India approves lease of two more MQ-9 drones for Navy, boosting US defence cooperation

IANS | December 30, 2025 8:29 AM

Washington, Dec 30 (IANS) India has approved the lease of two additional General Atomics MQ-9 unmanned aircraft for the Indian Navy, a decision shaped in part by the long-running efforts of US-based aerospace scientist Vivek Lall, whose work over two decades has helped deepen defence trade and industrial cooperation between New Delhi and Washington.

Shilpa Shirodkar gets a pleasant surprise from sister Namrata Shirodkar

IANS | December 30, 2025 7:59 AM

Mumbai, Dec 30 (IANS) Actress Shilpa Shirodkar received a pleasant surprise from sister Namrata Shirodkar towards the end of the year 2025.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP chief, Khaleda Zia passes away at 80

IANS | December 30, 2025 7:51 AM

Dhaka, Dec 30 (IANS) Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia died early Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness at the age of 80, her party confirmed.

US Hindu groups condemn killing of garment worker in Bangladesh, cite minority vulnerability

IANS | December 30, 2025 7:40 AM

Washington, Dec 30 (IANS) The killing of a Hindu garment worker in Bangladesh has drawn condemnation from US-based Hindu advocacy groups, who said the incident underscored the vulnerability of religious minorities in the country.

Arjun Kapoor thanks sister Anshula Kapoor for always having his back

IANS | December 30, 2025 7:34 AM

Mumbai, Dec 30 (IANS) As Anshula Kapoor turned a year older on Monday, her actor brother Arjun Kapoor penned a heartfelt wish for his kid sister on social media.

Trump warns Iran of stronger retaliation if it rearms, signals readiness for new talks

IANS | December 30, 2025 6:59 AM

Washington, Dec 30 (IANS) US President Donald Trump warned that Iran could face consequences “more powerful than the last time” if it resumes prohibited military activity, while also signaling openness to renewed diplomatic engagement with Tehran.

Netanyahu announces Israel’s highest civilian honour for Trump, praising his ‘tremendous contributions’

IANS | December 30, 2025 6:40 AM

Washington, Dec 30 (IANS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that US President Donald Trump would receive Israel’s highest civilian honour, the Israel Prize, citing his “tremendous contributions to Israel and the Jewish people.”

Trump sets deadline for Hamas disarmament

IANS | December 30, 2025 6:36 AM

Washington, Dec 30 (IANS) US President Donald Trump said Hamas had been given a “very short period of time” to disarm, warning that failure to do so would bring severe consequences, as he appeared alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a joint press conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.

Justin Bieber speaks about the changes he wants to see in the music industry

IANS | December 30, 2025 3:00 AM

Los Angeles, Dec 30 (IANS) Singer-songwriter Justin Bieber has shared that he wants to see some changes in the music industry. The singer wants the industry to be made "safer" and "more honest".

Two killed, several injured as BEST bus mows down pedestrians after losing control in Mumbai

IANS | December 29, 2025 11:38 PM

Mumbai, Dec 29 (IANS) At least two persons were killed and several others injured after a Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus lost control and mowed down pedestrians in Mumbai on Monday, police said.