Latest from News18
News18
20 minutes ago
- Politics
- News18
'Will Hit All Of Iran's Nuclear Facilities': Netanyahu's 'With Or Without Trump' Warning
Last Updated: Amid intensifying Iran-Israel conflict, Netanyahu said Israel can eliminate all of Iran's nuclear facilities without US approval, asserting Israel won't seek a 'green light'. As the Iran-Israel conflict rages on, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said his country is capable of removing all of Iran's nuclear facilities, whether or not US President Donald Trump decides to join in. Netanyahu also said Israel will not wait for a green signal from the United States before it hits Iranian sites, including the underground nuclear site in Fordo. 'We will achieve all our objectives and hit all of their nuclear facilities. We have the capability to do that," Netanyahu said in a Hebrew-language interview with the Kan public broadcaster. 'The matter of changing the regime or the fall of this regime is, first and foremost, a matter for the Iranian people. There is no substitute for this," the Israeli Prime Minister said. Whether Donald Trump 'wants to join or not, that's entirely his decision," he said. 'He'll do what is good for the United States, and I'll do what is good for the State of Israel," Netanyahu said, adding that Israel is not asking for permission, or a 'green light" from any foreign power. Fordo is buried under a mountain and widely considered to be out of reach of all but America's 'bunker-buster" bombs. First Published: June 20, 2025, 09:15 IST
News18
20 minutes ago
- Business
- News18
Stock Market Updates: GIFT Nifty Signals Negative Start; China Holds Lending Rates
Last Updated: Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty are expected to be influenced today by a mix of global and domestic factors Sensex Today: Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty are expected to be influenced today by a mix of global and domestic factors, including Japan's inflation data, China's loan prime rate decision, escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, India's forex reserves update, and institutional activity. As of 8:40 AM, GIFT Nifty futures were trading 25 points lower at 24,778.5, hinting at a weak start for domestic equities. Global Market Cues Asia-Pacific markets showed mixed trends on Friday as investors reacted to China's key lending rate announcements and tracked mounting geopolitical tension in the Middle East. The People's Bank of China (PBoC) held its one-year loan prime rate steady at 3.0% and the five-year rate at 3.5%, matching market expectations. Geopolitical risks remained elevated, with U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly weighing support for possible Israeli military action against Tehran. A decision from the White House is expected within two weeks. In Japan, the Nikkei was last up 0.27%, while the broader Topix index was flat. Core inflation in Japan rose to 3.7% in May — its highest since January 2023 — surpassing April's 3.5% reading and Reuters' forecast of 3.6%. Meanwhile, headline inflation slightly eased to 3.5% from 3.6% in the previous two months, marking its lowest level since November. Elsewhere in Asia, South Korea's Kospi slipped into the red after early gains, down 0.014%, while Australia's ASX 200 also reversed its opening strength, falling 0.37%. Meanwhile, the Bank of England, at its June policy meeting, voted 6-3 to hold the Bank Rate steady at 4.25%, as it continues to deal with sticky inflation and global macroeconomic uncertainty. First Published:
News18
21 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Munawar Faruqui Walks Hand-In-Hand With Wife Mehzabeen At First Copy's Launch
Last Updated: Munawar, who is making his acting debut with First Copy, was seen posing with his wife at the launch event. Guess who Munawar Faruqui's date was at the premiere of his show, First Copy? None other than his wife, Mehzabeen Coatwala. The couple, who got married last year, kept their marriage away from the spotlight for the longest. But all that changed when the stand-up comedian decided to pose hand-in-hand with his wife on the red carpet of the event, much to the delight of his fans. Munawar, who is making his acting debut with First Copy, was seen warmly welcoming his wife before the paparazzi. In the clip from the event on Thursday, June 19, Mehzabeen, with a broad smile on her face, joined her husband, and the couple posed for the camera briefly before heading inside. Their sweet moment on the red carpet surely stole the limelight, making the premiere night all the more memorable. For his big day, Munawar chose a stylish green suit paired with a black shirt and tinted glasses. Meanwhile, his wife looked stunning in a brown floor-length gown, featuring dramatic sleeves. She completed her elegant look for the event with a sleek ponytail and glamorous makeup. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) FYI, Munawar and Mehzabeen got married in a private ceremony in Mumbai on May 26 last year. The comedian was married to Jasmine before marrying Mehzabeen. The former couple shares a seven-year-old son named Mikael. Meanwhile, Mehzabeen has a daughter from her first marriage. On the work front, Munawar, who has been a popular face in reality TV shows, is debuting in the world of acting with the series First Copy. The actor recently reflected on his first on-screen role, and said, 'This is a completely new world for me, and I'm honestly just grateful for the love and encouragement I've received so far. First Copy is my first step into acting, and I've tried to give it everything I've got." He added that he was 'nervous, excited, and really looking forward to seeing how the audience reacts." First Copy, set in the 1990s, revolves around the life of Arif, a spirited and sharp-witted young man whose street-smart instincts lead him into the murky world of film piracy. Besides Munawar, First Copy also features Krystle D'Souza, Gulshan Grover, Saqib Ayub, Ashi Singh, Meiyang Chang, Inam Ul Haq and Raza Murad. First Copy will stream on Amazon MX Player from June 20. First Published:
News18
21 minutes ago
- Automotive
- News18
‘Paying Rs 500 Daily Just For Commute Now': Bengaluru Fumes Over Bike Taxi Ban
Last Updated: Many Bengaluru commuters depended on bike taxis to beat the traffic and reach their destinations on time. In a city where getting from one place to another can feel like an everyday battle, Bengaluru's traffic troubles have now taken a frustrating new turn. The situation has worsened, especially for daily commuters, following the Karnataka High Court's upholding of the ban on bike taxi services. These commuters relied on these two-wheelers to dodge endless jams and reach their destinations on time. Many people today find themselves stuck in traffic, with no option but to depend on expensive cabs or auto-rickshaws. Naturally, people are venting out their anger and helplessness online. On social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), users have flooded the platform with posts describing just how much the ban has disrupted their lives. A user wrote, 'You block bike taxis… – with no proper roads – dug-up and narrow lanes – missing U-turns – zero metro access in many areas – limited public buses – no footpaths to walk Bangalore's traffic has increased almost 4/5x with everyone taking out their car or booking an auto. What a genius move." You block bike taxis…– with no proper roads– dug-up and narrow lanes– missing U-turns– zero metro access in many areas– limited public buses– no footpaths to walk Bangalore's traffic has increased almost 4/5x with every one taking out their car or booking an auto. What… — Striver | Building takeUforward (@striver_79) June 18, 2025 A resident added, 'Not even 8 AM, and #Bengaluru is choked already. Thanks to the #biketaxi ban, had to take an auto. Give me walkable shortest paths to the bus stops and bike lanes, please. This is no way to create cities." 'Struggling with high cab fares and traffic in Bangalore!! We need #BikeTaxi now more than ever!! #AffordableCommute #BringBackBikeTaxi," a person said. #WeNeedBikeTaxi Struggling with high cab fares and traffic in Bangalore !! We need #BikeTaxi now more than ever !! #AffordableCommute #BringBackBikeTaxi — satish ranjan (@koolsatish123) June 17, 2025 Pointing out the difference the ban has made, an individual said, 'My friend usually books bike taxis for Rs 70–80 after work. But with the ban, no autos accepted rides at night—one even demanded Rs 200, refusing the meter. Govt policies always end up making life harder for common people." My friend usually books bike taxis for ₹70–80 after work. But with the ban, no autos accepted rides at night—one even demanded ₹200, refusing the meter. Govt policies always end up making life harder for common people #BikeTaxiBan #biketaxi #KarnatakaNeedsBikeTaxis — Ayush Agarwal (@Ayush14996) June 16, 2025 'Traffic seems to have increased 5X times ever since they stopped bike taxis in Bangalore," someone wrote. Traffic seems to have increased to 5X times ever since they stopped bike taxis in Bangalore.— Rajvi (@rajvishah30) June 18, 2025 'I'm paying literally Rs 500 every day just for the commute now. Insanity," read another comment. I'm paying literally 500rs everyday just for commute now. insanity— (@GaurangGujrati) June 18, 2025 'I went around asking auto drivers for a 3 km trip. No one was ready to come on meter, and the cheapest bid I got was for 70Rs/km. Bring back #biketaxi," a user demanded. I went around asking Auto drivers for a 3km trip. NO-ONE was ready to come on Meter and the cheapest bid I got was for 70Rs/km. Bring back #biketaxi — Thinaan Vendi Jeevikyunu (@only1life2eat) June 16, 2025 What Sparked The Ban? Bike taxis in Karnataka were officially suspended on June 16, 2025, after the High Court declined to stay an earlier order requiring aggregators to cease operations until proper state regulations are established. The issue dates back to 2022, when petitioners urged the court to allow motorcycles to be registered as transport vehicles, thereby legalising bike taxi services. A temporary order had initially restrained the state from taking action against these services. But on April 2, 2025, the court dismissed these petitions. It cited findings from a 2019 expert committee report that raised concerns about the safety and traffic impact of bike taxis. The court also instructed the state government to come up with rules within three months, which the state has yet to do. About the Author Buzz Staff A team of writers at bring you stories on what's creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 20, 2025, 09:01 IST
France 24
22 minutes ago
- Sport
- France 24
PSG fall to Botafogo in shock Club World Cup defeat
Paris Saint-Germain suffered a shock 1-0 Club World Cup defeat against Brazilian side Botafogo on Thursday in a hard fought battle between the reigning champions of Europe and South America. A first-half goal from Brazilian international Igor Jesus proved the difference as Botafogo all but sealed a place in the knockout rounds at the Pasadena Rose Bowl. French champions PSG are widely regarded as one of the favourites for FIFA 's 32-team tournament after a dazzling season which culminated with a scintillating 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the Champions League final last month. But their hopes of securing a victory which would have seen them become the first side to reach the last 16 were stymied by a resilient performance from their opponents from Rio de Janeiro. 05:02 Paris Saint-Germain picked up where they had left off in Sunday's 4-0 Group B rout of Atletico Madrid, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia testing Botafogo goalkeeper John with an early curling effort after just two minutes. But that early effort was as close as PSG came to scoring in a scrappy first half punctuated by a series of niggling fouls that prevented the European champions from settling into their passing game. Botafogo's midfield trio of Marlon Freitas, Gregore and Allan worked tirelessly to close down Vitinha, denying the skilful PSG playmaker time and space to launch attacks despite dominating possession. Instead it was Botafogo who took the lead with a goal against the run of play on 36 minutes. Jefferson Savarino's perfectly weighted through ball split the PSG defence and sent Jesus racing through on goal. The Botafogo striker did brilliantly to wrongfoot the covering Willian Pacho before sweeping a shot that took a slight deflection past PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on its way into the net. PSG continued to dominate possession through the second half, and spent long periods camped in the final third. But Botafogo's defence held firm and the result leaves the Brazilians firmly on course for the last 16, with a final group game against Atletico Madrid to come in Pasadena on Monday.
