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In a dramatic escalation of Hollywood&rsquo;s biggest corporate battle of the year, Paramount Skydance has launched a hostile $108.4 billion bid for Warner Bros Discovery directly approaching shareholders after weeks of rejected overtures. The move upends Netflix&rsquo;s recently announced&nbsp;$72 billion agreement for Warner&rsquo;s prized TV, film and streaming assets, setting the stage for a fierce contest over one of the world&rsquo;s most iconic studios.
Paramount&rsquo;s revised offer valued at&nbsp;$30 per share in cash marks a bold challenge to the Netflix deal that had appeared locked in, despite concerns about antitrust scrutiny and competitive effects across Hollywood&rsquo;s streaming landscape. With its latest attempt, Paramount accuses Warner Bros of running a process that effectively shut out competing bidders, prompting the company to take its case directly to investors who stand to gain from a higher payout.
If successful, Paramount&rsquo;s takeover would combine two legacy studios at a moment of deep transformation in global entertainment. Analysts note that such a merger could reshape the power dynamics of film production, television licensing and digital streaming, while also posing regulatory hurdles and raising concerns over consolidation-led job cuts. The intense competition reflects the strategic value of Warner&rsquo;s intellectual property from DC Comics to HBO that remains unmatched in scale.
Meanwhile, Netflix&rsquo;s plan to acquire Warner Bros continues to draw scrutiny in Washington, with bipartisan voices questioning its impact on consumer pricing and market competition. As both bids hang in the balance, Hollywood finds itself at a crossroads: a three-way corporate showdown that could redefine ownership of some of the most influential storytelling brands in the world. Paramount&rsquo;s tender offer remains open until January 8, 2026, leaving industry watchers braced for an unpredictable finale.

Paramount challenges Netflix’s $72 bn deal with a hostile offer to seize Warner Bros

Paramount Fires $108 Billion Shot at Warner Bros

Netflix&rsquo;s planned $82.7-billion acquisition of Warner Brothers Discovery marks one of the most consequential shifts in modern entertainment, potentially redefining how Hollywood creates, distributes and consumes big-screen storytelling. For Netflix, long dominant in streaming yet still chasing a major theatrical milestone, the deal offers what it has lacked &mdash; a legacy studio, a century-old catalogue and a blueprint for producing global blockbusters.
Industry insiders say Netflix moved swiftly once Warner Brothers signalled openness to a sale after months of financial strain and competitive pressure. The personal rapport between top executives accelerated negotiations, with the streaming giant &ldquo;aggressively pursuing the value&rdquo; of owning one of Hollywood&rsquo;s most iconic studios. The acquisition gives Netflix control of franchises like Harry Potter, Batman, and Game of Thrones, along with access to HBO&rsquo;s massive subscriber base, positioning it as a near-unmatched entertainment powerhouse.
But the deal has triggered alarm across the theatrical ecosystem and creative community. Theatre associations call the merger &ldquo;an unprecedented threat to global exhibition&rdquo;, fearing Netflix may further shrink the theatrical window despite promises to continue cinema releases. Concerns deepened after Netflix leadership described traditional moviegoing as an &ldquo;outdated concept,&rdquo; raising doubts about how much priority big screens will receive in a post-merger landscape. Directors and actors have also voiced opposition, warning that the collapse of legacy studios into streaming giants could erode creative diversity.
Regulators in the US and Europe are now scrutinising the agreement, given the vast market power the merged entity would command. Critics argue the deal narrows consumer choice, consolidates content under a single platform and could push subscription prices higher. As one US lawmaker put it, the merger risks creating &ldquo;one massive media giant with control of half the streaming market&rdquo;, underscoring fears that Hollywood&rsquo;s future may increasingly hinge on the algorithms and ambitions, of a single global platform.

Netflix–Warner Bros Deal Set to Reshape Hollywood

Landmark $82.7B takeover raises big-screen fears, market dominance, streaming shift

Pilots aboard an American Airlines flight mistakenly believed someone was attempting to break into the cockpit on Monday (October 20, 2025), prompting the plane to return to Omaha less than 40 minutes after takeoff for Los Angeles.
According to an American Airlines spokesperson, the confusion occurred because the intercom system used for communication between pilots and flight attendants had accidentally been left on. 
The pilots heard static noises over the intercom and wrongly assumed it was an attempted cockpit breach.
The flight, identified as American Airlines Flight 6469, was operated by SkyWest Airlines, which handles regional routes for American and other carriers. 
The aircraft involved was an Embraer ERJ 175, as listed on the flight tracking site FlightAware.
Authorities confirmed there was no security threat. 
The Omaha Airport Authority stated that no security-related incident had taken place at the airport and referred all additional queries to American Airlines.

Pilots mishear intercom, return flight to Omaha as false alarm sparks panic

False Alarm Forces American Flight Return

A massive fire erupted late Thursday at the Chevron El Segundo refinery just outside Los Angeles, sending towering flames into the night sky that were visible for miles.
Residents described hearing a rumble before seeing an orange glow engulf the skyline. &ldquo;Pretty much the whole sky was orange,&rdquo; said Sam Daugherty, who lives 10 blocks away and rushed to pack a bag in panic.&nbsp;By Friday morning, firefighters had contained the blaze to one section of the sprawling refinery, which sits less than two miles from Los Angeles International Airport. Officials in El Segundo urged residents to stay indoors as crews battled the flames through the night.
Chevron confirmed that all employees were safe and accounted for. &ldquo;There were no injuries, and monitoring systems showed the fire did not move beyond the facility&rsquo;s fence line,&rdquo; the company said. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.&nbsp;California Governor Gavin Newsom&rsquo;s office said it was closely monitoring the situation, while LA Mayor Karen Bass assured there was &ldquo;no impact to LAX operations.&rdquo;
The refinery, operational since 1911, processes up to 290,000 barrels of crude oil daily and covers 1.5 square miles. Though the fire is now under control, road closures remain in place and officials continue air-quality monitoring.&nbsp;This isn&rsquo;t the first such incident. The refinery has witnessed multiple fires over the past decade, including a major one in 2012 that led to a near $1 million fine for Chevron.
For now, officials say there is no immediate air pollution risk, and a shelter-in-place order issued for nearby Manhattan Beach has been lifted.

Massive blaze at Chevron El Segundo refinery near LA contained; no injuries reported

Chevron Refinery Fire Near LA Contained

ABC has suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel following backlash over comments he made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. 
The network announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been pulled from the air indefinitely after the episode sparked outrage among conservative groups and broadcast affiliates.
During the show earlier this week, Kimmel accused the &ldquo;MAGA gang&rdquo; of attempting to &ldquo;paint the kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything but one of them, while using the tragedy to score political points.&rdquo; 
He also mocked former president Donald Trump&rsquo;s response, saying Trump grieved &ldquo;like a four-year-old mourning a goldfish&rdquo; instead of as an adult would react.
The remarks drew swift condemnation. 
Conservative leaders denounced the jokes as offensive and politically charged, accusing Kimmel of both politicizing a murder and misrepresenting the suspect&rsquo;s political ties. 
Nexstar, one of ABC&rsquo;s biggest affiliate groups, announced it would stop carrying the show across its network. 
Meanwhile, FCC chair Brendan Carr criticized the monologue, warning it risked misleading the public during a sensitive moment.
With pressure mounting, ABC opted to suspend the program. 
The network has not clarified whether Kimmel will eventually return or if the show will be permanently replaced.&nbsp;
The incident highlights the sharp political divides in the U.S. and the increasingly thin boundary between satire and partisan commentary on late-night television.

Jimmy Kimmel suspended after controversial remarks backlash

ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel after backlash over remarks on activist Charlie Kirk’s killing

Jimmy Kimmel Suspended By ABC Over Remarks

The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards lit up Los Angeles on Sunday night at the Peacock Theatre, with comedian Nate Bargatze making his debut as host. 
Broadcast live on CBS and streamed globally on Paramount+, television&rsquo;s biggest night brought record-breaking victories and unexpected upsets.
The evening&rsquo;s biggest triumph belonged to Apple TV+&rsquo;s The Studio, which made history by winning 13 awards&mdash;the most ever earned by a comedy series in a single season. 
Co-creator and star Seth Rogen celebrated his first Emmy win, taking home Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. 
The sweeping success cemented The Studio as this year&rsquo;s Emmy powerhouse.
In drama, all eyes were on Severance, which led the nominations with 27. 
While the series claimed important wins for Britt Lower (Lead Actress) and Tramell Tillman (Supporting Actor), the night&rsquo;s biggest shock came when The Pitt walked away with Outstanding Drama Series. 
Katherine LaNasa&rsquo;s Supporting Actress win further highlighted the show&rsquo;s surprising dominance in the category.
The limited or anthology series segment saw Adolescence emerge as the clear winner, sweeping six awards, including Outstanding Limited Series, Writing, and Directing. 
The show delivered one of the night&rsquo;s most memorable moments when 15-year-old Owen Cooper became one of the youngest Emmy winners ever, winning Supporting Actor in a Limited Series. 
His co-star Erin Doherty won Supporting Actress, while Stephen Graham earned Lead Actor, solidifying the show&rsquo;s remarkable run.
Other notable highlights included Jean Smart securing her third Emmy for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks, and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver once again winning Outstanding Scripted Variety Series. 
In other categories, The Traitors claimed Reality Competition Series, while The Late Show with Stephen Colbert won Outstanding Talk Series.
Overall, the ceremony reflected both the dominance of expected favorites like The Studio and the unpredictability of surprise victories such as The Pitt. 
With groundbreaking records, fresh milestones, and unforgettable moments, the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards will be remembered as a landmark night in television history.

Seth Rogen celebrates historic Emmy Awards victory

The Studio breaks records, The Pitt stuns with drama win at the 77th Emmy Awards

77th Emmy Awards Mark Historic Wins, Surprises

Bryan Cranston has once again proven his dominance on television&rsquo;s biggest stage, earning his seventh career Emmy Award. The acclaimed actor took home the trophy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance in The Studio, a sharp new satire from Seth Rogen&rsquo;s creative team.
Cranston, who rose to global fame with his legendary portrayal of Walter White in Breaking Bad, previously won six Emmys for that role. His latest accolade cements his status as one of the most decorated actors of his generation.
In The Studio, Cranston takes on the role of eccentric studio boss Griffin Mills, leading a powerhouse ensemble that features Catherine O&rsquo;Hara, Kathryn Hahn, Ike Barinholtz, and Chase Sui Wonders. The show, created by Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory and Frida Perez, has already made history by collecting 23 Emmy nominations in its debut season, the highest ever for a comedy series.
Cranston&rsquo;s win came in a competitive field, with nominees including Hollywood heavyweights Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese, Dave Franco, Anthony Mackie, and Jon Bernthal (The Bear).
&ldquo;The Studio has been a dream project, the kind of satire that&rsquo;s both fearless and fun. Getting to play Griffin Mills was a gift,&rdquo; Cranston said after his win.
The success of The Studio follows in the footsteps of The Bear, which tied the record for most nominations for a comedy series. Lionsgate Television produces the show, with executive producers Rogen, Goldberg, James Weaver, Alex McAtee and Josh Fagen for Point Grey Pictures.
The Creative Arts Emmys, where Cranston was honored, are being held over two nights at Los Angeles&rsquo; Peacock Theater.
With this seventh victory, Cranston joins an elite list of television legends whose names are synonymous with both critical acclaim and popular appeal.

Cranston honoured for ‘The Studio,’ marking his seventh Emmy after Breaking Bad success

Bryan Cranston Wins 7th Emmy

Legendary rapper Snoop Dogg is joining forces with director Eli Roth for a horror film. The "Drop It Like It's Hot" hitmaker will write and produce an original soundtrack for "Don't Go in That House, B****".
The 71-year-old actor's marriage to the late Glenne Headly ended in 1988 after six years when he began an illicit romance with his "Dangerous Liaisons" co-star, and he doesn't think his behaviour was "fair" because not only did it ruin his relationship with his wife, he also lost a friend and collaborator as a result, reports "Female First UK".
Speaking on the Fashion Neurosis podcast, he said, "It's not something I've ever really talked about. Put it in this way, in the work I do, you make emotional bonds with people very quickly. That's part of the work. Very rarely, those bonds extend beyond the work. For me, she was someone I valued greatly as a colleague, was great fun and moving and with me, incredibly fair. And I certainly wasn't. I think I've learned over the course of my life that a great colleague is actually rarer than anything. And when that relationship becomes more than collegial or more than a friendship - even a profound friendship - then at least in my experience, and it might be my particular psychology or stupidity or ineptness or all of the above... you lose a great colleague&rdquo;.
As per "Female First UK", John contrasted his professional relationship with Michelle, who was married to Peter Horton at the time, with his decades-long partnership with Lithuanian actress Ingeborga Dapkunaite.
He said, "Ingeborga and I are still, 33 years now, working together and have remained great friends and colleagues because there is a line we never crossed&rsquo;, he said. That's what I've learned, that when a thing like that happens, it probably, might be, not retrievable&rdquo;.
John's marriage to Glenne , who died of complications from a pulmonary embolism aged 62 in 2017, ended the year "Dangerous Liaisons" came out and she went on to marry musician Byron McCulloch. 
The "Burn After Reading" actor went on to find love with Nicolette Peyran and is still in a relationship with the production designer now.
Meanwhile Michelle divorced Peter in 1990 and went on to marry and have two children with David E. Kelley. 
John has previously batted away questions about his affair with Michelle. He once said:,"It's hard to believe Michelle Pfeiffer ever said hello to me&rdquo;.
&mdash;IANS

Snoop Dogg and Eli Roth announce horror collaboration

Snoop Dogg joins Eli Roth to create horror film with original soundtrack contribution

Snoop Dogg, Eli Roth Team Up For Horror Film

Hollywood star Mila Kunis recently reflected on her grueling preparation for her role in the 2010 thriller Black Swan, as the film marks its 15th anniversary.
Speaking to Vogue, Kunis described how she transformed into a professional ballerina for the Darren Aronofsky-directed movie. &ldquo;My prep was a lot of dancing and very little eating. I drank a lot of broth and danced for 12 hours a day,&rdquo; she revealed.
Originally, Kunis and co-star Natalie Portman were given three months to prepare, but financing delays extended their training to six months. &ldquo;It sucked for Darren, but Nat and I were thrilled to have extra time to dance,&rdquo; Kunis added.
The intense filming took a toll on her body. She sustained bruises from repeated lifts and dislocated her shoulder early on, but with care from an acupuncturist, she recovered fully.
Portman also shared how Kunis landed the role of Lily, the seductive rival. &ldquo;I remembered her ballet background immediately suggested her to Darren,&rdquo; Portman said.
Kunis&rsquo; dedication highlights the extreme discipline behind the iconic performances of Black Swan, cementing its place as a landmark in psychological thriller cinema.

Mila Kunis Reveals Intense ‘Black Swan’ Prep

On ‘Black Swan’ 15th anniversary, Kunis shares her brutal ballet training and injuries

Filmmaker and DC Studios head James Gunn has revealed that the much-anticipated Superman sequel is moving forward rapidly. Gunn confirmed that he has finished an extensive 60-page treatment for the film, which already includes detailed dialogue, and is now transitioning it into a full script.
The project will feature David Corenswet returning as the iconic Man of Steel. Gunn emphasised that production scheduling is currently underway and assured fans that shooting will begin sooner rather than later.
The sequel is one of several major projects on DC&rsquo;s upcoming slate, alongside Peacemaker Season 2, Supergirl, the Lanterns series, Wonder Woman, and a horror-inspired Clayface film. Gunn highlighted that each project will have its own distinct tone and creative vision, reflecting the diversity of DC&rsquo;s comic origins.
With Gunn&rsquo;s creative push and the promise of unique storytelling, fans can expect DC&rsquo;s cinematic universe to expand in bold new directions while keeping Superman at the heart of it all.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
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&nbsp;

James Gunn confirms Superman sequel treatment completed, with scripting and production

James Gunn Pushes Superman Sequel Ahead

Gujarat Congress Internal Dispute: The countdown to the 2027 Gujarat Assembly election has already begun. The 2029 Lok Sabha election is not far away either. The Congress high command is making claims of a change of power in Gujarat. Rahul Gandhi is talking about rebuilding the Gujarat Congress from the ground up. There is talk of removing the &lsquo;lame horses&rsquo; and putting the &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; on the field. But looking at the current state of the Gujarat Congress, one question cannot be avoided: before entering the race, will the Congress even be able to get its own team to stand in one line? Before declaring war against the BJP, the Congress is caught in a political battle within its own house. The question is bitter, but necessary: if a party cannot create unity within its own organisation, how does it expect to take on the BJP&rsquo;s formidable organisational machinery in Gujarat?
Leaders Changed, But Why Didn&rsquo;t the Problem? Keeping the 2027 Assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha elections in mind, the Congress has begun making changes to its Gujarat organisation. The high command wanted to remove the old and inactive structure and bring forward leaders with the ability to fight elections. But when a party repeatedly needs to change its state in-charge, the question becomes bigger than the capability of the individual holding the post. Mukul Wasnik was replaced by Randeep Singh Surjewala as Gujarat Congress in-charge. With the new in-charge came expectations of a new direction, a new strategy and greater discipline within the organisation. Yet, barely had Surjewala taken charge when a controversy erupted within Banaskantha Congress over the organisational structure. That is where the Congress&rsquo;s real trouble begins.
A Symptom of Congress&rsquo;s Organisational Illness Banaskantha is not an ordinary constituency. It is the only Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat that the Congress won in the 2024 general election. That makes it the biggest symbol of political hope for the Congress in Gujarat. So when differences emerge over organisational posts and responsibilities in precisely this constituency, when questions are raised over decisions taken by the state leadership, and when the district organisation itself becomes a subject of controversy, this cannot simply be dismissed as a &lsquo;local dispute&rsquo;. It is a symptom of the Congress&rsquo;s organisational illness. And if this illness continues until 2027, the BJP will be the direct beneficiary. The Congress needs to understand one basic reality: elections are not won through posters, press conferences and speeches by big leaders. Elections are won at the booth. The BJP&rsquo;s organisational machinery is active right down to the booth level. To challenge it, the Congress needs a strong network of workers, clearly defined responsibilities and a united district-level organisation. But here, the very formation of the district organisation is becoming a source of controversy. So where exactly will the Congress find the strength to challenge the BJP at the booth level?
&lsquo;Race Horses&rsquo; or Obstacles in Each Other&rsquo;s Way? Rahul Gandhi talks about identifying the &lsquo;lame horses&rsquo; in Gujarat and bringing the &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; to the forefront. It sounds attractive. But politics does not work that way. Simply choosing good horses does not guarantee victory in a race. The horses must run together rather than pull each other down. The direction of the race must be clear. And the coaching staff cannot be fighting among themselves. Only then can a team win. The Gujarat Congress&rsquo;s problem may not simply be about &lsquo;which leader should be promoted&rsquo;. The real problem is whether the leaders who are brought forward will actually work together. Mukul Wasnik is gone. Randeep Singh Surjewala has arrived. The state in-charge has changed. But if factionalism remains unchanged, internal power struggles remain unchanged, coordination between the district and state organisations remains weak, and organisational decisions themselves continue to trigger controversy, then what exactly is the Congress talking about when it talks of change? Changing faces will not change the Congress&rsquo;s fortunes. Its working style must change. Leadership accountability must be fixed. Factionalism must be brought under control. And above all, the party worker must be given confidence that the Congress is genuinely one team. Because if the Congress wants to fight the BJP, it must first stop its own leaders from fighting each other.
When Will the Political Infighting Within Gujarat Congress End? The biggest illusion for the Congress in the 2027 election would be to assume that public anger against the BJP will automatically translate into Congress votes. Politics does not work that simply. Reaching voters requires sustained ground-level work. It requires a booth-level organisation. It requires coordination among local leaders. It requires worker morale. And above all, it requires leadership running in one direction until election day. If even one of these five links is weak, the entire electoral calculation can collapse. For the Congress, this is no longer the time for experiments. It is the time for decisions. How many state in-charges will be changed? How many meetings will be held? How many times will the organisational structure be reshuffled? The question is no longer who the next Gujarat Congress in-charge will be. The real question is: when will the political infighting within the Gujarat Congress finally end? If every new in-charge is going to inherit the same old disputes, factionalism and internal resentment, then how can a new Congress emerge simply because a new face has arrived?
Will &lsquo;Race Horses&rsquo; Remain Just Another Political Slogan? If the Congress wants to win Gujarat, it must first win within its own organisation. It must win the trust of its workers. It must win the confidence of its district organisations. It must bring its leaders onto one platform. Otherwise, the Congress will lose its internal battle before its fight against the BJP has even begun. And then the talk of &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; will remain nothing more than another political slogan. The Congress has very little time left in the race for power in 2027. If it wants to take on the BJP, it must first stop its own leaders from fighting each other. Because power in Gujarat will not be won through statements from the Gandhi family. It will be won through organisational strength on the ground. The final question is simple: Is the Congress preparing to defeat the BJP, or is it still calculating whom it needs to defeat inside its own house? Want to win Gujarat? Then first, win the Gujarat Congress.

Congress has set its sights on defeating the BJP in Gujarat. But there’s a bigger battle brewing inside its own house.

Congress Wants to Defeat BJP in Gujarat, But Who Will Save Congress From Itself?

Gujarat High Court Launches Study Circle for Advocates: In a major initiative to strengthen the professional skills and legal knowledge of young advocates, the High Court of Gujarat, in collaboration with the Gujarat State Judicial Academy (GSJA), has announced the launch of a Study Circle (Symposium/Workshop) for Advocates Practicing before the High Court of Gujarat with up to 10 years of practice. The programme will be conducted at the Lecture Hall of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, High Court Campus, Ahmedabad.
Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal Announces Study Circle The initiative was announced by Gujarat High Court Chief Justice and Patron-in-Chief of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, Justice Sunita Agarwal, after the Flag Hoisting Ceremony held at the High Court Lawns on August 15. The announcement was made in the presence of Justice Bhargav D. Karia, Judge of the Gujarat High Court and President of GSJA, members of the Board of Governors of GSJA, other High Court judges, Senior Advocates and members of the Bar.
Focus on Legal Education and Professional Skills The new Study Circle is being introduced as a continuous legal learning and professional development programme for young members of the Bar. The initiative aims to enhance advocates&rsquo; understanding of legal principles, legal research, drafting and advocacy skills through direct interaction with Senior Advocates and subject experts. The programme is also expected to strengthen academic engagement between the Bench and the Bar and provide advocates with an opportunity to discuss important and evolving legal issues.
Justice Sunita Agarwal Highlights Importance of Continuous Learning Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal highlighted the indispensable role of advocates in the administration of justice. She emphasized that continuous legal education has become increasingly important in an era of rapidly evolving jurisprudence. The Chief Justice also stressed that effective advocacy and strong legal research are essential components of a robust justice delivery system. She appreciated the efforts of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy in conceptualizing and developing the Study Circle programme.
Three Key Legal Modules in First Phase The first phase of the Study Circle will feature three major academic modules covering important areas of High Court practice. Module I will focus on the expanding contours of maintainability in writ jurisdiction under Article 226, an important area of constitutional and administrative law practice. Module II will cover the basic principles of Administrative Law and Second Appeals under Section 100 of the CPC, with particular emphasis on the Doctrine of Substantial Question of Law. Module III will focus on Criminal Law Jurisdiction, particularly the inherent powers of High Courts under Section 482 of the CrPC and Section 528 of the BNSS, including their scope, limitations and principles of judicial discipline.
Study Circle to Be Held Fortnightly The Study Circle is proposed to be conducted on a fortnightly basis, providing advocates with regular opportunities for legal learning and professional interaction. Future sessions will cover a wide range of subjects, including Constitutional Law, Writ Jurisdiction, Arbitration and Conciliation Law, Commercial Law, Public Interest Litigation, Service Law, Taxation Law, Admiralty Jurisdiction, Legal Ethics and Drafting Skills. The programme will also address contemporary legal issues that are particularly relevant to advocates practicing before the Gujarat High Court.
Registration to Begin Soon Registration for the Study Circle (Symposium/Workshop Series) for Advocates Practicing in the High Court of Gujarat &ndash; Series of Academic Modules 2026 will begin shortly through the official website of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy. The programme is specifically intended for advocates practicing before the Gujarat High Court who have up to 10 years of professional practice.
Registration Fee The registration fee for the Study Circle has been fixed at ₹100 per programme, which will be paid by each participating advocate. The workshops will be conducted at the Lecture Hall of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, High Court Campus, Ahmedabad. Advocates attending the workshops will also receive Certificates of Participation.
Major Step Towards Strengthening Justice Delivery The Gujarat High Court and Gujarat State Judicial Academy's new Study Circle is being viewed as a significant step towards professional excellence and development of the legal fraternity. By bringing young advocates, Senior Advocates and legal experts together for regular academic discussions, the initiative aims to improve legal knowledge, research and advocacy skills while strengthening the Bench-Bar relationship. The broader objective is to contribute towards a more effective and efficient justice delivery system in Gujarat.

Study Circle Launched for Advocates With Up to 10 Years of Practice

Gujarat High Court Big Move

A chilling video of the accused in the Indore MBA student murder case has sparked outrage after he was seen smiling and appearing unconcerned when questioned about the crime.
The accused, Piyush Dhanotia, was arrested for allegedly raping and murdering his 25-year-old classmate in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Police said he strangled the woman on February 10 inside his rented accommodation and later locked the room before fleeing. Her partially decomposed body was discovered days later after residents complained of a foul smell.
However, what has intensified public anger is the accused&rsquo;s demeanour. In a video that surfaced online, Dhanotia is seen smiling when reporters ask him why he committed the crime. When pressed for answers, he responded dismissively, saying that what had happened had already happened and that he would speak at the right time. Throughout the interaction, he showed no visible sign of regret.
Police officials said he admitted during interrogation that he forced the woman into sexual acts and killed her when she resisted, though he has reportedly changed his version multiple times. Investigators are also examining allegations that he circulated objectionable videos of the victim in their college WhatsApp group.
The victim&rsquo;s father has accused the accused of blackmailing his daughter with obscene images and attempting to extort money.
As the investigation continues, the accused&rsquo;s apparent lack of remorse captured on camera has become a focal point of the case, drawing sharp reactions both online and offline.
&nbsp;

Video shows MBA student murder accused laughing amid probe

Indore Murder Accused Smiles on Camera

Galgotias University has landed in controversy after showcasing a robotic dog at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 that was widely believed to be developed by its students. The robot, however, was later identified as a commercially available product made by Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics.
The backlash began after a video from the summit went viral, in which a university professor introduced the robot dog, named &ldquo;Orion,&rdquo; and referred to it as being developed at the institution&rsquo;s Centre of Excellence. Social media users were quick to point out that the machine closely resembled Unitree&rsquo;s quadruped robots, which are already available globally for research and industrial use.
Unitree is known for manufacturing advanced four-legged robots designed for tasks such as inspection, obstacle navigation and research applications. Its products are often compared to models developed by global robotics players.
Following the uproar, the Greater Noida-based university issued a clarification stating that it never claimed to have built the robot. It maintained that the robodog was purchased as part of its AI investment initiatives and is being used as a research and learning tool for students. Another faculty member present at the summit reiterated that the display had been misinterpreted and that there was no attempt to conceal the original manufacturer&rsquo;s branding.
Despite the clarification, sources familiar with the developments said the university was asked to vacate its pavilion at the summit amid mounting criticism. The institution, however, denied receiving any formal directive from the organisers or the ministry.
Notably, the robotic dog was removed from display shortly after the controversy escalated online.

Robodog row sparks backlash at India AI Impact Summit 2026

Galgotias Asked to Exit AI Summit

Actor Sidharth Malhotra is mourning the loss of his father, Sunil Malhotra, who passed away recently. The actor shared the news with an emotional message on social media. His wife, Kiara Advani, has now also paid a heartfelt tribute to her father-in-law.
On Wednesday, Kiara took to Instagram to share pictures from her wedding reception, where she and Sidharth were seen smiling alongside his parents. In a deeply personal note, she remembered Sunil Malhotra as a warm, generous, and steady presence in the family. She reflected on how he welcomed her with open arms and unconditional love, describing his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to his family.
Kiara wrote that his stories, laughter, and quiet strength would remain with her forever. She added that his legacy of integrity and gentleness lives on through his children and grandchildren. Concluding her message, she expressed that he would always be loved and remembered.
The couple is currently in Delhi with their family during this difficult period. Members of the film industry extended their condolences online. Jacqueline Fernandez offered prayers, while Karan Johar and Manish Malhotra shared messages of support.
On the professional front, Sidharth will next appear in Vvan: Force of The Forest, directed by Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Mishra and produced by Balaji Motion Pictures. The film also stars Tamannaah Bhatia and is slated for release later this year.
Kiara, meanwhile, awaits the release of Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film features Yash, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi, and Rukmini Vasanth in key roles. The film is expected to release on March 19, alongside Dhurandhar 2, directed by Aditya Dhar.

Actor pens heartfelt note after Sunil Malhotra’s passing

Kiara Mourns Sidharth’s Father

Days after 23-year-old Sahil Dhaneshra lost his life in a fatal SUV crash in Delhi&rsquo;s Dwarka, the father of the 17-year-old accused has expressed regret over the incident, stating that his family is &ldquo;deeply grief-stricken.&rdquo; He also confirmed that the Scorpio SUV involved in the accident is part of his commercial transport business.
The crash occurred around 11:50 am on February 3 near Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management in Sector 11, Dwarka. According to police, the SUV rammed into a Yamaha R15 motorcycle, killing Sahil on the spot. The vehicle then struck a parked Swift Dzire, injuring cab driver Ajit Singh.
Post-mortem findings revealed that Sahil sustained a fractured skull, multiple rib fractures, and an elbow injury due to the high-impact collision.
The minor driver was detained at the scene and booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash driving, negligence causing death, and endangering life. He was later presented before the Juvenile Justice Board and sent to an observation home. On February 10, he was granted interim bail to appear for his Class 10 board examinations.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police registered a separate case against the boy&rsquo;s father under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which holds guardians or vehicle owners accountable when a minor commits a traffic offence.
Speaking to the media after being questioned, the father said he was not in the city at the time of the accident and was unaware that his son had taken the vehicle. He stated that the family has cooperated with investigators and provided all necessary documents.
Sahil&rsquo;s mother alleged that her son was killed by a &ldquo;reckless teen&rdquo; just minutes away from his workplace. The 23-year-old, who worked part-time at an insurance firm, had plans to pursue higher studies in the United Kingdom later this year.

Minor held in SUV crash; father booked under MV Act provisions

Dwarka Crash: Accused’s Father Apologises

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday set aside a March 2025 judgment of the Allahabad High Court that had ruled that grabbing a minor girl&rsquo;s breasts and dragging her under a culvert did not amount to an attempt to rape. The apex court termed the ruling a &ldquo;patently erroneous&rdquo; application of criminal law principles.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N.V. Anjaria, held that the high court had incorrectly reduced the charges from attempt to rape under Section 376 read with Section 511 of the IPC and Section 18 of the POCSO Act to lesser offences. The court restored the original summons issued by the Special POCSO Court in Kasganj, clarifying that its observations were prima facie and would not influence the trial&rsquo;s outcome.
Rejecting the high court&rsquo;s reasoning that the accused had merely &ldquo;prepared&rdquo; to commit rape, the Supreme Court reiterated the settled distinction between preparation and attempt, noting that an attempt begins when intent moves into execution. Based on the allegations, including forcibly taking the minor on a motorcycle, dragging her near a culvert, and fleeing only after she screamed, the Bench held that a prima facie case of attempt to rape was clearly made out.
The proceedings were initiated suo motu after senior advocate Shobha Gupta raised concerns over the high court&rsquo;s reasoning. The Supreme Court had earlier stayed the controversial observations and later the entire judgment.
Beyond correcting the legal error, the court addressed a broader concern about insensitivity in judicial handling of sexual offence cases. It requested the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal to constitute a five-member expert committee to frame guidelines aimed at fostering compassion and sensitivity in courts, especially in cases involving minors and vulnerable victims.
The committee, to be chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Aniruddha Bose, has been directed to submit a report within three months. The guidelines are to be drafted in simple, accessible language and tailored to Indian realities to ensure they are understandable to victims and laypersons alike.

Top court restores rape attempt charge, seeks sensitivity guidelines

SC Sets Aside HC Order in POCSO Case

India&rsquo;s merchandise imports from Russia plunged by over 40% in January 2026, falling to about $2.86 billion from $4.81 billion a year earlier, official trade figures show, largely reflecting a steep reduction in crude oil purchases.
Crude oil typically accounts for roughly 80% of India&rsquo;s imports from Russia, and estimates suggest purchases of Russian crude last month were significantly lower than in previous years. Other goods imported from Russia include coal, fertilisers, iron, pulses, and precious stones, but these have not offset the slump in oil imports. The downturn in oil imports intensified after mid-2025, following punitive tariffs levied by the United States on Indian goods connected to purchases of Russian oil and ongoing diplomatic pressure. India&rsquo;s refiners, including some major private and state firms, have substantially reduced or halted buying Russian crude as they explore alternative sources.
In early February 2026, Washington eased the additional tariff on Indian products after New Delhi signalled a commitment to &ldquo;stop directly or indirectly importing&rdquo; Russian oil and to increase purchases of energy products from the United States, as well as broadening ties in global energy markets.
Analysts expect the shift in crude sourcing to continue, with Indian refiners eyeing other suppliers, including Middle Eastern and Venezuelan grades, as part of broader diversification strategies.

January sees 40% fall in Russia merchandise imports amid crude cutbacks

India’s Russia Imports Drop Sharply

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in Andhra Pradesh&rsquo;s Annamayya district for allegedly abducting and murdering a seven-year-old girl from his neighbourhood in Madanapalle town.
The child had been playing outside her home on Sunday evening when she went missing, sparking panic among her family and local residents. A missing complaint was filed the following morning, prompting an intensive search operation led by district police.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from across the town, which reportedly showed the suspect, a neighbour living opposite the victim&rsquo;s house, taking the child into his residence. Acting on this lead, police searched the house on Tuesday morning.
During the inspection, officers discovered the girl&rsquo;s body concealed inside a water storage drum within the premises. The accused was present at the house at the time and was immediately taken into custody.
Preliminary findings suggest the child was killed inside the residence on Sunday night, and her body was hidden thereafter. Authorities are probing whether sexual assault occurred before the murder, with confirmation pending post-mortem and forensic examination results.
Following the discovery, tensions escalated in the area. Residents and family members staged a protest on the Madanapalle highway, briefly preventing police from shifting the body to the government hospital for autopsy and demanding strict punishment for the accused.
Police have stated that all possible angles, including prior allegations of inappropriate behaviour by the suspect, are being examined as the investigation continues.

Child’s body found in drum; protest erupts in Madanapalle town

7-Year-Old Killed, Neighbour Arrested

The United States and Iran held their second round of indirect negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, as diplomatic efforts continue amid heightened regional tensions. While both sides indicated forward movement in discussions, parallel military developments have added complexity to the fragile engagement.
Reports suggest the US has significantly reinforced its military presence in the Middle East. Over 50 advanced fighter aircraft, including F-35, F-22 and F-16 jets, were reportedly repositioned to the region within a 24-hour window. The deployment follows Washington&rsquo;s decision to send a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to Middle Eastern waters, underscoring its strategic posture.
Despite the show of force, the Geneva discussions were described as substantive and focused. Iranian officials signalled that preliminary understandings were reached on broad guiding principles that could shape a future agreement. However, they cautioned that drafting and finalising any deal would take time.
On the American side, officials maintained that the talks unfolded largely as anticipated. Washington&rsquo;s core objective remains preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a position repeatedly emphasised by senior US leadership.
Meanwhile, regional tensions persisted. Iran temporarily restricted navigation in parts of the Strait of Hormuz during a naval drill, highlighting the waterway&rsquo;s vulnerability. Additionally, US leaders suggested that differences remain over key conditions laid out by President Donald Trump.
As diplomacy continues, both nations appear to be balancing dialogue with deterrence, leaving the broader geopolitical landscape uncertain.

Second Geneva round shows progress as military moves raise stakes

Los Angeles News