Month: April 2026

Dreams do come true, and for Sharvari, that dream has now become reality as she has been signed as a leading lady in veteran filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya’s film ‘Yeh Prem Mol Liya’.

Backed by Rajshri Productions in association with Mahaveer Jain Films, the project stars Ayushmann Khurrana opposite Sharvari.

Expressing her excitement, Sharvari took to Instagram and wrote, “The journey of ‘Yeh Prem Mol Liya’ – a very very special film has been filled with gratitude, blessings, positivity and all things amazing”

She added, “To be directed by Sooraj sir is my biggest dream come true! And sharing this journey alongside Ayushmann makes it even more special. Can’t wait for you all to experience this on 27th November 2026, in theatres!”

The film marks Barjatya’s return to direction after his critically acclaimed ‘Uunchai,’ for which he won the National Award for Best Director.

Known for his signature family-centric storytelling, the director is set to revisit one of his most beloved cinematic elements, the character of Prem.

“With Yeh Prem Mol Liya, Rajshri’s beloved character – Prem – makes a return to the big screen after 12 years,” the makers noted.

Khurrana will step into the iconic role for the first time, bringing his interpretation to a character long associated with the Rajshri banner.

The film also reunites Barjatya with composer Himesh Reshammiya after their previous collaboration on ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’. (ANI)

Vishesh Films has officially announced ‘Awarapan 2’, the long-awaited sequel to its 2007 cult classic, with a theatrical release locked for August 14, 2026, coinciding with the Independence Day weekend.

The film will see Emraan Hashmi reprise his role as Shivam.

The promotional imagery features a close-up of a hand marked with a bird tattoo, echoing the original film’s themes of freedom and redemption.

Positioned as a major Independence Day release, ‘Awarapan 2’ also stars Disha Patani in a leading role opposite Hashmi, marking her first collaboration with Vishesh Films.

Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the sequel aims to build on the emotional depth of the original while introducing a fresh cinematic approach.

Producer Vishesh Bhatt underlined the scale and emotional core of the project, stating, “Awarapan is an emotion so large that it’s meant for the big screen. It also presents exotic settings and large scale sequences but fundamentally it’s built on our core principles of layered storytelling with powerful characters and rich music. Emraan felt the angst of Shivam so deeply that he stepped into character in a heartbeat. And with Disha Patani joining us, the world of the film opened up to new possibilities,” in a press note.

The sequel continues Vishesh Films’ collaboration with Sony Music India. The original ‘Awarapan’, released nearly 19 years ago, remains widely regarded for its tragic narrative and memorable soundtrack.

The makers have confirmed that Awarapan 2 is currently in its final leg of production in Mumbai and will release in cinemas worldwide on August 14, 2026. (ANI)

The Delhi High Court has granted an ex parte ad interim injunction in favour of actor Allu Arjun, restraining multiple entities from unauthorised use and commercial exploitation of his personality rights, including his name, image, voice, likeness and distinctive attributes, across physical and digital platforms.

Passing detailed directions, Justice Tushar Rao Gedela held that the material placed on record clearly establishes a strong prima facie case in favour of the actor.

The Court observed that the balance of convenience lies with the plaintiff and that irreparable harm would be caused if immediate protection were not granted.

Accordingly, defendants were restrained from using or misappropriating Allu Arjun’s identity or any attributes uniquely associated with him for commercial or personal gain, including through emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, deepfakes and voice cloning.

The Court further prohibited the defendants from violating the actor’s moral rights by exploiting his performances using technological tools, and from selling or advertising any goods or services under his name or registered trademarks. This includes merchandise such as clothing, posters, mugs and digital content that leverage his persona without authorisation.

Significantly, the Court directed certain intermediaries to remove all infringing links and websites identified by the plaintiff within 72 hours, while permitting the actor to notify additional infringing content in future. Upon such intimation, intermediaries have been directed to promptly block access to such material.

The Court also granted liberty to the plaintiff to implead newly discovered infringers and seek an extension of the injunction against them.

The Court noted that the actor has demonstrated extensive goodwill and reputation built over decades, supported by documentary evidence of his career, awards, endorsements and trademark registrations. It was observed that his name, likeness, voice, gestures and other personality traits are distinctive identifiers exclusively associated with him and are entitled to legal protection.

The matter was heard on a plea filed by Allu Arjun seeking protection of his personality rights against unauthorised commercial exploitation, including AI-generated content and online merchandise. At the outset, the Court had also raised questions regarding territorial jurisdiction, noting the actor’s connection to Telangana. In response, counsel for the actor argued that the alleged violations occur across digital platforms nationwide, justifying the Court’s jurisdiction.

Senior Advocate Swathi Sukumar, appearing for the actor, highlighted the growing misuse of celebrity identities through technology, including applications enabling interaction with AI-generated versions of the actor. She termed the situation “truly frightening” and emphasised the urgent need for judicial intervention.

Meanwhile, counsel for intermediaries opposed the grant of a global injunction, pointing out that related issues are pending before a Division Bench. Taking note of the submissions, the Court confined its directions to specific infringing content while indicating that appropriate orders would follow.

The High Court has now issued summons in the suit and listed the matter before the Joint Registrar for completion of pleadings, while the case will be taken up next before the Court on September 24, 2026. (ANI)

Crude oil prices have nearly doubled amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, rising from around USD 63 per barrel in January to an average of USD 116 per barrel in April, even as domestic fuel supply remains stable, a senior government official said on Tuesday.

“If you see, in January, our Indian crude basket was around USD 63 per barrel. Which increased to USD 113 per barrel in March and in April, the average is around USD 116 per barrel,” said Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, during an inter-ministerial briefing.

Despite the sharp rise in global prices and volatility, Sharma said India continues to maintain relatively lower fuel prices compared to neighbouring countries. “Our prices among our neighboring countries are one of the lowest,” she noted.

On supply, Sharma said domestic LPG availability remains unaffected. “The domestic LPG supply for the domestic kitchen is normal with respect to the bookings, and there is no dry-out reported on any LPG distributor,” she said, adding that delivery efficiency currently stands at 93 per cent.

She acknowledged some fluctuations in demand, stating, “There has been some reduction in online booking. It is in the range of 45-46 lakh per day,” while noting that commercial LPG supply has been largely restored.

Highlighting consumption trends, Sharma said that in April so far, “there has been a sale of 1,23,000 tonnes of commercial LPG… yesterday, there was a sale of 8,822 tonnes.”

The government has also expanded access to smaller cylinders for migrant populations. “The Indian government has doubled the number of 5-kilo cylinders… since April 3, there have been 7,400 awareness camps,” she said, adding that “more than 1,07,000 5-kilo cylinders have been sold so far.”

On natural gas, Sharma said supply remains stable. “Domestic PNG supply and CNG transport have been maintained 100 per cent,” she stated, adding that over “5,68,000 new consumers have been registered for PNG connections.”

She also noted a shift among consumers, with “more than 39,400 PNG consumers… surrendering their LPG connections.”

Reassuring on overall fuel availability, Sharma said, “Retail supply is also normal. No dry out of any product has been reported on any petrol pump,” while adding that “our refineries are operating at optimum capacity and crude inventory is also sufficient.”

The government has stepped up enforcement to prevent disruptions, with “more than 2200 surprise inspections and raids… carried out yesterday,” she said, adding that action has been taken wherever irregularities were found.

The briefing comes as the government continues to monitor the impact of geopolitical tensions in West Asia on energy markets and domestic supply chains. (ANI)

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar lauded the Indian players for their blistering performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Superb contributions of Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson helped the defending champions to post a monstrous total of 255/5 in 20 overs.

Taking to the social media platform X, Tendulkar noted that Abhishek Sharma had a challenging tournament but justified the team’s faith with a blistering half-century in the summit clash.

“Not the easiest tournament for Abhishek Sharma, but the team showed belief in his ability. He has repaid that faith with a crucial knock in the final. Well played. Ishan Kishan is bringing real momentum to the innings, and Sanju Samson is continuing his reliable run,” Tendulkar wrote on X.

Coming to the match, Majestic fifties from Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and a late cameo from Shivam Dube propelled India to a massive 255/6

India posted the highest total ever in the final of a T20 World Cup. Dube slammed an unbeaten 26 off just 8 balls. He smashed James Neesham for 24 runs in the final over.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to field against India in Ahmedabad.

India’s opening duo, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, have exposed New Zealand’s lack of big-match experience in the powerplay.

After a watchful first couple of overs, India hit top gear, clobbering 24 in the fourth over as Samson-Sharma became the first opening duo to score a 50+ stand in a T20 World Cup final.

The Black Caps’ pacers, including Matt Henry, have struggled to maintain a steady line, with Henry conceding four wides in the fifth over.

This led to New Zealand bowling eight extra deliveries in the powerplay, the most they’ve ever done in T20Is. Samson and Sharma have capitalised on this, scoring 92 runs in the power play, the highest ever in a T20 World Cup match.

Abhishek Sharma blasted an 18-ball fifty, and the duo became the first opening pair to score a 50+ stand in a T20 World Cup final.

Though Sharma wasn’t in the best of form at the start of the World Cup. Sharma rose to the occasion in the final, bringing up the fastest 50 of the tournament in just 18 balls with the help of six fours and three sixes.

Rachin Ravindra provided his team with the breakthrough as he had Sharma nicked to the wicketkeeper. However, the 98-run opening stand, with Sharma contributing 52 off 21, may have well set India up for another big score.

Even after losing the wicket, India kept up the relentless pace. Samson and Ishan Kishan have put on 93 off just 41 balls for the second wicket, taking India to 191/1 in 14 overs.

Samson continued his incredible form, scoring a half-century in the T20 World Cup final, his third consecutive in the tournament. He became the third player to achieve this feat in a semi-final and final.

New Zealand’s pace-heavy attack, featuring Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry, struggled to contain India’s aggressive batting, with Ferguson conceding 48 runs in two overs.

Neesham gave a much needed break through over to New Zealand as he removed Samson, Kishan, and Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav on a golden duck in the 16th over, as India slipped from 203/2 to 204/4.

Kiwi’s pulled back the scoring rate after the 16th over. Veteran seamer Henry, in his last over, opened his wicket tally after he removed Hardik Pandya for 18 runs.

India’s crisis man delivered yet again with his big hits in the final over. India finished on 255/5, six runs short of the highest T20 WC score. (ANI)

A total of nine people, including five BJP workers and four TMC workers, were arrested after tensions escalated into a clash outside Ekbalpur Police Station in Kolkata on Monday.

As per the Kolkata police, the incident unfolded on Hossain Shah Road during a campaigning programme, triggering a confrontation between supporters of the two rival parties.

According to Kolkata Police, the clash broke out when Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters gathered for a meeting led by party candidate Rakesh Singh. During the programme, sloganeering by BJP workers was met with counter-slogans from supporters of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), leading to a heated exchange that soon turned violent.

Police intervened to control the situation and prevent further escalation. Officials confirmed that a total of nine individuals, five from the BJP and four from the TMC, have been taken into custody. “Three FIRs have been registered against different groups in connection with the incident,” Kolkata Police said.

Further details are awaited.

The clash comes amid a charged political atmosphere in West Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections, scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting on May 4.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified her attack on the BJP, alleging attempts to disrupt her campaign. She recently claimed that her flight was deliberately delayed and accused the BJP of deploying “cherry-picked” officers to create hurdles for her party.

Banerjee also alleged that the BJP was trying to intimidate workers through false cases and misuse of agencies, while urging voters to remain vigilant during polling and counting.

West Bengal, which has 294 Assembly seats with a majority mark of 148, is witnessing a high-stakes contest between the ruling TMC and the BJP, with both parties ramping up their campaigns in the final stretch before voting. (ANI)

India on Monday (local time) called for sweeping reforms in global financial reforms at ‘General Debate of the 2026 ECOSOC Forum’ and in the United Nations Security Council, emphasised the need to better reflect the aspirations of the Global South during key discussions at the UN Headquarters.

In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Secretary (West) Sibi George delivered India’s national statement at the “General Debate of the 2026 ECOSOC Forum” on financing for development follow-up.

“Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorge delivered India’s national statement at the General Debate of the 2026 ECOSOC Forum on financing for development follow-up at UN Headquarters,” the post said.

Highlighting structural challenges in global development financing, India stressed the urgent need for systemic reforms.

“Secretary (West) underscored the need for a fair, inclusive & development-oriented global financial system to bridge the $4T SDG financing gap. He also highlighted that reforming IFIs, enhancing the voice of the Global South, and deploying digital public infrastructure are key to delivering on the Sevilla Commitment,” it added.

In a separate engagement, India also pushed for long-pending reforms of the United Nations Security Council during the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) meeting at the UN.

“Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorgedelivered the national statement at the IGN meeting on @UN Security Council reforms in the UN headquarters,” the post noted.

India emphasised that the current structure of the Security Council does not adequately represent developing nations, particularly in its permanent membership.

“He highlighted the need for greater representation of the Global South, particularly in the permanent category. He underlined the similarities between India’s approach to UN Security Council reforms and the African model,” the post said.

Earlier, India underscored its continued engagement with the United Nations with a particular focus on UN peacekeeping issues during a high-level interaction between MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George and Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations at the UN headquarters in New York.

In a post on X on Tuesday, India’s Permanent Mission to the UN said, “Secretary (West) Sibi George met with Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations. Both had a productive discussion on various topics, with particular focus on UN Peacekeeping.”

Sibi George met Khaled Khiari, where both sides had a “productive discussion” on various topics. The discussion particularly highlighted collaboration in UN Peacekeeping, an area where India remains a key contributor.

According to the official website of the UN India, India has been among the largest and most consistent troop contributing countries to UN peacekeeping, with more than 275,000 Indian personnel having served under the UN flag since 1948. (ANI)

An Iranian supertanker has successfully bypassed a US naval blockade returning to Iranian waters after delivering 2 million barrels of crude oil via the Riau Archipelago, reports Fars News. The vessel had departed Iran in March to Indonesia and was making its return admist the US imposed Naval blockade.

While Tehran hails the mission as a breakthrough against the “US Siege,” regional tensions remain high as a critical ceasefire deadline approaches on April 22.

The successful transit comes amid heightened monitoring of Iranian maritime activities and commercial shipping lanes in the region. In a defiant move against Western maritime restrictions, Iranian media reporting has characterised the mission as a significant breakthrough, stating that “Another Iranian Tanker Breaches the U.S. Siege.”

Iran’s Fars News Agency, framed the journey towards the “Riau Islands” in Indonesia as a major development against the economic and naval pressure campaign directed at Tehran’s energy exports.

Fars cited Vessel Tracking site Tanker Traffic which reported, “National Iranian VLCC supertanker departed Iran in late March 2026 and swam on over to the Riau Archipelago where she transferred her 2 million barrels of crude oil to another VLCC. She then returned home via the blockade line. She’ll reach Kharg Island tomorrow.”

This comes as Tehran continues to utilise its fleet to navigate around unilateral sanctions, with officials frequently dismissing American-led enforcement efforts as an illegal blockade.

The successful return of the supertanker is being viewed by state media as a testament to the country’s ability to maintain its petroleum supply chains despite the intense surveillance of the “U.S. Siege.” While neither Washington nor international maritime authorities have issued a formal response to the vessel’s specific movement, the development coincides with a period in which tensions between Tehran and Washington have reached a critical flashpoint.

As the 22 April ceasefire deadline approaches, the diplomatic deadlock remains rooted in long-standing disputes over the Iranian nuclear programme and the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy supplies. While the current 14-day truce has managed to pause active combat, the atmosphere remains poisoned by mutual suspicion.

As the clock runs down on the fragile ceasefire, both capitals remain entrenched in a dangerous standoff. With the threat of renewed hostilities hanging over the region, the success of the Islamabad talks appears increasingly uncertain. (ANI)

Janshakti Janta Dal Founder Tej Pratap Yadav on Tuesday pitched for Priyanka Gandhi’s leadership for Congress, expressing disbelief in Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s ability to lead the party.

“Only Priyanka Gandhi can run it; she is like Indira Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi se chalne wala nhi hai (Rahul Gandhi can’t run it) by going on a yatra, by sitting on a Bullet, Nitish Kumar ji left, someone else became CM, What’s his motive?” he said.

Tej Pratap Yadav’s remark came in response to Rahul Gandhi’s allegation of Nitish Kumar being “compromised” after the Janata Dal (United) chief’s recent exit from state politics. BJP’s Samrat Choudhary replaced Nitish Kumar as Bihar CM.

This is not the first time Rahul Gandhi’s leadership has been questioned. In January of this year, former Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed alleged that there’s “no internal democracy” in Congress and Rahul Gandhi wants to “throw out” the senior leadership of the party.

The former Union Minister lashed out at the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, claiming the latter is “uncomfortable” in collaborating with popular, veteran leaders.

“There are many leaders in Congress who have been politicians long before Rahul Gandhi became one. The day Rahul Gandhi ji won his first election, I won my fifth election. I believe he is uncomfortable sitting with those who don’t think of him as their boss. I have felt this for a long time, but when you stay in party you don’t say such things,” Ahmad told ANI.

He also alleged that Rahul Gandhi has a sense of superiority because of his Nehru-Gandhi lineage.

Ahmed also alleged, “There is no internal democracy in the Congress party…In the Congress party, whatever Rahul Gandhi says is final.”

He further added that Gandhi had kept the youth Congress and NSUI together to “throw out” the senior leadership.

“Rahul Gandhi has kept the youth Congress and NSUI together as he wants to throw the senior established leaders out of the Congress party and replace them with leaders of the youth Congress and those who speak well of Rahul Gandhi,” he said. (ANI)