Social News in English

Times of India

Dec 17, 2025, 05:24 AM

Elderly Professor Accuses Husband of Decades-Long Abuse

BENGALURU: In an age when silence is still mistaken for consent and endurance for virtue, a 67-year-old retired govt professor has broken a 42-year silence to confront an uncomfortable truth: sexual harassment and domestic violence do not retire with age.Veena (name changed), a former college principal who devoted her life to shaping young minds, has accused her 70-year-old husband, Ramesh (name changed), of sustained mental, physical, financial and sexual abuse throughout their marriage. She lodged a complaint with Govindarajnagar police Saturday.The immediate trigger for the complaint was Ramesh's recent legal notice directing Veena and their two sons to vacate the matrimonial home within eight days, citing that the property is registered solely in his name.IPL Auction 2026IPL Auction 2026: Full list of sold and unsold players for all teamsIPL 2026 team and squad List: Updated players for all 10 Teams; who got whomMarried in 1983 at a convention hall on Cunningham Road, Veena went on to build a distinguished academic career, retiring as a principal after serving in multiple colleges across Karnataka. In her complaint, she alleged that her husband resented her professional success, belittled her PhD and promotions, and systematically coerced her into transferring her salary, pension, gratuity and even properties into his name.After being removed from his job in Kudremukh in 1993, she claimed, Ramesh lived largely on her earnings, exercising financial control while continuing the abuse.The most serious allegation related to an incident on Nov 22 this year, Veena alleged she was forcibly dragged into a room and sexually assaulted while cleaning the house. When she spurned the advances, she alleged she was kicked, choked, verbally abused and threatened with death, along with threats to kill their two sons.The assault, she claimed, was captured on CCTV cameras installed by her children, who feared for her safety.A heart patient who has undergone bypass surgery, Veena sought medical treatment for chest pain and breathlessness and later obtained a medico-legal certificate. Even then, she hesitated to complain as she, like a majority of the elderly women, had been socialised to preserve marriage at any cost.A case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including cruelty by husband, assault to outrage modesty, criminal intimidation and causing hurt. Given the accused's age, he has been served a notice to appear for questioning.Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here

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Times of India

Dec 17, 2025, 05:17 AM

Sunjay Kapur Estate Feud: Karisma Kapoor's Children Alleged Priya Kapur Forged Husband's Will

Sunjay Kapur passed away in June this year, but soon after his demise, there's been a family feud regarding his will and Rs 30,000 crore estate which has taken a legal turn. Sunjay's children with ex-wifeKarisma Kapoorhave filed a plea in theDelhi High Courtalleging that his widowed wife Priya Kapur has forged his will.An important hearing took place before the Joint Registrar of the Delhi High Court on Wednesday in the ongoing Will dispute. Several applications were heard, raising serious questions about the conduct of the parties and the authenticity of documents placed before the court. The matter was heard by Mr. Gagandeep Jindal, Joint Registrar.Priya Sachdev Kapur steps into public eye amid ₹30,000 crore Sunjay Kapur estate feudAs reported by LawChakra, the main issue discussed was an application seeking inspection and forensic examination of the original Will filed on record.Karisma Kapoor’s children requested access to the original Will so it could be scientifically and independently verified to determine whether it is genuine or fabricated.However, Priya Sachdev Kapur, who claims rights under the same Will, strongly opposed the request. Karisma Kapoor’s children argued that the opposition appeared deliberate and raised doubts about whether the document could withstand independent scrutiny.In their defence, Priya's cousel argued that they have already filed all her replies, while the plaintiff Karisma Kapoor has failed to file her responses/rejoinder despite earlier deadlines. Hence, sought additional time, reinforcing the defence’s position that the proceedings are being prolonged through repeated delay tactics rather than substantive arguments.Regarding Karisma's plea seeking disclosure of assets, Priya Kapur’s counsel told the court that complete details had already been placed on record before Justice Jyoti Singh, calling the application “unnecessary".Karisma, on the other hand, maintained that the disclosures were not exhaustive and said she would file her response at a later stage. The hearing also saw some uncertainty when Sunjay Kapur’s mother first indicated that she would not be submitting a reply to one of the applications, a stance that was quickly changed after her lawyers conferred briefly and informed the court that a response would, in fact, be filed.After hearing arguments on both applications, the Joint Registrar listed the matter for further consideration on 20 January 2026.Early this month, Priya and her minor son, contended before the Delhi High Court that it does not have jurisdiction to injunct them from dealing with foreign assets in the UK and the US. Her counsel submitted that the issue of foreign assets is a matter of foreign jurisdiction and the high court cannot stop them from seeking title of Sunjay's immovable properties abroad.Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here

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Business Standard

Dec 17, 2025, 05:12 AM

Warner Bros Discovery Expected to Reject Paramount's Hostile Bid in Favor of Netflix Deal

Affinity Partners, the private equity firm founded by US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, is set to exit the takeover battle for Warner Bros Discovery,Bloombergreported. The move comes as Warner Bros Discovery is preparing to reject a bid from Paramount Skydance Corp that the firm had backed.Earlier this month, Affinity emerged as a participant in Paramount's hostile bid for Warner Bros, a proposal that valued the Hollywood studio at approximately $108.4 billion, including debt. Paramount is reportedly trying to derail Netflix's $82.7 billion deal for Warner Bros.After reviewing the offer, Warner Bros' board is likely to recommend that shareholders reject the tender as early as Wednesday (local time), the report added, citing sources. The board continues to view its existing agreement with Netflix as providing better value and greater deal certainty than Paramount’s proposal.Sticking point in Paramount dealAffinity had been set to help fund Paramount’s bid, but its involvement, led by Kushner drew fresh scrutiny because Trump has said he would personally review the deal,Bloombergreported people familiar with the matter as saying. They said Affinity’s planned $200 million commitment was a relatively small part of the financing package.According to an Affinity representative cited byBloomberg, the dynamics of the investments have changed since it became involved in October. "With??"two??"strong competitors??"vying to secure??"the future??"of this??"unique American??"asset,??"Affinity??"has??"decided no longer to pursue??"the opportunity," the investment firm noted. "We??"continue to??"believe??"there is a strong strategic rationale for Paramount’s offer.”Also ReadCost of proposed White House ballroom may now reach $400 mn, says TrumpBS-VI rule in Delhi explained: What it is and how to check your vehicleIMD issues alerts for cold wave, dense fog and snowfall across IndiaWhy China's graduates are choosing government jobs over private firmsMusk's worth soars past $600 bn; richer than Bezos, Zuckerberg combinedAnother sticking point, according to the report, has been Warner Bros' concerns regarding the financing proposed by Paramount, led by David Ellison. The equity is backstopped by a revocable trust that manages the wealth of David Ellison’s father, software billionaire Larry Ellison. Because the trust can withdraw assets at any time, Warner Bros Discovery may have little recourse if the backing is reduced.The contest for Warner Bros Discovery could reshape the entertainment industry whichever side prevails. If Netflix wins, it would gain significant control over a major pipeline of films and television content for streaming audiences. Paramount’s pitch, by contrast, is to combine two long-established Hollywood studios in a bid to compete more effectively with Netflix, Walt Disney, and Amazon.Trump unhappy with CBS, ParamountThe US President has recently expressed his unhappiness with Paramount over CBS News' coverage of his presidency. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "For those people who think I am close with the new owners of CBS, please understand that 60 Minutes has treated me far worse since the so-called 'takeover ' than they have ever treated me before," and added, "If they are friends, I’d hate to see my enemies!”Despite Trump being critical of the network news coverage about him, his comments regarding the CBS coverage are now being scrutinised as investors are now looking for signals as to how the Trump administration might be leaning in the battle to purchase Warner Bros.CBS-parent Paramount has been trying to top Netflix’s friendly offer for the studio, and Paramount chief David Ellison, the son of Oracle founder Larry Ellison, a longtime donor and supporter of Donald Trump, has cited his relationship with Trump as a factor that could smooth the regulatory review.While Trump did not clarify which bid he favours, he did previously signal that he wanted the sale to include new ownership of CNN, the cable news network and a longtime foil in the Warner Bros portfolio.

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 05:09 AM

Fatal Pile-Up on Yamuna Expressway Leaves 17 Dead and 89 Injured

At least 17 people were killed and 89 injured in a catastrophic 15-vehicle pile-up in dense fog on the Yamuna Expressway before dawn on Tuesday, police said. Eleven months ago, on January 15, 2024, at least 40 people were injured after two buses travelling to Noida from Rajasthan and UP collided on the same high speed road. The Yamuna Expressway connects Greater Noida to Agra, its interchanges and link roads provideDelhiand Noida access to Faridabad, Gurgaon, Mathura, Vrindavan, Aligarh, Hathras, Firozabad, and Etawah. Mathura District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh has set up a committee to inquire into Tuesday’s crash. The committee has been given two days to look into the reasons for the fatal pile-up, the DM told TheIndian Express.

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Times of India

Dec 17, 2025, 05:08 AM

Tragic Series of Events Exposes Gaps in Emergency Healthcare and Public Empathy

Image Credit: XBENGALURU: A 34-year-old mechanic from South Bengaluru has died after a nightmarish series of events that exposed gaps in both emergency healthcare and public empathy.Venkataramanan, who lived in Balaji Nagar, began experiencing severe chest pain.With no immediate help available, his wife took him on a motorcycle to seek medical attention.How events unfoldedTheir first stop at a private hospital was met with refusal because no doctor was available.At a second hospital, an ECG indicated he had suffered a mild heart attack, but staff reportedly neither began emergency treatment nor arranged an ambulance.While travelling again on the motorcycle, the couple were involved in an accident.IPL Auction 2026IPL Auction 2026: Full list of sold and unsold players for all teamsIPL 2026 team and squad List: Updated players for all 10 Teams; who got whomCCTV footage obtained from the scene shows Venkataramanan’s wife pleading with passing vehicles for assistance, her hands folded in desperation, while her husband lay injured on the road.Several vehicles reportedly passed without stopping. A cab driver eventually intervened and took him to hospital, but Venkataramanan was declared dead on arrival.He leaves behind a five-year-old son, an 18-month-old daughter, and his mother, who had already lost five other children. In a gesture of generosity amid tragedy, the family has donated his eyes.Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 05:00 AM

Kerala Defies Centre, Decides to Screen 19 Films Denied Censor Exemption at IFFK

Defying the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B)refusal of censor exemption to a slew of filmsat the ongoing International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), the CPI(M)-led government in the state Tuesday said it has decided to screen all those movies without waiting for the Centre’s nod. “All films that have been denied censor exemption will be screened at the IIFK,” Chief MinisterPinarayi Vijayanwrote in a social media post. Meanwhile, after denying censor exemption to 19 films, the I&B ministry gave the green signal to the screening of four of them Tuesday. These include Beef, Once Upon a Time in Gaza, Eagles of the Republic, and Heart of the Wolf.

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 04:53 AM

OnePlus 15R and Pad Go 2 Launch in India: Live Stream Details Revealed

OnePlus 15R, OnePlus Pad Go 2 Launch in India Today: OnePlus is gearing up to launch the lighter version of its flagship OnePlus 15, OnePlus 15R, today (December 17) along with the OnePlus Pad Go 2. The Chinese smartphone maker has been teasing key specs and has already confirmed that the upcoming OnePlus 15R will pack the largest battery ever on a OnePlus phone. For those who wish to watch the product launch of the OnePlus 15R and OnePlus Pad Go 2 live, the company has said that the ‘Rise as One’ launch will be live streamed on the official OnePlus YouTube channel from 7pm IST onwards. Other details about the pricing for both devices as well as pre-order and availability information will be revealed by OnePlus during the livestream.

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 04:52 AM

Jane Austen's Timeless Genius: Beyond Love Stories, A Social Commentator Unleashed

Jane Austen 250th birth anniversary: If screen adaptations, bestseller lists, themed parties, and book club favourites are anything to go by, Jane Austen, dead for 200 years, ishaving a career many living authors would die for. While her novels are generally seen as love stories, Austen is an equally compelling ‘hater’, a social commentator cool, critical, accurate, and absolutely eviscerating. So what is it about Jane Austen that her genius remains “universally acknowledged” across the globe, and more importantly, across the steep pyramid of book lovers? While a billion doctoral theses have dealt with this question, on her 250th birth anniversary, here is a condensed explainer. Of love and money, but so much more

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 04:46 AM

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Cracks Down on Fake Fertilizers

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday directed the state Agriculture Department to invoke the National Security Act (NSA) against those involved in the sale ofadulterated or fake fertilisers or in black marketing of fertilisers. In a meeting with the Agriculture Minister and department officials, the CM said that accountability should be fixed, and the guilty will face action irrespective of their position if the government receives any information about irregularities. He further said the activities of field-level officers will be monitored, and an open vigilance inquiry will be conducted if collusion or negligence is found at any level.

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 04:44 AM

IndiGo Seeks Temporary Exemption to Stabilize Operations Amid New Crew Rest-and-Duty Rules

After a harrowing start to December, when the operations of India’s biggest airlines unravelled over a new set of crew rest-and-duty duration rules, for now, a sense of calm has descended on the Indian skies. Riding on a temporary exemption granted to it by aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), IndiGo has over the past week managed to stabilise its operations and steadily ramp up its daily flights — up from around 700 at the peak of the chaos to over 2,050 since Saturday, December 13. Without the temporary exemption related to night operations in the new rules, IndiGo could not have staged such a rapid recovery. The answer to why IndiGo sought these specific exemptions, which will be in place till February 10, and why the regulator yielded, lies in the airline’s dominance of the night skies. Between midnight and 6 am — the new definition of ‘night’ in the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules — IndiGo has more domestic arrivals and departures than any other airline by a huge margin. Which is why, when the DGCA capped at two the maximum number of landings for a pilot operating a flight — landing or taking off — in this six-hour window, the impact on IndiGo was disproportionately higher.

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News18✓

Dec 17, 2025, 04:44 AM

Realme 16 Pro: Design, Camera, and Software Features Revealed Ahead of Launch

Realme 16 Pro is launching soon and the company is now starting its full hype reveal phase for the product. Realme has even set up a microsite that gives more details about the device, including its design and the new camera layout at the back. The Realme 16 Pro launch is likely to continue the trend of overpriced phones that seems unavoidable will all the demand for memory chips and brands facing a shortage. The price hike is easy to digest when the upgrades are relevant and meaningful. Realme is calling it the portrait master which suggests a powerful telephoto lens on board. Realme 16 Pro Design Revealed: What We Know Realme 16 Pro most likely gets a textured panel along with a matte finish over glass which should give it the premium touch. The company is going to use a Snapdragon chipset which could be the 7 Gen 4 series or even the 8 Gen 5 if the product is really eyeing that segment. The camera layout seems to have been borrowed from the OnePlus 15, except the orientation has been changed by Realme for its device. The phone is going to feature a sleek body but should come packing with a silicon carbon grade battery. Swipe Left For Next Video The company is offering Realme UI 7 based on Android 16 with the 16 Pro that is promised to get 3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security patches. The software will also have AI features integrated with the likes of AI Edit genie 2.0 to create and edit images.

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Times of India

Dec 17, 2025, 04:43 AM

Amazon Cuts 370 Jobs at European Headquarters Amid AI-Driven Restructuring

Amazon is cutting 370 jobs, or 8.5%, at its European headquarters in Luxembourg, impacting software developers most due to AI advancements. This is company's biggest ever job cuts in the Europe, following global layoffs back in October and a negotiated social plan. Despite the reduction, Luxembourg remains a strategic European hub for Amazon, which continues to hire in key areas.Amazonwill cut 370 jobs at its European headquarters in Luxembourg in the coming weeks, marking the company's largest-ever workforce reduction at the facility. The layoffs represent about 8.5% of the 4,370 employees based there and follow the tech giant's October announcement of 14,000 global job cuts amid its push toward artificial intelligence.The company and staff delegates signed a social plan late Friday after two weeks of negotiations, according to the Luxembourg Times. Amazon had initially planned to eliminate 470 positions but reduced the number during talks mandated under European Union labor law, which requires companies to negotiate redundancies with employee representatives.Amazon Announces Landmark $35B Investment In India To Drive Digital TransformationAI-driven restructuring hits software developers at Amazon hardestSoftware developers will be primarily affected by the cuts, Bloomberg reported, as the tech industry increasingly deploys AI for coding tasks.IPL Auction 2026IPL Auction 2026: Full list of sold and unsold players for all teamsIPL 2026 team and squad List: Updated players for all 10 Teams; who got whomOne Amazon employee told Bloomberg that hundreds of workers entering Luxembourg's job market simultaneously would struggle to find alternative employment in the country of 680,000 people. Affected employees who relocated from other countries face a three-month deadline to secure new jobs in Luxembourg or leave."370 is a very big number but considering where we started, it feels a little better," Prash Chandrasekhar, a staff delegation representative, told the Luxembourg Times."It's still a big impact and will put pressure on Luxembourg."The layoffs won't take effect until February. Details of compensation packages remain confidential, though Chandrasekhar said they "compare favourably" to other social plans in Luxembourg."Our immediate focus will be on implementing the agreed measures and providing support to impacted employees throughout this transition," an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement shared with the media.Luxembourg maintains status as Amazon's strategic European partnerDespite the cuts, Amazon remains Luxembourg's fifth-largest employer. Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden met with Amazon CEO Andy Jassy in Seattle in November, where Jassy assured him that Luxembourg "remains the strategic partner in Europe," the Luxembourg Times reported, citing the prime minister's office.In a joint statement, Amazon's leadership team and staff delegation said the company would provide "a comprehensive package that goes well beyond industry benchmarks and comparable local agreements in Luxembourg."The company emphasized its commitment to implementing the plan "with care, clarity, and in full compliance with local employment law."The Luxembourg reductions are part of Amazon's broader cost-cutting campaign under CEO Andy Jassy, who has sought to make the company "leaner and less bureaucratic" while investing heavily in generative AI. Amazon laid off 27,000 employees globally between 2022 and 2023 following a pandemic-era hiring surge.Amazon currently lists 56 open positions in Luxembourg on its recruitment platform and has indicated it will continue hiring in "key strategic areas" despite the ongoing workforce reductions.

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News18✓

Dec 17, 2025, 04:42 AM

Homebound Shortlisted for Oscars 2026: A Win for Indian Cinema

Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa’s Homebound has been shortlisted for the Oscars 2026, and this is nothing less than a win. The industry is very excited as congratulatory wishes are pouring in. Kiara Advani has also expressed her joy and pride. She congratulated everyone associated with the project. Taking to her Instagram stories, Kiara shared the poster and wrote, “Congratulations Team Homebound!!!" Earlier, Dharma Movies’ official Instagram page shared, “Homebound has been shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. We’re deeply grateful for the extraordinary love and support we’ve received from around the world." Take a look here: Homebound Shortlisted For Best International Feature Film At Academy Awards The International Feature Film shortlist features movies from across the globe, including Argentina’s Belén, Brazil’s The Secret Agent, France’s It Was Just an Accident, Germany’s Sound of Falling, Iraq’s The President’s Cake, Japan’s Kokuho, Jordan’s All That’s Left of You, Norway’s Sentimental Value, Palestine’s Palestine 36, South Korea’s No Other Choice, Spain’s Sirât, Switzerland’s Late Shift, Taiwan’s Left-Handed Girl, Tunisia’s The Voice of Hind Rajab, and India’s Homebound. Academy members from all branches participate in preliminary voting, which requires viewing the eligible films. For the final nomination round, members opting in must watch all 15 shortlisted films before casting their votes. Neeraj Ghaywan on the Story Behind Homebound Set in a northern Indian village, Homebound follows two childhood friends striving to pass the national police exam, a career path that could bring them dignity and stability. As they move closer to their goal, their deep bond is tested by disappointment and disillusionment. Director Neeraj Ghaywan explained the film’s origins: “Homebound started with this op-ed essay in The New York Times. It was a true story that happened in India, and it was a story of friendship and what happened to these friends during the journey [during] the pandemic… I wanted to use that as a base friendship, as a strong way to talk about our bigger concerns that the world is now grappling with, which is that what makes migrants leave their homes in rural India or across the world? What are the things that motivate them? It’s not just jobs, it’s not just money, it’s also existential." Kiara Advani’s work front

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 04:42 AM

Indian Forest Department Captures Suspect Leopard After Fatal Attack on 8-Year-Old Boy

A day after aneight-year-old boy was killed in a leopard attack in Junnar taluka—the third fatal attack on a child—the Forest Department on Tuesday evening captured a leopard at the same spot in Mangrul Pargaon village. Samples collected from the boy’s wounds and from the captured leopard have been sent for DNA analysis to confirm whether it was responsible for the attack. The Junnar Forest Division has seen a sharp rise in human–leopard conflict in recent weeks, with three people — including two children — getting killed between October 12 and November 1 and several more injured in leopard attacks. Rohit Babu Kapare (8) was killed by a leopard in Mangrul Pargaon village of Junnar taluka on Monday morning around 11.30 am. “Multiple teams from the Forest Department were deployed at the location and in the surrounding areas for heightening patrolling. 15 trap cages and 10 trap cameras were installed in the area. One of the traps was at the exact location in Mangrul Pargaon village where the Monday morning attack had taken place. Around 7.30 pm on Tuesday, a leopard was captured in that cage. The leopard is a male aged between five to six years. It is highly likely that it is the same leopard, as this animal tends to return to the same location. The samples of the leopard have been taken. Samples collected from the boy’s wounds and from the captured leopard have been sent for DNA analysis to confirm whether it was responsible for the attack. Meanwhile the leopard has been sent to the Manikdoh Leopard rehabilitation centre,” said an officer from the Junnar Forest Department. In the aftermath of the incident on Monday, the Forest Department had sought permission to eliminate the leopard involved in the attack.

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News18✓

Dec 17, 2025, 04:39 AM

Homebound Shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at 98th Academy Awards

Actor Vishal Jethwa has expressed immense happiness and excitement as Homebound, produced by Dharma Productions (Dharma Movies), and has now progressed one step closer for a possible nomination nod for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. This marks a proud moment for the entire team, with the film continuing to receive extraordinary love and appreciation from audiences across the globe. The shortlist is the final step where amongst all the films submitted for the Oscars for the category, 15 films advance to the voting stage inching Homebound closer to a possible nomination nod when the nominations are announced on 22nd January. Sharing his heartfelt reaction, Vishal Jethwa said, “This moment feels surreal and incredibly humbling. To see Homebound being shortlisted and progressing towards the Oscars is something I could have only dreamed of. I am deeply grateful for the love and support the film has received from audiences around the world. I want to sincerely thank Karan Johar sir for believing in this story and in us as artists his vision and backing gave Homebound the wings it needed. Neeraj Ghaywan sir’s sensitivity, honesty, and clarity as a filmmaker pushed me to explore emotional depths I had never touched before. Working under his direction has been nothing short of transformative. I also want to thank Ishaan Khatter, whose passion and commitment elevated every scene, we learned so much from each other on this journey. This recognition belongs to the entire team that poured their heart and soul into the film". Taking to Instagram, Karan Johar shared a screenshot of the official shortlist and poured his heart out in a long, emotional note. He wrote, “I am not sure I can articulate how proud, elated and over the moon I am with the journey of #HOMEBOUND… all of us @dharmamovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography … thank you @neeraj.ghaywan for making so many dreams of ours come true… from Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist this has been such an overwhelming journey! Love to the entire cast and crew and teams of this special special film!!!!!!!!! Upwards and onwards…….. #HOMEBOUND streaming now on @netflix_in."

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News18✓

Dec 17, 2025, 04:38 AM

Gangajal-Infused Wet Wipes: A Spiritual Twist on Hygiene

Gangajalholds immense significance in India, particularly among Hindus. No religious ritual is considered complete without it. From prayers to funerals,Gangajalis believed to help the soul attain peace. Pilgrims travel from across the country to sacred sites like Banaras and Haridwar, hoping to wash away their sins in the Ganga. But now, you no longer need to take a dip in the river to cleanse yourself. Social media is abuzz over a novel product: Gangajal-infused wet wipes. For context, wet wipes are disposable cloth pieces commonly used to clean hands or face, especially while travelling when water isn’t available. However, these newGangajalwipes offer a spiritual twist. Images of the Hari Darshan brand’s wipes have gone viral online. The wipes can be purchased both in stores and online. Previously, one had to visit the Ganga to wash away sins, but now the same can supposedly be done from the comfort of home. A pack of thirty wipes costs around Rs 100, allowing users to symbolically ‘wipe away’ their bad deeds. Reactions to theGangajalwipes have been varied. Many users appreciated the idea, while others shared humorous takes, one user even joking that the wipes shouldn’t be thrown away but immersed instead. Another user questioned whether theGangajalused comes from Gangotri or Banaras. Swipe Left For Next Video

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 04:37 AM

Indian Film 'Homebound' Makes History by Reaching Academy Awards Shortlist

Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, has become only the fifth Indian film tomake it to the shortlistof the Best International Feature category at the Academy Awards. Chosen as India’s official Oscars entry back in September, it’s traversed a long and tough road of competing with 86 films from around the globe to make it to the top 15 in the shortlist announced on Tuesday. Qualifying for the shortlist isin itself a monumental achievement,particularly in the Best International Feature category. In other categories, only the Academy members relevant to that category are eligible to vote. For instance, only documentary filmmakers are eligible to vote in the best documentary categories. However, in case of the Best International Feature, an Academy member has to watch all other contenders and then opt in to vote in the category. The competition is also quite huge and diverse, given India’s official Oscars entry competed with each country’s official entry. It’s managed to find a place among Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just An Accident (France) and Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice (South Korea).

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News18✓

Dec 17, 2025, 04:37 AM

The Purbachal Plot: A Triumph of Accountability or a Victory for Political Expediency?

The conviction of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, members of her family, and UK MP Tulip Siddiq in the RAJUK Purbachal plot case is being hailed by the interim government as a triumph of accountability. It is nothing of the sort. It is the decisive signal that the rule of law has been cannibalised by political expediency, and that the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)—a court born of the blood of 1971—has been hollowed out and repurposed into a domestic punishment machine. Let’s be clear about what the law actually says. The ICT was established under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973 with a singular, sacred mandate: to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes committed during the Liberation War. It was built to judge the enemies of humanity, not to adjudicate administrative disputes over land plots. By dragging a civil land allocation issue into the arena of a war crimes tribunal, the state has not strengthened justice; it has stripped the process of legality. Jurisdiction is not a suggestion. It is the bedrock of authority. When a court acts outside its mandate, its verdict is not a “tough judgment." It is a legal nullity. The procedural violence is just as stark. These trials are being conductedin absentia, without cross-examination, and without meaningful defence. Where is the money trail? Criminal corruption demands proof of personal enrichment. Yet, no public evidence shows that Sheikh Hasina or Tulip Siddiq monetised these plots. If accumulation of private wealth was the motive, why did Sheikh Hasina preserve Dhanmondi 32—arguably the most valuable property in Dhaka—as a public museum rather than keeping it as a private asset? Motive cannot be presumed when conduct screams the opposite. The hypocrisy becomes nauseating when you look at the history of those now pointing fingers. This is a system of selective enforcement. The Purbachal project involved thousands of allocations across multiple governments. Why target only one family? Compare this to the Ershad era, when prime Gulshan land was allocated to Khaleda Zia for the symbolic price of one taka. That was an openly political transaction involving state discretion over public assets. Was she dragged before a war crimes tribunal? Was she retroactively criminalised? No. The law did not move then. It moves now, only because it is being pushed by political vengeance. While the state prosecutes Hasina for land plots she never sold, it is busy scrubbing the slate clean for its own leader. Just weeks after Dr Muhammad Yunus assumed unelected power, the machinery of the state began to work in his personal favour. In a stunning reversal, a High Court bench recalled a verdict that had demanded Tk 666 crore in taxes from Grameen Kalyan, an entity central to his network. This massive liability was not settled through payment; it was erased through the convenient intervention of a judiciary now operating under the shadow of his administration. But the benefits did not stop there. The interim government then proceeded to grant a sweeping five-year tax exemption to Grameen Bank. This is a level of state-sponsored immunity that no other citizen enjoys. When a leader uses executive authority to wipe out hundreds of crores in personal or institutional liabilities while prosecuting predecessors for administrative irregularities, it is not justice. It is the privatisation of the state. The moral high ground collapses further when you examine the historical record. On August 3, 2008, while serving as Managing Director of Grameen Bank, Yunus oversaw a circular arrangement where 11,000 square feet of prime office space was leased for a nominal rent of Tk 1,000. This was institutional authority exercised for affiliated entities, a classic conflict of interest. Yet, there was no extraordinary tribunal for him. Power, it seems, is only a crime when your opponents hold it. However, the most dangerous shift is not financial; it is ideological. The International Crimes Tribunal was created to prosecute and punish thejuddhaoporadhi—the war criminals and collaborators of 1971, specifically the leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami who opposed the birth of Bangladesh. This is the same tribunal that handed down death sentences to those who orchestrated genocide. Today, in a grotesque inversion of history, that tribunal has been captured by the very forces it was meant to judge. The current ICT has devolved into a “kangaroo court" run by affiliates of Jamaat-e-Islami. The crucial positions of the court—from the chief prosecutor to the defence counsels—are now occupied by individuals deeply entrenched in Jamaat politics. Even the judiciary itself has been compromised; concerns have been raised that judges appointed to this tribunal lack the requisite High Court tenure and standing, selected instead for their ideological alignment rather than their judicial competence. When the defence lawyers of yesterday’s war criminals become the prosecutors of today’s liberation leaders, the court ceases to be an instrument of justice. It becomes a weapon of retribution. This revisionism is not accidental; it echoes a deeper, more personal history. The rehabilitation of these anti-liberation forces finds a disturbing parallel in the lineage of the Chief Adviser himself. Public discourse and historical records have long pointed to the role of Dr Yunus’s father, Hazi Dula Mia, who is documented to have fought for the Pakistan movement and held sympathies that ran counter to the liberation struggle. It appears the son is now finishing what the father’s generation could not. By rehabilitating Jamaat-e-Islami jihadists and handing them the keys to the International Crimes Tribunal, the interim government is not just prosecuting a former prime minister; they are rewriting the history of 1971. When a tribunal abandons its founding statute, denies due process, and is staffed by the historical enemies of the state’s founding, it ceases to be a court. The sentence handed down in the Purbachal case is not a verdict on Sheikh Hasina. It is a verdict on the interim government itself, proof that they are willing to burn the constitution to warm their hands on the flames of revenge. Swipe Left For Next Video And when justice is replaced by vengeance, the real casualty is not a political family. It is the Republic itself.

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 04:30 AM

Uttar Pradesh Entrepreneur Accused of Illegal Cough Syrup Trading Worth Rs 100 Crore

It was in 2018 that Shubham Jaiswal joined the family-run pharmaceutical business in Varanasi. A graduate of Banaras Hindu University, the 33-year-old spent the next few years working alongside his father, learning the ins and outs of the trade, before deciding to expand operations beyond Uttar Pradesh. In 2023, he floated a firm called Saili Traders in Ranchi in his father’s name — and allegedly plunged into large-scale illegal trading of cough syrup. “He bought cough syrup stock worth around Rs 100 crore and routed most of the stock to Bangladesh and Nepal by falsely recording sales in UP and other places using fake bills and a maze of shell firms,” a police officer said.

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Business Standard

Dec 17, 2025, 04:22 AM

Vedanta's Share Price Hits New High as NCLT Approves Demerger Scheme

Vedanta share price todayShare price of Vedanta hit a new high of ₹579.95, gaining 2 per cent on the BSE in Wednesday’s intra-day trade. In the past two trading days, the stock price of the metal company has rallied 5 per cent after it informed the exchanges that the National Company Law of Tribunal (NCLT) approved the company’s demerger scheme.Shares of Vedantawere quoting higher for the seventh straight day, soaring 13 per cent during the period. Thus far in the calendar year 2025, Vedanta has outperformed the market by soaring 31 per cent. In comparison, the BSE Sensex and the BSE Metal index were up 8 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively.At 09:24 AM; Vedanta was quoting 1.4 per cent higher at ₹577.20, as against 0.16 per cent gain in the BSE Sensex. A combined nearly 6 million equity shares changed hands on the NSE and BSE.NCLT Mumbai approves demerger of Vedanta into five distinct entitiesThe Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Tuesday gave its approval to Vedanta Limited’s demerger proposal, clearing the way for the group to reorganise its operations into five distinct, sector-specific entities.The plan involves the demerger of its five business units, including Aluminium, Power, Oil & Gas, and Steel & Ferrous. The scheme will be executed as a simple vertical split, wherein for every one share of Vedanta held, shareholders will receive one share in each of the four newly formed entities.CATCH STOCK MARKET LIVE UPDATES TODAYAlso ReadIndian Overseas Bank slips 3% as govt launches up to 3% stake sale via OFSStock Market LIVE: Sensex down 100 pts, Nifty nears 25,800 as HDFC, ICICI Bank weigh; SBI gains 1%Park Medi World makes muted debut, lists at 4% discount; miss GMP estimatesIndraprastha Gas jumps 6% as Nomura upgrades stock on easing gas pricesStocks to Watch today, Dec 17: Ola Electric, Vedanta, HDFC Bank, Akzo NobelBrokerages view on VedantaThis is a positive development for the company, as the demerger represents a value unlocking event. The high growth Aluminium and Power business is expected to command better valuations compared to the current conglomerate structure, ICICI Securities said in a note.The demerger scheme is targeted for completion by March’26. With this, the brokerage firm remains positive on Vedanta due to its strategic capacity expansion amid healthy demand for Aluminium and Zinc, due to its incremental application in automobile and renewable spaces, higher focus on value added products, improving operating efficiencies, and capital-efficient operation.In a recent company report, ICICI Securities said they remain positive on Vedanta given the robust non-ferrous prices, strategic expansion at aluminium and zinc India, controlled leverage on B/S, return ratios >20 per cent, attractive dividend yield of 6 per cent. The brokerage firm retained its 'BUY' rating on Vedanta with SOTP based revised target price of ₹650.One positive is that new ventures shall be clubbed under one company, Vedanta, which removes ambiguity of owning other commodity companies. This will help in unlocking value by improving valuation of companies such as aluminium, steel and power. Analysts at Nuvama Institutional Equities estimate a fair value of ₹686 (ceteris paribus) shall be enhanced by ₹84/share once the demerger comes into effect.Meanwhile, according to India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra), Vedanta's EBITDA is likely to improve over FY26-FY27, supported by likely incremental volume growth from the ongoing capex, a likely cost reduction and stable commodity prices, with progress towards deleveraging to around 2x.Ind-Ra expects the group to achieve consolidated EBITDA (excluding brand fees) of around ₹45,000 crore-₹50,000 crore over FY26-FY27 owing to an increase in volumes from the added capacities, increased backward integration through increased coal linkages, and cost efficiencies in the aluminium and zinc businesses. The consolidated profitability is likely to be supported by healthy domestic demand over the medium term, along with higher commodity spreads.

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Business Standard

Dec 17, 2025, 04:22 AM

Akzo Nobel India Shares Tumble 15% After Block Deal

Shares of Akzo Nobel India Ltd. tumbled 15 per cent on Wednesday after about 4.88 million shares changed hands in early trade.The paint company's stock fell as much as 15 per cent during the day to ₹3,080.2 per share, the biggest intraday fall since March 2020. The stock pared gains to trade 13.5 per cent lower at ₹3,123.4 apiece, compared to a 0.20 per cent advance in Nifty 50 as of 9:23 AM.Shares of the company fell for the second straight session and currently trade at 160 times the average 30-day trading volume, according to Bloomberg. The counter has fallen 12.7 per cent this year, compared to a 9.5 per cent advance in the benchmark Nifty 50. Akzo Nobel has a total market capitalisation of ₹14,222.92 crore.Akzo Nobel India block dealAkzo Nobel sharestumbled after about 4.88 million shares or 10.7 per cent equity traded hands in a block, according to Bloomberg data. Buyers and sellers were known immediately. It was the most traded Indian stock by value and the worst performer on NSE Nifty 500, S&P BSE 500 indexes.Earlier, the news agency reported that Imperial Chemical Industries planned to raise up to ₹1,290 crore by offloading its stake in Akzo Nobel. It further said that the share sale will be done at a floor price of ₹3,150 per share, about 13 per cent discount to Tuesday's closing price.Also ReadStock Market LIVE: Sensex down 100 pts, Nifty nears 25,800 as HDFC, ICICI Bank weigh; SBI gains 1%Indian Overseas Bank slips 3% as govt launches up to 3% stake sale via OFSIndraprastha Gas jumps 6% as Nomura upgrades stock on easing gas pricesNephrocare Health makes positive D-street debut; shares list at 6% premiumStocks to Watch today, Dec 17: Ola Electric, Vedanta, HDFC Bank, Akzo NobelImperial Chemical is the promoter entity in Akzo Nobel, and it held 45.46 per cent stake as of the September quarter, according to BSE shareholding data.Meanwhile, earlier this month, JSW Paints completed the acquisition of a majority stake of 60.76 per cent in Akzo Nobel India from Akzo Nobel N.V. and its affiliates. In June, JSW Paints entered into definitive agreements to acquire up to 74.76 per cent stake in Akzo Nobel India from Akzo Nobel N.V. and affiliates, for a maximum consideration under the share purchase agreement of up to ₹8,986 crore.Akzo Nobel outlook post Q2 resultsAsit C. Mehta Investment Intermediates Ltd said the industrial order book remains strong, providing healthy revenue visibility, with growth expected to revert to high single-digit levels.The brokerage noted that management has highlighted robust momentum in the cement sector, which typically acts as a leading indicator for improved paint demand. It expects this trend, along with a repainting cycle likely to begin in late financial year 2026 to early financial year 2027, last seen in the post-Covid period in 2022, to drive a gradual recovery in decorative volumes.Asit C. Mehta added that decorative volumes are expected to grow in the mid-to-high single digits in the third quarter of FY26, accelerating to double-digit growth in the fourth quarter, supporting overall momentum across both industrial and decorative segments.

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AIR News✓

Dec 17, 2025, 04:21 AM

President Droupadi Murmu Embarks on Six-Day Southern Sojourn in Secunderabad

President Droupadi Murmu will be arriving at the Rashtrapati Nilayam, Bolarum in Secunderabad later this afternoon for the annual southern sojourn till the 22nd of this month. The state authorities have made all arrangements for the 6-day sojourn.The President will be inaugurating the National Conference for Chairpersons of Public Service Commissions of the state on the 19th of this month and attending a conference on Timeless Wisdom of Bharat – Pathways of Peace and Progress, organised by Brahma Kumaris at Gachibowli on the 20th of this month.Meanwhile, Hyderabad and Cyberabad police Commissionerates in Hyderabad have imposed a ban on the operation of remotely controlled drones, paragliders and micro light aircraft in the Alwal and Gachibowli Police Station areas during the Visit of the President.

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News18✓

Dec 17, 2025, 04:19 AM

Shivam Dube Backs Suryakumar Yadav, Calls Him 'Match-Winner' Ahead of World Cup

India all-rounder Shivam Dube has thrown his full support behind out-of-form T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, insisting the star batter remains a match-winner ahead of the World Cup. Suryakumar has not scored a T20I fifty since October 2024, and with the global tournament less than two months away, pressure is mounting. But Dube dismissed concerns, saying form cannot define a player of SKY’s calibre. “He’s the kind of player who can win you five out of five matches on his own," Dube said on the eve of the fourth T20I against South Africa in Lucknow. “If he’s not scoring right now, it doesn’t mean he’s not a good player." Dube stressed that Suryakumar’s impact goes far beyond numbers. “He’s one of the best. No one can do what he does. Yes, runs have dried up, but his form will return at the right time. He can explode at any moment," he added. The 32-year-old also highlighted Suryakumar’s mindset, calling him a fighter and a true 360-degree batter. “Whether he scores or not, he’s the same guy. He always wants to do something for the team. He’s innovative and always a threat." Dube also backed vice-captain Shubman Gill, who is going through a lean phase of his own in T20Is. “Even when his form dips, his numbers are still very good. He’s been performing for India for many years," Dube said, calling Gill one of the country’s best batters. Looking ahead to the home World Cup, Dube said India’s squad appears largely settled. “I don’t think much will change. This is one of the best teams we’ve had," he said, adding that final calls rest with the captain, coach and selectors. On a personal note, Dube revealed he has focused heavily on fitness in the off-season. Swipe Left For Next Video “I worked a lot on my fitness and have had many conversations with Morne Morkel. That’s helped me a lot," he said.

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News18✓

Dec 17, 2025, 04:19 AM

Indian Rupee Hits Fresh Record Low Against US Dollar Amid Trade Uncertainty

India Rupee vs US Dollar:Indian rupee opened at a fresh record low of 91.08 against the US dollar on Wednesday, December 17, down 0.05% from the previous close. Following the record low opening, rupee witnessed a sharp recovery. At 9:40 AM, the rupee was trading at 90.15, according to CCIL data. “Uncertainty surrounding trade negotiations and sustained selling by foreign investors continue to weigh on sentiment, keeping firm pressure on the currency," said Amit Pabari, Managing Director at CR Forex Advisors. He added that with the dollar also under pressure, any positive development on trade talks could quickly help stabilise market sentiment. Amid the ongoing slide, the rupee has emerged as the worst-performing currency in Asia so far this year, with a year-to-date depreciation of 5.97 percent. This compares with declines of 3.53 percent in the Indonesian rupiah, 1.37 percent in the Philippine peso, 0.56 percent in the South Korean won and 0.13 percent in the Hong Kong dollar. “The RBI conducted a swap yesterday, infusing Rs 45,000 crore into the system, and is set to buy bonds on the 18th to inject another Rs 50,000 crore of liquidity. Today’s opening also appears weak for the rupee, and we may see a gradual move towards the 92 level in the coming days. With no signs of a trade deal between India and the US, equities have struggled to clear all-time highs even as other markets have managed to do so," said Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director at Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP. Swipe Left For Next Video On December 16, the domestic currency closed at a record low of 91.0325 against the US dollar.

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News18✓

Dec 17, 2025, 04:19 AM

India's January Literary Festivals: Celebrating Storytelling, Inclusivity, and Intellectual Engagement

January has long been India’s most vibrant month for literary and storytelling gatherings, bringing together writers, performers, thinkers, and audiences from across the country and beyond. From oral storytelling and folklore to contemporary literature and cultural dialogue, these January festivals create spaces where ideas are exchanged, voices are amplified, and narratives come alive through words, music, and performance. 1. Udaipur International Storytelling Festival Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival, India’s one-of-a-kind international oral storytelling festival, proudly announces the return of its 7th edition in the scenic city of Udaipur. This unique festival celebrates diverse storytelling genres such as contemporary, romance, dastangoi, historical, mystery, horror, thriller, and folk traditions, among others. Dates: 9–11 January 2026 Venue: Park Exotica Resort City: Udaipur The 2026 festival lineup includes Divya Dutta, Rajit Kapur, Arif Zakaria, Divy Nidhi Sharma, Meiyang Chang, Danish Hussain, Mayur Kalbag, Prithwiraj Choudhury, Geetika Lidder, Vilas Janve, Jyoti Pandey, and others. Each artist brings a distinctive interpretation of storytelling, spanning theatre and cinema, folklore, poetry, music, fantasy, and contemporary narratives. In a remarkable step towards inclusivity, the festival will also host performances by inmates from Udaipur’s Central Jail, who will share their stories and music on stage. With sign-language interpreters, participation from blind school students, and honours for master storytellers, the festival embodies accessibility and inclusion. Emerging voices will be celebrated through the open-mic segment Jamghat and children’s storytelling competitions. Whether you’re a passionate storyteller or a lover of timeless narratives, the Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival promises a space where every story finds a home. Tickets are available on the BookMyShow website. 2. Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) A major literary gathering in eastern India, the Kalinga Literary Festival showcases more than 400 speakers across multiple venues. Sessions span literature, poetry, philosophy, science, and the arts, while also addressing contemporary issues such as AI, climate change, and geopolitics, fostering wide-ranging intellectual engagement. The confirmed lineup includes Booker Prize winners Deepa Bhasthi, Banu Mushtaq, and Daisy Rockwell, alongside Indian literary heavyweights such as Vikas Swarup, Anand Neelakantan, Perumal Murugan, and poet-critic Ranjit Hoskote. Dates: 8–11 January 2026 Venue: Mayfair Lagoon City: Bhubaneswar 3. Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 One of the world’s most celebrated literary gatherings, the Jaipur Literature Festival brings together authors, thinkers, artists, and readers from across the globe for talks, debates, workshops, readings, and music. The festival also features Jaipur BookMark, a dedicated publishing industry platform, along with live performances. The 19th edition’s lineup includes Jeet Thayil, Kiran Desai, Esther Duflo, and Ian Hislop, among others. Dates: 15–19 January 2026 Venue: Hotel Clarks Amer City: Jaipur 4. Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF 2026) A long-running festival held along Park Street, the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival features over 100 speakers, book launches, storytelling sessions, and special children’s programmes. It remains a vibrant event for readers of all ages and a highlight of the January literary calendar in eastern India. Dates: 9–11 January 2026 Venue: Allen Park and Park Street City: Kolkata 5. Hyderabad Literary Festival (HLF 2026) A community-focused celebration of literature, culture, and Indian writing, the Hyderabad Literary Festival features author talks, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. Dates: 24–26 January 2026 Swipe Left For Next Video Venue: Sattva Knowledge City, HITEC City

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 04:13 AM

Punjab Chief Minister Pushes for Stronger UK Ties in Emerging Sectors

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday pushed for “stronger and broader” engagement with the UK, especially in unexplored business domains, while chairing the Punjab-UK Engagement Strategic Dialogue in Chandigarh on Tuesday. During a meeting with British Deputy High Commissioner Alba Smeriglio and representatives of various UK-linked and multinational companies, the Chief Minister said Punjab is keen to deepen ties with the UK in both traditional and emerging sectors. He said the state has identified five core pillars of collaboration — higher education, textiles, engineering, auto components, and agro and food processing, along with new focus areas including pharmaceuticals and healthcare, information technology, global capability centres (GCCs), and business services. Mann shared a detailed dossier showcasing Punjab’s strengths, highlighting that the state enjoys world-class physical connectivity with five airports and robust national highway links, giving seamless access to domestic and international markets.

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News18✓

Dec 17, 2025, 04:13 AM

Mohanlal's Epic Fantasy Drama 'Vrusshabha' Trailer Released, Clash with Other Films on December 25

Mohanlal is gearing up for his next epic fantasy drama titled Vrusshabha. The film has been in the news ever since it was announced, and fans have been waiting for its trailer. Finally, after a wait, makers have released the trailer, which immediately went viral. After a series of postponements, the film is now releasing on December 25, which means it will clash with Ikkis and Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. Taking to his official Instagram handle, Mohanlal shared the trailer and wrote, “#VrusshabhaTrailer #RoarOfVrusshabha #VrusshabhaOn25thDecember". The trailer promises a visually grand, emotionally charged epic fantasy with Mohanlal in commanding dual roles. Packed with larger-than-life visuals, intense action, and mythological undertones, the trailer has instantly grabbed attention across social media. Watch the trailer here: A post shared by Mohanlal (@mohanlal) Vrusshabha Gets New Release Date The film, which has been generating buzz since its announcement, promises to be a grand cinematic spectacle packed with emotion and visual brilliance. The film is releasing on December 25. Taking to his Instagram handle, Mohanlal shared the video in which he gave glimpse of film iconic moments. “Some stories are more than cinema, they’re legacies. This Christmas, witness that legacy roar to life in #Vrusshabha. A film that celebrates emotion, grandeur, and destiny. Releasing worldwide on 25th December 2025." In October Mohanlal shared new poster with fresh release date. The film was earlier scheduled to release on November 6. Vrusshabha Teaser Out Mohanlal shared the teaser and wrote, “The wait ends here, a film that’s very close to my heart. Welcome to the World of #Vrusshabha. The teaser is just a glimpse… the real surprise awaits. Releasing in theatres, worldwide, this Diwali!" The video opens with the introduction of a warrior Mohanlal and his power packed avatar. The film promises that it is set on a high scale with breathtaking visuals. First Look

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News18✓

Dec 17, 2025, 04:13 AM

Ragi Ball Serving Sparks Hygiene Debate Online

A seemingly ordinary moment inside a restaurant has unexpectedly turned into a full-blown internet debate. At the centre of it all is humble ragi ball. The video, now doing the rounds on social media, shows a man casually scooping out portions of ragi ball from a dough-like mound using his bare hands and placing them onto customers’ plates. What might have looked usual way to serve the dish to some quickly became a trigger point for others, who called out the act as “unhygienic" and unsuitable for a commercial food setting. Within hours, the clip sparked sharp opinions, cultural arguments and heated exchanges online. Defending the practice, one user strongly called out the outrage and wrote, “Somebody saw a ragi ball being served in a way they are not exposed to, and casually called it unhygienic. Five seconds of video shouldn’t turn one into self-appointed experts." They added, “This is a food that has nourished generations, built strong bodies, powered farmers, and working families and that’s how it has been served for centuries. What makes you think the hygiene standards were not maintained? Cultural illiteracy? Mocking food you don’t understand is intellectual poverty." Somebody saw a ragi ball being served in a way they are not exposed to, and casually called it unhygienic.Five seconds of video shouldn't turn one into self-appointed experts This is a food that has nourished generations, built strong bodies, powered farmers, and working…pic.twitter.com/CXJAqYYKeD — Karthik Reddy (@bykarthikreddy)December 15, 2025 However, not everyone agreed and the pushback was instant. A woman responded, making it clear, “Ragi is not the problem. People eating their own food from their own plates with their hands is not the problem." She added, “Serving people food using your hands in a commercial establishment is a simple hygiene issue. I don’t want my food rolled and balled in anyone’s hands before it reaches my plate. There are many ways to serve this." Ragi is not the problem. People eating their own food from their own plates with their hands is not the problem.Serving people food using your hands in a commercial establishment is a simple hygiene issue. I dont want my food rolled and balled in any ones hands before it…https://t.co/DkEbjtHmq4 — RewriteYourStory (@saaiyer)December 16, 2025 Kannadiga Calls Out Practice Another user echoed a similar sentiment, questioning why basic precautions couldn’t be followed. They asked, “Why can’t people in our country wear simple gloves? Before you’ll @ me, I’m a Kannadiga?" Her further remarks? She admitted to having gone to the local bakery to grab a couple of pieces of cake. Here’s what she saw. In her words, “The guy started picking out cakes with his bare hands — no tongs or gloves, with all the cream stuck to his fingers." Why can't people in our country wear simple gloves?.. before you'll @ me I'm a Kannadiga…Went to the local bakery the other day to pack couple of pieces of cake,the guy started picking out cakes with his bare hands no tongs or gloves with all the cream stuck in his fingersAs the debate widened, emotions ran high. One comment read, “Kannadigas are getting triggered for faltu reasons. I know someone would cook this with their bare hands, but aesthetics are important. Doesn’t matter how healthy the food is, I’d never eat if someone serves me like this. Big no!" Kannadigas are getting triggered for faltu reasons. I know someone would cook this with their bare hands but aesthetics are important. Doesn't matter how healthy the food is but, I'd never eat if someone serves me like this. Big No!https://t.co/Fghpu23bjn — Preetam Rao (@Preetam_M_Rao)December 15, 2025 Users Call Pizza Unhygienic Adding a dose of sarcasm to the conversation, another user shared a photo of pizza dough being kneaded by hand and wrote, “Please never eat freshly made pizza in an Italian restaurant. Unhygienic." Please never eat freshly made pizza in an Italian restaurant.Unhygienic.https://t.co/tTd3ZCcg88pic.twitter.com/DzUO1UXbCK— YehovaNaKapari BhimSai PreetKutty (Closet Dalit) (@jamadagnisri)December 16, 2025 Someone joined in to speak against the practice of using gloves. The man wrote, “To all the Glove experts for the Ragi Ball here is a piece of info, Gloves, at high temperatures (like freshly cooked ragi ball, served hot), soften or degrade, release additives (plasticizers, accelerators) & shed tiny polymer particles due to friction and heat." Swipe Left For Next Video To all the Glove experts for the Ragi Ball here is a piece of info,Gloves, at high temperatures (like freshly cooked ragi ball, served hot), soften or degrade, release additives (plasticizers, accelerators) & shed tiny polymer particles due to friction and heat. Food safety…https://t.co/05lZ9aeXUI — Karthik Reddy (@bykarthikreddy)December 16, 2025

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News18✓

Dec 17, 2025, 04:09 AM

Gold and Silver Rates Today in India: December 17 Update

Gold and Silver Rates Today, December 17:Gold prices rose on Wednesday. In Mumbai, the price of 24-carat gold stood at Rs 1,33,850 per 10 grams, while 22k gold was available at Rs 1,22,690 per 10 grams. These rates do not include GST and making charges. Silver was available at Rs 2,08,000 per kg in the spot market. What Is The Price Of 22kt, 24kt Gold Rates Today In India Across Key Cities On December 17? Gold discounts in India widened as demand fell despite the wedding season after prices scaled record highs, while Chinese demand remained muted amid volatility and high spot prices, according toReuters. Indian dealers were offering ‌a ‌discount of up to $34 per ounce to official domestic prices last week, inclusive of 6% import and 3% sales levies, wider than ‍last week’s discount of up to $22. Jewellers haven’t been buying (gold) as store footfalls have dropped sharply due to the price rally, a Mumbai-based bullion dealer with a private bank said. Domestic gold prices hit a record high of 132,776 rupees per 10 grams on Friday. Weddings are a key driver of gold demand in India, with bullion widely gifted by family and friends. International market rates, import duties, taxes, and fluctuations in exchange rates primarily influence gold prices in India. Together, these factors determine the daily gold rates across the country. In India, gold is deeply cultural and financial. It is a preferred investment option and is key to celebrations, particularly weddings and festivals. With constantly changing market conditions, investors and traders monitor fluctuations closely. Staying updated is crucial for effectively navigating dynamic trends. Swipe Left For Next Video

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News18✓

Dec 17, 2025, 04:09 AM

Vikas Nagar Police Foil Massive Cyber Fraud, Rescue Elderly Woman from 'Digital Arrest' Scam

The Vikas Nagar police in Lucknow recently stopped a massive cyber fraud. Acting on an internal tip-off, officers rescued a 75-year-old widow from a “digital arrest" scam and prevented the loss of nearly Rs 1.5 crore of her life savings. The victim, Usha Shukla, had been under extreme mental pressure for four days. Cyber criminals posing as officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) contacted her through repeated WhatsApp video calls. They claimed she was linked to a large money laundering and terror funding case involving Delhi and Kashmir. The fraudsters told her that her late husband’s Aadhaar card and mobile number had been misused in a Rs 50 crore terror funding case. Her husband, a former PWD employee, passed away eight years ago. Fearful and confused, the elderly woman believed the callers were genuine officers. To make their story convincing, the callers showed video visuals of people in uniform sitting in what looked like official offices. They warned her not to leave her house, not to contact family members, and to strictly follow their instructions. This form of control is known as “digital arrest". She was asked to share Aadhaar details, bank documents and other confidential papers. The fraudsters then instructed her to prematurely break her fixed deposits and transfer the money through RTGS to accounts provided by them. Unlike most cyber fraud cases that are reported after money is lost, the police acted before any transfer took place. On December 15, the Vikas Nagar police received information that an elderly woman in the area was under suspicious pressure. Officers rushed to her home while the fraudsters were still speaking to her on video call. To her shock, real police officers arrived at her doorstep. The police spoke to the callers and quickly realised it was a scam. Bank officials also played a key role in stopping the fraud. When the woman visited her Punjab National Bank branch to break a fixed deposit worth Rs 1.21 crore, the staff sensed something was wrong. Due to the large amount, the matter was escalated to the branch manager. The manager kept her engaged, alerted the police and helped freeze her bank accounts. Other banks were also informed to prevent any unauthorised transfers. Swipe Left For Next Video According to police officials, between December 11 and 15, the fraudsters had already collected several sensitive documents. This raised fears that money from multiple accounts could be siphoned off at any moment.

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Times of India

Dec 17, 2025, 04:04 AM

Yamuna Expressway Crash: 13 Killed, Over 100 Injured in Massive Pile-up

AGRA: Thirteen people were charred to death and over 100 injured in a massive pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura district early Tuesday, involving 18–19 vehicles—including eight passenger buses, cars, and SUVs.Most of the passengers were asleep when the disaster struck near milestone 127 under Baldeo police station.The sequence began around 3.40 am under Baldeo police station, when a bus and a car collided on the fog-covered expressway. With visibility reduced to nearly zero, several vehicles coming from the Agra side crashed into the wreckage. Soon, a loud explosion ripped through the night—witnesses believe a CNG tank on a bus burst—engulfing several vehicles in a raging fire.IPL Auction 2026IPL Auction 2026: Full list of sold and unsold players for all teamsIPL 2026 team and squad List: Updated players for all 10 Teams; who got whomDelhi-Agra Expressway Crash: Multiple Buses Catch Fire, 4 Dead, 25 InjuredPrashant Singh, traveling on a private bus from Lucknow to Delhi, described the chaos: “I was in deep slumber when suddenly I woke up hearing people shouting and trying to deboard. Though I managed to get down, I saw there was a long line of mangled vehicles. Soon there was a blast. We started pulling people out of our bus and stood at a safe distance. But after a point, there wasn't much we could do.”Only three bodies have been identified so far: Akhilendra Pratap Yadav, 44, from Prayagraj; Rampal, 75, from Maharajganj; and Sultan Ahmed, 62, from Gonda.DNA sampling is underway to identify the remaining victims.A committee comprising ADM city, SP rural, PWD engineers, an RTO official, and members from JP Infratech and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has been formed to investigate the incident. Authorities have promised a report within 48 hours.Agra divisional commissioner Shailendra Singh said, “We will look into the causes behind the accident and measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.”Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences. The UP government announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured, with an additional ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the families of the deceased.Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 04:01 AM

Rupee Hits Record Low of 91.03 Amid India-US Trade Deal Delays

The rupee slid past the 91-mark for the first time on Tuesday, closing at a record low of 91.03 against the dollar amid delays in finalizing India-US trade deal and continued outflows from foreign portfolio investors (FPIs). The domestic currency ended at 91.03 against the US dollar, after hitting an intraday low of 91.08, compared to previous close of 90.73. The rupee took nine trading sessions to depreciate from 90 to 91. “The rupee breached the 91 mark amid delays and hurdles in the India–US trade negotiations, particularly around India’s red lines on agriculture and dairy products. This weighed on market sentiment. The RBI’s planned USD 5 billion buy–sell swap further added to near-term pressure on the rupee,” said Dipti Chitale, CEO, Mecklai Financial Services Pvt Ltd.

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 04:01 AM

West Bengal Chief Minister Addresses Traders and MSMEs Amid Election Preparations

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will on Wednesday address over 12,000 traders and MSMEs during the Byabasayi Sammelan at Netaji Indoor Stadium, ahead of the Bengal Business Conclave. The Sammelan is being organised by the Confederation of West Bengal Trade Association (CWBTA). The CWBTA is the apex body of over 100 trade associations. The Election Commission published the draft electoral rolls on Tuesday, following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise carried out in West Bengal. The hearings to rectify any discrepancies in the list will start on Wednesday. The Booth Level Officers will visit door-to-door to verify the information of the voters. If they can show one of the 11 documents, their names will be included in the final voter list, according to sources. New voters can also apply by filling out Form 6. A rally under the banner of the Bangla Bachao Jatra (Save Bengal March) programme will be held on Wednesday around 11 am. Private cab aggregators such as Ola, Uber and Cab Drivers’ Union (CITU) will take part in the rally. CITU secretary Sohag Khan will lead the rally. The rally will start from Chinar Park (under Baguiati Police Station) and proceed to the Jyoti Basu Research Center (under Eco Park Police Station). At least 120 people are expected to take part in the rally.

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 04:00 AM

Sonal Mansingh: A Life Dedicated to Cultural Awakening

No words can do justice to the legacy of Dr Sonal Mansingh, who continues to inspire all – including Gen Z – even at the age of 81. Opening up about her journey, the legend admits that while her dance “has been shaped by struggle, resilience and an abiding love for art and culture; looking back, all I see is a life dedicated to cultural awakening.” Speaking to indianexpress.com, the Bharatanatyam guru gets candid about being a dancer in India, passing on her legacy, working with the younger generation, and more.Read the edited excerpts below: Sonal Mansingh:I feel deeply grateful. These years have been a journey of dance, learning, giving, and evolution. The honours and laurels, from awards and recognitions to acknowledging not just my own work but decades of faith in Indian classical arts, the students I have taught, and the many collaborators who supported me. My dance has been shaped by struggle, resilience and an abiding love for art and culture. Looking back, I see a life lived in service of tradition, creativity, and a broader cultural awakening. Sonal Mansingh:I am truly honoured to be the chairperson of the Nalanda Literature Festival. Nalanda has always stood for wisdom, openness, and the meeting of many new ideas, so being a part of this festival feels very natural to me. I commend Ganga Kumar and his hard-working team, who have put their hearts into this festival. Their dedication to keeping Nalanda’s legacy alive shows in every detail. This year is special because it brings back the old spirit of Nalanda, where ideas and art naturally come together. It is great to see people, especially the younger ones, finding their own connections to traditions; it gives me immense joy. When literature, music and dance share the same space, they create warmth that stays with you and reaffirms why festivals like this are special.

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News18✓

Dec 17, 2025, 03:57 AM

Brown University Shooting: Speculation Grows Over Involvement of Palestinian Refugee Student

As the manhunt for the suspect responsible for the December 13 shooting at Brown University continues, speculation has grown over the involvement of a first-year Palestinian refugee student after the university was accused of deleting his profile on its website. Authorities have asked members of the public for help identifying the suspected gunman who killed two Brown University students and injured nine others in a classroom on December 13, as the manhunt stretched past 72 hours and residents remained on edge. Officials in Providence, Rhode Island, said they still have not identified the attacker. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Kash Patel on Tuesday shared avideo timelinewhich documented the movements of the “person of interest" (PoI) in the Brown University shooting. In all of the videos made public, the suspect’s face was masked or turned away, and authorities have only been able to give a vague description of him as being stocky and about 5 feet, 8 inches (173 cm) tall. As the manhunt entered the fourth day, attention on social media has increasingly focused on Mustapha Kharbouch, with users speculating about his rumoured involvement in the shooting, even though authorities have not named any suspect or PoI publicly. Kharbouch’s name has surfaced solely on speculation after his student profile was deleted from the website of Brown University.CNN-News18has not independently verified this claim and officials have not provided any connection between Kharbouch and the shooting. Social media users noticed that Brown University had removed the online student profile of Mustapha Kharbouch, who was identified as a first-year student studying International Affairs and Anthropology with a focus on the Middle East. Kharbouch was described as a third-generation Palestinian refugee born and raised in Lebanon. He reportedly attained a scholarship to attend United World College (UWC) Maastricht and had led and continued to help with community-building initiatives and social change roles, as per the deleted profile. Several posts on X alleged that Brown University was “scrubbing" references to the student and questioned whether social media accounts linked to him had been removed at the request of authorities. “Why has Brown University suddenly erased every mention of Mustapha Kharbouch (a Palestinian activist and first-year student) from its official website, right as the FBI intensifies its manhunt for the shooter who killed two and injured nine in the campus attack?" a user wrote. Another user alleged that Kharbouch had fled the university and was missing. Umm, why did@BrownUniversityjust scrub its entire website of Mustapha Kharbouch (Free Palestine, LGBTQ activist)?pic.twitter.com/GjnJ9vxmjS— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness)December 16, 2025 🚨🚨 BREAKING: Brown University, Rhode Island shooting suspect has been identified as Mustapha Kharbouch, a radical Islamic, pro-Jihad student at Brown whose X account has suddenly mysteriously disappeared. This is why the Democrat authorities in Providence and mainstream media…pic.twitter.com/rKiu0vOGNC— Joshua Hall (@JoshHall2024)December 16, 2025 Why has Brown University suddenly erased every mention of Mustapha Kharbouch (a Palestinian activist and first-year student) from its official website, right as the FBI intensifies its manhunt for the shooter who killed two and injured nine in the campus attack?Source:…pic.twitter.com/2TRn1dTF7e — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal)December 16, 2025 MAGA leader Laura Loomer said she found a page on a YouTube account that belongs to a man named Mustapha Kharbouch, which was filled with Islamic videos that taught how to build electronic devices at home with wires. “Why won’t police say what the shooter yelled before he opened fire? ALLAHU AKBAR is what witnesses heard. Why is Brown deleting this Palestinian from their website? Is he a suspect?" she said. I am not saying the Brown Univeristy shooter is Mustapha Kharbouch, however I found this page on a YouTube account that belongs to a man named Mustapha Kharbouch with the same spelling.The YouTube channel is full of Islamic videos and Islamic playlists and videos that teach…https://t.co/mzmkDMJsaKpic.twitter.com/mAGDjVZJhW — Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer)December 16, 2025 After massive outrage on social media, Brown University issued a statement, saying it has seen “harmful doxxing activity directed toward at least one member of the Brown University community." “It’s important to make clear that targeting individuals could do irrevocable harm. Accusations, speculation and conspiracies we’re seeing on social media and in some news reports are irresponsible, harmful, and in some cases dangerous for the safety of individuals in our community," it added. The University further said, “It is not unusual as a safety measure to take steps to protect an individual’s safety when this kind of activity happens, including in regard to their online presence. As law enforcement officials stated clearly on Tuesday afternoon, if this individual’s name had any relevance to the current investigation, they would be actively looking for this individual and providing information publicly." Swipe Left For Next Video Meanwhile, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said there could be “lots of reasons" as to why a page may be taken down and randomly identifying someone based on it is a “dangerous road to go down",CNNreported.

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 03:56 AM

Dhurandhar's Box-Office Phenomenon: Akshaye Khanna's Viral Fame and Record-Breaking Success

Dhurandhar has silenced every controversy surrounding it with staggering box-office numbers and brought viral fame to the talented Akshaye Khanna. Playing Rehman Dakait in the film,Akshaye’s performance in the Fa9la song made him the national crush, landing him in memes. The film, which opened at Rs 28 crore, witnessed extraordinary footfalls in its second weekend. It earned Rs 32.5 crore on its second Friday, followed by Rs 53 crore on Saturday and Rs 58 crore on Sunday. The momentum continued into the weekdays, with the film collecting Rs 30 crore each on its second Monday and Tuesday, taking its total India net collection to Rs 411 crore. Such phenomenal second-week numbers have not been seen even in Hindi cinema’s biggest blockbusters, including Dangal and Shah Rukh Khan’s comeback films Jawan and Pathaan. All three films saw their daily collections dip below Rs 15 crore during the same phase (second week). While Ranveer Singh—marking his return to form after Padmaavat and Gully Boy—celebrated the success with a humble note on Instagram, Akshaye Khanna, who has long stayed away from the spotlight, was recently seen performing a vastu shanti puja at his residence in Alibaug.

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 03:56 AM

Kareena Kapoor Khan's Sons Meet Football Legend Lionel Messi During His India Tour

Kareena Kapoor Khan gave experience of a lifetime as she introduced sons Taimur Alia Khan and Jeh Ali Khan to football legend Lionel Messi during his whirlwind India visit. Messi visited four Indian cities including Mumbai and Delhi, with his tour beginning in Kolkata, where the stadium was vandalised by frustrated fans after a badly organised meet. While Kareena earlier shared a series of photos as she took ‘the boys to meet their hero’,Bebo ahas become the only Bollywood starto feature in the official Instagram post by Lionel Messi from his GOAT India Tour 2025. Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff, among others, met Messi during this trip. Sharing the clip, Messi wrote, ” Namaste India! What incredible visits toDelhi,Mumbai,HyderabadandKolkata. Thanks for the warm welcome, great hospitality and all the expressions of love throughout my tour. I hope football has a bright future in India! #GOATTourIndia #GOATconcert #MessiinIndia A Satadru Dutta Initiative.” Kareena reposted the same clip on her Instagram story and wrote, “‘Ok Tim then this happened. For you,” followed by a red heart emoji.”

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 03:55 AM

Indian Chess Stars Prioritize Comfort Over Exotic Getaways

In a recent clip uploaded on its social media handles, FIDE asked some of the top chess players in the world a simple question: if they could pick one vacation spot for the rest of their lives, what would it be? Amidst the understandable replies like Greece, Bali, Havana, Switzerland, San Sebastian, Maldives and the Caribbean islands, the response from a trio of top Indian stars – DGukesh, R Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali Rameshbabu – stands out. “Home.”

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Times of India

Dec 17, 2025, 03:54 AM

Lionel Messi Shares Heartwarming Moments from India Visit with Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sons

Football icon Lionel Messi has shared a one-minute video montage from his recent visit to India on his official Instagram account, capturing highlights from the three-day trip.While most of the clips focused on his interactions with children and fans, one celebrity who made the cut, was Kareena Kapoor Khan with her two sons, Taimur and little Jeh.Messi adds Kareena, Tim and Jeh to his videoTaking to his handle, Messi posted the video with the caption, "Namaste India! What incredible visits to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Thanks for the warm welcome, great hospitality and all the expressions of love throughout my tour. I hope football has a bright future in India!"The video does not feature any of the high-profile meetings that the footballer had; instead, he chose some rather candid clips.Among the celebs who appeared in the clip was Bollywood actress Kareena and her boys Tim and Jeh, who won hearts during their brief interaction with the Argentine superstar.Jeh has his fan-moment with MessiKareena made headlines after attending the stadium event with her two sons for a special meet-and-greet with Messi. During the interaction, Jeh stole the spotlight as he appeared to be over the moon to be in the footballer’s presence. The cutie, who has won hearts for his antics, was seen unable to look away from Messi.by Taboolaby TaboolaSponsored LinksSponsored LinksPromoted LinksPromoted LinksYou May LikeNita Ambani unveils an innovative treehouse at Nita Mukesh...UndoIPL Auction 2026: Full list of sold and unsold players for all teams - The Times of IndiaThe Times of IndiaUndoDressed in the footballer's number 10 jersey, Jeh was seen mischievously stepping away from his mother to stand beside Messi, who warmly patted him on the head before Kareena took him by the arm and guided him off the stage to make way for others waiting their turn.Messi's message to Indian fansIn a heartfelt message to his fans, Messi said in the clip, "First of all, I'd like to thank India for all the love they've shown over the last few days. It was a great experience for us to be able to share. It was intense and short, but it was beautiful to receive all the love. I already knew it was coming, but to receive it in the first place was amazing. It's crazy what they've done for us over the last few days. We'll take all the love and we'll be back.Hopefully, one day, we'll be able to play a game. But we'll be back to visit India. Thank you very much."Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here

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News18✓

Dec 17, 2025, 03:51 AM

Shillong Teer Result Today: Live Updates for December 17, 2025 Lottery Draw

SHILLONG TEER RESULT TODAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025 LIVE UPDATES:Shillong Teer is a unique lottery game of Meghalaya. The archery-based lottery game is held daily at the Shillong Polo Stadium.of Meghalaya. Organised by the Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association (KHASA), the lottery game not only offers participants a chance to win significant cash prizes but also encourages the region’s youth to play the sport of archery. ALSO READ:Kerala Lottery Result Today, December 17, 2025 Live: DhanaLekshmi DL-31 Winning Numbers Here are the winning numbers for all Teer games held on December 17, 2025, including Shillong Teer, Shillong Morning Teer, Juwai Teer, Jowai Ladrymbai, Khanapara Teer, and Night Teer: The Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association (KHASA) aims to offer attractive cash prizes while promoting the sport of archery among the youth. Swipe Left For Next Video The prize money depends on the value of the ticket and the accuracy of the prediction. For example, a correct guess in the first round with a Rs 1 ticket earns Rs 80, while an accurate prediction in the second round gives Rs 60. Players who predict both rounds accurately can win up to Rs 4,000 with just a Rs 1 ticket.

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 03:49 AM

E-Cigarette Use Linked to Higher Heart Attack Risk: Study

Electronic cigarettes pose serious cardiovascular risks with users facing 53% higher risk of heart attacks compared to non-users, according to a new review and meta-analysis led by scientists at the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (ICMR-NICPR). In fact, former cigarette smokers who switched to e-cigarettes faced more than double the heart attack risk compared to those who quit tobacco entirely. Published in the BMC Public Health, the study analysed data from over 1.2 million participants across 12 studies and found that the cardiovascular dangers of e-cigarettes persist even after accounting for conventional cigarette smoking. “This research shatters the myth that e-cigarettes are harmless alternatives to conventional smoking,” said Dr Shalini Singh, Director of ICMR-NICPR and WHO FCTC Knowledge Hub on Smokeless Tobacco. She is also senior author of the study. The findings demonstrate that nicotine damages the heart and blood vessels regardless of how it is delivered, researchers said, adding that this has implications for India’s public health policy and validates the country’s 2019 decision to ban e-cigarettes.

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 03:49 AM

Gukesh Plays Aggressive Sicilian Opening Against Idol Anand in Global Chess League Match

What do chess players do when they want to pick a fight over the board? If they’re playing with black pieces, they’re likely to play the Sicilian opening, a razor-sharp option which sends a signal to the opponent that you’re itching for a battle over the 64 squares. That’s exactly what world champion D Gukesh did when he faced off against his idol and mentor Viswanathan Anand in a Global Chess League clash on Tuesday. Anand might be semi-retired, but he hasn’t lost his appetite for a good fight and forced his protege to resign in 45 moves as his team Ganges Grandmasters defeated the teenage world champion’s PBG Alaskan Knights 12-3. The Sicilian Defence, the weapon of choice for the sport’s most ferocious fighters like Garry Kasparov and Bobby Fischer, starts off by responding to white’s 1.e4 with a push of the black’s c pawn to c5 rather than the more preferred response with the e or d pawns. The idea behind the Sicilian is to break the symmetry in the centre and destabilise the position. It almost always leads to a sharp fight. On Tuesday,Gukeshnot only opted for a fight against the man he calls ‘Vishy sir’, but chose to play the Kan Variation of the Sicilian, thus trying to give the man who got the teenager dreaming about becoming world champion some day a flashback to the 2014 World Championship match against Magnus Carlsen.

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 03:42 AM

Delhi's Worsening Air Quality Takes a Deadly Toll on Residents

Around 5:30 am every day, Sunil Gupta leaves his home in Modinagar for the commute to south Delhi, where he works as a medical equipment supplier. By the time he reaches his office in Saket, the city’s polluted air has already taken its toll. Gupta, 58, has lived with bronchitis and pneumonia for years, but over the past 18 months he saysDelhi’s worsening air quality has sharply intensified his symptoms. From November to March, he relies on nebulisers, spending about Rs 6,000 to 7,000 a month on treatment. Simple tasks such as walking, climbing stairs or speaking for long leave him breathless. As pollution levels rose in recent weeks, Gupta’s condition deteriorated further, forcing near-constant nebuliser use and repeated courses of antibiotics. Sleep offers little relief. “I cough through the night. My chest feels heavy,” he said.

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Times of India

Dec 17, 2025, 03:42 AM

Viral Video Shows How Routine Security Check Turns Into Shared Habit

Not every viral video is loud or dramatic. Some clips travel far simply because they reflect everyday human behaviour in a way that feels familiar. A recent video from a temple is doing just that.It shows an ordinary scene that slowly turns interesting, as viewers notice how a routine security check appears to have taken on the form of a shared habit. The clip has sparked conversation online, not for what went wrong, but for how calmly and uniformly people behaved.At first glance, the scene looks normal. But as more people pass through, a clear pattern emerges, and that is what has made the video stand out across social media.What is seen in the videoThe video shows devotees entering a temple through a metal detector. Before stepping through, each person raises their hand and touches the top of the metal detector. A hand symbol on the device is seen blinking red at the time. Every devotee in the line repeats the same action, one after the other.Security checks continue smoothly, without any pause. What draws attention is the fact that no one questions the gesture.by Taboolaby TaboolaSponsored LinksSponsored LinksPromoted LinksPromoted LinksYou May LikeNita Ambani unveils an innovative treehouse at Nita Mukesh...UndoIndia-US ties: Donald Trump hails PM Modi as 'great friend'; calls New Delhi a key strategic partner - The Times of IndiaThe Times of IndiaUndoEveryone follows it, making the process look less like a security step and more like an unwritten routine being followed out of habit.The caption that shaped the discussionThe clip was shared on X by user Deepesh Patel, whose caption quickly became part of the conversation. He wrote, “Someone must have once touched the top to shoo away a fly, and since then, people have made it a tradition to touch it.” The quote added a simple and relatable thought, which many users connected with while watching the video.How social media users respondedAfter the video began circulating, users shared a range of reactions. Some pointed out how easily people tend to follow what others are doing. Others found the moment innocent and mildly amusing. A few users described the clip as an example of herd mentality, where actions are repeated without much thought, simply because everyone else is doing the same.Overall, the reactions remained observational, with users focusing more on behaviour than judgement.Why the video stayed with viewersNothing unusual or disruptive happens in the clip. The temple remains calm, and devotees continue their visit as usual. Yet, the video stayed with viewers because it showed how a random action can slowly turn into a shared practice, without clear instructions or intent.As the video continues to be shared, it stands as a quiet reminder of how routine, belief, and group behaviour often blend in daily life, creating moments that only become noticeable when seen from the outside.Disclaimer: This story is based on a viral video. The Times of India has not independently verified its authenticity and does not necessarily endorse or promote the behaviour shown. The views expressed in the video are solely those of the participants and do not reflect the publication’s stance.(Photos: @Deepeshpatel87/X)

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 03:41 AM

India Expands Medical Education Capacity by 48,563 MBBS Seats and 29,080 Postgraduate Seats

India has added 48,563 MBBS seats and 29,080 postgraduate (MD/MS) seats between the academic years 2020–21 and 2025–26, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. In a written reply to an unstarred question, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel said the expansion was undertaken based on inputs from the National Medical Commission (NMC) to bridge healthcare workforce gaps, especially in underserved regions. Also Read | India’s first MBBS batch graduated in 1839

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Deccan Herald

Dec 17, 2025, 03:41 AM

US Expands Travel Ban to Seven More Countries, Including Syria

United States PresidentDonald Trumpmultiplied the list of countries that are subject to to a full travel ban, on Tuesday, banning citizens from an additional seven countries, including Syria, from entering theUS. In a statement released by the White House, Trump signed a proclamation "expanding and strengthening entry restrictions on nationals from countries with demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing to protect the Nation from national security and public safety threats." This action banned citizens from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria and those holding Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents. It also imposes a full ban on Laos and Sierra Leone, which had been subject to partial restrictions previously. The White House said the expanded ban goes into effect on January 1. Theother counties that have been previously affectedby the ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, which was issued earlier this year. The action comes despite Trump's promise to do everything he could to make Syria successful after landmark talks in November with the Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al Qaeda commander who until recently was sanctioned by Washington as a foreign terrorist. Trump has backed Sharaa, whose visit completed a year for the rebel-turned-ruler who collapsed longtime autocratic leader Bashar al-Assad and has since traveled the world trying to depict himself as a moderate leader who wants to unify his war-ravaged nation and end its decades of international isolation. But in a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump vowed "very serious retaliation" after the US military said two US Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in Syria by a suspected Islamic State attacker who targeted a convoy of American and Syrian forces before being shot dead. He described the incident in remarks to reporters as a "terrible" attack. The White House cited visa overstay rates for Syria in its justification for the ban. "Syria is emerging from a protracted period of civil unrest and internal strife. While the country is working to address its security challenges in close coordination with the United States, Syria still lacks an adequate central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures," the White House said. In June, Trump signed a proclamation banning the citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States and restricting those from seven others, saying it was necessary to protect against "foreign terrorists" and other threats to national security. The bans apply to both immigrants and non-immigrants, such as tourists, students and business travelers. The travel ban remains on those twelve countries, the White House said. Trump also added partial restrictions and entry limitations on an additional 15 countries, including Nigeria, which is under scrutiny from Trump, who in early November threatened military action over the treatment of Christians in the country. Nigeria says claims that Christians face persecution misrepresent a complex security situation and do not take into account efforts to safeguard religious freedom. Since returning to office in January, Trump has prioritized immigration enforcement, sending federal agents to major US cities and turning away asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border. The expansion of the countries subject to entry restrictions marks a further escalation of immigration measures the administration has taken since the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC, last month. Investigators say the shooting was carried out by an Afghan national who entered the US in 2021 through a resettlement program under which Trump administration officials have argued there was insufficient vetting. Days after the shooting, Trump vowed to "permanently pause" migration from all "Third World Countries," although he did not identify any by name or define the term.

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 03:40 AM

Indian Police Dismantle Interstate Cyber Fraud Syndicate

Ten members of an interstate cyber fraud syndicate involved in a large-scale ‘digital arrest’ scam have been arrested by the Southeast Delhi police. The accused were allegedly impersonating police and government officials to extort money from innocent citizens across the country. Police said investigations revealed that transactions amounting to more than Rs 50 crore have been linked to 66 complaints registered against the syndicate on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). “Investigation revealed that the arrested accused were part of a larger interstate and cross-border cyber fraud network involving mule account providers, SIM suppliers and other facilitators. Two accused connected to the syndicate are still wanted in other digital fraud cases. Efforts are ongoing to identify more victims, freeze linked bank accounts and dismantle the network at its roots,” said DCP (Southeast) Hemant Tiwari.

87 shares

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News18✓

Dec 17, 2025, 03:34 AM

US Expands Travel Restrictions to 39 Countries Citing National Security Concerns

US President Donald Trump has issued a new proclamation significantly widening America’s travel restrictions, adding 20 more countries and Palestinians to the list of those facing full bans or limited entry into the United States. Citing concerns around national security, public safety, insufficient screening processes and high visa overstay rates, the move brings the total number of affected countries to 39. As outlined in a White House fact sheet, the order enforces a complete travel ban on Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria. Individuals travelling on Palestinian Authority-issued documents have also been included under the ban. In addition, Laos and Sierra Leone, previously subject to partial limitations will now face a full prohibition on entry. The expanded restrictions are scheduled to come into force on January 1. The announcement follows remarks made two weeks earlier by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who revealed that the administration intended to broaden the scope of the existing travel ban, though she did not specify the countries involved at the time. Currently, the United States maintains a full travel ban on nationals from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. This latest decision signals a sharp intensification of the administration’s immigration policy. Officials have linked the move to recent security incidents, including the November 26 killing of two National Guard members in Washington, DC. The suspect in that case, an Afghan national who previously worked with a CIA-affiliated unit, entered the US following the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan and was granted asylum earlier this year after undergoing vetting. The administration has since pointed to the incident as evidence of vulnerabilities in the current immigration system. The crackdown also comes in the wake of a December 13 Islamic State ambush in Syria that killed two US soldiers and an American civilian interpreter. Under the new proclamation, partial entry restrictions have been imposed on 15 additional countries: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Partial restrictions will remain in place for citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela. Turkmenistan is the only country to receive limited relief under the revised order, with restrictions on non-immigrant visas for its nationals now lifted. Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the White House cited ongoing terrorist activity, political instability and elevated visa overstay rates. Countries including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria were flagged for persistent security threats, while others were identified for high levels of B-1/B-2 tourist and student visa overstays, based on Department of Homeland Security data. Syria was specifically criticised for lacking a reliable central authority capable of issuing secure passports and civil documentation after years of prolonged conflict. Swipe Left For Next Video According to the White House, the measures are intended to block the entry of individuals for whom the US lacks adequate information to assess potential risks, while also strengthening cooperation with foreign governments, enforcing immigration laws and advancing broader foreign policy and counterterrorism goals.

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The Indian Express

Dec 17, 2025, 03:33 AM

IIM Kozhikode Announces CAT 2025 Final Answer Key and Results Release Date

IIM CAT Final Answer Key 2025:The Indian Institute of Management(IIM) Kozhikode, which conductedthe Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025,will release the final answer keys on December 17, with result-scorecards likely to follow.CAT 2025was held on November 30, across multiple shifts. CAT 2025 Final Answer Key, Results LIVE UPDATES Following the release of the provisional answer keys, theIIM-K opened the objection window from December 8 to December 10, allowing candidates to challenge any discrepancy in the answers.

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Times of India

Dec 17, 2025, 03:33 AM

Lucknow Super Giants' IPL 2026 Squad: Retentions, Releases, and New Signings

Lucknow Super Giants (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)NEW DELHI: The Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants came into the IPL Auction 2026 with a purse of Rs 22.95 crore after letting go of seven players, including two overseas names. Despite making headlines last year by breaking the IPL auction record with a Rs 27 crore signing of India's star wicketkeeper-batter Pant, LSG endured a disappointing campaign and finished seventh.Their first purchase in the auction was Wanindu Hasaranga, bought at his base price of Rs 2 crore.Lucknow Super Giants Full Team List IPL 2026Players Reatined:Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Rishabh Pant (c), Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Arshin Kulkarni, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Manimaran Siddharth, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Akash Singh, Mohammed Shami (traded in from SRH), Arjun Tendulkar (traded in from MI)LSG IPL retentions, releases, trades: Why the biggest buy - Rishabh Pant - is biggest problemPlayers Released:Aryan Juyal, David Miller, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Akash Deep, Will O’Rourke, Ravi Bishnoi, Shamar Joseph, Shardul Thakur (traded to MI)LSG full squadfor IPL 2026:PlayerStatusAbdul SamadIndianAyush BadoniIndianAiden MarkramOverseasMatthew BreetzkeOverseasHimmat SinghIndianRishabh Pant (c)IndianNicholas PooranOverseasMitchell MarshOverseasShahbaz AhmedIndianArshin KulkarniIndianMayank YadavIndianAvesh KhanIndianMohsin KhanIndianManimaran SiddharthIndianDigvesh RathiIndianPrince YadavIndianAkash SinghIndianMohammed ShamiIndianArjun TendulkarIndianWanindu HasarangaOverseasAnrich NortjeOverseasMukul ChoudharyIndianNaman TiwariIndianAkshat RaghuwanshiIndianJosh InglisOverseasPlayers bought at auction:Player NameBase PriceSold AtWanindu HasarangaRs 2 croreRs 2 croreAnrich NortjeRs 2 croreRs 2 croreMukul ChoudharyRs 30 LakhsRs 2.6 croreNaman TiwariRs 30 LakhsRs 1 croreAkshat RaghuwanshiRs 30 LakhsRs 2.2 croreJosh InglisRs 2 croreRs 8.6 croreGet an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here

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