Actor Prabhas sheds light on Salaar Part 1: Ceasefire, set to hit screens on December 22. The film, directed by Prashanth Neel, explores the profound emotions between lead characters, portrayed by Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran. While Salaar promises a new side of Prabhas, who underwent workshops for his character, the 2-hour-55-minute actioner received an A certificate. Praising director Prashanth Neel as the 'best' in his two-decade career, Prabhas emphasizes the challenging yet rewarding experience of playing his character in the much anticipated film. Expectations soar as Salaar follows Prashanth's success with KGF.

Barely three days after the Taliban massacred 23 soldiers, northwest Pakistan suffered another terror attack leaving five security personnel dead on Thursday. Four assailants also perished when rebels bombed a police facility's entrance in Tank district before storming inside. The newly surfaced Ansarul Jihad outfit claimed responsibility. Meanwhile, two Frontier Constabulary troops died amid a militant raid on a checkpost in Khyber. The dual strikes injured six, exacerbating stability concerns as the banned TTP faction Tehreek-i-Jihad Pakistan was behind a prior base slaughter too. Its November offensive damaged three air force planes. Pakistan grapples with recurrent extremist sieges, like the 29 killed in a 2015 air base mosque attack or 18 Navy staffers eliminated in a 2011 Karachi onslaught, despite repeated counterterrorism operations.

Britain's High Court has ruled in favor of Prince Harry, awarding him £140,600 in damages in a case against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) for phone hacking. Presiding judge Justice Timothy Fancourt described the sum as "modest," considering MGN's limited role in the Duke's suffering. "I consider that his phone was only hacked to a modest extent and that this was probably carefully controlled by certain people at each newspaper," Fancourt said. The court also stated, "A good deal of the oppressive behavior of the Press towards the Duke over the years was not unlawful at all." Of the 33 articles scrutinized during the hearing, only 15 were found to be the result of phone hacking or illegal information gathering, emphasizing that not all content resulted from voicemail interception. 

Bollywood stars Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone dazzle in the first song, 'Sher Khul Gaye,' from their upcoming film, 'Fighter'. The lively party track, featuring Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, and Akshay Oberoi, is set to become a favorite on the party circuit. Sung by Benny Dayal and Shilpa Rao, with music by Vishal and Shekhar, the song boasts catchy lyrics by Kumaar. The film, directed by Siddharth Anand, promises high-octane action and reunites the dynamic duo of Hrithik and Siddharth after their blockbuster War. 'Fighter' is set for a theatrical release on January 25, 2024.

In a statement on Friday, the Kremlin voiced skepticism about Ukraine's and Moldova's EU accession prospects, dismissing the move as politically motivated and "potentially destabilizing" for the bloc. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, as reported by Reuters, asserted that "negotiations to join the EU can last for years or decades," as neither Ukraine nor Moldova currently meets the EU's stringent criteria. Simultaneously, Peskov expressed Russia's unease over Finland's imminent defense pact with the US, warning that Nato infrastructure near its borders "will pose an obvious threat to us". The Kremlin's stance on both fronts underscores apprehensions about the EU's decisions and the impact of evolving geopolitical alignments, urging careful consideration to maintain regional stability.

The family of Nikhil Gupta, accused of plotting the murder of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US, has approached India's Supreme Court, seeking government intervention to release him from prison in the Czech Republic, reported Live Law. Gupta's family alleged religious rights violations, claiming he was forced to consume beef and pork in custody, a direct violation of his fundamental rights and religious beliefs. Gupta also asserts denial of consular access, contact with family, and legal representation. The Supreme Court has deemed the matter "extremely sensitive" for the Ministry of External Affairs and scheduled a hearing on January 4, 2023. 

K Kavitha said she was "disheartened" by Irani's response dismissing mandatory paid menstrual leave, calling it "appalling to see such ignorance... for our struggles... we deserve a level playing field and that is a non-negotiable." The BRS leader said "It is high time (we) bridge the gap between policy-making and reality with empathy and reason," arguing that "menstruation isn't a choice... it is a biological reality (and) denying paid leave ignores the genuine pain countless women endure." Irani had told Parliament "menstruation is a physiological phenomenon" most women can "manage by medication," triggering a row by refusing to mandate leave.

The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing on Mahua Moitra's expulsion plea, alleging cash-for-query charges, till January 3. The Trinamool Congress leader, expelled from Lok Sabha on December 8, defends herself, citing "substantial illegality" and "arbitrariness" by the ethics committee. Moitra, elected from Krishnanagar, accuses the committee of unethical conduct. The court session, led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, took place on the last working day before the winter break. The controversy arose from allegations of sharing login details and receiving gifts and cash from businessman Darshan Hiranandani, with the CBI filing a preliminary FIR.

Bollywood actor Shreyas Talpade suffered a heart attack, undergoing successful angioplasty in a Mumbai hospital. Wife Deepti Talpade reassured well-wishers, expressing gratitude for the support. In a statement on Instagram, she confirmed Shreyas' stable condition and anticipated discharge in a few days. The medical team's timely response and exceptional care were highlighted. Deepti requested privacy during his recovery, thanking everyone for unwavering support. The actor, known for his roles in Bollywood, is currently in the ICU. Deepti's update conveyed optimism amid concerns over Shreyas Talpade's health.

In the aftermath of a shocking security breach in Parliament, 14 opposition MPs, including one from the Rajya Sabha, were suspended for disrupting proceedings. The incident, marked by smoke canisters and intruders in the Lok Sabha, led to multiple adjournments. Key accused Lalit Mohan Jha was arrested, facing terrorism charges under UAPA. The Delhi Police suspended eight personnel and disclosed the involvement of six individuals. The disruption coincided with the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 terror attack on Parliament. Amidst the chaos, Sonia Gandhi met suspended MPs, seeking resolution as both Houses adjourned till 2 pm.