Month: April 2026

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)

In a quiet spiritual interlude during the ongoing IPL season, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma visited Premanand Ji Maharaj at the Shri Hit Radha Keli Kunj Ashram in Vrindavan on April 20, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.

The visit took place during a brief break in Kohli’s IPL 2026 commitments with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The couple spent approximately 90 minutes at the ashram, where they participated in an “Ekantik Vartalaap,” described as a private spiritual discussion with the Maharaj. During their time there, they listened to devotional bhajans and engaged with philosophical teachings.

In a video shared on the Keli Kunj Ashram’s official Bhajan Marg YouTube channel, Kohli appeared in simple attire, wearing a casual shirt, while Sharma opted for a white kurta set.

They were seen seated on the ground among fellow devotees. Both wore Tulsi malas and had sandalwood tilaks applied to their foreheads.

This is not the couple’s first interaction with Premanand Ji Maharaj; they have previously sought his guidance on matters related to life lessons, forgiveness, and relationships.

The visit followed Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s recent IPL clash against Delhi Capitals and came ahead of their next scheduled match against Gujarat Titans on April 24.

In that previous encounter, Delhi Capitals secured a dramatic four-wicket victory off the final ball. Chasing 176 after RCB posted 175/8, powered by Phil Salt’s 63, Delhi recovered from an early 18/3.

Contributions from KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs, along with late hitting by David Miller, guided the team to 179/4.

Despite a strong bowling effort from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Delhi Capitals clinched the win, underlining their composure under pressure and middle-order resilience as they moved to fourth on the points table. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Monday confirmed that a high-level American negotiating team, including Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, is en route to Pakistan to initiate critical negotiations with the Iranian leadership.

In an interview with the New York Post, Trump made it clear that the objective of the mission is not merely a regional truce but the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

On the US team going to Pakistan, he said, “They’re heading over now…They’ll be there tonight, [Islamabad] time.”

Trump told the New York Post that the talks rest on one non-negotiable demand– Iran to give up on its nuclear pursuits.

“Get rid of their nuclear weapons. That’s all very simple,” he said. “There will be no nuclear weapon.”

While Trump expressed a willingness to meet directly with senior Iranian leaders should a breakthrough occur, he warned that the alternative to a deal would be catastrophic. When pressed on the consequences of a collapse in negotiations, he was blunt, “Well, I don’t want to get into that with you. You can imagine. It wouldn’t be pretty.”

The diplomatic mission faces immediate hurdles. Earlier Monday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry, via the Tasnim News Agency, stated it currently has “no plans” for a second round of negotiations, citing US “bad faith” and the recent maritime blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump, however, brushed off the deterrent rhetoric from Tehran, saying, “nobody is playing games” and that both sides are “supposed to have the talks.”

“We’re supposed to have the talks…So I would assume at this point nobody’s playing games”, he told the New York Post.

“I have no problem meeting them,” he said. “If they want to meet, and we have some very capable people, but I have no problem meeting them.”

The delegation is expected to touch down in Islamabad tonight (local time), where Pakistani mediators, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief Asim Munir, have established a high-security “Red Zone” for the summit.

This second round follows a gruelling 21-hour marathon of talks held on April 11-12, which ended in a stalemate.

With the ceasefire set to lapse on Wednesday, the Islamabad talks represent the final diplomatic off-ramp before a potential escalation into full-scale infrastructure warfare. While the US maintains that a “fair and reasonable” deal is on the table, the Iranian leadership’s refusal to negotiate under the “shadow of a blockade” suggests that the 21-hour marathon of the previous round may have been just a prelude to a much darker confrontation. (ANI)

Actor and filmmaker Riteish Deshmukh has hinted at Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s appearance in the upcoming film ‘Raja Shivaji’, sparking excitement among fans.

The revelation came during the grand finale episode of ‘Bigg Boss Marathi 6’, which Deshmukh hosts. While discussing the film, he also shared that Genelia Deshmukh will portray Saibai, the wife of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Speaking in Marathi, Deshmukh said, “In this film, Genelia portrays the role of Saibai, Chhatrapati Shivaji’s wife. And while we’re on this stage, I wouldn’t hesitate to say that you’ll also see Salman Khan, because when you’re standing on the stage of Bigg Boss, not mentioning him would be a bit weird.”

A clip from the episode has gone viral on social media, showing actor Abhishek Bachchan, who appeared as a special guest, reacting with excitement.

The hint about Khan’s involvement has added to the anticipation for ‘Raja Shivaji’.

Meanwhile, the trailer of Riteish Deshmukh starrer ‘Raja Shivaji’ was unveiled today, taking audiences into the actor’s intense pursuit for swarajya. With a powerful cast ensemble, the film aims to shed light on the extraordinary legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

With Riteish stepping as the Maratha warrior, he appears focused and determined, striving to establish swarajya. Genelia Deshmukh as Chhatrapati Shivaji’s wife brings much emotional depth to the story. The trailer also features Sanjay Dutt as a menacing ruler and Abhishek Bachchan as Sambhaji Shahaji Bhosale, offering a glimpse into their larger screen presence. Among others taking up key roles are Vidya Balan, Bhagyashree, Mahesh Manjerakar, and Boman Irani.

Mounted on a grand cinematic canvas, the film features high-octane action, rich world-building, and technical excellence. With music by the celebrated duo Ajay-Atul and cinematography by internationally acclaimed Santosh Sivan, Raja Shivaji is set to deliver a visual spectacle with strong emotional resonance. The trailer of the historical drama was unveiled at a grand event attended by the cast and crew.

The launch event was attended by several actors, including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar and Bhagyashree, all of whom play important roles in the film.

Presented by Jio Studios and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the banner of Mumbai Film Company, Raja Shivaji is set to release in cinemas worldwide on May 1, in Marathi, Hindi and Telugu. (ANI)

Telugu film actress and BJP leader Padala Kalyani and Andhra Pradesh BJP spokesperson Ajay filed a complaint with the Panjagutta Police against actor Prakash Raj, seeking registration of an FIR against him for his alleged derogatory remarks on Lord Ram and the Ramayana.

In her complaint dated April 20, 2026, Kalyani alleged that Prakash Raj, while speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode in January 2026, made “highly derogatory, distorted and malicious remarks” on Lord Ram and the Ramayana.

She cited a segment between 36:44 and 40:20 minutes of his speech, where she claimed he narrated a version of the Ramayana created by children from his theatre incubator ‘Nirdiganta’.

According to the complaint, Prakash Raj described Lord Ram and Lakshman as “North Indian migrant workers” who stole fruits from Ravana, portrayed as a South Indian tribal, and said the Ramayana war arose from a dispute over non-payment of fruits.

The complaint further alleged that between 39:40 and 39:45 minutes, Prakash Raj “deliberately equated the Holy Ramayana with beef-eating”, which she said insulted the epic and Lord Ram. She also objected to his statement at the 40:07 mark: “That is the Cultural Politics I am doing with my Play.”

Kalyani accused Prakash Raj of using ‘Nirdiganta’ to “brainwash children into writing and performing anti-Hindu plays” as a method of “Cultural Politics.” She said the speech was premeditated and has gone viral on social media, hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus.

She also cited another YouTube video of Prakash Raj speaking inside a church in Bengaluru, where he referenced Christ and the New Testament. The complaint claimed this showed “selective engagement and differential treatment towards different religious communities.”

Kalyani requested the police to register an FIR under BNS Sections 196, 299, 353 and IT Act Section 67, trace the source of the video clips, and consider blocking them under Section 69A of the IT Act if they disturb public order.

She said she has preserved video clips, screenshots, and timestamps as evidence and is ready to give a detailed statement. (ANI)

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday launched a sharp attack on the West Bengal government, alleging a “reign of goons and terror” across the state and asserting that the situation would change after May 4.

“There is a reign of goons and terror throughout Bengal. This is going to end on May 4. We will tell the goons and criminals to come to the police station and surrender. After May 4, there will be no one to save them,” Sarma said while addressing a gathering in Tamulik.

Assam CM also accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of disrespecting women.

“Mamata Didi has insulted all mothers and sisters by defeating the Women’s Reservation Bill,” he said.

Sarma’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions in the state, with leaders trading allegations in the run up to the polls.

Earlier, BJP National President Nitin Nabin on Monday asserted that a “BJP wave” is sweeping across West Bengal, claiming that the “time has come for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to be ousted from power.

“”Today, there is a BJP wave across West Bengal, and now the time has come for the TMC to be ousted. The time has come for the BJP to come in, and the enthusiasm among the people shows that this time, the people of West Bengal are on the streets against corruption, appeasement, and the oppression of women. A double-engine government will be formed under the leadership of (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi… Today, (Chief Minister) Mamata Didi of TMC has done the work of deceiving Maa, Mati and Manush. Now Mamata Didi’s time is over…,” Nabin told reporters here.

West Bengal will go to assembly elections in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting on May 4. West Bengal has a total of 294 Assembly seats, with the majority mark set at 148.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) secured a decisive victory, winning 213 seats with a vote share of 48.5 per cent.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the main opposition, winning 77 seats with a vote share of 38.5 per cent. Smaller players, including the RSPMA and independent candidates, won one seat each. The total declared seats stood at 292. (ANI)

Mumbai Indians (MI) batter Tilak Varma smashed the joint-fastest century for the Mumbai-based franchise during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Monday. He equalled Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya for the record.

Tilak also became the youngest centurion for the Mumbai Indians, aged 23 years and 163 days.

Tilak Varma scored an unbeaten 101 off just 45 balls, equalling Sanath Jayasuriya’s record of a 45-ball century against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2008 edition.

After Tilak and Jayasuriya, the list of fastest IPL centuries for MI includes Cameron Green, who reached his century in 47 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Wankhede in 2023, and Suryakumar Yadav, who scored a 49-ball hundred against Gujarat Titans at the same venue in 2023.

Tilak’s maiden IPL ton took the Mumbai Indians to a strong total of 199/5 against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Coming in at number five, Tilak came at the crease after the dismissal of Suryakumar Yadav when the Mumbai Indians were 46/3 in 5.5 overs.

By the 10th over, Tilak, alongside Naman Dhir, had stabilised the innings, pushing the score to 75/3. However, just as the duo began to shift the momentum, Prasidh Krishna broke the stand in the 13th over as the speedster claimed the wicket of Dhir, who fell for a brisk 45 off 32 deliveries.

It was then that Tilak shifted gears and started taking GT bowlers to the cleaners. He slammed 26 runs in the 18th over, bowled by GT’s Ashok Sharma, hitting three sixes and four boundaries.

He then scored 22 runs off the last over, bowled by Prasidh Krishna, hitting two sixes and two boundaries. He was on 97 with only one ball remaining and played a cross-batted shot towards the deep square leg region for a boundary to bring up his maiden IPL century. (ANI)

Scientists have discovered that moringa seeds can help pull microplastics out of water, rivalling standard chemical treatments. The plant-based extract causes plastic particles to clump together, making them easier to filter away.

In some conditions, it even outperformed conventional chemicals. This low-cost, natural solution could be a game-changer for cleaner drinking water, especially in smaller communities.

Researchers at the Institute of Science and Technology of São Paulo State University (ICT-UNESP) in São Jose dos Campos, Brazil, have found that Moringa oleifera, commonly known as moringa or white acacia, could help remove microplastics from water.

The findings were published in ACS Omega, a journal of the American Chemical Society.

Moringa is native to India and grows well in many tropical regions. Its leaves and seeds are widely consumed as food due to their nutritional value. Scientists have also been exploring the seeds for years because of their potential role in water purification.

Moringa Seed Extract Performs Like Chemical Treatment

“We showed that the saline extract from the seeds performs similarly to aluminum sulfate, which is used in treatment plants to coagulate water containing microplastics. In more alkaline waters, it performed even better than the chemical product,” says Gabrielle Batista, the first author of the study. She carried out the research during her master’s degree in the Post-Graduate Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering (PPGECA) at the Bauru School of Engineering (FEB) at UNESP.

The study was led by Adriano Goncalves dos Reis, a professor at ICT-UNESP and in the PPGECA at FEB-UNESP. He also heads the project “Direct and In-Line Filtration for the Removal of Microplastics from Drinking Water,” which is funded by FAPESP.

“The only drawback found so far regarding aluminum sulfate was the increase in dissolved organic matter, the removal of which could make the process more expensive. However, on a small scale, such as on rural properties and in small communities, the method could be used cost-effectively and efficiently,” says Reis.

How Coagulation Helps Remove Microplastics

The research focused on in-line filtration, a method in which water is first treated with a coagulant and then passed through a sand filter. This approach works best for water with low turbidity, meaning it is relatively clear and requires fewer preliminary treatment steps.

Coagulation plays a key role because microplastics and other contaminants carry a negative electrical charge. This causes them to repel each other and prevents them from being captured easily during filtration. Coagulants, including moringa salt extract (which can be made at home) and aluminum sulfate, neutralize these charges. As a result, the particles stick together, forming larger clusters that can be removed more easily.

Earlier work by the same research group showed that moringa seeds are effective throughout a full treatment cycle, including flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration. Luiz Gustavo Rodrigues Godoy, the first author of the study, completed his master’s degree at FEB-UNESP with support from FAPESP.

Lab Tests With Microplastic Contaminated Water

To evaluate the method, the team added polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics to tap water.

PVC was chosen because it is considered one of the most harmful plastics for human health, with known mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. It is also commonly found on the surfaces of water bodies and can persist even after conventional treatment.

The researchers exposed the PVC to ultraviolet radiation to simulate natural aging and better reflect the characteristics of real-world microplastics.

The contaminated water then went through coagulation and filtration using a Jar Test system, which mimics water treatment processes on a small scale. The results were compared with samples treated using aluminium sulfate.

To measure effectiveness, the team used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to count microplastic particles before and after treatment. They also analyzed the size of the particle clusters formed using a high-speed camera and laser measurements. Both treatments showed similar levels of microplastic removal.

Testing Moringa in Real Water Sources

The researchers are now testing moringa seed extract on water collected from the Paraiba do Sul River, which supplies São Jose dos Campos. So far, the results suggest the method is effective in treating natural water conditions as well.

“There’s increasing regulatory scrutiny and health concerns regarding the use of aluminum- and iron-based coagulants, as they aren’t biodegradable, leave residual toxicity, and pose a risk of disease. For that reason, the search for sustainable alternatives has intensified,” Reis concludes.

The findings highlight moringa as a promising, more sustainable option for reducing microplastics in drinking water, especially in smaller communities where cost and accessibility are key concerns. (ANI)