Coca-Cola announced that COO Henrique Braun will become CEO on March 31, 2026, succeeding James Quincey, who will transition to executive chairman. Braun, a 30-year veteran, has led global operations and held key roles in marketing, supply chain, and innovation. Quincey, credited with major brand expansions, leaves amid slowing US and Europe demand.
Goa police have suspended the passports of the absconding Luthra brothers, owners of the “Birch by Romeo Lane” nightclub, who fled to Thailand after a deadly fire. The blaze, triggered by a cylinder explosion late Saturday night, claimed at least 23 lives. Authorities are investigating the incident and tracking the whereabouts of the nightclub owners.
“God of Masses” Balakrishna and Boyapati Sreenu return with “Akhanda 2: Thaandavam,” releasing today with night premieres. The action-drama, featuring Samyuktha as the female lead, saw strong early demand, with over 112K tickets booked on BookMyShow within 24 hours. Momentum is expected to rise throughout the day, marking a promising start.
Ranveer Singh’s “Dhurandhar” is raking in nearly ₹186 crore in India and performing well internationally. While praising the film, Hrithik Roshan criticized its politics, urging filmmakers to act responsibly. His remarks sparked backlash, with netizens accusing him of sympathizing with terrorists, while fans suggest he questioned alleged political glorification.
Actor Karthi, promoting his new film ‘Annagaru Vostaru,’ urged audiences to focus on characters rather than the age gap between actors and actresses. He stated that worrying about age differences should not hinder filmmaking. While some support his view, others feel wide gaps can appear odd on screen, fueling ongoing debate.
Polling is underway in the Rudrangi, Vemulawada, Vemulawada-Rural, Koneravupet, and Chandurthi mandals, running from 7 am to 1 pm, allowing citizens to exercise their voting rights comfortably. Security forces were deployed across polling stations to maintain order. Officials will start counting votes at 2 pm, with winners expected to be declared shortly.
US President Donald Trump announced that the United States had seized an oil tanker off Venezuela as tensions with President Nicolas Maduro escalate. The move marks another effort by Washington to pressure Maduro’s government. Maduro has already faced US narco-terrorism charges, further straining relations between the two countries.
Polling officially started in Dasturabad, Kaddam, Khanapur, Lakshmandand, Mamad, and Pembi mandals from 7 am to 1 pm, providing voters ample time and opportunity to cast their ballots. Authorities deployed extensive police security to ensure a completely peaceful and incident-free voting process. Vote counting is scheduled to commence promptly at 2 pm.
Polling officially opened in Chilpur, Ghanpur (Station), Raghunathapalli, and Zaffargadh mandals from 7 am to 1 pm, with authorities closely monitoring to ensure smooth and orderly voting. Heavy police deployment was arranged to prevent any untoward incidents at polling stations. Votes will be counted at 2 pm, after which the winners will be announced.
Kerala has started the second and final phase of local body elections across seven districts, continuing until 6 PM. Over 1.53 crore voters will choose representatives for 12,931 wards in 604 local bodies, with 38,994 candidates in the fray. Enhanced security, 18,274 polling stations, and live webcasting at sensitive booths ensure peaceful voting.
The first phase of Telangana Gram Panchayat elections begins now, December 11, 2025, from 7 AM to 1 PM, with vote counting starting at 2 PM. Over 5.61 lakh voters will determine the outcome for the 12,960 candidates contesting 3,834 Sarpanch posts, while 65,455 candidates vie for 27,628 Wards. Female voters (2,878,159) outnumber males (2,741,070).
Trump again criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, urging a more “realistic” approach to the war and questioning delayed elections. His comments followed calls with European leaders seeking a joint meet on Ukraine. Zelenskyy rejected Trump’s claims, insisting election decisions rest with Ukrainians and expressing readiness to hold a vote.
US President Donald Trump said he exchanged “pretty strong words” with European leaders on Ukraine, warning weekend talks could waste time amid disputes over a US peace plan. Trump criticized Ukraine’s Zelensky for not reviewing the plan, while Kyiv sent an updated draft. The comments highlight growing US-Europe rifts over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Italian Deputy PM Antonio Tajani hailed his meeting with PM Modi as “very positive,” citing strong India-Italy ties. He expressed optimism on the IMEC project and noted improved West Asia conditions, praising India’s role in Russia-Ukraine dialogue. Tajani also invited Modi to Italy in 2026 and affirmed both nations’ to advance IMEC.
The US Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the third time this year, lowering them to 3.50-3.75%, citing rising labour-market risks despite high inflation. The decision exposed divisions, with three officials dissenting. The Fed signalled at least one more cut next year, raised its 2026 growth forecast, and slightly trimmed inflation expectations.