Politics News in English

Times of India

Dec 15, 2025, 07:44 AM

Indian Minister Demands Apology from Congress Leaders Over Anti-Modi Slogans

NEW DELHI: Parliamentary affairs ministerKiren Rijijuhas demanded apology from leader of oppositions in both the houses — Mallikarjun Kharge andRahul Gandhi— a day after videos of Congress workers sloganeering "eliminate" Prime Minister Narendra Modi surfaced on social media."Both the LoPs in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha should apologise," Rijiju said. He further claimed that the BJP or NDA had "never disrespected anyone’s parents or threatened anyone’s life.""Abusing PM Does Not Befit" Rijiju Seeks apology From Congress Over Anti-Modi Slogans"BJP-NDA has never disrespected anyone’s parents or threatened anyone’s life. We oppose people in different ways and criticise them, as politics allows in a democracy, but to kill someone, there has never been such a thought. What kind of mentality is this, that Congress leaders openly declared to kill someone?" he questioned."The world and the country acknowledge PM Modi, and if some opposition leaders speak of killing him, it’s deeply saddening. Merely condemning it will not help. The Congress chief and the LoP must apologise to the country from the floor of the House," he added.Several BJP leaders had shared a video on Sunday alleging the "real agenda" behind its SIR, 'vote chori' rally in Delhi was to "eliminate" Prime Minister Narendra Modi."So the agenda is clear. It’s not about SIR. It is about Sanvidhan pe vaar. Congress leaders chanting 'Kabr khudegi Modi ki, aaj nahi to kal khudegi'," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said."Recently Ragini Nayak had also tweeted an AI Video showing him as a chaiwala. In name of SIR - they want to eliminate PM Modi? Recently Rahul Gandhi threatened ECI too. So far Cong has abused PM Modi 150 + times," he added.The Congress organised a massive rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi, stepping up its agitation over alleged “vote theft” and the special intensive revision of electoral rolls.The demonstration, branded “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod”, was held amid heightened political tensions, coming just days after heated confrontations between the government and the Opposition in Parliament over the credibility of the electoral process.

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Times of India

Dec 15, 2025, 06:55 AM

Hong Kong Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Found Guilty Under China's National Security Law

AP file photoHong Kong media tycoon and outspoken China criticJimmy Laiwas found guilty on Monday on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of sedition under a China-imposed national security law, charges that could see him sentenced to life in prison.The 78-year-old had pleaded not guilty to all charges.A panel of three government-vetted judges ruled that Lai conspired with others to endanger national security by colluding with foreign forces and by publishing seditious articles.China Hiding Hong Kong Truth? Crackdown Begins As Beijing Issues Sedition Threat |Toll Crosses 150Foreign governments and political observers have closely watched Lai’s 156-day trial as a test of judicial independence and media freedom in the former British colony, which was promised the preservation of Western-style civil liberties for 50 years after its return to Chinese rule in 1997.Speaking before his arrest, Lai told Reuters he would “fight on till the last day.” The 78-year-old has been in custody for over five years, much of it in solitary confinement, during which his health has reportedly deteriorated."This ruling serves as a declaration to the world that Hong Kong's freedoms, democracy, and judicial independence have been systematically eroded," said Taiwan's China policy-making mainland affairs council, as cited by Reuters.Why was Lai arrested?Lai was arrested as Beijing tightened its control over Hong Kong, a city long known for its vibrant press and protest culture. Following months of anti-government demonstrations that drew hundreds of thousands into the streets, authorities launched a sweeping crackdown that has largely stifled open dissent.He was among the first high-profile figures charged under the National Security Law, which has also been used against other activists and opposition politicians, as cited by AP.Beijing has maintained that the law is essential for maintaining the city’s stability. In its wake, dozens of civil society groups have shut down, and tens of thousands of young professionals and middle-class families have emigrated to countries including Britain, Canada, Taiwan, Australia, and the United States.Lai, a rags-to-riches tycoon and former owner of the clothing chain Giordano, entered the media industry following the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown.Lai said he was motivated by the conviction that providing information was synonymous with promoting freedom. His newspaper, Apple Daily, built a wide readership through tabloid-style reporting on politics and celebrities, alongside a firm pro-democracy position that frequently urged readers to take part in protests. Lai also personally took to the streets, including during the large-scale demonstrations of 2019.The most serious charge against Lai was that he and others had invited the US and other foreign powers to take action against China through sanctions or other measures, “under the guise of fighting for freedom and democracy.”A key question in the case was whether Lai continued making such calls after the National Security Law came into effect. Lai did not deny calling for sanctions prior to the law but insisted that he ceased doing so once it was implemented.The prosecution also alleged that Lai had conspired with fellow Apple Daily senior executives, members of the advocacy group “Fight for Freedom Stand with Hong Kong,” and the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China to advocate for foreign actions."If I have to go to prison, I don't mind. I don't care. It won't be something I can worry about, I'll just relax and do what I have to do,” Lai was quoted as saying in an interview with AP in 2020.

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Times of India

Dec 15, 2025, 06:47 AM

Rob Reiner, Celebrated Film Director and Social Advocate, Passes Away

In a somber turn of events, we remember Rob Reiner, the celebrated director who gifted us timeless films such as 'When Harry Met Sally' and 'The Princess Bride'. His remarkable career, characterized by a commitment to both storytelling and social advocacy for equality, has left a lasting impression on audiences and creators alike.Famous directorRob Reiner, best known for his work in ‘All in the Family’, ‘When Harry Met Sally’, ‘The Princess Bride’, and ‘The Sure Thing’, passed away on December 14, along with his wife, in a homicide case.He had been active in the industry since 1966 and has left behind a long list of iconic movies as well as his social work, as his legacy.About Rob ReinerBorn in the Bronx, New York, on March 6, 1947, Reiner had a childhood heavily influenced by cinema and music. He was born to famed singer and actress Estelle Reiner and actor Carl Reiner, both of whom were well-celebrated names in their time. After studying at the UCLA Film School, Reiner began his career by picking up small roles in the 1960s.He also worked as a trainee at a famed production company at the time as well.His first credited work as an actor was in 1967, when he starred in the film ‘Enter Laughing.’ He also starred in a small side role in the show ‘That Girl’ in 1966 as well. Later on, Reiner slowly ventured into writing, directing, and producing TV shows as well as big-budget films. His rise to success came with the hit TV sitcom ‘All in the Family’, where he worked as a TV writer as well as the recurring role of Mike "Meathead" Stivic.by Taboolaby TaboolaSponsored LinksSponsored LinksPromoted LinksPromoted LinksYou May LikeNita Ambani unveils an innovative treehouse at Nita Mukesh...Undo‘Rahul ji himself says daro matt…’: Ex-MLA Mohammed Moquim’s first reaction after Congress expulsion; what he saidThe Times of IndiaUndoIn 1987, he started his own production company and eventually worked on a lot of hit films that went on to get nominated for big awards, including the Oscars. Some of these films include ‘When Harry Met Sally’, ‘Misery’, and ‘A Few Good Men.’Rob Reiner on succeeding independently and away from his father’s imageOver the years, Reiner had expressed time and time again that he felt as if he had to beat his father, Carl Reiner’s success, who has been credited as the creator of ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show.’In 2016, while featuring on ‘The Howard Stern Show’, he had stated, “I didn’t take any money from him (his father). I didn’t take any advice. … I knew I was going to get that [nepotism] stuff. … But I knew in my head what I had done.”The director and his work as an activistBeyond his career as an actor, director, writer, and producer, Reiner was well active in the political and social reform field as well. He has been credited as co-founding the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which is an official group that acted as an advisory for same-sex marriage.He regularly attended rallies and other social reform events and even advocated social change. He also stood up and spoke out against topics and issues of society, including domestic violence and tobacco use.Over the years, he has had many cameo roles in various hit shows, which include ‘The Simpsons’, ‘Hannah Montana’, as well as in films such as ‘The First Wives Club’, and ‘Bullets Over Broadway.’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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Siasat News✓

Dec 15, 2025, 06:04 AM

EC Appoints Nodal Officers for EVM Checking Ahead of West Bengal Assembly Polls

Kolkata: The Election Commission said it has appointed five nodal officers for first-level checking (FLC) of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) ahead of next year’s West Bengal assembly polls. All the officers hailed from other states, the poll panel said in a statement. The EC has introduced rules by which the image of each candidate would be displayed on theEVM. The five nodal officers were appointed as observers at different FLC venues for assembly polls, said the statement issued on Sunday. The five officers are Shania Kayem Mize (deputy CEO, Arunachal Pradesh), Yogesh Gosavi (deputy CEO, Maharashtra), P K Boro (additional CEO, Meghalaya), Ethel Rothangpuii (joint CEO, Mizoram) and Kanishka Kumar (under secretary of ECI). In the 2021elections,West Bengalhad over 80,000 booths. An EC official said that following the enumeration, the number of booths is likely to go up by over 10,000.

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The Daily Guardian

Dec 15, 2025, 05:58 AM

Actor Rob Reiner and Wife Michele Singer Found Dead in Los Angeles Home in Apparent Homicide

Actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, were found dead inside their Brentwood home on Sunday afternoon. Reports claim the couple was stabbed at their Los Angeles residence. The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery Homicide Division (RHD). Officials have not yet disclosed any information about a motive or the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths. Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, were tragically discovered dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in what authorities are treating as an apparent homicide. Multiple reports suggest that the couple was killed by their son, Nick Reiner. The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery Homicide Division is probing the case, which initially began as a death investigation before being classified as a murder inquiry. Police were alerted after the couple was reportedly found by their daughter, Romy. Sources indicate that both victims suffered injuries consistent with a knife attack. Law enforcement officials said officers responding to the scene discovered a man and a woman with stab wounds, based on early findings and information from sources close to the investigation. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) confirmed that paramedics were dispatched to the home on Chadbourne Avenue at around 3:30 pm. Later, the department told NBC Los Angeles that a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were pronounced dead at the scene. Shortly after paramedics arrived, LAPD officers were sent to the residence following a report described as an “ambulance death investigation.” This term is used when firefighters notify police after discovering fatalities. Rob Reiner was a well-known actor, director, writer and producer whose career spanned more than five decades, according toVariety. He was the son of legendary comedian Carl Reiner. He became widely popular for playing Michael “Meathead” Stivic on the hit TV series All in the Family, a performance that earned him two Emmy Awards. Reiner later moved into directing and made his debut with the cult classic This Is Spinal Tap (1984), in which he also appeared. The film went on to become highly influential and established him as a respected filmmaker. He later directed several critically praised and commercially successful films, including Stand By Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, and A Few Good Men, proving his versatility across genres. In 1987, he co-founded Castle Rock Entertainment, which produced many successful films and television projects. Although his later work did not perform as strongly at the box office, Reiner continued to create personal and politically driven stories. Known for his progressive beliefs, he prioritised meaningful storytelling over profit. His most recent project was Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. Michele Singer Reiner was an American photographer, producer and philanthropist. She was married to Rob Reiner from 1989 until their deaths in December 2025. She and her husband were found dead in their Los Angeles home on December 14, 2025, in what has been described as an apparent homicide involving their son, Nick Reiner. Michele Singer met Rob Reiner while he was directing When Harry Met Sally… (1989). The couple married the same year the film was released. Reiner later credited her with inspiring the film’s happy ending. They shared three children Jake, Nick and Romy. Michele was also the stepmother of Tracy Reiner, Rob Reiner’s adopted daughter from his earlier marriage to the late actress and director Penny Marshall. Rob Reiner and Michele Singer are survived by theirthree children Jake, Nick and Romy. Reiner was also theadoptive father of actress Tracy Reiner, the daughter of his first wife,Penny Marshall. Rob Reiner was married to Michele Singer, and while her individual net worth has not been publicly disclosed, it is generally viewed alongside her husband’s due to their long marriage and shared finances. Rob Reiner had anestimated net worth of around $200 million(approximately₹1,811 crore).

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Siasat News✓

Dec 15, 2025, 05:58 AM

Australian PM Proposes Stricter Gun Laws After Deadly Sydney Shooting

Sydney:Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday proposed tougher national gun laws after a mass shooting on Sydney’s Bondi Beach left at least 15 people dead. Albanese said he would propose new restrictions, including limiting the number of guns a licenced owner can obtain. “The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary. Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws,” Albanese told reporters. “People’s circumstances can change. People can be radicalised over a period of time. Licenses should not be in perpetuity,” he added. Two gunmen shot dead at least 11 people on Sunday at a Jewish event being held at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Australian authorities said, declaring it a terrorist attack. One gunman was fatally shot by police, and the second was arrested. The suspect was in critical condition, authorities said. A massive emergency response was underway, with injured people loaded into ambulances. At least 29 people were confirmed wounded, said Mal Lanyon, the police commissioner for New South Wales state, where Sydney is located. Two of those hurt were police officers. “This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” the state’s Premier Chris Minns said. The massacre was declared aterrorist attackdue to the event targeted and the weapons used, Lanyon said. Hundreds had gathered for an event at Bondi Beach called Chanukah by the Sea, which was celebrating the start of the Hanukkah Jewish festival. With inputs from PTI

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Times of India

Dec 15, 2025, 05:51 AM

Nvidia Denies Report of Chinese AI Startup Using Restricted Chips

Nvidia has now pushed back against a report claiming that Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, whose breakthrough earlier this year rattled US markets, is secretly using its restricted Blackwell AI chips.Recently, a report published by The Information alleged that DeepSeek has acquired smuggled Blackwell GPUs which the company is using to train its upcoming AI model. These chips are among Nvidia’s most-advanced processors and they have been named from export to China under US trade restrictions which are aimed at maintaining America’s lead in the artificial intelligence race. However, the chipset major has dismissed these claims.“We haven’t seen any substantiation or received tips of ‘phantom data centers’ constructed to deceive us and our OEM partners, then deconstructed, smuggled and reconstructed somewhere else,” an Nvidia spokesperson said told CNBC. “While such smuggling seems far-fetched, we pursue any tip we receive.”Nvidia Makes History: First Company to Hit $4 Trillion Market CapThe US has banned the export of Nvidia’s Blackwell chips, which are considered the company’s most advanced offerings, to China as part of its strategy to maintain a lead in the global AI race.Market impact of DeepSeekDeepSeek stunned global tech sector with its launched in January 2025, when the company released its R1 model. Analysts noted that R1 was built at a fraction of the cost of U.S. competitors, sparking fears of China’s rapid progress in AI and contributing to a sell-off that wiped billions from US stock markets. In August, DeepSeek hinted that China would soon have its own “next generation” chips to support AI models, raising further concerns about how the country might circumvent US restrictions.Nvidia’s chips important for AI boomNvidia’s Blackwell chips play an important part in the AI boom. The chips are designed to power everything from large language models to advanced data centres. Their role has made Nvidia’s relationship with China a political flashpoint in Washington.Earlier this week, President Donald Trump announced that Nvidia could ship its H200 chips to “approved customers” in China and elsewhere, provided the U.S. government receives 25% of those sales.The move drew criticism from some lawmakers, highlighting the tension between commercial interests and national security.In the post, Trump wrote that he has informed Chinese President Xi Jinping that the US would allow sale of Nvidia’s H200 chips under a framework which is designed to benefit American workers and tax payers.“I have informed President Xi, of China, that the United States will allow NVIDIA to ship its H200 products to approved customers in China, and other Countries, under conditions that allow for continued strong National Security.President Xi responded positively! $25% will be paid to the United States of America. This policy will support American Jobs, strengthen U.S. Manufacturing, and benefit American Taxpayers.The Biden Administration forced our Great Companies to spend BILLIONS OF DOLLARS building “degraded” products that nobody wanted, a terrible idea that slowed Innovation, and hurt the American Worker. That Era is OVER! We will protect National Security, create American Jobs, and keep America’s lead in AI. NVIDIA’s U.S. Customers are already moving forward with their incredible, highly advanced Blackwell chips, and soon, Rubin, neither of which are part of this deal. My Administration will always put America FIRST. The Department of Commerce is finalizing the details, and the same approach will apply to AMD, Intel, and other GREAT American Companies. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!,” Wrote Trump.

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Economic Times

Dec 15, 2025, 05:46 AM

West Bengal Draft Electoral Rolls Published by Election Commission

SynopsisThe Election Commission began publishing Bengal’s draft electoral rolls on Sunday evening, following the Special Intensive Revision from December 4–11. The draft covers a population of over 7.66 crore. Claims and objections run from December 16, 2025, to January 17, 2026, with hearings until February 7, 2026, and final rolls in February.

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The Daily Guardian

Dec 15, 2025, 05:24 AM

Actor-Director Rob Reiner's Wife Found Dead at Their Los Angeles Home in Apparent Homicide

By Steve Gorman LOS ANGELES, Dec 14 (Reuters) – Two people were found dead at the Los Angeles home of actor-director Rob Reiner, with law enforcement officials investigating the circumstances in an apparent homicide, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement on Sunday. The LAPD gave no details about the identities of the two deceased individuals. But a Los Angeles Fire Department official told Reuters earlier that a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were found dead at a home in west Los Angeles at an address that public records linked to Reiner. Media outlets identified the deceased as Reiner and his wife. Reiner, 78, co-starred in the 1970s hit CBS television comedy "All in the Family" and directed several well-known movies, including "The Princess Bride," "This is Spinal Tap," "When Harry Met Sally," "Stand by Me" and "The American President." His wife, Michele, 68, was at one time a photographer who took the photo of Donald Trump that appears on the cover of his book "Trump: The Art of the Deal." Aside from his Hollywood career, Rob Reiner, a native of New York City and son of the late comedy writer and actor Carl Reiner, was well known for his political activism. He featured in advertisements taking aim at George W. Bush in the 2004 presidential election and supported then-Democratic candidate John Kerry. He also showed support for Democratic presidential hopefuls Al Gore and Hillary Clinton. Reiner was first married to Penny Marshall, who played Laverne in "Laverne & Shirley" and was also a producer and director. He later married actor Michele Singer, with whom he has three children. (Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles and Dietrich Knauth in New York; Editing by Sergio Non and Edwina Gibbs)

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Siasat News✓

Dec 15, 2025, 05:11 AM

Congress Sweeps Telangana Local Body Polls, Wins Majority of Sarpanch Seats

Hyderabad:The sub-inspector who had resigned from his post to contest the Telangana local body polls inSuryapet, lost on Sunday December 14. The candidate identified as Venkateshwarlu contested for sarpanch post in Gudibanda village, Kodad mandal during the second phase of the local body elections. He was backed by Uttam Padmavati, Congress MLA from Kodad. In November, Venkateshwarulu opted for voluntary retirement (VRS) to contest the local body elections. At that time, the SI had three years of service remaining. He was promoted to SI rank in August 2025, and was attached to the special branch. Continuing its impressive performance in Gram Panchayat elections in Telangana, ruling Congress party won majority of seats in the second phase. Out of 4,333 Sarpanch posts for which elections were held on Sunday, Congress-backed candidates bagged 2,216 seats. The main opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) stood second with 1,177 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was distant third with 259 seats. Independents and others won 619 seats. Results were declared for 4,271 seats till 11 p.m. on Sunday. Polling was held on Sunday for 3,911 Sarpanch posts and 29,917 Ward Member posts in 193 mandals. The polling, which began at 7 a.m. under tight security, concluded at 1 p.m. The counting of votes was taken up from 2 p.m. Out of 57.22 lakh voters (29.26 lakh female and 27.96 lakh male), 85.86 percent cast their votes to decide the fate of 12,782 candidates for Sarpanch posts and 71,071 for Ward Member posts. Under the second phase of elections, the State Election commission (SEC) had issued notification for 4,333 Sarpanch posts and 38,350 Ward Member posts. Of them candidates for 415 Sarpanch and 8,307 Ward Members were elected unopposed. No nominations were filed for 108 Ward Member posts. Elections were not conducted in two Gram Panchayats and 18 Wards. The SEC had deployed 4,593 returning officers, 30,661 employees for conducting the second phase of elections. A total of 2,489 micro-observers were appointed to oversee the poll process. The first phase polls were held on December 11 and 3,834 Sarpanches, 27,346 Ward Members and 3,347 Upa Sarpanches were elected. While 56,19,430 were registered voters, 45,15,141 exercised their franchise registering 84.28 percent turnout. The ruling Congress party claimed sweeping lead in the first phase with the victory of 2,864 Congress-backed candidates in the Sarpanch elections. Congress-supported candidates won 67.63 per cent of the total 4,235 sarpanch seats. BRS-backed candidates won 1,143 seats (26.99 per cent), BJP-supported candidates bagged 185 seats (4.37 per cent), while independents and others accounted for 43 seats (1.02 per cent). With inputs from IANS

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The Daily Guardian

Dec 15, 2025, 05:08 AM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Three-Nation Tour Delayed Due to Dense Fog in Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to depart sharply at 08:30 on a three-nation tour, including Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman. However, due to adverse weather conditions and dense fog in Delhi, his flight was delayed, affecting the initial schedule of the diplomatic visit. Officials have assured that the tour will continue as planned once conditions improve. On Monday, Delhi experienced near-zero visibility as a thick layer of fog covered the city, slowing down early-morning traffic. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for fog, urging residents to remain cautious. Morning temperatures dropped to 12 degrees Celsius, adding to the chilly conditions. The Prime Minister stated in his departure message that his first stop will be Jordan, where he will visit at the invitation of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. He added that this historic trip will commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan. Also Read:Messi in Delhi Today: Traffic Advisory Issued & Parking Banned Near Arun Jaitley Stadium | Details Inside Prime Minister Narendra Modis flight for his Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman tour was delayed at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, Delhi due to dense fog and low visibility affecting runway operations. According to official records, the approximate cost of Prime Minister Narendra Modis international tours varies significantly by destination and duration, with specific trips costing between ₹4.4 crore and over ₹25 crore per visit in recent years.

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Financial Express

Dec 15, 2025, 05:02 AM

India Set to Introduce New Employment Guarantee Program Replacing MGNREGS

The Central Government is going to present a new Bill in the Parliament that would put an end to the current Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and replace it with a different employment guarantee program, The Indian Express has reported. The new bill, called the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, will be presented in the Lok Sabha. If approved, this bill would take the place of the existing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. The new bill will be named VB-G RAM G BILL. The Bill is part of the government’s long-term plan called Viksit Bharat@2047 , which aims to make India a developed country by the year 2047. Its main goal is to change and improve the current framework that provides guaranteed work in rural areas. In 2022, the Ministry of Rural Development set up a committee to review how well states were implementing the MNREGA and to look at issues with managing the scheme. The committee submitted its report last year. Although the law promises 100 days of work per household, in 2024-25 the average household received only about 50 days. The Indian Express reported that only 40.7 lakh households reached the full 100 days last year, and in the current financial year, just 6.74 lakh families have done so. Several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, have asked to raise the 100-day limit for workers. States can offer work beyond 100 days, but they must pay for it themselves, and only a few do. Out of the 290 crore person-days generated in 2024-25, only 4.35 crore came from state budgets. States that provided work using their own funds include Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana. Separately, the government plans to introduce the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha. In addition, the government plans to table another bill in the Lok Sabha focused on the safe and sustainable use of nuclear energy to support India’s development.

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Business Standard

Dec 15, 2025, 05:01 AM

Corona Remedies Makes Strong Debut on Dalal Street Despite Weak Market

Corona Remedies listing, Corona Remedies share price:Pharmaceutical company Corona Remedies made a solid debut on the Dalal Street in an otherwise weak market. The company's shares opened at ₹1,470 on the NSE, a premium of ₹408 or 38 per cent from the issue price of ₹1,062.On the BSE,Corona Remedies sharesopened at ₹1,452, a premium of ₹390 or 36.7 per cent. Post-listing, the stock was trading nearly 2 per cent down from the listing price.Corona Remedies market debut was above the grey market estimates. Ahead of the listing, the company’s unlisted shares were quoted at around ₹1,404.5 in the grey market. This suggested a grey market premium (GMP) of ₹342.5, or approximately 32.23 per cent, over the issue price, according to sources tracking unofficial market activity.ALSO READ |Wakefit Innovations shares make flat D-Street debut; misses IPO GMP estimatesCorona Remedies IPO subscription rateAccording to National Stock Exchange (NSE) data,Corona Remedies IPOreceived an overwhelming response from investors, with overall subscription reaching 137.04 times. Investors placed bids for 626.54 million equity shares against the 4.57 million shares on offer. Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) led the demand, oversubscribing their allotted quota by 278.52 times. The Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs) segment was subscribed 208.88 times, while the retail investors portion received 28.73 times bids compared to the shares reserved.Corona Remedies IPO detailsCorona Remedies successfully raised ₹655.37 crore through its initial public offering, which comprised an offer for sale (OFS) of of 6.2 million equity shares.Also ReadStock Market LIVE: Sensex off lows, down 200 pts; SMIDs crack; Auto, realty, pharma stocks declineGeojit Financial shares soar after 15% equity traded in multiple blocksUrban Company slides 6%, PhysicsWallah dips 2%; here's why stocks fellCapex revival, policy tailwinds to aid Siemens; Antique sees 20% upsideSmallcaps may see more pain in 2026; Nifty target at 30,548: Vikram KasatThe IPO was offered in the price band of ₹1,008 to ₹1,062 per share, with a minimum application lot of 14 shares. The issue was open for subscription from December 8 to December 10. The allotment of shares was finalised on Thursday, December 11.ALSO READ |Applied for Park Medi World IPO? Here's how to check allotment status, GMPBigshare Services is the registrar for the issue. JM Financial, IIFL Capital Services, and Kotak Mahindra Capital Company are the book-running lead managers.According to the red herring prospectus (RHP), the company will not receive any fresh funds from the issue, and existing shareholders will sell their stake through the offer. Kirtikumar Laxmidas Mehta, Minaxi Kirtikumar Mehta, Dipabahen Niravkumar Mehta, and Brinda Ankur Mehta are the promoter selling shareholders under the OFS, while Sepia Investments, Anchor Partners, and Sage Investment Trust are the investor selling shareholders.

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Times of India

Dec 15, 2025, 04:52 AM

Viral Hug Between Erika Kirk and JD Vance Raises Questions About Their Relationship

Far-Right commentator, white nationalist Nick Fuentes spilled what he claimed as inside details about what happened between Vice President JD Vance and Erika Kirk that Erika has now started distancing herself from the vice president, even after speaking at length about their viral warm hug.At a Turning Point USA event, Erika and JD Vance's hug went viral as Erika also said that nobody can fill her late husband Charlie's place except JD Vance.Their viral hug led to speculations that JD Vance would dump Usha Vance and would marry Erika Kirk to further his presidential ambition. JD Vance openly acknowledged that he would like his wife to embrace Christianity, which was seen as a public rebuff to Usha's religion.But JD Vance put rumors of his marital discord to rest and said everything is fine between him and Usha; while Erika Kirk too asserted that her warm hug was a friendly gesture.'My Husband... JD Vance': This Erika Kirk Speech STUNS US; Then Comes Their Wild Hug“Whoever is hating on a hug needs a hug themselves — I will give you a free hug any time you want a hug. My love language is touch, if you will," Erika Kirk said.But recently, Erika Kirk avoided directly answering to a question of Turning Point USA endorsing JD Vance as the president for 2028."I do have to say, yes, I mean we adore JD, and my husband was very vocal about endorsing him, but I do have to preface this from the standpoint of we have a tendency as humans to look past...we have very short attention spans and very short memories," she meandered."I would ask that we enjoy the fact that, and maybe you don't, but I will enjoy the fact that my husband worked so hard, so hard, for this past election. And I think it would be...Ithink it would behove us to appreciate that hard work and enjoy the fact that we do have a president in office that we voted for," Erika Kirk said, touching upon everything except the question she was asked.The answer came across as strange that Erika Kirk refused to endorse JD Vance for 2028 but Nick Fuentes has now claimed that this did not happen without any reason. Nick Fuentes said JD Vance came under pressure from Israel after Tucker Carlson interviewed antisemite Nick Fuentes. Tucker's son Buckley Carlson works for JD Vance and Vance was asked to clarify his stand. As JD came under Israel pressure, Erika Kirk became frosty about endorsing JD, Nick Fuentes said claiming that Erika's change was 'weird as f**k'.JD Vance earlier defended Tucker Carlson's son and said he would not tolerate any attack against his staff.

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AIR News✓

Dec 15, 2025, 04:43 AM

PM Modi Embarks on Three-Nation Visit to Strengthen Ties with Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a three-nation visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman today. In the first leg of his visit, Mr Modi will visit Jordan at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein.In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said that he will hold detailed discussions with King Abdullah and the Prime Minister of Jordan, Jafar Hassan. Mr Modi will also meet the vibrant Indian community in Amman, who have made significant contributions to India-Jordan relations. Mr Modi’s visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.From Amman, the Prime Minister will go to Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, tomorrow. He will hold detailed discussions with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali, in Addis Ababa. Mr Modi will meet the Indian Diaspora and will also address the Joint Session of Parliament.On the final leg, Mr Modi will reach Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday. The visit will mark 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Oman. In Muscat, Mr Modi will hold discussions with the Sultan of Oman and will also address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Oman.

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Newsbytes✓

Dec 15, 2025, 04:39 AM

PM Modi's Three-Nation Tour Delayed Due to Dense Fog

The flight of Prime MinisterNarendra Modifor his three-nation tour to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman was delayed on Monday due to dense fog in the national capital.He was supposed to leave around 8:30am, but only managed to board the flight around 9:30am.The visit will begin with a two-day trip to Jordan at the invitation of King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein."This historic visit will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between our countries," PM Modi said.

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Business Standard

Dec 15, 2025, 04:37 AM

Axis Bank Expands Wealth Management Arm in India Amid Booming HNIs and UHNIs

As part of a broader strategy to capitalise on the rapid expansion of India’s wealthy population, Axis Bank is hiring 50 private bankers and preparing to launch several funds from the country’s low-tax financial hub.The private lender is expanding its wealth management footprint across the country to cater to the growing needs of high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs).“We have expanded to 52 cities from 30 last year to tap the rising wealth in tier II cities and beyond,” said Arnika Dixit, who heads wealth management and affluent banking at Axis Bank, in an interview withBloomberg.What does Burgundy Private’s expansion involve?The bank is recruiting senior money managers for its private banking arm, Burgundy Private, which currently employs around 250 bankers, according to its latest annual report.As of September, Axis Bank managed ₹6.45 trillion ($71.4 billion) in wealth assets under the Burgundy brand. Of this, about ₹2.5 trillion is managed by Burgundy Private, which caters to 15,250 ultra-high-net-worth clients, each with at least ₹5 crore in investible assets,Bloombergreported.Also Read19 US states sue Trump over $100,000 H-1B fee: Why immigrants matterDense fog and cold wave grips north Indian states; IMD issues alertMessi in Delhi today: Traffic advisory issued for Arun Jaitley Stadium areaDense fog grips Delhi as airlines warn of flight delays, disruptions2025: Germany, Ireland, UAE draw Indian students as Big Four toughen entryAxis Bank also plans to launch multiple funds from Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in early 2026. The bank is looking to offer inbound funds for non-resident Indians and wealthy clients through feeder and direct structures investing into India’s capital markets.In addition, it plans to roll out outbound funds that invest in global equity markets and dollar-denominated structured products.Why is Axis Bank on a hiring spree?The move is part of a broader, industry-wide hiring push as global players such as HSBC Holdings Plc and Standard Chartered Plc, along with domestic firms including Uday Kotak’s private bank and 360 One WAM Ltd, expand aggressively to capture a booming pool of wealthy clients.The rapid rise in affluent investors has intensified competition among wealth managers, triggering aggressive hiring backed by sign-on bonuses, higher commissions and other incentives.Another key driver is the fast growth of India’s wealth management industry, which is projected to double its assets under management to $2.3 trillion by March 2029, from $1.1 trillion in March 2024.Tens of thousands of new millionaires are being created each year, fuelled by record initial public offerings, private equity and venture capital investments, and a strong equity market.Despite the hiring boom, banks remain constrained by regulations that limit the use of special compensation structures.

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The Indian Express

Dec 15, 2025, 04:33 AM

UP BJP President Pankaj Chaudhary Urged to Focus on Larger Mandate in 2027 Assembly Polls

Congratulating Pankaj Chaudhary on his appointment as the new UP BJP president, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Sunday said that under his leadership, the BJP cadres would have to take a pledge to strive for a larger mandate in the 2027 Assembly polls, even bigger than the party’s 312 out of 403 seats in 2017. With Chaudhary, a Kurmi leader at the top party post in UP, Maurya, also an OBC leader, urged party workers to punch holes in “the fake PDA call” of the Samajwadi Party. The SP has been pitching for PDA – Picchda, Dalit, and Alpsankhyak (OBCs, Dalits, and minorities).Assuring full support to Chaudhary, Maurya said that while the balloon of the SP-Congress alliance lost its air in the recent elections, but added that before winning in UP, the party has to emerge victorious in the Assembly elections in West Bengal due early next year.

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Siasat News✓

Dec 15, 2025, 04:23 AM

India Circulates Bill to Repeal MGNREGA and Introduce Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rural Employment

New Delhi:A bill to repeal the MGNREGA and bring a new law for rural employment — Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) — has been circulated by the government among the Lok Sabha members, a source said. According to a copy of the bill, it seeks to introduce the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, in Parliament and repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act of 2005. It says the bill is aimed at establishing a “rural development framework aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, by providing a statutory guarantee of one hundred and twenty-five days of wage employment in every financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to undertake unskilled manual work; to promote empowerment, growth, convergence and saturation for a prosperous and resilient rural Bharat”. The bill has been circulated among the members of the Lok Sabha, and is likely to be introduced in the House. The Winter Session of Parliament, which started on December 1, will conclude on December 19.

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The Indian Express

Dec 15, 2025, 04:22 AM

BJP Announces Uttar Pradesh National Council Members, Hails Party's Disciplined Functioning

The BJP on Sunday announced the names of 120 members, elected from Uttar Pradesh to the party’s National Council. They included Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from Lucknow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from Gorakhpur, Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya from Prayagraj, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak from Unnao, former Union Minister Smriti Irani from Sultanpur, among others. Announcing their names, party’s Central Election Observer and Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that the BJP is the world’s largest political organisation, and the global community is astonished by its disciplined and democratic functioning. “In the journey from 2014 to 2025, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the mindset and the way of working changed. At the international level, India’s identity also changed. Today, wherever we go carrying the Indian passport, the honour and respect one gets abroad as an Indian, it was never the same before 2014,” Goyal said.

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DD News✓

Dec 15, 2025, 04:20 AM

Indian Prime Minister Modi Embarks on Three-Nation Visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday embarked on a three-nation visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman, aimed at strengthening India’s bilateral engagement with key partners in West Asia and Africa. In his departure statement, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of the visit, noting that it reflects India’s commitment to deepening partnerships with countries that share age-old civilisational links and robust contemporary relations with New Delhi. Describing the three countries as long-standing partners, PM Modi said the tour would provide an opportunity to review and expand cooperation across a range of sectors. The Prime Minister’s first stop will be the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, marking a historic visit as India and Jordan commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations. During his stay in Amman, PM Modi will hold talks with King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II. He is also scheduled to interact with members of the Indian community in Jordan, acknowledging their role in strengthening bilateral ties. From Jordan, PM Modi will travel to Ethiopia on the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. This will be his first visit to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, whose capital Addis Ababa also hosts the headquarters of the African Union. The visit comes in the backdrop of the African Union’s admission as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency in 2023. In Addis Ababa, the Prime Minister will hold discussions with PM Abiy Ahmed and meet members of the Indian diaspora. He is also set to address a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, where he is expected to speak about India’s democratic journey and the potential of the India–Ethiopia partnership for the Global South. PM Modi will visit Oman during the final leg of his tour, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In Muscat, the Prime Minister will hold talks with the Sultan of Oman, with a focus on further strengthening the India–Oman Strategic Partnership and expanding commercial and economic cooperation. He will also address the Indian diaspora in Oman, highlighting their contribution to the country’s development and to bilateral relations.

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Financial Express

Dec 15, 2025, 04:19 AM

Hong Kong Court Convicts Pro-Democracy Activist Jimmy Lai of Sedition

Hong Kong ’s High Court on Monday ruled that pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai was guilty of working with foreign groups and publishing materials considered seditious under a national security law imposed by China. The charges carry a possible sentence of life in prison. The case attracted worldwide attention, with many closely watching how independent Hong Kong’s courts remain. This comes after several years of tighter controls on rights and freedoms in the city following the large pro-democracy protests in 2019, which Beijing viewed as a threat to its authority. Lai is knows as Hong Kong’s pro-democracy media tycoon. His supporters view him as a champion of freedom, while Beijing considers him a key organiser of the 2019 protests and someone who encouraged US sanctions against Hong Kong and China. Lai was one of the city’s most vocal critics of the Chinese government and a leading advocate for democracy. In an interview with the BBC in 2020, Lai has described himself as having a naturally rebellious personality. According to the BBC, Jimmy Lai was born in Guangzhou, southern China, into a wealthy family that lost everything when the communists came to power in 1949. At the age of 12, he escaped his village and arrived in Hong Kong as a stowaway on a fishing boat. In Hong Kong, he worked various small jobs and learned English on his own while knitting in a tiny clothing shop, the BBC report added. He eventually built a business empire, including the successful international clothing brand Giordano. Lai’s career took a political turn after China’s military crushed the pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989. He began writing critical columns about the crackdown and set up a publishing company that became one of Hong Kong’s most influential media outlets. When Chinese authorities threatened his stores on the mainland, he sold the company and focused on media. He launched popular pro-democracy publications, including a digital magazine and the widely read Apple Daily. Through these outlets, he openly criticised the Chinese government at a time when many local media were self-censoring. Lai appealed to Donald Trump in 2021 for lending his support to Hong Kong, seeing him as the only hope to protect the city from Chinese control. His newspaper, Apple Daily, ran a front-page letter calling for international help. Since 2020, Lai has faced multiple charges, including illegal assembly and fraud. His case has drawn global attention, with human rights organisations and foreign governments calling for his release. His son, Sebastien Lai, has traveled internationally to protest his father’s imprisonment, criticising Hong Kong for punishing qualities that should be admired. He described his father as someone jailed for speaking the truth, acting with courage, and standing for freedom. In court, Judge Esther Toh even said that Lai had long held strong resentment toward China.

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DD News✓

Dec 15, 2025, 04:17 AM

BJP Appoints Youngest National Working President Amidst Trend of Older Leaders in Indian Politics

In an era when most major political parties in India are headed by leaders well into their seventies and eighties, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has drawn attention for a different reason. Among senior national-level leaders of major political parties, newly appointed BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin, at 45, is the youngest, underlining a visible contrast in leadership age profiles across the political spectrum. A comparison with other national and regional parties highlights this gap clearly. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is 83 years old, while Nationalist Congress Party-SP (NCP-SP) chief Sharad Pawar is 85. Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is 70, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) boss and ex-Uttar Pradesh CM Mayawati is 69, and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is 72. In each of these parties, leadership continues to rest with veterans who have dominated their organisations for decades. Other leaders older than Nitin Nabin include Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, who is 57; National Conference leader and Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, aged 55; and Samajwadi Party president and ex-Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, 52. Against this backdrop, Nitin Nabin’s age places him in a distinct category. For a leader getting appointed for a major national role even before turning 50 symbolises a generational contrast that has increasingly shaped political narratives. Commenting on the development, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wrote on X: “BJP vs Congress. BJP has picked a 45-year-old Nitin Nabin as its National Working President. It signals how the BJP puts merit, talent and Yuva Shakti ahead. Recently, we saw how Congress leader from Odisha Mohammad Moquim said in his letter that Kharge ji, who is 83, should be changed as he has no connect with the youth.” Political observers note that the BJP’s leadership structure reflects a conscious emphasis on succession planning and long-term organisational continuity. Over the past decade, the party has consistently projected leaders who are expected to remain politically active for years rather than relying solely on legacy figures nearing the twilight of their careers. This approach has been particularly noticed in the BJP’s handling of leadership transitions after electoral victories. Following the 2023 Assembly elections, the BJP appointed relatively younger and first-time Chief Ministers in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, opting for leaders with administrative potential and long political runways over more senior contenders. The decisions were widely seen as an attempt to invest in governance faces who could shape state politics over the next decade. According to analysts, the BJP seems to have also placed emphasis on grooming leaders through sustained roles within the party and government, allowing them to accumulate administrative experience early. From state units to parliamentary leadership, the party has repeatedly signalled that longevity and adaptability matter as much as seniority. In contrast, many opposition parties continue to be anchored by long-standing figures whose authority remains largely unchallenged internally. While such leaders command deep loyalty and political experience, critics argue that prolonged concentration of power at the top can slow leadership renewal and limit generational transition. That said, age alone does not define political effectiveness as several senior leaders across parties continue to play decisive roles in governance and strategy. (IANS)

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Times of India

Dec 15, 2025, 04:12 AM

Karnataka Congress Crisis: Power Struggle Threatens Electoral Prospects

Congress MLAs worried tussle could hurt prospects in next electionBELAGAVI: The ongoing tussle betweenSiddaramaiahandDK Shivakumarover the chief minister's post has caused unease among a large section of ruling Congress MLAs, who say that besides hindering governance, it could have an adverse impact on their electoral prospects in the next assembly elections.Competing claims by Shivakumar's and Siddaramaiah's supporters have led to the emergence of at least three factions, with a group of Dalit ministers also coming together to demand the top post for one from their community.The widening rift was evident on the sidelines of the ‘Vote Chori' rally in New Delhi Sunday, where Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar held separate breakfast meetings with their respective supporters.The chief minister was notably absent from the luncheon hosted by Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and did not speak at the rally either.Against this backdrop, legislators who have maintained a neutral stand have cautioned the party's high command against further delay in resolving the issue.The matter was raised during the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting in Belagavi last week, where MLAs urged brass to settle the issue quickly.Several legislators warned that an over-reliance on the govt's guarantee schemes, without clarity on the tussle, could prove detrimental to the party."As the governing party, we will face anti-incumbency," said KY Nanje Gowda, Malur MLA, who raised concerns over the guarantees and political challenges during the CLP meeting. "The worry is that it would get stronger if the prevailing political situation in the party continues."Gowda said MLAs were finding it increasingly difficult to face voters and respond to questions about stalled development works. While Siddaramaiah is said to have assured legislators of releasing pending development funds, several MLAs privately admitted that assurances and the release of limited funds would not be sufficient unless uncertainty over the CM post is addressed.While the anti-incumbency factor is normally assessed towards the end of a five-year term, Congress appears to be confronting this challenge much earlier.Sources say some MLAs are even exploring alternative political strategies, including distancing themselves from the party.This comes at a time when principal opposition BJP is seeking to strengthen NDA along with its ally JD(S), and is reportedly looking to poach Congress MLAs with strong electoral prospects."It is not that the opposition is pointing fingers at the govt's overall failure," said BJP state president BY Vijayendra."It is evident that many Congress MLAs are unhappy with the present dispensation and people are eager to vote out the Siddramaiah-led govt."Several senior Congress members have echoed the concerns raised by the neutral camp. "It is quite natural that MLAs are concerned about their future," said RV Deshpande, former minister and Haliyal MLA. "It is not advisable to allow the situation to grow worse, and the high command should step in at the earliest."However, a resolution to the crisis appears distant, with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge emerging as a potential contender amid the SC-ST camp's push for a Dalit chief minister.Alarmed by these developments, legislators from the neutral camp are planning to travel to New Delhi after the ongoing Belagavi session to meet the party high command and press for an early resolution.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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DD News✓

Dec 15, 2025, 04:08 AM

India Honors Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on His 75th Death Anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 75th death anniversary, describing the Iron Man of India as a towering leader whose unparalleled contribution to nation-building will never be forgotten by a grateful nation. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “I pay my respectful homage to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on his 75th death anniversary. He dedicated his life to uniting the nation. A grateful nation will never forget his incomparable contribution to building a united and strong India.” Born on October 31, 1875, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel served as independent India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. He is widely regarded as the architect of India’s national integration and a key force behind the establishment of modern civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid homage to Sardar Patel. In a post on X, Shah said, “I pay homage to the symbol of national unity, the architect of a strong India, the Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ji, on his death anniversary.” “Sardar Sahab unified a fragmented independent India into a strong nation despite numerous adverse circumstances. As the country’s first Home Minister, he made the protection of Mother India, internal stability, and the establishment of peace the goal of his life. By reviving the cooperative movement and laying the foundation of a self-reliant India through the self-reliance of women and farmers, Sardar Sahab will continue to guide us all like a pole star on the path of nation first,” he added. A close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel led several mass movements during the freedom struggle, including the Kheda Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement, and was known for his powerful oratory and organisational skills. Meanwhile, as India marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas – the Centre has announced year-long celebrations in his honour. The commemorations include cultural programmes, unity runs and various events highlighting the legacy of the Iron Man of India and his enduring message of national unity.

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Financial Express

Dec 15, 2025, 04:07 AM

India Approves Bill to Raise FDI Limit in Insurance Sector

The Union Cabinet on Friday approved the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, paving the way for its introduction in the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, which ends on December 19. The Bill has been listed in the Lok Sabha bulletin among key legislations scheduled for discussion. The approval marks a major step in the government’s plan to revamp India’s insurance framework and accelerate sectoral growth. The most significant change proposed in the Bill is raising the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit in insurance companies to 100% from the existing 74%. The move is aimed at attracting long-term global capital, improving competition and strengthening customer services. India’s insurance penetration remains low compared to global levels, with life insurance penetration at around 3% and general insurance at about 1%. The government believes higher foreign ownership will help insurers expand coverage, introduce new products and improve service standards. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced the proposal to raise the FDI cap in the Union Budget as part of new-generation financial sector reforms. So far, the insurance sector has attracted nearly Rs 82,000 crore in FDI, and officials expect the revised limit to unlock significantly higher investments. The Bill seeks to amend the Insurance Act, 1938, the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, and the IRDAI Act, 1999, with a focus on modernisation, ease of doing business and stronger policyholder protection. Under the proposed amendments, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) will get greater operational freedom, allowing its board to take faster decisions on expansion and administration. The Bill also proposes to strengthen the powers of the insurance regulator, IRDAI, to ensure better oversight and consumer protection. Industry leaders have welcomed the Cabinet’s decision. RenewBuy Co-founder & CEO Balachander Sekhar said the Bill creates a strong foundation for the next decade of insurance growth, while Aon India CEO Rishi Mehra described 100% FDI as a pivotal step toward building a more resilient and competitive insurance ecosystem. As the Bill is taken up in Parliament, it is expected to trigger detailed debate. Some long-pending industry demands, such as composite licences and lower capital requirements for new insurers, are either missing or diluted in the final draft. If passed, the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025 could become one of the most significant reforms in India’s insurance sector in recent years, opening the door to higher investment while testing the balance between growth, regulation and consumer protection.

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Times of India

Dec 15, 2025, 03:58 AM

AAP Leader Kejriwal Criticizes Delhi CM Gupta Over Vipassana Comments Amid Pollution Crisis

NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenorArvind Kejriwalon Sunday criticised Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta, saying that it is not appropriate to mock anyone taking a "Vipassana," despite both of them having political differences over the handling of the pollution crisis in the national capital region."You (Rekha Gupta) harbor political enmity towards me. Due to this, it does not behove you to mock the divine Vipassana meditation method taught by Lord Buddha in this manner. You too should certainly try Vipassana once. You will like it a lot, and you will experience boundless peace. Going to do Vipassana is not called "running away." Only those with great fortune are blessed with Vipassana," Kejriwal wrote on X, replying to an earlier post by CM Gupta.'Delhi NOT Most Polluted': Doctor's Shocking Reveal On Toxic Monster; And How To Fight BackThe AAP leader's comments come a day after CM Gupta alleged that while Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders are trying to fight pollution by staying in Delhi, Kejriwal simply abandons Delhi by taking a Vipassana every six months."We are finding solutions to the pollution problem in Delhi by living in Delhi itself. We are not like them who abandon Delhi to its fate and run off for Vipassana every 6 months. My Delhi, My Responsibility-we are working with this sentiment.The problem is here too, and the solution will also emerge from here...for Delhi, by staying in Delhi," the Delhi CM said.Meanwhile, AAP's Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj also hit out at the Delhi government for the illnesses people are getting due to increased pollution.He criticised CM Rekha Gupta over the worsening air quality in the national capital, stating that she is unaware of the air quality index (AQI) and its parameters, adding that she must leave the pollution problem for the experts to deal with.Speaking to ANI, Bharadwaj said, "This government has been in power for almost a year. Nowhere in this country are there incidents of stubble burning. The condition of pollution is that even inside a closed room, we can see smog. The CM of Delhi doesn't know what AQI is? She says any instrument can measure AQI. She can't even properly pronounce AQI. What will the people of Delhi expect from the chief minister for the next 4 years?""I think experts should come in front and the Chief Minister should take a step back," he added.Residents of Delhi on Sunday expressed deep concern over deteriorating air quality as the city's AQI surged to 497, remaining in the 'severe' category, according to the central pollution control board (CPCB).In response to the severe pollution, the Delhi Government's Directorate of Education on Saturday directed that schools conduct classes for grades IX and XI in hybrid mode. This decision followed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoking Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as AQI levels approached the 'severe' mark.

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First Post

Dec 15, 2025, 03:43 AM

Trump's Executive Order Raises Concerns Over Extrajudicial Killings and Targeting of Americans

US PresidentDonald Trumpextended his executive order yet again after he ordered the summary executions of individuals he deems members of designated terrorist organisations. A report byThe Interceptrevealed how Trump is also testing the limits of his presidential powers by creating a secret list of domestic terrorist organisations. As per the report, the American leader is taking all these measures under the National Security Presidential Memorandum 7, or NSPM-7. The move now raises questions of whether Americans that the federal government deems to be members of domestic terrorist organisations are subject toextrajudicial killings. In light of this, lawmakers toldThe Interceptthat the Trump administration’s silence on the matter has become worrisome. The matter has become more concerning with Trump himself making ever more unhinged threats to imprison or execute his political adversaries. “The Trump Administration is trying to justify blowing small boats out of the water by arbitrarily calling them ‘designated terrorist organisations’ — a label not grounded in U.S. statute nor international law, but in solely what Trump says,” Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., told The Intercept. “If Trump is using this justification to use military force on any individuals he chooses — without verified evidence or legal authorisation — what’s stopping him from designating anyone within our own borders in a similar fashion and conducting lethal, militarised attacks against them? This illegal and dangerous misuse of lethal force should worry all Americans, and it can’t be accepted as normal," he added. Recently, the US military has carried out 22 known attacks in theCaribbean Seaand eastern Pacific Ocean, killing at least 87 civilians. Last week, footage of the September 2 double-tap strike shown to select members of Congress ignited a firestorm. While Trump initially said on camera that he had “no problem” with releasing the video of the attack. This week, he denied ever saying it. However, the Trump administration has been silent on whether designated domestic terror groups like Antifa would face a similar fate. “The Trump administration should answer all questions about the terrorist lists,” Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., toldThe Intercept. “The American people have a right to answers about who is on them and what that means for all of us.” For decades, Trump has called for violence against — including executions of — those he dislikes. His enemy list included a group of Black and Latino boys who were wrongly accused of raping a white woman jogger in New York’s Central Park in 1989; immigrants at the southern border, those who carry out hate crimes and mass shootings; demonstrators protesting the death ofGeorge Floyd, etc. In August this year, Trump also called for “Capital capital punishment,” explaining: “If somebody kills somebody in the capital, Washington, we’re going to be seeking the death penalty.” Hence, it remains unclear how Trump would deal with his newfound executive power. US Federal Reserve sees inflation risk as greater than employment concerns. Tariffs may cause temporary or lasting inflation, officials debate. Powell to address inflation concerns in upcoming Jackson Hole speech. Get the latest stories delivered straight to your inbox.

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News18✓

Dec 15, 2025, 03:40 AM

Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai Found Guilty of Foreign Collusion

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai was found guilty on two counts of foreign collusion and of seditious publication by a court in Hong Kong on Monday. The Hong Kong pro-democracy figure was facing one of the highest-profile national security trials. Lai, who had founded the now-shut Apple Daily newspaper, has been in jail since 2020. Prosecutors accused 78-year-old Lai of being the mastermind behind two conspiracies to ask foreign countries to impose “sanctions or blockade" or take “hostile activities" against Hong Kong or China. They accused him of publishing materials that “excited disaffection" against the government. “There is no doubt that (Lai) had harboured his resentment and hatred of the PRC for many of his adult years, and this is apparent in his articles," Judge Esther Toh told the court, using the acronym of the People’s Republic of China. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned Jimmy Lai’s conviction by a Hong Kong court as a “sham" and said it was an example of eroding political freedoms under the national security law Beijing imposed on Hong Kong following huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in 2019. A report by news agencyAFPsaid that Lai was wearing a light green cardigan and grey jacket and looked impassive as the verdicts were read out. He sat with folded arms and did not speak. Lai now faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and will be sentenced at a later date. He can appeal the charges. Jimmy Lai is one of Hong Kong’s most prominent pro-democracy figures and a long-time critic of the Chinese government. He is the founder of Next Digital, the media group that published Apple Daily, a tabloid newspaper that openly supported Hong Kong’s democracy movement and was sharply critical of Beijing. Born in mainland China in 1947, Lai fled to Hong Kong as a teenager and built a business empire from scratch, later becoming a vocal advocate of civil liberties, free press and democratic reforms. His outspoken support for the 2019 pro-democracy protests made him a central target for authorities after China imposed the National Security Law on Hong Kong in 2020. The 78-year-old once described himself as a “born rebel". He defied the Chinese Communist Party for years while amassing millions from his clothing and media empires. Lai’s case is often compared to situations where media owners or editors face legal action for political dissent. Supporters see him as a symbol of press freedom, while Beijing describes him as a foreign-backed destabilising force. The case has grown into a wedge between Beijing and many Western nations, with US President Donald Trump reportedly calling for Lai’s release during a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in October. The British government has repeatedly described the prosecution of Lai, a British citizen, as “politically motivated". Lai is a British citizen, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces pressure from rights groups to secure his release. Swipe Left For Next Video Dozens of police officers were deployed around the court building in the morning, with an armoured car positioned nearby. Consular representatives, including those from the United States, the European Union and France, were among those queueing to enter.

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Siasat News✓

Dec 15, 2025, 03:33 AM

Haryana Government Relieves Shatrujeet Kapur as DGP Amid Controversy Over IPS Officer's Alleged Suicide

Chandigarh:Two months after being sent on leave amid a controversy over IPS officer Y Puran Kumar’s alleged suicide, the Haryana government has relieved IPS Shatrujeet Kapur from the charge of Director General of Police. O P Singh, who was given the additional charge as state police chief during Kapur’s absence, has been appointed as officiating DGP till further orders. The Haryana government is likely to send a panel of senior IPS officers’ names to the Union Public Service Commission to appoint a new state police chief, as Singh, a 1992-batch IPS officer, is due to retire on December 31. Kapur, a 1990-batch IPS officer, will continue to hold the charge of chairman of Haryana Police Housing Corporation, Panchkula, according to an official order. An engineering graduate, Kapur was appointed the state police chief in August 2023. On October 14, Kapur went on leave amid mounting criticism from opposition parties over IPS officer Y Puran Kumar’s alleged suicide. Singh was then given the additional charge of DGP. Kumar (52), a 2001-batch IPS officer, allegedly shot himself dead on October 7. In an eight-page ‘final note’ purportedly left behind, Kumar accused multiple senior officers, including Shatrujeet Kapur, of “blatant caste-based discrimination, targeted mental harassment, public humiliation and atrocities”. Amid pressure from the political parties, the Haryana government first shunted out Rohtak Superintendent of Police Narendra Bijarniya and later sent Shatrujeet Kapur on leave. Kumar’s wife, IAS officerAmneet P Kumar, gave consent for post-mortem a week after the alleged suicide after receiving assurance from Chandigarh Police that a fair probe would be conducted and a commitment from the Haryana government that action would be taken against any “erring” officials.

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The Free Press Journal

Dec 15, 2025, 03:25 AM

Wedding Season Woes: Parking Problems and Election Changes in Mumbai

The wedding season is in full swing. Since the auspicious dates are not many one is flooded with invites for sangeet ceremonies, weddings, receptions etc. The range of foods is amazing. The other day I was invited to a reception where there were separate counters for Punjabi, south Indian, Italian, Chinese, Burmese and even Mongolian cuisine!! The rage of desserts is guaranteed to make you diabetic. The best thing about these lavish buffets is that you can mix and match the food. For example you can have Mysore sada dosa with undhiyun, neer dosa with Amritsari chhole, penne pasta with paneer lababdar, hakka noodles with coin idli, kesar jalebi with angoori rabdi etc..Destination weddings. Pre-wedding photo shoots and honemoon at excotic locales are the in thing these days. Caterers, weddings planners et al make a killing during this season. Parking woes: Valet or no show The car parking problem is becoming increasingly difficult all over Mumbai, Thane and other places. Most roads have become parking lots making driving on them quite a task. The frenzied redevelopment of Old buildings has only aggravated the problem. The tower parking lots built by builders in return for additional floor space index have not made any difference. One was hoping that the number of vehicles on roads will decline once the metro lines are commissioned. But that also does not appear to be happening. When invited to any event the first question that the organisers are asked is “valet parking hai kya”!! The other day a prayer meeting for a departed soul was held at a hall in Dadar. The family made it a point to inform everyone that valet parking is available lest people do not turn up. One only hopes there is valet parking in heaven!! BMC elections & civic politics The BMC elections are almost here after a long hiatus. But there is a big difference in the polls held in the past and now. Earlier corporators like Datta Nalawade. RC Anklesaria, RT Kadam, Shyam Shetty, Rustam Tirandaz etc could get elected on the basis of the solid work put in by them. But now so many wards have been reserved on the basis of caste and gender that merit is often forced to take a back seat. As for the mayor he had no power to do anything except preside over general body meetings. High time Mumbai had a directly elected mayor with executive powers. Tailpiece A wag commented "Fear of height is vertigo and fear of flight is Indigo"! (Compiled by S Balakrishnan) To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit:https://budgetproperties.in/

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Newsbytes✓

Dec 15, 2025, 03:25 AM

Netanyahu Blames Albanese for Fueling Antisemitism After Deadly Hanukkah Attack

Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahuhas blamed Australian PM Anthony Albanese for fueling antisemitism inAustralia,Reutersreported, after calling the shooting a "cold-blooded murder."This comes after a deadly shooting at a Hanukkah (a Jewish festival) event in Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday night.The attack, which occurred during the first night of Hanukkah, left at least 16 people dead and one suspected gunman killed.Australian authorities have described the incident as a targeted antisemitic attack.

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Republic World

Dec 15, 2025, 03:24 AM

Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai Convicted of Conspiracies Against National Security

Hong Kong:Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy former Hong Kong media mogul and outspoken critic of Beijing, was convicted in a landmark national security trial in the city’s court on Monday, which could send him to prison for the rest of his life. Three government-vetted judges found Lai, 78, guilty of conspiring with others to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiracy to publish seditious articles. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. Lai, 78, was arrested in August 2020 under a Beijing-imposed national security law that was implemented following massive anti-government protests in 2019. During his five years in custody, Lai has been sentenced for several lesser offenses, and appears to have grown more frail and thinner. Lai’s trial, conducted without a jury, has been closely monitored by the U.S., Britain, the European Union and political observers as a barometer of media freedom and judicial independence in the former British colony, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Reading from an 855-page verdict, Judge Esther Toh said that the evidence showed Lai had extended “constant invitations” to the U.S. to help bring down the Chinese government and had spent years considering what leverage the U.S. could use. “There is no doubt that the first defendant had harbored his resentment and hatred of the PRC for many of his adult years,” Toh said, using an acronym for the People's Republic of China. Toh added that the court was satisfied that Lai was the “mastermind” of the conspiracies and that the only reasonable inference from the evidence was that Lai’s intent was to seek the downfall of the ruling Communist Party even at the sacrifice of the people of China and Hong Kong. Among the attendees were Lai’s wife and son, and Hong Kong’s Roman Catholic Cardinal Joseph Zen. Lai pressed his lips and nodded to his family before being escorted out of the courtroom by guards. His verdict is also a test for Beijing’s diplomatic ties. U.S. President Donald Trump said he has raised the case with China, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said his government has made it a priority to secure the release of Lai, who is a British citizen. The founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily was convicted on two counts of conspiracy to commit collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security, in addition to one count of conspiracy to distribute seditious publications. Under Hong Kong's sweeping national security law, the collusion charge could result in a sentence ranging from three years in jail to life imprisonment, depending on the offense's nature and his role in it. The sedition charge carries a maximum of two years’ imprisonment. A four-day mitigation hearing was set to begin Jan. 12 for Lai to argue for a shorter sentence. The Apple Daily was a vocal critic of the Hong Kong government and the ruling Chinese Communist Party. It was forced to shut in 2021 after police raided its newsroom and arrested its senior journalists, with authorities freezing its assets. During Lai’s 156-day trial, prosecutors accused him of conspiring with senior executives of Apple Daily and others to request foreign forces to impose sanctions or blockades and engage in other hostile activities against Hong Kong or China. The prosecution also accused Lai of making such requests, highlighting his meetings with former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in July 2019 at the height of the protests. It also presented 161 publications, including Apple Daily articles, to the court as evidence of conspiracy to publish seditious materials, as well as social media posts and text messages. Lai testified for 52 days in his own defense, arguing that he had not called for foreign sanctions after the sweeping security law was imposed in June 2020. His legal team also argued for freedom of expression. As the trial progressed, Lai’s health appeared to be deteriorating. Lai’s lawyers in August told the court that he suffered from heart palpitations. His daughter Claire told The Associated Press that her father has become weaker and skinnier, and lost some of his nails and teeth. She also said he suffered from infections for months, along with constant back pain, diabetes, heart issues and high blood pressure. “His spirit is strong but his body is failing,” she said. Hong Kong’s government said no abnormalities were found during a medical examination that followed Lai's complaint of heart problems. It added this month that the medical services provided to him were “adequate and comprehensive.” Before sunrise, dozens of residents queued outside the court building to secure a courtroom seat. Former Apple Daily employee Tammy Cheung arrived at 5 a.m., saying she wanted to know about Lai's condition after reports of his health. She said she felt the process was being rushed since the verdict date was announced only last Friday, but added, “I’m relieved that this case can at least conclude soon.”

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Economic Times

Dec 15, 2025, 03:23 AM

Narendra Modi's Diplomatic Visits to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman: Strengthening Bilateral Ties

SynopsisPrime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman. The visits mark significant anniversaries in diplomatic ties. In Jordan, he will meet King Abdullah II and other leaders. In Ethiopia, he will address Parliament and meet Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. In Oman, discussions will focus on strengthening the strategic partnership.

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AIR News✓

Dec 15, 2025, 03:21 AM

Telangana Gram Panchayat Elections: Congress-Backed Candidates Maintain Winning Streak

In Telangana, the second phase of gram panchayat elections recorded an overall turnout of about 85.86 percent across the villages that went to the polls. Out of over 54.40 lakh voters in the second phase poll-bound panchayats, over 46.70 lakh voters exercised their franchise, which is 85.86 percent.The State Election Commission announced that, except for a few, results for all posts have been announced by the wee hours this morning. Election was held for 3,911 Surpanch and 29,917 ward members during the second phase.Meanwhile, the ruling Congress-backed candidates continued their winning streak, securing nearly two thousand Sarpanch posts in the second phase of the Gram Panchayat elections in the state, followed by the main Opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) supporters with nearly a thousand posts and BJP-backed candidates with about 300 posts, while others won around 450 posts.

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Republic World

Dec 15, 2025, 03:13 AM

India's PM Modi Embarks on Historic Visit to Ethiopia Amid Strengthened Bilateral Ties

Addis Ababa:With India set to chair the BRICS summit in 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Ethiopia marks a "very historic moment" that will strengthen bilateral ties and deepen cooperation on international issues, including UN reforms and BRICS agendas, said India's Ambassador to Ethiopia, Anil Kumar Rai. Speaking ahead of the Prime Minister's two-day state visit to the African country from December 16 to December 17, Ambassador Rai on Sunday highlighted the two countries' "long-standing, deep and friendly relationship" and their status as important partners on international issues, noting that both are members of the BRICS grouping. "India and Ethiopia are two civilisational countries, and we have a very long-standing, deep and friendly relationship. PM Narendra Modi will be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ethiopia in the last 15 years. So this is a very historic moment for us and we see that there is a big and rich agenda on which the discussions will take place. It will strengthen the cooperation at the bilateral level. Both countries are members of BRICS. And we are very important partners when it comes to cooperating on international issues, such as UN reforms and regional issues, and also there are agendas which we discuss at the regional level, particularly at the level of BRICS. India is going to be the chair of BRICS in 2026, with Ethiopia being an important member. So all those issues will come up during the discussions," the Ambassador said. India is one of the founding members of the formal grouping. The organisation was first formalised at the BRIC Foreign Ministers meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York in 2006, with the first summit taking place in Russia in 2009. Following South Africa's inclusion in the organisation in 2010, the group was expanded to BRICS. Ethiopia officially joined BRICS in January 2024, following an invitation in August 2023 under South Africa's chairmanship. Along with Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and the UAE became the full members of the grouping. Rai further stated that multiple sectors are under discussion, and the visit's outcomes are expected to be shared with the media on the evening of December 16. "We are under discussion in multiple sectors, and we expect a good outcome from this visit, which will be conveyed to the media on the evening of the 16th," he added. PM Modi will be in Ethiopia for a two-day state visit, during the second leg of his three-nation visit following his visit to Jordan. He will be in the African nation at the invitation of Ethiopia's Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali.

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The Indian Express

Dec 15, 2025, 03:07 AM

BJP Accuses TMC of Misusing Lionel Messi's Visit for Election Propaganda

As Kolkata picked up the pieces after the chaotic Lionel Messi event at Salt Lake stadium on Saturday, the OppositionBJP has accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC)of misusing the football icon for its election propaganda ahead of the next year’s Assembly polls in the state. Leader of Opposition in Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday demanded acourt-monitored investigation, and arrest of TMC ministers Aroop Biswas and Sujit Bose. The party also demanded a refund of the “exorbitant” ticket prices, including a Rs 200 water bottle that was sold at the stadium. “The Trinamool Congress tried to forcefully use Messi for election propaganda, like ripening mangoes with carbide… They treated Messi as their personal property. Just months before elections, they tried to misuse people’s emotional attachment to football. We are ashamed. We appeal to turn the wave of condemnation that has been ongoing since yesterday into a movement of protest,” Adhikari said at a press conference, where he was accompanied byAll India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey.

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Deccan Herald

Dec 15, 2025, 02:47 AM

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Skips Lunch Amid Power Tussle in Congress

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing power tussle in the Karnataka Congress, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday skipped a lunch hosted by the Congress top brass in the national capital ahead of the mega “Vote Chori” rally at Ramlila Maidan, raising eyebrows among the party high command. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hosted the lunch for Congress Working Committee members and other senior leaders at Indira Bhavan, the Congress headquarters, at 1 pm. All top leaders, including senior leader Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, and others, were present. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is also the KPCC president, attended it. Though invitations were extended to all Congress-ruled state chief ministers, including from Karnataka, Siddaramaiah skipped the lunch. As planned, after the lunch, all leaders proceeded to the rally ground in a show of strength. While the CM was not available for comment on skipping the lunch, the party leadership also made no statement. However, a senior Congress leader in Delhi said the conspicuous absence of Siddaramaiah could also be seen as an attempt by the Karnataka CM to send a signal to party leadership in the midst of the ongoing tussle with his deputy on leadership change. According to the schedule, the CM was supposed to leave HAL Airport in Bengaluru on a chartered flight at 10 am on Sunday and land in Delhi at 12.30 pm. However, the flight took off at 10.30 am, landed at 1 pm, and he reached Karnataka Bhavan at 2 pm. At Karnataka Bhavan, he had lunch as per his minute-to-minute programme. After lunch, he went straight to the rally at Ramlila Maidan. After the event, he drove directly to the airport and boarded a special flight at 5. 15 pm for Belagavi without meeting any leaders. Interestingly, though Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy not only attended the lunch but also addressed the rally. Several state presidents also spoke at the event. Both Siddaramaiah or Shivakumar did not address the Ramlila Maidaan rally. Shivakumar, who arrived in the national capital on Saturday, was seen actively mingling with other leaders during the lunch. He even stayed back in Delhi and met Congress General Secretary (in-charge of Karnataka) Randeep Singh Surjewala. Earlier this month, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal held a closed-door meeting with Siddaramaiah in Mangaluru. Following that, Sonia Gandhi also deliberated with top leaders on Karnataka developments. However, Venugopal said that the party’s high command will discuss this issue again.

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The Indian Express

Dec 15, 2025, 02:31 AM

Supreme Court Intervenes in Kerala University VCs' Appointment Dispute

Days after the Supreme Court intervened to end the deadlock between Kerala’s Governor and Chief Minister in the appointment of vice chancellors in two universities, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Sunday said that the health of a democracy’s functioning depends upon institutions “knowing and respecting” their limits. Hearing a matter pertaining to the appointment of VCs of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University and the University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked a committee headed by retired Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia to recommend names for the posts of the VCs in these universities. The court intervention came amid a deadlock between the Governor and the government, who had been unable to reach a consensus on the matter. The Governor had moved the top court, challenging the order of the division bench of the Kerala High Court disposing of a plea filed against a single judge’s order setting aside the November 27, 2024, notification appointing Professor K Sivaprasad of Cochin University of Science and Technology as Vice Chancellor of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University.

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Financial Express

Dec 15, 2025, 02:22 AM

US Air Force Refueling Plane Nearly Collides with JetBlue Flight Over Caribbean

On Friday, the pilot of a JetBlue flight reported narrowly avoiding a midair collision with a US Air Force refuelling plane over the Caribbean. The pilot said the military plane crossed right in front of his aircraft, without broadcasting its position. “We almost had a midair collision up here,” the JetBlue pilot said, according to a recording of his conversation with air traffic control, CNN reported. “They passed directly in our flight path… They don’t have their transponder turned on, it’s outrageous.” The details of the flight have come to light. The near-miss involved JetBlue Flight 1112, which was travelling from Curaçao, a small island about 40 miles off the coast of Venezuela, to New York City ’s John F. Kennedy Airport. About twenty minutes after takeoff, the plane suddenly levelled off midclimb, according to flight tracking data. The pilot later explained to air traffic control that he had to stop the plane from climbing to cruising altitude to avoid hitting the tanker. He said the Air Force plane was only two or three miles away, which is less than 20 seconds of flying time at its speed. It’s not clear whether the pilot saw the tanker visually or was alerted by the plane’s sensors. The pilot said, “We just had traffic pass directly in front of us within 5 miles — maybe 2 or 3 miles — but it was an air-to-air refueler from the United States Air Force, and he was at our altitude. We had to stop our climb.” He also mentioned that the Air Force plane then went into Venezuelan airspace. The air traffic controller in Curaçao told the pilot that the tanker was not visible on radar either. “There’s been outrageous unidentified aircraft within our airspace,” he said, suggesting this was part of a growing trend. The next night, according to the NYT, controllers warned at least three other flights, including American Airlines and Delta, to watch for unidentified aircraft nearby. These warnings appeared to refer to planes flying without their transponders. Recordings of these transmissions were shared on LiveATC.net, a website that streams air traffic control radio. Derek Dombrowski, a JetBlue spokesperson, said on Sunday: “We have reported this incident to federal authorities and will participate in any investigation. Our crewmembers are trained on proper procedures for various flight situations, and we appreciate our crew for promptly reporting this situation to our leadership team,” according to CNN. Last month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned US aircraft to “exercise caution” when flying in Venezuelan airspace because of “the worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela.” In recent weeks, the Caribbean skies have become busier as the US military has increased operations near Venezuela. Military planes are flying missions from Puerto Rico , the US Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, and from the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford. Several Air Force tankers recently arrived in the Dominican Republic under an agreement allowing US forces to operate from the country to fight drug trafficking. Since early September, the US has carried out airstrikes on boats suspected of carrying drugs. 80 people have died so far.

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Odisha TV

Dec 15, 2025, 02:20 AM

Congress Expels Former MLA Mohammed Moquim for Anti-Party Activities

Mohammed Moquim Photograph: (File) Former MLA Mohammed Moquim has been expelled from the Indian National Congress (INC) for alleged anti-party activities. With this decision, Moquim has also been removed from the party’s primary membership. The action was taken following a proposal by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Das, which has received approval from the All India Congress Committee (AICC).

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Siasat News✓

Dec 15, 2025, 02:16 AM

Congress Sweeps Gram Panchayat Elections in Telangana, Secures Majority of Seats

Hyderabad:Continuing its impressive performance in Gram Panchayat elections in Telangana, ruling Congress party won majority of seats in the second phase. Out of 4,333 Sarpanch posts for which elections were held on Sunday, Congress-backed candidates bagged 2,216 seats. The main opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) stood second with 1,177 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was distant third with 259 seats. Independents and others won 619 seats. Results were declared for 4,271 seats till 11 p.m. on Sunday. Polling was held on Sunday for 3,911 Sarpanch posts and 29,917 Ward Member posts in 193 mandals. The polling, which began at 7 a.m. under tight security, concluded at 1 p.m. The counting of votes was taken up from 2 p.m. Out of 57.22 lakh voters (29.26 lakh female and 27.96 lakh male), 85.86 percent cast their votes to decide the fate of 12,782 candidates for Sarpanch posts and 71,071 for Ward Member posts. Under the second phase of elections, the State Election commission (SEC) had issued notification for 4,333 Sarpanch posts and 38,350 Ward Member posts. Of them candidates for 415 Sarpanch and 8,307 Ward Members were elected unopposed. No nominations were filed for 108 Ward Member posts. Elections were not conducted in two Gram Panchayats and 18 Wards. The SEC had deployed 4,593 returning officers, 30,661 employees for conducting the second phase of elections. A total of 2,489 micro-observers were appointed to oversee the poll process. The first phase polls were held on December 11 and 3,834 Sarpanches, 27,346 Ward Members and 3,347 Upa Sarpanches were elected. While 56,19,430 were registered voters, 45,15,141 exercised their franchise registering 84.28 percent turnout. The ruling Congress party claimed sweeping lead in the first phase with the victory of 2,864 Congress-backed candidates in the Sarpanch elections. Congress-supported candidates won 67.63 per cent of the total 4,235 sarpanch seats. BRS-backed candidates won 1,143 seats (26.99 per cent), BJP-supported candidates bagged 185 seats (4.37 per cent), while independents and others accounted for 43 seats (1.02 per cent). As per the notification issued by the State Election Commission last month, the panchayat elections will be held in three phases on December 11, 14 and 17 for 12,728 Sarpanch posts and 1,12,242 Ward Member posts. A total 1.66 crore votes in rural areas are eligible to cast their votes in these elections. The Telangana Cabinet last month decided to conduct only Gram Panchayat elections in December as the Rs 3,000 crore grant, which should come from the Centre, will lapse by March 31, 2026. Elections for Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs), Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs) and municipal corporations will be held after the High Court’s final orders on 42 per cent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs). In October, the High Court struck down a government order providing 42 per cent reservation for BCs in local bodies but allowed conduct of the elections with a 50 per cent cap on total reservation for all sections.

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Economic Times

Dec 15, 2025, 02:12 AM

Chile's Rightward Shift: Jose Antonio Kast Wins Presidential Election with Tough Immigration Stance

SynopsisJose Antonio Kast won Chile’s presidential election with 58% of the vote, defeating leftist Jeannette Jara and marking Chile’s sharpest shift to the right since 1990. Kast campaigned on tough stances on crime and immigration, including building border walls, deploying the military to high-crime areas, and deporting undocumented migrants.

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News18✓

Dec 15, 2025, 02:10 AM

Apple Releases iOS 26.2 Update with New Features and Improvements

After a slew of beta versions, Apple has rolled out the iOS 26.2 update for iPhone users who get a wide range of features and improvements to existing tools. The Liquid Glass design made its debut with the iOS 26 update and the version .2 looks to bring further tweaks to the interface for those who don’t like their iPhones being very glassy. In addition to this, Apple has added all the beta-centric features for everyone and the details are clear with the release notes for the iOS 26.2 update as Apple looks to offer a glitch-free experience. iOS 26.2 Update: How To Install And iPhones Supported iOS 26.2 update is available over-the-air which makes it easy to install if you have the eligible iPhone. iOS 26.2 update is available for iPhone 11 or later models, while the Apple AI features are limited to iPhone 15 Pro and higher models. iOS 26.2 Update: What Features You Get Apple’s new iOS 26.2 update comes around 470 MB if you have been on the public beta version over the last few years. Here are the full details from the iOS 26.2 release notes Apple Music Favorite Songs playlist appears in Top Picks on the home tab Offline lyrics for downloaded songs so you can view them without an internet connection Podcasts Automatically generated chapters make it easier to navigate episodes Links to mentioned podcasts let you see and follow other podcasts mentioned in the episode you’re listening to directly from the player and transcript Games Filters in the Games library let you find games by category, size, and more In-game challenge score banners provide real time updates when someone new has taken the lead Improved support for connected controllers such as Backbone and Razer In addition to these changes, you also the the following improvements: Additional Lock Screen time customization option lets you further adjust its appearance, giving the Liquid Glass material more or less opacity Enhanced Safety Alerts can inform you about imminent threats such as floods, natural disasters, and other emergencies, with rich information like a map of affected areas and links to additional safety guidance (available in the U.S.) Alarms for Reminders help you stay on top of urgent tasks, and provide snooze and Live Activity support if you’re not ready to check the reminder off AirDrop codes offer an additional layer of verification when using AirDrop with unknown contacts by providing a code on the receiver’s device that the sender must enter to complete the transfer Apple News Section links at the top of the Today feed offer easy navigation to popular topics like Sports, Politics, Business, and Food Multipack accessory pairing in the Home app lets you use the same setup code to easily enroll multiple accessories when sold together Flash for alerts in Accessibility Settings offers the additional option to have the device screen flash when you receive a notification Tables in Freeform can hold text, images, documents, and drawings, with cells that intelligently resize to fit, bringing structure to the infinite canvas Swipe Left For Next Video Fixes an issue where pre-release albums in the Apple Music library were not immediately playable at their release time

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Times of India

Dec 15, 2025, 02:05 AM

Congress Expels Former MLA Mohammed Moquim Over Anti-Party Activities

NEW DELHI: The Congress party on Monday expelled former MLA Mohammed Moquim from the party days after he wrote to Sonia Gandhi urging the removal of party president Mallikarjun Kharge on the grounds that “age is not on his side.” Congress cited "anti-party activities" as the reason behind his expulsion, however, it refrained from specifying such acts."This is for the information of all concerned that AICC has approved the proposal for the expulsion of Sri Md. Moquim from the primary membership of the party, due to anti-party activities," the notice issued by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) said.Moquim had written to Sonia, urging her that the party should consider bringing forward "young leaders", adding that the Grand Old Party was going through a "difficult phase"."I have written a letter to Sonia Gandhi stating that the party is going through a difficult phase and needs her advice and new leadership... Age is not on AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge's side... We should bring forward young leaders. I know that Sonia ji and the CWC members will definitely discuss this.... Nuapada by-elections were concerning," he had said.The 60-year-old received criticism for the letter as OPCC chief Bhakta Das went on to equate his remarks as one aligned with the BJP.“Those who challenge the party leadership should immediately join the BJP,” he said on Sunday.What the letter saidAddressed to Sonia Gandhi, Moquim’s letter pointed out party’s recent electoral defeats in Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Kashmir and blamed a "series of wrong decisions, misguided leadership choices"."The recent outcomes in Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Kashmir, where our defeats were by staggering margins, are not just electoral setbacks; they reflect a deeper organisational disconnect," the letter said."A series of wrong decisions, misguided leadership choices, and the continued concentration of responsibility in the wrong hands have weakened the Party from within. Rather than correcting these errors, we appear to be repeating them and the consequences are now visible to the entire nation," the letter added.The letter further questioned whether the "responsibilities being entrusted to the right people"."Painful questions are being raised: Are decisions being made with seriousness? Are responsibilities being entrusted to the right people? Does the leadership fully grasp the gravity of this crisis, or are we allowing the Party's decline to continue unchecked, with decisions remaining in the wrong hands?" he questioned.The Bharatiya Janata Party was quick to react to the "internal rift" with Shehzad Poonawalla saying, "Team Priyanka vs team Rahul out in the open now Internal rift in Congress out! Senior Congress leader from Odisha Writes to Sonia Gandhi: Says Kharge Hatao ,Priyanka Lao;Hits out at state and central leadership Odisha leader Mohammed Moquim has questioned the leadership crisis nationally and called for deep structural, organisational and ideological renewal for the party’s revival.He notes a “deep and growing disconnect” between the Congress leadership and Indian youth, saying that under the current leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge, who is 83, the party has been unable to resonate with the youth."Moquim’s past controversiesThis was not Moquim’s first brush with controversy. He was suspended on July 15, 2023, for questioning Pattanaik’s leadership, a decision that was later withdrawn on January 23, 2024, ahead of the simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.Earlier, he had received a show-cause notice for cross-voting in support of NDA presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu in July 2022. The former Barabati–Cuttack MLA, who was elected for the first time and whose seat is now held by his daughter Sofia Firdous, was disqualified from contesting the 2024 elections after being convicted in a state vigilance case on September 29, 2022.

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Times of India

Dec 15, 2025, 01:39 AM

Zelensky Offers Compromise on Ukraine's NATO Bid Amid Talks with US Envoys

Berlin: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday voiced readiness to drop his country’s bid to join Nato in exchange for Western security guarantees, but rejected the US push for ceding territory to Russia as he held talks with US envoys on ending the war.Zelensky sat down with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Zelensky posted pictures of the negotiating table with German chancellor Friedrich Merz sitting next to him.Responding to journalists’ questions, Zelensky said that since the US and some European nations had rejected Ukraine’s push to join Nato, Kyiv expects the West to offer a set of guarantees similar to those offered to the alliance members.“These security guarantees are an opportunity to prevent another wave of Russian aggression,” he said. “And this is already a compromise on our part.”Zelensky said that the US had floated an idea for Ukraine to withdraw from the Donetsk and create a demilitarised free economic zone there, a proposal he rejected as unworkable. “I do not consider this fair, because who will manage this economic zone?” he said. “If we are talking about some buffer zone along the line of contact and we believe that only a police mission should be there and troops should withdraw, then the question is simple.If Ukrainian troops withdraw 5–10 kilometers, for example, then why do Russian troops not withdraw by the same distance?”However, Putin’s foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov told the business daily Kommersant that Russian police and national guard would stay in parts of the Donetsk region even if they become a demilitarised zone. Ushakov warned that a search for compromise could take a long time, noting that the US plan had been “worsened” by alterations proposed by Kyiv.

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Times of India

Dec 15, 2025, 01:38 AM

BJP Appoints Nitin Nabin As Working President, Paving Way For His Election As National President

.New Delhi: As far as dark horses go,Nitin Nabin's elevation in the BJP organisation was as big a surprise as they come. The BJP parliamentary board on Sunday named the 45-year-old minister in the Bihar govt its working president, putting him on track to become the youngest to helm the party, though with considerable experience as a five-term MLA..His appointment is being seen as a precursor to his eventual election as the party's national president in place of JP Nadda once the polling process is unveiled. The generous praise heaped on him by its brass, led by PM Narendra Modi, made it all but certain.Bihar Minister Nitin Nabin Appointed National Working President Of BJPNabin's rise bears an unmistakable imprint of Modi, who is known for his out-of-box approach on weighty issues of governance and politics, andAmit Shah, and marks another generational change at the apex of BJP's organisation, which underwent its first round of transformation after Modi's elevation as the party's mascot in 2013, with Shah in 2014 and Nadda in 2020 being entrusted with the organisational leadership.Modi praised him on X, saying, "Nitin Nabin has made his distinct identity as a dedicated worker. He is a young and hardworking leader who has a considerable organisational experience. His work as an MLA and minister in Bihar has been very effective, and he has worked with complete dedication to fulfil people's aspirations. He is known for his humble nature and grassroots work."

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First Post

Dec 15, 2025, 12:37 AM

Australian Opposition Leader Condemns Government's Failure to Prevent Bondi Beach Attack

Australia’s Leader of the Opposition,Sussan Ley, called out the Albanese government over its failure to prevent the devastatingBondi Beachattack from happening. Ley on Sunday called out Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for “failing” to protect the jews in Australia. She emphasised that there has been a “palpable anger” in the community and a sense of “bewilderment”. The remarks from the Australian politician came after 16 people, plus one of the two gunmen, were killed in theBondi Beach attack. 38 others were also left injured after two gunmen opened fire at a park near Bondi Beach, where people were gathered to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah. “Antisemitism in Australia has been left to fester. We have seen a clear failure to keep Jewish Australians safe. We have seen a clear lack of leadership in keeping Jewish Australians safe. We have a government that sees antisemitism as a problem to be managed, not evil that needs to be eradicated,” Ley said in her statement condemning the attack. “We’ve seen synagogues fire-bombed, orchestrated by foreign terrorist states. Every single day for the last two years, the lives of Jewish Australians have been made harder by this rising tide of antisemitism,” she added. The Australian leader of the opposition urgedPM Albaneseto do whatever it takes to protect the jews of the country. “The prime minister has told Jewish Australians that he will do whatever it takes to deal with antisemitism. He must start today by committing to implementing all of the recommendations in his antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal’s report,” she said. While speaking at a press conference in Sydney on Sunday, Ley said that the day will be “burnt in the nation’s soul”. “It was the darkest day since thePort Arthur massacrein April 1996. Australians will remember where they were on the day of the Bondi massacre, and they will remember the feelings of overwhelming disbelief and shock that they felt. Those who saw the murderous massacre firsthand and lost loved ones will be changed forever,” she said. “I sought an assurance from the prime minister that I would receive the necessary security briefings from our agencies and police, and I was told that would happen today,” she added, paying tribute to the first responders and bystanders who stepped into danger and saved the lives of the people. Meanwhile, Shadow Minister Julian Leeser and Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonathon Duniam both noted in the same press conference that the “attack shouldn’t have happened” in the first place. Leeser, who is a Jewish MP, tells the public to imagine Hanukkah by the Sea is like “carols by candlelight”. “[There are] children on rides and people eating sugary food, dancing, music and prayers,” he said. Meanwhile, Duniam says this attack “should never have happened” and that it could have been avoided. “We didn’t have to come to this. Over the last two years, there have been countless warning signs to our country, to our leaders, about things that need to be addressed. Reports have been compiled, recommendations provided by the special envoy to antisemitism, and those things haven’t been acted upon,” he averred. “As an opposition, we will work with the government to provide whatever support is necessary to put in place measures that prevent this sort of thing from ever happening again … It is unacceptable that it has come to this, and leadership needs to be shown now. We can’t wait another day,” he added. It is pertinent to note that the Australian government has already declared the attack as “an act of terror”. The incident is still under investigation. A mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach left at least 10 dead and several injured, with two gunmen opening fire on a crowd of up to 2,000 people. Australian PM Anthony Albanese called the incident "shocking and distressing" and urged people to follow police instructions as authorities respond. Get the latest stories delivered straight to your inbox.

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AIR News✓

Dec 15, 2025, 12:31 AM

BJP Appoints Nitin Nabin as National Working President

The BJP Parliamentary Board has appointed Bihar minister and five-time MLA Nitin Nabin as the National Working President of the party with immediate effect. Widely regarded as an organisational leader, Mr Nabin currently represents the Bankipur Assembly constituency in Patna district and holds the Road Construction portfolio in the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government.Mr Nabin is the son of veteran BJP leader and former MLA late Nabin Kishore Prasad Sinha. At 45, Mr Nabin is the youngest Working President in the party’s history and the first BJP leader from Bihar to be appointed to the post.With nearly two decades of organisational experience, Mr Nabin has held several key roles within the party, including Bihar President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and the BJP’s election in-charge for Chhattisgarh.

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Times of India

Dec 15, 2025, 12:24 AM

NDA Set to Rule Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Bringing New Era of Development

Thiruvananthapuram: Expectations are running high among residents as NDA is all set to rule the city corporation for the next five years, bringing an end to decades of LDF dominance.With NDA also in power at the Centre, stakeholders believe the city will benefit from smoother implementation of centrally funded projects and quicker approvals for long-pending infrastructure initiatives.A key focus area for the new council is expected to be the second phase of the Smart City Mission, which places strong emphasis on scientific and technology-driven waste management. Under City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS) 2.0 framework, Thiruvananthapuram was selected for a comprehensive waste management overhaul, including the establishment of refuse-derived fuel plants, modern material recovery facilities, IT-enabled collection systems and recycling infrastructure aimed at reducing landfill dependence.The project, supported by central funding, is viewed as crucial to address the city's long-standing waste disposal challenges.Flood mitigation is another priority area where residents expect decisive intervention. The city witnessed repeated flooding during monsoons, exposing weaknesses in stormwater drainage systems. Civic groups hope that central assistance earmarked for flood mitigation projects will be released and implemented without delays, enabling large-scale drainage redevelopment and climate-resilient infrastructure.by Taboolaby TaboolaSponsored LinksSponsored LinksPromoted LinksPromoted LinksYou May LikeNita Ambani unveils an innovative treehouse at Nita Mukesh...UndoFeeling of being cheated refuses to go awayThe Times of IndiaUndoWith access to national urban missions and schemes such as Amrut 2.0 and Swachh Bharat Urban, NDA-led corporation is expected to push for integrated solutions to these problems.Major infrastructure projects are also back in focus, especially the Metro Rail project. The project, which received alignment approval for Phase I, is awaiting final clearance from the Centre. Residents and industry bodies have reiterated the need to exempt the population criterion of 20 lakh for Metro eligibility, citing the capital's administrative importance, expanding urban footprint and rising commuter demand.Preparatory works such as flyovers and road widening are already under way, raising hopes that the Metro project will gain momentum in the coming months.The Federation of Residents' Associations Thiruvananthapuram (Frat) welcomed the election results and expressed optimism over the easier implementation of development projects. Frat chief patron M S Venugopal said residents expect faster execution of long-pending proposals and demanded the establishment of a dedicated medcity by integrating Ulloor, Kumarapuram, Kannammoola and the Medical College areas.He also called for the creation of a permanent protest venue at Palayam to avoid frequent demonstrations in front of the Secretariat, which often disrupt traffic and public movement. The Frat will soon meet BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar with a list of key projects that need to be implemented.Industry bodies have echoed similar expectations. Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) president S N Raghuchandran Nair said NDA's biggest advantage lies in its access to central funding and national urban missions."If effectively utilised, this can transform Thiruvananthapuram into a modern, globally connected capital with robust infrastructure, improved mobility and sustainable urban systems," he said.TCCI has already submitted a memorandum to BJP state president, seeking implementation of various projects. The memorandum highlights a key proposal to declare Thiruvananthapuram a metropolitan city and form a state capital region (SCR) encompassing adjoining districts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, aimed at accelerating regional growth and investment.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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