Month: April 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US Vice JD Vance on Monday and welcomed the “significant progress” in the negotiations for a mutually beneficial India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement focused on the welfare of the people of the two countries.

They also noted continued efforts to enhance cooperation in energy, defence, strategic technologies, and other areas.

The two leaders also exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest, and called for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward.

Vice President Vance was accompanied by the Second Lady Usha Vance, their children, and senior members of the US Administration.

“Prime Minister fondly recalled his visit to Washington DC in January and his fruitful discussions with President Trump, which laid down the roadmap for close cooperation between India and the US, leveraging the strengths of Make America Great Again (MAGA) and Viksit Bharat 2047,” the release said.

Prime Minister and Vice President Vance reviewed and positively assessed the progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation.

“They welcomed the significant progress in the negotiations for a mutually beneficial India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement focused on the welfare of the people of the two countries. Likewise, they noted continued efforts towards enhancing cooperation in energy, defence, strategic technologies and other areas. The two leaders also exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest, and called for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward,” the release said.

The Prime Minister extended his best wishes to the Vice President, the Second Lady, and their children for a pleasant and productive stay in India.

He also conveyed his warm greetings to President Trump and said that he looked forward to his visit to India later this year.

The US Vice President, who is on a four-day official visit to India, arrived in the national capital on Monday.

This is Vice President Vance’s first visit to India. He will also visit Jaipur and Agra before departing for Washington DC.

The high-level visit comes amid trade negotiations between the two countries following the US decision to impose reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including India.

The US has reduced new tariff rates on most of its trade partners to 10 per cent for 90 days to allow trade negotiations. (ANI)

The Supreme Court of India on Monday extended its interim protection granted from arrest to YouTuber and Podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia in the case relating to the controversial remarks made by him and others in an episode of India’s Got Latent.

A bench comprising Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh noted that the Maharashtra police have completed their investigation into the matter and will soon file the chargesheet.

It asked the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to inform it whether investigation regarding Allahbadia is completed and he is no longer required for the purpose of further investigation by the Assam police.

The top court has now posted for hearing on April 28 his plea seeking the cancellation or transfer of an FIR registered against him in Mumbai in Guwahati in connection with the show.

Meanwhile, the Cure SMA Foundation of India, an NGO, also moved the apex court, seeking to intervene in the India’s Got Talent case and urging the inclusion of provisions within the proposed regulatory framework for online content to protect the rights and interests of persons with disabilities.

NGO said comedian Samay Raina made insensitive commentaries on persons with such conditions, high-cost drugs and treatment options. It flagged two videos where he made comments on people with disabilities.

To this, the bench stated that the issue is “very serious” but asked the NGO’s counsel to file a separate writ petition and to place on record the video clips and implead the concerned person.

Earlier, the top court had granted interim protection to him from arrest in the case.

The top court had come down heavily on Allahbadia for his inappropriate comments during his guest appearance on the show, and described it as “dirty and perverted.”

It had also asked the Centre if it wanted to take action against obscene content on YouTube and other social media platforms, and sought the assistance of the Attorney General and Solicitor General in the matter.

On February 11, the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, said the Guwahati Police have registered an FIR against YouTubers and social influencers Allahbadia, Samay Raina, Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, Apoorva Makhija, and others for promoting obscenity and engaging in sexually explicit and vulgar discussions on India’s Got Latent.

FIRs have been registered against them in Mumbai and Guwahati. (ANI)

The much-awaited Netflix rom-com ‘The Royals,’ which stars actors Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar, is all set to release soon. Ahead of the show’s premiere, the makers have dropped the first song titled ‘Tu Tu Hai Wahi.’

The song is a recreated version of the popular 1982 classic from the film ‘Yeh Vaada Raha.’

The peppy romantic number showcases the chemistry between Ishaan and Bhumi as they enjoy a rooftop party.

Makers, on Monday, took to Instagram to share the song along with a caption that read, “Drama, passion, pyaar – mil jaaye iss tarah

Tu Tu Hai Wahi song out now!”

Take a look

‘The Royals’ will begin streaming on Netflix from May 9.

Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, the eight-episode, modern-day Indian royalty rom-com series will provide a glimpse into the glitter and romance of royal life.

The series also stars Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Milind Soman, and Dino Morea.

Speaking earlier at Lakme Fashion Week, Ishaan shared his thoughts on the project and his experience working with legendary actor Zeenat Aman and Bhumi Pednekar.

“The Royals will come out on Netflix very soon… It was a really fun experience, and it was a whole new kind of experience. It is very fresh, and it’s going to be a lot of fun. It is very bingeable, and it has something for everyone,” said Ishaan.

On working with Zeenat Aman, he said, “We had a blast, and it was great working with her as well as the entire cast. She is an icon.” (ANI)

A large group of lawyers from the Himachal Pradesh High Court staged a protest on Monday outside the Chhota Shimla (PS East), demanding immediate action against a police constable accused of assaulting a local lawyer.

The protesting lawyers accused the police of shielding their own by filing serious counter-allegations against the lawyer instead of taking impartial action.

“We don’t come out on the streets unless the issue is grave; this is about police insensitivity and misuse of power,” said Senior Advocate Sanjeev Bhushan of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

The incident in question reportedly occurred about a week ago, when a local advocate tried to contact the police during a dispute. According to the lawyers, not only did the police refuse to respond appropriately, but the constable also physically assaulted the advocate. Shockingly, instead of registering a case against the constable, the police filed a First Information Report (FIR) with serious charges against the lawyer himself.

The protestors gathered outside Chhota Shimla(PS East) near the HP secretariat, where senior advocates addressed fellow lawyers and spoke to the media. Among them was Senior Advocate Sanjeev Bhushan, who voiced strong concerns over what he described as a blatant misuse of authority by the police.

“The advocate community doesn’t step out of their work unless the issue is extremely serious. Protesting on the streets is even more uncommon. But this is one such issue where the police have shown complete insensitivity,” Bhushan said while speaking to ANI.

“The police constable took the law into his own hands and assaulted a lawyer. Even if this had happened to a common man, it would still be unacceptable. After the assault, when the lawyer tried to file a complaint, the police instead registered a counter-FIR with harsh charges, without even conducting a proper investigation.” He added further.

Bhushan also referred to video evidence allegedly recorded by bystanders, which shows the constable beating the advocate. These videos have since circulated on social media. He alleged that instead of acting on the evidence, the police have attempted to downplay the incident by encouraging derogatory comments against the lawyer online, raising suspicions that they are trying to protect their colleague.

“It is evident from these actions that the police are not investigating this incident fairly,” Bhushan said. “We are demanding that the counter-FIR against the lawyer be cancelled and an impartial inquiry be initiated against the constable involved.” He said.

The lawyers also criticised the role of the Chhota Shimla(PS East), calling their conduct “irresponsible” and “biased.”

“If such incidents continue unchecked, the public’s trust in the police will erode completely. This protest is symbolic — we are here to send a message that the police must act justly. They should not try to protect their own when they are in the wrong,” said Bhushan.

He emphasised that the issue should not be seen as a clash between lawyers and police, but as a matter of accountability and justice.

“We’re not here with any ego. We’re here to demand that facts be examined and decisions made based on evidence. If an officer is at fault, they should be held accountable. We hope that today’s dialogue will lead to a fair resolution,” he concluded.

While no formal negotiations had taken place by the time of the protest, senior police officials had arrived at the scene, indicating a possible willingness to engage in dialogue. The lawyers said they were open to talks and hoped the matter would be resolved constructively. (ANI)

John Cena has etched his name in history by becoming the most decorated professional wrestler of all time.

According to People, Cena captured his record-breaking 17th world title on Sunday, April 20, by defeating Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship in the main event at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.

The match took place at Allegiant Stadium, which was also attended by former American entertainment wrestler Ric Flair, the previous record-holder, who held 16 championships, according to People. With this win, Cena also broke Flair’s long-standing record and set a new benchmark in pro wrestling.

Ric, on Monday, took to his X account to congratulate Cena on breaking his record, posting a throwback picture of himself and John.

“Congrats to my great friend @JohnCena on becoming a 17x champion! It was only a matter of time! You and @CodyRhodes put on an instant classic! Much respect! WOOOOO! #WrestleMania,” read his X post.

Take a look

Congrats To My Great Friend @JohnCena On Becoming A 17x Champion! It Was Only A Matter Of Time! You And @CodyRhodes Put On An Instant Classic! Much Respect! WOOOOO! #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/qwvowzTrhk

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) April 21, 2025

Cena, who turns 48 this week, had previously announced plans to retire in 2025. While many believed that WrestleMania 41 might be his final match but Sunday’s victory suggests he may not be done just yet.

“I will win that championship and retire with it. I’m taking it home with me. I’m leaving all of you to create a brand new toy belt because the real one comes home with me. I will be the last real champion in WWE,” Cena said, as per People.

A veteran of 25 years in professional wrestling, Cena moved into acting after breaking through in Hollywood in 2015 with the movie Trainwreck. However, earlier this year, he returned to WWE with one goal — to win the Undisputed WWE Championship and surpass Flair as the most decorated pro wrestler of all time. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Saudi Arabia from April 22 to 23, 2025, at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman. This will be PM Modi’s third visit to the country, following earlier visits in 2016 and 2019.

As part of the visit, PM Modi is expected to visit a factory where Indian workers are employed. He will interact with them during his time there.

During a special press briefing on Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that the visit will provide an important opportunity to discuss key regional and global issues. These include the situation in West Asia, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and threats to maritime security due to Houthi attacks.

Misri also said that India and Saudi Arabia are likely to deepen their defence cooperation and expand their economic ties. Currently, bilateral trade between the two countries is valued at around USD 43 billion.

PM Modi’s visit is being seen as a significant step in strengthening India’s ties not just with Saudi Arabia, but with the entire Gulf and Islamic world.

Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla noted that under PM Modi’s leadership, the India-Saudi relationship has seen a major transformation, helped by the Prime Minister’s strong personal bond with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The visit comes after the Crown Prince visited New Delhi in September 2023. He was in India for the G20 Summit and also co-chaired the first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council. (ANI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to meet with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday evening in the National Capital to discuss the state’s implementation of three newly enacted criminal laws.

The meeting, set to take place at the Ministry of Home Affairs’ North Block office, will also be attended by Chhattisgarh’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police. They will deliberate on the comprehensive rollout of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023–laws that have replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively.

In the meeting, Shah is likely to direct the Chhattisgarh CM, Chief Secretary and the DGP of the state to continuously review the implementation progress of the three new laws.

The meeting is learnt to review the implementation and present status of various new provisions related to police, prisons, courts, prosecution, and forensics in Chhattisgarh.

According to sources, CM Sai is also expected to seek the Centre’s support in equipping the security forces deployed in Naxal-affected areas with advanced technological tools and upgrading infrastructure for long-term strategic gains.

The meeting will also be attended by the Union Home Secretary, the Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development, the Director, the National Crime Records Bureau, and other senior officials from the MHA and the government of Chhattisgarh.

The Union Home Minister has held similar meetings with the CMs, and administrators of Union Territories.

According to sources, a plan to eliminate Naxalism and develop Bastar as a tourism destination will be discussed. The discussion might feature the ‘Niyad Nellanar Yojana’, aimed at empowering tribal communities and enhancing the economic participation of women’s self-help groups. The Chief Minister is expected to advocate for wider and more effective implementation of the scheme with Central assistance.

Another key point on the agenda is the plan to develop Bastar as a rising hub for eco-tourism and cultural tourism. CM Sai is expected to highlight Bastar’s natural beauty, tribal heritage, and historical significance, proposing focused promotion of adventure tourism, homestay models, and traditional tribal fairs at a national and international level. (ANI)

As United States Vice President JD Vance began his first official visit to India on Monday morning, accompanied by his India-origin wife Usha Vance, the couple’s three children charmed onlookers with their choice of clothing.

Ewan, Vivek, and little Mirabel were all dressed in traditional Indian outfits, with the boys wearing kurta pyjamas while the toddler sported what looked like a mini version of an Anarkali style suit teamed with an embroidered jacket.

Vance arrived at Palam Airport in the national capital on his first official visit to India accompanied by the Second Lady Usha, their three children, and key members of the US Administration.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was at the airport to receive them. Visuals from the airport showed the minister, who was dressed in a white kurta pyjama, himself engaging in some conversation with Vance’s eldest son.

The high-level diplomatic trip, scheduled from April 21 to 24, is expected to focus on enhancing strategic, economic, and defence ties between the two nations.

After their arrival, a ceremonial guard of honour was given to the visiting dignitaries marking the formal commencement of the visit.

While the Vice President sported a classic navy blue suit paired with a red tie, Usha Vance looked elegant in a red bodycon dress with a white overcoat. The real showstoppers, however the children!

Embracing Indian tradition, Ewan and Vivek wore a kurta-pyjama sets in blue and bright yellow, matched with sporty footwear, while young Mirabel turned heads in a blue embroidered anarkali jacket suit, also paired with sneakers.

As they descended the aircraft stairs, JD Vance was seen affectionately lifting his daughter.

Hoardings welcoming Vice President Vance had been set up around Palam Airport in anticipation of his arrival.

The visit includes key diplomatic engagements, including a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for 6:30 pm at the Prime Minister’s official residence, 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.

Both leaders are expected to delve into matters related to trade, economic collaboration, and defence partnerships.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal commented on the visit’s significance last week, and said, “We have a comprehensive strategic global partnership… all relevant issues will be discussed. We are very positive that the visit will give a further boost to our bilateral ties.”

Jaiswal also acknowledged ongoing dialogues around a potential trade agreement with the US.

Following official meetings in New Delhi, the Vance family will travel to Jaipur on April 22 and Agra on April 23.

Preparations are underway at the Taj Mahal, where the Vice President and Second Lady are expected to admire the iconic monument’s timeless beauty.

Their visit follows the footsteps of previous US dignitaries, including former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, who visited the Taj in 2020.

Adding a personal dimension to the trip, excitement has also spread in the village of Vadluru in Andhra Pradesh, Usha Vance’s ancestral home.

Locals in the West Godavari district are hopeful the couple might make a surprise visit to the village, expressing deep pride in Usha Vance’s achievements.

This visit comes shortly after the Vance family concluded a three-day trip to Italy, where the Vice President met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and religious leaders, including Pope Francis.

Vice President JD Vance’s visit to India concludes on April 24, with a scheduled departure at 6:40 am. (ANI)

Batters Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer have a comeback to the list of contracted players announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The Annual Player Contracts for Team India (Senior Men) are for for the 2024-25 season ranging from October 1st, 2024 to September 30th, 2025.

Kishan has been placed in Grade C, whereas Sheyas has got his spot in Grade B. Last year, amid the row around their non-participation in the Ranji Trophy, India internationals Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were excluded from the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) central contracts

Along with Shreyas, the players who are there in the Grade B are Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

The players in Grade C, along with Kishan, are Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Mukesh Kumar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Rajat Patidar, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhishek Sharma, Akash Deep, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Harshit Rana

Indian Test Team skipper Rohit Sharma leads the Grade A+ players. Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, while in the Grade A there are Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami and Rishabh Pant.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians (MI) opener Rohit Sharma surpassed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stalwart batter Virat Kohli on Sunday to become the player with the most ‘Player of the Match’ (POTM) awards in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) so far.

Rohit accomplished this milestone during the 38th clash of the ongoing 18th edition of the cash-rich league, where he played an unbeaten knock of 76 runs from 45 balls, including six maximums and four boundaries at a whopping strike rate of 168.89. After playing this exceptional knock against the five-time champions, the right-hand batter went on to win his 20th Player of the Match award in his 264th IPL match. On the other hand, Kohli has 19 POTM awards in his 260 games so far.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stand-in captain MS Dhoni and former IPL winner David Warner are two more players who have made their name in the list by winning the award 18 times each. The top two players in this list are former RCB players AB de Villiers (25) and Chris Gayle (22).

After scoring 76 runs, Rohit Sharma also surpassed Shikhar Dhawan to become the second-highest run-getter in the history of the IPL. He has now scored 6,786 runs. Rohit has now scored 158 runs in seven innings this season at an average of 26.33, with a strike rate of 154.90, with a fifty to his name. (ANI)

Pope Francis has died, the Vatican said on Monday. The Pope passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, according to a statement from the Vatican.

At 9:45 AM on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, spoke these words at the Casa Santa Marta:

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

Earlier on Sunday. The Pope delivered his Easter message from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to thousands of people gathered in Vatican Square.

The 88-year-old head of the Roman Catholic Church was recently discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he spent five weeks receiving treatment for an infection that led to double pneumonia.

On Easter Sunday, he was able to offer the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to the city of Rome and to the world. Only the pope can offer this blessing, which includes the offer of an indulgence, a remission for the effects of sins.

“Christ is risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life,” the official X handle of the Pope said on Sunday.

Cardinal Angelo Comastri, Archpriest emeritus of Saint Peter’s Basilica and Vicar General emeritus of Vatican City, led the liturgy in the Square and delivered the homily of Pope Francis, prepared for the occasion, as reported by Vatican News.

Pope Francis dedicated his Easter Urbi et Orbi message to calling for peace worldwide, global disarmament, and the release of prisoners.

Pope Francis was the first Pontiff from the Jesuit Order and the first from outside Europe since the 8th century,

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on February 28, 2013, a papal conclave elected Cardinal Bergoglio as his successor on March 13. He chose Francis as his papal name in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi.

There will now be a nine-day period of official mourning after which the Cardinals will go into conclave to elect the new Vicar of Christ. (ANI)