Author: Virgin News

Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Katz, for the first time publicly confirmed Israel’s involvement in the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in an explosion in Iran this past summer. Katz also issued a stern warning to the Houthi rebel group in Yemen, vowing to take similar action against their leadership as part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to dismantle Iranian-backed militant networks in the region. In his speech on Monday, Katz not only acknowledged Israel’s role in Haniyeh’s death but also highlighted the broader campaign against Iran-aligned forces, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. The defense minister reiterated…

Microsoft is making significant moves to expand its suite of artificial intelligence (AI) models for its flagship product, Microsoft 365 Copilot. The tech giant is incorporating both internal AI models and third-party alternatives, aiming to move away from its heavy reliance on OpenAI’s GPT-4 technology, according to sources familiar with the developments. This strategy is not only designed to reduce costs but also to make the service more efficient, as Microsoft seeks to diversify its AI technology stack. The company, which has been a major partner to OpenAI, is now exploring ways to reduce its dependence on the startup’s AI…

Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, has assured that the recent export restrictions on certain agricultural commodities will not adversely affect Indian farmers. Speaking on December 23, 2024, Joshi stated that the government’s primary focus remains on safeguarding the interests of both consumers and producers, ensuring that food security remains intact. Mr Joshi also touched on several pressing issues related to inflation in essential food items, the government’s efforts to maintain price stability, and the long-standing debate over Minimum Support Prices (MSP). On the eve of National Consumer Day (December 24), the Ministry of Food and Consumer…

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, a towering figure in Indian cinema and a key proponent of the Parallel Cinema movement, passed away in Mumbai on December 23, 2024. He was 90 years old. Known for his thought-provoking and deeply impactful films such as Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, and Zubeidaa, Benegal’s work critically examined the many social fault lines within Indian society, shedding light on issues like feudalism, caste, and women’s emancipation. His death was attributed to complications arising from chronic kidney disease, a condition he had battled for several years. Benegal’s legacy in Indian cinema is monumental. He was not only a…

Three Terror Suspects Killed. Members of a Pakistan-backed terror group were gunned down in a confrontation with police in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, early on Monday, December 23, 2024. The suspects were reportedly involved in a grenade attack earlier this month at a police checkpoint in Gurdaspur, Punjab. This successful operation marks a significant step in curbing the activities of the Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) in the region, according to authorities. The men who were killed have been identified as Gurvinder Singh, aged 25, Virender Singh (alias Ravi), aged 23, and Jaspreet Singh (alias Pratap Singh), aged 18, all from the…

India celebrates National Farmers’ Day on 23rd December to honour the invaluable contributions of farmers, who are the backbone of the nation. This day marks the birth anniversary of Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister, who is remembered for his deep understanding of rural issues and his lifelong commitment to advocating for farmers’ welfare. Known as the “Annadatas” (providers of food), farmers play a critical role in ensuring food security, supporting rural economies, and contributing to the nation’s progress. In recognition of their pivotal role, the Government of India has introduced a series of transformative initiatives aimed at…

On December 22, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the prestigious Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Kuwait’s highest national award, from His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait. The significant event, marking the 43rd anniversary of the last visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait, was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister of Kuwait. The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, instituted in 1974, is bestowed upon select global leaders who have made remarkable contributions to fostering international relations and peace. PM Modi’s recognition underscores the deepening ties between India and…

Om Prakash Chautala, the former Chief Minister of Haryana, was cremated with full state honours on Saturday, December 21, 2024, in his native village of Teja Khera, located in Sirsa district. The 89-year-old leader, who passed away the previous day in Gurugram, was a prominent figure in Haryana politics, having served as the Chief Minister of the state five times. The state funeral was attended by numerous political leaders from various parties who gathered to pay their final respects. Among those present were Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, and Shiromani…

Telugu actor Allu Arjun has spoken out against allegations regarding his behaviour in the aftermath of a tragic stampede at Sandhya 70 MM cinema hall. Addressing the media alongside his father, producer Allu Aravind, and legal counsel, the actor described the discussion in the Telangana Legislative Assembly as an attempt at “character assassination,” though he refrained from naming any individual or institution. The incident in question, which occurred during a promotional event for the highly anticipated film Pushpa 2, resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman and left her eight-year-old son critically injured. Speaking at a press conference in…

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, during its 55th meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, postponed the much-awaited review of GST rates on life and health insurance policies. The decision was deferred to allow further deliberations, as some members requested additional discussions before finalizing the tax rates. The council has entrusted a Group of Ministers (GoM), led by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, with re-examining the insurance tax rates. The GoM will revisit the matter and present its findings and recommendations at a subsequent council meeting. Additionally, proposals for rate rationalization on approximately 150 items were…