After 'two fugitives' remark, Lalit Modi issues apology to Indian government

IANS | December 29, 2025 1:38 PM

New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS) Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi on Monday issued an apology to the Indian government, days after he referred to himself and liquor baron Vijay Mallya as the two "biggest fugitives" in a viral video, a comment that was widely perceived as a swipe at India.

Zelensky, Trump signal near deal on ending Ukraine war (Ld)

IANS | December 29, 2025 8:03 AM

New York, Dec 29 (IANS) Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said a peace plan to end the war was “90 per cent” ready, while US President Donald Trump asserted they were “getting a lot closer, maybe very close”, after their meeting to find a path to ending the four-year conflict.

Progress on Ukraine was possible, but deal remained distant: US media

IANS | December 29, 2025 7:35 AM

Washington, Dec 29 (IANS) US media did not appear to be convinced of a successful Ukrainian peace following the meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Most outlets said progress was possible, but a deal remained distant.

Trump, Zelensky keep talks light as Ukraine peace negotiations advance

IANS | December 29, 2025 7:27 AM

Washington, Dec 29 (IANS) A mix of humor, gestures, and casual exchanges marked a high-stakes press appearance as US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought to project ease and momentum at Mar-a-Lago, even as negotiations to end the war in Ukraine remained unresolved but close.

Trump says Russia, Ukraine want war to end as talks near final stage

IANS | December 29, 2025 6:53 AM

Washington, Dec 29 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said that both Russia and Ukraine want the war between them to end, as negotiations aimed at reaching a peace agreement moved closer to completion following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.

Trump, Zelensky say Ukraine peace deal 'very close' after Florida talks

IANS | December 29, 2025 6:24 AM

Washington, Dec 29 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said that peace negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine were “very close” following what he described as a “terrific meeting” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

Bangladesh reports 71 blasphemy-linked attacks on Hindus from June-Dec: Report

IANS | December 28, 2025 9:25 PM

Dhaka, Dec 28 (IANS) At least 71 incidents related to blasphemy allegations against Hindu minorities were reported in Bangladesh from June-December this year, Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) said in a report. The HRCBM documented cases from more than 30 districts, including Chandpur, Chattogram, Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat, Sunamganj, Khulna, Comilla, Gazipur, Tangail and Sylhet, according to the report.