Month: October 2025

Tensions between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) escalated further after PPP leaders asked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to “rethink her tone” in the row over water rights and flood relief, Dawn reported.

The remarks followed Maryam Nawaz’s sharp comments directed at PPP over the Indus River water dispute and flood compensation, which triggered a boycott by PPP lawmakers from the National Assembly and Senate.

According to Dawn, senior leaders from both parties, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Law Minister Azam Nazir, Senator Rana Sanaullah and PPP’s Navid Qamar and Ijaz Jakhrani, held a meeting at the NA Speaker’s office, where it was decided to take up the issue with PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and CM Maryam Nawaz.

At a press conference, PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira criticised the Punjab CM’s remarks, warning her not to stoke division.

“Differences should be kept within limits. You (Maryam Nawaz) are a woman and our sister, and our leader (Benazir Bhutto) too was a woman. Reconsider your tone. What do you want to achieve by playing narrow nationalism… Do you want the rest to leave Punjab, and their rights to be ended?” he said, as quoted by Dawn.

Flanked by Usman Malik, Chaudhry Aslam Gill and Faisal Mir, Kaira said, “This country does not belong to any one person; it belongs to all of us. You (Maryam Nawaz) are not just a CM, you are also the daughter of Nawaz Sharif and the niece of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. If you say that you will not allow anyone to speak, this approach is not appropriate in any way. Reconsider this attitude.”

He also accused the Punjab CM of threatening behaviour when legitimate criticism was raised.

“Where something is wrong, we will point it out and we will protest. But when we give opinions or criticism, you start threatening. The question concerns flood management, but the response is to target the Sindh government,” he said.

On relief mechanisms, Kaira defended the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

“It…provides immediate relief, and this was done before as well. If you don’t want to use BISP, fine; but in terms of transparency, BISP stands first, which is why the IMF itself directed that Rs200bn be added to it in this year’s budget. Our objections concern the relief mechanism,” he added.

Responding to Maryam Nawaz’s canal project remarks, he stressed that water distribution was already governed by a constitutional framework.

“There already existed a formula for water distribution, and the matter must be decided in the Council of Common Interests by the federal and provincial governments together. The PPP has been unfairly blamed regarding canals,” he said, as reported by Dawn.

PPP South Punjab President Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmood also attacked the Punjab government, accusing it of abandoning flood victims in the Seraiki belt.

“Even in the past, there have been worse floods, yet never before were the people abandoned in such a helpless state,” he said, alleging that the Punjab government’s response was “choreographed.”

In response, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari dismissed PPP’s criticism, saying the party was holding repeated press conferences while insisting it was not politicising the plight of flood victims.

“Such statements make no difference, and PPP cannot stand on its own feet this way,” she said.

Bokhari argued that PPP’s remarks were aimed at collectively targeting Punjab.

“Personal attacks will naturally invite a response. You may use BISP in Sindh; we have no objection,” she added, according to Dawn. (ANI)

India has granted permission for Sikh Jathas (groups of pilgrims) to travel to Pakistan to participate in the upcoming celebrations of Prakash Purab, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, sources said.

The pilgrimage will be undertaken under the framework of the 1974 bilateral protocol on visits to religious shrines.

Sources, however, clarified that “some selected groups will be permitted as per the recommendation by the state government.”

“The state government concerned will recommend to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Acting on MEA’s inputs, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will give further clearance for the visit, to jathas,” said the sources, requesting anonymity.

The move is significant as the Indian government, earlier this month, had barred Sikh pilgrims (jathas) from visiting Pakistan for Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Parkash Purab celebrations in November 2025 due to prevailing security concerns and recent tensions between the two countries.

As per the decision, Sikh devotees from India will cross over to Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border and visit prominent gurdwaras associated with Guru Nanak Dev, including Nankana Sahib, his birthplace, and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur. The groups will be facilitated by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in coordination with the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) of Pakistan.

Every year, thousands of Sikh pilgrims travel across the border to mark key religious occasions such as Prakash Purab, Baisakhi, and Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The arrangement is part of the longstanding 1974 India-Pakistan agreement, which allows limited pilgrimages despite tense bilateral relations.

In recent years, the Kartarpur Corridor, which opened in 2019 to facilitate visa-free travel of Sikh pilgrims to the Kartarpur Sahib shrine, has become a key channel of religious exchange. However, larger jathas continue to travel under the traditional protocol arrangement.

Security and logistical measures for the upcoming pilgrimage are learnt to be closely coordinated by both the India and Pakistan governments to ensure the smooth movement of devotees. (ANI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday conducted Shastra Pooja at the Bhuj Military Base on the occasion of Vijayadashami. Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Commander of the Southern Army, were also present on the occasion.

The L-70 Air Defence (AD) gun, which had been instrumental in Operation Sindoor, was also specially presented to the Defence Minister during the ceremony.

During Operation Sindoor, the L-70 Air Defence Gun demonstrated exceptional effectiveness. The gun, which could shoot 300 rounds per minute and engage targets up to 3,500 meters away, was crucial in shooting the Pakistani Drones.

Mentioning Operation Sindoor’s success, Rajnath Singh said, “whether it is terrorism or any other kind of problem, today we have the capability to deal with and defeat it. During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan made a failed attempt to breach India’s defence system from Leh to this area of Sir Creek. India’s armed forces completely exposed the Pakistani air defence system and sent a message to the world that India’s armed forces can inflict heavy damage on Pakistan whenever, wherever, and however they wish.”

The Defence Minister was addressing the soldiers before the Shastra Pooja at the Bhuj Military base. He also said that, “when we worship a weapon, we also pledge to use this power only to protect dharma and justice. Lord Rama demonstrated this resolve in his life. When he fought against Ravana, for him, that war was not merely a means to victory, but a means to establish dharma.”

“Even when the Mahabharata war was fought under the guidance of Lord Krishna, its objective was not to ensure victory for the Pandavas, but rather to establish Dharma. The worship of weapons symbolises that India not only worships weapons, but also knows how to use them when the time comes,” said the Defence Minister. (ANI)

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and Iran has officially come into effect, Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday, according to the country’s state media.

The coming into force of the agreement “marks an important milestone in the history of Russian-Iranian interstate relations that have reached a new level of broad strategic partnership,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement as per TASS.

The treaty was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Moscow on January 17, 2025 and became effective today on October 2.

The document sets key benchmarks “for priority spheres of bilateral cooperation in the long term,” the ministry continued.

It envisages efforts to strengthen cooperation in the international arena amid the evolving multipolar world order, including close coordination at major multilateral associations, and joint efforts toward consolidating stability and security in the region and countering common challenges and threats,” Russia’s MFA said according to TASS.

The treaty covers areas from trade and military cooperation to science, culture and education, is expected to remain in force for 20 years

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow has viewed Iran as a key strategic partner.

Meanwhile, Iranian state media has reported that Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzia, in a detailed letter addressed to the UN chief and the Security Council’s president, has rejected the restoration of sanctions against Iran under the so-called snapback mechanism, stressing that the return of the measures lacks any legal basis.

The September 29 dated letter came after the UN Security Council voted three days earlier to reimpose sanctions against Iran, which had been terminated under the 2015 nuclear deal between the Islamic Republic and world powers including Britain, France, and Germany, collectively known as the E3, as per IRNA news agency. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at the Central Hall of the Samvidhan Sadan on his birth anniversary.

Following PM Modi, Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju, Piyush Goyal, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and other MPs, also paid their respects to the former Prime Minister.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat on his birth anniversary. PM Modi was accompanied by Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, VK Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

Sharing a post on X, PM Modi hailed Lal Bahadur Shastri’s integrity, humility and determination, calling him an “extraordinary statesman”.The Prime Minister wrote, “Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji was an extraordinary statesman whose integrity, humility and determination strengthened India, including during challenging times. He personified exemplary leadership, strength and decisive action.”

PM Modi recalled Shastri’s slogan of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ and said that the former PM continues to inspire the endeavour of a self-reliant India.

“His clarion call of ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ ignited a spirit of patriotism among our people. He continues to motivate us in the endeavour of building a strong and self-reliant India,” he wrote.

Born in Uttar Pradesh in 1904, Lal Bahadur Shastri was the second Prime Minister of India and served from 1964 to 1966. He died in Tashkent on January 11, 1966, at the age of 61, soon after signing the Tashkent Pact with Pakistan.

Former PM Shastri was a visionary leader who understood people’s language and who led the country towards progress. He was deeply influenced by the political teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

Earlier today, the Prime Minister also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

Union Minister Manohar Lal accompanied the Prime Minister during the tribute ceremony.PM Modi paid homage to Gandhi in a post on X, recalling his courage and values of service and compassion. Modi said the nation would continue to follow the Mahatma’s path in its quest for a ‘Viksit Bharat.’

“Gandhi Jayanti is about paying homage to the extraordinary life of beloved Bapu, whose ideals transformed the course of human history. He demonstrated how courage and simplicity could become instruments of great change. He believed in the power of service and compassion as essential means of empowering people. We will keep following his path in our quest to build a Viksit Bharat,” the Prime Minister wrote.

This year marks the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, remembered as the Father of the Nation for his pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle. (ANI)

Pandit Chhannulal Mishra passed away on Thursday at 4:15 am at his daughter Namrata’s residence in Mirzapur’s Gangadarshan Colony. He was 89.

Renowned folk singer and Padma Shri awardee Malini Awasthi described the demise of classical music legend as a “great loss” to Indian music.

“The passing of Pandit Chhannulal Mishra is a significant loss to Indian music, particularly to the tradition of Kashi and the broader Indian musical heritage that encompasses devotion, spirituality, emotion, sweetness, and a style that directly connects with listeners. Mishra’s unique and exceptional personality was mirrored in his singing, which seamlessly blended speaking and singing, making him instantly relatable to his audience,” she told ANI.

Awasthi spoke about how the late singer used to lead a very simple life, dedicating his entire time to music and devotion to God.

“He lived a simple life in a small room, where he slept, practised, and prepared for performances. His deep connection with Lord Ram was evident in his home, filled with deities, and his teachings and performances were imbued with this spiritual essence,” she added.

The artist paid a homage to Pandit Chhannulal Mishra’s crucial role in integrating folk elements into classical music with respect, adding that the simplicity, humility, and universal appeal of his music received much love from his followers.

“His legacy will continue to inspire, and his contributions to Indian music will be remembered forever,” she said.

Malini Awasthi recalled an incident when the late singer gave his blessings at her daughter’s wedding by reciting ‘Ram Chaupal’ in front of the guests.

“He was a sea of wisdom. He remembered several devotional songs by heart. I believe it was very extraordinary. As an artist, I would say he had a major contribution toward Indian music with an infusion of folk elements,” she said, before offering her final respects.

Tributes have been pouring in from prominent leaders, fans, and those from the music fraternity. (ANI)

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday expressed concern over the growing turmoil in neighbouring countries, citing regime changes in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal due to public anger.

In his Vijayadashami speech, Bhagwat warned that similar forces are active in India, both within and outside the country, and emphasised the need for democratic means to bring about transformation.

Bhagwat said, “In recent years, there has been considerable turmoil in our neighbouring countries. The regime change in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and more recently Nepal due to violent outburst of public anger is a concern for us. The forces wanting to create such disturbances in Bharat are active inside as well as outside our country. The natural and immediate causes for discontent are the disconnect between the government and the society and the lack of able and people-oriented administrators. However, violent outbursts do not have the power to bring about the desirable change. The society can achieve such transformation only through democratic means. Otherwise, in such violent circumstances, there is a possibility that dominant powers of the world try to find opportunities to play their own games. These neighbouring countries are linked with Bharat on the basis of both culture and long-standing ties between citizens. In one way, they are part of our own family. Peace, stability, prosperity, and ensuring comfort and wellbeing in these countries is necessity arising out of our natural affinity with these countries, going beyond the consideration for protection of our interests.”

Bhagwat commended the government’s efforts to bring the Naxalist movement under control, but emphasised the need for a comprehensive action plan to ensure justice, development, and harmony in affected regions.

“The extremist Naxalist movement has been largely brought under control due to the firm actions of the government and the realisation among people about the hollowness of their ideology and cruelty. The root of Naxalites’ popularity in these areas lay in exploitation and injustice, lack of development, and absence of sensitivity about these matters in the administration. Now that these obstacles have been removed, a comprehensive action plan is required to ensure justice, development, goodwill, empathy, and harmony in these regions.”, Bhagwat added.

Bhagwat also highlighted the challenges posed by scientific progress, technological advancements, and global interconnectedness, which have created new problems for humanity. He stated that the pace of human adaptation to these changes is slow, resulting in issues such as environmental damage, weakening social and family bonds, and growing hostility.

“Across the globe, scientific progress, the ability of technology to make many aspects of human life more convenient, and greater interconnectedness between countries due to communication and global trade present a positive picture. However, there is a considerable difference between the pace of scientific and technological progress and the pace at which humans adapt to these. Due to this, ordinary people may end up facing numerous problems. Similarly, we are also witnessing other problems, such as the ongoing wars and conflicts (both large and small) across the globe, the fury of nature due to environmental damage, weakening of social and family bonds, and growing misconduct and hostility towards others in everyday life. Efforts have been made to address all these problems, but they have failed in stopping their progression or providing a comprehensive solution. All countries are facing a threat from perverted and hostile forces that believe that the complete destruction of all bonds that unite, such as culture, faith, tradition and the like, is necessary for resolving these problems. These forces will aggravate the social ills, conflict and violence affecting humanity. In Bharat too, we are experiencing all these circumstances in various ways. The world is eagerly awaiting solutions that are based on Bharatiya philosophy,” he said.

The RSS chief further warned about the consequences of a materialist and consumerist development model, citing the impact of climate change. Bhagwat urged India and other South Asian countries to consider these disasters as a “warning bell”.

“The harmful consequences of the materialist and consumerist development model adopted worldwide, based on a materialist and compartmentalised approach, are increasingly becoming evident everywhere. In Bharat too, due to the same model, irregular and unpredictable rainfall, landslides, drying up of glaciers, and other similar effects have intensified over the last 3-4 years. The entire water supply of Southwest Asia originates in the Himalayas. The occurrence of these disasters in the Himalayas should be considered as a warning bell for Bharat and other countries of South Asia,” he said.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marked the festival of Vijaya Dashami with a celebration in Nagpur, also commemorating the organisation’s 100th anniversary. RSS members gathered to recite the Sangh Prarthana, accompanied by dignitaries including RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.

Former President Ram Nath Kovind attended the event as the chief guest. Many Indian and foreign dignitaries attended the centenary celebrations of the RSS. (ANI)

The Ladakh administration has announced a magisterial inquiry into the September 24 violence in Leh and the police action, which left four people dead.

The inquiry will probe the causes of the clashes, identify those responsible, and examine the handling of the situation by law enforcement agencies.

Officials have assured that the probe will be conducted in a time-bound manner to ensure accountability and restore public confidence amid the ongoing tensions in the region.

The inquiry report will be submitted within four weeks of the order.

The administration has asked individuals with information regarding the incident to submit a statement or evidence voluntarily to the inquiry officer between October 4 and 18.

“By virtue of this notice, any person(s) having information about the incident or who is willing/desirous to give oral evidence/ written statement/ material evidence (photos or video recordings) before the inquiry officer regarding the incident may appear before the undersigned and provide statements/evidence as per the schedule given,” the notice read.

“All concerned are therefore requested to extend their cooperation to ensure a fair and transparent inquiry,” the notice said.

This comes after the protests demanding statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for Ladakh turned violent on September 24 and left four dead, namely Jigmet Dorjey, a resident of Kharnak; Rinchen Dadul, a resident of Hanu; Stanzin Namgail, a resident of Igoo; and Tsewang Tharchin, a resident of Skurbucha, as per the notice.

Meanwheil, wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk and CEO of Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HAIL), Gitanjali J Angmo, on Thursday slammed the Centre and alleged police torture against the people of Ladakh after the September 24 violence in the Union Territory.Comparing the current situation in Ladakh to that during British India, she said that the Union Home Ministry is “misusing” the Ladakh Police.

“Is India really free? In 1857, 24,000 Britishers used 135,000 Indian sepoys to oppress 300 million Indians under orders from the Queen. Today, a dozen administrators are misusing 2400 Ladakhi police to oppress and torture 3 lakh Ladakhis under the orders of the MHA,” Gitanjali wrote on X.

Earlier today, the curfew was relaxed, and the streets were crowded with vehicles and pedestrians after the shops opened. The markets will open from 10 am to 5 pm today, providing relief to people who are finally able to step outside of their homes. (ANI)

Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza and detained several activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, Times of Israel reported.

One of the first boats to be boarded carried Greta Thunberg, according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, which released a video showing an Israeli soldier handing her belongings back after her detention. The ministry said, “Greta and her friends are safe and healthy,” while confirming that several vessels had already been diverted to Israeli ports.

Out of 47 ships, Israeli troops raided only 6 six ships in convoy and detained more than 150 activists onboard from 37 different countries, as per Al Jazeera.

Posting the video, the Israel Ministry wrote, “Already several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port. Greta and her friends are safe and healthy.”

Earlier, Israel’s Foreign Ministry, citing documents recovered by its troops in Gaza, had alleged that Hamas was directly involved in the activist flotilla currently attempting to breach the blockade of the Strip.

According to the Times of Israel, the ministry had claimed the documents point to links between the flotilla’s leaders and Hamas’s foreign arm, the Palestinian Conference for Palestinians (PCPA).

Flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek on Wednesday said in a social media update that 13 vessels had been intercepted so far, while around 30 others remained at sea, determined to continue their journey to Gaza. “They are motivated, and they are doing everything within their hand to break this siege by early morning,” he said.

He added that more than 200 activists from 37 countries were on board the flotilla, including groups from Spain, Italy, Turkiye and Malaysia.

Israeli naval forces on Friday night first intercepted several boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to break the maritime blockade of Gaza. As per the Times of Israel, the military issued several warnings for the Flotilla to change its course and return.

The flotilla, carrying aid and hundreds of activists from more than 30 countries, was sailing through international waters when Israeli forces moved in.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry described the effort as the “Hamas-Sumud flotilla,” accusing activists of aiding the group. The navy used water cannons, electronic jamming and boarding parties to halt the boats.

Criticism of the interception mounted quickly. Former British diplomat Craig Murray argued on X that Israel’s actions violated international law, noting that the flotilla was on the high seas and not in Israel’s territorial waters. “The possession of vessels and the abduction of crews at sea can be pursued as crimes in domestic jurisdictions,” he wrote.

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese and Colombian President Gustavo Petro had earlier urged Israel to allow the flotilla to proceed unharmed, as per Al Jazeera.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the operation in strong terms, calling it “intimidation and coercion” against unarmed civilians. “By blocking a humanitarian mission, Israel has shown utter contempt not only for the rights of the Palestinian people but also for the conscience of the world,” he said, adding that Malaysia would use “all legitimate and lawful means” to protect its citizens on board.

Despite arrests and seizures, flotilla organisers insisted their mission to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge the blockade would continue. “The illegal Israeli interceptions won’t deter us,” the group said in a statement.

This year in June, Israel also detained Thuberg with the other crew of a Gaza-bound aid ship “Madleen”. (ANI)

Rishab Shetty’s highly awaited prequel, ‘Kantara Chapter 2’ has finally arrived in theatres and fans can’t keep calm.

With a pan-India release, the film has once again taken the audience back to the theatres, with first reactions already flooding social media platforms. Amid the craze, fans in large numbers also lined up at theatres in Bengaluru, reflecting the craze for the film.

In visuals from Bengaluru, a cinema hall could be seen decked up with flowers, decorations and posters of ‘Kantara Chapter 1’.

A long cut-out of Shetty’s character was also installed, completely covered with floral garlands.

One of the fans told ANI, “Today being a holiday, and Kantara is the most expected film. We wanted to support the film and have a good time on the holiday. It is a continuation of the first time, and we are expecting a good show.”

He also urged people to support more Kannada films, especially the ones having single-screen releases.

Another expressed her high expectations for the second part, adding that she wanted to watch the first day, first show.

A thrilled audience member, who was present to watch an early morning show, shared that the film’s part was beyond expectations.

“As this is a Rishab Shetty film, the expectations were already higher. I am expecting more in the second half after the interval. We have already watched the first Kantara film, and it was superb,” a young fan said.

One of the viewers expressed pride in the sequel and said, “This part was really good as it shows the pride of Karnataka. In terms of the acting, I believe this was the best I have ever seen. They have met the expectations of the audience.”

The trailer for ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ was unveiled in September.

The trailer opens by focusing on a child’s character, who tries to understand the mystery behind his father’s disappearance. It then sheds light on the backstory–“a legend.”

Written and directed by Shetty, the film came out in theatres on Thursday, October 2, in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Bengali, and English. (ANI)