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  • Trump faces backlash after linking Rob Reiner’s death to politics

    Trump faces backlash after linking Rob Reiner’s death to politics

    United States (US) President Donald Trump has sparked outrage after commenting on the deaths of Hollywood filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, suggesting their passing was connected to his presidency.

    On Truth Social, Trump described Reiner as “tortured and struggling” and said the couple had passed away due to the “anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME”.

    He also said that Reiner was “known to have driven people crazy by his raging obsession of President Donald J Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights”.

    Trump’s statements received widespread criticism from politicians across the aisle.

    Congressman Mike Lawler of New York referred to the remarks as “incorrect”, stating, “No one should face violence due to their political beliefs.” Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky called the comments “inappropriate and disrespectful discourse about a man who was just brutally murdered”.

    “This is a tragedy for the family, not a matter of politics or political foes. Many families experience issues with addiction and mental health. It’s an incredibly challenging situation and should be approached with compassion, particularly when it results in murder,” Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene remarked.

    Congresswoman Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma said that a father and mother were killed by their troubled son. “We should uphold the family in our prayers, rather than turning this into a political issue.”

    Several other public figures also criticised Trump as Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut wrote, “Now asserting that Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder for not supporting him. So disturbing.” 

    “This is an awful statement about a man who was just murdered. Please delete it, Mr. President,” said journalist Piers Morgan.

    The comments followed the discovery of Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Reiner, 68, deceased in their Los Angeles residence on Sunday. Their son, Nick Reiner, 32, has been taken into custody and is cooperating with law enforcement as the deaths are being treated as a double homicide. 

    Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton indicated that the cause of death would be established by the LA coroner’s office.

    Reiner was an influential filmmaker recognised for directing “The Princess Bride”, “This Is Spinal Tap”, “When Harry Met Sally”, “Misery”, and “A Few Good Men”.

    He was also a longstanding advocate for the Democratic Party and a vocal opponent of Trump, often labeling the former president as “mentally unfit” and “unqualified” for the role.

  • Gavaskar blames Messi for Kolkata chaos, calls him ‘the real culprit’

    Gavaskar blames Messi for Kolkata chaos, calls him ‘the real culprit’

    Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has criticised Lionel Messi for the chaos that erupted during his Kolkata appearance, holding the Argentinian World Cup winner responsible instead of the event organisers.

    Messi’s three-day GOAT India Tour took him across Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi from December 13 to 15, marking his first trip to India in 14 years. He travelled with Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.

    The visit started disastrously in Kolkata, where angry fans vandalised Salt Lake Stadium after Messi appeared for only five minutes instead of the scheduled duration. Fans who paid substantial amounts for tickets claimed they barely got a glimpse of the football star.

    West Bengal Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee apologised to fans and formed a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the incident.

    While at least one event organiser was arrested for the debacle, Gavaskar, writing for Sportstar, defended the organisers and placed blame on Messi for leaving early and disappointing fans.

    “Everyone was blamed except the person who failed to honour his commitment,” Gavaskar said. 

    “What the agreement was isn’t public, but if he was meant to be there for an hour and left well before that, then the real culprit was he and his entourage.”

    Gavaskar dismissed suggestions of security concerns, stating Messi faced no threat from fans who spent thousands to see him.

    “Yes, he was surrounded by politicians and so-called VIPs, but there was no security threat to him or his entourage,” he wrote. 

    “Was he supposed to simply walk around the stadium, or do something tangible like take a penalty kick? If it were the latter, those around him would automatically have had to move, and the crowd would have seen their hero do what they had come to watch.”

    The former cricketer also pointed out that the tour proceeded smoothly in the other three cities, suggesting the problem laid with Messi rather than the organisers.

    “The other appearances went smoothly because commitments were met,” Gavaskar said, adding that “before blaming fellow Indians in Kolkata” it was important to check if promises were actually kept on both sides.

  • Govt announces major reduction in kerosene, diesel prices

    Govt announces major reduction in kerosene, diesel prices

    The government has provided further relief to the public by reducing the prices of kerosene oil and light diesel oil.

    According to an official notification, the price of kerosene oil has been lowered by Rs12.32 per litre, resulting in a new price of Rs180.54 per litre. Similarly, the price of light diesel oil has been lowered by Rs10.51 per litre, after which the new price of light diesel has been fixed at Rs153.26 per litre.

    While the per-litre price of petrol has been kept unchanged at Rs263.45, the price of high-speed diesel has also been reduced by Rs14 per litre, the notification said, adding that high-speed diesel is now priced at Rs265.65 per litre.

    The new prices were approved by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif for the next 15 days, after which the notification was released. It stated that the new prices will come into effect from today (Tuesday) and will remain applicable for the next fortnight. 

    The government’s action has been viewed by the public as a step in the right direction toward reducing inflationary pressure.

  • Avengers: Doomsday teaser leaked, here’s everything you need to know

    Avengers: Doomsday teaser leaked, here’s everything you need to know

    A leaked teaser for Avengers: Doomsday reveals the return of several major characters, with Marvel reportedly planning multiple theater-exclusive clips ahead of the film’s release.

    Hollywood leaker Daniel Richtman reported that Marvel will release several teasers featuring returning characters, with the first showing Steve Rogers back in action despite retiring at the end of Avengers: Endgame.

    The low-quality leaked video circulating online shows Steve stepping off a motorcycle and entering his home, where he gazes nostalgically at his old suit before looking lovingly at a baby. A sparse piano rendition of the Avengers theme plays as text appears on screen: “Steve Rogers will return in Avengers Doomsday.”

    A second 10-second clip making rounds online features a robotic arm treating Tony Stark’s injured body.

    The poor video quality makes verification difficult, and some viewers suspect the footage could be an AI-generated fake. However, multiple media reports added that Marvel has issued DMCA strikes against these videos, suggesting the leaks may be genuine. 

    The teaser will reportedly debut officially in theaters ahead of Avatar: Fire and Ash later this week.

    The Russo Brothers posted a close-up image on their Instagram account this morning with the hashtag #AvengersDoomsday. The image appears to show part of a motorcycle wheel, possibly matching a scene from the leaked teaser.

    According to Richtman, Marvel will release additional teasers featuring Thor and Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. A fourth and final teaser will focus on the broader cast, media reports said.

  • Bondi beach suspect traveled to Philippines on Indian passport

    Bondi beach suspect traveled to Philippines on Indian passport

    The father and son duo accused of carrying out one of Australia’s deadliest mass shootings, Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed, spent nearly the entire month of November 2025 in the Philippines, Manila’s immigration authorities have confirmed. 

    Sajid, a 50-year-old Indian national, and Naveed, an Australian national, arrived in the Philippines on November 1, listing Davao in southern Mindanao as their final destination, and departed on November 28.

    “Sajid Akram, 50, Indian national, and Naveed Akram, 24, Australian national, arrived in the Philippines together last November 1, 2025 from Sydney, Australia,” immigration spokeswoman Dana Sandoval told the international media outlet, adding they departed on November 28.

    According to Australian police, both men visited the Philippines last month, however, the reason for their trip is still under investigation. Philippine authorities are also probing the matter.

    Authorities reported that the vehicle registered to Naveed contained improvised explosive devices and two homemade flags associated with ISIS, or Daesh, a militant group designated by Australia and many other countries as a terrorist organization.

    “Early indications point to a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State, allegedly committed by a father and son,” Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said at a news conference.

     “These are the alleged actions of those who have aligned themselves with a terrorist organisation, not a religion.”


    Videos of Naveed preaching religious messages outside Sydney train stations in suburban areas have surfaced online. Authorities are still attempting to determine how he went down the path of violence. 

    The two men were thought to be radicalized by Daesh ideology, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday.

    He added, “It would appear that this was motivated by Islamic State ideology. With the rise of ISIS more than a decade ago now, the world has been grappling with extremism and this hateful ideology.”


    Albanese added that in 2019, Australia’s intelligence agency became aware of Naveed, who was allegedly an unemployed bricklayer. 

    “They interviewed him, they interviewed his family members, they interviewed people around him. He was not seen at that time as a person of interest,” he said.


    The shooting, which left many injured and took 16 lives including Sajid, who was shot by police on the scene, is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism directed at the Jewish community.

    The majority of the suspects’ time was spent in Davao, a large urban center on the island of Mindanao that has long been a hub to Islamic state-linked networks. 

     Despite initial reports suggesting otherwise, the Philippines military stated that it was unable to promptly verify accusations that the two individuals got “military-style training” during their visit.

  • Former Sri Lankan cricket legend Arjuna Ranatunga faces arrest in fuel corruption probe

    Former Sri Lankan cricket legend Arjuna Ranatunga faces arrest in fuel corruption probe

    Sri Lanka’s Bribery Commission plans to arrest former cricket captain and ex-minister Arjuna Ranatunga in connection with a corruption investigation into fuel purchases at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), according to media reports.

    The Commission told the Chief Magistrate’s Court on Monday that authorities have named Ranatunga as a suspect in a case where the CPC allegedly lost nearly Rs 800 million (Sri Lankan Rupees) through fuel purchases made at inflated prices.

    Officials informed the court that they will arrest Ranatunga and bring him before the court, but he is currently overseas.

    The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) presented the case through Assistant Director (Legal) Anusha Sammandapperuma when authorities produced former CPC Chairman Dhammika Ranatunga, whom they arrested earlier on corruption charges.

    Sammandapperuma told the court that the CPC cancelled three long-term fuel tenders scheduled for 2017-2018. The corporation then proceeded with spot tenders at higher prices, a decision that allegedly cost the state-run entity nearly Rs 800 million.

    According to court submissions, authorities have named Dhammika Ranatunga as the first suspect and former Minister of Petroleum Resources Development Arjuna Ranatunga as the second suspect in the case.

    Sammandapperuma requested the court’s intervention and sought an order to remand the suspect, noting that investigators continue to examine the incident.

    President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris, representing the first suspect, told the court that his client has cooperated with investigators. He requested the court release the suspect on bail under suitable conditions in terms of the Bail Act.

    After hearing both sides, the Chief Magistrate ordered the release of the suspect on two sureties of Rs 1 million each. The court also imposed a foreign travel ban on the suspect, media reports said.

  • Minor attempts suicide after nude videos used for extortion in Alipur

    Minor attempts suicide after nude videos used for extortion in Alipur

    Alipur police are investigating a case in which two men allegedly lured a minor into a forest and recorded nude videos at gunpoint. The videos were later used to extort money and other items from the child.

    According to the police, the suspects have been identified as Kashif Bhutta and Ali Bosan. 

    Within the limits of City Police Station, the men allegedly approached Asad Abbas and took him to a forest. There, police said, they forced him to remove his clothes while recording the videos and threatened to make them public unless their demands were met.

    The police report stated that the victim provided Rs200,000 to the suspects following the extortion. After receiving the money, the suspects reportedly demanded that the minor hand over an iPhone. The demand was not met, and soon after, the recorded videos were leaked.

    Following the leak, the boy reportedly attempted suicide. The father of the minor filed a complaint with the police, which led to the registration of a formal case against the two men.

  • Bihar CM Nitish Kumar under fire for pulling off Muslim doctor’s niqab

    Bihar CM Nitish Kumar under fire for pulling off Muslim doctor’s niqab

    Bihar Chief Minister (CM) Nitish Kumar in India has drawn criticism after a video showed him pulling down the niqab of a Muslim doctor during an official government event in Patna.

    The incident took place during the distribution of appointment letters to newly-recruited doctors at the CM Secretariat.

    Video from the event showed the Janata Dal (United) leader, CM Kumar, pointing at the face of an Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathic (AYUSH) doctor wearing a headscarf while presenting her with a certificate, reaching out and pulling down her veil.

    As the shameless move revealed the woman’s face and chin before she could respond, an official standing near the stage immediately pulled the visibly flustered woman aside.

    Laughter was heard in the background as Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary appeared to intervene and attempt to stop Kumar.

    The incident prompted strong reactions from Indian opposition parties.

    The Indian National Congress was the first to publicly condemn the act, terming it “vile” and accusing the CM of inappropriate behaviour towards a woman official in full public view. 

    In a post on X, the Congress questioned the conduct of someone holding the highest executive office in Bihar and demanded his resignation.

    The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) also reacted strongly, raising concerns over the CM’s mental fitness. In its statement, the party said Kumar’s condition had reached a “completely pitiable” stage, questioning how such behaviour could occur during a formal state function.

    The incident sparked significant outrage on social media, especially among Muslim women and rights advocates, in addition to political criticism.

    Many described the act as public harassment and a violation of personal autonomy, arguing that forcibly touching a woman’s clothing amounted to an attack on dignity and modesty. Several reactions framed the incident as legally actionable, questioning why no formal case had been registered.

    Others called the act an attack on a woman’s dignity and modesty, stating that her niqab should not be treated as a prop on public stage.
     

    While some insisted that the CM owed the woman an unconditional apology, critics also labelled the behaviour “irresponsible, immoral, and violent” and argued that such public humiliation must have consequences.

    A number of Pakistani netizens also reacted to the incident, saying, “Jinnah proven right, yet again” and “Thank you Jinnah”, linking the move to broader concerns about minority rights in India.

  • Saba Faisal faces backlash for saying brides should not choose wedding outfits

    Saba Faisal faces backlash for saying brides should not choose wedding outfits

    Actor Saba Faisal has sparked controversy for disagreeing with mothers-in-law allowing brides to independently choose and shop for their wedding outfits.

    “In the past, newly married women wore outfits selected by their in-laws and I also followed the same tradition,” she said while appearing on a morning show.

    “One of the biggest mistakes some mothers of grooms make today is giving brides complete freedom to design and select their wedding wardrobes from the very beginning,” she said.

    “Handing over all such decisions to the bride at the start is not a good approach,” the veteran actor said. 

    Acknowledging that brides should feel comfortable in what they wear, Faisal said that issues arise when a bride continues to only wear the outfits she selected by herself, adding that it can affect balance in a new household.

    Her comments drew sharp criticism from fellow celebrities and social media users.

    Actor Fiza Ali responded in an Instagram story, saying a truly peaceful home is one where the daughter-in-law feels respected and at ease, not merely silent or submissive.

    “A woman wanting to wear clothes according to her own preference should not be seen as disrespectful but as natural desire,” Fiza said, emphasising that while a mother-in-law’s opinion matters, taking away a daughter-in-law’s right to make decisions is not love but control.

    Highlighting a common social issue, she pointed out that a woman’s happiness is often prioritised when she is a daughter, but once she becomes a daughter-in-law, she is expected to suppress her wishes and remain quiet.

    Actor Javeria Saud posted a story stating, “Sirf susral nahin, har jagah par ankh, kan zuban sab khuley chor dein to zindagi sukoon se guzrey gi [You will lead a peaceful life if you keep eyes, ears and mouth open not just at your in-laws’ place but everywhere].”

    Actor Hira Khan wrote on her Instagram story that, “Why she is allowed to speak on national television, I will never know. I feel sorry for her bahu [daughter-in-law].”

    Social media users also criticised Faisal’s views.

    One user asked, “Mil jul ker kr lain yar, kea masla ha [do it together, what’s the problem]?”

    Another user commented, “Why is she spreading negativity?”

    “It’s the bride’s big day! Let her decide [for] herself!” wrote another.

    One user said, “Her views are so problematic.”

  • Second school blown up in Waziristan in less than a week

    Second school blown up in Waziristan in less than a week

    In the second assault of its kind on an educational facility in less than a week, a government girls’ primary school in the Mir Ali region of North Waziristan has been blown up. 

    According to the police, the attack took place in Epi village where assailants placed explosive material inside the school building during the night.

    The explosion completely destroyed the structure, authorities said, confirming that the school was not in session at the time of the blast and no casualties were reported.

    Government officials indicated that approximately 250 girls were enrolled at the school, which served as the sole educational establishment for girls in the vicinity. Students traveled from nearby areas to participate in classes at this institution.

    According to the police, the explosion caused significant damage to government property and spread panic among residents. Law enforcement arrived at the scene shortly after, gathered evidence and initiated an investigation against unidentified suspects.

    This attack follows the bombing of a government primary school in the same district just days earlier, impacting the education of over 600 students. The targeting of two schools in quick succession has raised alarm among parents and community members.

    Reports quoted a local tribal elder as denouncing the attack.

    “Targeting educational institutions is an attack on the future of the entire nation,” the local leader said, adding that the tribal community would not tolerate such acts.

    He also urged the government to identify and arrest those responsible.

    The district administration also condemned the incident and said security measures at educational institutions were being reviewed. “Attacks on educational institutions are unacceptable. Strict action will be taken against those responsible, and additional security arrangements are being implemented to protect schools,” officials said.

    Parents and civil society members have called on authorities to ensure education continuity by reconstructing the affected school and bolstering security in the region.