Washington/Jerusalem, Jun 4

The recent spat between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump over Lebanon has brought to light a particularly delicate reality for the Israeli leader, showing how his military options, and possibly his very political future, remain closely tied to a White House that does not always share his appetite for destruction and escalation.

While Trump and Netanyahu have maintained close coordination through the entirety of their war with Iran and have maintained frequent contact, officials on both sides have come to acknowledge that at some point, Washington and Jerusalem are going to see a divergence in their strategic priorities, with some within Netanyahu's circle believing that moment has arrived, reports Axios.

Netanyahu himself acknowledged this week that it remained "an open question" whether he and Trump were fully aligned on how the war with Tehran should end.

The issue comes at a politically sensitive time for the Israeli premier, amid approaching elections in October, while Netanyahu continues facing mounting pressure at home.

Critics argue he has yet to fulfil his pledge to eliminate Hamas, while his broader ambition of bringing about regime change in Iran remains unrealised. At the same time, continuing Hezbollah drone and missile attacks from Lebanon have fuelled public frustration.

Amidst such a backdrop, Netanyahu vowed to launch major strikes against Hezbollah targets in Beirut. However, the plan was shelved following a tense phone call with Trump, whose sole priority remains securing a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran.

According to sources familiar with the conversation, Trump warned that a major escalation in Beirut could derail ongoing efforts to keep negotiations with Tehran on track.

The fallout from the two leaders' conversation quickly found its way into Israeli politics, with opposition figures and even some right-wing allies accusing Netanyahu of allowing Israel's military decisions to essentially being dictated by Washington.

"It was a terrible phone call. Trump really hammered Bibi. He demanded that he immediately back down from the plan to strike Beirut in order to not blow up the situation in Lebanon — and through that, the negotiations with Iran," an Israeli source said.

Neither leader publicly denied reports of the disagreement. Netanyahu later told CNBC that he and Trump had disagreed before but had always maintained a strong working relationship. Trump, speaking separately, also stressed that he continued to work closely with the Israeli prime minister.

Behind the scenes, however, differences appear far more substantial than just a single dispute over Lebanon.
According to senior US officials, Trump's single biggest focus is on bringing the Iran war to an end, while Netanyahu remains deeply sceptical of any settlement that leaves Tehran's leadership intact.

"Sometimes Bibi doesn't know when to stop," one US official said.
Israeli officials have said that Netanyahu is increasingly concerned that Washington could end up imposing tighter restrictions on Israeli military operations in Lebanon, requiring greater US approval before future strikes are carried out.

Those concerns come as diplomatic efforts continue. Following talks in Washington between Israeli and Lebanese representatives, both sides announced plans for a potential comprehensive ceasefire, dependent on steps by Hezbollah.

Whether Hezbollah accepts those conditions remains uncertain. Israeli officials believe that if attacks continue, Netanyahu could attempt to persuade Trump to support a tougher military response, including strikes in Beirut.

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By B D Narayankar 

Bengaluru, June 5

DK Shivakumar has climbed the mountain he spent years trying to scale. The oath has been taken, the celebrations have been held and the Congress has finally settled the question of succession in Karnataka. But if politics teaches anything, it is that winning power is often easier than wielding it.

The new Chief Minister enters office with a formidable reputation — as the Congress's chief troubleshooter, a relentless organiser and a leader who survived enough political storms to earn a place among the party's most influential regional satraps. Yet the challenges before him are unlike any he has faced before.
For one, he inherits power without inheriting complete control.

Though Siddaramaiah has vacated the Chief Minister's chair, his political presence continues to occupy considerable space in the corridors of power. Many members of the new cabinet owe their rise to the veteran leader and remain part of his political ecosystem. The transfer of office may be complete; the transfer of influence is another matter altogether.

The Congress leadership has presented the transition as seamless. Karnataka's political history suggests otherwise. Rivalries in Indian politics rarely end with a handshake and a photograph. They merely become more sophisticated.
Shivakumar's first task, therefore, is not defeating the Opposition but ensuring that the ruling party remains united behind him.

Then comes the caste survey — perhaps the most politically combustible file awaiting the new Chief Minister.
Accepted by the Siddaramaiah government in its final days, the survey has reopened old debates on representation, reservation and political power. Every community sees in it either an opportunity or a threat. Any decision on its implementation is likely to create winners and losers, making it a test not merely of governance but of political nerve.

For the Congress, the issue carries additional weight. A party that champions a caste census nationally can scarcely afford to look hesitant when confronted with the consequences of one in a state where it is in power.
If the caste survey is a political minefield, Bengaluru is an administrative one.

India's technology capital continues to struggle with traffic congestion, strained infrastructure and the familiar complaint that growth has outpaced planning.

Shivakumar, who has long projected himself as a builder and developer, will find that voters are less impressed by promises than by roads that work, drains that do not overflow and commutes that do not consume half a day.
The upcoming elections to the Greater Bengaluru Authority will offer the first tangible measure of public confidence in the new administration.

Yet all these challenges are merely chapters in a larger story.
The Congress did not elevate Shivakumar solely to manage a government. It elevated him to win an election.
Karnataka has not developed a habit of rewarding incumbents. For nearly four decades, voters have alternated between parties with remarkable consistency. Breaking that pattern and securing a second successive term for the Congress in 2028 remains the real prize.

That objective explains much of the political arithmetic behind the transition. Shivakumar is expected to consolidate Vokkaliga support while retaining the broader coalition of backward classes, Dalits and minorities that powered the Congress to victory in 2023. It is a balancing act easier described than accomplished.

There is an old truth in politics: ambition gets a leader to the top, performance keeps him there.
For years, Shivakumar's story was about the struggle to become Chief Minister. Beginning this week, it becomes a story about something more difficult — whether he can govern effectively, manage competing centres of power and persuade Karnataka's voters to give the Congress something they have denied every government for decades: a second chance.

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Bengaluru, June 5

In an early setback for the newly formed Karnataka government, senior Congress leader and Minister R Ramalinga Reddy on Friday resigned from the cabinet just two days after taking oath, alleging that he had been repeatedly “humiliated” after being denied the Bengaluru Development portfolio despite what he described as repeated assurances from Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

Reddy, an eight-time MLA from BTM Layout and one of the Congress party's most prominent leaders in Bengaluru, said he had been assured that he would be given charge of the Bengaluru Development Department once Shivakumar assumed office as Chief Minister. However, he was instead allocated the Irrigation portfolio in the new cabinet.

“I have been humiliated time and again. I cannot take it anymore,” Reddy told reporters after signing his resignation letter.

The resignation comes as the first major sign of discontent within the newly sworn-in cabinet and is likely to fuel political speculation over portfolio allocation and internal dynamics within the ruling Congress.

Explaining his decision, Reddy said Shivakumar had personally visited his residence and assured him that the Bengaluru Development portfolio would be handed over to him after the leadership transition.

According to Reddy, the assurance was reiterated a day before the swearing-in ceremony, only for the allocation to change at the last moment.

“Twice they told me that Bengaluru Development would be given to me. Now I am disappointed. Hence, I am resigning as minister,” he said.

Reddy further declared that he would not accept any ministerial berth in future, even if one of his preferred portfolios was offered.

“Even if they give me the Bengaluru Development portfolio now, I will not accept it. I will work as an MLA and will remain with the Congress,” he said.

The veteran leader clarified that his resignation was confined to the ministerial post and that he would continue as a Congress legislator.

He also said that instead of personally submitting his resignation letter, he would send it to the Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary through a supporter.

A key political figure in Bengaluru, Reddy has represented the BTM Layout constituency eight times and has previously held important portfolios including Transport, Muzrai and Home Affairs in successive Karnataka governments.

While Shivakumar has retained the Finance portfolio, he has relinquished charge of the Bengaluru Development Department. The influential portfolio has been allotted to senior Congress leader Krishna Byre Gowda.

The Bengaluru Development Department is regarded as one of the most prestigious and politically significant portfolios in the Karnataka government, overseeing urban planning, infrastructure development and major civic projects in Bengaluru, the state's capital.

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Kolhapur, Jun 4

Senior history researcher late Dr Jaysingrao Pawar has been selected posthumously for this year's prestigious "Rajarshi Shahu Purskar", on behalf of Shree Shahu Chhatrapati Memorial Trust (SSCMT).

This was announced at a press conference by the District Collector and SSCMT president Dr Vijay Rathod, on Thursday evening.

The award comprises Rs One lakh in cash, a Manpatra and Manchinha (plaque). The Award function will be held on June 26 on the occasion of the 152nd Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Jayanti at Shahu Smarak Bhavan here.

Dr Rathod said that late Dr Pawar, who had passed away on March 26 this year at the age of 85, had worked to spread the thoughts of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj and history of Maratheshahi across the nation and internationally as well.

He wrote and edited more than 40 books on history. He was honoured with more than 30 purskars including Acharya Atre purskar and D.Lit award of D Y Patil University

This previous recipients of the award are Bhai Madhvrao Bagal, V Shantaram, Hindi-Marathi film producer-director, Ms Mayavti, former chief minister, P B Patil, Prof. Bhalchandra Mungekar, Bhai Vaidhya, Sharad Pawar, former union minister, Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, Anna Hazare, Dr Tatyarao Lahane, late Com Govind Pansare, Prof N D Patil, Asha Bhosale, singer, Abhay Bang and Rani Bang(jointly), Pannalal Surana, Jabbar Patel and others.

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Nagpur, June 4

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized ready-to-serve fruit drink Enerzal, nutraceuticals and other suspected food products worth over Rs 58 lakh during raids conducted in Maharashtra’s Nagpur district on the directions of FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, officials said on Thursday.

According to the FDA, a total stock worth Rs 58,42,396 was seized during inspections carried out by teams of assistant commissioners and food safety officers following inputs received by the department’s intelligence wing.
The seized material included 36,366 litres of ready-to-serve fruit drink Enerzal worth Rs 55,67,779, nutraceutical products comprising 536 strips and 22 plastic jars valued at Rs 1,42,890, and 161 kg of prohibited food items worth Rs 1,31,727.

Officials said samples of suspected food products were collected for laboratory analysis.
Preliminary inspection found alleged labelling irregularities in Enerzal products, leading authorities to classify them as “misbranded”.

In all, 1,79,627 bottles and packets of various flavours of Enerzal, nutraceuticals and prohibited food products were seized during the operation.

The FDA said further action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, would be initiated after laboratory reports are received.

Authorities also appealed to citizens to report suspected substandard food products to the FDA office or its toll-free helpline, adding that similar drives would continue in Nagpur district to ensure food safety.

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Mumbai, June 4

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) faced a major setback as its candidates withdrew their candidatures on Thursday, ensuring that ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance will win the Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) election virtually unopposed.

Thursday was the last day to withdraw applications for the Legislative Council election and candidates withdrew their applications by 3 pm.

Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena had announced Bal Mane as its candidate from the Raigad-Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Legislative Council constituency, but he withdrew from the contest on Thursday, after which the Sena expelled him from the party for anti-party activities.

Bal Mane was originally a BJP leader. However, during the 2024 assembly elections, he left the BJP and publicly joined the Thackeray group. He contested the assembly elections from Ratnagiri against Cabinet Minister Uday Samant from the Maha Vikas Aghadi, but he had to face defeat in that election. After that, he was once again brought into the election fray through the Legislative Council. However, his withdrawal before the voting has completely changed the political equations in Konkan

Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena's Devyani Dongaonkar was nominated from the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar-Jalna Legislative Council constituency, but she suddenly withdrew her candidature, after which the party expelled Devyani Dongaonkar and her husband Krishna Dongaonkar.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena candidate Anil Kadam who was supposed to be the candidate from the Nashik Legislative Council constituency withdrew from the contest and did not file his application. Congress candidate Sahebrao Kamble, who was nominated by the Congress to contest from the Yavatmal Legialative Council, withdrew from the election.

Reacting to these developments Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP and chief Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut alleged here on Thursday that, “The ruling party (BJP) has spent a whopping Rs 150 crore to get our candidates to withdraw their applications. One of our candidates was given Rs 25 crore to withdraw”.
“From the information I have so far, the ruling party is adamant to ensure that elections are held unopposed and many unscrupulous methods have been adopted to achieve this. A large number of attempts were made to buy off opposition candidates and it succeeded in some places,” Sanjay Raut said.

“Yesterday (Wednesday), such transactions took place at Hotel Sofitel in Mumbai, located in the Bandra Kurla Complex. After that, our candidate in Konkan (Bal Mane) withdrew. Our candidate withdrew in Sambhajinagar. The person who fixed the deal informed us. The process of purchasing candidates is going on in Maharashtra. I think this is a way of destroying the state and the country. This is extremely dangerous for democracy,” Sanjay Raut said.
“The prices of horses were fixed only to withdraw their candidatures. I am not shocked at all. I expected this. That is why I kept saying from the beginning that this election is not ours. This election is not for party workers. This election is for those who can spend cash, do horse trading, as well as buy candidates and votes. This is not democracy. This was my honest opinion and I tried to present my opinion many times in my party. I was afraid that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) would get discredited due to this, especially my party,” Sanjay Raut said.
Reacting to the withdrawal of MVA candidates from the poll fray, Maharashtra State Congress Committee President Harshwardhan Sapkal said, “Despite the BJP's power everywhere, it is still trampling upon democratic values in its desire for more power. Offers of crores of rupees have been made to opposition candidates in order to ensure that Legislative Council elections are won unopposed. The BJP has used all means to get candidates to withdraw nominations, putting aside all morality. The BJP does not want democracy. It wants a 'nomination system' instead of elections”.

“Voters of Legislative Council elections are the elected representatives in the local self-government bodies and it is a limited electorate. But in this election too, the ruling alliance has openly played the game of throwing money and enjoying the spectacle. There has been a huge distribution of money by the ruling party. The BJP and the Election Commission are in an unholy alliance. This picture is not good for democracy,” Sapkal said.

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By Bhaga Warkhade

The devastating fire at a Delhi hotel that claimed innocent lives is not merely an accident — it is collective murder committed by India's corrupt, negligent, and dysfunctional administrative machinery. The ink had barely dried on a similar tragedy in Goa when the nation's capital repeated it. Both incidents confirm the same grim truth: human life has been reduced to zero value in the pursuit of commercial profit.

Despite repeated reprimands and stern orders from the Supreme Court, a staggering indifference pervades every level of governance — from municipal corporations to state governments. That indifference has now gone beyond concern. It has become a systemic crisis.

The Incidents

Twenty-one people died in the Delhi hotel fire, including 18 foreign nationals from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Liberia. Months earlier, 25 people — again including tourists — perished in a fire at a popular Goa nightclub.

These are not isolated accidents. They are symptoms of a catastrophic failure across urban administration, fire safety systems, local bodies, licensing authorities, and state governments.

The most disturbing pattern is this: after every tragedy, inquiries are announced, audits are ordered, strict enforcement is promised — and then, within weeks, everything returns to normal, until the next disaster.

In Delhi, the fire is suspected to have started in the ground-floor restaurant and spread with terrifying speed, forcing people trapped on upper floors to jump from windows. Local residents threw mattresses to break their fall. Those images were not merely heartbreaking — they were a public confession of administrative failure. When guests in a hotel must leap from windows to survive a fire, fire safety has collapsed entirely.

Rules Exist. Enforcement Does Not.

India does not lack fire safety regulations. There is a National Building Code. States have fire safety laws. Fire NOC requirements exist. Inspection mandates exist. Numerous court orders exist.

The Delhi High Court had, just months ago, directed the administration to prepare a comprehensive safety framework for hotels, clubs, and restaurants. Yet the ground reality has not changed.

The real problem in India is not the absence of rules — it is the absence of enforcement.

Many commercial establishments obtain proper licenses initially, then proceed to add unauthorized constructions, extra floors, sealed staircases, converted terraces, excess seating capacity, and changes that openly violate safety norms. Local authorities often know. Sometimes they look away. Sometimes corruption ensures they do. Buildings that appear safe on paper become death traps in practice.

The lack of coordination between municipal corporations, fire departments, electricity inspection agencies, licensing authorities, and development bodies compounds the crisis. One agency issues the trade license, another the fire safety certificate, a third the construction permit, a fourth conducts inspections. When disaster strikes, each department blames the other. Accountability disappears. Negligence thrives.

"Fire Audit" — A Hollow Ritual

The phrase "fire audit" has become a piece of administrative theatre. A tragedy occurs, a fire audit is announced, inspections happen for a few days, notices are issued to a handful of establishments — and then silence returns.

In reality, fire audits must be continuous, not ceremonial. Checking whether fire systems are functional, emergency exits are clear, smoke detectors are operational, electrical systems are safe, and staff are trained — these are not one-time tasks. In most Indian cities, such checks exist only on paper.

After the Goa fire, Delhi's municipal corporation had issued directions to conduct fire audits of hotels, restaurants, and bars across the city. The question that must now be answered honestly: had those orders been effectively implemented, could today's tragedy have been prevented?

The International Dimension

There is another dimension that demands attention — India's global image. The Delhi fire killed a significant number of foreign nationals. The Goa fire also claimed foreign tourists.

Tourism is not merely a revenue source; it is an ambassador of national character. When international visitors come to India, they experience not only its heritage and natural beauty — they experience the competence and safety standards of its systems.

Tragedies at hotels, clubs, and tourist spots make international headlines and embed a sense of insecurity about India in the global mind. Today's tourists research safety standards when planning travel — airports, transport, accommodation, emergency response. Recurring fire disasters are a direct threat to India's tourism sector. If "Incredible India" cannot guarantee basic safety, the slogan rings hollow.

What Must Change

These tragedies have restated a fundamental truth: development is not measured in tall buildings, rising tourist numbers, or growing investments. Real development means protecting the lives of citizens and visitors.

Fire safety is not a costly formality. It is a life-saving necessity. Observing it is not optional — it is an absolute duty.

Appointing inquiry commissions, announcing compensation, and suspending a few officials after every disaster is no longer sufficient. What is required:

A clear, enforceable chain of accountability linking municipal bodies, state governments, fire departments, and licensing authorities. Regular, independent, publicly disclosed fire audits — not post-tragedy performances. Immediate closure and criminal action against establishments that violate safety norms. Court orders implemented on the ground, not just on paper.

Without this, today it is Delhi, yesterday it was Goa, and tomorrow it will be another city. The same promises will be made, the same inquiries held, the same silence will follow — but the lives lost will not return.

Every such tragedy leaves another dark stain on India's administrative credibility, its tourism sector, and its global standing.

The real lesson of the Delhi and Goa fires is this: the cost of negligence is not counted in property damage alone. It is counted in human lives, national dignity, and the public's trust in governance.

It is time — long past time — for those in power to take that lesson seriously.

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Panaji, Goa | 26 November 2025

The Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corporation Limited (MFSCDCL) marked a powerful presence at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025) in Goa, emphatically positioning Maharashtra as India’s undisputed filmmaking capital and an emerging global production hub. During the dedicated panel discussion titled “Maharashtra as Film Destination: Opportunities and Insights”, MFSCDCL showcased the state’s filmmaker-friendly ecosystem built on three strong pillars: India’s fastest single-window clearance system, one of the country’s most generous incentive packages for Marathi cinema, and world-class infrastructure backed by future-ready initiatives.

Maharashtra’s online portal www.filmcell.maharashtra.gov.in integrates 14 government departments and 105 sub-departments, delivering all shooting permissions within a strict 7-working-day timeline, with automatic deemed approval in case of delays, making bureaucratic hurdles virtually non-existent. The state continues to lead in supporting regional cinema by offering grants of up to ₹40 lakh for top-scoring Marathi films, doubling the amount for National Award winners, providing 100% entertainment tax exemption across Maharashtra, concessional rates at state-owned locations including the iconic Film City, and a special ₹5 lakh grant for women directors of ‘A’ category films or national/international award winners.

Further strengthening its appeal, the 521-acre Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari in Mumbai offers diverse indoor and outdoor sets, while a state-of-the-art AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics) centre is being established within Film City. Strategic tie-ups with FTII and other premier institutes are creating certified skill-development programmes to build a highly skilled local workforce.

Speaking at IFFI 2025, Swati Mhase Patil, Managing Director, MFSCDCL, stated, “IFFI 2025 is an important platform for Maharashtra to present its creative strength and evolving film ecosystem to the world. We aim to empower filmmakers with the best infrastructure, progressive policies, and a globally competitive environment.” Maharashtra warmly invites producers, directors, and creative professionals from India and abroad to experience unparalleled opportunities in the heart of Indian cinema. For permissions and incentives, visit www.filmcell.maharashtra.gov.in or write to filmcell@maharashtra.gov.in.

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Bishkek, Agency

Early parliamentary elections began in Kyrgyzstan on Sunday to elect 90 deputies to the country's unicameral legislature.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Kyrgyzstan reported that 2,492 polling stations have opened across the country, along with 27 remote voting stations and 100 polling stations abroad. Voting takes place from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm local time (1400 GMT to 0200 GMT).

According to the CEC, 460 candidates are participating in the elections being held in 30 multi-member constituencies, with three deputies elected in each using a majoritarian system. No more than two of the three seats in any constituency may be held by candidates of the same gender.

Additionally, the law requires that representatives of the same gender must hold at least 30 parliamentary seats overall.

On September 25, Kyrgyzstan's parliament voted to dissolve itself, citing concerns over the close timing of the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.

Lawmakers argued that holding both elections so close together could undermine political stability and suggested earlier parliamentary elections.

On September 30, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov signed a decree to hold the parliamentary elections on November 30.

According to the initial schedule, Kyrgyzstan's new parliamentary elections were to be held in November 2026, while presidential elections are scheduled for just two months later, in January 2027.

Kyrgyzstan's unicameral parliament, Jogorku Kenesh, consists of 90 members elected for five-year terms.

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Kolhapur, Correspondent

The Kolhapur District and Sessions Court on Monday delivered its verdict in the case related to the violent protest held at Sangli Naka on the Pune–Bengaluru National Highway over the issue of sugarcane pricing. District Judge (2) D.V. Kashyap acquitted former MP Raju Shetti along with 80 other protestors, citing lack of substantial evidence.

Following the verdict, a celebratory atmosphere prevailed outside the court as supporters expressed joy. Raju Shetti said the judgment would re-energise the ongoing farmers’ agitation for fair sugarcane prices.

Background of the Case

The protest, led by Shetti, demanded better prices for sugarcane farmers. The agitation turned violent, prompting police to file charges against Shetti and 80 others. During the sugarcane agitation, Shetti was detained and kept in police custody, triggering widespread protests across Kolhapur and Sangli districts.

Thousands of farmers took to the streets in solidarity, leading to incidents of stone-pelting, arson, and damage to vehicles. In total, 3,781 protestors were booked in various cases. Of these, the present case involved 80 individuals from the Shiroli Naka area.

Court’s Decision

Judge D.V. Kashyap ruled that due to insufficient evidence, Shetti and the 80 accused must be acquitted. The case was handled on behalf of the farmers’ organisation by Adv. Brijesh Shastri, Adv. Shrenik Patil, Adv. Amey Makre, and Adv. Suvarnabhadra Patil.