Prabhas' latest film, "Salaar: Part 1: Ceasefire," claims the title of 2023's highest opener, raking in an estimated Rs 95 crore on its opening day in India. Hombale Films' production dominated Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala with an overall occupancy of 88.93% in Telugu regions. Salaar surpasses Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan and Ranbir Kapoor's Animal, marking a significant box office triumph. Despite mixed reviews citing erratic storytelling, the film's action-packed narrative and Prabhas' fan base contribute to its success. Directed by Prashanth Neel, "Salaar" promises intense combat scenes and captivating performances.

Apple faces a setback as the International Trade Commission orders the halt of Series 9 and Ultra 2 Apple Watch sales before Christmas. Accused of incorporating trade secrets by tech firm Masimo, Apple complies, pausing online sales from December 21 and in-store sales from Christmas Eve. A Presidential Review Period, lasting until December 25, will determine the ban's fate. Apple disagrees with the order, vowing legal and technical pursuit. The dispute centers on blood oxygen sensing technology. Customers affected are urged to stay tuned for updates as Apple explores options to swiftly return the halted models to the U.S. market.

French authorities grounded a Nicaragua-bound plane carrying 303 Indian passengers, suspecting human trafficking. The flight, operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines, had departed from Dubai and was detained at Vatry airport in France following an anonymous tipoff. Two individuals were arrested as the judicial inquiry focuses on the trip's purpose. The Indian embassy is investigating, ensuring the well-being of passengers. Passengers, possibly aiming for illegal entry into the US or Canada, are confined at the airport. France's anti-organized crime unit leads the investigation. The airport's arrival lounge is now a waiting area with beds as officials delve into this alarming incident.

The Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha in Newark, California, faced outrage as it was defaced with anti-India and pro-Khalistan graffiti. The Indian consulate in San Francisco strongly condemned the incident, stating it hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. The Hindu American Foundation shared images of the graffiti on social media, calling for a hate crime investigation. Discovered by a devotee on Thursday night, the hateful slogans included references to Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Newark police labeled it a 'targeted act' and assured a thorough investigation. India demands prompt action against the vandals, seeking justice for the desecration of the Hindu temple.

Tata Steel plans a shareholders' meet on Jan 25, considering the merger of its subsidiary, Indian Steel and Wire Products. The National Company Law Tribunal's directive prompts this move, aiming to seek approval for the proposed scheme. The meeting, conducted via video conferencing, aligns with NCLT guidelines. Tata Steel, closing 1.91% higher at ₹133.50 per share on Friday, had earlier approved merging multiple subsidiaries, anticipating benefits like enhanced shareholder value and operational efficiency. CEO TV Narendran aims to complete the merger, involving seven subsidiaries, in the current financial year, contingent on regulatory clearances.

The Met Office issues caution as Christmas nears, predicting a wet and windy lead-up. Yellow weather warnings cover regions, signaling potential travel troubles. Rain alerts for west Scotland, northwest England, and Wales start Saturday. Wind warnings, peaking at 60mph near the Pennines, pose transport risks in north Scotland and northeast England on Christmas Eve. Steven Keates, deputy chief meteorologist, advises expecting a damp Christmas start. The far southeast might endure prolonged rain. As weather fronts shift south and east, drier conditions may emerge in the afternoon. Travelers are urged to stay updated, acknowledging potential disruptions. Adjusting plans may be crucial, with an eye on safety amid the festive hustle.

Reports from Russian media suggest that the advanced Pantsir-SM air defense system is actively involved in the ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The upgraded system, equipped with extended detection and engagement capabilities, claims to intercept mini-drones, guided artillery, and high-speed ballistic targets. The Pantsir-SM features a sophisticated fire control system, phased array radar, and twin-barrel 30mm cannons. With the integration of new hypersonic-guided missiles, its interception range has doubled to 40 kilometers. However, caution is advised as Russian media's portrayal of events may be influenced by their own interests, potentially impacting the accuracy of the information.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath announces that the maiden solar mission 'Aditya L1' is set to reach its destination, the Lagrangian point 1.5 million km from Earth, on January 6. Once positioned, the space-based observatory will study the Sun's dynamics from a halo orbit L1 for the next five years. The data collected is deemed crucial not only for India but for the world. Additionally, Somanath reveals ISRO's plan to build the 'Bharatiya space station' in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directive, emphasizing India's commitment to becoming a technological force.

Jailed conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar has threatened to "expose the reality" about Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez after she moved court to restrain him from contacting her. In a handwritten letter from Delhi's Mandoli jail, Chandrashekhar expressed shock over Fernandez's plea, saying she has portrayed him as the "devil". He claimed to have proof of financial transactions and communication with Fernandez that he will furnish before agencies. This comes after Fernandez was questioned multiple times by probe agencies regarding Chandrashekhar's Rs 200 crore money laundering case. With the conman's threat, the case could take a dramatic turn.

The United States, citing intelligence reports, strongly asserts Iran's significant involvement in Houthi rebel attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The White House claims Iran provided drones, missiles, and tactical intelligence, indicating long-term support for Houthi actions. National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson emphasizes that Iran's role extends to planning these operations, with no signs of dissuading Houthi aggression. The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, target shipping lanes in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The US, along with over 20 allies, is actively countering these attacks to safeguard Red Sea shipping.