not doing their job, what are they doing down there?”

Federal courts and essential services like weather forecasting remain operational, but the US shutdown is beginning to affect everyday life and tourism nationwide.

(With AP inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/us-government-shutdown-2025-republicans-democrats-blame-each-other-as-iconic-tourist-sites-close-23596921

Iran’s Larijani pushes Hezbollah to rebuild, in warning to Israel and US – analysis

**Iran’s Larijani Pushes Hezbollah to Rebuild in Warning to Israel and the US**

In a clear message to Israel and the United States, Iran is signaling that the passing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah does not mean Iran’s support for the group will wane. Instead, Iran intends to back Hezbollah’s rebuilding and resurgence, suggesting that new leaders like Nasrallah will rise in the future.

Ali Larijani, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary, underscored this position following a meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, Lebanon, on August 13, 2025. The meeting highlighted ongoing ties and Iran’s continued commitment to Hezbollah amid a shifting regional landscape.

This development serves as a warning to Israel and the US that Iran remains deeply invested in maintaining Hezbollah’s influence and operational capabilities in Lebanon and beyond.

*Photo credit: REUTERS/AZIZ TAHER*
*By SETH J. FRANTZMAN*
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-869255

PBA: Jericho Cruz welcomes baby, enters new season with confidence

It’s been an eventful past few months on the hardcourt for Jericho Cruz. He earned Finals Most Valuable Player honors during San Miguel Beer’s run to the PBA Philippine Cup crown. Additionally, he played a key role in helping Guam notch its first-ever victory in the Fiba Asia Cup.

Despite these impressive milestones, Cruz considers them insignificant compared to a far greater blessing off the court.
https://sports.inquirer.net/642704/pba-jericho-cruz-welcomes-baby-enters-new-season-with-confidence

Bombay HC Grants Relief To 2 Youths Disqualified Over Height In CAPF Recruitment

Bombay High Court Grants Relief to Candidates Disqualified Over Minor Height Deficiency in CAPF Recruitment

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has come to the aid of two 21-year-olds who were disqualified from recruitment in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) after they fell short of the prescribed height limit by a fraction of a centimetre. The court directed the authorities to extend the benefit of relaxation available under the 2015 Revised Uniform Guidelines, noting that the disqualification was “illegal and arbitrary.”

Details of the Candidates and Recruitment Process

A division bench comprising Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Ashwin Bhobe heard petitions filed by Sushant Sarode from Malegaon and Sahil Patil from Kolhapur. Both candidates were barred from proceeding to the Detailed Medical Examination (DME) stage despite clearing earlier phases.

Sarode and Patil had applied for the posts of Constable (General Duty) in CAPF and SSF, Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles, and Sepoy in the Narcotics Control Bureau Examination, 2025. The recruitment process consists of three stages: a computer-based test, a physical standard and efficiency test, and finally a medical examination.

Both candidates successfully cleared the written test and the physical efficiency test. However, they were declared ineligible during the physical standard test conducted in Pune. Their heights were measured at 164.7 cm and 164.6 cm, respectively, just short of the required minimum of 165 cm. Consequently, rejection slips were issued on August 23 and August 25.

Legal Arguments and High Court Decision

Challenging their disqualification, their advocate V.A. Shastry cited clause 2(d) of the Uniform Guidelines for Medical Examination in CAPFs and Assam Rifles dated May 20, 2015. This clause specifies that “fractions of a centimetre less than 0.5 cm will be ignored and 0.5 cm or more will be rounded off to the next higher cm.”

Shastry argued that, based on this rule, both petitioners should have been considered as meeting the 165 cm height criterion.

The central government’s counsel, P.B. Chavan, opposed the plea, contending that the rounding-off rule applies only at the medical examination stage and not during the physical standard test. She urged the court to uphold the disqualification.

However, the bench disagreed with the government’s stance. It observed that the petitioners had applied under the ‘Maratha’ category, which itself prescribes a minimum height of 165 cm. Furthermore, the guidelines extend relaxation benefits to Marathas as well as certain other communities and regions.

Court Verdict

“Disqualifying the petitioners at the stage of physical standard test on account of their height being 164.7 cm and 164.6 cm, respectively, is illegal and arbitrary,” the judges held. “We are of the considered opinion that the petitioners are entitled to the benefit of height relaxation.”

Allowing both petitions, the High Court directed that Sarode and Patil be declared eligible to proceed to the detailed medical examination stage.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/bombay-hc-grants-relief-to-2-youths-disqualified-over-height-in-capf-recruitment

Is Christian McCaffrey playing tonight vs the Rams? 49ers RB’s status revealed for Week 5 TNF

The Los Angeles Rams’ rushing defense is preparing for a significant challenge in Week 5.

They will face off against the San Francisco 49ers’ dynamic running back, Christian McCaffrey.

Containing McCaffrey will be crucial for the Rams as they aim to limit the 49ers’ ground game and control the pace of the matchup.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/is-christian-mccaffrey-playing-tonight-vs-rams-49ers-rb-s-status-revealed-week-5-tnf

Is Christian McCaffrey playing tonight vs the Rams? 49ers RB’s status revealed for Week 5 TNF

The Los Angeles Rams’ rushing defense is preparing to face a significant challenge in Week 5.

They will need to contain the San Francisco 49ers’ standout running back, Christian McCaffrey, who is known for his versatile and dynamic playing style.

Containing McCaffrey will be crucial for the Rams as they aim to limit the 49ers’ offensive production on the ground. Fans can expect an intense matchup as both teams battle for control.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/is-christian-mccaffrey-playing-tonight-vs-rams-49ers-rb-s-status-revealed-week-5-tnf