Month: December 2025

India hasn’t officially expressed concern, but is signalling it through its actions over an anti-Indian march to the High Commission in Bangladesh.

In light of the prevailing security situation, the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Dhaka will close earlier than its usual closing time on Wednesday.

“In view of the ongoing security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC JFP Dhaka will be closed at 2 pm today”, IVAC said in a notification on its website.

All applicants who were scheduled to submit their applications today will have their appointments rescheduled to a later date.

The IVAC located at Jamuna Future Park (JFP) in Dhaka serves as the principal integrated centre for all Indian visa services in the capital.

July Oikyo, a hardline group, will hold a program on Wednesday titled “March to Indian High Commission” to demand the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal who were sentenced to death for crimes against humanity during the July uprising in 2024.

The event is scheduled to take place at 3 pm on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner, M Riaz Hamidullah, over concerns regarding the security of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka after a threat was received.

The summons came on the heels of anti-India rhetoric by National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah, who had made a public speech threatening to isolate the Seven Sisters and providing refuge to Northeast separatists if Bangladesh is destabilised. Abdullah is known for his strong anti-India stand. (ANI)

Congress leader and former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan remains defiant on his statement questioning the Indian forces on Operation Sindoor. Chavan had claimed that India was defeated on day one of Operation Sindoor

When questioned about the opposition to his statement, Prithviraj Chavan remained defiant saying, “Why will I apologise? It is out of the question. The Constitution gives me the right to ask questions.”

Meanwhile, BJP MP Brij Lal on Wednesday condemned Chavan’s statement on Operation Sindoor and alleged that the Congress has always been on the side of Pakistan. He further asserted that the party has consistently humiliated the country.

The BJP MP further alleged that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, consistently insults India during his visits to abroad.

“I strongly condemn this statement. The Congress party has always been pro-Pakistani. This Congress party has always humiliated the country. Their leader, Rahul Gandhi, whenever he goes abroad, insults India…The whole country is watching, and the public will teach Congress a lesson,” Lal told ANI.

Additionally, BJP National Spokesperson CR Kesavan also slammed Chavan’s statement. Reacting to these statements, Kesavan alleged that Chavan’s remarks sounded like those of a third-grade Pakistani spokesperson.

The BJP National Spokesperson also demanded action against the Congress leader and called for an apology for Chavan’s remarks.

“Prithviraj Chavan has ranted like a third-grade Pakistani spokesperson, deliberately maligning our armed forces, calling them to be disbanded on Vijay Diwas… Why has Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi not condemned and initiated action against Prithviraj Chavan? Do they agree with his preposterous statement?… Congress has an anti-army mindset… The Supreme Court rebuked Rahul Gandhi for his remarks against the army… Chavan’s statement will neither be forgotten nor forgiven by the people… Action must be initiated against him for this shameful remark and he should tender an apology…,” Kesavan told ANI.

Earlier, Chavan claimed that India was defeated on the first day of Operation Sindoor and Indian aircraft were shot down during the four-day conflict.

The Congress leader said, “On the first day (of Operation Sindoor), we were completely defeated. In the half-hour aerial engagement that took place on the 7th, we were fully defeated, whether people accept it or not. Indian aircraft were shot down. The Air Force was completely grounded, and not a single aircraft flew. If any aircraft had taken off from Gwalior, Bathinda, or Sirsa, there was a high probability of being shot down by Pakistan, which is why the Air Force was fully grounded.”

Furthermore, he questioned the need to maintain large military forces, stating that wars will be fought in the air.

“Recently, we saw during Operation Sindoor, there was not even a one-kilometre movement of the military. Whatever happened over two or three days was only an aerial war and missile warfare. In the future, too, wars will be fought in the same way. In such a situation, do we really need to maintain an army of 12 lakh soldiers, or can we make they do some other work?” he said.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people lost their lives. Pakistan retaliated, leading to a conflict from May 7 to 10. During the Operation, Indian said that it had killed over 100 terrorists in just 23 minutes using Rafale jets, SCALP missiles, and HAMMER bombs. (ANI)

Filmmaker Karan Johar is “over the moon” following his production – ‘Homebound’ inching a step closer to the revered Academy Award.

After the film was shortlisted and advanced to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, Karan Johar took to his social media handle and penned a heartfelt note.

“I am not sure I can articulate how proud, elated and over the moon I am with the journey of #HOMEBOUND… all of us @dharmamovies are privileged to have this proud and important film in our filmography … thank you,” he wrote.

In a special shoutout to director Neeraj Ghaywan, Johar thanked the latter for bringing several dreams to reality.

“@neeraj.ghaywan for making so many dreams of ours come true… from Cannes to being on the Oscar shortlist this has been such an overwhelming journey! Love to the entire cast and crew and teams of this special special film!!!!!!!!! Upwards and onwards…….. #HOMEBOUND streaming now on @netflix_in,” he added.

As announced by the Academy, Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa starrer ‘Homebound’ has been selected among the 15 films that have become eligible for the final nominations in the International Feature Film category at the Oscars 2026.

“Fifteen films will advance to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category for the 98th Academy Awards. Films from 86 countries or regions were eligible in the category,” read the website of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).

Among them, ‘Homebound’ has been shortlisted alongside Argentina’s ‘Belen’, Brazil’s ‘The Secret Agent’, France’s ‘It Was Just an Accident’, Germany’s ‘Sound of Falling’, and others.

‘Homebound’ follows childhood friends Shoaib (Ishaan Khatter) and Chandan (Vishal Jethwa), whose shared dream of joining the police force shapes their lives, with Janhvi Kapoor adding emotional depth to a story grounded in friendship, duty, and the pressures facing young India.

Earlier this year, ‘Homebound’ received major accolades across film festivals and award shows. (ANI)

The Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of the suo moto case it had initiated to monitor the investigation and other issues, including the formation of a National Task Force (NTF) in connection with the rape of a trainee doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, to the Calcutta High Court.

A bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma has also directed that a copy of the status report of the investigation carried out by the CBI in the matter be handed over to the parents of the deceased victim, after the counsel representing them, Senior Advocate Karuna Nundy, sought the same.

The bench verbally noted that it’s better for the Calcutta High Court to take up these issues, as it is already monitoring the matter.

“It’s better for the High Court to monitor and do things”, the bench said.

Earlier, on Sunday, the victim’s father expressed concerns over delays in the investigation and alleged administrative lapses.

Discussing the status of the CBI investigation, he said the probe into the case remains incomplete despite repeated assurances.

He stated, “The lower Court had asked for details, after which CBI submitted a status report. In the report, they say the same thing as before: it is a larger conspiracy in which they have arrested Sandip Ghosh and Abhijit Mondal. It has been three months since the Director kept saying they would file the chargesheet, but they haven’t done so yet. We have collected many clues.”

Furthermore, he alleged that the local police mishandled the case from the beginning.

“The CBI is not putting it forward. We have asked it to be presented before the Court. Tala PS Police had received information about this case much before and moved the body from the incident site to the seminar room,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder incident occurred on August 9, 2024, when a 31-year-old female postgraduate trainee doctor was found dead in a seminar room on campus. The case led to widespread protests and outrage across the country, with many demanding justice for the victim. (ANI)

The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah and apprised him of India’s strong concerns at the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh.

According to an MEA statement, the Bangladesh High Commissioner’s attention was drawn, in particular, to the activities of some extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka.

The MEA said, “India completely rejects the false narrative sought to be created by extremist elements regarding certain recent events in Bangladesh. It is unfortunate that the interim government has neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared meaningful evidence with India regarding the incidents.”

“India has close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh rooted in the liberation struggle, and strengthened through various developmental and people-to-people initiatives. We are in favour of peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections, conducted in a peaceful atmosphere,” the MEA added.

The MEA further said that it expected the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations.

The summons come on the heels of events like the anti-India rhetoric by National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah who had made a public speech threatening to isolate the Seven Sisters and providing refuge to Northeast separatists if Bangladesh is destabilised. Abdullah is known for his strong anti-India stand.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s Victory Day was celebrated with a cultural program at the Embassy of Bangladesh in Delhi, India. High Commissioner M Riaz Hamidullah emphasised Bangladesh’s commitment to fulfilling its people’s aspirations, particularly those of the younger generation, and highlighted the country’s young population.

Hamidullah stressed that Bangladesh and India share a mutually beneficial relationship, with a focus on prosperity, peace, and regional security. He noted the two countries’ mutual interdependence, underscoring the importance of their partnership.

He said, “The whole of Bangladesh, and all of us, are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of our people, especially the younger generation. We have a very young demography… We believe our relationship with India is in our shared interest. We have mutual interdependence… We are fully focused on prosperity, peace, and security in the region.”

The event showcased Bangladesh’s culture and heritage, celebrating its liberation and independence. The High Commissioner’s remarks reflected Bangladesh’s dedication to advancing its people’s interests and strengthening ties with India. (ANI)

The Indian Army has received the remaining three Boeing Apache attack helicopters, which will soon join the Army’s 451 Army Aviation Squadron based in Jodhpur.

According to the Army, the helicopters will be deployed in Jodhpur after assembly, joint inspections and completion of other formalities in the coming days. The helicopters were brought to India aboard an Antonov An-124 aircraft.

India had earlier received the initial three Apache helicopters in July this year, while the remaining arrived on Tuesday.

The Indian Army’s Apache helicopters made their debut during Exercise Maru Jwala earlier this year. Exercise Maru Jwala was part of the larger tri-services drill, Exercise Trishul.

The Army is steadily expanding its firepower in the attack helicopter domain and is also set to induct 90 homegrown Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand. The Army Aviation Corps also operates the weapon systems-integrated version of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), known as Rudra.

An earlier statement from the Army on the Aviation Corps’ raising day said that the induction of the helicopters is expected to significantly enhance the strike and reconnaissance capabilities of the Army Aviation Corps.

The deliveries took place after delays. As per earlier reports, the first batch was expected to arrive around February or March. However, the first helicopters arrived only in July.

Earlier timelines had suggested that deliveries of all six helicopters would begin in 2023. This was later pushed to 2024, followed by further delays.

After receiving the initial batch, the Indian Army formally inducted the Apache helicopters into its aviation fleet.

In a post on X, the Indian Army termed the induction a “milestone moment” and said that the arrival of the platforms would “bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Army significantly.”

The Indian Air Force already operates a fleet of 22 Apache helicopters, which are deployed in Ladakh and western sectors.

The Apache helicopter can carry a range of weapons, including air-to-ground Hellfire missiles, 70 mm Hydra rockets and air-to-air Stinger missiles. It is also equipped with a 30 mm chain gun with 1,200 rounds as part of its area weapon subsystem.

The helicopter is fitted with the Longbow fire control radar. Boeing has said that the Apache is the only attack helicopter in the world with a fire control radar that provides 360-degree coverage, along with a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision operations.

The Boeing AH-64E is the most advanced configuration of the Apache and is designed for the Multi-Domain Operations battlefield. The AH-64E Version 6 includes upgrades to sensors, software and weapons performance.

Designed for interoperability within the Multi-Domain Operations ecosystem, the AH-64E v6 is built to operate in highly contested and complex battle spaces. It integrates onboard and offboard sensors, long-range stand-off weapons and network connectivity to support joint operations.

The AH-64E v6 is described as a fully integrated attack helicopter optimised for modern battlefield requirements. (ANI)

The owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, brothers Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, landed in Goa on Wednesday from Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi after a Delhi court granted them a 48-hour transit remand. They will be taken to Arjuna Police Station before being produced in a local court, where authorities are expected to seek an extension of their custody.

The Goa Police arrested the accused brothers after they were deported from Thailand. The fire at the Arpora nightclub on December 6 claimed 25 lives and led to criminal proceedings against the club owners over alleged negligence and violation of mandatory safety norms.

After the deportation from Thailand, the Goa police then sought transit remand of the nightclub owners, telling the Delhi court that a deadly fire broke out after a firework event was organised at the club without proper fire safety equipment and other essential safety gadgets. The police said the custodial presence of the accused in Goa was required at a critical stage of the investigation.

Placing its submissions before the Patiala House Court, the Goa Police said the accused are the main owners and partners of ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ in North Goa’s Arpora area and had ultimate control over the operation of the club, including safety arrangements, permissions and events held at the premises.

The police alleged that on December 6, a firework event was organised at the nightclub without proper care, caution or adequate firefighting equipment.

This led to a massive fire, resulting in the death of 25 people, including staff and tourists, and causing serious injuries to several others.

The police further told the court that the investigation is at a crucial stage, with the recovery of key documents such as licences, event permissions and internal communications still pending. They also said that the conspiracy behind the incident is yet to be unearthed.

It was also pointed out that the accused had allegedly absconded abroad after the incident and was arrested only after returning to India.

After hearing the submissions and examining the FIR, arrest memos and case diary, Duty Metropolitan Magistrate Twinkle Chawla allowed the transit remand plea but limited it to 48 hours from the time of remand.

The court observed that, at this stage, there is sufficient material to indicate the involvement of the accused and said that further investigation would fall within the jurisdiction of the competent court in Goa.

While granting the remand, the court directed the investigating officer to keep the accused in safe and secure custody during transit and to produce them before the concerned court in Goa immediately after their arrival.

The magistrate also took note of the medical condition of the accused, observed that they were fit to travel, and directed that all prescribed medicines and necessary medical care be provided to them during the transit period.

Following the order, Advocate Surjendu Shankar Das, appearing for the State of Goa, said that the transit remand had been granted and that both accused would be taken to Goa. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a warm reception by members of the Indian community after reaching his hotel in Addis Ababa, with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali accompanying him from the airport.

Reflecting the close personal rapport between the two leaders, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali drove Prime Minister Modi to the hotel. En route, the Ethiopian leader took him to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, a stop that sources said was outside the official schedule. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning leader.

Upon arrival at the hotel, Prime Minister Modi met with members of the Indian diaspora who had gathered in large numbers to welcome him. The gathering featured Indian flags, chants of “Modi Modi” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, and the presentation of flowers to the Prime Minister.

The welcome included cultural performances, which Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali watched together. As part of the programme, artists performed ‘Dharti Sunehra Ambar Neela’ from the Hindi film Veer Zaara.

Prime Minister Modi later shared a video of the performance on Instagram.

“A vibrant welcome in Addis Ababa! Indian songs and music are indeed very popular here.”

The Ethiopian PM received PM Modi at the airport.

“Landed in Addis Ababa a short while ago. Honoured by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali’s gesture of welcoming me at the airport. Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture. India and Ethiopia share deep civilisational ties. I look forward to engaging with the Ethiopian leadership to further strengthen our partnership in diverse areas,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address a Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ethiopia since 2011.

Ahead of the visit, Addis Ababa has been decorated with welcome hoardings, posters and Indian flags. Ethiopia is seen as an important partner for India in Africa and within the Global South, and the visit is expected to give fresh momentum to bilateral relations.

In his departure statement on Monday, Prime Minister Modi highlighted Addis Ababa’s status as the headquarters of the African Union, recalling that during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the grouping.

He said he was looking forward to discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and addressing the Ethiopian Parliament. “I eagerly look forward to sharing my thoughts on India’s journey as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has earlier participated in editions of the Voice of Global South Summit. The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit reflects India’s sustained focus on strengthening South-South cooperation and deepening engagement with Africa.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Ethiopia after completing a two-day visit to Jordan, where he met King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II, addressed the India-Jordan Business Forum and visited The Jordan Museum. (ANI)

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed a bill that aims to strengthen policyholder protection, accelerate the growth of the insurance sector and raise the limit of FDI in the insurance sector from 74 per cent to 100 per cent.  

‘The Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025’ seeks to amend key legislations, including the Insurance Act, 1938, the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) Act, 1999. 

Replying to a debate on the Bill in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Sitharaman said the government wants the regulators to be more robust.  Opposition parties strongly opposed the bill.

She said the proposed amendments are aligned with the government’s long-term vision of achieving ‘Insurance for All by 2047’ and improving ease of doing business in the sector.

“We want the regulator also to be more robust and taken measures around this in the amendment Bill ranging from better regulatory oversight, ease of compliance, insurance intermediaries to provide uninterrupted services, and so on,” Sitharaman said.

“We are also treating both intermediaries and insurance companies with a lot more standardized approach so that whenever they do anything, they will have to have a stakeholder consultation before they bring in any policy,” she added.  

The Finance Minister said that under the new arrangement, all the insurance companies and the intermediaries need to put the word “insurance” in their name for a better clarity of the customers.

“We are introducing  suspension of intermediary license  instead of direct cancellation  because  that will provide time for compliance and allow the intermediary an opportunity  to strategize, streamline operations, bring in greater transparency.”

The Bill proposes to raise the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in Indian insurance companies from the existing 74 per cent to 100 per cent.

She said the move is intended to attract stable, long-term foreign capital, facilitate technology transfer, and enhance insurance penetration and social security coverage across the country. (ANI)

Actor Rakesh Bedi expressed his happiness on the success of ‘Dhurandhar’, calling it an “inspiration” for the film industry.

Rakesh Bedi played a politician in the film ‘Dhurandhar’, which stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and others in lead roles.

Talking to ANI, Rakesh Bedi highlighted the overwhelming response to Dhurandhar, describing it as something every filmmaker dreams of.

“Not every project gets this kind of love. What is happening for Dhurandhar, all the people working in our film industry, whether they are directors, producers or writers, they yearn for this day. It is happening so fast that the number of films and shows is increasing. Night shows are also adding up. Early morning shows are also adding up. The film industry has seen this success after a long time,” said Rakesh Bedi.

Calling it a moment to celebrate for the entire film fraternity, he added that the film’s performance should inspire others to think “out of the box.”

“I think it is a time to celebrate for everybody, not only for the Dhurandhar team, for the entire fraternity, because where do you get this success? You should take inspiration from this. If you do something out of the box, then the film will do well,” said Rakesh Bedi.

‘Dhurandhar’ starring Ranveer Singh has been warm response from audiences nationwide. Its second Saturday collection now surpasses several other major blockbusters, including Pushpa 2 (Hindi) at Rs 46.50 crore, Chhaava at Rs 44.10 crore, Stree 2 at Rs 33.80 crore, and Animal at Rs 32.47 crore.Other notable films in the top 10 for second Saturday collections include Gadar 2 (Rs 31.07 crore), Jawan (Rs 30.10 crore), Saiyaara (Rs 27 crore), Baahubali 2 (Hindi) (Rs 26.50 crore) and The Kashmir Files (Rs 24.80 crore).

Dhurandhar’s phenomenal performance is also reflected in its overall two-week figures. Directed by Aditya Dhar, ‘Dhurandhar’ follows the story of an Indian spy named Hamza who deeply infiltrates Pakistan to join Rehman Dakait’s gang.

The film is inspired by real-life events, ranging from the 2001 Parliament attack and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.

In addition to Ranveer Singh, the film features Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun in key roles.

Aditya Dhar’s action-adventure ‘Dhurandhar’ has also registered houseful shows across several centres in Jammu & Kashmir, including smaller towns such as Shopian and Pulwama, where theatrical exhibition has remained limited.

Strong audience turnout at these locations indicates renewed demand for cinema-going in the region, underscoring the appetite for big-screen entertainment even in towns without multiplex infrastructure.

Dhurandhar Part Two is set to release on March 19, 2026. (ANI)