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  • Prithviraj Chavan Refuses Apology On Op Sindoor Comment, Says Statement Misconstrued

    Prithviraj Chavan Refuses Apology On Op Sindoor Comment, Says Statement Misconstrued

    Mumbai/New Delhi, Dec 17: Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan on Tuesday refused to apologise for his remarks on Operation Sindoor, asserting that his comments were being misinterpreted and taken out of context. Responding to criticism from the BJP, Chavan said his statement was made within the framework of constitutional values and democratic accountability, and not with the intent alleged by his political opponents. He maintained that raising questions or expressing opinions does not amount to disrespecting national security or the armed forces.

    Chavan further accused the ruling party of attempting to create controversy by selectively projecting his remarks for political gain. He said the Congress has consistently respected the armed forces and national interest, and reiterated that debates and discussions are an essential part of a healthy democracy. The BJP, meanwhile, has continued to target Chavan over the remarks, demanding an apology and accusing the Congress of undermining sensitive national issues for political purposes.

  • Image Of ED Has Been Tarnished: DK Shivakumar As Congress Holds Protest

    Image Of ED Has Been Tarnished: DK Shivakumar As Congress Holds Protest

    Bengaluru/New Delhi, Dec 17: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said that the image of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been tarnished, as the Congress party held protests against what it termed as the misuse of central agencies. Addressing party workers and supporters during the protest, Shivakumar alleged that the ED was being used as a political tool to target opposition leaders, particularly those who challenge the ruling dispensation at the Centre.

    He said repeated actions by the agency against opposition leaders have raised serious questions about its independence and credibility. Shivakumar asserted that democratic values were under threat when investigative agencies are allegedly used for political purposes, and called for protecting constitutional institutions from political interference. The Congress leader added that the party would continue its protests and democratic resistance until, according to him, accountability and fairness are restored in the functioning of central agencies.

  • Congress Cannot Digest Success And Achievements Of India, Says BJP

    Congress Cannot Digest Success And Achievements Of India, Says BJP

    New Delhi, Dec 17: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday said that the Congress is unable to accept India’s success and achievements under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Addressing the media, a BJP spokesperson accused the opposition party of repeatedly undermining national accomplishments on global platforms and resorting to criticism instead of constructive politics. The BJP said India’s growing global stature in areas such as economy, infrastructure, defence and diplomacy has unsettled the Congress, leading it to make negative remarks against the country.

    The BJP further alleged that rather than supporting national interests, the Congress has chosen to question institutions and policies that have strengthened India’s position internationally. The spokesperson said the government’s focus remains on development, good governance and inclusive growth, while the opposition continues what it termed as “politics of denial.” The BJP reiterated that India’s progress is being recognised worldwide and asserted that no amount of political criticism would derail the country’s development trajectory.

  • Most Corrupt Family In Politics Is The Gandhi Family: BJP’s Gaurav Bhatia

    Most Corrupt Family In Politics Is The Gandhi Family: BJP’s Gaurav Bhatia

    New Delhi, Dec 17: BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, alleging that the Gandhi family is the most corrupt family in Indian politics. Addressing a press briefing, Bhatia accused the Congress leadership of repeatedly misleading the public and shielding corruption, particularly in connection with the National Herald case. He said the matter was before the courts and asserted that the law was taking its own course, dismissing opposition claims of political vendetta.

    Bhatia further said the Congress was attempting to distract the nation by staging protests instead of answering serious questions related to alleged financial irregularities. He maintained that investigative agencies were functioning independently and that accountability must apply equally to all, regardless of political stature. The BJP spokesperson added that public trust demands transparency and legal scrutiny, reiterating that corruption allegations involving senior political figures cannot be ignored under the pretext of political targeting.

  • Opposition MPs Protest In Parliament Premises Over National Herald Case

    Opposition MPs Protest In Parliament Premises Over National Herald Case

    New Delhi, Dec 17: Opposition MPs on Tuesday staged a protest in the Parliament premises against the central government over the National Herald case, alleging political vendetta and misuse of central investigative agencies. Leaders from the Congress and other opposition parties gathered holding placards and raising slogans, accusing the government of targeting opposition figures to silence dissent and divert attention from pressing public issues.

    The protesting MPs said the legal action in the National Herald case was being pursued with political motives, and asserted that democratic institutions were being undermined. They demanded an end to what they described as selective targeting of opposition leaders and called for respect for due process and constitutional values. Meanwhile, the ruling party has rejected the allegations, maintaining that the case is being handled strictly according to law and that no one is above legal scrutiny.

  • BJP MP Shashank Mani Criticises West Bengal Government After Stampede Incident

    BJP MP Shashank Mani Criticises West Bengal Government After Stampede Incident

    New Delhi/Kolkata, Dec 17: BJP MP Shashank Mani on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the West Bengal government following a stampede incident that claimed lives and left several others injured. Raising concerns over crowd management and administrative preparedness, Mani alleged that the incident exposed serious lapses in governance and a lack of adequate safety arrangements at public gatherings. He said such tragedies could be prevented with proper planning, coordination and timely intervention by the authorities.

    The BJP MP further demanded accountability and a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the stampede, calling for strict action against those responsible for negligence. He accused the state government of failing to prioritise public safety and urged it to put in place robust crowd-control mechanisms to avoid similar incidents in the future. The West Bengal government, meanwhile, has announced relief measures for the victims and said steps are being taken to review safety protocols at large public events.

  • PM Modi Sets 3 Pillars For India‑Ethiopia Strategic Partnership

    PM Modi Sets 3 Pillars For India‑Ethiopia Strategic Partnership

    Addis Ababa/New Delhi, Dec 17: During his landmark visit to Ethiopia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined three key pillars to strengthen and elevate ties between India and Ethiopia as the two nations transitioned their relationship into a Strategic Partnership. In discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Modi emphasised food and health security, capacity building, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as the core areas of enhanced cooperation. These focus areas are expected to drive shared development goals and deepen economic and social engagement between the two countries.

    Under the first pillar of food and health security, both sides agreed to expand cooperation in sustainable agriculture, natural farming, agritech and public health initiatives to ensure long‑term food availability and wellbeing. The second pillar, capacity building, includes new programs in artificial intelligence, vocational training and a doubling of student scholarships, enabling more Ethiopian students to access higher education in India and strengthen youth‑to‑youth ties. The third pillar, Digital Public Infrastructure, aims to support technological innovation and growth through collaboration on digital systems and platforms. Leaders also discussed broader cooperation in pharmaceuticals, digital health, energy, mining and other sectors to support mutual prosperity and regional stability.

  • Recognition Of Unwavering Commitment To Global South: EAM S Jaishankar

    Recognition Of Unwavering Commitment To Global South: EAM S Jaishankar

    Tel Aviv, Dec 17: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Wednesday hailed the conferment of **Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the “Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia,” on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a significant acknowledgment of India’s contributions to the Global South and shared development goals. Jaishankar described the accolade as a testament to PM Modi’s commitment to deepening cooperation with developing countries, particularly those in Africa, and reaffirmed the importance of India’s engagement in regional development, capacity building and digital transformation initiatives. The External Affairs Minister highlighted that the recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of India’s leadership towards addressing the common aspirations of emerging economies.

    Jaishankar’s comments came during his ongoing visit to Israel, where he is engaged in high‐level talks to strengthen bilateral ties in defence, technology and economic cooperation. He said the honour awarded to PM Modi underlines India’s growing role as a partner of choice for many nations in the Global South, supporting development collaborations from sustainable agriculture to health and education. The External Affairs Minister’s remarks also reiterated India’s broader diplomatic strategy of fostering mutual respect, economic partnerships and strategic alliances with developing countries, reinforcing India’s position on the global stage as a voice for equitable growth and inclusive cooperation.

  • Oscars 2026: Homebound Shortlisted For Best International Feature Film

    Oscars 2026: Homebound Shortlisted For Best International Feature Film

    Los Angeles/Mumbai, Dec 17: India’s official entry for the **98th Academy Awards, “Homebound,” has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category, advancing to the next stage of Oscar contention. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed that Homebound is among 15 films selected from 86 global submissions to compete for nomination in this prestigious international category. The shortlist places the film on the threshold of a potential Academy Award nomination, with the final nominations set to be announced in January 2026 ahead of the Oscars ceremony scheduled for March 15, 2026.

    Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar, Homebound features Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor and tells a deeply human story about childhood friends navigating friendship, social pressures and aspirations in contemporary India. The film has already earned critical acclaim on the international festival circuit, including a celebrated premiere at Cannes and strong reception at the Toronto International Film Festival. Its inclusion on the Oscars shortlist marks a significant milestone for Indian cinema and highlights the global appeal of stories rooted in India’s social and cultural fabric.

  • Nick Reiner Charged With First‑Degree Murder Of Parents Rob And Michele Reiner

    Nick Reiner Charged With First‑Degree Murder Of Parents Rob And Michele Reiner

    Los Angeles, Dec 17: Hollywood has been rocked by tragedy as Nick Reiner, 32, has been formally charged with two counts of first‑degree murder in connection with the fatal stabbing deaths of his parents, iconic filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, in their Brentwood home. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office announced that the charges include special circumstances for multiple murders and the use of a deadly weapon, meaning prosecutors may seek the harshest possible penalties, including life in prison without parole or, in theory, the death penalty — although a decision on capital punishment has not yet been made. Nick Reiner is currently being held without bail as the case moves forward.

    The couple’s bodies were discovered on December 14 by their daughter after authorities responded to a welfare check at the upscale residence, with early reports indicating they suffered stab wounds. Law enforcement arrested Nick Reiner later that same night near the University of Southern California, and he was booked on suspicion of murder before prosecutors filed formal charges. The circumstances leading to the killings remain under investigation, and authorities have said they will present evidence in court as the case progresses. Rob Reiner, 78, was celebrated for his contributions to film and television over decades, while Michele Singer Reiner, 68, was a respected photographer and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, making the deaths a moment of profound shock and mourning both within Hollywood and among fans worldwide.