Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, has ignited another political controversy with his recent remarks. He stated feeling «at home» in Pakistan due to a shared «common gene pool,» advocating for peaceful relations with neighboring countries. This follows previous contentious statements on China, inheritance tax, and the Ram Mandir, repeatedly putting the Congress party on the defensive.

Congress defended Sam Pitroda's 'Pakistan felt like home' remark, sparking controversy after BJP accused the party of sympathizing with terrorist organizations. Congress leaders argued that Pitroda's views are personal and highlighted similarities between Indian and Pakistani societies. BJP criticized Pitroda's statement, especially after the Pahalgam terror attack, questioning his proximity to Pakistan and linking it to past Congress policies.

Sam Pitroda, Indian Overseas Congress chief, clarified his “at home” remarks about Pakistan, emphasizing shared history and people-to-people bonds, not terrorism endorsement. His earlier statement sparked controversy, drawing sharp criticism from BJP leaders who labeled him “Pakistan’s favourite” after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Agoda has reached an agreement to work with unions and support its retrenched workers with the transition, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore Industrial and Services Employees' Union said in a media release on Friday (Sept 19).They explained that Agoda has had several discussions with NTUC, SISEU, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (Tafep).Agoda has since acknowledged that «it was inappropriate for employers to include provisions that discourage or inhibit employees from approaching trade unions, government agencies, or statutory bodies for all situations», the release stated.«We appreciate the management of Agoda for taking a proactive approach in engaging NTUC, SISEU and the Government, and for its transparency in sharing information regarding the exercise,» the unions said, adding that they have determined the workers' retrenchment benefits to be in line with industry guidelines.They also added that the Agoda management has agreed to work with the unions to support affected workers through their transition.

Kismayo (HOL) – Somali National Army’s elite Danab commandos, in collaboration with Jubbaland’s Dervish forces, carried out mine clearance operations on Thursday in the outskirts of Kismayo, the capital of the Lower Juba region.

Mogadishu (HOL) – A Somali delegation led by Defense Minister Ahmed Moalin Fiqi is attending the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, a major international defense conference underway in China.

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has announced sweeping reforms to the passport issuance system, warning that any institution that refuses to implement the national identity card system will be treated as a “national criminal.”

The bloc’s 19th package targets third-country buyers of Russian oil, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Read Full Article at RT.com

Michigan lawmakers have proposed a bill that would outlaw online pornography and restrict circumvention tools Read Full Article at RT.com

France suspends counterterrorism cooperation with Mali and demands release of detained diplomat Read Full Article at RT.com

One of the world’s richest men and a friend of President Trump is extending his influence over Hollywood and big media, the outlet claims Read Full Article at RT.com

Four British tourists have been arrested in Thailand for allegedly robbing an American lawyer at gunpoint for his luxury Audemars Piguet watch.

Authorities are working to pardon Mohamad Th. Jóhannesson [formerly Mohamad Kourani] in the near future and deport him from Iceland as soon as possible. This would replace the earlier plan for him to serve half of his eight-year sentence in Iceland before being expelled.

This Saturday, members of the boat unit of the Árborg Rescue Association will ferry forestry workers out to Jóruklettur rock, a rocky island in the Ölfusá river near Selfoss. Their mission is to measure a striking spruce tree that has been growing there and has recently drawn much attention.

Ian Bremmer lauded PM Modi's public rejection of Trump's mediation claim during the India-Pakistan escalation, highlighting it as a rare act of defiance. Bremmer noted Modi's direct communication with Putin, despite US tariffs, signaling India's independent foreign policy. He also cautioned about declining Indian trust in the US due to its ties with Pakistan and opportunistic business interests.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has asserted that Canada is responsible for the security of its Indian consulate in Vancouver, following threats from a US-based Khalistani group. These concerns arose after a separatist outfit threatened to «siege» the consulate, alleging continued Indian espionage and intimidation.

Assamese singer Zubeen Garg tragically died in a Singapore diving accident, prompting widespread grief. Meanwhile, India affirmed its strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia amidst Riyadh's new defense pact with Pakistan.

Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers intercepted over 1,100 vapes that were hidden in a Malaysia-registered car at Woodlands Checkpoint, according to a Facebook post on Friday (Sept 19).Search and examination officers had directed the vehicle for enhanced checks on Wednesday (Sept 17), where they discovered 1,169 vapes concealed within the modified seats, foiling their attempt to smuggle the devices into Singapore.In a video taken by ICA, officers can be seen pulling out multiple packages of vapes sealed in transparent plastic bags out of a pocket behind the car's backseat, collecting them in a container before bringing them away.A separate video shows an officer demonstrating how the backseat could be shifted forwards to reveal the vapes hidden within.The case was subsequently referred to the Health Sciences Authority(HSA) for further investigation.Just two days before, ICA had intercepted over 18,400 vapes and more than 1,400 related components in a single smuggling attempt at Tuas Checkpoint.

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New Delhi is not slowing down crude purchases from Moscow for the rest of this year, despite Washington’s penal tariffs Read Full Article at RT.com

Poland is not interested in the true origin of the UAVs that entered its airspace, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Officials discussed new areas of collaboration after Nigeria observed joint Russia-Belarus military drills Read Full Article at RT.com

The black market price tag for the illegal cargo is a staggering 20 billion rubles ($240 million), according to the agency Read Full Article at RT.com

TEHRAN – The World Food Program (WFP) has released a report, expounding on activities in Iran over the month of August.

TEHRAN – The World Space Week - the largest annual space event in the world - will be observed from October 4 to 10.

TEHRAN – Ali Jafarian, the senior advisor to the health minister, and Cuba’s Acting Minister of Public Health, Tania Margarita Cruz Hernandez, have discussed ways to expand medical and scientific ties between the two countries, taking further actions on boosting cooperation in vaccine production and the biotechnology sector.

TEHRAN – The CEO of the National Post Company of Iran, Mohammad Ahmadi, in separate meetings with the 28th Universal Post Congress Chair, Tariq Ahmed Al Wahedi, and the secretary general of the Asian-Pacific Postal Union of India, Vinaya Prakash Singh, has explored avenues for enhancing collaborations.

Peter Kyle insisted UK Border Force were responsible for keeping the country's borders secure.