Aditya Dhar’s directorial ‘Dhurandhar’ continues to make noise with its box office collection. It has been three weeks of its release and this Ranveer Singh-led action thriller has been performing steadily. Its 20th-day numbers show that the film still has strong audience pull.

According to trade analyst Sacnilk, ‘Dhurandhar’ earned around ₹6.29 crore in India across all languages on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 alone.

The film’s Hindi shows recorded 24.48% occupancy on the same day, with morning shows at 17.35% and afternoon shows reaching 31.60%.

While the final official figures are awaited, the momentum clearly remains impressive.

Strong start and week-by-week journey

‘Dhurandhar’ opened to a roaring response raking in ₹103 crore in its first weekend alone. Friday brought in ₹28 crore, Saturday ₹32 crore, Sunday ₹43 crore.

Weekdays followed the trend with ₹23.25 crore on Monday and ₹27 crore on Tuesday pushing the total past ₹150 crore early on. By the end of its first week, the domestic collection had reached ₹207.25 crore.

Also Read: Dhurandhar box office collection: 18 days in, third weekend breaks records for Hindi films

The second week saw continued audience interest. The second Friday collected ₹32.5 crore followed by a surge over the weekend with ₹53 crore on Saturday and ₹58 crore on Sunday.

Weekdays remained steady with ₹30.5 crore on Monday, ₹30 crore on Tuesday, ₹25.5 crore on Wednesday, and ₹23 crore on Thursday, December 18.

The third weekend brought in ₹22.5 crore on Friday, ₹34.25 crore on Saturday, and ₹38.5 crore on Sunday taking the total domestic collection to ₹555.75 crore. On December 22, Monday collections dipped slightly to ₹16.5 crore.

By the 19th day, ‘Dhurandhar’ earned ₹20.4 crore taking its Indian net total to ₹619.3 crore. This rapid climb has placed it in the ₹600 crore club in India.

Also Read: Dhurandhar’s ‘Shararat’: How Aditya Dhar replaced Tamannaah Bhatia with Ayesha Khan and Krystle D’Souza

Breaking records across borders

Worldwide ‘Dhurandhar’ has grossed a staggering ₹925.28 crore pushing it into the top 10 highest-grossing Indian films ever. It has overtaken ‘Animal’ which stands at ₹917.82 crore and now holds the 9th position globally.

The film has also become the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 surpassing other blockbusters like Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1’ and Vicky Kaushal’s ‘Chhaava’.

Also Read: Dhurandhar age-gap debate: What the film’s team says about Ranveer Singh, Sara Arjun and the 20-year gap

The logo, theme song, and mascot of the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) were formally unveiled on Tuesday at the Late B. R. Yadav Sports Stadium in Bilaspur. The first edition of the Games is scheduled to be held from February 14.

The launch ceremony was attended by Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao as chief guests, along with senior officials from the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the State Government and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya underscored the significance of the Games in strengthening India’s talent pipeline from tribal regions.

“The Khelo India Tribal Games broadens the scope of opportunities for every athlete in the country. Tapping talent from tribal regions is key and continuously expanding our athlete-base is the requirement of the hour. We are ensuring that talented youngsters from tribal communities are identified early, supported systematically, and integrated into the national sports framework,” Mandaviya said.

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India, Indian Olympic Association, National Sports Federations and the Chhattisgarh state organising committee, the inaugural edition of the Khelo India Tribal Games will feature seven competitive sports disciplines — archery, athletics, football, hockey, wrestling, swimming and weightlifting. Two demonstration sports showcasing India’s indigenous sporting traditions will also be included.

The technical conduct of the Games will be benchmarked against international standards.

A key highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the official mascot, Morveer, a name deeply rooted in Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity. The name combines ‘Mor’, meaning ‘mine’ or ‘our own’ in Chhattisgarhi, and ‘Veer’, symbolising courage and valour. Morveer embodies the spirit, pride and collective identity of India’s tribal communities.

Talent identification forms a central pillar of the Khelo India Tribal Games. Promising athletes identified during the competition will be inducted as Khelo India Athletes, making them eligible for scholarships of Rs 5 lakh per year for eight years. The support package includes financial assistance and comprehensive athlete development programmes aimed at long-term growth.

Chhattisgarh becoming the first state to host this landmark national event dedicated exclusively to tribal athletes marks a significant milestone in India’s sporting landscape, reinforcing the focus on grassroots inclusion and tribal empowerment.

The Khelo India Tribal Games are part of the Khelo India Scheme, a flagship Central Sector Scheme of the union sports ministry, aimed at promoting mass participation and sporting excellence. In 2020, the Khelo India Games were declared an ‘Event of National Importance’ under the Sports Broadcasting Signals Act, 2007.

So far, the Khelo India programme has successfully staged seven editions of the Khelo India Youth Games, five editions of the Khelo India University Games, six editions of the Khelo India Winter Games, two editions of the Khelo India Para Games, along with the inaugural editions of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival and Khelo India Beach Games, with participation from 36 States and Union Territories.

As Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav went on an overdrive to defend the Supreme Court’s new 100-metre definition for the Aravalli hills, the Congress on Wednesday again accused the BJP-led Centre of “misleading the public regarding its environmental impact and endangering one of India’s most ecologically sensitive regions.” Congress’ Jairam Ramesh, a former environment minister, also questioned why the Narendra Modi government was pushing what he called a “fatally flawed redefinition” of one of India’s most ecologically sensitive regions.

“It is by now abundantly clear that the Union Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change is being economical with the truth on the Aravallis issue and is misleading the public. The redefinition of the Aravallis that the (Narendra) Modi government is adopting has been clearly and compellingly opposed by (i) the Forest Survey of India; (ii) the Central Empowered Committee, first set up by the Supreme Court in May 2002 and reconstituted in December 2023 to advise it on environment and forest matters; and (iii) the Supreme Court’s own amicus curiae (friend of the court). Why is the Modi government pushing through a fatally flawed redefinition of the Aravallis?” he asked.

The Forest Survey of India on Tuesday refuted claims that it carried out any study suggesting that only 9 per cent of the Aravallis are above 100 metres. Yadav, who accused the opposition of intentionally misinterpreting the Supreme Court’s verdict and using it as a political tool to serve its own interests, also referred to the FSI post to thrash “claims” that it carried out any study stating that only 9 per cent of the Aravallis lie above 100 metres. Urging people not to fall prey to opposition “propaganda”, he rejected charges that the government has diluted protections to open the Aravallis to mining or real estate interests.

According to Yadav, the Centre’s decisions are rooted in court rulings, scientific assessments, and due process.

Sources say “In light of the growing negative perceptions,” the minister has been asked “to clear the air,” but the ancient hills, which have long been a battleground for conservationists with repeated legal challenges over mining, urbanisation, and illegal activities, are unlikely to be forgotten in a hurry, and rightly so.

The Apex Court is said to have already admitted a petition challenging the 100-metre rule, filed by R P Balwan, a retired Haryana forest officer, who argues that this marker could undermine conservation efforts by excluding lower hills from protection. The Rajasthan Congress, meanwhile, has threatened to launch a mass agitation over the change in the definition of the Aravalli Hills.

The new definition classifies an “Aravalli Hill” as any landform rising at least 100 metres above its surrounding terrain and an “Aravalli Range” as a series of such hills within 500 metres of each other. Critics argue that this threshold excludes crucial parts of the Aravalli system, such as foothills and recharge zones, which play a vital role in groundwater recharge, biodiversity conservation, and soil stability.

Stretching from Gujarat to Delhi, the region is rich in critical minerals such as graphite, lithium, and rare earth elements, further fuelling suspicions of commercial exploitation. Environmental groups are demanding that the Aravallis across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi be declared a Critical Ecological Zone.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave the green signal to the addition of three new corridors under the Delhi Metro’s Phase V (A) expansion project, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw announced at a press briefing.

This strategic expansion aims to further enhance urban mobility in the national capital, pushing the Delhi Metro network past the 400-kilometer mark and cementing its status as the world’s second largest metro system.

The newly-approved corridors include:

Ramakrishna Ashram Marg to Indraprastha (9.913 km)

Aerocity to IGI Airport Terminal 1 (2.263 km)

Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj (3.9 km)

Together, these corridors cover approximately 16.076 kilometers and will feature 13 new stations —10 underground and three elevated. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 12,015 crore, funded by the government of India, the government of Delhi, and international agencies.

Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of the Central Vista corridor that will connect the newly-redeveloped Central Vista area, the hub of government offices, providing doorstep metro access to around 60,000 office workers and 200,000 daily visitors. “This connectivity will not only ease commuter traffic but also reduce pollution and fossil fuel consumption, contributing to a sustainable urban environment,” he said.

The Ramakrishna Ashram Marg-Indraprastha corridor will extend from the existing Botanical Garden-RK Ashram Marg line, significantly improving connectivity between West, North, and Old Delhi with Central Delhi. Meanwhile, the Aerocity-IGI Airport Terminal 1 and Tughlakabad-Kalindi Kunj corridors will boost access from southern neighborhoods such as Tughlakabad, Saket, and Kalindi Kunj to the domestic airport.

“This expansion of the Magenta and Yellow lines will help decongest roads, reduce pollution caused by motor vehicles, and promote ease of living in the capital,” Vaishnaw added.

The new stations on the Ramakrishna Ashram Marg-Indraprastha corridor include RK Ashram Marg, Shivaji Stadium, Central Secretariat, Kartavya Bhawan, India Gate, War Memorial – High Court, Baroda House, Bharat Mandapam, and Indraprastha. Stations on the Tughlakabad-Kalindi Kunj corridor are Sarita Vihar Depot, Madanpur Khadar, and Kalindi Kunj. Aerocity station will be connected to the IGI Terminal 1 station.

Currently, the Delhi Metro operates 12 lines covering 395 kilometers with 289 stations across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). It serves an average of 6.5 million passenger journeys daily, with a record high of 8.187 million journeys on August 8, 2025. The ongoing Phase IV project, which spans 111 km with 83 stations, is 80.43% complete and expected to be finished in stages by December 2026.

The Delhi Metro has become the backbone of city transport, known for punctuality, reliability, and safety, transforming urban commuting and driving economic growth. With the addition of the new corridors, commuters can look forward to improved connectivity, greater convenience, and a cleaner, more efficient transport system in the heart of India’s capital.

Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas has shared heartfelt memories of his friendship with filmmaker Rob Reiner reflecting on their conversations about a topic both knew too well: raising a child struggling with substance use.

The revelations came during a CBS News special, “Rob Reiner: Scenes from a Life,” which aired Sunday.

Michael Douglas described talking extensively with Rob Reiner about the challenges of supporting a child through addiction, a struggle he personally understands.

Also Read: Rob Reiner cause of death: Death certificate confirms disturbing details, son Nick in still in custody

“With this terrible tragedy, we’re realising how much pressure he was dealing with in his personal life with his son,” Douglas said referring to the shocking deaths of Reiner and his wife, Michelle Singer Reiner.

Shared struggles as parents

Douglas, who has firsthand experience with a child facing drug issues, spoke openly about his eldest son, Cameron Douglas. “I also had a son who had drug issues,” he said. “And I’m happy to say he’s overcome them and he’s living a prosperous life.”

He explained that his conversations with Reiner often centered on the fine line between what parents can and cannot do when it comes to their children’s recovery. “We talked a lot about that: What you can do as a parent, what you can’t do,” he told CBS.

The actor also praised Reiner for his dedication to balancing life’s responsibilities while managing personal struggles behind the scenes. “This was a man who always gave you his best,” Douglas said.

Douglas and Reiner shared a long-standing professional relationship, working together on films such as ‘The American President’ (1995) and ‘And So It Goes’ (2014).

Rob Reiner: Cause of death

The CBS interview comes after the tragic news of Reiner’s death. His son, Nick Reiner, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder following the discovery of Rob and Michelle Reiner’s bodies by their daughter, Romy, at their Brentwood, Los Angeles, home earlier this month.

Nick Reiner’s history with mental health and substance use has been on media. Sources told the ‘Los Angeles Times’ that he had been taking medication for schizophrenia.

The Reiners’ personal experiences with substance use influenced their work, including the 2015 film ‘Being Charlie,’ which Rob co-wrote with his father.

Hope amid tragedy

Despite the tragic events, Rob Reiner had expressed hope about his son’s progress just a few months ago. In a September interview with NPR, he said Nick was “in a good place” adding that he had been in recovery and “hasn’t been doing drugs for over six years.”

A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Indian Army, Subedar Surjeet Singh, died in a firing incident inside a military camp in the Samba town near Jammu, a defence spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The spokesman ruled out any terror angle and said the investigation was underway. The incident happened late on Tuesday night.

He said the JCO of an Army unit in Samba sustained a gunshot wound while on duty and, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries in the line of duty.

The Rising Star Corps of the Indian Army in a post on X paid “Solemn tribute to Braveheart Subedar Surjeet Singh, who made the supreme sacrifice while on operational duty in Jammu. The Indian Army stands firmly with the bereaved family in this hour of grief and assures unwavering support.”

Jana Nayagan audio launch: Tamil superstar Vijay is all set to dazzle his fans overseas as the much-awaited audio launch of his upcoming film ‘Jana Nayagan’ is scheduled in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on December 27.

Alongside Vijay, music maestro Anirudh Ravichander and the film’s team will be present to celebrate the event.

But with Vijay’s political ambitions making headlines back home as he recently launched the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, local authorities are making it clear that this event is strictly for entertainment.

Malaysian police tighten rules: No politics allowed

According to reports from the ‘Malaysia Gazette’ and other local media, the Royal Malaysia Police (Polis Diraja Malaysia/PDRM) has imposed strict restrictions on the audio launch.

Cheras District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Aidil Bolhassan clarified that the event’s permission is granted only for entertainment purposes.

“All forms of political expression are prohibited,” he said. He highlighted that speeches, banners, symbols, convoys, or even live broadcasts of political content have no place inside or near the concert venue. Authorities have warned that anyone violating these rules would face strict action.

Organisers assure fans: Entertainment only

Malik Streams Corporation, the company distributing ‘Jana Nayagan’ in Malaysia and handling the event, confirmed that the Thalapathy Thiruvizha concert would fully comply with the rules.

CEO Datuk Abdul Malik Dashtigeer stated, “This will be a celebration of Vijay’s films and music, not politics. Fans can expect a spectacular show, but nothing beyond entertainment.”

Security has been ramped up to handle the expected crowd of 90,000 fans.

Venue, tickets, and what fans can expect

The mega event will take place at Stadium Bukit Jalil. It is one of Malaysia’s largest venues, known for hosting concerts and sports events. The official announcement video for the audio launch pays tribute to Vijay’s long and successful career featuring highlights from his hit films.

Tickets for the event have already created a buzz among fans. According to Ticket2U, tickets have prices in three tiers:

– Level 1: 18 blocks at MYR 319.98 (₹7,076).

– Level 2: 24 blocks at MYR 217.98 (₹4,821).

– And, Level 3: 24 blocks at MYR 116.00 (₹2,565).

Also Read: ‘Jana Nayagan’ Hindi title ‘Jan Neta’ announces release date and cast; Vijay and Bobby Deol’s face-off unveiled

India’s Textile sector recorded significant progress this year, driven by infrastructure development, export growth, policy reforms, and large-scale skilling initiatives, according to the Yearend Review 2025 released by the Ministry of Textiles.

A major highlight of the year was the advancement of the PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) scheme. Seven mega textile parks have been approved across Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, with infrastructure works worth over Rs 2,590 crore already underway.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Dhar park in Madhya Pradesh in September 2025, while detailed project reports worth Rs 7,024 crore were approved for four parks, the Ministry said.

Textile and apparel exports also showed strong momentum, reaching USD 37.8 billion in 2024–25, a 5 per cent increase over the previous year.

The sector contributed 8.63 per cent to India’s total exports, with the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom remaining key markets, alongside rising demand from emerging destinations such as Bangladesh, the UAE, and Australia.

The government has set an ambitious target of USD 100 billion in textile exports by 2030.

Under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for textiles, investments of over Rs 28,700 crore were proposed, with several companies commencing production and incentives beginning to be disbursed.

Technical textiles accounted for more than half of the participating firms, underscoring the sector’s shift towards high-value, capital-intensive manufacturing.

The review also highlighted reforms in the cotton sector, including large-scale MSP procurement, digitisation through the Kapas Kisan app, and the launch of the ‘Kasturi Cotton Bharat’ programme to boost global acceptance of Indian cotton. Parallel progress was reported across silk, wool, jute, handloom, and handicraft sectors, supported by targeted schemes, branding initiatives and technology adoption.

Skilling remained a core focus, with the Samarth scheme (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector) training over 5.4 lakh people so far, nearly 88 per cent of them being women.

Meanwhile, Bharat Tex 2025, held in New Delhi, emerged as India’s largest global textile event, showcasing the country’s manufacturing strength, innovation, and export potential to stakeholders from over 120 countries.

Russell Brand, once known for his loud comedy and movie roles, is now making headlines for different reasons. The British comedian and actor has been charged with two more counts of rape and sexual assault adding to a list of serious accusations that has continued to grow over the past two years.

New charges add to a long list of allegations

According to reports, London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that the new charges relate to two additional women. These come on top of earlier accusations, which already included rape, indecent assault, oral rape, and multiple counts of sexual assault.

What began as a few complaints has now expanded into a wide-ranging investigation involving several women and multiple alleged incidents.

Brand is expected to appear in court on January 20, 2026 for these latest charges. Meanwhile, his trial for the earlier cases is scheduled to begin later in 2026. He has pleaded not guilty so far.

Police stress support for the women

The Metropolitan Police have made it clear that their focus is not just on the accused, but also on the women who came forward. They stated that all complainants are being supported by specially trained officers.

Police have also urged anyone else who may have been affected, or who has information, to speak up.

How the allegations first came to light

Public attention exploded in 2023 after a Channel 4 ‘Dispatches’ documentary and an investigation by The Sunday Times. The reports included accounts of five women. Most of them chose to remain anonymous. Their stories described serious allegations and painted a picture that sharply conflicted with Brand’s public image.

The documentary triggered anger, debate, reflection especially in entertainment industry which has often been criticised for protecting powerful men while ignoring victims/survivors.

Also Read: PT Kunju Muhammed, Kerala filmmaker and former MLA, arrested in sexual assault case, gets anticipatory bail

The dissent within the Congress in Kerala over the selection of mayoral candidates in the Kochi Corporation has intensified, with a section of Congress leaders in Ernakulam district protesting strongly against the decision to deny the post of mayor to Deepti Mary Varghese, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) general secretary, who was widely projected as the party’s mayoral face.

Congress leader Ajay Tharayil has strongly criticised the party leadership for not considering Deepthi Mary Varghese for the post of Kochi Corporation Mayor. He alleged that the candidates for mayor and deputy mayor were selected without meeting the core committee.

Ajay Tharayil criticised DCC President Muhammed Shiyas for acting unilaterally as a group leader. He added that the action of having ignored someone who reached the party leadership through continuous struggles cannot be justified on any count.

The Ernakulam District Congress Committee (DCC) on Tuesday announced four-time councillor V K Minimol as its mayoral candidate for the first two-and-a-half years, followed by Shiny Mathew for the remainder of the term. Similarly, the Deputy Mayor’s post will be shared between Deepak Joy, a two-time councillor and Youth Congress all-India coordinator, and KVP Krishnakumar.

KPCC general secretary and two-time councillor Deepthi Mary Varghese, who was overlooked for the mayor’s post alleged on Wednesday that the guidelines laid out in the KPCC circular regarding the selection process have not been followed by the Congress leadership in Ernakulam.

Deepthi said that the criteria laid out in the KPCC circular were not followed in the selection process, as the opinion of Congress councillors was not elicited in a free and fair manner and in the absence of a KPCC observer, as mandated by the circular. She also took a swipe at Ernakulam District Congress Committee (DCC) president Muhammed Shiyas, who claimed that the KPCC circular was a major consideration and had been complied with. “Perhaps he had not read the circular properly and should read it again,” she added.

Meanwhile, KPCC General Secretary MR Abhilash also expressed his dissatisfaction with Deepthi not being considered for the Kochi mayor’s post. He demanded that the opposition leader and the DCC president explain why the KPCC criteria were violated in the selection process. The personal interests of some people were reflected in the mayoral selection, he alleged.

In a significant political development just weeks before the Chandigarh mayoral election, two Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillors, Suman Sharma and Poonam, officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday. They joined the saffron party at an event held at the BJP office in Chandigarh and attended by senior party leaders, providing a much-needed boost to the party’s numbers ahead of the crucial poll.

The move comes as the BJP seeks to consolidate its position in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, where the mayoral election is scheduled for January 2026. With the addition of Sharma and Poonam, the BJP’s strength on the council has increased to 18 councillors, strengthening its prospects in the upcoming contest.

The joining ceremony was attended by Chandigarh BJP President Jatinder Pal Malhotra, incumbent Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, former city BJP president Sanjay Tandon, and party vice president Devinder Singh Babla. Both councillors expressed confidence in the BJP’s policies and leadership, citing alignment with the party’s vision and direction under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has 35 elected councillors. To secure the mayor’s position, a party or alliance needs 19 votes. With the recent BJP tally now at 18, the party requires just one more vote to clinch the mayor’s post, placing it in a much stronger position than before. Analysts say the defection of the two councillors could tilt the balance decisively in favour of the BJP, especially with the mayoral election just weeks away.

Speaking at the event, both Suman Sharma and Poonam made it clear that their decision was driven by political and ideological considerations. Poonam openly stated that she felt sidelined within the AAP and was unable to participate effectively in decision-making processes, which motivated her to seek a new platform.

Party leaders from the BJP welcomed them warmly, praising the decision as a reflection of growing confidence in the party’s governance model. Chandigarh BJP President Malhotra highlighted that the party’s consistent expansion, even at the grassroots level, mirrors rising public trust in its leadership and policies.

Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla echoed these sentiments, saying the inclusion of new members would further strengthen the party’s organisation in the city. She remarked that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chandigarh, along with the rest of the country, is seeing a renewed focus on development and progress.

The shift of the two councillors from AAP to BJP could have broader implications for the political dynamics in Chandigarh, especially with municipal elections and allied political manoeuvring gaining momentum. The Congress currently holds six council seats, while the AAP has 11 councillors. The addition of Sharma and Poonam to the BJP alters the competitive landscape significantly.

In the build-up to the mayoral election, the process has already formally begun with administrative preparations. As per civic officials, the election is expected to be completed ahead of the expiry of the current mayor’s term in late January 2026.

The entry of two AAP councillors into the BJP fold marks a pivotal moment in Chandigarh’s civic politics, potentially shaping the outcome of the upcoming mayoral election. The political atmosphere in Chandigarh is set to intensify as parties prepare and strategise for the election in January.

Rob Reiner cause of death: The Brentwood house looked calm from the outside. Trees stood still. The afternoon sun was soft. But inside, a terrible story had already ended. Days after the shocking deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Reiner, new details from official documents have added painful clarity to what happened behind closed doors.

What the death certificates reveal

According to newly released death certificates, both Rob and Michele Reiner died from multiple sharp-force injuries caused by a knife. The documents describe the deaths as a homicide and confirm that another person was responsible for the attack.

The injuries were severe. The certificates state that both Rob and Michele died within minutes of being attacked. There was no long struggle for survival, only a sudden and violent end inside their own home in Los Angeles.

The documents also show a heartbreaking detail about timing. Rob Reiner was found first at around 3:45 pm. Just one minute later, at 3:46 pm., Michele Reiner was found. Michele was listed as “widowed” on her death record showing that Rob was declared dead moments before her.

Both have since been cremated.

Also Read: Rob Reiner’s must-watch films: From ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ to ‘Flipped’

The arrest that shook everyone

The tragedy took an even darker turn when police arrested the couple’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, in connection with the killings. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the charges are extremely serious. If convicted, Nick could face life in prison without parole or even the death penalty. Authorities also confirmed that a knife was used in the attack.

Nick Reiner made a brief court appearance on December 17. He has not yet entered a plea.

Mental health at the center of the case

Reports have also revealed that Nick Reiner was being treated for schizophrenia before the killings.

Mental health experts point out that untreated or severe mental illness can lead to such outcomes. This happens especially when warning signs go unnoticed or support systems fail.

Police call it “deeply tragic”

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed the arrest at a press conference. He described the case as “a very, very tragic incident.”

When Rob and Michele Reiner were first found dead around 3:40 pm. on Sunday, police said they were investigating the deaths as a possible homicide. At the time, no suspect had been named and no arrests had been made.

A family left behind

Rob and Michele Reiner leave behind a family now marked by loss and disbelief. They are survived by two other children, son Jake Reiner, a former local news reporter in Los Angeles, and daughter Romy.

Rob Reiner also had an adopted daughter, Tracy Reiner, from his earlier marriage to actress and director Penny Marshall.

Also Read: Trump mentally unfit to be US President: Rob Reiner

The HDFC Bank spent Rs 1,068.03 crore on CSR initiatives during the financial year 2024–25, marking an increase of nearly Rs 123 crore over the previous year, the bank said on Wednesday in its Parivartan CSR Report 2024–25.

With this, HDFC Bank’s cumulative CSR investment stood at Rs 6,176 crore as of March 31, 2025.

FY25 also marked 10 years of the Parivartan programme, under which the Bank has impacted 10.56 crore lives across 28 states and eight Union Territories.

CSR projects have been implemented in 102 of the 112 Aspirational Districts identified by the Government of India, with rural development initiatives covering 298 border villages.

The CSR Report outlines six key focus areas, namely rural development, education, skill training and livelihood enhancement, healthcare and hygiene, financial literacy and inclusion, and natural resource management.

Under rural development, HDFC Bank’s Holistic Rural Development Programme has adopted a cluster-based approach to improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, sanitation and natural resource management, benefiting over 14.92 lakh households to date.

In education, the Bank has awarded more than 29,000 scholarships, established over 2,600 SMART schools and built 930 community libraries, the report said.

The Bank’s skill development initiatives have enabled 7.2 lakh individuals to secure sustainable livelihoods, while healthcare programmes have benefitted over three lakh people through mobile clinics, maternal care and cancer treatment support.

Its financial literacy initiatives, including the Vigil Aunty digital fraud awareness campaign, have reached over 21 lakh followers online.

Natural resource management, the newest focus area, has seen the creation of 14,520 water conservation structures and the installation of more than 69,000 solar lights across communities.

The Bank’s CSR initiatives are aligned with 10 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting its integrated approach to inclusive and sustainable development.

There will be an 18 per cent hike in passenger fares in Jammu and Kashmir, which will be applicable to all categories of passenger vehicles operating in the Union Territory, and the revised fares will come into effect from 1 January 2026, the government said on Wednesday.

Santosh D Vaidya, Principal Secretary Finance, chaired a high-level meeting of the Fare Revision Committee (FRC) here to deliberate upon the issue of revision of passenger transport fares across the Union Territory.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Transport, Avny Lavasa; Acting Transport Commissioner, J&K, Anju Gupta; Managing Director JKRTC Abdul Rashid War; Representative of Headquarters Northern Command (C/o 56 APO); Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir; Regional Transport Officer, Jammu, Additional Secretary GAD; members of the Committee, including representatives of various Transporters’ Associations of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

During the meeting, the representatives of the transporters submitted a proposal seeking a hike of 40 per cent in passenger fares, citing a substantial increase in operational costs.

The Committee held a detailed and threadbare discussion on the matter, taking into account multiple factors such as the sharp rise in the cost of spare parts, fuel-related expenses, taxes, maintenance costs, and other operational inputs.

A comprehensive cost analysis exercise was also examined during the deliberations, said an official.
Acknowledging the genuine concerns raised by the transporters, the Committee also carefully considered the socio-economic impact of fare revision on the general public, with particular emphasis on ensuring that the common man is not subjected to an undue financial burden, the official added.

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday called for actively supporting the government’s ambitious ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ by encouraging indigenous production, strengthening local supply chains, and promoting domestic industry.

She was addressing the probationers of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (2024 batch) who called on her at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Observing that the global community is living in times of rapid change, the President said the evolving geopolitical environment and emerging security challenges demand quicker, smarter, and more accurate decision-making.

‘’Simultaneously, business processes are becoming more complex and technology-driven. In this context, the Defence Accounts Department should continuously adapt, innovate, and modernise,’’ she added.

She said the officers of the Indian Defence Accounts Service occupy an important position in the management of financial resources of the Indian Armed Forces and allied organisations. ‘’From budgeting and accounting to audit, payments, financial advice, and ensuring transparency in defence expenditure, their role directly impacts operational readiness and the development of defence infrastructure,’’ she noted.

The President advised them that as the principal accounting and financial authority of the Defence Services, they are expected to understand the unique challenges, hardships, and operational realities faced by our Armed Forces.

She urged them to remain lifelong learners, to stay curious, and to embrace change with confidence and advised them to remember that the true measure of service lies not in position or recognition. Instead, it lies in the steady contribution they would make to the effective functioning of institutions and the welfare of citizens.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday came down sharply on official inaction over tax relief for air purifiers, questioning why an 18 per cent GST continues to apply even as the city reels under ‘very poor’ air quality levels.

A bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela observed that access to fresh air is a basic necessity and said if authorities are unable to ensure it outdoors, the least they can do is reduce the tax burden on devices that help people breathe safely indoors.

The court directed the counsel appearing for the authorities to seek instructions on granting a temporary GST exemption and report back at 2.30 pm.

Also Read: From fuel shift to GRAP: Inside the Centre’s plan to clean Delhi’s air

Court questions delay in granting tax relief

The bench first expressed displeasure that no concrete steps had been taken despite the deteriorating air quality. Stressing the urgency of the situation, the judges suggested that even a short-term exemption could offer immediate relief.

“Let the purifiers be provided. That’s the minimum you can do. When will you come back?…. Even if it is for temporary, give exemption for next one week or one month… Consider this an emergency situation, only for temporarily. Take instructions and come back.”

“We will place it before the vacation bench only for compliance. As we speak, we all breathe. You know how many times we breathe in a day, at least 21,000 times a day. Just calculate the harm you are doing to your lungs just by breathing 21,000 times a day, and that’s involuntary,” said the bench said.

The matter, the bench said, would be placed before the vacation bench for compliance.

PIL seeks classification of air purifiers as medical devices

The observations came while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Kapil Madan, seeking directions to the central government to classify air purifiers as “medical devices” and reduce the GST rate to five per cent.

Currently, air purifiers attract an 18 per cent GST, a rate typically applied to non-essential goods.

The petition argued that in the context of Delhi’s severe air pollution, air purifiers cannot be treated as luxury items. It maintained that access to clean indoor air has become indispensable for health and survival.

‘Financially inaccessible for large sections’

The plea contended that the high tax rate makes air purifiers unaffordable for large segments of the population, effectively denying them a basic health safeguard.

“Imposition of GST at the highest slab upon air-purifiers, a device that has become indispensable for securing minimally safe indoor air, renders such equipment financially inaccessible to large segments of the population and thereby inflicts an arbitrary, unreasonable, and constitutionally impermissible burden,” the petition stated.

The court is expected to take up the issue again after the authorities place their response on record.

Uttar Pradesh is set to witness a statewide cultural tribute on December 25, marking the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the 65-foot-tall bronze statues of three senior leaders of the Jansangh tradition—Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee—at the newly developed Rashtriya Prerna Sthal, spread across 65 acres.

Alongside this historic moment, the Uttar Pradesh Department of Culture is organising special cultural programmes associated with Atal ji’s life and his public journey across districts, including Lucknow, Agra (Bateshwar), Balrampur, and Sitapur. These programmes are dedicated to cultural awareness, folk traditions, and national inspiration.

State Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said that Atal ji’s birth centenary is being observed as a meaningful occasion to connect people with the values of nationalism, culture and public service. He said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Rashtriya Prerna Sthal is being developed as a symbol of national inspiration, cultural pride and collective consciousness.

As part of the tribute, the Department of Culture has curated performances at locations connected with Atal ji’s memories, ideas and public life. On December 25, cultural presentations will be held at Rashtriya Prerna Sthal, where artists Chanchal Banjara and Pranav Singh will perform, along with programmes at other identified districts across the state.

The Atal Birth Centenary celebrations will showcase a wide range of cultural forms. From Gomti Riverfront in Lucknow to Bateshwar in Agra, and from Balrampur to Sitapur, audiences will experience poetry recitals, folk singing, Sufi music, puppetry, shehnai performances, Alha singing, Rajasthani folk dance, magic shows and traditional dance forms such as Bam Rasiya, Dhobiya, Faruwahi, and Mayur dance.

As per the programme schedules, poets, folk singers, dancers and cultural performers will present at multiple venues, reflecting the diversity and richness of Uttar Pradesh’s cultural heritage.

Rashtriya Prerna Sthal houses 65-foot-tall bronze statues of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. More than Rs 21 crore has been spent by the Uttar Pradesh Department of Culture on the construction of these statues. A museum has also been developed at the site, preserving important milestones and memories from the lives of these three national figures.