Former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has said that the Narendra Modi government is dismantling the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act to make way for the newly approved G RAM G law. She argues that the transition marks a major shift from a rights-based employment guarantee to a discretionary programme that could weaken rural incomes and job security. According to her, the change may affect millions who rely on the scheme for seasonal work, wages and protection against distre

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir issued a direct warning to Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers, urging them to choose between maintaining ties with Islamabad or supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Addressing religious scholars at the National Ulema Conference in Islamabad on December 10, Munir alleged that a large portion of militants entering Pakistan were Afghan nationals. His remarks, shared on local broadcasts over the weekend, highlighted rising tensions b

Shocking new details have surfaced about last weekend’s mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where two gunmen opened fire on crowds gathered to celebrate the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The attack killed 15 people and left over 40 injured, including two police officers. Court documents released on Monday indicate that the accused gunmen, Sajid Akram and his father Naveed Akram, conducted specialised weapons training before carrying out the shooting. Police allege the pair practiced at

US military activity near Venezuela has intensified as the US Coast Guard moves to apprehend a third oil tanker operating in international waters, according to officials who confirmed the development on Sunday. The operation marks the second action of its kind during the weekend and the third within a week, highlighting an escalating enforcement strategy against oil tankers under sanctions. One official stated that the vessel involved is subject to restrictions linked to United States measure

Bigg Boss Telugu Season 9 ended on a remarkable high as commoner Kalyan Padala lifted the trophy, along with Rs 35 lakh prize money and a Maruti Suzuki Victorious car, defeating celebrity contestant Thanuja in a thrilling finale. The result aligned perfectly with the season’s core theme of commoners versus celebrities, a narrative that kept viewers engaged throughout the show’s run. Kalyan’s victory highlighted how audience relatability and trust outweighed star status in determining th

President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, marking a landmark moment for the country’s atomic energy sector. The legislation opens India’s civil nuclear domain to private companies for the first time, signaling a major shift in national energy policy. The SHANTI Bill was approved during the Winter Session of Parliament and formally notified by the government, clearing the way for private i

The Mahayuti alliance recorded a sweeping victory in the Maharashtra local body elections, winning 207 municipal president posts across the state and establishing strong control over urban local governance. Results from the State Election Commission showed the Bharatiya Janata Party leading the tally with 117 seats, making it the single-largest party in the polls. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena followed with 53 posts, while the Nationalist Congress Party secured 37, giving the ruling allianc

The US Justice Department restored a photograph featuring President Donald Trump in the Jeffrey Epstein investigative files after briefly removing it, triggering strong political reactions. Officials explained that the temporary removal was made to ensure no Epstein victims were identifiable in the image, not to protect the president. The photograph, which showed a desk drawer holding a picture of Trump with several women, was first taken down during a review process but reinstated within 24

Former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has resurfaced in the public eye after months of political silence, levelling serious allegations against the Congress-led government headed by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Responding swiftly, Revanth Reddy countered KCR’s accusations and issued a challenge for an open debate in the Telangana Assembly on river water issues. He urged the BRS supremo to attend the sessions scheduled from January 2, assuring full respect and stating that the

Fans attending Chicago Bears games at Soldier Field will now have a new option for verifying their age when purchasing alcohol, as the stadium begins accepting digital Illinois driver’s licenses and state identification cards stored in Apple Wallet. The update takes effect starting Saturday, coinciding with the Bears’ matchup against the Green Bay Packers, marking a significant step in the expansion of mobile identification use at major sporting venues. Illinois Secretary of Sta

Fans attending Saturday night’s primetime matchup at Soldier Field will have a new way to stay warm as the Chicago Bears introduce a distinctly local twist on a classic cold-weather beverage. A Chicago-style hot chocolate, crafted specifically for the game against the Green Bay Packers, will make its debut inside the stadium, offering supporters a combination of comfort and regional character. The beverage blends traditional hot cocoa with Jeppson’s Malört and Amaretto, creatin

Workers on Friday added President Donald Trump’s name to the exterior of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, marking the latest visible step following a recent decision by the institution’s board to adopt a new name. The change comes one day after the board voted to rename the landmark venue as the “Trump-Kennedy Center,” a move that has quickly drawn attention in Washington and beyond due to the center’s national prominence and its statutory ties to Congress. The r

Erika Kirk, chief executive officer of Turning Point USA and widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has publicly endorsed US Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 presidential election, marking a notable moment in the early shaping of the next presidential race. The endorsement represents the first major institutional backing for Vance from within the conservative grassroots movement and signals growing consolidation of support among influential Republican-aligned organizations.

Police in Arlington, Virginia, are investigating a suspicious vehicle reported near the Pentagon on Friday morning, prompting heightened security measures and road closures in the surrounding area. The incident has led to traffic disruptions as law enforcement agencies continue to assess the situation and ensure public safety near one of the nation’s most secure federal facilities. According to the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, the vehicle arrived at one of the Pentagon’s security checkpoints at approximately 7:45 a.m. The nature of the vehicle and the reason it was deemed suspicious have not been disclosed, and officials have so far released limited information while the investigation remains active. Authorities emphasized that precautionary steps were taken immediately after the vehicle was identified, in keeping with established security protocols. As part of the response, several nearby roads were closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. North Rotary Road and Fern Street were confirmed closed as of 10:19 a.m., creating delays for commuters traveling through Arlington during the morning hours. Law enforcement officials urged drivers to avoid the area if possible, use alternate routes, and comply with all police instructions while the investigation continues. Multiple police units were observed in the area as officers worked to secure the perimeter and evaluate any potential risks. Officials stressed that these measures are standard procedure during security incidents involving federal facilities, and they are intended to protect Pentagon personnel, nearby workers, and the general public. No injuries or evacuations were reported during the initial response period. Authorities have not indicated how long the road closures will remain in effect, nor whether the incident poses an ongoing threat. The Pentagon Force Protection Agency stated that updates would be provided as more information becomes available. Until then, residents and commuters in Arlington are advised to remain alert, monitor traffic conditions, and follow official guidance. The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement officials continue to work to determine the circumstances surrounding the vehicle’s presence at the checkpoint. Further details are expected to be released once the situation is fully assessed and it is deemed appropriate to share additional information with the public.

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, denounced the lynching of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das, who was beaten to death in Mymensingh after being accused of making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad. The government said there is no place for violence in a New Bangladesh and assured that those responsible for the killing will face strict legal action. The attack took place on Thursday night in Dubalia Para, where residents allegedly confronted Dipu before fata

Meta is preparing a major comeback to the artificial intelligence industry with two new models named Mango and Avocado, expected to launch in the first half of 2026. These models are designed to challenge the dominance of OpenAI and Google, who currently lead the AI landscape. Mango will focus on generating high-quality images and videos, while Avocado will serve as Meta’s next large language model, built for text generation, complex reasoning, and coding capabilities. Both models are being

A fresh batch of images released from the estate of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein has once again drawn public attention to the wide network of influential figures who interacted with him over the years. The newly disclosed photographs feature several well-known personalities, including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, filmmaker Woody Allen, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, philosopher Noam Chomsky, and former adviser to US President Donald Trump, Steve Bannon. Lawmakers overseeing the releas

An appellate court in Romania has sentenced American rapper Wiz Khalifa to nine months in prison for drug possession, bringing a legal case tied to a 2024 music festival appearance to a close more than a year after the incident occurred. The ruling was delivered on Thursday by the Constanta Court of Appeal and represents a final decision under Romanian law. The case stems from events at the Beach, Please! Festival, held in July 2024 in Costinesti, a popular coastal resort in Constanta County along the Black Sea. Romanian authorities stopped the artist after he allegedly consumed cannabis while performing on stage during the festival. Prosecutors later stated that Khalifa was found in possession of more than 18 grams of cannabis and that part of the substance had been used publicly during his performance. Court documents identified the artist by his legal name, Cameron Jibril Thomaz, and confirmed that he was convicted of possession of dangerous drugs without legal authorization for personal use. Under Romania’s criminal code, cannabis remains classified as an illegal substance, and possession for personal consumption is treated as a criminal offense rather than a civil violation. The appellate ruling followed an earlier decision by a lower court in Constanta County, which in April imposed a criminal fine of 3,600 lei, equivalent to approximately $830. Prosecutors challenged that outcome, arguing that the penalty did not reflect the seriousness of the offense or the circumstances under which it occurred. The appeal sought a custodial sentence, which the higher court ultimately approved. Romania is known for maintaining some of the stricter drug laws in Europe. Even small quantities of cannabis intended for personal use can lead to criminal prosecution, with penalties ranging from fines to prison terms of up to two years. Legal experts note that public consumption, particularly in a high-profile setting, can be viewed as an aggravating factor under Romanian law. It remains unclear whether Romanian authorities will pursue extradition, as Khalifa is a U.S. citizen and does not reside in Romania. Officials have not publicly confirmed whether further legal steps will be taken to enforce the sentence outside the country’s borders. Wiz Khalifa, 38, rose to international fame with his breakout mixtape “Kush + Orange Juice” and later achieved mainstream success with chart-topping singles and collaborations. During his performance at the Romanian festival last summer, he was seen smoking a large hand-rolled cigarette while performing his hit song “Young, Wild & Free,” a moment that later became central to the criminal investigation. The case has drawn attention to the legal risks artists face when performing abroad, particularly in countries with stringent drug policies. Legal analysts say the ruling underscores the importance of understanding local laws, as actions that may be tolerated or legal in one jurisdiction can carry serious consequences in another.

A prominent youth leader from Bangladesh, Sharif Osman Hadi, has died in Singapore after succumbing to severe injuries sustained during an assassination attempt in Dhaka earlier this month, officials confirmed on Thursday. His death has sent shockwaves through political circles in Bangladesh and has raised renewed concerns over political violence targeting emerging leaders. Sharif Osman Hadi served as the spokesperson of Inqilab Mancho, a youth-oriented political platform that has g

A fatal carbon monoxide incident in Fairfield County prompted a large emergency response Thursday morning, resulting in the death of an elderly woman and the hospitalization of several individuals, including first responders. Authorities said the incident occurred at a residence in the 9200 block of Slough Road NW, where emergency crews were dispatched following reports of a potential carbon monoxide exposure inside the home. According to Fairfield County Sheriff Alex Lape, firefighters from the Bloom Township Fire Department were called to the scene at approximately 9:30 a.m. Upon entering the residence, responders discovered multiple occupants and a family pet showing symptoms commonly associated with carbon monoxide poisoning. The presence of those symptoms led crews to take immediate safety measures while assisting the individuals inside the home. A 96-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Sheriff Lape confirmed that two additional family members were transported to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for medical treatment. Officials did not release details regarding their conditions, citing privacy concerns. The family pet found inside the home was also affected, though authorities did not provide further information on its status. In addition to the residents, seven firefighters were taken to area hospitals as a precautionary measure after potential exposure during the response. Officials emphasized that the firefighters were transported out of an abundance of caution, underscoring the risks emergency personnel face when responding to incidents involving toxic gases such as carbon monoxide. The scene was secured while investigators worked to determine the source of the exposure. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can quickly become deadly in enclosed spaces, often without warning. Authorities have not yet released information regarding whether the home was equipped with functioning carbon monoxide detectors at the time of the incident. The Fairfield County Coroner’s Office has taken over the investigation into the woman’s death and will conduct further examinations to determine the exact cause. Sheriff Lape stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional findings may be released once all assessments are completed. Officials used the incident to remind residents of the importance of carbon monoxide safety, particularly during colder months when heating systems are in frequent use. Emergency responders stressed the value of properly maintained appliances and working carbon monoxide alarms in preventing similar tragedies.