Singapore Police stated they "suspect no foul play" in singer Zubeen Garg's death, contradicting Assam's Special Investigation Team's 12,000-page chargesheet charging four with murder. Garg died mysteriously while swimming during the North East India Festival on September 19. The Singapore High Commission urged against spreading unverified information, confirming investigations continue under the Singapore Coroners Act with an inquiry scheduled for January-February 2026. Assam's SIT charged NEIF organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, secretary Siddhartha Sharma, musician Shekharjyoti Goswami, and singer Amrit Prava with murder. Additionally, Garg's cousin Sandipan Garg faces culpable homicide charges, while two PSOs are charged with criminal conspiracy and breach of trust for misappropriating entrusted funds.

The Enforcement Directorate attached assets worth Rs 7.93 crore belonging to celebrities including Urvashi Rautela, Yuvraj Singh, Sonu Sood, Robin Uthappa, Neha Sharma, Mimi Chakraborty, and Ankush Hazra for promoting illegal offshore betting platform 1xBet. The ED investigation revealed celebrities knowingly endorsed the unauthorized platform and its surrogate brands (1xBat, 1xbat Sporting Lines) through social media, videos, and print advertisements. Endorsement payments were allegedly routed through foreign intermediaries to conceal illicit fund origins. Previously, the ED attached Rs 11.14 crore from cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina in October 2025. Total attachments now reach Rs 19.07 crore. The agency warned celebrities endorsing illegal gambling platforms face punitive action under applicable laws. (PC: India Today)

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the Oscars ceremony and related events will shift from traditional TV to exclusive global streaming on YouTube starting in 2029, under a multi-year deal running through 2033. YouTube will broadcast the main ceremony, red-carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content, Governors Ball access, and other Academy programming, aiming to reach a broader international audience and expand engagement. ABC will continue airing the Oscars through 2028, including the centennial show. Academy leaders say the partnership will enhance accessibility and inspire new filmmakers worldwide. (PC: AP)

Warner Bros has rejected a $108 billion hostile takeover bid from Paramount. The company asked shareholders to back its deal with Netflix instead. Warner Bros said a partnership with Netflix will offer more choice and value to viewers. It also said the deal will help creators reach larger audiences. Paramount made its offer directly to shareholders after its earlier bids were rejected. Paramount offered a higher price per share than Netflix. However, the Warner Bros board said Netflix is the better partner. Shareholders can still choose which offer to support. Any deal will need regulatory and shareholder approval. (PC: X)

Actor Rishab Shetty has reacted to the controversy over Ranveer Singh imitating the Daiva scene from Kantara at IFFI Goa. Speaking at an event in Chennai, Rishab said, “That makes me uncomfortable.” He explained that the Daiva tradition is sacred and emotionally important. He said it should not be performed or mocked on stage. Though he did not name Ranveer, his remarks came after the viral video sparked backlash online. Ranveer later issued an apology and said his intention was to praise Rishab’s performance. He also said he respects all cultures and beliefs. (PC: X)

Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound has reached the Oscars 2026 shortlist in the Best International Feature category. The film stars Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa. It was chosen as India’s official entry and competed with 86 films worldwide. Only 15 films made the shortlist. This makes Homebound the fifth Indian film to achieve this feat. Earlier films include Mother India, Salaam Bombay! and Lagaan. The next round of voting will decide the final nominees in January 2026. While the competition remains tough, the shortlist spot is a major win for the film and Indian cinema. (PC: X)

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has shared his first review of James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire And Ash from India. Rajamouli said he felt honoured to be the first Indian to watch the film before its release. He praised Cameron’s vision, visuals and storytelling. Rajamouli said the film made him feel like a child watching cinema again. He enjoyed the new worlds, characters and action scenes. He said Jake Sully’s moral struggle stayed in his mind even after the film ended. Rajamouli also praised the emotional conflicts shown in the story. Avatar: Fire And Ash will release in theatres on December 19. (PC: HT)

Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, India’s official entry, has been shortlisted among the Top 15 films competing for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026). The list includes acclaimed global contenders chosen from over 80 submissions, taking the film a step closer to potential nomination. Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor and co‑produced by Karan Johar, the movie has received widespread praise and festival recognition. With final nominations to be announced in January 2026, Homebound represents a major moment for Indian cinema on the world stage. (PC: X)

Renowned filmmaker Vikram Bhatt (Ghulam, Raaz) and his wife Shwetambari Bhatt were remanded to judicial custody by a Udaipur court in a ₹30 crore fraud case after their plea for interim bail on medical grounds was rejected. The couple was arrested in Mumbai on December 7 and brought to Udaipur, where they were initially held in police custody. They are accused, along with others, of cheating Dr. Ajay Murdia, founder of Indira Group/Indira IVF, by promising a profitable biopic deal that never materialised. Bhatt has denied the allegations, calling the FIR misleading. 

Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa's Homebound has been shortlisted among 15 films for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar, India's official Oscar entry competed against films from Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and others. Five films from this shortlist will advance to final nominations, announced January 22, 2026. The film explores friendship between two childhood friends aspiring to become police officers while facing systemic and societal obstacles. Produced by Dharma Movies with Martin Scorsese as executive producer, Homebound premiered at Cannes Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival, currently streaming on Netflix.