Month: April 2025

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court seeking the quashing of the First Information Report (FIR) registered against him by the Mumbai Police.

The petition, filed reportedly on April 5, argues that the FIR infringes upon his fundamental right to freedom of expression under Article 19 and the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

The matter is scheduled to be heard by the division bench of Justice SV Kotwal and Justice SM Modak on April 21.

Kamra’s legal team contends that his satirical remarks, which have sparked controversy, fall within the ambit of constitutional freedoms and should not be subjected to criminal prosecution.

This legal development comes amid growing political and public discourse surrounding Kamra’s stand-up performance “Naya Bharat,” which included provocative comments about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

On April 3, Rahool Kanal, General Secretary of the Yuva Sena, had publicly urged Kamra to cooperate with the investigation, emphasizing the importance of presenting facts as a responsible citizen.

“Bail is a right for every citizen. I would request Kunal Kamra to be a part of the investigation and present the facts. We will present our facts, and whatever is right as per the law will take its own course,” Kanal spoke to ANI.

Kanal also wrote to BookMyShow, requesting the platform to halt ticket sales for Kamra’s upcoming shows, citing concerns over the comedian’s controversial content and its potential to disrupt public harmony.

In addition to these developments, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police received a formal complaint from a Shiv Sena representative on April 3, demanding an investigation into Kamra’s financial transactions.

The complaint alleges that Kamra received funds from foreign sources linked to his content, raising questions about the origins of his income.

Three separate cases have been registered against Kamra at the Khar Police Station, following complaints from the Mayor of Jalgaon, a hotelier, and a businessman from Nashik.

These complaints pertain to his recent remarks, including a controversial joke allegedly referring to Eknath Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor), which has further fueled the controversy.

Earlier, the Madras High Court granted Kamra interim anticipatory bail until April 7, with conditions, after he sought transit bail, citing threats following his satirical comments. (ANI)

The Indian markets followed the path of the global bloodbath in stock indices, and both the indices of India opened with heavy selling pressure.

The Nifty 50 index tanked 5 per cent in the opening, marking one of the highest falls since COVID during opening, and opened at 21,758.40 points with a decline of 1,146.05 points or -5 per cent.

Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was down by 5.29 per cent, opening with a decline of 3,984.80 points or 5.29 per cent, at 71,379.8.

Experts stated that the need of the hour is a reform package by the government to help the markets navigate this global selloff amid Trump’s announcements.

Ajay Bagga Banking and Market Expert told ANI “India will face the heat, not due to domestic reasons, but as an interlinked chain in the global portfolio flows. India will need a fiscal, monetary and reform package to protect the domestic economy from this global economic winter that is threatening to settle in. The consequences of an Economic-Nuclear policy which has announced the highest tariffs of a century on all trading partners are now coming home to roost”.

He further added “Taking the cue from the USD 5.4 trillion 2-day meltdown in the US markets, we are seeing unprecedented selling in Asian markets, with Taiwan which was closed on Thursday and Friday seeing a 20 per cent down day and Hong Kong seeing a 10 per cent cut and then some recovery”.

The experts also noted that the economic situation needs a rollback by the Trump administration, either as a postponement of the reciprocal tariffs or as some reduction. However, Trump Administration officials have stated that they see the tariffs being in place for the next few weeks/months.

In the other Asian markets Japan’s Nikkei 225 index dropped sharply by 5.79 per cent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index followed with a steep fall of around 10 per cent. Taiwan’s Taiwan Weighted Index also saw a major slide, losing 9.61 per cent in early trade.

South Korea’s KOSPI index was down by 4.14 per cent, while China’s Shanghai Composite fell by 6.5 per cent at the time of filing this report.

Australia’s benchmark index S&P/ASX 200 also registered a decline of 3.82 per cent, indicating that the sell-off was not limited to major manufacturing economies alone but had spread across the Asia-Pacific region.

“Nifty 50 did not perform well and remained down, showing a strong bearish trend in the sector. A big red candle indicated the dominance of sellers in the sector, potentially pushing the price to a lower low. Currently, the price has broken one support level and is hovering towards the second. A breakdown below this support would confirm the continuation of the downtrend in the sector” said Sunil Gurjar, SEBI-registered research analyst and founder of Alphamojo Financial Services.

The impact of Trump’s tariff announcement was also visible in the American markets. Futures of the US stock index Dow Jones were down by 2.22 per cent, suggesting a negative start for the US markets as well.

The price of Brent crude also declined to 52-week low and trading at USD 63.97 at the time of filing this report. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump said that the deal on TikTok was pretty close. However, he noted that China changed its mind due to tariffs.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that China would have approved the deal in 15 minutes if he had given a cut in tariffs.

When asked about a report that there was about to be a deal on TikTok but China changed its mind, Trump responded, “The report is that we had a deal, pretty much for Tiktok, not a deal, but pretty close, and then China changed the deal because of tariffs. If I gave a little cut in tariffs, they’d approve that deal in 15 minutes, which shows you the power of tariffs.”

Last week, Trump announced that China would face a 34 per cent tariff. Following Trump’s announcement, China announced it would impose reciprocal 34 percent tariffs on all imports from the US on April 10, CNN reported.

Donald Trump on Friday said that his administration had been working on a deal to “save TikTok” and that he would sign an executive order to keep the app operational for an additional 75 days.

Sharing a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote, “My administration has been working very hard on a deal to SAVE TIKTOK, and we have made tremendous progress. The deal requires more work to ensure all necessary approvals are signed, which is why I am signing an Executive Order to keep TikTok up and running for an additional 75 days.”

Trump expressed hope that discussions with China would continue in “good faith,” acknowledging that China was displeased with the US reciprocal tariffs. He defended these tariffs as essential for ensuring fair and balanced trade between the two countries. Trump emphasised that the goal was to prevent TikTok from “going dark.”

“We hope to continue working in good faith with China, who I understand are not very happy about our reciprocal tariffs (Necessary for fair and balanced trade between China and the USA!). This proves that tariffs are the most powerful economic tool and very important to our national security! We do not want TikTok to “go dark.” We look forward to working with TikTok and China to close the deal. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” he further said in a post on Truth Social.

According to a CNN report, Trump’s announcement came just one day before the ban was set to go into effect, after Trump delayed it by an initial 75 days when he took office in January.

Last year, former US President Joe Biden enacted a law mandating that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, based in China, sell off the app or face a ban in the US due to national security concerns.

While the law was initially scheduled to take effect in January, Trump announced he would postpone its enforcement in an effort to negotiate an agreement that would keep the app “alive.”

A ByteDance spokesperson said the TikTok parent company “has been in discussion with the US government regarding a potential solution for TikTok US.”

In a statement, a ByteDance spokesperson said, “An agreement has not been executed. There are key matters to be resolved. Any agreement will be subject to approval under Chinese law.” (ANI)

Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft on Sunday delivered replenishment supplies for the field hospital and food aid for needy communities and the Indian Army’s field hospital, established under Operation Brahma, has successfully treated 800 patients so far.

Sharing a post on X, India in Myanmar shared the update on India’s humanitarian efforts in the affected region: “Our Field Hospital has been widely appreciated in Myanmar with 800 patients so far. Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing visited it today.”

“An IAF C17 brought its replenishment as also food aid for needy communities, and carried our NDRF team back after a successful Mission. #OperationBrahma,” the post added.

On Saturday, India delivered 442 tonnes of food aid to Myanmar, as part of its ongoing humanitarian response following the devastating earthquake that struck the country last month.

The consignment, comprising rice, cooking oil, noodles and biscuits, was transported aboard the Indian Navy’s landing ship tank INS Gharial and handed over at Thilawa Port by Ambassador Abhay Thakur to Yangon Chief Minister U Soe Thein and his team.

The official page for the Indian Embassy in Myanmar posted on X: “Meeting needs of affected people. A large 442 T consignment of food aid (rice, cooking oil, noodles & biscuits) carried by the Indian Navy landing ship tank INS Gharial arrived today at Thilawa Port & was handed over by Ambassador Abhay Thakur to CM Yangon U Soe Thein & team.”

The aid is part of Operation Brahma — India’s comprehensive relief mission launched after the 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28, which left thousands dead and widespread damage across Myanmar.

The country continues to grapple with the aftermath, and India, acting swiftly as the first responder, has taken a lead role in supporting rescue, relief, and recovery efforts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday.

During the meeting, PM Modi expressed India’s continued support and readiness to provide further material assistance if needed. He also emphasised the need for early restoration of democracy through credible elections, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. (ANI)

On the special occasion of Ram Navami, the makers of Ram Charan starrer ‘Peddi’ unveiled a powerful teaser titled ‘Peddi First Shot’, giving fans a glimpse of the actor’s bold new avatar.

Charan took to his X account on Sunday to drop the teaser and also shared that the film will release in theatres on March 27, 2026.

The one-minute teaser shows Ram Charan walking into a dusty field as people cheer for him. He lights a beedi and says, “I have only one life to live, and I want to make the most of it.”

Take a look

Earlier this month, the actor’s first-look posters from the film were shared by director, Buchi Babu Sana. In the first-look posters, Ram Charan embraces a raw and intense persona. His piercing gaze, untamed beard, messy hair, and nose ring give him a menacing aura.

Dressed in a striped red shirt and smoking a cigar, Charan’s character exudes a fierce and earthy vibe.

The second poster provided a deeper look into his role, showing Charan holding an old cricket bat in a rustic village stadium lit by floodlights, hinting at the film’s rural setting and intense themes.

Peddi is directed by Buchi Babu Sana and stars Janhvi Kapoor, Kannada superstar Shiva Raj Kumar, and Jagapathi Babu in prominent roles.

The movie will also star Mirzapur fame Divyenndu in a significant role. The makers had earlier unveiled the actor’s first look from the upcoming movie.

Peddi is produced by director Sukumar’s home banner, Sukumar Writings, while the music is composed by Oscar-winning musician AR Rahman.

Meanwhile, Ram Charan was last seen in the much-discussed film ‘Game Changer’, directed by S. Shankar, which also starred Kiara Advani in the lead role. (ANI)

There’s something special about Sundays, especially when it comes to food and for actress Shilpa Shetty, often known for her commitment to fitness, it’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in her favourite treats. The actress never misses a chance to show her fans how she enjoys her “cheat day” on weekends.

The “Cheat Day Queen” took to Instagram to share a video where she can be seen gorging on a delightful spread of sweet dishes, including pastries, ice creams, and more. Dressed in a relaxed white outfit, she looked genuinely happy as she dug into the treats.

Along with the video, the actress added a fun caption that read, “Calories don’t count on Sundays! Cheat Day Queen.”

Take a look

Shilpa recently walked the ramp at Lakme Fashion Week for designer Mohammed Mazha.

On the work front, Shilpa was last seen in the web series ‘Indian Police Force’, directed by Rohit Shetty. The series also starred Sidharth Malhotra and Vivek Oberoi in lead roles and premiered earlier this year on Amazon Prime Video.

Shilpa will next be seen in the upcoming Kannada film ‘KD: The Devil’. The film also stars Dhruva Sarja, V Ravichandran, Ramesh Aravind, Sanjay Dutt, Jisshu Sengupta, and Nora Fatehi in lead roles. Directed by Prem, KD: The Devil is a pan-India multilingual film set to release in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi. It is a period action entertainer based on true events from 1970s Bangalore. (ANI)

During his recent visit to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the island country’s 1996 World Cup-winning cricketers, including Sanath Jayasuriya and Aravinda de Silva and recalled India’s 1996 tour amid unrest as a symbol of strong ties between the two countries.

During the interaction he praised the cricketers and recalled when Team India extended a helping hand to the nation that was rocked by bomb blasts just days ahead of the tournament which it was co-hosting with India and Pakistan.

The cricketers thanked India for support during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and requested help developing a stadium in Jaffna.

The video of the interaction from Saturday was released on the YouTube channel of the Prime Minister’s Office today.

Cricketer Jayasuriya said, “When we had unrest, problems in Sri Lanka, you and the government helped us a lot. We are always grateful to you for helping Sri Lanka.

Jayasuriya, who is also the current Sri Lanka head coach, requested PM Modi to support Sri Lanka in its aim of bringing international cricket matches to Jaffna by building an international-level stadium.

“As the coach of Sri Lanka, at the moment we play all over Sri Lanka except Jaffna. If India can help us to bring international ground in Jaffna, there will be a big help for the people in Jaffna North and Eastern parts…I have a small request, if this can be done?…”

PM Modi reaffirmed India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and cited aid to Myanmar as a recent example.

PM Modi said, “India has always believed in the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. We always want to respond to the crisis of our neighbouring countries. In the recent earthquakes in Myanmar, we were the first respondents. During the crisis in Sri Lanka, we ensured that the country should come out of it, and we tried our best to do that…You (Sanath Jayasuriya) spoke about Jaffna that international matches should be played in Jaffna is a very strong thought and I assure you that my team will try to do everything possible for it…”

In January 1996, Sri Lanka was rocked by bomb blasts at the Central Bank. Due to this, Australia and West Indies refused to send their teams to Sri Lanka due to security reasons. However, in a great show of solidarity, sportsman spirit and brotherhood, India and Pakistan, two arch-rivals, sent a joint team led by Indian star Mohammad Azharuddin to play a friendly match against Sri Lanka in February ahead of the marquee tournament.

The team featured several Indian stars like Azhar himself, alongside Sachin Tendulkar, Ajay Jadeja, Anil Kumble and Aashish Rakesh Kapoor. From Pakistan, came stars like Saeed Anwar, Aamir Sohail, Ijaz Ahmed, Rashid Latif, Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram.

However, West Indies and Australia did not turn up at all, giving Sri Lanka free points via walkover that made them the sole undefeated team in Group A and sent them straight to knockouts.

In a one-sided semifinal which was interrupted by rioting and arson by angry fans, Sri Lanka defeated India at Eden Gardens by “default” and marched to the final, where they defeated Australia by seven wickets in Lahore to capture their maiden World Cup title, paving the way for the rise of the Island nation as a cricketing superpower, which gave the sport icons like Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas etc in years to come.

Speaking about the bomb blast and its aftermath in the video, ex-Sri Lanka batter Marvan Attapattu said to PM Modi, “One of the reasons why won, there were two teams (Australia and West Indies) which did not come due to bomb blast. India sent a team here, to show the world the safety of the place. That is one of the reasons we won.”

In his reply, PM Modi recalled how the gesture of Indian team was appreciated in the sports fraternity, particularly in Sri Lanka.

“When other teams were scared and running, India showed Sri Lanka “kheldilli” and did not leave Sri Lanka alone. There was a lot of sportsman spirit. On one side, there was a bomb blast and on the other, was India’s sportsman spirit. It was sportsman spirit which prevailed over bomb blast,” he added.

PM Modi also recalled that after another terrorist attack in Sri Lanka in 2019 during Easter, he was the first world leader to visit the nation in the aftermath of the attack.

“I also remember the Indian team came to Sri Lanka (for the 2021 series) after the attack as well. That spirit (of being together for neighbours) has continued. India is with Sri Lanka in its days of happiness and sorrow both,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi also hailed Sri Lankan team’s aggressive performances during the 1996 World Cup, particularly those of their opening pair of Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana, who are often hailed as pioneers of attacking batting in ODI cricket.

“When India won the World Cup in 1983 and you won in 1996, your wins changed the world cricket. If T20 was born, it was in 1996 during your matches and your methods. You are a team that the Indians still remember. They have not forgotten the bashing you gave them,” the Prime Minister said about the Sri Lankan team.

Jayasuriya thanked PM Modi for always helping Sri Lanka when in need and also told PM about his time in the Indian Premier League (IPL), playing for Mumbai Indians (MI) from 2008-11. His 2008 season with MI was a brilliant one, scoring 514 runs in 14 matches at an average of 42.83 and a stunning strike rate of 166.34, with a century and two fifties. He also took four wickets.

To this, PM Modi assured Sri Lanka of all possible help in its various endeavours.

Aravinda da Silva, who scored a match-winning century for Sri Lanka in the 1996 WC final, also told PM the class of 1996 is still involved with cricket in some way or the other. “They are in more pressure now than they used to during finals,” he added.

Kumar Dharmasena, the member of the World Cup-winning team who took up umpiring following his retirement, said that umpiring in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, the biggest in the world was a great experience.

“Everyone loves to umpire there,” he added.

Romesh also said, “First tour (to India was in 1990) and I came to India recently. Those memories are always there. We regularly visit India. Whenever SL is in crisis financially, India always steps up and supports. Thank you. India is our brother.”

Over the years, India-Sri Lanka cricketing ties have grown stronger, with both nations facing each other in numerous bilateral series and major ICC tournament clashes, including the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final in Mumbai and the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup final in Bangladesh–won by India and Sri Lanka, respectively.

Notably, both countries will be co-hosting next year’s ICC T20 World Cup, with Men in Blue defending their second title. (ANI)

Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft on Sunday delivered replenishment supplies for the field hospital and food aid for needy communities and the Indian Army’s field hospital, established under Operation Brahma, has successfully treated 800 patients so far.

Sharing a post on X, India in Myanmar shared the update on India’s humanitarian efforts in the affected region: “Our Field Hospital has been widely appreciated in Myanmar with 800 patients so far. Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing visited it today.”

“An IAF C17 brought its replenishment as also food aid for needy communities, and carried our NDRF team back after a successful Mission. #OperationBrahma,” the post added.

On Saturday, India delivered 442 tonnes of food aid to Myanmar, as part of its ongoing humanitarian response following the devastating earthquake that struck the country last month.

The consignment, comprising rice, cooking oil, noodles and biscuits, was transported aboard the Indian Navy’s landing ship tank INS Gharial and handed over at Thilawa Port by Ambassador Abhay Thakur to Yangon Chief Minister U Soe Thein and his team.

The official page for the Indian Embassy in Myanmar posted on X: “Meeting needs of affected people. A large 442 T consignment of food aid (rice, cooking oil, noodles & biscuits) carried by the Indian Navy landing ship tank INS Gharial arrived today at Thilawa Port & was handed over by Ambassador Abhay Thakur to CM Yangon U Soe Thein & team.”

The aid is part of Operation Brahma — India’s comprehensive relief mission launched after the 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28, which left thousands dead and widespread damage across Myanmar.

The country continues to grapple with the aftermath, and India, acting swiftly as the first responder, has taken a lead role in supporting rescue, relief, and recovery efforts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday.

During the meeting, PM Modi expressed India’s continued support and readiness to provide further material assistance if needed. He also emphasised the need for early restoration of democracy through credible elections, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin amid the ongoing language row, saying that he is suprised that none of the letters he recieve from Tamil Nadu ministers are signed in the Tamil language.

Addressing a public gathering in Rameswaram after inaugurating the New Pambam bridge, Prime Minister Modi said, “The Government is constantly working to ensure that the Tamil language and Tamil heritage reach every corner of the world. Sometimes, I am surprised when I receive letters from some leaders of Tamil Nadu; none of them are signed in the Tamil language. If you are proud of Tamil, then I would request everyone at least sign your name in Tamil.”

PM Modi’s remarks come as the MK Stalin-led Tamil Nadu government has locked horns with the BJP-led Central government over the three-language formula proposed in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Stalin argued that the policy prioritises Hindi over regional languages, undermining the state’s autonomy and linguistic diversity

Addressing the rally here today, Prime Minister Modi also urged the Stalin-led DMK government to start medical courses in the Tamil language so that even the children of poor families can fulfil their dream of becoming doctors.

“I would urge the Tamil Nadu government to start medical courses in the Tamil language so that even the children of poor families can fulfil their dream of becoming doctors. Our effort is to ensure that the youth of our country do not have to go abroad to become doctors. In the last 10 years, Tamil Nadu has got 11 new medical colleges,” Prime Minister Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi said that the security and well-being of Tamil Nadu people remain a top priority for the government and through the dedicated efforts over 3,700 fishermen have been successfully repatriated from Sri Lanka over the past decade.

“Your security and well-being remain a top priority for the government. Through the dedicated efforts of the Indian government, over 3,700 fishermen have been successfully repatriated from Sri Lanka over the past decade. More than 600 fishermen were freed just in the last year alone. Some of our fishermen even faced capital punishment. However, we took decisive steps to ensure their safe return to the country,” Prime Minister Modi said. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that unjustified allegations were being made that inadequate allocation of funds was made for Tamil Nadu.

“The infrastructure of Tamil Nadu is a top priority for the government. In the past decade, the state’s rail budget has increased more than sevenfold. Despite this significant growth, some people continue to complain without justification…” the Prime Minister said in his address after launching the new Pamban Bridge in Rameswaram.

The Prime Minister went further, drawing comparisons between the current administration and previous governments, particularly those led by the INDI Alliance.

“Before 2014, only Rs 900 crore were received every year for rail projects and you all know who was heading the INDI Alliance at that time. This time Tamil Nadu’s rail budget is more than Rs 6000 crore,” he said, suggesting that previous leadership failed to prioritize the State’s development.

Modi also outlined the Indian government’s efforts to modernize the region’s rail infrastructure, including the modernization of 77 railway stations, with Rameswaram station being one of the key sites.

“The Indian government is modernizing 77 railway stations here, and this also includes the Rameswaram railway station,” he added, positioning the BJP-led government as a key player in Tamil Nadu’s development.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was facilitated by BJP leaders as he arrived to address a public meeting in Rameswaram city of Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, after inaugurating India’s vertical sea lift bridge, New Pamban Bridge.

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw are also present during the facilitation.PM Modi was given a painting by Union Minister and BJP leader L Murugan.

The Prime Minister also dedicated the Pamban Bridge and multiple national highway projects to the nation and also laid the foundation stone of other road infrastructure projects.

PM Modi mentioned how the new Pamban bridge is connecting “thousands of year old” Rameswaram city to a modern architectural marvel.

“A town that is thousands of years old is being connected by the 21st century engineering wonder. I thank our engineers and workers for their hard work. This bridge is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge. Big ships will be able to sail under it. Trains will also be able to travel faster on it. I just flagged off a new train service and a ship a short while ago,” PM Modi said. (ANI)