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Elon Musk Sends Warnings to Republicans Not Aligning With Trump Agenda

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Elon Musk has issued a stark warning to Republicans against obstructing Donald Trump—or his own initiatives. During a recent visit to Capitol Hill, Musk, alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, cautioned GOP members against opposing their agenda to slash government spending under the president-elect’s proposed Department of Government Efficiency.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene disclosed that Musk and Ramaswamy discussed the idea of creating “naughty and nice” lists to track the actions of lawmakers. “Elon and Vivek talked about having a naughty list and a nice list for members of Congress and senators based on how we vote and spend the American people’s money,” Greene said, as reported by the Associated Press.

Following Trump’s electoral victory, Musk signaled a readiness to challenge Republican lawmakers who fail to align with Trump’s priorities. Responding to reports that he might fund challengers to GOP members unwilling to back Trump’s nominees, Musk wrote on X: “How else? There is no other way.”

Musk’s Growing Political Role

Trump has appointed Musk and Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), cementing their roles in his new administration. A Trump adviser noted that Musk has embraced his campaign involvement and possesses the resources to remain influential. However, Musk’s role continues to evolve.

“I think he was really pivotal in this election. Acquiring Twitter and transforming it into a true free speech platform was essential to Donald Trump’s victory,” said outgoing Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump, the former president’s daughter-in-law. “But I don’t think Elon ultimately wants to be in politics—he sees himself as an outsider.”

A Strategic Shift

Some GOP strategists suggest Musk could reinforce Trump’s agenda by leveraging America PAC to pressure key Republicans. Additionally, Musk might target moderate Democrats in critical states, urging them to break with their party on major issues, according to Chris Pack, a Republican strategist and former communications director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

“Instead of twisting GOP arms when you already have majorities in both houses, he could focus on Democrats in key states who oppose Trump’s agenda,” Pack explained. “Pressuring Republicans with a primary challenge risks replacing them with candidates who might lose to Democrats, jeopardizing the seat altogether.”

EU and India Agree to Hold Ministerial Strategic Foreign Policy Talks

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NEW DELHI: India and the European Union (EU) have agreed to convene their first ministerial-level Strategic Foreign Policy Dialogue, a move viewed as a preparatory step for the India-EU Summit scheduled for next year.

The decision was made during a phone conversation between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Kaja Kallas, the EU’s newly appointed High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Kallas, who previously served as Estonia’s Prime Minister, assumed her role on December 1, succeeding Josep Borrell of Spain.

“Delighted to speak with @kajakallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of @EU_Commission. Discussed developments in Europe, West Asia, and Indo-Pacific. Look forward to an early meeting,” Jaishankar wrote in a post on X.

In a separate post, Kallas highlighted her discussion with Jaishankar, emphasizing the interconnected nature of global security challenges. “We will focus together to make progress on security, trade, digital, and green transition. We agreed to hold the first ministerial Strategic Foreign Policy Dialogue soon,” she said.

This marks the first direct interaction between Jaishankar and Kallas since her appointment as the EU’s foreign policy chief. Jaishankar had previously extended his congratulations to Kallas on her new role.

EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin also expressed optimism, stating on X that both sides are “committed to advancing cooperation” on a broad spectrum of foreign policy and security matters of shared interest.

The Strategic Foreign Policy Dialogue will serve as a precursor to the 2025 India-EU Summit. According to sources, it is among several initiatives being developed to ensure substantive outcomes and a robust list of deliverables for the summit.

The dialogue is expected to cover a wide array of topics, including India’s emphasis on promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, strengthening supply chain resilience, and addressing Europe’s concerns about the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Discussions are also likely to touch on maritime security in the Indian Ocean and other security collaborations.

Currently, foreign policy discussions between India and the EU are conducted at the level of senior diplomats. The new ministerial dialogue reflects a significant elevation in the strategic partnership between the two sides.

Russia Ready For Negotiations on Ukraine War; Wants Peace Initiatives

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Following U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s call for an “immediate ceasefire” in Ukraine, Russia announced on Monday that it is “open to negotiations” with Kyiv and welcomes peace initiatives.

Trump’s appeal came after his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron on November 7 in Paris during the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. Following the discussions, Trump took to his Truth Social platform, stating, “There should be an immediate ceasefire, and negotiations should begin. Too many lives are being needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed.”

Russia’s Foreign Ministry echoed this sentiment, quoting Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on X, formerly Twitter: “We have carefully read the statement by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, made after his meeting with Macron and Zelenskyy in Paris. Russia is open to negotiations on Ukraine and welcomes peace initiatives. The conditions required to cease hostilities were outlined by President (Vladimir) Putin.”

The Kremlin further emphasized President Putin’s openness to peace proposals, particularly those from nations in the Global South and BRICS partners, including China, Brazil, South Africa, and Gulf nations like the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, who are active in humanitarian efforts.

However, Peskov criticized Ukraine for its “rejection” of dialogue, accusing President Zelensky of enacting a decree that prohibits negotiations with Moscow. “Our stance is clear. The conditions for ending hostilities were laid out by President Putin in June during his speech at Russia’s Foreign Ministry. Ukraine has rejected negotiations and continues to do so, with Zelensky banning engagement with Russian leadership through his decree,” the statement asserted.

The Kremlin added that for peace talks to proceed, Zelensky must revoke his decree, restart dialogue based on the Istanbul agreements, and consider the current geopolitical realities.

Although Trump has frequently pledged to end the Ukraine war, substantive peace talks between the warring nations have yet to materialize. The conflict, which began with the annexation of Crimea in 2014, escalated into a full-scale war in February 2022 when Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine.

South Korean Authorities Consider Potential Travel Ban on President Amid Martial Law Investigation

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South Korean police are reportedly considering imposing an overseas travel ban on President Yoon Suk Yeol as they investigate potential rebellion charges linked to his brief declaration of martial law last week, according to reports on Monday.

President Yoon’s declaration of martial law last Tuesday deployed armed special forces onto the streets of Seoul, plunging South Korea into political turmoil. Despite surviving an impeachment attempt on Sunday—after most lawmakers from the ruling party abstained from voting—the opposition has vowed to submit a new impeachment motion this week.

The Yonhap news agency reported that authorities are exploring the possibility of barring Yoon from leaving the country as part of the investigation into rebellion allegations. Other South Korean media outlets have echoed similar reports. The National Police Agency has yet to respond to repeated requests for comment.

The main opposition Democratic Party has labeled Yoon’s martial law declaration an “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup,” filing police complaints against at least nine individuals, including Yoon and the former defense minister. Although presidents in South Korea generally enjoy immunity from prosecution during their term, this does not apply to accusations of rebellion or treason.

On Sunday, former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who allegedly advised Yoon to impose martial law, was arrested by South Korean authorities, marking the first arrest related to the case. Additionally, the Defense Ministry announced the suspension of three senior military leaders accused of participating in the martial law implementation. They are among those charged with insurrection by the opposition.

President Yoon publicly apologized on Saturday for the martial law declaration, expressing willingness to accept political and legal accountability for his actions. He pledged that his party would lead efforts to stabilize the nation’s political landscape, saying, “including matters related to my term in office.”

Since taking office in 2022 for a single five-year term, Yoon has faced challenges in advancing his agenda due to an opposition-dominated parliament and has dealt with low approval ratings amid scandals involving him and his wife. In his controversial martial law announcement, Yoon referred to the parliament as a “den of criminals” obstructing governance and vowed to eliminate “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces.”

Delhi Schools Receive Bomb Threat; Children Sent Home

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Over 40 schools in the national capital received bomb threats via email on Monday, according to Delhi Police.

Among the targeted schools were Mother Mary’s School, British School, Salwan Public School, Delhi Public School (DPS), and Cambridge School.

The threats began with emails sent to DPS RK Puram and GD Goenka School in Paschim Vihar. DPS received the email at 7:06 AM, while GD Goenka was threatened earlier at 6:15 AM. The email reportedly stated, “I planted multiple bombs inside (school) buildings. The bombs are small and hidden very well. It will not cause much damage to the building, but many people will be injured when the bombs detonate. If I do not receive $30,000, I will detonate the bombs,” according to ANI.

In response, school authorities acted swiftly, evacuating students and sending them home. Police, along with fire services, dog squads, and bomb detection teams, conducted thorough searches at the affected schools. So far, no suspicious items have been found at DPS or GD Goenka.

This incident follows a bomb threat sent last week to Rohini’s Venkateshwar Global School, which was later confirmed as a hoax. Similarly, a low-intensity explosion occurred a day earlier in Prashant Vihar, within a one-kilometer radius of the school. Parents were promptly informed, and students were sent home as a precaution.

Officials from Delhi Fire Services (DFS), alongside police and bomb disposal teams, have carried out extensive searches of the school premises. Notably, two months ago, several CRPF schools in Delhi and across India faced similar email threats.

The Delhi High Court recently directed the Aam Aadmi Party-led government and Delhi Police to formulate a comprehensive action plan, including a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to manage bomb threats and other emergencies. The court emphasized the need for clear roles among stakeholders, including school administrations, municipal authorities, and law enforcement agencies, and set an eight-week deadline for implementation. Justice Sanjeev Narula highlighted the importance of consulting relevant departments and stakeholders in developing the action plan.

In neighboring Uttar Pradesh, bomb threats targeting three key locations in Lucknow were also declared hoaxes. An anonymous caller to the emergency helpline 112 claimed to have planted bombs at Hussainganj metro station, Charbagh railway station, and Alambagh bus stand. Each location was thoroughly searched, according to ADCP-Central Manish Singh.

Recently, similar threats have been reported nationwide, including at the Taj Mahal and in Mumbai, where a WhatsApp message threatened an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The message, sent to Mumbai Police’s traffic helpline, mentioned ISI agents and a plot to carry out a bombing.

New Netflix Scam: Safeguard your account or Lose your Credit Card details

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Netflix
Netflix

Cybersecurity experts have issued a critical alert for Netflix subscribers, warning of an increasingly sophisticated SMS phishing campaign designed to steal personal and financial information.

Cybersecurity experts alert Netflix users about Credit Card Scam

Hackers are deploying deceptive text messages that create a sense of urgency, claiming users have outstanding subscription payments that could result in account suspension. “These SMS scare campaigns targeting Netflix customers have become ubiquitous and never stop, but they vary in size and scope,” warns cybersecurity firm Bitdefender.

A typical phishing message reads: “NETFLIX: There was an issue processing your payment. To keep your services active, please sign in and confirm your details at…” The message includes a link directing victims to a near-identical Netflix platform replica, soliciting credit card details and login credentials.

Here’s how Netflix responded to the scam:

Netflix has directly addressed the threat, stating unequivocally: “We will never ask you to enter your personal information in a text or email. We will never request payment through a 3rd party vendor or website. If the text or email links to a URL that you don’t recognize, don’t tap or click it.”

The scam’s effectiveness is amplified by Netflix’s current security limitations. The platform’s reliance solely on username and password authentication, without two-factor authentication, has made it vulnerable in approximately 23 countries, including the United States.

For users who may have inadvertently clicked suspicious links, Netflix recommends:

– Immediately changing your Netflix password

– Creating a strong, unique password

– Updating credentials on other platforms using the same email/password combination

Bitdefender offers additional protective advice: avoid opening suspicious links and manually enter websites rather than clicking unverified URLs.

As cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, user vigilance remains the first line of defence against such sophisticated phishing attempts.

Alia Bhatt channels her inner Safeena in a new Ad with hubby Ranbir, SRK

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Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt

Bollywood’s biggest stars have set the internet ablaze with a hilarious advertisement that ingeniously blends characters from their most iconic films, creating a comedic masterpiece that has fans in stitches.

WATCH: Alia Bhatt complains about hubby Ranbir to SRK

Alia Bhatt, reprising her fiery Safeena from “Gully Boy,” takes centre stage, delivering a comedic complaint to Shah Rukh Khan’s Dr. Jehangir (from “Dear Zindagi”) about her on-screen husband Ranbir Kapoor’s character Bunny (from “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani”).

“I asked him to get ice, but he went to Ladakh instead,” Alia quips, channelling Safeena’s trademark intensity. “When I asked why he was so busy, he said, ‘The mountains were calling.’ Well, if he’s going to flirt with the mountains, I’ll have to teach him a lesson!”

Here’s Ranbir’s dramatic response!

Ranbir’s Bunny responds with his characteristic charm, delivering his iconic line: “Doctor Jehangir, I want to fly, I want to run, I just don’t want to stay in this house.” When questioned about a broken ledge, he sheepishly explains he was watching the sunset.

The ad brilliantly showcases the actors’ comedic timing, blending characters from different films into a seamless, laugh-out-loud narrative. Fans have flooded social media with praise, celebrating the unexpected collaboration.

It’s not 1st time together

This isn’t the first time these stars have joined forces. They previously collaborated on a Jawan-inspired advertisement in 2023, further fueling audience excitement about potential future projects.

The advertisement proves once again that Bollywood’s magic lies not just in dramatic performances, but in the ability to create moments of pure, shared joy. By playfully referencing their previous roles, Alia, Ranbir, and Shah Rukh have created more than just an ad – they’ve crafted a mini-cinematic experience that resonates with movie lovers nationwide.

Raj Kundra reacts on ED raids, says ‘Sensationalism won’t cloud the truth’

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Raj Kundra
Raj Kundra

In a bold Instagram statement that cuts through media speculation, businessman Raj Kundra has fired back against ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids, declaring that “no amount of sensationalism will cloud the truth.”

Raj Kundra breaks silence on ED raids in Porn racket probe

The high-profile entrepreneur, previously arrested in June 2021 for allegedly producing pornographic content, is now facing a money laundering investigation that has kept him in the legal spotlight for years.

“I am fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation that has been unfolding for the past four years,” Raj Kundra emphasized, directly challenging media narratives.

Wife Shilpa Shetty calls it ‘Unacceptable’

Most notably, Kundra took a firm stance against media attempts to involve his wife, actor Shilpa Shetty. “It’s unacceptable to repeatedly drag my wife’s name into unrelated matters. Please respect the boundaries,” he stated, showcasing a defiant and protective approach.

The case’s origins trace back to Mumbai Police FIRs alleging a complex web of adult content production. Investigations revealed disturbing claims that small-time actors were allegedly lured with promises of web series breaks, only to be asked to perform ‘bold’ scenes that often crossed personal boundaries.

What allegations are been imposed on Kundra?

Key allegations include Kundra’s involvement with ‘Hotshots’, an app allegedly used for uploading obscene content. Police investigations suggested Kundra’s company, Armsprime Media Pvt Ltd, purchased the app through London-based Kenrin Pvt Ltd to upload “objectionable videos” on social media.

Most sensationally, police claimed Kundra’s phone contained WhatsApp chats discussing the sale of 119 adult films for a staggering $1.2 million – a claim Kundra has consistently denied.

Shetty’s lawyer, Prashant Patil, has maintained that the action is not against the actor and that Kundra is “cooperating in the investigation for the truth to come out.”

Raj Kundra jailed in 2021

Raj Kundra, who spent two months in jail before being granted bail in September 2021, has repeatedly argued that there’s no evidence connecting him “actively” to alleged porn content creation.

The case highlights complex issues of digital content regulation, consent in entertainment, and the blurry lines between artistic expression and exploitation.

As the legal drama continues, Raj Kundra’s defiant stance suggests this is far from over. The businessman seems determined to clear his name, promising that “in the end, justice will prevail.”

Did Joe Biden pick ‘Anti-Israel’ book while shopping? Here’s what author said…

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Joe Biden
Joe Biden

President Joe Biden raised eyebrows during Black Friday shopping by selecting a provocative book on the Israel-Palestine conflict, drawing immediate attention to the ongoing geopolitical discourse.

Joe Biden picks Anti-Israel book at bookstore

The book in question, “The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonial Conquest and Resistance, 1917–2017” by Columbia University professor emeritus Rashid Khalidi, offers a critical perspective on the establishment of Israel. The New York Post reported the book argues that “the modern history of Palestine can best be understood in these terms: as a colonial war waged against the indigenous population, by a variety of parties, to force them to relinquish their homeland to another people against their will”.

Here’s what the author said:

Khalidi’s immediate reaction to Biden’s selection was pointed and succinct: “It’s four years too late” – a comment laden with political undertones.

This moment comes amid a complex backdrop of US-Israel relations. Despite the Biden administration’s consistent support for Israel, including military assistance and arms support, the President has increasingly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly regarding civilian casualties in Gaza.

Joe Biden’s previous stance on Israel-Palestine conflict

Previously, Joe Biden had declared “You don’t have to be a Jew to be a Zionist,” expressing strong support for Israel. He even visited the country following Hamas conflicts. However, recent months have seen a nuanced shift in his public stance.

It remains unclear whether Joe Biden purchased the book or received it as a gift during his bookstore visit. The mere act of selecting this particular text suggests a potential moment of reflection or intellectual exploration amid ongoing Middle East tensions.

The incident highlights the intricate nature of US foreign policy and the ongoing dialogue surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, with the President’s reading choice becoming a subtle yet significant political statement.

As diplomatic tensions continue to evolve, Joe Biden’s bookstore selection offers a glimpse into the complex layers of international relations and historical interpretation.

Delhi grapples with Poor Air Quality, Chilling Temperatures

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Delhi
Delhi

Delhi residents faced challenging environmental conditions on Saturday, with air quality plummeting to ‘very poor’ levels and temperatures dropping significantly.

Delhi Air Quality in poor category

The city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 351 around 9 am, firmly placing it in the hazardous ‘very poor’ category. According to the Sameer app, which provides hourly updates from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the reading signals significant atmospheric pollution.

The morning temperature dipped to 9.8 degrees Celsius – the season’s second lowest – while humidity levels soared to 97 per cent. Weather forecasts predict mainly clear skies with maximum temperatures expected to reach around 26 degrees Celsius.

Warmest November in 5 years

November has been notably exceptional, emerging as the warmest in five years. The average minimum temperature of 14.9 degrees Celsius is nearly 2 degrees above the Long-Period Average (LPA) of 13 degrees Celsius. Similarly, the average maximum temperature of 29.5 degrees Celsius represents a 1.1-degree deviation from the LPA.

Air quality categorization ranges from ‘good’ (0-50) to ‘severe’ (401-500), with Saturday’s reading of 351 falling into the ‘very poor’ bracket, indicating significant health risks for residents.

Meteorologists and environmental experts continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the need for protective measures during such atmospheric conditions.