Month: December 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (local time) praised US President Donald Trump after their meeting in Florida, saying Israel has never had a friend in the White House like President Trump. The two leaders discussed the second phase of the Gaza peace plan and broader bilateral ties during talks at Mar-a-Lago.

In a post on X after the meeting, Netanyahu wrote, “Israel has never had a friend in the White House like President Trump. His leadership, clarity, and unwavering support for Israel are exceptional.”

He added, “True friendship is proven in moments of challenge, and President Trump has stood with Israel every step of the way.”

Netanyahu also praised Trump earlier as he entered Mar-a-Lago for the meeting, saying, “I think Israel is very blessed to have President Trump leading the United States, and I’ll say leading the free world at this time.”

He further added, “I think it’s not merely Israel’s great fortune. I think it’s the world’s great fortune.”

This was the first meeting between Trump and Netanyahu in nearly two months. Trump had earlier visited Israel in October during the period when a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was announced alongside the release of hostages.

During the meeting, Trump highlighted his close ties with Netanyahu, calling their relationship great. He said the Israeli prime minister is a “strong man” who has made Israel “stronger than ever,” while also remarking that Netanyahu “can be very difficult on occasion.”

Trump also repeated his support for Netanyahu’s request for a pardon in an ongoing corruption case. “How do you not give a pardon? He is a wartime prime minister who is a hero,” Trump said at Mar-a-Lago. “I spoke with President Isaac Herzog. He tells me it is on its way.”

However, President Isaac Herzog’s office later contradicted Trump’s claim, stating, “There has been no conversation between President Herzog and President Trump since the pardon request was submitted.” The statement said Herzog had earlier spoken to a Trump representative who was informed about the legal process and that any decision would follow standard procedures, CNN reported.

Trump had first publicly backed Netanyahu’s pardon during an address to Israel’s Knesset in October, where he dismissed the corruption charges as minor issues involving “cigars and champagne.”

After the meeting, Netanyahu described the talks as successful, saying he had “a very, very productive meeting.” He added, “We talk about our ideas. Sometimes we have different ideas, but we work it out, and most of the time, we see eye to eye.”

Trump also told reporters that he was satisfied with Israel’s role in the Gaza peace plan. “I’m not concerned about anything that Israel is doing,” he said. “They’ve lived up to the plan. They’re strong.” He added, “Israel has lived up to the plan, 100 per cent.”

While calling the meeting productive, Trump acknowledged that there were some differences between the two leaders, including on how to deal with settler violence in the occupied West Bank. (ANI)

The Mahayuti alliance on Monday finalised its seat-sharing formula for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)elections.

As per the agreed arrangement, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest 137 seats, while the Shiv Sena will field candidates in 90 seats.

Both parties will also allocate a portion of their respective quotas to allied parties within the Mahayuti alliance. Candidates from both the BJP and Shiv Sena are expected to file their nomination papers on Tuesday, according to the Shiv Sena press release.

Mumbai BJP president Ameet Bhaskar Satam revealed the seat-sharing agreement. He said the finalised arrangement will participate in joint campaigning in the coming days.

“BJP- Shiv Sena Mahayuti’s discussions have come to an end. We had arrived at a consensus for 207 seats earlier. After arriving at a consensus on all 227 seats, the BJP will contest 137 seats, and the Shiv Sena will contest 90. All our other allies will be included in this formula. In the coming days, we will take part in joint campaigning…,” Satam told reporters.

Earlier, Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal announced that the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) will contest 62 of the 227 seats under the alliance in the BMC elections.

Sapkal said the BMC elections are not about a struggle for power for the Congress, adding that seat-sharing is not the party’s primary concern.

“Both parties are coming together. They will contest 62 seats. This is not a power struggle, but a convergence of ideas, and for us, seat sharing is not that important; we will go forward with the ideas,” he told ANI.

The Maharashtra State Election Commission announced elections to 29 municipal corporations across the state, including Mumbai, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Polling for Mumbai’s 227 wards will be held on January 15, with vote counting scheduled for January 16. (ANI)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the deadly bus accident near Bhandup West railway station in Mumbai that claimed four lives and left nine injured.

He announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased in the accident.

“The tragic incident in which 4 people lost their lives in a fatal accident near Bhandup railway station in Mumbai is extremely unfortunate. I pay my heartfelt tribute to them. In this incident, 9 people were injured, and I pray at the feet of God for their speedy recovery. The state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased,” CM Fadnavis said in a post on X.

The accident occurred late Monday, when a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) bus rammed into pedestrians in Bhandup West. Emergency response teams were rushed to the spot soon after the crash, and the injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

According to Mumbai Police, the BEST bus driver has been taken into custody for questioning, and a probe is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.

Speaking to reporters, Mumbai DCP Hemraj Singh Rajput said, “The injured were rushed to the hospital for treatment. However, four succumbed to their injuries. Three of the four deceased victims are women, and one a man, while of the nine injured, eight of them are men and one woman.”

“The BEST bus involved in the crash will be inspected to check for any mechanical and technical faults, and the actual reason for the crash will be determined after a thorough investigation,” DCP Hemraj Singh Rajput added. (ANI)

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport issued a passenger advisory at 7 am on Tuesday, stating that flight operations are running smoothly following an improvement in visibility after the city was earlier shrouded in dense fog.

The airport assured travellers that on-ground officials are available across terminals to assist passengers and provide necessary support.

“Flight operations are running smoothly as visibility at the airport has improved. Please be assured that our on-ground officials are available across terminals to assist passengers and provide necessary support. For the latest flight schedules, please get in touch with your respective airline,” said Delhi Airport.

Earlier, dense fog in Delhi caused significant disruptions at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, resulting in flight delays and cancellations and prompting airlines such as IndiGo and Air India to issue advisories to passengers. IndiGo, in its travel advisory, said it is closely monitoring the situation and making operational adjustments to ensure journeys continue as smoothly as possible.

In its statement, IndiGo said, “#Delhi and #Hindon (Airport) continue to remain wrapped in chilly winter air and lingering fog this morning. The fluctuating visibility has led to changes in flight schedules, and operations may be slower than usual as conditions evolve. Our teams on-ground are prioritising safety and compliance with visibility requirements. We recommend keeping a tab on your flight status via http://bit.ly/3ZWAQXd. If your flight is impacted, you can conveniently rebook your journey or claim a refund through https://goindigo.in/plan-b.html. Our airport teams are also available to assist should you need support while at the terminal. Once the weather settles, operations will gradually stabilise, and flights will depart as planned. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We look forward to welcoming you onboard soon.”

Meanwhile, the city’s air quality improved slightly this morning. The city’s AQI was recorded at 388 at 8 am, placing it in the “very poor” category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

According to the CPCB, several areas across the city recorded ‘severe’ air quality, with AQI levels exceeding 400. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 451, while Ashok Vihar registered 433. Several other locations across the capital also witnessed the worst pollution levels. Areas such as Jahangirpuri (451), Chandini Chowk (432), Nehru Nagar (402), and Patparganj (412) saw further deterioration in air quality, with readings entering the ‘severe’ category, according to CPCB data. (ANI)

As many as four people were killed, and nine others injured after a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) bus rammed into pedestrians in Mumbai’s Bhandup West late on Monday night, Mumbai police said.

The incident occurred near Bhandup West railway station.

Speaking to reporters, Mumbai DCP Hemraj Singh Rajput said, “The injured were rushed to the hospital for treatment. However, four succumbed to their injuries. Three of the four deceased victims are women, and one a man, while of the nine injured, eight of them are men and one woman.”

According to Mumbai Police, the BEST bus driver has been taken into custody as the investigation continues into the crash.

“The BEST bus involved in the crash will be inspected to check for any mechanical and technical faults, and the actual reason for the crash will be determined after a thorough investigation,” DCP Hemraj Singh Rajput told reporters.

Further details awaited as the investigation continues. (ANI)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia passed away early Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, the party said in a statement on social media platform Facebook.

She died at the age of 80.

The BNP said Khaleda Zia died at around 6 am (local time), shortly after the Fajr prayer. The party confirmed the news through posts on its verified Facebook page.

“Khaleda Zia passed away at around 6:00am, just after Fajr prayer,” the BNP said. The party added, “We pray for the eternal peace of her soul and ask everyone to pray for her departed soul.”

Begum Khaleda Zia was admitted to the capital Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital on November 23 with a lung infection. The 80-year-old former Prime Minister has been suffering from various physical ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications, for a long time.

Earlier this month, the former Bangladeshi PM was sent to London for advanced medical treatment for her ailments.

Her death comes at a crucial political moment, with Bangladesh preparing for national elections scheduled for February 2026 and amid heightened political tensions following last year’s July Uprising.

The former prime minister’s passing also follows the recent return of her son, BNP leader Tarique Rahman, to Bangladesh after years in exile.

Rahman left the country after being arrested in 2007-08 and later settled in London following his release. After the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government last year, he was acquitted in several cases filed during the Awami League period, clearing the way for his return.

Tarique Rahman arrived in Bangladesh last week and was welcomed by a large gathering of party leaders and supporters near the airport, in what was seen as a major political event ahead of the upcoming elections.

Following Tarique arrival in the country, he also visited her mother in the Evercare Hospital.

Further details regarding Khaleda Zia’s funeral arrangements and official programmes are awaited. (ANI)

As the New Year is just around the corner, people across the globe are busy making plans to welcome 2026. Some are planning trips, while others are getting ready to party with friends and family. However, actor Huma Qureshi seems to be choosing a very different way to welcome the New Year this time.

While speaking to ANI, the ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ actor shared that after a long and tiring year, she is not in the mood for celebrations or travel and only wants to rest and spend quiet time for herself.

Talking about her New Year plans, Huma mentioned that she wants to “sleep”, enjoy “me time,” and stay away from parties at least for the first three days. Adding how busy the year has been for her and how she wants to spend the first few days of the New Year, Huma said she just wants to “relax” without any pressure.

“I want to sleep for three days on New Year’s because I’ve had such a busy year. I’m also going to be working on a film. So I just want three days to relax and not do anything. I’m not really a holiday person, a resolution person, or a party person. I just want to get some ‘me time.’ I just want to relax,” Huma told ANI.

On the work front, Huma Qureshi will be seen next in the upcoming film ‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups.’ The action-thriller stars Yash in the lead role, with Huma playing a character named Elizabeth.

The film is written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas. It is produced by Venkat K. Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations. The technical team includes Rajeev Ravi as cinematographer, Ravi Basrur as music composer, and Ujwal Kulkarni as editor.

‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups’ is scheduled to release in theatres on March 19, 2026, during the festive weekend of Eid, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa. (ANI)

The makers of Prabhas starrer ‘The Raja Saab’ have released a second trailer of the movie on Monday, offering a stronger glimpse of the film’s story and Sanjay Dutt’s character in the story.

Led by Rebel Star Prabhas, the trailer builds toward a gripping confrontation with Superstar Sanjay Dutt, whose character appears to control fear through hypnotism. Prabhas plays the role of RajaSaab, a man bound closely to his grandmother, portrayed by Zarina Wahab.

As per the trailer, Prabhas enters an abandoned haveli to search for answers, a space that holds the film’s darkest secrets. But the house itself becomes a trap, turning the mind against the body.

Sanjay Dutt’s hypnotist is shown as a calm yet menacing force, using control and manipulation rather than brute strength to overpower those who enter his world.

In the trailer, Boman Irani appears as a mysterious psychiatrist, hypnotist, and paranormal investigator, offering a grounded counterpoint to the supernatural elements, while Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Riddhi Kumar add emotional weight and visual richness to the film.

Directed by Maruthi and produced by TG Vishwa Prasad under People Media Factory, ‘The RajaSaab’ stars Prabhas, Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, and Zarina Wahab.

Prabhas shared the trailer on his Instagram handle on Monday.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DS19iLYkv7K/?hl=en

Sharing his experience of working on the film, Prabhas said, “The three years of stress and responsibility of Raja Saab brought tears to Maruthi garu’s eyes. When I first met him, I told him that films were becoming too action-oriented and that we should give audiences a proper entertainer. That is how this horror-comedy took shape. Vishwa Prasad garu kept believing in Maruthi garu’s script and supported it throughout. When I heard the climax, I became a fan of Maruthi garu’s writing. I honestly wondered whether he wrote it with a pen or a machine gun. Such a climax hasn’t come even in horror-comedy films. You must watch it and tell me. After 15 years, Maruthi is giving full Darling entertainment. The film is arriving this Sankranti. All Sankranti films should do well, and along with them, The RajaSaab should also become a blockbuster,” said Prabhas as quoted in the press note shared by the makers of the film.

Director Maruthi said, “There is an enormous amount of hard work behind this film. It wasn’t easy at all. When we brought Prabhas garu on board, we decided that everything had to meet that level of expectation. That is why I say this with complete confidence, anyone who comes to the theatre will be able to see, with their own eyes, the effort we have put in. One hundred per cent. After three long years of work and immense struggle, we have brought ‘The RajaSaab’ to this stage. Our only intention was to entertain audiences during the festival. Even with many films releasing around the same time, Vishwa Prasad garu boldly backed such a big-budget project,” as quoted in the press note.

The film is set to release worldwide on January 9, 2026, in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. (ANI)

A Goa court on Monday sent Luthra brothers – Gaurav and Saurav Luthra to judicial custody until January 9, 2026, in the Birch by Romeo Lane fire incident.

The Luthra brothers are co-owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub, in which 25 people died, and several others were injured in a fire on December 6.

Speaking to ANI, advocate Parag Rao, representing the Luthra brothers, said, “They have sought judicial custody, which apparently means that they have completed their investigation insofar as police custody is concerned. Now, judicial custody has been granted by the judicial magistrate first class till 9 January,2026… I have told my clients, and they have also been saying that they are cooperating.”

Advocate Vishnu Joshi, representing a victim’s family, said, “Luthra brothers’ police remand was ending today in the Goa fire incident case… They have been sent to jail in judicial custody… Ajay Gupta, one of the three owners of the club, is already in the custody of Mapusa police station… They have already filed for anticipatory bail… We are filing an intervention application against their bail.”

Earlier, on December 16, the Luthra brothers were brought from Delhi to Goa after being deported from Thailand.

The government initiated criminal proceedings against the club owners over alleged negligence and violation of mandatory safety norms after a fire at the Arpora nightclub on December 6 that claimed 25 lives.

According to the Goa police, the firework event was organised at the club without proper fire safety equipment and other essential safety gadgets.

The Luthra brothers, despite knowing that the restaurant lacks emergency exit doors on the ground or deck floors for evacuation in an emergency, organised the fire show, police said.

The Goa Police had filed a criminal case dated December 7 at the Police Station Arpora Anjuna, North Goa, under sections 105, 125, 125(a), 125(b), and 287, read with 3(5) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. (ANI)

Bollywood star Sunny Deol on Monday attended the special screening of his late father and legendary actor Dharmendra’s film ‘Ikkis’.

Sunny arrived at the venue looking emotional, yet he cheerfully posed for the cameras. All eyes, however, were drawn to him as he stood beside the poster bearing his father’s photograph.

Bobby Deol, too, graced his presence at the screening with wife Tanya, son Aryaman, and cousin Abhay Deol.

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, ‘Ikkis’ marks the last onscreen presence of Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24 at the age of 89.

Speaking to ANI, Sriram Raghavan opened up about Dharmendra’s association with the upcoming war biopic, which features Agastya Nanda in the lead as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal.

Recalling that Dharmendra was already unwell during the final dubbing sessions in October, Raghavan shared, “I met him in October. That time he was okay, but he was not too well. He did watch the first half and waited for the second half. I wanted him to see the film in its entirety. Somehow, that couldn’t happen. He is not here to enjoy the work he had done, and people appreciate that. That is a regret we have.”

In a few recollections, the ‘Badlapur’ director revealed how Dharmendra used to write dialogues in Urdu before the shoot.

“He’s old school. He would write his dialogues in Urdu. And he would also write the core actor’s dialogues. He was extremely well-prepared,” he added. (ANI)