Magnitude 6 Earthquake Strikes Off Coast Of Japan's Noda Region: USGS

An earthquake of 6-magnitude struck off the coast of Japan's eastern Noda region on Wednesday, the United States Geological Survey said. The quake was at a depth of 19.3 km, it said.
This comes weeks after a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake shook the country's regions, injuring at least 30 people and forcing about 90,000 residents to evacuate their homes.

The December 8 earthquake struck off the coast and the Japan Meteorological Agency said a tsunami as high as 3 metres (10 feet) could hit the country's northeastern coast. Warnings were issued for the prefectures of Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate, and tsunamis from 20 to 70 cm (7 to 27 inches) high were observed at several ports, JMA said.

Japan is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries, with a tremor occurring at least every five minutes. Located in the "Ring of Fire" of volcanoes and oceanic trenches partly encircling the Pacific Basin, Japan accounts for about 20% of the world's earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or greater.

The northeastern region suffered one of the country's deadliest earthquakes on March 11, 2011, when a 9.0-magnitude tremor struck under the ocean off the coast of the northern city of Sendai. It was the most powerful ever recorded in Japan and set off a series of massive tsunami that devastated a wide swathe of the Pacific coastline and killed nearly 20,000 people.

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Sriram Raghavan Reveals Why Dhurandhar Is Not The Kind Of Film He Would Make

Even as Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar continues its triumphant box-office run, Sriram Raghavan has made it clear that the blockbuster spy thriller sits firmly outside his own creative comfort zone. 

Speaking to The Hindu ahead of the release of his next film, Ikkis, Raghavan explained why the Ranveer Singh-starrer, despite being well-crafted, represents a cinematic language he would not personally adopt.

Why Dhurandhar's Success Does Not Define His Filmmaking Choices

Addressing comparisons between Dhurandhar and the kind of spy films he and his brother Shridhar Raghavan have made in the past, Sriram stressed that it is less about quality and more about worldview.

"It is a well-made film with terrific performances, but it is not our kind of film. We must understand that we are living in different times. The earlier James Bond films starring Sean Connery and Roger Moore were fun movies. Later on, Bond films started to get serious. Dhurandhar is one movie. It is doing spectacularly well, and it should. But this is not the only format. If I start following it, it will be the silliest thing to do," he said.

Sriram Raghavan Praises Aditya Dhar

While distancing himself from Aditya Dhar's stylistic choices, Raghavan was careful to underline his admiration for the filmmaker. The two directors share a significant career milestone, having both won National Awards in the same year - Dhar for Uri: The Surgical Strike and Raghavan for Andhadhun.

Reflecting on that moment, Raghavan said, "Aditya and I shared the National Award stage when he made Uri, and I had Andhadhun. He has a different kind of sensibility and craft, and I love watching his films, but it is not something I would make."

That philosophy also shapes his upcoming project Ikkis, a biographical war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, India's youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee. In the movie, Agastya Nanda steps into the role of the 21-year-old war hero and Dharmendra portrays his father.

ALSO READ: Dhurandhar Actor Naseem Mughal Was "Uncomfortable" About Viral Assault Scene, Reveals Ranveer Singh's Reaction

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Helped Boost Ties: PM In Letter To Tarique Rahman After Khaleda Zia's Death

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his condolence letter to Tarique Rahman - the son of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and the acting chairman leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party - recalled his association with her and expressed hope that the people of Bangladesh, who have shown "remarkable strength and dignity throughout their history... will continue to be guided by their shared values, democratic traditions, and a deep sense of national unity".

PM Modi's letter was delivered today by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who represented India at the funeral of Khaleda Zia.

On arrival in Dhaka, met with Mr Tarique Rahman @trahmanbnp, Acting Chairman of BNP and son of former PM of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia.

Handed over to him a personal letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi.

Conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and… pic.twitter.com/xXNwJsRTmZ

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 31, 2025

Expressing his condolences in the letter, PM Modi had said, "I warmly recall my meeting and discussions with Begum Sahiba in Dhaka in June 2015".

"She was a leader of rare resolve and conviction and had the distinction of being the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She made many important contributions to the development of Bangladesh, as well as to the strengthening of India-Bangladesh relations," he wrote.

"While her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, her vision and legacy will endure," PM Modi added. "I am confident that her ideals will be carried forward under your able leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and will continue to serve as a guiding light to ensure a new beginning and the enrichment of the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh," he wrote.

Zia, the three-time Prime Minister of Bangladesh who headed the BNP, died on Tuesday after a long illness. Her funaral today was attended by thousands, including dignitaries from various nations. She was laid to rest with full State honours this afternoon beside her husband, the country's former President Ziaur Rahman, at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka.

Rahman, a front-runner for the prime minister post in the election due on February 12, is Khaleda Zia's eldest son.

During his meeting with Rahman, Jaishankar acknowledged Zia's contribution to democracy. He also expressed optimism about closer India-Bangladesh ties -- which have been frayed since the government led by Mohammad Yunus came to power -- after the elections due in February. Dhaka's growing closeness with Pakistan and its all-weather ally China lately has been a situation that is being closely watched by India.

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Eko OTT Release Date Update: Know Everything This Gripping Malayalam Mystery Thriller

Eko is a suspense-packed Malayalam thriller set in a mysterious hill station where long-hidden secrets slowly come to light. With strong performances, atmospheric visuals, and a gripping storyline, the film keeps you guessing throughout. After its theatrical release, Eko is now streaming on OTT, making its mystery accessible to wider audiences. This story is shot in a mountainous village and has lots of scenic views too.

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Americana (2025) Now Streaming on Prime Video: What To Know About This Darkly Comic Crime Thriller

Americana (2025) is a gripping crime thriller centred on a stolen Native American artefact that triggers chaos in the criminal underworld. Starring Sydney Sweeney and Paul Walter Hauser, the film blends dark humour with suspense and emotional tension. Now available to stream on Prime Video, Americana has received mixed-to-positive reviews, including an approximately 68% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes.

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Watch: Group Of Monkeys In Odisha Risk Lives To Save Companion From Crocodile

A group of monkeys in Odisha made a valiant attempt to rescue a companion from a saltwater crocodile. The incident, captured on camera, occurred in the Mahakalapada area of Kendrapara district.

The footage shows a large troop of monkeys swimming in a straight line towards the crocodile, trying to save their companion. The region's rivers and rivulets, including the Kharinasi tributary of the Mahanadi, are known for frequent crocodile sightings, which often pose a threat to wildlife and occasionally humans.

According to eyewitnesses, a crocodile suddenly attacked and dragged one of the monkeys into the river. Instead of fleeing, several other monkeys jumped into the water and chased the predator in an attempt to rescue their friend. Despite their determined efforts, the crocodile overpowered the group, and their companion could not be saved.

Crocodiles are commonly seen across Odisha, especially around Bhitarkanika National Park, home to India's largest saltwater crocodile population, and coastal areas such as Astaranga and Chandrabhaga near Puri. Recent floods have also forced them into villages.

In October, a 57-year-old woman went missing after a crocodile dragged her into the Kharasrota river in Odisha's Kantia village while she was bathing. Villagers attempted to rescue her but she couldn't be saved. Fire brigade personnel and police launched a search operation in the river following reports of the incident. A video showing the crocodile dragging the woman went viral on social media.

Crocodiles often appear near human settlements due to a combination of habitat overlap, environmental factors, and food availability. Many villages and towns border crocodile habitats, naturally bringing humans and reptiles into proximity. Heavy rains and floods can push crocodiles out of their usual areas in parks and rivers into nearby villages. Crocodiles follow water bodies and prey, which often leads them toward rivers, coasts, and other areas frequented by people.

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Salman Khan Skips Greeting Fans On 60th Birthday Due To Security Reasons

Salman Khan turned 60 today, December 27. The actor had a star-studded birthday bash at his Panvel farmhouse last night, attended by several A-listers including Sanjay Dutt, Karisma Kapoor, Manish Malhotra and MS Dhoni, to name a few. As is the tradition every year, a massive sea of fans gathered in front of his Galaxy Apartments in Bandra. Clips and pictures of fans waiting for a glimpse of the superstar on his 60th birthday have been circulating online all day. However, the superstar skipped greeting his sea of fans outside Galaxy Apartments. The last time he had given it a miss was during the covid pandemic (2020-2021).

The actor was seen enjoying a bike ride around his Panvel Farmhouse, skipping his annual birthday meet with fans outside his Galaxy Apartments due to security reasons. The actor has been given Y+ security after the incessant attacks faced by him since 2024.

The actor installed a bulletproof glass on his balcony in January 2025, months after the shooting experience at his home in April 2024. He greets his fans from there during special occassions like Eid and birthday.

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A post shared by Manav Manglani (@manav.manglani)

After last night's party at Panvel farmhouse, more celebs namely Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal, Bobby Deol, to name a few were seen arriving for the superstar's 60th birthday.

High Security For Salman Khan

The first attack attempt on Salman Khan took place on April 14, 2024. The actor woke up to gunshots at his Bandra residence.

Mumbai Police mentioned in their statement, that the shooters who wanted to kill Salman were from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

Both Salman Khan and his brother Arbaaz Khan were questioned for six hours by the Mumbai Police, on June 4, 2024.

Salman Khan had shared that he had gone to sleep that night, after a party. He was then awakened by the sound of a bullet aimed at his balcony. Upon going outside, he couldn't find anyone.

The police had arrested Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal in Gujarat, and Anuj Thapan and another individual in Punjab on April 26, 2024; the latter however, died in police custody.

The police further revealed that Lawrence Bishnoi had much bigger plans of killing Salman Khan. They had intentions of attacking the actor's car at Panvel, Maharashtra, with weapons from a Pakistani arms supplier.

Sources told NDTV that the gang, led by jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, his Canada-based cousin Anmol Bishnoi, and associate Goldie Brar, had acquired AK47s, M-16s, and other lethal weapons from a Pakistani arms dealer.

Salman Khan has been on the radar of the Bishnoi gang ever since the blackbuck poaching case.

Police investigation surrounding Baba Siddique's death also led to hints that the politician was killed because of his close friendship with Salman Khan.

Baba Siddique was attacked outside his MLA son Zeeshan Siddique's office, at Kher Nagar, in Mumbai's Bandra area. The assailants were waiting in an auto-rickshaw. Their faces were covered with handkerchiefs, and upon spotting their target, they fired 3 shots at the politician.

Earlier, there was also a shooting outside AP Dhillon's house in Canada. This was because he collaborated on a music video with Khan, free of cost.

The Bishnoi gang has been terrorising the actor for years now and continues to be a major threat to Salman Khan.

Salman Khan's Panvel Celebrations

The celebrations were kept largely private, but the actor made time to step out and greet the media gathered outside the venue.

Salman arrived with his family. Salim Khan and Salma Khan were pictured outside the venue. Arbaaz Khan, along with his wife Sshura Khan and their newborn baby, was also seen arriving at the farmhouse.

Sohail Khan, Arpita Khan Sharma, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, Arhaan Khan, Nirvaan Khan, Ahil and Ayat also attended the bash.

Actors Sanjay Dutt, Aditya Roy Kapur and cricketer MS Dhoni were among the attendees.

Riteish Deshmukh with Genelia D'Souza and their two sons, Riaan and Rahyl, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sangeeta Bijlani, Ramesh Taurani, Nikhil Dwivedi, Maniesh Paul, Mika Singh and Huma Qureshi were also present.

Ahead of the celebrations, Salman cut his birthday cake with the paps. He was seen interacting briefly with photographers, exchanging smiles and warm greetings. In the video, Salman is seen cutting a red-and-white cake as the paparazzi sang the birthday song. Dressed casually in a T-shirt and blue jeans, the actor sported a clean-shaven look.

He also offered pieces of cake to the photographers and posed for pictures. In one moment that drew cheers, Salman greeted a woman with a side hug.

On the professional front, Salman will next be seen in Apoorva Lakhia's directorial Battle of Galwan. The film is based on the Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops in 2020.

ALSO READ | Salman Khan: Growing Up With Two Mothers In A Family Like No Other

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52-Year-Old Woman Earns First Income Through YouTube, Video Goes Viral

A heartwarming video of a 52-year-old woman celebrating her first-ever income through YouTube has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread admiration and praise from users across platforms.

The video was shared on Instagram by Anshul Pareek and features her mother sitting with her mobile phone, visibly emotional and smiling with pride. In the clip, Pareek asks her mother, "Kya hua mummy?" (What happened, mother?). The woman responds by sharing a moment that marks a major milestone in her life.

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A post shared by Anshul Pareek | Content Creator (@anshul_pareek___)

She says that she has earned her first income at the age of 52 through YouTube, achieving the feat within just six months. Her statement reflects years of perseverance and determination, resonating deeply with viewers. The video captures not just a financial achievement, but the fulfilment of a long-held dream, highlighting that success is not limited by age.

A text overlay on the video reads, "No age for dreams, only hard work and she proved it," underlining the central message of the moment. Pareek's caption, "I'm a proud daughter," further adds to the emotional impact of the post.

The video also caught the attention of YouTube Creators India, whose official Instagram account commented, congratulating the woman and calling the journey "incredibly inspiring."

Social media users flooded the comments section with messages of encouragement and appreciation. Many viewers said the video made their day, while others noted that it proves age is just a number. Several users praised the woman's dedication and hard work, with comments highlighting that it is never too late to start something new.

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Qatar Airways Shares Stunning Cockpit View Of Cloudy Heathrow Landing

A recent video shared by Qatar Airways has gone viral, offering a rare and stunning glimpse from the cockpit of an Airbus A380 during its descent into London Heathrow Airport. The video, posted on the airline's official Instagram account, captures the massive aircraft gliding smoothly through thick grey clouds before the runway comes into view - creating a cinematic and serene visual that has captivated social media users.

The clip highlights the calm precision of the landing from the pilots' perspective and showcases the beauty of flying, even in cloudy weather conditions. The airline captioned the video: "Our A380 touches down at London Heathrow, gliding through the clouds and turning a grey sky into a moment to remember."

Watch the video here:

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A post shared by Qatar Airways (@qatarairways)

Since being posted, the video has garnered nearly 2.1 million views, with thousands of users praising the professionalism of the flight crew and expressing admiration for the peaceful in-cockpit atmosphere.

Several users reacted to the video with a mix of curiosity and humor. One viewer questioned, "How is this allowed? I wasn't even permitted to click a photo in the A320 cockpit after landing." Another joked, "Deja vu, hope next year I'm going on vacation with your plane." A third simply asked, "Where is the touchdown?" highlighting how the cinematic clip ended just before the wheels met the runway.

Aviation enthusiasts and casual viewers alike have celebrated the footage for its rare insight into flight operations and its calming aesthetic.

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Tu Meri Main Tera X Reviews: Mixed Reactions For Kartik-Ananya's Rom-Com

Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday's upcoming romantic drama Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri hit the screens today.

As always, the Internet is buzzing about the last big release of the year, which appeared to be a fun and frothy rom-com in true Bollywood style from its trailer and songs.

The Internet's verdict is in, and mixed reactions have been pouring in.

While one person wrote, "Hits the right emotional and entertainment note," some felt, "A romantic drama that never takes off."

Positive comments read, "It is a unique romantic comedy," and that it feels "fresh, youthful, and wholesome."

On the contrary, there were some harsh comments, with viewers calling it "unbearable, pathetic," and "Do not even contribute a penny for such movies."

It was a mixed bag of responses, with audiences sharing both positive and negative opinions.

Have a look at some of the X reactions here:

#TuMeriMainTeraMainTeraTuMeriReview : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #TuMeriMainTeraMainTeraTuMeri is a thoroughly enjoyable film that hits the right emotional and entertainment notes. The movie is engaging from start to finish with a strong narrative flow.#KartikAaryan delivers an intense and… pic.twitter.com/BbuhPqO3in

— Vishwajit Patil (@_PatilVishwajit) December 25, 2025

REVIEW #TMMT - BEAUTIFUL ENTERTAINER

You may or may not go to watch #TuMeriMainTeraMainTeraTuMeri with your girlfriend, but you must definitely watch it with your parents. This film is a unique romantic story that places a child's love and responsibility towards their parents… pic.twitter.com/poilyBgCwQ

— Sumit Kadel (@SumitkadeI) December 25, 2025

#TuMeriMainTeraMainTeraTuMerireview ⭐/5
A romantic drama that never takes off. Poor direction by Sameer Vidwans, routine story, awkward dialogues, and dull performances. Wasted potential, wasted talent. Complete misfire #TuMeriMeinTeraMeinTeraTuMeri #review pic.twitter.com/MEC1d8QGBs

— Lokesh Chandra ⚡️ (@socialloki) December 25, 2025

#TuMeriMainTeraMainTeraTuMeriReview
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️#TuMeriMainTeraMainTeraTuMeri feels fresh, youthful, and wholesome.#KartikAaryan once again proves his versatility - from Chandu Champion to this, he slips into the character effortlessly and brings charm, emotion, and energy to the… pic.twitter.com/JuCsX2SVYb

— Siddharth Mathur (@TheSidMathur) December 25, 2025

#TuMeriMainTeraMainTeraTuMerireview

Pathetic, unbearable, worst 😭
Bhai kya hugaa hai

— kya_Yrr_Rahul (@WritesRahu4896) December 25, 2025

Why did you go & watch? Couldn't you understand from trailer itself? Do not contribute even a penny to such movies. #TuMeriMainTeraMainTeraTuMeriReview

— santosh kumar (@santudadda) December 25, 2025

#TuMeriMainTeraMainTeraTuMeriReview #TuMeriMainTeraMainTeraTuMeri https://t.co/v41qOFvAIO

— Manoj Funny (@Manoj49151909) December 25, 2025

#TMMTMTTM dazzles visually but falters narratively. #KartikAaryan shines, yet thin writing and meandering subplots render it an underwhelming watch. ⭐⭐½ #TuMeriMainTeraMainTeraTuMeriReview pic.twitter.com/zIfe3NOfPP

— Sammie (@Prasparrow) December 25, 2025

About Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri

The romantic drama is backed by an extensive production team, with Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Bhumika Tewari producing under Dharma Productions, alongside Shareen Mantri Kedia and Kishor Arora of Namah Pictures. The film is directed by Sameer Vidwans, best known for Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023).

Starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday in the lead roles, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri released in theatres today, December 25, 2025.

ALSO READ | Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri Review: Flip, Frivolous, And Not As Much Fun

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Woman, 25, Shot At In Gurugram Club For Refusing Marriage Proposal

A 25-year-old woman was shot at inside a club in Gurugram after she allegedly refused a marriage proposal from a man, police said on Thursday.

The incident took place in the early hours of December 20 on MG Road.

Police said they received information about a woman injured in a firing incident and found her admitted to a private hospital, where she was initially unfit to give a statement.

The woman's husband, from Najafgarh in Delhi, lodged a complaint stating that his wife, Kalpana (25), worked at a club in Gurugram and was shot by Tushar, a resident of Sangam Vihar in Delhi.

In his complaint, the husband said his wife had gone to work on December 19 and around 1 am called him to say she had been shot.

“Around a month ago Tushar came to our house, had a fight with us and left,” the complainant added.

Based on the complaint, an FIR was registered at Sector 29 police station.

During the investigation, a crime unit team arrested two accused, Tushar alias Jonty (25) and his friend Shubham alias Jony (24), both residents of Sangam Vihar, from Baraut in Uttar Pradesh, police said.

During interrogation, police said Tushar revealed that he befriended the victim around six months ago and wanted to marry her, but she repeatedly refused.

Police alleged that on the night of December 19, Tushar, along with Shubham, went to the club, proposed to her again and upon refusal shot the woman.

The accused have been arrested and are being questioned, police said, adding that further investigation is underway.  

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Vritta OTT Release Date Revealed: Know When and Where to Watch it Online

Vritta is a Kannada psychological thriller film that revolves around a troubled man fighting for survival after he gets stuck in a dense forest. Streaming soon.

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Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain 2.0 Now Streaming Online: What You Need to Know

Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain 2.0 is now available on Z5, bringing back its cult comedy with a spooky flavour. Featuring Shilpa Shinde’s return and a fresh storyline set in Ghunghatganj, the show blends humour, nostalgia, and entertainment for OTT viewers.

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Singer Harassed While Performing 'Jago Maa'. What Is The Song All About?

Bengali singer Lagnajita Chakraborty was allegedly harassed for performing the song "Jago Maa" during a concert on Saturday, sparking widespread criticism.

A man has been arrested for allegedly targeting the popular singer for not singing a "secular" song and instead performing what he perceived as a "religious" number at a private school in East Midnapore's Bhagwanpur.

So what is the song all about?

According to the singer, she performed the track from the upcoming Bengali movie Devi Chowdhurani. The song's lyricist, Ritam Sen, clarified to NDTV that the song is based on "motherhood and not a Goddess."

"What happened to Lagnajita during her show was completely unacceptable," Sen told NDTV. "One needs to understand that the lyrics of 'Jago Maa' are not about any deity. The song is themed around a mother and the concept of motherhood, representing feminine energy."

He added that the song was created as a promotional video for the film and is based on the iconic character of Devi Chowdhurani, not the Goddess Durga.

Directed by Subhrajit Mitra and starring Prosenjit Chatterjee and Srabanti Chatterjee, Devi Chowdhurani is a historical drama adapted from Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's classic novel.

Recalling the incident, Lagnajita said, "I had finished my seventh song and was communicating with the audience before starting the eighth. I had just finished 'Jago Maa' and was explaining the details of the song to the crowd when I saw a man come running onto the stage. He looked like he wanted to hit me."

"When he realised that, well, he really could not manage to beat me up, even after all this. While he was being pulled away from me, he shouted and said, 'Enough of your Jaago Ma, now sing something secular," Langajita added further.
 

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Opinion: Opinion | Telangana A Lab For Congress's Minority Policy

One of the that catapulted Revanth Reddy to the Chief Minister's chair in Telangana is his aggression. He does not believe in keeping it subtle when he wants to drive a point home. When he spoke about "sacrifices" by Sonia Gandhi that have enabled Christians to celebrate Christmas in Telangana, it was not so much about sycophancy as a well-thought-out political strategy.

As expected, it caught everyone's attention and sent the political mercury soaring. The BJP has called it "Olympic-level sycophancy and boot-licking" and said this was an insult to Jesus Christ and the Christian community, and mockingly suggested that the Congress may next claim the Sun rises because of the Gandhi family.

The BRS called it political theatrics and recirculated videos from when Revanth Reddy was in the Telugu Desam Party and had reportedly referred to Sonia Gandhi as "Bali Devatha" (Deity of Sacrifice), blaming her for the death of young people during the movement for a separate state.  

Examine the statement: "If people are celebrating Christmas in Telangana today, it is because of Sonia Gandhi's sacrifice." 

This was a sequel to Reddy's explosive comment just a month ago, in the run-up to a high-decibel by-poll in Jubilee Hills, when he told the Muslim electorate: "Hum hain tho aap hain" (You exist because we exist and you are nothing without the Congress). He even suggested that they were able to celebrate Islamic festivals because of the Congress government. 

Revanth Reddy did not make a random statement to appease the minority community or flatter his political boss. It is a calculated piece of a much larger, sharper game plan to break the hold of the BRS, or even the AIMIM, over the minority vote. 

By linking religious festivities and even minority "existence" with the Congress party, Reddy is moving away from the BRS model of secularism, focusing on welfare schemes like Shaadi Mubarak, and instead moving the narrative to protectionism. Under KCR, the BRS treated minorities as "beneficiaries" of welfare. It was a top-down model of financial doles. It was a patronage model.

Revanth Reddy is framing the Congress not just as a choice among `secular' parties, but as a survival shield against a rising BJP, raising the bogey that under the BJP, even the right to exist and celebrate their festivals is under threat.

Revanth Reddy is pivoting the Congress as an "aggressive protector". 
By invoking Sonia Gandhi's "sacrifice" for statehood, he is trying to communicate to the minority community that they owe some kind of a gratitude that goes beyond a payout from the treasury, positioning the Congress as the party that will ensure protection of their rights and that it is an architect of their freedom.

For years, the AIMIM has been seen as the voice of the Muslims, and undeniably held the monopoly on Muslim representation, in what can be seen as a ghetto model. With not enough strength of numbers to lead the state on its own, it often acted as a tactical ally to the BRS. Revanth Reddy is directly challenging this "outsourcing" of minority leadership. 

By bringing the Telangana model of caste census into the mix, the Congress is telling the so-called Pasmanda or backward Muslims and Christians, that they can be mainstreamed to get a share of power the "Mandal" way rather than through religious representation, which is the "Majlis" way. That was a move by then Congress Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy that was struck down by the Supreme Court.

Revanth Reddy is also moving beyond mere rhetoric. He is promising a law that will act as an anti-hate shield. 

Reddy has said this is modelled after a similar move in Karnataka, suggesting that it is the Congress that is building a legal fortress to ensure that when there are rogue comments, the state would become your bouncer, your protector.

While the BRS often avoided direct confrontation on communal issues to maintain a "neutral" image, Reddy is taking a side. He is legislating against "insults to faith", effectively making the BRS and AIMIM's rhetoric look passive in comparison.

Revanth Reddy's reference to a "Miracle Month", linking the birthday of Jesus, the birthdate of Sonia Gandhi and Telangana's birth is meant to strike an emotional chord about the political stakes the Congress had been willing to risk because it took a "principled" stance on statehood. The message is that the Congress knew it would lose out in Andhra Pradesh because of "giving" Telangana and yet it kept its promise. Similarly, it would act on behalf of minorities, without looking at political expediency.

What Revanth Reddy is betting on is that, in the coming years, to counter an aggressive Hindutva political force like the BJP, minority voters won't be satisfied merely with the "secular" credentials of any party. They would want a "warrior" party that can mainstream them. Telangana is a lab for the Congress to amplify in the rest of the country.

(Uma Sudhir is Executive Editor, NDTV)

(Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author)

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Watch: Russian Woman Clears 6 Myths About India, Internet Reacts

A Russian woman living in India has gained significant attention on social media for sharing her experience of living in India. In an Instagram video, the woman named Kseniia Shakirzianova debunked common myths and addressed several misconceptions, showcasing her life in India over the past three years. "So I have been living in India [for] around 3 years, and let me clear a few myths," Shakirzianova said while eating a sandwich in a car. The video gained significant traction with more than 67K views and over 2000 likes.

Also read | Chinese Firm Gifts Renovated Flats After 5 Years Of Service To Retain Employees

Myths Vs Reality

1. Shakirzianova dismissed the idea that the Indian sun drastically changes foreigners, saying she still hasn't gotten a tan, even though everyone said that the Indian sun would "burn" her.

2. She clarified that she didn't gain weight from Indian food, despite warnings about its oily nature.

Watch the video here:

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3. She also revealed that she hasn't ridden a bike even once, even as a passenger.

4. She joked about not wearing a sari every day, saying "Shocking? I know".

5. Shakirzianova said she didn't become "spirituality-enlightened" and didn't disappear into retreats.

6. She said she definitely doesn't drink masala chai "five times a day".

"India didn't turn me into a stereotype. It just stayed in India, and I stayed me," she said at the end of the video.

Social Media Reaction

"Haha! Thanks for the honesty!" one user said in the comment section.

"It's nice to see someone from another country interested in Indian culture," another added.

"You sound like a normal indian women who takes good care of their skin.. indian women wear sari very rarely nowadays...so I think you are living a modern Indian lifestyle," a third wrote.

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Why Ishan Kishan Has Been Selected For T20 World Cup 2026 - Explained

Almost two years after slipping out of the national picture, Ishan Kishan has forced his way back into India's T20 squad the only way that matters - runs. The Jharkhand left-hander lit up the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, finished as the tournament's highest scorer and sealed his return with a breathtaking hundred in the final. In a season where consistency trumped reputation, Kishan's bat did the talking. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter topped the run charts in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 571 runs and capped the campaign with a match-winning century in the final, leading Jharkhand to their maiden title.

Kishan's return comes after his last India appearance against Australia in a T20I at Guwahati in 2023. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said the decision was driven purely by form. "He bats at the top in white-ball cricket and has been in good form. He has played for India before. At the moment, there are players like Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel ahead of him, but we felt having a wicketkeeper who can open gives us more solidity,"

The statement performance came in the final, where Kishan smashed a blistering 101 off just 49 balls, setting up a historic title win for Jharkhand. It underlined a sharp turnaround for a player whose career had stalled after stepping away from the game in 2023, citing mental fatigue following extended periods on the bench.

Reflecting on his selection, Kishan told ANI, "It feels good to be picked in the squad. I'm very, very happy," admitting it wasn't something he was expecting.

December has been a defining month in Kishan's journey. In 2022, he scripted history with a double century in ODIs at Chattogram. A year later came the break from cricket. In 2024, a renewed focus on process and performance marked his return to form. Now, in 2025, the domestic grind has brought him back into the national reckoning.

Kishan will join the team as the second wicketkeeper, with Sanju Samson the preferred choice behind the stumps, as India prepare for their T20 title defence. Opportunities may be limited initially, but with momentum on his side and competition ever-present, Kishan has once again put himself in the conversation - a reminder that in Indian cricket, form remains the strongest currency.

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Sunny Shares Ikkis Wrap-Up Clip, Dharmendra Urges India And Pakistan To Watch

The late actor Dharmendra, who will be posthumously seen in the upcoming film Ikkis, once said that he wishes that people of both India and Pakistan watches the film.

On Saturday, the late actor's elder son Sunny Deol took to his Instagram, and shared a BTS video from Ikkis. In the video, Dharmendra said, “I'm extremely happy to be in the Mandav films. The team, the captain, Shriram ji. It was done in a very nice way”.

He further mentioned, “I think India and Pakistan both should see the film. I'm a bit happily sad today, the last day of shooting. I love you all, if I made any mistake, please forgive me”.

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Sunny wrote in the caption, “A smile that lit up the darkness. Generosity without limits. Love for my papa is deeply rooted in our hearts. He has blessed us with his final film, Ikkis. Let's celebrate him in movie halls this New Year”.

Ikkis is directed by Sriram Raghavan, and is based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, one of India's youngest Param Vir Chakra awardees, who was martyred during the 1971 Indo-Pak war at the age of 21.

The title directly refers to Khetarpal's age at the time of his death. The lead role is played by Agastya Nanda, marking a significant departure from conventional debut choices, as the film prioritises realism over spectacle. Veteran actor Dharmendra appears in a key role, adding generational weight to the narrative.

The film focuses on military discipline, battlefield decision-making, and personal courage rather than melodrama. Staying true to historical accounts, the film aims to portray the human cost of war while honouring a real-life hero whose bravery continues to hold national significance.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Heartwarming Video Of Child Dancing In School Assembly Prayer Goes Viral

A heartwarming moment from a school assembly is winning hearts on social media. A video showing pure joy and devotion has gone viral, reminding viewers of the innocence of childhood.

The clip features a little boy dressed in his winter school uniform. With his eyes closed and hands folded, he is seen dancing gently in his place. Completely absorbed in the moment, his happy and calm expressions have touched viewers emotionally.
The child's genuine devotion and innocence make this video special. He's unaware of anyone watching; he's simply lost in the music of the prayer, completely absorbed in it. He's seen gently swaying and enjoying the music, as if the prayer is flowing naturally within him.

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Social Media Reaction

The video is receiving widespread praise on social media. Social media users are calling the video joyful.

One user commented, "Innocent and most joyous phase of our life."

Another user noted, "He is literally enjoying the prayer."

"That's why childhood is very special," added a third user. 

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Mrs. Deshpande Now Streaming Online: A Powerful Drama Exploring Identity, Marriage and Strength

Mrs. Deshpande stands out as a thoughtful drama series that blends emotional depth with social relevance. With its strong female protagonist and mature storytelling, the show has attracted attention for its realistic portrayal of everyday struggles and quiet empowerment, making it a notable addition to contemporary Indian OTT content.Mrs Deshpande is a series of psychological crime thrillers, which is based on the women's struggles and their recognition as independent women. The plot tells about the copy cat murderer of Mrs Deshpande wherein the crimes are going on with the same modus operandi as she has.

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Indian Armed Forces Are NDTV Indian Of The Year 2025

Following a phenomenal display of valour, coordination and pinpoint precision during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed Forces have been named NDTV's Indian Of The Year for 2025. 

In May, the Armed Forces struck terror bases in at least nine locations in Pakistan - including the headquarters of the Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke and Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur - as part of the Operation, which was a response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed.

Pakistan responded by attempting to attack Indian military installations and civilian locations by launching drones and missiles on three successive days, but was thwarted by India's air defence systems. The Indian Armed Forces, in turn, first took out some of Pakistan's air defence systems, including in Lahore, and then struck key military bases like the all-important Nur Khan airbase, also known as the Chaklala airbase.

Pakistan then sought a ceasefire and India agreed to a pause in hostilities. 

As NDTV presented the armed forces with the honour, on stage were Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Vir Chakra Awardees Colonel Koshank Lamba, Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht, Naib Subedar Satish Kumar, Group Captain Manish Arora, Group Captain Kunal Kalra and Wing Commander Joy Chandra, and Nao Sena Medal gallantry awardee Commander Saurabh Kumar.

Air Marshal Dixit said the jointness of the services really took off after the Chief of Defence Staff was appointed. "In the last three to four years, we have worked very hard to achieve this jointness, and the result is in front of you. Jointness is not a slogan, it involves a lot of planning, taking action together and taking responsibility together. Communication, control of the escalation ladder... we have now learnt to do all of these things together. We have seen a small example, and we will see many more in the years to come," he said.

The Chief of Integrated Defence Staff said India's self-reliance was also on display during Operation Sindoor in terms of air defence systems and missiles. 

Calm Before The Storm

Asked about his most memorable moments from the Operation, Colonel Koshank Lamba said he remembered the time just before it was launched.

"There was an eerie calm, which was a calm just before the storm we were about to unleash. In that moment, when I spoke to my men. I was thinking I would probably find fear or confusion or apprehension, but I saw a lot of 'josh', a lot of confidence, and I saw a fire. That was the fire we unleashed," he said. 

Naib Subedar Satish Kumar said he faced his biggest challenge during Operation Sindoor when his mortar position was fired upon by two enemy mortar positions.

"Engaging two targets from one mortar position is very difficult, but I had four mortars, which I used to target both - two on each... Then I fired illumination and smoke rounds on three posts, which caused a fire across a 300-400-metre area and 30-35 mine blasts," he recounted.

'Begging For Mercy'

Group Captain Manish Arora said he was struck by how young men and women in his unit were raring to go. "That day, the room was slightly different. There was a calmness and stillness to them. When we looked each other in the eyes, we knew we were the answer to the tears of the 26 families who lost their loved ones (in the Pahalgam attack)... After four days of intense conflict, the enemy was on all fours, begging for mercy. It was a perfect display of professionalism and willpower," he said.

Group Captain Kunal Kalra said his proudest moment during Operation Sindoor was when his weapons left his aircraft and he saw them zoning in on the targets. "These weapons were carrying the nation's hope and prayers."

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The Roofman Now Streaming Online: Everything You Need to Know

With its unique style of barging into the houses, cutting the roofs and then beginning a heist. Roofman is a nickname given to the person who does so. The series is based on real footage, people and journalists. It has been directed Derek Cianfrance. Now out on OTT, Lionsgate Play!

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3,746 Challaned, 61,000 PUCs Issued On Day 1 Of 'No PUC, No Fuel' In Delhi

Delhi's 'No PUC, No Fuel' directive came into force across the national capital on Thursday amid claims of strict enforcement. Thousands of challans were issued, border checks intensified, and surprise inspections were carried out by the Environment Minister. But on the ground, enforcement appeared uneven, and the city's air quality only deteriorated through the day.

The overall AQI stood at 356 around 7 am and worsened to 397 by 9 pm, inching closer to the 'severe' category despite a full day of restrictions and checks.

Certificates Issued, But Pollution Persists

Official data shows over 61,000 Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCCs) were issued between December 17 and 18 - 29,938 on Wednesday and another 31,974 by Thursday evening. During the same 24-hour window, 3,746 vehicles were challaned for not carrying a valid PUCC.

At Delhi's entry points, joint teams of the Traffic Police and Transport Department checked around 5,000 vehicles, turning back 568 non-compliant vehicles and diverting 217 non-destined trucks via the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways.

Despite these measures, there was no corresponding improvement in air quality through the day.

No Enforcement At Several Petrol Pumps

An NDTV ground reality check found that enforcement of the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule was missing at several petrol pumps on day one.

At the Delhi Gate petrol pump, NDTV found the government notification prominently displayed across fuel dispensing aisles, clearly informing motorists that a valid Pollution Under Control certificate was mandatory for refuelling. However, no transport or enforcement officials were present at the pump at the time of NDTV's visit.

Petrol pump staff said officials had made only a brief appearance earlier in the day.

"Two DTC officials came in the morning, clicked some photos, and left. After that, we don't know where they are," a pump employee told NDTV.

The staff was also clear that they are not responsible for enforcing the rule.

"We are just informing customers about the rule. We are not the enforcing authority. These are our customers. If we try to enforce it, there will be arguments or fights, and we don't want that," the employee said.

'Even 80% Implementation Is Success' 

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who conducted surprise inspections at select petrol pumps, acknowledged that the rule may not be implemented uniformly everywhere on day one.

Speaking to NDTV, Sirsa said, "Even if 80% is implemented, it will be successful."

He also said he was receiving regular, real-time updates from the Transport Department on the status of enforcement at petrol pumps across the capital, indicating that the government was closely tracking compliance as the rule rolled out.

'This Is Not About Challans'  

Sirsa urged petrol pump staff to remain calm while informing commuters about the requirement.

"You are the first interface of this campaign on the ground... politely explain that this rule is for their own health and for the health of our children," he told them.

Addressing commuters, the minister added, "This is not about challans; this is about clean air. Every valid PUCC issued today is a small victory in our war against pollution."

Impact Of Dust, Waste Action Unclear

Civic agencies also reported action on other pollution fronts over the past 24 hours, including mechanised sweeping of 2,300 km of roads, deployment of mobile anti-smog guns across 5,524 km, closure of 132 illegal dumping points, and processing of over 38,000 metric tonnes of legacy waste.

Even so, Delhi's AQI climbed steadily through the day, raising questions about how quickly such measures can translate into relief during peak winter pollution.

Sirsa said the steps were unavoidable, adding, "The Delhi Government has had to adopt tough but necessary steps so that pollution levels can be visibly reduced." He also flagged that several private offices are yet to comply with the 50% work-from-home advisory under GRAP-IV, warning that non-compliance could invite action.

As Delhi heads into another polluted night, the first full day of the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule once again underlined a familiar gap—strong enforcement claims, partial implementation on the ground, and air quality that continues to worsen.

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Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Nears Earth on Dec. 19, Offering Rare Insights Into Cosmic Visitors

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will make its closest approach to Earth on Dec. 19. Observing the comet provides scientists a rare opportunity to study dust and gases from its icy nucleus and learn more about material forming around other stars, expanding understanding of interstellar objects while posing no threat to our planet.

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