Month: April 2026

The first Vande Bharat Express train from Jammu reached Nowgam Railway Station in Srinagar on Thursday, marking a major milestone in rail connectivity for the Kashmir Valley. The development was welcomed by passengers, officials and locals, who described it as a historic step that will transform travel and boost economic activity in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Area Manager Kapil Sharma said the arrival of the train was an emotional moment for the region. “It is a very emotional and good day for all the Kashmiri people and for the whole of India,” he said.

He highlighted that the upgraded service will ease congestion and improve travel convenience. “Earlier the Vande Bharat ran with only eight coaches and its capacity was always full. Now the capacity has increased significantly to around 1450 passengers,” he said, adding that the expansion will reduce waiting lists and improve accessibility.

Sharma further said the railways will benefit multiple sections of society. “From labourers to high-ranking officials, everyone will benefit–traders, students, patients and tourists,” he said, noting that better connectivity will also support tourism and local industries.

Passengers at Budgam and Srinagar stations also welcomed the service. Nadeem Ahmed Lohar said the train will reduce dependence on road travel, which often gets disrupted. “We can’t thank the government enough. Earlier travel was expensive and highways used to close due to snow or rain, but now the train will make it easier for everyone,” he said.

A student, Waseem Ahmed Khan, said the service will be especially beneficial for frequent travellers. “Earlier, we had to face a lot of difficulty travelling via Banihal. Now we can go directly. It will also help students, sportsmen and tourists,” he said, adding that it could boost Kashmir’s economy.

Another passenger, Annu Gupta, who travelled on the inaugural journey, described the experience as smooth and time-saving. “The journey was very good. It reached in four and a half hours. This connectivity will boost tourism and save both time and money,” she said.

Passengers also said the all-weather rail link will provide major relief during winters when highways are often closed, making year-round connectivity easier for the region.

Earlier, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the extended Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express. The train will enter regular service from 2nd May. (ANI)

The first Vande Bharat Express train from Jammu reached Nowgam Railway Station in Srinagar on Thursday, marking a major milestone in rail connectivity for the Kashmir Valley. The development was welcomed by passengers, officials and locals, who described it as a historic step that will transform travel and boost economic activity in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Area Manager Kapil Sharma said the arrival of the train was an emotional moment for the region. “It is a very emotional and good day for all the Kashmiri people and for the whole of India,” he said.

He highlighted that the upgraded service will ease congestion and improve travel convenience. “Earlier the Vande Bharat ran with only eight coaches and its capacity was always full. Now the capacity has increased significantly to around 1450 passengers,” he said, adding that the expansion will reduce waiting lists and improve accessibility.

Sharma further said the railways will benefit multiple sections of society. “From labourers to high-ranking officials, everyone will benefit–traders, students, patients and tourists,” he said, noting that better connectivity will also support tourism and local industries.

Passengers at Budgam and Srinagar stations also welcomed the service. Nadeem Ahmed Lohar said the train will reduce dependence on road travel, which often gets disrupted. “We can’t thank the government enough. Earlier travel was expensive and highways used to close due to snow or rain, but now the train will make it easier for everyone,” he said.

A student, Waseem Ahmed Khan, said the service will be especially beneficial for frequent travellers. “Earlier, we had to face a lot of difficulty travelling via Banihal. Now we can go directly. It will also help students, sportsmen and tourists,” he said, adding that it could boost Kashmir’s economy.

Another passenger, Annu Gupta, who travelled on the inaugural journey, described the experience as smooth and time-saving. “The journey was very good. It reached in four and a half hours. This connectivity will boost tourism and save both time and money,” she said.

Passengers also said the all-weather rail link will provide major relief during winters when highways are often closed, making year-round connectivity easier for the region.

Earlier, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the extended Jammu Tawi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express. The train will enter regular service from 2nd May. (ANI)

Actor Kiara Advani on Thursday stepped out in the city for the screening for ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’, where she unleased her fashionable avatar.

Dressed in a stunning red outfit, Kiara happily posed for the shutterbugs.

Meanwhile, on the acting front, Kiara will be seen sharing screen space with Yash in ‘Toxic’.

The makers of the much-anticipated film recenlty announced that its release has been postponed, and it will no longer arrive in theatres on June 4, 2026, as announced earlier.

Backed by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, the film was first slated for a March 19 release before being moved to June 4.

The team said a new worldwide release date will be announced soon.

According to the makers, the latest decision comes after the film was showcased at CinemaCon, where it reportedly received a strong response from global distributors and industry representatives.In a detailed statement shared on Wednesday, actor-producer Yash stated that the enthusiasm from international buyers at CinemaCon reaffirmed their belief that the film deserves to reach audiences on the biggest possible scale.

“There are films we make, and then there are films that remind us why we fell in love with cinema. Toxic has been one such journey. Presenting our film at CinemaCon and witnessing the overwhelming global response reaffirmed what we have always believed, that this film deserves to reach its fullest potential worldwide,” a part of the statement read.

Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film is written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas. ‘Toxic’ features a star-studded cast including Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Rukmini Vasanth, and Tara Sutaria alongside Yash. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on a plea filed by Congress leader Pawan Khera challenging a Gauhati High Court order denying him anticipatory bail in a defamation and forgery case linked to allegations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar heard submissions by Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi for Khera and counter-arguments by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for the Assam government before reserving judgment.

Singhvi strongly criticised statements attributed to the Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and argued that he is acting like a constitutional cowboy.

“Dr BR Ambedkar would turn over in his grave if he had imagined a constitutional functionary behaving like a ‘constitutional cowboy’ or a ‘constitutional Rambo’,” the senior lawyer said.

He argued that the custodial arrest of Khera was unnecessary in a defamation case when his client is not a flight risk.

“Interrogation is available; there is no flight risk. The question is the necessity of arrest. Why is it necessary to humiliate by custodial arrest?” he said.

Singhvi argued that the charges invoked against Pawan Khera are bailable, including Section 339 (forgery under BNS), which he claims was wrongly added later and does not even form part of the original FIR.

He stated that arrest should be a last resort, particularly in such offences.

He said the Gauhati High Court order states that he (Khera) doesn’t deserve the ‘privilege’ of an anticipatory bail, when the liberty is a matter of right and not privilege.

Singhvi added that it’s a case where “venom” and “malice” are spewing out of the prosecution owing to political pressure.

“This is a case where venom and malice spewing out of the prosecutors’ bosses bosses bosses boss!”, he remarked.

Singhvi further contended that the police had invoked multiple allegations, absconding, tampering of evidence and political influence without justification.

The Solicitor General of India (SGI) Tushar Mehta, representing the Assam government, defended the need for custodial interrogation in the matter and pointed out the “seriousness of the allegations” raised against Khera.

Mehta argued that the case against Khera involves the alleged fabrication of official documents and that the investigation has already revealed these documents to be forged.

He stressed the need for a thorough probe to determine who created elements such as passport seals, QR codes and other official markers.

Mehta submitted that the investigation must uncover who forged the documents, whether Khera acted with accomplices and whether the alleged acts have wider implications, including possible foreign links during an election period.

He further contended that Khera has been evading the investigation since the date of the offence, claiming that he has been “absconding” while continuing to release videos and remain out of reach of authorities.

The FIR against Khera was lodged by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of the Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sharma, after Khera alleged at a press conference that she held multiple foreign passports and undisclosed overseas assets.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had declined to extend the transit anticipatory bail granted to Khera by the Telangana High Court, directing him to approach the competent court in Assam. However, it clarified that its earlier observations would not prejudice the jurisdictional court’s consideration of his plea.

However, the apex court had clarified its earlier order in which it had stayed the one-week transit anticipatory bail granted to Khera by the Telangana High Court to the extent that the same will not have any adverse influence on the jurisdictional court, which would decide over Khera’s plea.

Subsequently, Khera approached the Gauhati High Court, where he was denied relief. He then moved to the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court order. The Supreme Court heard arguments from both parties and reserved its decision. (ANI)

Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh on Thursday, visited the SMHS hospital in Srinagar where his ailing father is admitted, after being granted a one-week interim bail by the Delhi High Court for the visit.

His father is currently on ventilator support at the SMHS hospital.

Rashid, who was lodged in New Delhi’s Tihar Jail in connection with a terror funding case, was received at Srinagar airport by his supporters, family members and his brother, MLA Sheikh Khurshid.

Speaking with ANI, his brother, Sheikh Khurshid, thanked the Delhi High Court for granting the bail and expressed contentment over Rashid’s bail and said that their father was longing to meet Rashid, calling it a moment of joy.

“As you might have seen, our regular bail case is being heard by a division bench of the Honorable Delhi High Court. In that same case, we requested interim bail because our father is ill. By God’s grace, he has been granted a 7-day interim bail today. We are happy that our father, who was longing to meet his son, Engineer Rashid, will finally be able to. We hope that, God willing, they can meet by tomorrow. It is a moment of joy, indeed,” he said.

“The bail was rejected by the trial court, the lower court. We appealed that decision in the Delhi High Court on the same day, and today the court’s decision on that appeal was delivered, granting a 7-day interim bail,” he added.

Stating that his father’s condition is critical, Khurshid urged people to pray for his speedy recovery.

“He is still ill. However, I feel that the fear we had–that he might not be able to meet his son–has been eased. By God’s grace, he can at least meet Rashid now. His condition remains critical. We ask people for their prayers, and many have already prayed. We appeal to people again to pray for our father’s recovery,” he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Delhi High Court granted one week’s interim bail to Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, who sought the bail to meet his ailing father, who is hospitalised.

Division bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Madhu Jain granted him interim bail on furnishing a bail bond of Rs one lakh and one surety in the like amount.

While granting interim bail, the High Court imposed conditions that he will remain in the hospital where his father is admitted, he shall not interact with any person other than his family members, and he will keep his mobile phone switched on. He will be accompanied by two officials, and the cost will be borne by the NIA. He shall surrender after one week.

The High Court also noted that Sheikh is an MP and was earlier granted interim bail to file an election nomination and for campaigning. He was also granted custody parole to attend the parliament session.

Sheikh is in custody in a terror funding case with the NIA. He was arrested on August 19, 2019. (ANI)

The trailer of rapper Raja and Raashii Khanna starrer musical drama ‘Lukkhe’ is finally out, offering a glimpse into a high-octane action tale of revenge and redemption.

Directed by Himank Gaur and produced by Vipul D. Shah and Rajesh Bahl under the banner of Optimystix Entertainment and White Guerrilla LLP, the eight-episode series is created and executive produced by Agrim Joshi and Debojit Das Purkayastha.

The trailer starts with the introduction of rapper King, who goes by the name of MC Badnaam in his debut series. To achieve fame, the rapper decides to control the system with drugs by circulating them in the market.

Raashii Khanna plays the role of a cop who decides to bust the drug racket of King by planting an undercover agent in his gang. The central theme of the series is expected to be based on the rivalry between rapper King and MC OG, played by Shivankit Parihar.

Driving the story is a soundtrack ranging from hard-hitting rap anthems to emotionally charged melodies. It also stars Palak Tiwari, Nakul Roshan Sahdev, Kritika Bharadwaj, Yograj Singh, and Ayesha Raza Mishra.

The actress Raashii Khanna reflected on her preparation for the role of Gurbani in the series, calling it an “intense and fulfilling experience.”

“Playing Gurbani in Lukkhe was a really intense and fulfilling experience. What I found most interesting was how her strength comes from something deeply personal, which shapes every decision she makes. It was about finding that balance between vulnerability and grit. Coming back to work with Prime Video after Farzi felt special, and being part of a story that’s so different in tone made it even more exciting.”

King, who debuts in acting with Lukkhe, called his role a “defining moment” of his career. He shared, “Stepping into Lukkhe as MC Badnaam has been a defining moment for me, as it marks my debut as an actor and my first experience in long-format storytelling. What drew me in was how real his hunger and need to be heard felt. It’s something I connect with as an artist. Bringing music into his journey made the experience even more personal. The entire cast and team brought great energy, and I am excited for audiences to see this different side of me.”

Palak Tiwari, who plays Sanober, said, “Sanober’s journey felt very real to me. She’s trying to find her place again, while dealing with both strength and vulnerability. I really enjoyed exploring those emotions, especially how music becomes her support through everything she goes through.”

The series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on May 8. (ANI)

On the development of the Agni-VI ballistic missile, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat on Thursday said the programme depends on a government decision, adding that the agency is fully prepared to proceed when approval is granted.

Speaking at the ANI National Security Summit 2.0, Kamat said, “It is the government’s decision. We are ready whenever the government gives us the go-ahead.”

The Agni-VI is expected to be an advanced intercontinental ballistic missile with longer range and improved capabilities compared to existing systems in India’s Agni series.

During the summit, DRDO Chairman had also noted that India’s LR-AShM hypersonic glide missile programme has reached an advanced stage, with initial trials expected soon.

Speaking at the ANI National Security Summit, Kamat said India is working on both hypersonic glide and hypersonic cruise missile systems, with the glide variant currently ahead in terms of development.

“With respect to the hypersonic, we are working on two programs, the Hypersonic Glide Missile and the Hypersonic Cruise Missile,” he said.

He explained the difference between the two systems, saying. “The hypersonic cruise missile… has a scramjet engine and it is powered during its flight. The hypersonic glide missile…uses a booster to give it initial velocity and then it just glides without any powering.”

Kamat indicated that the glide missile could be tested soon.

“The glide missile will come out first… we should be doing the first trials fairly soon and that is at a more advanced stage than the cruise missile,” he added.

He also outlined the structure of a proposed conventional missile force, which is still under consideration.

According to him, the force would require a mix of systems for different ranges and tactical roles.

“So with respect to the conventional missile force, as the defence secretary mentioned, the structure has not yet been formed, but what I consider would be required in a conventional missile force would be ballistic missiles for short ranges, medium ranges, and ranges maybe up to 2000 kilometers,” he said.

He stressed the need for a diverse arsenal. “So you would need ballistic missiles of these three types and you would also need cruise missiles, you would need hypersonic missiles… it would consist of a variety of missiles which give you the capability of striking at different ranges for tactical application,” he added.On current preparedness, Kamat said short-range systems are nearing induction. “For short-range ballistic missiles, the Pralay which is now in the final stages of testing, that should be ready,” he said.

He added that some existing systems could be adapted.

“Then we have some of our strategic missiles which can be converted to tactical usage for the medium range and the higher ranges,” he said.

Earlier, during the ANI National Security Summit, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that India is working towards developing a multi-layered conventional missile force spanning short, medium and long ranges. (ANI)

A US aircraft carrier, alongwith its strike group is likely to vacate the West Asia region in a few days, CBS reported, citing confirmation by a top US official on Wednesday (local time).

The USS Gerald R Ford, which will be leaving the Middle East, is one of the three US carriers in the region, as per CBS News. This development comes even as US President Donald Trump has refused to lift the Strait of Hormuz blockade and possibly mulls over a fresh wave of military action in Iran.

As the US-Iran talks stagnate, the return of the aircraft carrier will grant relief to almost 4,500 sailors deployed there for over 10 months. The other two aircraft carriers are the USS George HW Bush and the USS Abraham Lincoln, as per the Washington Post.

The Ford is deployed in the Red Sea, with the Lincoln and Bush are operating in the Arabian Sea to enforce the US blockade targeting vessels carrying oil or goods from Iranian ports, the Washington Post reported. Thus, Ford’s return will reduce the US might in the blockade.

The carrier has been deployed for 309 days, the longest time any modern US aircraft has been sea-borne. The long duration has worn off the ship, one being the laundry room fire which injured several sailors and issues with the toilets. As per the Washington Post report, once the ship returns to Virgina around mid-May, it would go through more repairs and maintenance.

As reported by The Washington Post, during a congressional hearing on Wednesday (local time), several questioned US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on the carrier’s extended deployment.

“A tough decision-making process led to the extension,” Hegseth said, “in consultation with the Navy.”

Typical carrier deployments last six or seven months to keep the ships on their maintenance schedules, as per The Washington Post.

Earlier, news outlet Axios reported that CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper is set to debrief US President Donald Trump as the Military mulls a new wave of operations in Iran.

Meanwhile, as per a report by the Wall Street Journal, US President Donald Trump has instructed his aides to prepare for an extended blockade of Iran. According to officials, it is a high-risk bid to compel a nuclear capitulation Tehran has long refused.

In a bid to blow up Iran’s economy, Trump opted to continue blocking its oil exports by preventing shipping to and from its ports. He assessed that his other options–resume bombing or walk away from the conflict–carried more risk than maintaining the blockade, The Wall Street Journal reported. (ANI)

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday met with a Ladakh delegation and stated that the people of Ladakh want jobs and industry.

Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, expressed hope that Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who earlier in the day arrived in Leh for a two-day visit, can “understand this reality”.

People of Zanskar earlier in the day welcomed Union Home Minister Amit Shah with their traditional dance and song in Leh, Ladakh.

Congress shared the images of the meeting on its official social media account.

“The youth of Ladakh told me how their beautiful homeland has been turned into a police state. Their voices have been suppressed, democratic rights have been crushed, and their land and fragile environment are being handed over to Modi ji’s billionaire friends. The people of Ladakh are not against development. They want jobs and industry, but development that benefits the local people. I hope that during his visit, the Home Minister can understand this reality,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X.

Meanwhile, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Monday approved the notification for the creation of five new districts in the Union Territory in a step aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and decentralizing administration.

Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass are the new districts and the number of districts in the Union Territory has gone up to seven.

Ladakh became a Union Territory on October 31, 2019. It is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and distinct culture. (ANI)

Singer Kailash Kher visited the sacred Kedarnath Temple early Thursday morning, offering prayers and performing rituals as part of a spiritual visit to seek divine blessings.

Amid the serene, snow-clad Himalayan backdrop, the singer undertook special pooja rituals and prayed for peace and prosperity, according to an official statement.

His visit adds to a series of high-profile pilgrimages to the revered shrine this season.

During his stay at Kedarnath Dham, Kher interacted with security personnel deployed at the temple as well as pilgrimage priests (teerth purohits).

He also held detailed discussions regarding facilities for pilgrims, security arrangements, and the overall management of the shrine.

Appreciating the arrangements, Kher remarked that despite the challenging geographical conditions, the facilities are highly satisfactory.

He praised the coordinated efforts of the administration, security forces, and local residents in ensuring a smooth pilgrimage experience.

The singer further highlighted the spiritual significance of the shrine, highlighting the divine aura and atmosphere of Kedarnath Dham.

Photographs from the visit showed Kher dressed in traditional winter attire, standing alongside temple staff and security personnel, with the ancient stone temple in the backdrop. (ANI)