2025 witnessed the loss of legends across Indian cinema. From Bollywood, icons like Dharmendra and Shefali Jariwala bid farewell, while Tollywood mourned veterans Kota Srinivasa Rao and Saroja Devi. Celebrated writer Shiva Shakti Dutta, and stars from Tamil film, including Rajesh, Sarigama Viji, Vishnu Prasad, and Ravikumar Menon, left an unforgettable legacy.
Opinion polls and analysis suggest the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is currently the leading contender to secure the most seats in the upcoming poll, especially as the long-dominant ‘Awami League’ is banned from contesting. The Islamist Jamaat‑e‑Islami is also expected to gain huge support, though trailing BNP in many projections.
AP CM Chandrababu extended New Year 2026 wishes to the public, especially beneficiaries of the NTR Bharosa pension scheme. He announced that pensions would be distributed a day early, providing financial security. The CM highlighted that supporting livelihoods through schemes brings the govt satisfaction while ensuring the well-being of vulnerable citizens.
Effective December 31, AP’s state cabinet-approved changes to districts, revenue divisions, and mandals have come into force. The formation of Markapuram district, with Markapuram as its headquarters, and Polavaram district, centered at Rampachodavaram, has increased the total number of districts from 26 to 28. These changes aim to improve local governance
The All India Industrial Exhibition, Numaish, kicks off in Hyderabad tomorrow, January 1st, running for 46 days until Feb 15. Stall allocations are complete, and final construction work is underway. The event is expected to draw over 2 million visitors, showcasing a wide range of products. Telangana Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka will inaugurate the exhibition.
India rejected China’s claim of mediating the India-Pakistan ceasefire, saying no third party was involved. Officials said the May 10 ceasefire after Operation Sindoor was decided through direct talks between both countries’ military chiefs. India stressed the decision was strictly bilateral, following the May conflict triggered by a terror attack.
Prime Minister Modi will chair the central cabinet meeting today at 11 AM in Delhi. He will review ministers’ performance department-wise, provide guidance on goals for the new year, and give instructions on key tasks to be completed. The meeting aims to set priorities and ensure efficient governance for 2026.
The Election Commission of India has revised dates for Uttar Pradesh’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, with the draft roll on January 6, claims and objections till February 6, and final publication on March 6, 2026. Deleted names can be challenged using Form 6 or Form 7, amid political scrutiny.
Andhra Pradesh cabinet approved new districts and revenue divisions. Markapuram and Polavaram districts were created, raising the total from 26 to 28. New divisions at Addaroad Junction, Addanki, Pileru, Madakasira, and Banaganapalli aim to improve local governance and public services, making administration more accessible for residents across the state.
Russia’s embassy in Kenya shared an AI video showing Putin as Santa giving gifts to world leaders. Narendra Modi receives a Russian fighter jet. Zelensky is shown getting handcuffs and jailed. Trump gets a framed meeting photo. Others receive symbolic gifts, mocking rivals and sending sharp political messages amid Ukraine war tensions globally online.
Ten countries warned Gaza’s aid crisis is now dire as winter begins. They said civilians face cold, flooding, poor shelter, weak healthcare, and sanitation collapse. Ministers urged Israel to open crossings, ease import rules, let NGOs and the UN work freely, and allow more aid trucks to reach needy families across Gaza Strip today urgently.
In Andhra Pradesh’s district reorganization, Madanapalle replaces Rayachoti as Annamayya district headquarters. Madanapalle, larger in population and area, is a historic educational and medical hub with better infrastructure and central location. Rayachoti locals protest losing the status, fearing halted development and falling property values.
Key economic changes are underway in Syria as the interim govt announced new Syrian pound notes from January 1, 2026. The redesigned currency removes images of Bashar al-Assad, replacing them with national symbols like wheat, cotton, and olives. Officials said the move aims to support economic stability and address the devaluation of existing notes.
Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia passed away in Dhaka at 80 after prolonged illness. Her funeral will be held Wednesday after Zohr prayers, followed by burial beside her husband Ziaur Rahman with full state honours. The interim government announced three days of state mourning and a general holiday, as leaders from Bangladesh and India expressed […]
Kashmir’s shift to Islamic rule began with Rinchan, a Buddhist prince from Ladakh who sought refuge in the valley. Rejected conversion by Brahmin priests, he embraced Islam under Sufi Bulbul Shah and became Sultan Sadr-ud-Din in 1320. His brief reign ended Hindu political dominance and paved the way for Islamic rule through his minister, Shah […]