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Health and education experts warned that glamorising tobacco through surrogate ads and selling it alongside candies risks pushing children towards addiction. Speaking on National Youth Day, they cautioned this could trigger a future epidemic of cancer and lung diseases, urging stricter controls, higher legal age, curbs on single-stick sales, and protection around schools.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife told the Supreme Court that his NSA detention relied on irrelevant material and denied him effective representation. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued key videos were not supplied and the order was copy-pasted. The government maintains Wangchuk incited violence. The court will continue hearing the case on January 13.
Ahead of Maharashtra’s civic polls, the State Election Commission has barred advance payments under the Ladli Behna scheme, citing the model code of conduct. While regular installments may continue, advance disbursal and addition of new beneficiaries are prohibited. The move follows opposition complaints alleging the timing could influence voters before polling.
Yash-starrer Toxic has landed in controversy after the AAP Women’s Wing complained to the Karnataka Women’s Commission over allegedly obscene visuals. The Commission has written to the CBFC, seeking action and a report. The teaser, released on Yash’s birthday, has sparked debate over objectification, artistic freedom and cultural sensitivity.
MTV Splitsvilla X6 introduces a bold Pyaar vs Paisa Villa twist, dividing 32 contestants between love-driven and money-focused gameplay. Episode 2 revealed full contestant lists and two Mischief Makers, Uorfi Javed and Nia Sharma. The show airs Friday to Sunday at 7 pm on MTV India and JioHotstar.
The ICC is set to respond to Bangladesh’s request to shift its T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India over security concerns. Instead of Sri Lanka, the ICC is likely to suggest Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram as alternative venues. With the tournament weeks away, officials are keen to resolve the issue swiftly.
Salt isn’t universally harmful, says cardiologist Dr Dmitry Yaranov, warning against blanket dietary advice. Sodium is essential for healthy people but dangerous for those with heart failure, resistant hypertension, kidney disease, cirrhosis, or older arteries. The key, he explains, is individual health context—salt becomes harmful only in the wrong physiolog.
The Madras High Court granted Kamal Haasan interim protection against misuse of his image, likeness, and name for false depictions or unauthorised merchandise. However, the court clarified that its order will not restrict permissible creative expression such as satire and caricature. The ruling balances celebrity rights with artistic freedom, pending further hearing.
Iran deployed tens of thousands of pro-government supporters following nationwide protests over inflation and rising prices, while at least 544 protesters have died. Authorities warned families to keep children away, and internet access remains restricted. US President Trump claimed Iran is seeking talks after his military warning over the crackdown on dissent.
Telugu director Anil Ravipudi, known for eight consecutive hits, is gearing up for his landmark 10th film. While speculation swirls around potential stars like Nagarjuna or Pawan Kalyan, nothing is confirmed. Fans eagerly anticipate the announcement, expecting Ravipudi to continue his streak of entertaining, blockbuster films, possibly targeting Sankranti 2027.
Actor and TVK chief Vijay told CBI neither he nor his party caused the deadly Karur stampede. He claimed leaving the rally prevented chaos, while party officials echoed his statement. Investigators continue analyzing police claims of delayed action and crowd mismanagement during the September 27, 2025, incident that killed 41 people.
AAP MP Raghav Chadha spent a day delivering orders with Blinkit, highlighting the pressures faced by gig workers. Riding pillion, he showcased the challenges of ultra-fast deliveries and called for safer working conditions. His effort underscores the human cost behind quick commerce, amid ongoing debates over worker rights and 10-minute delivery expectations.
Mega star Shankar Varaprasad’s comeback film delights fans at premieres and regular shows. While social media highlights similarities with past films, including heroic sacrifices and family sentiments, audiences are enjoying the content. The movie’s blend of mass appeal, emotional moments, and festive timing has ensured strong collections and fan satisfaction.
India’s Credit-Deposit ratio has steadily risen from 53% in 2000-01 to 82% by December 15, 2025, reflecting improved financial development and supporting economic growth. SBI Research noted that incremental ratios crossed 100% at times, showing strong credit demand. Banks met this by raising resources from alternative sources despite slow deposit growth.
The UAE has stopped funding scholarships for students planning to study in the UK, citing fears of radicalisation by Muslim Brotherhood influences. While degrees remain privately accessible, government-backed funding now excludes British universities. Student numbers have dropped sharply, and UK qualifications hold reduced recognition in the UAE.