Vidhu Vinod Chopra's recent directorial '12th Fail' has emerged as the highest-rated Indian film on IMDb with a rating of 9.2, surpassing major 2023 releases like Oppenheimer (8.4) and Barbie (6.9). The Vikrant Massey-starrer is the highest-rated Indian film as well as the highest-rated film of 2023 on IMDb among films with over 20,000 votes. '12th Fail' also topped IMDb's Top 250 Indian films list. '12th Fail' is a biographical drama based on the life of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcame poverty to become an IPS officer. The biographical drama has been receiving appreciation from the audience since its theatrical and OTT release. The Vidhu Vinod Chopra directorial features Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankar in lead roles and is streaming on Disney+Hotstar.

In a major step to thwart Pakistan's attempts to increase terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army is launching Operation Sarvashakti, targeting terrorists on both sides of Pir Panjal. Pakistani proxy groups have tried to revive terrorism South of Pir Panjal, where around 20 troops have been killed recently. "Operation Sarvashakti would be to carry out combined counter-terrorist operations from both sides of Pir Panjal where formations of Chinar and White Knight Corps would carry out simultaneous operations," ANI reported quoting sources. The security forces aim to target terrorists operating on both sides of the mountain range in the Union Territory. [Photo: Representative Image]

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar initially suggested Rahul Gandhi as the chairperson of the INDIA alliance during a virtual meeting, but the Congress leader declined. As per reports by NDTV, the Janata Dal (United) chief proposed the name of Mr Gandhi, who declined, saying he was working at the grassroots level and his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra would also begin on Sunday. The Congress leader proposed party chief Mallikarjun Kharge's name for the alliance's top job, which was endorsed by Sonia Gandhi. When Nitish Kumar's name came up for the convenor position, he recommended his colleague Lalu Yadav, citing seniority. The dynamic exchange occurred as discussions unfolded about key leadership roles within the 28-party alliance.

Returning home after a high-profile state visit to China, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday struck a defiant note saying "We may be small but this doesn't give them the license to bully us". His comments followed a diplomatic row with India over derogatory social media posts by three of his ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Though we have small islands in this ocean, we have a vast exclusive economic zone of 900,000 square km. This ocean does not belong to a specific country. We aren't in anyone's backyard. We are an independent and sovereign state," he said.

Renowned actor Radhika Apte took to Instagram to share her distressing airport ordeal, revealing that she and fellow passengers were confined in an aerobridge for over an hour after their flight faced delays. Despite the flight not boarding, passengers, including those with small children and elderly individuals, were placed in the aerobridge and locked in. "now I'm locked inside. AND they just told us that we will be here till minimum 12pm. No water no loo. Thanks for the fun ride," Radhika Apte wrote sharing photos on social media. Apte expressed frustration at the lack of information and assistance from airline staff. The actor did not name the city or the airlines.

In a massive display of solidarity, thousands took to the streets of London for a pro-Palestinian march, urging a ceasefire in Gaza. Demonstrators, carrying "ceasefire now" placards, were accompanied by a 3.5m puppet symbolizing Syrian child refugees. Despite a heavy police presence and warnings, six arrests were made, including individuals with offensive placards and ties to the Terrorism Act. This marked the seventh national pro-Palestinian march in London, with global protests in 30 countries. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed the crowd, echoing calls for a ceasefire. Tensions persist with a rally supporting Israel set for Sunday in Trafalgar Square.

President Biden confirms delivering a private message to Iran regarding Iran-backed Houthis behind Red Sea shipping attacks. Departing for Camp David, he expresses confidence in the message's delivery. Tensions escalate as the Houthi movement threatens a forceful response to the recent US strike in Yemen. The strike targeted a radar site after earlier attacks on Houthi facilities. White House assures no interest in a war with Yemen. Biden, acknowledging the Houthis as terrorists, emphasizes preparedness and diplomatic approach. The US removed the Houthis from the foreign terrorist list in 2021.

A prolonged dry spell in Kashmir's harsh winter worries residents and farmers as temperatures stay unusually high, causing health issues and impacting agriculture. Experts link the weather changes to broader climate change, warning of cascading effects on water resources. The region faces an 80% rain deficit in December, and dry conditions are expected to persist. Farmers, reliant on winter precipitation, express distress amid water scarcity concerns. Unplanned power outages exacerbate health problems, affecting patient care and disrupting daily life. Tourism and the famed ski terrain in Gulmarg suffer from the lack of snow.

In Guayaquil, residents cautiously resume daily life after a week marred by shocking gang violence. Small businesses reopen, but the specter of recent chaos lingers. Schools remain closed, forcing some, like Dina, to bring children to work. The market buzzes with activity, yet vendors stay vigilant, fearing a resurgence of armed men. Hostages, including prison guards, intensify the crisis. While authorities claim a war on gangs, families accuse negligence. In a bold act, armed men seize a TV studio. Hundreds arrested, but as Ecuador edges toward normality, concerns rise about the nation sliding into a perilous narco-state.

Migrants crossed the English Channel to the UK today, ending a 27-day gap, the longest in over five years. Home Office figures cite adverse weather conditions for the previous lack of activity at sea. A group of suspected migrants arrived in Dover, Kent, on a Border Force vessel. This marks the first Channel crossings in 2024 and the first time no crossings occurred on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or Boxing Day in five years. The provisional annual total for 2023 is 36% lower than the record in 2022, with 29,437 crossings.