Month: April 2026

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)

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)