Month: April 2026

Stating that 99.9% of the Muslims in India are descendants of the Indian origin Hindus and are part and parcel of the society, RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, who is in the United States, has said that but they might have changed mode of worship but not nationality or civilisational roots and that RSS has been engaged in a dialogue for the last few years to remove any misgivings.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Hosabale said that there is a need to remove any tensions that emerge due to machinations and political interests.

“The forefathers of Indian Muslims were Indians; they had been Hindus. So, 99.9% of the Muslims in India are descendants of the Indian-origin Hindus. So, we feel and we believe that they are part and parcel of our society. They might have changed their mode of worship and their religion but they have not changed their nationality or civilisational roots,” he said.

“This is what we have been conveying. Because of certain other mechanisations and political interests, there have been some tensions on and off and that has to be removed. That is why, a continuous and comprehensive dialogue with the Muslim leadership is also required. That RSS has engaged in in the last few years, in order to remove these misgivings, if at all it is there,” he added.

He was asked what Muslims mean for the RSS and the community’s perception for the organization.

Asked about the biggest internal security threat for India and RSS’ role in fighting it, Hosabale pointed to illegal infiltration from the eastern border and demographic change in some areas.

“Within India, there are a lot of diversity. Playing upon these diversities and putting one against another for political interests, that creates problems. Within this Indian society, illegal infiltration on the eastern border mainly has definitely been considered to be a matter of internal security by governments,” he said.

“The demographic change that is taking place has its own tensions in society. Today, it is not too much of a security issue but the change of demography in some sections would definitely create social tensions,” he said.

Hosabale said that RSS has been organizing society, encouraging people to work for the nation and engage in community service.

The RSS General Secretary said that he had attended two conferences in the United States and interacted with various sections of American society, including people of Indian origin and Americans who are in academics and establishment and think tanks.

“I think most of them may not know India and the socio-cultural situations of India, what the various inter-places in society. So, perceptions are made because of… many a time because of misunderstandings, a lack of information and also a lack of communication on the part of people from India. So, I thought it’s better to communicate directly with them. Perception side, you know that RSS is a socio-cultural movement of people and it creates volunteers and they engage themselves in the national building activities,” he said.

He was asked about the perception around RSS and his public outreach in the United States.

Hosabale said Hudson Institute invited him for New India conference and discussed with him about the RSS.

“I had come for two conferences, one at Stanford University campus – the GSIF, Global Science Innovation Forum. They had also invited me to speak on science, society, and civilisational leadership. So, I thought this was an opportunity to express on behalf of Hindu society and also behalf of the organisation which I represent,” he said.

“It’s good we could reach out to various sections of American society – both of Indian origin and also Americans who are in academics and establishment, think tanks and so on. I could tell them what the RSS is doing for the last 100 years, we have been organising the society and encouraging the people to work for the nation and to engage themselves in community service…how RSS works and what is its philosophy, I could explain to them,” he added. (ANI)

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chodhary on Friday comfortably won the trust vote in the 243-member Bihar legislative assembly, reaffirming the NDA alliance’s unity, marking the completion of the political transition in the state following the resignation of Nitish Kumar from the CM post.

The confidence motion was passed comfortably by Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United) and other NDA constituents, affirming their trust in Samrat Choudhary.

Shortly after Samrat Choudhary presented the vote of confidence in the assembly, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav took a jibe at Bihar CM, thanking him for completing the transition from “elected Chief Minister’ to a selected Chief Minister”, expressing delight that a graduate of “Lalu Prasad Yadav’s pathshala” has taken up the post.

“A government needs stability for development work. But Bihar is a unique state, where this is the fifth government formed in five years… We would like to thank Samrat Choudhary for the transition from an ‘elected Chief Minister’ to a ‘selected Chief Minister’. We are delighted that he is a graduate of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s ‘pathshala’. What could be better for us than him becoming the Chief Minister?” he said.

Responding to Tejashwi Yadav’s jibe, Samrat Choudhary said that “power is not anyone’s inheritance,” crediting NDA’s leadership and the people of Bihar for his elevation to the CM post.

The power is not anyone’s inheritance. The CM’s post is the blessing of 14 crores Biharis. I have the blessing of Nitish Kumar, PM Modi, Nitin Nabin, Chirag Paswan, Upendra Kushwaha, Jitan Ram Manjhi,” he said.

“If Nitish Kumar hadn’t been there, would Lalu Yadav have been the Chief Minister? Nitish Kumar also made Lalu Yadav the Chief Minister… If Lalu Yadav hadn’t perpetrated atrocities on my political career, I wouldn’t have become the Chief Minister of Bihar,” he added.

Samrat Choudhary is the first BJP CM of Bihar. He comes from a family deeply rooted in politics. His father, Shakuni Choudhary, was a six-time MLA from the Tarapur constituency. His mother, Parvati Devi, won the same seat in 1998 for the now-defunct Samta Party.

Samrat Choudhary was appointed as the BJP’s state president in 2023 and later became the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar in 2024.

He took oath to office after the longest-serving Bihar CM Nitish Kumar resigned from the CM post to move to the Rajya Sabha as an MP. (ANI)

After generating buzz among fans with the announcement of his next project with director Vamshi Paidpally, superstar Salman Khan has now revealed an update on the film’s release date.

Salman Khan and Nayanthara starrer #SVC63 is set to hit theatres on Eid 2027.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Salman shared a video from the film set with the caption, “Thoda durr ki sochna chahiye, That’s why announced Eid….. Don’t worry iss wali ka bhi bataenge, when the time is right……Patience, thoda sa sabar……Mere Jitna he intezar karna padega,Baherhaal jo apka haal hai wo hi mera bhi haal hai…. haha.”

On Wednesday, the makers gave fans a sneak peek into Day 1 of the shoot.

Recently, Salman Khan took to his Instagram handle to share a picture with director Vamshi Paidpally to announce his new project.

He wrote, “Dil, Dimag, Jigar se from this April with Director Vamshi and Dil Raju.”Director Vamshi Paidpally also shared the update on his Instagram, calling it an “honour” to direct Salman Khan. “Honored to collaborate with Salman Khan Sir for my next film. This One is Powered by Heart and Driven by Conviction. April. We Begin.”

Meanwhile, Salman is gearing up for the release of ‘Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace’, which also stars Chitrangada Singh.

The film was earlier titled ‘Battle of Galwan’. (ANI)

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Friday described the Tamil Nadu Assembly polling voter turnout as a “pinnacle historical event” in the history of the state’s election politics, adding that the “victory is certain”.

Sharing the message on X, Vijay reflected his thoughts on politics, voter participation, and the recent conluded state Assembly elections. He began his post saying, “Greetings to all who reside in my heart.”

In a sharp political commentary on traditional power structures, he wrote, “Politics is something only for some celestial warriors. Only for those with excessive experience. Only for those who enjoy positions. The illusory calculations of those who confined and controlled politics within such specific boundaries have been shattered and crushed by ordinary people.”

He further highlighted the growing role of youth and women in political discourse, stating, “The miracle and necessity of young people and women, who until now were assumed not to care about politics at all, beginning to speak about politics has started to happen. Everyone with an impartial mind will feel when this began.”

Referring to voter participation, Vijay said, “Until now, a large percentage of specific votes did not even come to the polling stations. But the legislative assembly election voting that took place on April 23, 2026, has been recorded as a pinnacle historical event in the history of Tamil Nadu election politics.”

Emphasising turnout figures, he added, “85% voter turnout is something Tamil Nadu has never seen until now.”

Describing the polling day experience, Vijay wrote, “No one would have failed to be amazed seeing families, family by family, with little children, coming to vote, just like the crowds seen at temples anywhere for polling stations. And is that all? Can we not clasp our hands in salute to those democrats who came, spending great sums, from other states and even from foreign countries just to vote?”

He further stated, “The meaning of calling it an election festival, a democratic festival, was truly felt only yesterday. This April 23, 2026. Yet, this is only a beginning.”

Expressing gratitude to his supporters and family, Vijay said, “As the people of Tamil Nadu who have redefined Tamil election politics, my grandmother, my mother, my sisters, my grandfather, my father, my brothers, my entire family relations, I offer my bowed-head gratitude as an offering to all of you.”

He also extended special thanks to close associates, saying, “Especially, to my little friend, my bestie who guided our family members, my special greetings and thanks from me, your Vijay Mama.”

Acknowledging party workers and election teams, he also thanked the family members who stood as support for his party comrades. “Especially, the ones I must thank are our polling booth agents, our party comrades, and all levels of administrators. To all of you, what politics do you know? Those who mocked, saying how would you even hold on–what answer you gave through action, comrades… To you, my heartfelt wishes and thanks. Thanks also to the family members who stood as support for our party comrades.”

Vijay added, “Let us remain with hope. Only good will happen. Victory is certain.”

Polling for the Assembly elections concluded at 6 pm on Thursday, with Tamil Nadu recording 84.80 per cent turnout, according to the latest data by the Election Commission of India.

The high turnout figures underline an active electoral exercise as polling drew to a close amid tight security arrangements across constituencies.

Tamil Nadu also recorded a strong turnout across key districts, with Karur leading at 92.48 per cent, followed closely by Salem at 90.42 per cent, Dharmapuri at 90.02 per cent, Erode at 89.97 per cent and Namakkal at 89.63 per cent. (ANI)

Allowing the medical termination of pregnancy of a 15-year-old girl who was over seven months pregnant, the Supreme Court on Friday observed that a woman cannot be compelled to continue with an unwanted pregnancy.

A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan said that no court ought to compel a woman, particularly a minor, to carry a pregnancy to full term against her express will, as such compulsion would inflict “grave mental, emotional and physical trauma”.

Allowing the minor to undergo medical termination, the bench said that in cases of unwanted pregnancy, directing continuation would negate her dignity, autonomy, and long-term well-being.

The constitutional courts must prioritise the wishes and welfare of the pregnant woman over procedural and statutory limitations under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act when faced with cases of unwanted pregnancies likely to cause severe mental and physical trauma, it added.

“If she is forced to continue the pregnancy and give birth to a child, the consequence would be adverse. An unwanted pregnancy and the mindset of a pregnant woman has a bearing on the child to be born too. The decision not to continue her pregnancy and seek termination with all attendant medical risk must be respected rather than compelling such a pregnant woman to continue such a pregnancy,” observed the bench.

The bench also expressed concern that if courts routinely declined permission in such cases, minors might resort to unsafe and illegal abortion methods.

It also said that forcing continuation of such an unwanted pregnancy would have long-lasting repercussions on the minor’s mental health, educational prospects, social standing and overall development.

The apex court was hearing a plea filed by the mother of the minor seeking permission for medical termination of pregnancy beyond the statutory period prescribed under the MPT Act.

The top court also took into consideration that the pregnancy arose from a consensual relationship between two minors and that the girl had unequivocally expressed her unwillingness to continue with the pregnancy.

The bench also rejected the argument that the child could be given up for adoption after birth, and observed that what is relevant in such cases is the choice of the pregnant woman rather than that of the child to be born, and that the availability of adoption cannot be used as a reason to compel childbirth.

What is relevant is whether the pregnant woman intends to give birth to the child or not. In the present case, she has clearly expressed her unwillingness to continue with the pregnancy, noted the bench.

Hence, the top court directed that she be permitted to undergo medical termination of pregnancy at AIIMS, New Delhi, subject to all necessary medical safeguards.

The MTP Act, first enacted in 1971 and then amended in 2021, allows all women to undergo abortion legally for up to 20 weeks. It gives a further extension to women on account of mental anguish, rape, assault and health complications, among others. (ANI)

China on Friday dismissed allegations by US President Donald Trump that an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel intercepted by US forces was ‘a gift from China’, calling the accusation not based on facts.

According to Al Jazeera, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the accusation lacked evidence. He also told reporters that trade relations between countries should not be disrupted amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Earlier, on Wednesday as well, China dismissed US President Donald Trump’s claim that a vessel intercepted by US forces in the Strait of Hormuz may have been carrying a “gift from China” to Tehran, reiterating that it has always complied with its international obligations.

Responding to a question on Trump’s comments during a regular press conference here, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that Beijing has repeatedly clarified its position on the matter and emphasised its record as a responsible global power.

“China has made clear its position more than once. Let me reiterate that as a responsible major country, China has always been a role model in performing its due international obligations,” the spokesperson said.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed that American forces intercepted a vessel allegedly carrying materials from China intended for Iran, describing the shipment as a “gift” amid ongoing geopolitical tensions with the Islamic Republic.

Speaking in an interview on CNBC Squawk Box, Trump said the United States had recently seized a ship carrying unspecified items, suggesting it may have originated from China and was bound for Iran.

“We caught a ship yesterday that had some things on it which wasn’t very nice – a gift from China, perhaps, I don’t know,” Trump said.

“I was a little surprised, because I have a very good relationship and I thought I had an understanding with President Xi, but that’s all right. That’s the way war goes, right?”

Trump also claimed that the US military remains well-supplied, saying stockpiles of ammunition and equipment had improved in recent weeks.

“So we’ve used this to restock, and they probably have done a little bit of restocking,” he added.

Meanwhile, on April 21, Iravani also formally urged the global body to press the United States to immediately and unconditionally release the Iranian commercial vessel Touska, along with its crew and their families, as reported by Iranian state broadcaster Press TV.

In a letter sent on Tuesday to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the president of the Security Council, Ambassador Iravani raised “urgent concern” over what he described as ongoing international law violations by the United States, including the deliberate targeting of Iranian commercial ships.

Iravani detailed the incident involving the Touska, stating that US forces had captured the vessel in the Sea of Oman near Iran’s coast a day earlier, calling the move a “hostile and unlawful act.”(ANI)

The World Meteorological Organization on Friday said that El Nino weather conditions are likely to develop from as early as May 2026, potentially affecting global temperatures and rainfall patterns.

El Nino is a periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, which typically lasts from nine to 12 months, according to the WMO.

“After a period of neutral conditions at the start of the year, climate models are now strongly aligned, and there is high confidence in the onset of El Nino, followed by further intensification in the months that follow,” said Wilfran Moufouma Okia, Chief of Climate Prediction at WMO.

El Nino and La Nina are opposite phases of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and one of the most powerful climate patterns on Earth. These events reshape global weather, influencing rainfall, drought, and extreme events across regions.

El Nino is characterized by a warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Equatorial Pacific. It typically occurs every two to seven years and lasts around nine to twelve months.

For the May-June-July season, land surface temperatures are expected to be above-normal nearly everywhere, the WMO said adding that the signal is especially strong over southern North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, as well as Europe and Northern Africa. Rainfall predictions show strong regional variations, the World Met agency said.

The India Meterological Department earlier this month had said that India is likely to see below-normal monsoon this year, the first time in three years.

The IMD said the 2026 southwest monsoon seasonal (June to September) rainfall over the country as a whole is most likely to be below normal (95-90 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA).Quantitatively, the seasonal rainfall over the country as a whole is likely to be 92 per cent of LPA with a model error of +- 5%. The LPA of the seasonal rainfall over the country as a whole based on the period of 1971-2020 is 87 cm.

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), normal rainfall is defined as between 96 per cent and 104 per cent of a 50-year average of 87 cm (35 inches) for the four-month season.”It is expected to be 80 per cent this year,” M Ravichandran, Secretary, Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, said while addressing a press conference Ravichandran said.

“At present, weak La Nina-like conditions are transitioning to neutral conditions over equatorial Pacific and neutral Indian Ocean Diapole (IOD) conditions presently over the Indian Ocean we are expecting the second half of the monsoon period to develop IOD positive,” he said.

Latest climate models forecast indicates that the positive IOD conditions are likely to develop towards the end of the southwest monsoon season.

As per the WMO global seaonal climate update for May-June 2026, the Nino 3.4 plume indicates a rapid warming trend and “multi-model ensemble forecasts indicate a nearly global dominance of above-normal land surface temperatures.” (ANI)

The Gauhati High Court on Friday has rejected an anticipatory bail petition filed by Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with an FIR lodged by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Congress leader Pawan Khera should surrender before the law and appear in Guwahati, after the Supreme Court of India declined to extend his transit anticipatory bail in a case linked to allegations involving the Chief Minister’s wife.

Speaking to ANI in Uttar Dinajpur Sarma said, “I think Pawan Khera should surrender before the law. He should come to Guwahati and surrender there.”

Earlier, the Supreme Court had rejected Congress leader Pawan Khera’s plea seeking to extend transit anticipatory bail, granted to him earlier by the Telangana High Court, till Tuesday on the ground of enabling him to approach any jurisdictional court in Assam in the case where Khera is alleged to have made false allegations against the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

This comes after Assam Police had approached the Supreme Court against Telangana High Court’s decision to grant transit anticipatory bail for a period of one week from April 10, subject to the conditions. According to the bail order, Pawan Khera has to approach the competent jurisdictional Court in Assam and seek appropriate relief in accordance with the law.

Telangana High Court had granted one week’s anticipatory bail to Khera in a case filed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, in connection with allegations made over passport and property disclosures.

He had alleged that CM Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, holds three passports, from India, the UAE, and Egypt, and owns undisclosed luxury properties in Dubai, along with a company in Wyoming, USA.

The Sarma family has strongly denied these claims, terming the documents “AI-generated fabrications” circulated by Pakistani social media groups. (ANI)