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Donald Trump Says ‘Modi Knew I Wasn’t Happy’, Signals Possible Tariff Hike on India Over Russian Oil

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Dhruv
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Trump Modi
Trump Modi

US President Donald Trump has reportedly warned that Washington could further increase tariffs on Indian imports if New Delhi does not cooperate on what he described as the Russian oil issue. Speaking on Monday, Trump also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a good person who was aware of the US President’s dissatisfaction.

During remarks to reporters, Trump said India was trying to keep him satisfied and added that Modi understood his displeasure. He went on to say that tariffs on India could be raised very quickly if needed.

The comments were aimed at India’s continued oil trade with Russia, a long standing point of contention for the Trump administration. This issue had earlier been cited as the reason behind the decision to double tariffs on Indian imports to 50 percent in August 2025. Trump reiterated that tariffs could be increased again if India failed to assist on the Russian oil matter, according to Reuters.

Trump made these remarks during a briefing that outlined the United States’ next steps following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Oil also featured prominently in discussions around the latest strikes carried out in the South American country.

The warning on tariffs comes at a time when trade talks between India and the United States are still ongoing. Trump’s latest statements also follow earlier claims he made months ago, in which he said that Prime Minister Modi had assured him India would stop buying Russian oil. Speaking in October, weeks after the higher tariffs took effect, Trump claimed that India would no longer purchase oil from Russia.

India, however, rejected that assertion, stating that no such conversation had taken place between Trump and Modi. Despite continued pressure from the Trump administration on the Russian oil issue, New Delhi has consistently maintained that its energy policies are shaped by market conditions and the needs of Indian consumers.

The renewed warning could add fresh strain to diplomatic relations between the two countries. Relations had briefly shown signs of improvement after the tariffs were imposed, when Trump said he would always remain friends with Modi and spoke of a special relationship between India and the United States. Modi had also responded positively at the time, saying he appreciated the American President’s comments.

Russia remains India’s largest supplier of crude oil. In the past, several officials from the Trump administration have alleged that Moscow uses revenue from oil sales to fund the war in Ukraine. India has also been accused by some US officials of profiting heavily by reselling Russian oil. Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs on India was widely viewed as an attempt to increase pressure on Russia and President Vladimir Putin to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine.

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar Shatters 5 Box Office Records While Marching to ₹1,200 Crore

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Dhruv
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Dhurandhar
Dhurandhar

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar continues its extraordinary march at the box office, rewriting records even after 29 days in theatres. After opening on a solid note, the film truly found its momentum from the first Monday onward and has shown no signs of slowing down since. By Sunday, it is expected to cross ₹1200 crore in worldwide gross collections and go past ₹750 crore at the Indian box office. With these numbers, the film has firmly placed itself among the biggest Indian releases of all time.

The Aditya Dhar directorial has already shattered a long list of records during its run. While it is impossible to cover all of them at once, here are some of the most remarkable milestones Dhurandhar has achieved.

Highest grossing Hindi film worldwide

Dhurandhar was released exclusively in Hindi, a bold move in an era dominated by pan-India releases. As a result, its entire ₹1167 crore haul has come solely from the original Hindi version. This makes it the highest grossing Hindi film globally, surpassing the ₹1080 crore earned by Jawan in Hindi and the ₹1087 crore collected by the Hindi version of Pushpa 2. No other Hindi film has managed to cross the ₹1000 crore mark worldwide until now.

First Indian film to earn ₹100 crore in its fourth week

The film did not begin with a massive ₹40 crore plus opening day and only just crossed ₹100 crore over its opening weekend. However, strong word of mouth helped it grow steadily. What truly set Dhurandhar apart was its exceptional hold over time, as new releases failed to dent its run. Even in its fourth week, the film earned an astonishing ₹103 crore net in India. The previous best for a fourth week stood at ₹69 crore, achieved by Pushpa 2 across five languages.

First Bollywood film to cross ₹700 crore in India

As of January 2, Dhurandhar has collected ₹747 crore net domestically, setting a new benchmark for Bollywood. No Hindi film had ever crossed ₹700 crore in India before this. The film comfortably broke the previous record held by Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan, which earned ₹640 crore net in 2023. Chhaava remains the only other Bollywood film to even approach the ₹600 crore mark.

Twenty eight consecutive days of double digit earnings

Earning more than ₹10 crore net in a single day is considered a strong performance for any film. Most big releases sustain this for around two weeks. Jawan managed 13 such days, while Chhaava extended the run to 18 days. Even large pan India films benefit from multiple language earnings, with Baahubali 2 recording 24 double digit days. Dhurandhar, however, went a step further with an unprecedented streak of 28 straight days earning over ₹10 crore in India. The run finally ended on Friday when collections dipped to ₹8.75 crore.

Top Bollywood film on BookMyShow

In its fourth week, Dhurandhar also emerged as the highest selling Bollywood film on BookMyShow. The film has sold 1.3 crore tickets on the platform, overtaking Chhaava at 1.25 crore and Jawan at 1.24 crore. The overall Indian record still belongs to Pushpa 2, which sold 2 crore tickets.

Ashish Saksena, Chief Operating Officer for cinemas at BookMyShow, said the film has cemented its status as a historic theatrical achievement. He noted that Dhurandhar has crossed 13 million ticket sales on the platform, making it the highest selling Hindi film there. He also highlighted the film’s strong and consistent demand across major markets such as Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Nagpur and Chandigarh, underlining its nationwide appeal.

KKR Told To Release Mustafizur Rahman as BCCI Issues Directive for IPL 2026

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Dhruv
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rahman
rahman

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to part ways with Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. The decision was confirmed on Saturday by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who told ANI that the move was prompted by recent developments in Bangladesh, where reports have emerged of Hindus being killed. Saikia added that once Rahman is released, KKR will be permitted to bring in a replacement player.

Speaking on the matter, Saikia said that considering the ongoing situation, the BCCI had instructed KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman from their squad. He also clarified that the board would approve a replacement signing if the franchise chose to do so.

KKR had acquired Rahman during the mini auction held in Abu Dhabi for INR 9.20 crore. His signing followed a competitive bidding war involving Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings, with KKR eventually securing the Bangladesh pacer. However, in recent days, both the franchise and its co owner Shah Rukh Khan have faced criticism for selecting Rahman amid strained relations between India and Bangladesh.

Several political leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiv Sena publicly criticised Shah Rukh Khan and KKR, accusing them of overlooking national sentiment. Tensions between India and Bangladesh have further escalated following the death of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man, in Mymensingh last month. Reports of additional incidents involving violence against Hindus in Bangladesh intensified calls for Rahman’s removal from the squad. Earlier, BJP leader Sangeet Som had even labelled Shah Rukh Khan a traitor for signing a Bangladeshi player.

Saikia did not comment on India’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh, during which the Indian team is scheduled to play three One Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals in September 2026. The Bangladesh Cricket Board announced the tour schedule on Friday, stating that the Indian team will arrive in Dhaka on August 28. The series was originally planned for August last year but was postponed due to unrest in Bangladesh.

Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL journey

After being signed by KKR, Rahman had earlier received a no objection certificate from the Bangladesh Cricket Board, allowing him to skip the home series against New Zealand and remain available for the IPL season.

In the 2025 IPL, Rahman represented Delhi Capitals after joining the team as a replacement player. He featured in three matches and picked up four wickets. Across his IPL career, the left arm pacer has played 60 matches and taken 65 wickets. Over the years, he has turned out for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings.

Defamation Case Filed by Vladimir Kramnik Against FIDE Following Online Abuse Controversy Linked to Daniel Naroditsky’s Death

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Dhruv
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Vladimir Kramnik
Vladimir Kramnik

Controversy once again surrounds Vladimir Kramnik. The former world chess champion has now taken legal action against FIDE, filing a defamation case in a Swiss civil court after being subjected to an inquiry over what were described as unsubstantiated cheating allegations directed at players following the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky.

Kramnik revealed the development on X, saying the decision came after months of criticism from fans, officials at FIDE, as well as current and former players. He stated that formal legal proceedings have been initiated under Swiss law in the Court of Lausanne. According to him, the process will begin with a mandatory preliminary phase, which is expected to last between two and three months.

He further explained that the precise sections of the Swiss Code being invoked, along with the exact amount of financial compensation being sought from FIDE, will be finalised by his legal team just before the main claim is officially filed. Kramnik also confirmed that a formal request to preserve evidence has already been personally submitted to FIDE’s headquarters.

Kramnik’s allegations and the Naroditsky case

In his final livestream, Daniel Naroditsky spoke openly about the intense mental strain he experienced as a result of Kramnik’s accusations. While the exact cause of Naroditsky’s death has not been made public, his comments highlighted the emotional pressure he had been under in the months leading up to it.

Kramnik’s allegations against Naroditsky date back to October 2024. Over the following year, he repeatedly accused the American grandmaster of cheating in online chess events. Naroditsky later addressed the situation during a podcast appearance with Fabiano Caruana, where he admitted that the accusations had taken a serious toll on his mental health.

After Naroditsky’s death, several leading players spoke out against Kramnik’s conduct. Grandmasters such as Wesley So, Nihal Sarin, and Arjun Erigaisi used X to criticise Kramnik for his behaviour. So also stated publicly that he never believed the cheating accusations in the first place.

Security Warning Issued as Experts Push Android Users To Update Their Devices Immediately

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Dhruv
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Android
Android

Security experts are urging Android users to install the latest update as soon as possible following the release of Google’s December 2025 security patch. The update addresses a total of 107 security flaws impacting Android devices and several core system components.

What does the latest security patch fix?

Details shared in the Android Security Bulletin show that the update covers vulnerabilities spread across the Android Framework, the system layer, and the kernel. It also includes fixes for issues tied to hardware components and chipsets provided by MediaTek, Qualcomm, Arm, and Unisoc.

Among the long list of fixes, two vulnerabilities have been flagged as particularly serious. Both are linked to the Android Framework and carry higher risk ratings. One of them, tracked as CVE-2025-48572, could allow an attacker to escalate privileges on a device. The second, CVE-2025-48633, relates to the unintended exposure of sensitive information. If abused, these flaws could let attackers modify system settings, access restricted data, or potentially take control of affected smartphones.

When and how users can get the update

Google rolled out the security patch on December 5, 2025, for devices running Android 13, 14, 15, and 16. The company also noted that the corresponding source code fixes would be published to the Android Open Source Project within two days of the bulletin going live. For most users, the update can be installed through the phone’s settings app, although availability may vary depending on the manufacturer and mobile carrier.

Why installing updates quickly is important

Cybersecurity professionals continue to highlight how critical regular updates are for Android users. Security patches close known loopholes that hackers often exploit to install malware, steal personal information, or interfere with device functions. Putting off updates increases the risk of attacks that may not even require user interaction.

Vulnerabilities at the framework level are especially concerning because the Android Framework governs essential system operations. It manages how apps communicate with hardware features like cameras, sensors, and location services. Once this layer is compromised, attackers can gain wide-ranging access that is difficult to detect or contain.

To stay protected, users are advised to routinely check for software updates and install them as soon as they become available. Updates released by Google and device manufacturers are designed to counter known threats, and keeping devices up to date remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain Android security.

Will’s Coming Out Scene in Stranger Things S5 Drew Hate and Review Bombing That Duffer Brothers Say They Didn’t Expect, ‘Proud of It’

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Dhruv
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Stranger Things
Stranger Things

With the release of Volume 2 of Stranger Things Season 5 on Christmas, episodes five through seven of the show’s final chapter became available to stream on Netflix. These episodes laid the groundwork for the massive two hour series finale, which arrived on New Year’s Eve, and in some regions, early New Year’s Day. While the new volume received widespread praise, one particular moment sparked controversy. A scene in which Will Byers, played by Noah Schnapp, comes out to his family and friends drew online backlash. The episode also became a target of review bombing, reflected in an unusually high number of one star ratings on IMDb, many of which originated from Saudi Arabia and parts of South Asia.

Duffer Brothers respond to backlash over Will Byers’ storyline

Following the release of the finale, the creators of the series, the Duffer Brothers, addressed the criticism in an interview with Variety. When asked whether they had anticipated the homophobic reactions online, Matt Duffer said they had not. He explained that Will’s arc was something they had been developing for a long time, adding that subtlety was never their strong suit and that the storyline had always been clearly signposted.

On IMDb, every episode of Stranger Things Season 5 holds a rating of 7.9 or higher, except for Chapter Seven, titled “The Bridge.” This episode, which features Will coming out just before the final battle, currently sits at a 5.6 rating. It is the lowest rated episode in the show’s history and the only one to fall below a 6.5 score.

Despite the reaction, the creators stood firmly by their work. Ross Duffer said they were proud of both the episode and the scene, and praised Noah Schnapp for delivering what he described as a brave and deeply vulnerable performance. He also shared that he had been in close contact with the actor after the episode aired and that Schnapp felt confident and proud of how the moment was received.

About Stranger Things

Stranger Things officially concluded with its final episode, Season 5 Episode 8, which premiered on January 1. The series first debuted in 2016 and ran for a total of 42 episodes across five seasons. Over the years, it has come to be seen as one of the most influential television shows of the 21st century, shaping pop culture and turning its young cast into global stars.

90 Days of Annual Work Proposed for Gig Workers to Qualify for Social Security Benefits

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Dhruv
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Gig workers
Gig workers

Gig and platform workers will now need to remain engaged with an aggregator for a minimum of 90 days in a financial year to qualify for social security benefits. Those working across multiple aggregators must complete at least 120 days of engagement. This proposal has been outlined in the draft rules issued for public feedback by the Union labour ministry.

The notification, dated December 30, 2025, was released just a day ahead of the New Year’s Eve strike announced by gig and platform workers, who are calling for higher payouts and improved working conditions.

Social security benefits for gig workers: Key points from the draft rules

According to the draft framework, gig and platform workers must complete at least 90 days of engagement with an aggregator within a financial year to become eligible for social security benefits introduced by the Centre. In cases where a worker is associated with more than one aggregator, this minimum threshold rises to 120 days.

The rules clarify that a worker is considered engaged on any calendar day they earn income from work performed for an aggregator, irrespective of how much they earn on that day.

The document further explains how engagement days are calculated in simple terms. A gig or platform worker will be counted as engaged for one full day if they earn any income from an aggregator on that particular day. If a worker operates across multiple aggregators, the total number of engagement days will be calculated cumulatively. In situations where a worker completes tasks for three different aggregators on the same day, that single calendar day will be recorded as three separate days of engagement.

The draft also specifies that eligible gig and platform workers include those engaged directly by an aggregator as well as those working through associate companies, holding companies, subsidiary companies, limited liability partnerships, or even third-party entities.

Registration and digital identity for unorganised workers

The rules make it mandatory for unorganised workers to register on the designated central portal. Once registered, every eligible worker will be issued a digital identity card containing their photograph and other details as prescribed by the Central Government.

The labour ministry has already initiated registrations through the e-Shram portal, which functions as the national database for unorganised workers. Registration on this platform enables workers to gain formal recognition and access various social security schemes.

In addition, registered unorganised workers will be required to periodically update information such as their address, occupation, mobile number, skills, or any other details specified by the authorities. The draft rules warn that failure to keep these details up to date could lead to workers losing eligibility for social security benefits.

Following Trump, China Asserts Role in India–Pakistan Mediation; New Delhi Responds to ‘Bizarre’ Claim

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Dhruv
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India China
India China

On Tuesday, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi stated that Beijing had helped mediate several international matters this year, including tensions between India and Pakistan. Those familiar with the situation, however, dismissed the assertion as unusual, saying that China had no involvement in the ceasefire and played no mediating role.

Fighting between India and Pakistan escalated sharply in May, weeks after a terrorist attack in the Pahalgam valley of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 that left 26 civilians dead. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking what it described as terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Against this backdrop, China has claimed a role in easing tensions between the two neighbours. Speaking in Beijing at the “Symposium on the International Situation and China’s Foreign Relations,” Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said Beijing had stepped in to help manage multiple global flashpoints this year. He argued that armed conflicts and cross border crises were occurring at a scale not seen since the end of World War II, adding that China had applied its diplomatic approach to issues ranging from northern Myanmar and the Iranian nuclear file to disputes involving India and Pakistan, as well as conflicts in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

China’s assertion has drawn attention because of its close defence relationship with Pakistan. Reports during the May confrontation suggested that China provided Islamabad with surveillance inputs and other forms of assistance, a point previously highlighted by Hindustan Times. Official data also shows that Chinese weapons account for more than 81 percent of Pakistan’s military inventory, and Indian officials have privately said the crisis was used by Beijing to showcase its arms capabilities.

In New Delhi, there has been no formal response to Wang Yi’s comments so far. However, people familiar with the discussions said China had no involvement in defusing the standoff. One person described the claim as bizarre, stressing that the decision to halt military action on May 10 came solely after talks between senior military commanders from India and Pakistan. They reiterated India’s long standing position that issues between the two countries do not allow for third party mediation.

Another official source suggested that Beijing’s statement echoed similar claims made by Donald Trump, who has repeatedly spoken about brokering peace between India and Pakistan. Those remarks too, the source noted, have been firmly rejected by India.

‘A Lot Closer’: Trump Signals Progress on Russia–Ukraine Peace as Zelensky Welcomes Mar-a-Lago Meeting

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Dhruv
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Trump
Trump

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that negotiations aimed at ending the Russia Ukraine war are moving steadily forward, though a couple of difficult issues still need to be resolved. His comments came after discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who welcomed the progress made during the talks.

Speaking at a joint press briefing following their meeting at Trump’s Florida residence, Mar a Lago, Trump described the interaction as highly positive and said the two sides were significantly closer to an agreement. He noted that recent conversations, including a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, had contributed to the momentum.

Trump avoided giving precise figures on proposed security guarantees but suggested that discussions were nearing completion, estimating that negotiations were almost ninety five percent settled. He acknowledged, however, that the future of the eastern Donbas region remains unresolved, describing it as one of the most complex aspects of the talks. Trump said the issue is challenging but expressed confidence that a solution is within reach.

When asked about the toughest remaining hurdle, Trump pointed to territorial questions, adding that Ukraine has shown remarkable courage throughout the conflict. He stressed that while Ukraine has inflicted significant damage, the time has come to bring the war to an end. Despite his optimism, Trump cautioned that the negotiations are intricate and refrained from committing to a specific timeline, saying clarity should emerge within the next few weeks.

Zelensky, for his part, thanked Trump for hosting the discussions and said Ukrainian and European teams will continue working together to finalise the outstanding details. He also confirmed that further meetings involving European and Ukrainian representatives will be held in the United States in January.

The two leaders also held a joint phone call with several European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Zelensky said all sides agree that strong security guarantees are essential for lasting peace, while Trump added that Europe would take on a major share of responsibility for those guarantees.

Dense Fog Brings Air Travel Chaos to Delhi-NCR With Nearly 200 Delays and 6 Cancellations

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Dhruv
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IGI Fog

Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport were heavily disrupted on Monday morning as dense, zero-visibility fog blanketed the national capital. Close to 200 flights faced delays, while a handful were cancelled, prompting authorities to activate low-visibility operating procedures.

Data from FlightRadar24 around 8:45 am showed that at least 144 departing flights and 51 arriving flights were delayed, with six services cancelled outright. Aircraft movements were carried out using CAT III protocols, which enable landings in extremely poor visibility. Passengers were advised to stay alert for schedule changes and confirm flight details before leaving for the airport.

In a statement, Delhi airport officials said flights were operating under CAT III conditions due to heavy fog, which could lead to delays or cancellations. They added that ground staff were assisting travellers on-site and urged passengers to coordinate with their respective airlines for real-time updates.

Airlines also issued advisories as visibility fluctuated throughout the morning. IndiGo Airlines warned that foggy conditions had slowed operations at both Delhi and Hindon airports, leading to adjustments in schedules. The carrier said services would gradually return to normal once weather conditions improved and thanked passengers for their patience.

Air India had earlier cautioned travellers on Sunday evening that delays were likely due to fog and advised those flying on Monday to check their flight status in advance and plan for extra travel time. SpiceJet also echoed similar advice, asking passengers to allow additional time as poor visibility was expected to affect normal operations.

Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department has forecast dense to very dense fog across large parts of north India in the coming days. Night and early morning fog is likely to persist over Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and western Uttar Pradesh until December 31, while eastern Uttar Pradesh may see reduced visibility until January 1, with gradual improvement thereafter.

For Delhi, the weather department has issued an orange alert for December 29. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover around 22 degrees Celsius, while the minimum could drop to about 7 degrees Celsius.

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