Month: December 2025

It’s been almost three weeks since the release of Aditya Dhar’s film ‘Dhurandhar’, and the spy drama continues to receive strong praise from moviegoers and people from the film industry. Even weeks after its release, the film is still being talked about for its story, action, and message.

Actor and politician Kangana Ranaut is the latest to share her reaction to the film. The ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ actor took to Instagram Story to heap praise on director Aditya Dhar and called him the real “Dhurandhar” of the Ranveer Singh-starrer. Kangana also added she enjoyed watching the film so much that it had her clapping and whistling.

“I watched #dhurandhar and had a great time. Totally inspired by the art and craft of this masterpiece, but honestly, huge admiration for the intent of the filmmaker.”

“Dear Aaditya Dhar ji border pe hamare defence forces, sarkar mein hamare Modi ji aur Bollywood cinema mein aap, khoob kambal kutayi karo in pakistani terrorists ki, maza aa gaya, whistled and clapped all the way!! Superb work by everyone lekin Dhurandhar of this show is the filmmaker himself @adityadharfilms Congratulations @yamigautam,” she added.

Prior to this, filmmakers including Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Ram Gopal Varma, Karan Johar, and Siddharth Anand also voiced a fair share of praise on ‘Dhurandhar’.

Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar’ was released on December 5 and is running successfully in theatres, breaking multiple records amid heavy praise from fans and celebrities alike. Ranveer Singh plays the lead role alongside Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and R Madhavan. (ANI)

Dhaka University renamed the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall to Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi Hall, days after Hadi, convenor of Inqilab Moncho, a prominent student activist and a parliamentary candidate for the upcoming February 2026 national elections, died on December 18, 2025, in Singapore while receiving treatment for gunshot wounds sustained during an attack in Dhaka, BD News reported.

On Friday, students and hall union leaders at Dhaka University replaced the original nameplate of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall with the new name, Shahid Osman Hadi Hall. They hung banners at the hall gate, as per BD News.

On Saturday, authorities removed the old signage, using a crane to remove Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s name from the building and to paint over his graffiti on the walls.

Two of his graffiti pieces were also painted over during the stint late on Saturday night, witnesses said. The decision has sparked protests and discussions among Dhaka University students, with some expressing their views in Facebook groups.

Bangabandhu, a revered title meaning “Friend of Bengal” or “Friend of the Bengalis,” was famously bestowed upon Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father and first President of Bangladesh, for his pivotal role in leading the nation to independence and championing Bengali rights.

Around 2 am on Thursday night, after news of Hadi’s death spread, the vice-president and general secretary of the hall unit put up the poster renaming the hall, according to witnesses.

With the final prayers for the funeral service for the slain Inqilab Moncho convenor, Sharif Osman Hadi, concluded on Bangladesh’s Dhaka University campus on Saturday, the organisation rallied towards the Shahbagh area, issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to the country’s Home Ministry, demanding a report on the progress of arrests of the killers of Osman Hadi.

From early morning, mourners arrived in groups at Manik Mia Avenue to pay their final tributes to Hadi, some draped in the national flag. In contrast, others chanted slogans demanding justice for Hadi’s killing.

Following the funeral, the Moncho demanded Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Retired Lt Gen. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant in the Home Ministry, Khoda Bakhsh Chowdhury, provide a report on the progress of arrests of the killers of Hadi and warned that failure to respond would result in their resignation.

According to Prothom Alo, Abdullah Al Jaber, the Member Secretary of Inqilab Moncho, issued an ultimatum to government officials.

In his speech, Al Jaber presented two demands. He called on the Home Affairs Adviser and Assistant Adviser to report publicly on the progress made on Hadi’s killings in the past week and warned that if no response is received within 24 hours, they must resign. He also urged the authorities to identify and arrest Awami terrorists allegedly hiding within civil and military intelligence agencies, as reported by Prothom Alo. (ANI)

Actress Nora Fatehi was involved in a minor car accident in Mumbai around 4 pm while heading to the Sunburn Festival.

According to Mumbai Police, a drunk driver rammed his car into her vehicle, but she sustained no injuries. She was taken to a nearby hospital for first aid, and her condition is stable. Despite the incident, she chose to perform at the festival.

“She was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for first aid, where her condition was confirmed to be stable. A case was registered against the intoxicated driver, and he was taken into custody,” said Mumbai Police.

The police have registered a case against the intoxicated driver, charging him under sections related to rash driving and driving under the influence.

Further details awaited.

Sunburn, traditionally held in Goa, is now being held in Mumbai this year.

The 3-day gala took place on December 19 and 20 and will now end on December 21.

Launched in 2007, Sunburn was initially held in Vagator, Goa. Later, it shifted to Pune from 2016 to 2018 before returning to Goa. And now, fans are witnessing the new edition in Mumbai. In recent years, the festival, long associated with Goa, has faced growing public backlash and increasing bureaucratic challenges. (ANI)

The national capital woke up to a thick blanket of toxic smog on Sunday morning, sharply reducing visibility and causing discomfort to residents across the city.

The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 390 around 7 am, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

However, several areas witnessed air quality deteriorating further to ‘severe’ levels.

Multiple parts of Delhi experienced a dense haze, with pollution levels remaining alarmingly high.

In the Akshardham area, the AQI stood at 438, categorised as ‘severe’. Similar conditions were reported from the Ghazipur area, where AQI levels were also recorded at 438, as per CPCB data.

Central Delhi was not spared either, with India Gate and Kartavya Path showing a thick layer of smog hovering over the iconic stretch.

The AQI in this area was recorded at 381, falling in the ‘very poor’ category. In east Delhi’s Anand Vihar locality, pollution levels touched ‘severe’, with the AQI again at 438, making it one of the most polluted pockets of the capital on Sunday morning.

The ITO area also remained under a blanket of smog, with the AQI recorded at 405, categorised as ‘severe’.

Moreover, around the Barapullah flyover, the AQI was recorded at 382, categorised as ‘very poor’, and similar conditions prevailed in the Dhaula Kuan area, where the AQI stood at 397, also falling under the ‘very poor’ category.

In response to the deteriorating air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked all measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV across Delhi-NCR. The restrictions under GRAP-IV include a ban on non-essential construction activities, the entry of certain diesel vehicles, and enhanced enforcement to curb pollution sources.

According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is ‘good’, 51-100 ‘satisfactory’, 101-200 ‘moderate’, 201-300 ‘poor’, 301-400 ‘very poor’, and 401-500 ‘severe’.

Meanwhile, parts of Uttar Pradesh experienced dense fog and cold weather conditions. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in Ayodhya was recorded at 8 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 16 degrees Celsius.

Moradabad also witnessed a layer of fog as cold wave conditions gripped the city. The IMD reported a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius, with the maximum likely to be around 19 degrees Celsius. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that “West Bengal must also be freed from jungle raj,” as he addressed a public gathering at Taherpur Netaji Park in Ranaghat via video conferencing after poor visibility prevented his helicopter from landing at the Taherpur helipad, forcing it to return to Kolkata airport.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister, while drawing a comparison with Bihar, said, “Today the country wants rapid development. Bihar once again gave the NDA government a massive mandate for development…Bihar has also paved the way for the BJP’s victory in Bengal. Bihar has rejected the rule of the ‘jungle raj’ with one resounding voice. Even after 20 years, they have given the BJP-NDA more seats than before. Now we have to get rid of the ‘jungle raj’ in West Bengal…”

He added, “The TMC wants to oppose the BJP. Let them oppose us fiercely, repeatedly, with all their might. I cannot understand why the development of West Bengal is being obstructed. You may oppose Modi, but do not make the people of Bengal unhappy. Do not deprive them of their rights. Do not commit the sin of shattering their dreams. I am humbly requesting the people of West Bengal, with folded hands, to give the BJP a chance…”

Calling for a change in governance, the Prime Minister reiterated the BJP’s pitch for a “double-engine government” in the state.

“We want a BJP double-engine government in Bengal that can restore the lost glory of Bengal. Even today, development projects worth crores of rupees in West Bengal remain stalled,” he said.

PM Modi said that the BJP had no objection to political opposition but accused the Trinamool Congress-led state government of obstructing development.

“Let Mamata Banerjee oppose Modi if she wants to, let her oppose the BJP if she wants to, there is no problem with that. But why is she obstructing the development of Bengal,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi further accused the Trinamool Congress of shielding infiltrators in West Bengal, alleging that the party raises slogans against him instead of opposing illegal infiltration. He said the TMC’s resistance to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise was aimed at protecting infiltrators whose objective, according to him, was to acquire control over the state.

“In Bengal, the Trinamool Congress is raising slogans of ‘Go Back Modi’ instead of saying ‘Go Back Ghuspaithiye (infiltrators)’. Those infiltrators, whose objective is to take over Bengal, are dear to the TMC. That is why the Trinamool Congress is opposing the SIR — to protect infiltrators,” he said.

Highlighting the Centre’s focus on inclusive development, PM Modi said, “Our government’s efforts are aimed at developing even that corner of West Bengal which has been deprived for a long time.”

PM Modi also inaugurated multiple development projects worth 3,200 crore.

The Key projects to be inaugrated include a 66.7 km 4-lane stretch of the Barajaguli-Krishnanagar section of NH-34 and the laying of the foundation stone for the 4-laning of the Barasat-Barajaguli section of NH-34, which aims to improve connectivity between Kolkata and Siliguri. (ANI)

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Saturday called on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to apologise over an incident in which he allegedly attempted to remove the hijab of a Muslim woman during a public function earlier this week.

A debate erupted after a video showing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar allegedly attempting to remove a woman’s hijab during a public event went viral on social media, drawing sharp reactions from students, college authorities and political leaders across the country.

In a post on X, Mayawati expressed concern that the issue, rather than being resolved promptly, had escalated into a major controversy due to statements by ministers and others. She described this development as unfortunate and regrettable.

Referring to the event in which appointment letters were distributed to doctors, she said the matter should have been handled sensitively, especially given its implications for women’s safety and dignity.

“Instead of being resolved, the incident at the public event for the distribution of appointment letters to doctors by Bihar’s Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar–where a Muslim woman doctor was asked to remove her hijab (face veil)–has escalated into a controversy, particularly due to statements from ministers and others, and this is deeply regrettable and unfortunate,” Mayawati wrote on ‘X’.

The BSP chief added that the Chief Minister should view the incident in its proper context, express regret, and take steps to resolve the growing controversy, noting that similar incidents have been reported elsewhere and require careful and respectful handling.

“While, at first glance, this matter being linked to women’s safety and dignity should have been settled by now through direct intervention by the honorable Chief Minister–especially when similar incidents are being reported in various places–it would be advisable for the honorable Chief Minister to view this event in its proper context, express regret for it, and make efforts to end this increasingly bitter controversy right here,” she added.

The Muslim woman doctor is expected to join duty on December 20, and her family denies any resentment towards the Chief Minister, saying the issue is being blown out of proportion.

The college administration was seen defending the Chief Minister. Professor (Dr.) Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Principal of Government Tibbi College & Hospital (GTCH), said that the incident was being “misrepresented”. (ANI)

With Delhi choking under toxic air for over a week, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has demanded accountability from Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena for leaving the capital in crisis while enjoying a cricket match in Ahmedabad.

According to a release from the party, AAP Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj, joined by senior leader and MLA Sanjeev Jha, shared an old video on X in which the LG is seen projecting himself as Delhi’s “local guardian” and holding the previous government responsible for pollution.

The AAP Delhi Unit Chief said the so-called local guardian has vanished ever since the BJP assumed power, abandoning Delhi’s residents to a gas chamber while the BJP government confines itself to tall claims instead of action.

In a post on X, AAP Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj said, “The LG, who calls himself Delhi’s local guardian, has left Delhiites gasping for breath and is watching a match in Ahmedabad. Earlier, he would appear on television every day with an army of officials wearing masks, giving interviews. Now, he has stopped appearing on TV altogether.”

Highlighting the gravity of the crisis, the AAP Delhi Unit Chief said that pollution levels in Delhi have broken all previous records, and hospitals are witnessing long queues of patients due to pollution-related illnesses. “Despite this, the BJP government in Delhi is unable to even ensure compliance with GRAP-IV norms. The government itself is carrying out construction activities,” he noted.

Saurabh Bharadwaj asserted, “The common people of Delhi are paying the price for the incompetence of the Rekha Gupta government. Delhi’s residents are distressed due to pollution, and because of the BJP government’s incompetence, the terror of pollution continues to rise. GRAP-4 rules are being openly violated.”

Referring to ongoing construction work in Central Delhi, Bharadwaj said that during his visit on Friday, he observed excavation work using JCB machines near Parliament House and India Gate, with dust flying freely in the air. “Children were forced to cover their mouths with handkerchiefs while passing through. On Rajendra Prasad Road, work was going on in full swing, with long queues of trucks lined up and labourers actively engaged. Construction, demolition, breaking and excavation work was continuing without any pause,” he said.

Questioning the government’s priorities, Saurabh Bharadwaj said, “Some may claim that this work is very important, but cannot it be stopped for even a month? Is this work more important than the health of small children who are being forced to move around with nebulizers?”

He further pointed out that the government’s response was limited to tokenism. “A machine has been parked for water sprinkling merely as a formality. The dust accumulated on it and the spider webs covering it clearly show that it has been standing there for months without being used. This is only meant to mislead the public and the courts. In reality, construction work of the central government is continuing unabated in Central Delhi, while the sprinkling machine stands idle, gathering dust,” Saurabh Bharadwaj said. (ANI)

Congress MP and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor, on Saturday strongly condemned the violence in Bangladesh triggered by the death of Inqilab Moncho convenor Sharif Osman Hadi, leading mobs to vandalise the public property and lynch a Hindu man.

Tharoor, expressing concern over the situation, advocated for peace and democracy in the neighbouring country.

“Such mob rule should not prevail. The Parliamentary Standing Committee has also said that we want good relations with Bangladesh, and peace should be maintained there,” he said.

“Elections are also going to be held there in February, and we want democracy to return there, but the way the situation is going there is very concerning… Such a situation is not good for both countries; we want peace there,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Shashi Tharoor raised his voice against the mob lynching of a Hindu man, named Dipu Chandra Das, in Bangladesh over alleged blasphemy.

In a post on X, Tharoor wrote, “An unbearably tragic incident amid the mob rule that is raging across Bangladesh. While mourning the loss of this poor Hindu man at the hands of unspeakable criminals, I appreciate the condemnation issued by the Government of Bangladesh…”

Further in his post, he questioned the Bangladeshi regime about actions against perpetrators and measures to prevent such incidents.

The Hindu man, Deepu Chandra Das, was lynched and burned by a mob in Mymensingh in Bangladesh following allegations of blasphemy amid widespread unrest in the country.

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested seven people in connection with the lynching of a Hindu youth in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, the Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, stated in an X post.

The arrested suspects are Md. Limon Sarkar (19), Md. Tarek Hossain (19), Md. Manik Mia (20), Ershad Ali (39), Nijum Uddin (20), Alamgir Hossain (38), and Md. Miraj Hossain Akon (46).

The unrest in the country was triggered by the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, who was allegedly shot by two masked assailants in Dhaka, infuriating mobs to target media institutions and minorities. (ANI)

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan grabbed the attention as he made a stylish entry at his brother Sohail Khan’s birthday bash in Bandra, Mumbai, today. He joined the celebration along with his dad, Salim Khan, his mother, Salma Khan, Helen, Arbaaz Khan, Arpita Khan Sharma, and others.

Sohail Khan looked effortlessly stylish in a denim shirt paired with matching trousers.

Salman Khan appeared dapper in a casual T-shirt paired with black pants, perfectly balancing style with comfort as he arrived for the gala evening.

Actor-producer Arbaaz Khan also attended the bash, along with veteran screenwriter Salim Khan and his wife, Salma Khan, who graced the occasion.

Veteran actress Helen was also among the attendees.

Several prominent Bollywood figures, including Vikas Bahl, Abhishek Kapoor, Pragya Yadav, Ramesh Taurani, Daboo Malik, and Jyothi Malik, among others, attended the celebration. Salman Khan’s sister Arpita Khan Sharma and her husband Aayush Sharma were also present at the gathering.

Held in Bandra, Sohail Khan’s birthday celebration turned into a star-studded affair, bringing together members of the film fraternity and close family friends. (ANI)

The Government of India is seeking suggestions for the upcoming Budget 2026 from the general public to help make new rules and plans for the country. According to a post on X by MyGovIndia, the government encouraged people to participate in this important task.

The government stated on X, “Building the Budget with Public Insight. Share your suggestions for Union Budget 2026-27 and contribute to the policies that promote inclusive growth and National development.” The message invites everyone to visit the MyGov website to submit their views on what the new budget should focus on for the next year.

Earlier in the previous month, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman completed multiple rounds of Pre-Budget Consultations in New Delhi as part of the preparations for the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27. The series began with consultations with leading economists, followed by representatives from farmer associations and agriculture economists.

Subsequent sessions engaged stakeholders from MSMEs, capital markets, startups, manufacturing, BFSI (Banking, Financial Services and Insurance), information technology, tourism and hospitality, and finally trade unions and labour organisations.

Earlier this month, various industry bodies also gave their suggestions for the pre-budget. Industry body PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) presented a set of pre-budget suggestions for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector to the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, seeking easier taxes, cheaper credit and simpler rules for small businesses.

The proposals focused on changes in income tax, bank loans, export support and equity funding so that MSMEs could run their businesses with less cost and delay. The chamber said these steps could help small units grow, pay back loans on time and compete better with firms in other countries.

This upcoming Budget comes in the backdrop of strong GDP numbers and moderate inflation in the economy.

As always, the annual Budget document is presented in the Parliament on February 1 each year. In the run-up to it, a series of mandatory pre-Budget meetings is held between the Finance Minister, secretaries and various stakeholders to make the budget-making process all-inclusive. (ANI)