Month: April 2025

‘Pushpa’ star Allu Arjun, who turned 43 on Tuesday, celebrated his special day surrounded by loved ones.

His wife, Sneha Reddy, took to Instagram to give fans a glimpse of the cosy and intimidate celebration they had at home. In the picture she shared, Allu Arjun is seen cutting a cake, while Sneha, their daughter Arha, and their son Ayaan stand beside him.

Sneha has never missed a chance to share glimpses of her family with fans on social media.

In January, on the occasion of Sankranti, Sneha posted adorable family pictures on Instagram and wrote, “Happy Sankranti #2025.”

The family picture featured Allu Arjun and Allu Sneha Reddy along with their children, Allu Arha and Allu Ayaan, all smiles as they posed in traditional attire.

The actor has had a big year, with his film ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ creating history at the box office. Released in December last year, the movie went on to break several records.

Directed by Sukumar, the action-drama features Allu Arjun in the role of Pushpa Raj, alongside Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil.

The actor, who is best known for hits including Arya, Race Gurram, Sarrainodu, and the Pushpa series, has never missed a chance to win fans across the country. The actor has also received the National Award for Best Actor for his performance in ‘Pushpa: The Rise’. (ANI)

China decried the US tariffs imposed on the country to be “groundless” and called them a unilateral bullying practice, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday (local time).

In a statement issued by a spokesperson of China’s Commerce Ministry on the US tariffs on China, the spokesperson said that “China has noted that on April 7, Eastern Time, the US threatened to further impose 50 per cent tariffs on China, which China firmly opposes. If the US tariff escalation measures are implemented, China will resolutely take countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests”.

The spokesperson further added, “The US’s imposition of so-called “reciprocal tariffs” on China is groundless and a typical unilateral bullying practice. The countermeasures that China has taken are to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests and maintain the normal international trade order, which is completely legitimate. The US threat to escalate tariffs on China is a mistake on top of a mistake, which once again exposes the blackmail nature of the US. China will never accept it. If the US insists on its own way, China will fight to the end.”

The spokesperson in their remarks reiterated China’s stance, saying, “There are no winners in a trade war and there is no way out for protectionism”.

Underscoring that “pressure and threats” are not the right way to deal with China.

The spokesperson listed a set of actions by the US against China and called on the US to “correct its wrong practices, cancel all unilateral tariff measures against China, stop suppressing China’s economy and trade, and properly resolve differences with China through equal dialogue on the basis of mutual respect.”

The remarks come amid the background of US President Donald Trump on April 7, warning of new and significantly higher tariffs on Chinese goods if Beijing does not withdraw a recent 34 per cent retaliatory tariff hike, threatening to end all ongoing talks with China.

The comments came via a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, amid rising global market turmoil triggered by a tit-for-tat tariff escalation between the world’s two largest economies. Trump said China’s decision to raise tariffs was a direct violation of earlier warnings and would be met with immediate countermeasures if not reversed by Monday.

Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Yesterday, China issued Retaliatory Tariffs of 34 per cent, on top of their already record setting Tariffs, Non-Monetary Tariffs, Illegal Subsidization of companies, and massive long term Currency Manipulation, despite my warning that any country that Retaliates against the US by issuing additional Tariffs, above and beyond their already existing long term Tariff abuse of our Nation, will be immediately met with new and substantially higher Tariffs, over and above those initially set. Therefore, if China does not withdraw its 34 per cent increase above their already long term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50 per cent, effective April 9th. Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated! Negotiations with other countries, which have also requested meetings, will begin taking place immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

On April 2, Trump announced a widespread imposition of tariffs on countries worldwide.

In February, soon after taking charge for the second time, Trump outlined a new trade policy focused on fairness and reciprocity and said that the US would implement reciprocal tariffs, charging other countries the same tariffs they impose on American goods.

As per the announcements, the import tariffs on other major countries are China (34 per cent), the European Union (20 per cent), Vietnam (46 per cent), Taiwan (32 per cent), Japan (24 per cent), India (26 per cent), the United Kingdom (10 per cent), Bangladesh (37 per cent), Pakistan (29 per cent), Sri Lanka (44 per cent), and Israel (17 per cent).

From April 9 onwards, countries with the largest trade deficits with the US will face higher, individualised tariffs.

Asian stock markets witnessed a major sell-off on Monday after US President Donald Trump announced a new round of tariffs. The markets opened with heavy selling pressure, reflecting growing fears over the impact of the tariffs on global trade and economic growth. (ANI)

The United States (US) Supreme Court has rejected the plea of Tahawwur Rana — accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks — seeking a stay on his extradition to India.

“The application for stay addressed to The Chief Justice and referred to the Court is denied,” the SC order dated Monday, April 7, 2025, stated.

Rana had filed an emergency application with Chief Justice Roberts on March 20, 2025, seeking a stay on his extradition.

Earlier, US Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan had denied a similar plea in March. His request was circulated among the Supreme Court justices for a conference held on April 4, as per the court’s official website.

In his earlier application, Rana argued that he would not survive long enough to be tried in India due to various reasons.

Rana highlighted his deteriorating health. He suffers from a 3.5 cm abdominal aortic aneurysm at immediate risk of rupture, Parkinson’s disease with cognitive decline, and a mass suggestive of bladder cancer. He asserts that he cannot be sent into a “hornet’s nest”, where he will be targeted due to national, religious, and cultural animosity.

Earlier in February, US President Donald Trump announced the extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India and said he would face justice. He made the announcement during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their bilateral meeting.

Tahawwur Rana is a known associate of Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the November 26 attacks in Mumbai in 2008. A Pakistani-origin businessman, physician, and immigration entrepreneur, Rana has alleged connections with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Rana’s alleged role in facilitating the attacks has remained a point of contention between India and the United States for years. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Sunday warned of new and significantly higher tariffs on Chinese goods if Beijing does not withdraw a recent 34 per cent retaliatory tariff hike, threatening to end all ongoing talks with China.

The comments came via a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, amid rising global market turmoil triggered by a tit-for-tat tariff escalation between the world’s two largest economies. Trump said China’s decision to raise tariffs was a direct violation of earlier warnings and would be met with immediate countermeasures if not reversed by Monday.

“Yesterday, China issued Retaliatory Tariffs of 34 per cent, on top of their already record setting Tariffs, Non-Monetary Tariffs, Illegal Subsidisation of companies, and massive long term Currency Manipulation, despite my warning that any country that Retaliates against the US by issuing additional Tariffs, above and beyond their already existing long term Tariff abuse of our Nation, will be immediately met with new and substantially higher Tariffs, over and above those initially set,” Trump wrote.

“Therefore, if China does not withdraw its 34 per cent increase above their already long term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50 per cent, effective April 9th. Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated! Negotiations with other countries, which have also requested meetings, will begin taking place immediately,” he tweeted.

Trump’s threat comes at a time when global financial markets are reacting sharply to his administration’s tariff actions. US benchmark indices — the Nasdaq, S&P 500, and Dow Jones — each fell between 4 and 5 per cent shortly after markets opened on Monday. Asian and European markets also recorded steep losses, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropping 5.79 per cent, leading the regional selloff.

Minutes before the opening bell on Wall Street, Trump took to Truth Social again to call on Americans to remain resilient, stating that the situation presented an opportunity to correct longstanding trade imbalances.

“The United States has a chance to do something that should have been done DECADES AGO. Don’t be Weak! Don’t be Stupid! Don’t be a PANICAN (A new party based on Weak and Stupid people!). Be Strong, Courageous, and Patient, and GREATNESS will be the result!” he wrote.

In a follow-up post, the President said that multiple countries had expressed interest in beginning new trade negotiations, including Japan.

“Countries from all over the World are talking to us. Tough but fair parameters are being set. Spoke to the Japanese Prime Minister this morning. He is sending a top team to negotiate! They have treated the US very poorly on Trade. They don’t take our cars, but we take MILLIONS of theirs. Likewise Agriculture, and many other ‘things.’ It all has to change, but especially with CHINA!!!”

Amid fears of a global slowdown, Trump maintained that the existing tariffs were bringing in significant revenue to the US, and pointed to other economic indicators to argue the country remained strong.

“Oil prices are down, interest rates are down (the slow moving Fed should cut rates!), food prices are down, there is NO INFLATION, and the long time abused USA is bringing in Billions of Dollars a week from the abusing countries on Tariffs that are already in place,” he wrote.

“This is despite the fact that the biggest abuser of them all, China, whose markets are crashing, just raised its Tariffs by 34 per cent, on top of its long term ridiculously high Tariffs (Plus!), not acknowledging my warning for abusing countries not to retaliate. They’ve made enough, for decades, taking advantage of the Good OL’ USA! Our past ‘leaders’ are to blame for allowing this, and so much else, to happen to our Country. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

With global markets in freefall and a deadline of April 8 set by the US president, the next 24 hours are likely to be critical for US-China trade relations and investor confidence worldwide. (ANI)

Bollywood star Kiara Advani is all set to make her debut at Met Gala this year.

The mom-to-be will step onto the grand fashion stage with several celebrities from across the world on May 5 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Last year, Kiara made her debut at Cannes as she attended the Red Sea Film Foundation’s Women in Cinema Gala Dinner. And now Met Gala debut would definitely elevate her global appeal.

Previously actors like Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra have added Indian touch to Met Gala with their stunning presence.

Meanwhile, Kiara is expecting her first child with actor Sidharth Malhotra.

The couple. in February 2025, announced their pregnancy with an adorable post featuring tiny white knitted baby socks. The caption read, “The greatest gift of our lives.”

Since then, they have been keeping a low profile, making only a few public appearances.

Kiara and Sidharth’s love story blossomed on the sets of the war drama Shershaah, and in February 2023, they tied the knot in an intimate yet grand ceremony in Rajasthan. (ANI)

In keeping with the turmoil in global markets following President Donald Trump’s tariff decisions, the US markets also witnessed a bloodbath as they opened on Monday morning.

Trump’s reciprocal tariffs have led to a broad-based fall in financial markets globally with markets plunging in Asia as well as Europe. The reciprocal tariffs have set off a sell-off in equities globally, and the US is no exception. Investors fear that the moves concerning global trade may raise inflation, risking economic growth.

US benchmark indices – Nasdaq, S&P, and Dow Jones, slumped in a range of 4-5 per cent soon after the opening bell.

“The United States has a chance to do something that should have been done DECADES AGO. Don’t be Weak! Don’t be Stupid! Don’t be a PANICAN (A new party based on Weak and Stupid people!). Be Strong, Courageous, and Patient, and GREATNESS will be the result!” US President Donald Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth, addressing the American citizens.

Asian stock markets opened on Monday with heavy selling pressure, reflecting growing fears over the impact of tariffs on global trade and economic growth. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index dropped sharply by 5.79 per cent, leading the decline across the region.

Investors are worried that global trade could slow down significantly, affecting corporate earnings and economic growth worldwide. The market reaction reflects growing concerns among investors about the future of international trade and the health of global economy.

Indian stocks too witnessed a bloodbath as the new week kicked off, triggered by Trump’s reciprocal tariffs.

In the early trade, the Sensex dropped 5 per cent lower at one point, but as the day progressed, it pared some of the losses and closed 3 per cent lower. The Sensex closed at 73,137.90 points, down 2,226 points. Similarly, the Nifty also slipped 3 per cent to close at 22,161.60 points. (ANI)

With stock markets globally taking a plunge due to his tariff decisions and the US stocks also feeling the impact, US President Donald Trump on Monday urged people not to be “weak, stupid” and said they should be “courageous and patient” and the result “will be greatness”.

Trump made the remarks on his social media platform Truth Social, minutes before US stock markets opened.

“The United States has a chance to do something that should have been done DECADES AGO. Don’t be Weak! Don’t be Stupid! Don’t be a PANICAN (A new party based on Weak and Stupid people!). Be Strong, Courageous, and Patient, and GREATNESS will be the result!” he said.

“Countries from all over the World are talking to us. Tough but fair parameters are being set. Spoke to the Japanese Prime Minister this morning. He is sending a top team to negotiate! They have treated the U.S. very poorly on Trade. They don’t take our cars, but we take MILLIONS of theirs. Likewise Agriculture, and many other “things.” It all has to change, but especially with CHINA!!!” he said in another post.

In keeping with the turmoil in global markets following President Donald Trump’s tariff decisions, the US markets also witnessed a bloodbath as it opened on Monday morning.

Trump’s reciprocal tariffs have led to a broad-based fall in financial markets globally with indices plunging in Asia as well as Europe. The reciprocal tariffs have set off a sell-off in equities globally, and the US itself is no exception. Investors fear that the moves concerning global trade may raise inflation, risking economic growth.

US benchmark indices – Nasdaq, S&P, and Dow Jones, slumped in a range of 4-5 per cent soon after the opening bell.

In an earlier post, Trump said the United States is bringing in billions of dollars a week from “the abusing countries on tariffs that are already in place”

“Oil prices are down, interest rates are down (the slow moving Fed should cut rates!), food prices are down, there is NO INFLATION, and the long time abused USA is bringing in Billions of Dollars a week from the abusing countries on Tariffs that are already in place,” he said.

“This is despite the fact that the biggest abuser of them all, China, whose markets are crashing, just raised its Tariffs by 34%, on top of its long term ridiculously high Tariffs (Plus!), not acknowledging my warning for abusing countries not to retaliate. They’ve made enough, for decades, taking advantage of the Good OL’ USA! Our past “leaders” are to blame for allowing this, and so much else, to happen to our Country. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he added.

Asian stock markets witnessed a major sell-off and European markets also witnessed a plunge due to Trump’s decisions concerning tariffs.

Asian stock markets opened on Monday with heavy selling pressure, reflecting growing fears over the impact of the tariffs on global trade and economic growth.Japan’s Nikkei 225 index dropped sharply by 5.79 per cent, leading the decline across the region. (ANI)

Filmmaker Tahira Kashyap, known for her directorial debut ‘Sharmajee Ki Beti’, has revealed that her breast cancer has relapsed after seven years.

Taking to Instagram, Tahira shared a heartfelt note reflecting her determination to fight cancer once again.

In her post, Tahira wrote, “Seven year itch or the power of regular screening–it’s a perspective I’d like to go with the latter and suggest the same for everyone who needs to get regular mammograms. Round 2 for me… I still got this.”

She added, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When life becomes too generous and throws them again at you, you squeeze them calmly into your favourite kala khatta drink and sip it with all the good intentions. Because, for one, it’s a better drink, and two, you know you will give it your best once again.”

Tahira concluded her note writing, “#regularscreening #mammogram not shying away from saying it #breastcancer #onemoretime #letsgo. Ironically or not, today is #WorldHealthDay. Let’s do whatever we can in our capacity to take care of ourselves. #gratitude through and through.”

Tahira was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. Last month, she shared an inspiring photo of herself with a clean-shaven head, a result of chemotherapy, along with moments from her treatment journey.

Speaking to ANI on World Cancer Day, Tahira shared about the challenges of fighting the disease and also praised government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and PMJAY that are making cancer treatment accessible to millions.

“On World Cancer Day, I want to commend the Ayushman Bharat and PMJAY initiatives for making timely cancer treatment accessible to many, regardless of their financial background. Cancer is a journey that tests your strength, resilience, and faith. Early diagnosis and affordable treatment are, however, key to survival, and thanks to such government schemes, millions can now hope for a better future. Let’s continue to support one another and raise awareness about early breast cancer detection because together we can beat cancer,” Tahira said.

Tahira is the wife of actor Ayushmann Khurrana, and the couple shares two children–a son and a daughter.

Her film Sharmajee Ki Beti, which explores the aspirations and dreams of middle-class women from diverse backgrounds, premiered on Prime Video on June 28 last year. (ANI)

Emraan Hashmi is all set to come up with his film ‘Ground Zero’, which is inspired by a mission that was awarded “BSF’s best operation in the last 50 years”.

Set in 2000s Kashmir, Emraan essays the role of a BSF officer, Narendra Nath Dubey, who led the operation in which terrorist mastermind “Ghazi Baba” was killed.

On Tuesday, the makers unveiled the film’s trailer.

The trailer showcases the challenges and sacrifices made to bring about a sense of normalcy and harmony in the conflicted region. One of his standout lines from the trailer, “Ab Prahaar Hoga,” sets the tone for what lies ahead — a soldier pushed to the edge, ready to strike back.

Have a look at the trailer

Speaking at the trailer launch in Mumbai on Tuesday, Emraan said, “You know there’s an old phrase that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. This phrase is appropriate for this film and story. I remember when I met Mr Dubey for the first time, I told him that your story is more “filmy” than our films. And it really is. It’s nothing short of extraordinary and unbelievable the way our BSF officers carried out this operation.”

Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, and directed by Tejas Deoskar, the film is co-produced by Kassim Jagmagia, Vishal Ramchandani, Sundeep C Sidhwani, Arhan Bagati, Talisman Films, Abhishek Kumar, and Nishikant Roy. ‘Ground Zero’ will hit the theatres on April 25. Sai Tamhankar is also a part of the film. (ANI)