Month: April 2026

The Patiala house court in the national capital on Monday granted time to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file its reply on Bollywood Actor Jacqueline Fernandes’s application for turning approver in the Rs 200 crore money laundering case linked with Sukesh Chandrasekhar.

The ED said that the application was vague. It also said that it requires some time to peruse the application.

Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Prashant Sharma granted time to ED and listed the matter for hearing on May 8.

Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Atul Kumar Tripathi appeared for ED and sought time to pursue the application. He also said that the plea seems to be a vague one.

The Patiala house court on April 17 issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a plea of Actor Jacqueline Fernandes seeking permission to turn approver in a Rs. 200 money laundering case linked with Sukesh Chandrasekhar.

It is alleged that the actress received gifts from Sukesh Chandrasekhar out of alleged proceeds of crime.

Jacqueline Fernandes filed an application through advocate Ashish Batra for turning approver.

During the hearing, Advocate SPM Tripathi, counsel for accused Sunder Bora, was present and had submitted that the notice should be issued to all Accused persons as 18 out of 22 accused have argued on the charge.

SPP Atul Tripathi had opposed the submissions and said that this is a matter between the applicant, the investigation agency, and the court. The other accused has no right to get a notice.

Advocate SPM Tripathi had rebutted and said that this case is at the post cognisance stage and arguments on charge are going on. There are legal provisions which entitled the Accused persons to get notice and to respond.

Earlier, her counsel had mentioned that she wanted to be an approver. Thereafter, she filed a representation before the ED. An application was filed in the court, which was heard by the court.

The money laundering case is at the stage of arguments of charge, and Jacqueline Fernandes is to argue on the charge. Meanwhile, she has moved an application to turn approver. Her counsel said that she is ready and willing to turn approver and to cooperate with the investigation. (ANI)

The teaser of ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh Do’ has been unveiled, promising a fresh dose of chaos and comedy as the popular “pativerse” expands with a new twist.

Backed by T-Series and B R Studios, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release on 15 May 2026.

Clocking in at 1 minute and 22 seconds, the teaser revisits the familiar “pati-patni-aur-woh” dynamic but raises the stakes significantly.

This time, the narrative follows Prajapati Pandey, played by Ayushmann Khurrana, who finds himself entangled not between two, but three women, portrayed by Sara Ali Khan, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Rakul Preet Singh.

Set against the backdrop of Prayagraj, the teaser opens with a nostalgic nod to the earlier “pati-patni” narrative before spiralling into a full-blown comedy of errors.

As misunderstandings pile up, the situation grows increasingly tangled, amplifying the film’s central theme of romantic confusion.

Adding to the mayhem is Vijay Raaz, who appears as a cop interrogating Prajapati Pandey about his complicated relationships, intensifying the comic tension.

Directed by Mudassar Aziz, the film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Renu Ravi Chopra, and Krishan Kumar, with creative production by Juno Chopra.

Presented by Gulshan Kumar and B R Chopra, the project marks a continuation of the franchise’s comedic exploration of relationships, now reimagined with a more complex love dynamic. (ANI)

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President Vijay on Wednesday held a massive roadshow in the Panchatti area of Ponnery assembly constituency for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

A sea of people gathered to show thier support for the actor Vijay, who is making his politcal debut in these assembly elections.

However, A TVK supporter attending party president Vijay’s election roadshow in the Panchatti area of Ponnery Assembly Constituency was provided medical attention by the party cadre after she experienced discomfort due to standing under the Sun. Some supporters also fainted after being exposed to the sun for a long time.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to make his electoral debut with his party TVK, which could turn the contest into a three-way fight. In Tiruchirappalli East, Vijay is contesting against DMK’s Inigo S Irudayaraj. He is also contesting from Perambur, where he is up against the DMK MLA RD Sekar.

On Thursday, Vijay unveiled the party’s election manifesto, promising Rs 2,500 monthly assistance for women and an 8 gm gold and silk saree for every bride from families with an annual income below Rs 5 lakh if voted into power in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23.

“TVK has adopted honest administration as its ideology. That is why we say that even our party’s first election manifesto is an assurance of honesty. We will not mislead like Stalin. We are not making any hurried manifesto filled with empty promises to the people,” Vijay said.

Targeting the ruling dispensation and opposition alike, he added, “We had said that DMK and others are all the same, right?… Take the election manifestos released by both sides and compare them. If one or two points were similar, it would still be fine. But do you know what they have done? If one promises Rs 10,000, the other offers a ₹8,000 coupon. If one offers a refrigerator, the other gives a token to buy a refrigerator… In this way, both of them have presented the same election manifesto, merely changing the name and the colour… They are just groups of ideologies under the same umbrella. But we will never deceive people like these two corrupt groups.”

Announcing key proposals aimed at youth and welfare, Vijay said, “To support every college student, a collateral-free loan guarantee of up to Rs 20 lakh for education loans from undergraduate to doctoral studies will be provided. We will provide free competitive exam coaching powered by AI.”

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The main contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which includes the Indian National Congress, DMDK and VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance led by AIADMK with BJP and PMK as allies. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on his maiden state visit to India, describing the latter’s life as an inspiring example of struggle and dedication.

Following delegation-level talks in the national capital, Prime Minister Modi and Lee Jae-myung, witnessed the exchange of several MoUs between India and South Korea, aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation. The exchange took place during a joint press statement held at Hyderabad House, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

Addressing mediapersons after the exchange of agreements, PM Modi said, “I am delighted to welcome President Lee on his first visit to India. President Lee’s life is an inspiring example of struggle, service, and dedication. Every challenge has only strengthened his resolve to serve the people. Although this is his first visit to India, his affinity for India has been evident since our very first meeting.”

Highlighting the shared democratic foundations that underpin the relationship, the Prime Minister noted that the visit is a crucial step towards a more advanced bilateral framework. “This visit of the President of Korea to India is extremely important. Democratic values, market economy, and respect for the rule of law are in the DNA of both our countries. We also have a common outlook in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

PM Modi further emphasised the evolution of the ties over the past decade, stating that the partnership is now moving towards a more advanced phase. “Based on all this, our relations have become more dynamic and comprehensive over the last decade, and today, with President Lee’s visit, we are going to transform this trusted partnership into a futuristic partnership. We will realise new opportunities for cooperation in every field, from chips to ships, talent to technology, environment to energy, and together ensure the progress and prosperity of both countries,” he remarked.

Turning to the economic dimension of the partnership, the Prime Minister shared ambitious targets for bilateral trade and introduced several new mechanisms to facilitate business. “Today, bilateral trade between India and Korea has reached $27 billion. Today, we have taken several important decisions to increase this to $50 billion by 2030,” he noted.

To achieve these goals, PM Modi announced the launch of new platforms aimed at streamlining financial and industrial ties. “To facilitate financial flows between the two countries, we have launched the India-Korea Financial Forum. To strengthen business cooperation, we have formed an Industrial Cooperation Committee,” he added.

The Prime Minister also detailed plans to secure technology supply chains and support smaller enterprises looking to enter the Indian market. “To increase cooperation in critical technology and supply chains, we are starting the Economic Security Dialogue. To facilitate the entry of Korean companies, especially SMEs, into India, we will also establish Korean Industrial Townships and within the next one year, we will also upgrade the India-Korea Trade Agreement,” PM Modi stated. (ANI)

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck northeastern and northern Japan on Monday, with a tsunami warning issued, the country’s weather agency said.

An 80-centimeter tsunami was observed at Kuji port in Iwate Prefecture, the Japanese Met Agency said.

The 4:53 p.m. quake registered an upper 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 and occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, state media Kyodo cited.

“Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.4 – 100 km ENE of Miyako, Japan,” the USGS said. The earthquake’s magnitude was initially estimated to be 7.4 but was later revised up.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of quakes of a similar scale for a week, Kyodo reported.

Public broadcaster NHK reported that the quake struck at a depth of 10 km.

The Japanese weather agency issued tsunami warnings for the Pacific coasts of Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures, forecasting tsunami waves of up to 3 meters to arrive immediately.

No abnormalities were reported at the Higashidori and Onagawa nuclear plants in Aomori and Miyagi prefectures or at the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear power plants in Fukushima Prefecture, according to their operators, as per the Kyodo news agency.

Addressing reporters at her office, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged people in quake-affected areas to evacuate to higher ground.

JR East said it has suspended services of the Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori stations. (ANI)

Senior Congress Leader P Chidambaram has exuded confidence that the DMK-led alliance will secure a huge mandate in the forthcoming assembly elections, alleging that Tamil Nadu will not accept the BJP.

Speaking exclusively with ANI, Chidambaram claimed that AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have “no credibility” and stated that Tamil Nadu will never accept a BJP government.

“The door is firmly closed to the BJP. The people of Tamil Nadu will never accept the BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have no credibility among the Tamil people, and therefore Palaniswami also has no credibility,” he added.

He further reflected on the DMK-led alliance’s past victories and assured that the alliance will once again get a “comfortable majority.”

“In Tamil Nadu there is a DMK-led alliance which has been tested and tried for the last four elections including the present one. We won in 2019 Lok Sabha elections, secured a massive victory in 2021 assembly elections, we also won all the 39 seats in 2024 Lok Sabha elections and we are confident that in this state Assembly election the DMK-led alliance including the Congress will win comfortably. I don’t predict, but we aim to win as many seats, out of 234 and we will get a comfortable majority,” he stated.

Ridiculing EPS’s statement against DMK “failing to act effectively in Parliament despite having MPs” over the defeat of the Women’s Reservation Bill, Chidambaram said that the bill had already been passed in 2023, reaffirming the party’s support for women’s reservation.

“I can say that, out of ignorance, his statement is wrong. It’s an absolute lie. The women’s reservation has already been passed in the Constitution, 106th Amendment passed by the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha in 2023 September. It’s part of the Constitution. The constitution has been translated into all regional languages. He should read at least the 106th Constitution Amendment Bill, which introduced Article 344A…He’s absolutely wrong. But if he insists on saying that we did not support the women’s reservation, it’s an absolute lie,” he said.

Reacting to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s statement that the RSS and BJP are attempting to “infiltrate” Tamil Nadu, Chidambaram seconded and said that the public of Tamil Nadu has, thus, kept BJP out of the state.

“We are saying that for the last ten years and the people of Tamil Nadu listen to us and they kept the BJP firmly out of Tamil Nadu. This time also the BJP led Alliance will be kept out of Tamil Nadu,” he affirmed.

Earlier, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the BJP-AIADMK alliance, claiming that the BJP aims to remove Chief Minister MK Stalin and replace him with a “puppet” in the AIADMK in the state.

Addressing a massive rally in Thuraiyur, Gandhi alleged that the RSS and BJP are attempting to “infiltrate” Tamil Nadu because they “hate” its distinct tradition, culture, and language.

“It is the method by which BJP and RSS want to infiltrate Tamil Nadu because they hate your tradition and culture and your language. Tamil is not an ordinary language. Tamil is the soul of the people of Tamil Nadu,” he said.

The remarks come ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections, which are scheduled to be held in a single phase on April 23, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4. (ANI)

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh again targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the country’s foreign policy, which he said failed to “isolate” Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, as the second round of Iran-US ceasefire negotiation is reportedly scheduled to be held in Islamabad.

Jairam Ramesh, highlighting the dire condition of Pakistan’s economy and its long-term association with terrorism, stated that Islamabad is now “playing a pivotal diplomatic role” in the US-Iran ceasefire negotiations.

Congress MP further blamed PM Modi’s government for failing to “isolate” Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed, terming Islamabad’s “new branding”, “different” from what former PM Manmohan Singh achieved after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack in which more than 160 people were killed.

“Pakistan’s economy is clearly in dire straits, and it depends on largesse given to it by friendly countries. But it is for now playing a pivotal diplomatic role after having given sanctuary to Osama Bin Laden and other terrorists, bombing drug rehabilitation centres in Afghanistan, and most recently orchestrating the Pahalgam terror attack a year ago,” he said.

“It is abundantly clear that the substance and style of Prime Minister Modi’s regional and global engagement and narrative management have failed to isolate Pakistan which has received a whole new branding – different from what Dr. Manmohan Singh had been able to achieve after the terror attacks in Mumbai in Nov 2008,” he added.

Jairam Ramesh also emphasised Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir’s relationship with Donald Trump.

“That Field Marshal Asim Munir – whose provocative and inflammatory remarks provided the oxygen for the Pahalgam terror attack – has become such a huge favourite of President Trump is a particularly severe setback for India. That the Field Marshal and his colleagues seem to have succeeded in managing the Trump ecosystem of family and associates much better than India is obvious,” he said.

Congress MP termed the Islamabad talks as “a monumental setback” for PM Modi’s foreign policy, calling for a “complete overhaul” while believing that PM Modi is “incapable of doing that”.

“It is a monumental setback for Mr. Modi’s foreign policy. India needs a complete overhaul of its diplomatic engagement strategy and tactics–which Mr. Modi is simply incapable of doing,” he said.

The two-week ceasefire is set to end on April 22. The first round of ceasefire negotiations ended in a gridlock between Tehran and Washington over the energy artery, the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear capacities. With the ceasefire set to lapse on Wednesday, the second round of Islamabad talks represents the final diplomatic off-ramp before a potential escalation into full-scale infrastructure warfare. As the world watches the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, the stakes have never been higher. 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)

Ten people have died, and several others were injured after a public transport bus met with an accident in the village Kanote of Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Monday.

The bus was enroute from Ramnagar to Udhampur.

According to the police, the injured have been shifted to the government hospital in Udhampur, and a rescue operation is underway.

“A bus accident has been reported on the Ramnagar-Udhampur route. Senior officers, including DIG U-R Range, SSP Udhampur & other officers are present at the spot. Rescue operations have been initiated, and necessary assistance is being provided,” Udhampur Police said in a statement on X.

Union Minister of State (MoS) Jitender Singh spoke to Udhampur Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa to take stock of the situation.

He said that the administration is making arrangements to airlift the seriously injured. The Union Minister added that he was in constant touch with the local administration.

“Just now spoke to DC Udhampur, Minga Sherpa, after learning about a tragic road accident, less than an hour ago, at village Kanote, involving a public transport bus on the way from Ramnagar to Udhampur. The rescue operation has been immediately undertaken. Heavy casualties are expected. All possible assistance is being provided. The injured will be shifted for medical aid. Arrangements being made to airlift the seriously injured. I am in constant touch with the local administration as well as our local workers team led by Rajinder Sharma,” the Union Minister wrote on X.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and directed the local administration and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to provide assistance.

“The tragic road accident in Udhampur is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. May God grant them strength. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. I have directed district admin, Police, SDRF & Health Dept to provide every possible assistance to those affected.”

Further details on the incident are awaited. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the Hyderbad House in the national capital.

Both the leaders were also seen planting a tree.

Earlier in the day South Korean President Lee, accompanied by his wife Kim Hea-kyung paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in the national capital.

During the visit, the President and the First Lady laid a wreath at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi

Preceding the visit to Rajghat, the South Korean leader was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt, marking a significant start to the second day of his high-profile state visit to India.

The visiting leader was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the reception featuring a vibrant display of welcome by children dressed in traditional attire, waving the national flags of both India and South Korea.

The South Korean President accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea-kyung arrived in the national capital on Sunday for a three-day official tour. They were received at the airport by Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra.

Highlighting the diplomatic significance of the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) observed that it represents an “important milestone” in advancing the “Special Strategic Partnership” between the two countries.

In a social media post on X, the MEA noted: “President Lee was received by Shri Harsh Malhotra, MoS, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The visit marks an important milestone in advancing the India-South Korea Special Strategic Partnership.”

Meanwhile, in a written interview with The Times of India today, held before his summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the South Korean Presiddent noted that the effective closure of the critical shipping route due to the prolonged conflict between the United States and Iran has been driving up global oil prices while also disrupting supply chains for key industrial materials.

“Both the Republic of Korea and India depend on the Middle East for a significant share of their energy supplies, including crude oil and natural gas. Accordingly, ensuring the security of critical maritime routes is essential to the safety of our peoples and the very survival of our nations,” Lee said in the interview.

Lee and PM Modi are set to hold a bilateral summit later in the day, which would mark their third in-person meeting since Lee took office last year.

Lee said South Korea will collaborate with India on multilateral efforts to ensure safe passage through the strategic route and diversify energy supply chains to address uncertainties in the global economy. “Korea will maintain close communication with India to ensure that all vessels can navigate the Strait of Hormuz safely and freely,” he said. “We will also continue to work together in relevant international forums to uphold this shared commitment” as per the report in the news daily.

As part of efforts to reduce heavy dependence on imported energy and raw materials, Lee expressed hope to expand cooperation in critical mineral supply chains. “By moving beyond the traditional model of importing raw material and combining Korea’s technology with India’s mining and refining industries, we can work together to establish stable critical-mineral supply chains,” he said in the interview. Lee also stressed the need to step up collaboration in strategic sectors, such as artificial intelligence, defence, and the shipping and shipbuilding industries, to deepen economic ties and create synergy between India and South Korea.

Reflecting the immediate start to diplomatic engagements, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on President Lee on Sunday to discuss bilateral ties.

Expressing his views on X, the EAM stated he was “honoured to call on President Lee Jae-myung of the Republic of Korea as he begins his State Visit to India.”

He further noted that he “values his commitment to deepen India-Korea relations across multiple domains,” while voicing optimism that the upcoming deliberations with PM Modi would “further strengthen our Special Strategic Partnership”.

Following these preliminary discussions, the South Korean President is scheduled to hold extensive bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi later today.

The agenda is expected to cover a wide array of sectors, including shipbuilding, trade, investments, AI, semiconductors, and critical and emerging technologies, alongside cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

The MEA added that the two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

After the talks, Prime Minister Modi will host a lunch for the visiting dignitary.

Furthermore, President Lee is slated to meet with President Droupadi Murmu, who will host a state banquet in his honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Emphasising the shared foundations of the relationship, the MEA said, “India and the ROK share a multifaceted partnership rooted in ancient civilisational ties and shared values of democracy and the rule of law.”

“The visit of President Lee underscores the shared aspiration of both countries to further strengthen the existing areas of cooperation while expanding collaboration in new and emerging areas of mutual interest.”

This visit follows a year of sustained high-level contact, building on two previous meetings between PM Modi and President Lee in 2025, held on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg and the G7 Summit in Canada. (ANI)

US Vice President JD Vance is set to arrive in Islamabad on Monday evening to lead a high-level American delegation in a second round of ceasefire negotiations with Iran, CNN reported, citing White House on Sunday.

The visit comes as the current two-week ceasefire window, brokered on April 8, is set to expire on April 22. The atmosphere surrounding the talks has turned increasingly combative following reported ceasefire violations and a public ultimatum from President Donald Trump.

The US team, which includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, aims to break a deadlock that paralysed the first round of talks, CNN said, citing White House. The primary sticking points remain Iran’s nuclear capabilities and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.

CNN also reports that Iranian sources suggest a delegation will arrive on Tuesday to discuss an extension. However, hardliners in Tehran, via the Tasnim News Agency, have pushed back, stating no talks will proceed while the US, naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect.

In a Sunday interview with Fox News, President Trump alluded to internal friction within the Iranian regime, citing a struggle between “moderates” and “crazies” as a factor in the negotiation’s volatility, while confirming that Kushner and Witkoff were departing for Islamabad for talks.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump had warned of severe repercussions, including an attack on Iranian energy and civil infrastructure, if Iran “doesn’t take the deal.”

President Trump has signalled that the era of “shadow diplomacy” is over. In a series of posts on Truth Social and his Fox News interview, he threatened the destruction of Iranian civil infrastructure if a deal is not signed immediately.

“If the deal isn’t done, the deal that we made, then I’m going to take out their bridges and their power plants,” Trump said. “If they don’t sign this thing, the whole country is going to get blown up,” Fox News cited Trump as saying.

“We’re preparing to hit them harder than any country has ever been hit before because you cannot let them have a nuclear weapon,” the US President continued as per the US broadcaster. Trump went on to say that Iran has “agreed to much” of the deal already.

Meanwhile, in a post on Truth Social today, he said, “Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz — A Total Violation of our Ceasefire Agreement! Many of them were aimed at a French Ship, and a Freighter from the United Kingdom. That wasn’t nice, was it? My Representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan — They will be there tomorrow evening, for Negotiations.”

Trump claimed the IRGC’s own closure of the Strait of Hormuz is costing Iran $500 million per day, while asserting the US remains unaffected as tankers reroute to load up in Texas and Alaska.

He reiterated the assertion of a fair deal on the table for Iran and said that he would no longer remain a “nice guy” and that the US would strike Iran’s power plants and bridges.”

Iran recently announced that they were closing the Strait, which is strange, because our BLOCKADE has already closed it. They’re helping us without knowing, and they are the ones that lose with the closed passage, $500 Million Dollars a day! The United States loses nothing. In fact, many Ships are headed, right now, to the U.S., Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska, to load up, compliments of the IRGC, always wanting to be “the tough guy!” We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran. NO MORE MR. NICE GUY! They’ll come down fast, they’ll come down easy and, if they don’t take the DEAL, it will be my Honor to do what has to be done, which should have been done to Iran, by other Presidents, for the last 47 years. IT’S TIME FOR THE IRAN KILLING MACHINE TO END!”, Trump said.

The two-week ceasefire is set to end on April 22. The first round of ceasefire negotiations ended in a gridlock between Tehran and Washington over the energy artery, the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear capacities.

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.

As the world watches the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, the stakes have never been higher. 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)