India

Michael Jackson Biopic Sequel Eyes Late 2026 Shoot and 2027 Release

Production on a sequel to the Michael Jackson biopic is scheduled to begin shooting by the end of 2026. The filmmakers are targeting a potential 2027 release date for the follow-up. The sequel comes on the back of the first film's considerable global box office success. Content that was left out of the original installment may be incorporated into the new movie. The production company also reported strong overall financial performance driven by its recent slate of films.

New Mexico Court Orders Meta to Pay $567M Over Youth Mental Health Harms

A New Mexico court has ordered Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, to pay $567 million to address harms caused to young people by its social media platforms. The ruling comes in the second phase of a landmark trial that Meta had already lost in March. The case centers on the negative mental health impacts that Meta's platforms have had on children and teenagers. The substantial financial penalty marks a significant legal setback for the tech giant in ongoing litigation over youth safety concerns.

Rahul Gandhi backs Jharkhand student protesters, calls education system deeply flawed

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi used Instagram to express solidarity with students protesting in Jharkhand over NEET-related grievances. Gandhi described the education system as deeply flawed and in urgent need of reform. His statement came after he met with student demonstrators who shared accounts of alleged police brutality during the protests. The students also spoke about discrimination they faced while advocating for their rights.

Jana Nayagan Crosses Rs 308 Crore Worldwide in 15 Days at Box Office

Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan has crossed the Rs 300 crore mark in worldwide gross collections by its fifteenth day. The film's India net collection stood at Rs 185.15 crore at the same point. While daily earnings have begun to decline, the film continues to draw audiences across markets. Tamil Nadu has been the strongest-performing region throughout the run. The collection milestone underscores Vijay's consistent drawing power at the box office.

UP Congress MPs push leadership to pursue SP alliance before state polls

Uttar Pradesh Congress MPs are pressing their party leadership to initiate formal alliance talks with the Samajwadi Party ahead of the upcoming state elections. The MPs broadly agree that a partnership with SP is essential to mount a credible challenge against the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. Party leaders are currently evaluating potential constituencies and compiling relevant data to support the negotiation process. The push reflects Congress's recognition of BJP's strong hold over the state and the need for a united opposition front.

Trump Calls for Prosecution of Dr. Fauci After Senate Covid Hearing

US President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday that former infectious disease chief Dr. Anthony Fauci should face prosecution. The remarks came shortly after Republican Senator Rand Paul announced he would formally request the Justice Department to pursue charges against Fauci. Both Trump and Paul's statements appear to be linked to recent congressional hearings related to Covid-19. The calls mark an escalation in political pressure against Fauci, who led the US response to the pandemic under multiple administrations.

BJP Urges Congress to End Disruptions, Says Amit Shah Ready to Address Parliament

The BJP has accused Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge of spreading misinformation regarding Home Minister Amit Shah's parliamentary presence. According to the BJP, Shah is present at Parliament House daily but has been unable to participate due to ongoing opposition protests. The party stated that continued disruptions by the opposition are hindering legislative work in the House. BJP confirmed that Shah remains in his office and is ready to address the opposition's concerns once parliamentary proceedings resume.

Experts relied on chits, memory to leak NEET questions: CBI probe

South Africa recalls envoy after he is spotted at Jacob Zuma-Ajay Gupta meeting

Rajya Sabha passes Appropriation Bill amid opposition uproar over Amit Shah

The Rajya Sabha passed the Appropriation Bill, 2026, which authorises withdrawal of funds for excess government expenditure. Opposition members repeatedly disrupted proceedings, demanding Home Minister Amit Shah appear in the House. Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge called on Shah to make a statement regarding alleged police action against students. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju was urged to relay the opposition's concerns to the Home Minister. The opposition also demanded a formal apology from the Prime Minister over the reported police excesses.

Two years after landslide claimed 298, Wayanad set to get advanced X-band weather radar

Trump Expects Iran War to End Soon, Acknowledges Weapons Supply Issues

US President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Thursday that the ongoing conflict with Iran would conclude in the near future. Speaking to reporters, Trump indicated he believed the war would be over 'pretty soon.' The president also acknowledged that the US armed forces are facing supply shortages for certain weapons. No further details were provided regarding the timeline for a resolution or the specific weapons affected.

AI may augment judicial intelligence, not replace its conscience: CJI Surya Kant

At BRICS meet, India renews push to bring back Bhojshala’s Vagdevi idol

Supreme Court grants week-long interim bail to Abhishek Banerjee's PA in land-grab case

The Supreme Court has granted one week of interim bail to Sumit Roy, personal assistant to TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. Roy is an accused in the Salboni land-grabbing case, which came to light following the arrest of former TMC MLA Sujoy Hazra. The court has also stayed Roy's arrest until the next scheduled hearing. The ruling offers Roy temporary relief as the case continues to unfold in the higher judiciary.

Don’t renew Farakka Water Treaty without safeguarding Bihar’s interests, JD(U) tells Centre

Rahul Gandhi questions Ken-Betwa river link impact on tribals, Centre acknowledges complaints

Rajya Sabha clears Bill to appropriate Rs 54,067-crore excess expenditure

Houthi Strike on Southern Saudi Arabia Leaves 11 Civilians Wounded

Yemeni Houthi rebels launched an attack on southern Saudi Arabia late Thursday, injuring 11 civilians. The Saudi-led coalition confirmed the casualties, making it an unusually high civilian toll within the kingdom. The strike marks a significant escalation in a conflict that has persisted for over four years. Such a casualty count from a single Houthi attack on Saudi soil is described as unprecedented in the duration of the ongoing hostilities.

Lok Sabha passes bill allowing charges on UPI, RuPay merchant transactions

The Lok Sabha has passed a new bill aimed at simplifying tax regulations to make India a more attractive investment destination. The legislation removes an existing restriction on certain electronic payment methods, enabling banks and payment providers to levy charges on merchant transactions. The government has also been granted authority to revise the zero-MDR policy currently applicable to UPI and RuPay payments. The move is expected to support infrastructure development and foster innovation within India's financial sector.