Month: December 2025

The Pakistani government has once again found itself embarrassed on the world stage, now acknowledging the impact of India’s strategic and precision strikes on their military installation during the escalation in May, following Operation Sindoor, which came in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians.

This time around, the embarrassment came from Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who, during the year-end press briefing on Saturday, confirmed that India had targeted its Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi’s Chakala, damaging their military installation as well as injuring personnel posted there.

Speaking at the briefing, Dar stated that India had sent multiple drones over Pakistani territory within 36 hours, and one drone damaged the military installation, highlighting the scale and precision of the operation.

“They (India) send drones towards Pakistan. In 36 hours, at least 80 drones were sent… We were able to intercept 79 drones out of 80, and only one drone damaged a military installation and personnel were also injured in the attack,” the Foreign Minister claimed.

He further detailed the sequence of events, noting that Pakistan’s civil and military leadership, led by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, held a meeting on the night of May 9 and “authorised” certain decisions in response to the evolving situation.

The Foreign Minister further stated that India “made the mistake” of attacking the Nur Khan Air Base in the early hours of May 10, further acknowledging the damage.

Dar, with this remark, admitted to India’s strategic actions taken up by its armed forces on Pakistan’s military installations in May, which came after Operation Sindoor that targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

The Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan in Chaklala suffered significant damage in India’s precision strikes under Operation Sindoor in May.

The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, as a retaliatory response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Following India’s operation, the conflict between India and Pakistan deepened, which resulted in increased cross-border shelling from Pakistan and retaliatory action from the Indian Armed Forces.

A surprising sequence of events unfolded as Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) proposed a ceasefire to India’s DGMO, which was accepted.

Pakistan’s DGMO called India’s DGMO to propose a ceasefire, which India accepted.

The contact from the Pakistani side was also confirmed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who noted that the two sides agreed to halt all military operations — on land, at sea, and in the air.

Satellite images captured by Maxar Technologies on May 13 revealed significant damage to multiple air bases in Pakistan, including Nur Khan Air Base.

Images show damage to four Pakistani air bases: Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi, PAF Base Mushaf in Sargodha, Bholari Air Base, and PAF Base Shahbaz in Jacobabad.

Satellite images taken on April 25, 2025, and May 10, 2025, showed damage to airbase facilities, confirming strikes on Nur Khan Air Base.

This is not the first time that a top Pakistani official has admitted to India’s strikes on Nur Khan Air Base.

In May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif admitted that India’s ballistic missiles hit Nur Khan Airbase and other sites on May 10, a rare acknowledgement that contradicts Pakistan’s usual stance of denial when it comes to Indian military action.

While addressing a ceremony held at the Pakistan Monument on May 16, Sharif said, “At around 2:30 am on May 10, General Syed Asim Munir called me on a secure line and informed me that India’s ballistic missiles had hit Nur Khan Airbase and other areas. Our Air Force used homegrown technology to save our country, and they even used modern gadgets and technology on Chinese jets,” Geo News reported. (ANI)

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, along with other party leaders, attended the flag-hoisting ceremony at Indira Bhawan on the party’s 140th Foundation Day.

The Indian National Congress was founded on December 28, 1885, in Bombay (Mumbai) in the presence of 72 delegates at the Das Tejpal Sanskrit College.

Its founder, General Secretary, was AO Hume, and Vyomesh Chandra Banerjee was made president.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday wished every countryman on the party’s Foundation Day.

On the occasion, Mallikarjun Kharge stated that the Indian National Congress has always worked for the welfare, empowerment and inclusive development of the people of India.

“We strongly believe in equal opportunity in political, economic, and social rights, as guaranteed by the Constitution of India. The 140-year-old glorious history of the Indian National Congress narrates the great saga of truth, non-violence, sacrifice, struggle and patriotism. My best wishes to every Indian on Congress Foundation Day. Jai Hind, Jai Congress,” the Congress chief wrote on X, along with a video.

Congress leader Sachin Pilot also extended greetings and said, “It is our party’s foundation day, and I feel that our party is the most organised and oldest party in the world. On the foundation day, we will renew our resolve and think about how we can make the values, principles, and ideas of the Congress widespread across the entire country.”

Congress, on its X handle, also congratulated party members. “Heartfelt congratulations to all Congress members on the Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress,” the party said.

The party also took a veiled dig at the BJP-led Union Government.

“The Congress Party fought for India’s independence and worked to advance the nation. Meanwhile, today, when those in power are promoting hatred, injustice, and oppression in the country, we are still fighting against it with full vigour,” Congress wrote on X. (ANI)

BJP workers staged a protest against the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore on Saturday.

“We are deeply angry and saddened by what is happening in Bangladesh, and we have protested against it… The entire country is outraged by these events. We Hindus are in the majority in India, yet we live here peacefully, but look at what the majority in Bangladesh is doing… Muhammad Yunus was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, but he does not deserve it. We will write a letter to the Swedish government to withdraw this award… We are equally angered by the Congress party. When attacks took place in Palestine, they created an uproar both in Parliament and on the streets, yet not a single Congress leader issued a statement condemning what is happening in Bangladesh,” BJP leader Akash Vijayvargiya said.

Expressing confidence in the Centre’s handling of the matter, Vijayavargiya said the central government was actively intervening through diplomatic channels.

“The central government is intervening in this matter… We have complete faith in our Prime Minister, he cares for this country even more than we do… We want the countries that showed sympathy for Gaza to also show sympathy for the Hindus of Bangladesh… The government makes diplomatic decisions with careful consideration. People like Ajit Doval think far more deeply about these issues than we do. Whatever decisions they take will be for the best…”

Meanwhile, members of the Indian and Bangladeshi Hindu communities in London staged a protest outside the Bangladesh High Commission on Saturday against the killing of Hindus in Bangladesh.

During the protest, demonstrators played ‘Amar Shonar Bangla’, the national anthem of Bangladesh. Protesters raised slogans demanding an end to violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh.

The protest in London followed a wave of demonstrations in India on Friday over reported atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. (ANI)

Congress leader Sachin Pilot reiterated on Sunday that the opposition party is united, but everyone has the right to their own opinion, after Digvijaya Singh’s remarks about the RSS’s organisational capability sparked rumours of a dispute within the Congress.

Speaking to the media, the former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister shared his stance on the Digvijay Singh matter regarding the RSS and PM Modi. He dispelled rumours of an internal ideological rift within the Congress.

To explain the situation, he said, “Congress party is united. The country needs a strong opposition. Our intention is to strengthen the organisation. In our party, we have the right to speak about our thoughts.”

He added that Digvijaya Singh said what he wanted, but the encompassing goal of every Congress member is to strengthen the opposition leaders.

“He said whatever he had to, and after that, he also gave his clarification. All the Congress leaders have only one goal to strengthen Kharge and Rahul ji,” added Pilot.

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Saturday reiterated his remarks that he remains firmly opposed to the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) but admires their organisational capacity.

Singh said, “I’ve been saying this from the beginning: I am opposed to the ideology of the RSS. They neither respect the Constitution nor the country’s laws, and it’s an unregistered organisation. But I admire their organisational capacity because an organisation that isn’t even registered has become so powerful that the Prime Minister says from the Red Fort that it is the world’s largest NGO.”

What fanned the rumours of internal differences within the Congress was his comment on the party’s organisational strength. Singh said, “I can say this much that there is room for improvement, and every organisation should always have room for improvement,” he said.

His remarks came after he shared a black-and-white photograph from the 1990s on December 27 on the social question-and-answer website Quora, showing a young Narendra Modi seated on the floor near senior BJP leader LK Advani at an event in Gujarat.

“I found this picture on the Quora site. It is very impressive. In what way did the grassroots swayamsevak of RSS and the worker of Jan Sangh @BJP4India sit on the floor at the feet of leaders and become the Chief Minister of the state and the Prime Minister of the country? This is the power of the organisation. Jai Siya Ram. @INCIndia @INCMP@kharge @RahulGandhi @priyankagandhi @Jairam_Ramesh @narendramodi,” Singh’s X post read.

\Responding to criticism over his social media post and praise for RSS, Singh said his remarks had been misunderstood. “I support the organisation. I am against the RSS and Modi ji. You have misunderstood. I have praised ‘sangathan’. I was, am, and will remain a staunch opponent of the RSS and Modi. Is it a bad thing to strengthen and praise the organisation?” he said. (ANI)

Nearly five years after overthrowing Myanmar’s elected government, the military junta on Sunday began polling in a tightly controlled national election.

The poll marks the first nationwide election organised by the junta since it seized power in February 2021, a takeover that triggered mass protests and plunged the country into a brutal civil war that continues to this day.

The military has claimed the election will pave the way for a return to democracy. However, opposition groups and human rights organisations have dismissed the vote as a move designed to legitimise continued junta rule.

The elections are happening even as Myanmar’s most popular political leader, whose government was overthrown by the military in February 2021, remains imprisoned. Her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), has been dissolved, effectively excluding it from the political process.

According to CNN, the electoral landscape is heavily tilted in favour of the military junta, with the ballot dominated by parties aligned with or backed by the junta.

Voting began on Sunday in parts of the country and is being conducted in three phases, with additional rounds scheduled for January 11 and January 25. Authorities have not announced when the final results will be released.

Large areas of Myanmar will not participate in the election due to ongoing fighting. Continued clashes between junta forces and a mix of ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy fighters have made voting impossible in several regions, particularly in border areas and parts of central Myanmar, CNN reported.

Over the past year, rebel forces have inflicted notable losses on the Junta military, briefly raising hopes among opponents that the junta’s grip on power could weaken.

Security has been tightened nationwide ahead of the three-phase vote. At the same time, hundreds of people have been arrested under a newly enacted law that criminalises criticism of the election or efforts to disrupt the process. The military has continued its operations against opponents even as polling takes place.

The military has rejected accusations of abuse, saying it is targeting “terrorists” and maintaining that the election aims to build what it calls a “genuine, disciplined multiparty democratic system.” It has dismissed international criticism of the polls.

The United States and most Western countries do not recognise the junta as Myanmar’s legitimate government. Several Asian nations, including Japan and Malaysia, have also criticised the election. (ANI)

Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has confirmed that actor Jaideep Ahlawat has joined the lead cast of ‘Drishyam 3’ following the alleged abrupt exit of Akshaye Khanna from the film.

While talking to ANI, Pathak stated that Jaideep Ahlawat has been cast in a new role, taking over the part previously played by Akshaye, but in a new form.

“We have cast Jaideep Ahlawat. We have added a new character. He is doing it now. He will do what Akshay was doing, but he will come in a new form. We are presenting him in a very good way,” said the Drishyam 3 producer.

This new update came amid the ongoing legal dispute between Akshaye Khanna and Drishyam 3 makers after producer Mangat Pathak sent a legal notice to Akshaye for allegedly walking out of the film ‘Drishyam 3’ after accepting the signing amount and committing dates for the project.

While speaking to ANI, Pathak alleged that actor Akshay Khanna exited the film because of his demand to wear a “wig”, which didn’t align with the film’s continuity and schedule.

When asked about the reason behind his legal action, Kumar Mangat Pathak said, “He signed our film, he signed the script, took the signing amount, signed the agreement, and then he walked out of the film. We have sent him a legal notice. If we don’t get a response by the end of the day, our legal team will take action, and we will take action in court.”

“We had an agreement, we had given the money to make the dress, he had given us the dates, suddenly he felt that he had to grow his hair, whereas the film is a continuation film. The day the old film ends, it starts at night, so how will he grow his hair in 4 hours? Then he agreed, but again he felt he had to grow his hair, so he created confusion and left the film. The people around him put it in his mind that by wearing a wig, you will look very beautiful,” Pathak said.

‘Drishyam 3’ producer demands compensation from this legal action after the actor’s alleged abrupt exit from the film, citing financial losses.

“Now, we will move to the court, and we will demand compensation from them, because we had a set in Yash Raj, so the cost of the set, the other losses that we have incurred, if there is any loss, then we will definitely ask for it and will pressurise for our reputation,” said Kumar Mangat Pathak.

Actor Akshaye Khanna has not yet issued a statement on the matter.

Drishyam 3 is slated to release in theatres worldwide on October 2, 2026. It stars Ajay Devgn in the lead role. The film is directed by Abhishek Pathak.

Portrayed brilliantly by Ajay Devgn, Vijay Salgaonkar is a simple, middle-class man who stands firm against every adversity, not with violence, but with sheer willpower, intelligence, and an unshakeable love for his family.

Vijay Salgaonkar emerged as an iconic on-screen father, standing up against every adversity through sharp thinking and emotional strength.

According to the makers, the film is being shot across multiple cities and locations. The story will advance within the established ‘Drishyam’ timeline, introducing new and unexpected twists in the lives of the Salgaonkar family.

The original ensemble cast, including Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran and Rajat Kapoor, will reprise their roles, along with other celebrated actors. The makers have hinted at edge-of-the-seat drama as the narrative unfolds further. (ANI)

Nearly a year after a stampede during the pre-release screening of ‘Pushpa 2 – The Rule’ at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad, the city police have filed a chargesheet in the case. Actor Allu Arjun has been named as one of the accused.

The chargesheet, which was filed earlier this week by the Chikkadpally police, also names the actor’s personal security staff and the theatre management.

ACP Ramesh Kumar spoke to ANI about the development and shared details of the chargesheet. He said that Allu Arjun has been named as ‘Accused No. 11’ in the case. He also mentioned that the injured is still receiving medical care.

“We’ve named actor Allu Arjun as A11 in the case… The injured is still undergoing treatment, and we’re praying for their health,” Kumar told ANI.

According to a press release from the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, a total of 23 people have been named as accused in the case. Of these, 14 were arrested, while nine were granted anticipatory bail and served notices.

The stampede took place on December 4 last year at Sandhya 70mm Theatre in RTC X Roads. The incident led to the death of a woman, later identified as Revathi.

Apart from Allu Arjun, the chargesheet names theatre partners, managers, event organisers, personal security guards, bouncers, and members linked to the actor’s team and fan association. (ANI)

Dense fog and cold breeze gripped the country as the people woke up to a chilly morning on Sunday.

In the national capital, the temperature is 9 degrees Celsius, with thick smog that reduces visibility and disrupts daily life.

However, services at Indira Gandhi International Airport remain unaffected as of 8 pm on Sunday, according to a travel advisory from Delhi Airport.

In Karnal, Haryana, dense fog and a cold wave gripped the city, with temperatures at 8 am at 9 degrees Celsius.

In Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, Cold wave conditions and dense fog continued. IMD has issued an orange alert for the city, forecasting a minimum temperature of 9 degrees Celsius.

A thick layer of dense fog envelops Agra, making the Taj Mahal invisible from the Taj View Point ADA.

In Kanpur, a cold wave prevails throughout the city, with people huddling around bonfires to keep warm.

Guwahati, Assam, woke up to a layer of fog as a cold wave gripped the city. IMD forecasts a minimum temperature of 15 degrees Celsius in the city.

Meanwhile, in the national capital, as AQI nears the 400 mark, the Delhi Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved a series of significant decisions to strengthen the capital’s fight against pollution and improve environmental governance.

The Cabinet approved an allocation of Rs. 100 crore for the rejuvenation of water bodies under the Delhi government. There are around 1,000 such water bodies in the national capital, of which 160 fall under the Delhi government’s jurisdiction.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated, “The rejuvenation of Delhi’s water bodies will play a crucial role in pollution control. The Chief Minister has directed that every possible financial support be extended to complete this work within the year.”

The Cabinet also approved the establishment of Delhi’s first E-Waste Park at Holambi Kalan, spread across 11.5 acres. The facility will adhere to the highest pollution-control standards and operate on a 100 per cent circular, zero-waste model. (ANI)

A humanitarian aid convoy provided by the Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Foundation for Charity and Humanitarian Work entered the Gaza Strip under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, carrying a shipment of therapeutic and preventive supplies designated for children and women.

The shipment arrived earlier in the city of Al Arish aboard a private aircraft, where the UAE humanitarian aid team supervised its receipt, storage and preparation in line with approved safety and sorting procedures, prior to its entry into the Gaza Strip to ensure delivery to the targeted beneficiaries.

The assistance includes internationally approved therapeutic and preventive products to address malnutrition, most notably endorsed by UNICEF. These products comprise natural nutritional compounds fortified with essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. They were manufactured from ingredients including peanuts, milk, sugars and fats, in accordance with precise standards to ensure the highest levels of effectiveness in addressing malnutrition cases across various severity levels.

The total cargo weighs approximately 30 tonnes of therapeutic and preventive products allocated to support the most affected groups inside the Gaza Strip. The aid is expected to benefit around 20,000 children and women, enhancing recovery prospects and reducing health risks associated with malnutrition.

This assistance comes within the framework of the UAE’s and the Saqr Charity Foundation’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of the people in the Gaza Strip and providing essential needs to the most vulnerable groups, as part of the ongoing humanitarian efforts under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 to support Gaza through various forms of relief assistance. (ANI/WAM)

An earthquake of magnitude 4.0 struck Afghanistan on Saturday, a statement by the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 110km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, “EQ of M: 4.0, On: 27/12/2025 12:04:34 IST, Lat: 36.53 N, Long: 71.63 E, Depth: 110 Km, Location: Afghanistan.”

EQ of M: 4.0, On: 27/12/2025 12:04:34 IST, Lat: 36.53 N, Long: 71.63 E, Depth: 110 Km, Location: Afghanistan.
For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0 @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/Ae0yne1jxL

— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) December 27, 2025

Earlier on December 19, an earthquake of magnitude 4.6 struck the region.

In a post on X, the NCS said, “EQ of M: 4.6, On: 19/12/2025 12:04:54 IST, Lat: 36.25 N, Long: 69.09 E, Depth: 62 Km, Location: Afghanistan.”

EQ of M: 4.6, On: 19/12/2025 12:04:54 IST, Lat: 36.25 N, Long: 69.09 E, Depth: 62 Km, Location: Afghanistan.
For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0 @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/CAFKfqsl81

— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) December 19, 2025

Earlier in the day, another earthquake of magnitude 5.3 shook the region at a depth of 40km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, “EQ of M: 5.3, On: 19/12/2025 11:09:11 IST, Lat: 36.26 N, Long: 69.19 E, Depth: 40 Km, Location: Afghanistan.”

EQ of M: 5.3, On: 19/12/2025 11:09:11 IST, Lat: 36.26 N, Long: 69.19 E, Depth: 40 Km, Location: Afghanistan.
For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0 @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/EBK5BzUHiw

— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) December 19, 2025

Afghanistan frequently experiences earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush region, which lies in a highly active seismic zone, according to the Red Cross.

The recent tremors follow a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Afghanistan on November 4. According to Afghan authorities, at least 27 people were killed and hundreds were injured in that quake. CNN reported that the tremor also damaged one of the country’s most iconic mosques. The United States Geological Survey reported that the quake occurred at a shallow depth, which increases its impact.

Afghanistan’s vulnerability to earthquakes is linked to its location along the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. A major fault line also passes through parts of the country, including the Herat region.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) notes that Afghanistan remains extremely vulnerable to natural disasters, including earthquakes, landslides and seasonal flooding. Repeated tremors worsen the situation for communities already struggling with decades of conflict and limited development, leaving them with minimal resilience to withstand multiple shocks. (ANI)