Month: April 2026

The Centre has increased export duties on petroleum products, raising the levy on high-speed diesel to Rs 55.5 per litre and on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to Rs 42 per litre, according to a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Finance.

The move, which comes into force “with immediate effect”, is aimed ensuring domestic supply amid evolving global energy dynamics and not allowing exporters to take undue advantage due to price differences, officials said.

“Satisfied that the Special Additional Excise Duty leviable… on High speed diesel oil, should be increased and that circumstances exist which render it necessary to take immediate action,” the notification said.

Changes are being made in the Eighth Schedule of the Finance Act, 2002.

“For the entry… ‘Rs. 24 per litre’ shall be substituted,” the notification said, revising the duty structure applicable to export of diesel.

The government also raised the Road and Infrastructure Cess on high speed diesel, stating that it was “satisfied that the Road and Infrastructure Cess… on High speed diesel oil, should be increased,” and that “the entry ‘Rs. 36 per litre’ shall be substituted.”

The revised structure effectively pushes the total export duty on high speed diesel to Rs 55.5 per litre, up from Rs 21.5 per litre earlier.

Similarly, the duty on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) has been increased to Rs 42 per litre from Rs 29.5 per litre, as per the amended notification, which states that “for the entry… the entry ‘Rs. 42 per litre’ shall be substituted.”

At the same time, export duty on petrol remains unchanged at zero.

Officials said the notifications were issued under powers granted by the Central Excise Act, 1944 and relevant provisions of the Finance Acts, and emphasised that the changes were necessary in the “public interest.”

All five notifications noted that “circumstances exist which render it necessary to take immediate action”. (ANI)

Legendary singer Asha Bhosle has been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, Breach Candy Hospital Trust said.

The veteran singer was admitted to the hospital on Saturday evening.

Asha Bhosle is one of the most celebrated playback singers in Indian music history. She is known for a career that has lasted more than eight decades and for lending her voice to songs in several Indian languages.

Over the years, she has recorded songs for films, private albums, and given live performances in India and abroad. Her contribution to music has earned her several honours and awards.

The legendary singer has been honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. She was bestowed Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, in 2008.

Her journey in music began in 1943 and she went on to become one of the most successful singers in Hindi cinema. In 2011, the Guinness Book of World Records recognised her as the most-recorded artist in music history. (ANI)

Shifting of goods is underway from the official residence of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has taken oath as a Rajya Sabha member.

Nitish Kumar took oath as a Rajya Sabha member on Friday.

Longest-serving Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, resigned from his membership of the Bihar Legislative Council following his election to the upper house of Parliament.

Nitish Kumar was elected to the Rajya Sabha on March 16, along with four other candidates from Bihar fielded by the NDA. Kumar has also been elected as JD(U) president unopposed, after no other candidate filed nomination for the post.

BJP president Nitin Nabin had said in an interview with ANI that there are no differences in the NDA over the pending appointment of a new Bihar Chief Minister.

“There are no differences anywhere; everything is proceeding as per schedule. BJP has always respected the gathbandhan dharma, and that is why even today parties trust us. Everything is being decided under the leadership of Nitish Kumar,” Nabin told ANI.

Beginning his political journey as an MLA in 1985 and later serving as a Union Minister under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, Nitish Kumar first became Bihar Chief Minister in 2005. He is among the most experienced and senior political leaders in the country. (ANI)

Ahead of the highly anticipated diplomatic engagement with the United States, the Iranian negotiating team is currently conducting a strategic meeting in the Pakistani capital. The delegation, which arrived in Islamabad to participate in high-stakes discussions, is fine-tuning its agenda before the formal commencement of the “peace talks with the US.”

Prior to this engagement, US Vice President JD Vance had already held a high-level meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a statement from the White House. This dialogue, confirmed by Al Jazeera, forms a vital component of the broader diplomatic activity taking place as Islamabad takes centre stage for the high-stakes discussions between Washington and Tehran this Saturday.

The Serena Hotel has emerged as the focal point of this diplomatic activity, with both the Iranian and American delegations arriving to participate in talks.

Visuals from outside the luxury hotel showed tight security and a flurry of movement as international representatives convened at the venue.

The American delegation features JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, while the Pakistani side includes Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Although the White House is working to provide a comprehensive list of all participants, no additional details are available at this time.

The arrival of these high-level officials follows what Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has termed “make or break” negotiations.

Held under intense security, the engagement aims to stabilise a fragile ceasefire and navigate the future of regional security.

Following a week of global anticipation after the ceasefire announcement on April 8, the Iranian delegation departed their residence for the Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday morning to commence formal discussions, as confirmed by the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai in a post on X.

The ideological stakes of these meetings were highlighted by the Vice-President of Iran, Mohammad Reza Aref, who suggested that the outcome depends entirely on the American approach.

Taking to X, he noted that if the Iranian representatives meet those representing “America First,” an agreement beneficial to both sides and the world is probable.

However, he warned that if they face representatives of “Israel First,” there will be no deal, stating, “we will inevitably continue our defence even more vigorously than before, and the world will face greater costs.”

As the world watches the “slippery” ceasefire talks with bated breath, the US aircraft carrying the negotiation team landed in Islamabad earlier in the day.

The Iranian team, led by Ghalibaf, arrived after midnight under unprecedented security.

Highlighting the sensitivity of the mission, Al Jazeera reported that when the Iranian aircraft entered Pakistani airspace, it was provided with full-circle protection, including AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) early warning aircraft, electronic warfare aircraft, and fighter jets.

According to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the window for these discussions is limited to 15 days.

With the international community looking on, the next 48 hours in Islamabad are expected to determine whether the regional ceasefire evolves into a lasting diplomatic resolution or a return to intensified conflict. (ANI)

Trilateral ceasefire talks between the United States, Iran and Pakistan have started in Islamabad, Al Jazeera reported, noting that this is the highest-level talks between Washington and Tehran since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Ahead of the talks with the United States, the Iranian negotiating team held a strategic meeting in the Pakistani capital. The delegation, which arrived in Islamabad to participate in high-stakes discussions, fine-tuned its agenda before the formal commencement of the “peace talks” with the US.

Prior to this engagement, US Vice President JD Vance also held a high-level meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a statement from the White House.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, also met the Pakistani Prime Minister.

The Serena Hotel has emerged as the focal point of the diplomatic activity, with both the Iranian and American delegations arriving to participate in talks.

Visuals from outside the luxury hotel showed tight security and a flurry of movement as international representatives convened at the venue.

The American delegation, led by JD Vance includes Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.

Shehbaz Sharif had earlier termed the talks as “make or break” negotiations.

Held under intense security, the engagement aims to stabilise a fragile ceasefire and navigate the future of regional security. The ceasefire announcement was made on April 8.

Vice-President of Iran, Mohammad Reza Aref, had suggested earlier that the outcome depends entirely on the American approach.

Taking to X, he noted that if the Iranian representatives meet those representing “America First,” an agreement beneficial to both sides and the world is probable.

However, he warned that if they face representatives of “Israel First,” there will be no deal, stating, “we will inevitably continue our defence even more vigorously than before, and the world will face greater costs.” (ANI)

A high-level delegations from Iran and the United States arrived for what Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has termed “make or break” negotiations.

The summit, held under intense security, aims to stabilize a fragile ceasefire and navigate the future of regional security.

On Saturday morning, the Iranian delegation departed their residence for the Prime Minister’s Office to commence formal discussions. The meeting follows a week of global anticipation after the ceasefire announcement on April 8.

Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai said in a post on X, “The Iranian delegation has departed from their residence en route to the Prime Minister’s Office for a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.”

Vice-President of Iran, Mohammad Reza Aref said that if the Iranian representatives meet with representatives of ‘America First,’ an agreement beneficial to both sides and the world is probable. However, if they face representatives of ‘Israel First,’ there will be no deal.

In a post on X, he said, “If we negotiate in Islamabad with representatives of ‘America First,’ an agreement beneficial to both sides and the world is probable. However, if we face representatives of ‘Israel First,’ there will be no deal; we will inevitably continue our defense even more vigorously than before, and the world will face greater costs.”

As the world watches with bated breath the slippery ceasefire talks, a US aircraft carrying a team for negotiations with Iran landed in Pakistan’s Islamabad, earlier in the day.

The level of representation underscores the gravity of the encounter. The Iranian team is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, the team arrived in Islamabad after midnight under an unprecedented security detail.

The US taem comprises Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump.

According to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the window for these discussions is limited to 15 days. With the world watching with “bated breath,” the next 48 hours in Islamabad are expected to determine whether the regional ceasefire evolves into a lasting diplomatic resolution or a return to intensified conflict.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the talks between the US and Iran as “make or break,” Al Jazeera reported.

When the Iranian team’s aircraft entered Pakistani airspace, it was provided with a full circle of protection that included AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) early warning aircraft, electronic warfare aircraft, as well as fighter jets, which escorted the Iranian team to Islamabad. (ANI)

‘Saiyaara’ actor Aneet Padda shared an adorable and heartfelt birthday post for filmmaker Mohit Suri on April 11, offering a glimpse into their off-screen bond.

The actor, who garnered attention for her effortless charm under Suri’s direction, took to social media to pen an emotional note, expressing gratitude towards him, calling him an “alchemist”.

Taking to her Instagram handle, she wrote, “You’re a bit like an alchemist, catching things most people miss, quiet pain, love hidden in the eyes and turning it into something we can all feel. And somehow it doesn’t stay yours, it becomes ours. I have too much to thank you for. You’ve taught my heart the courage to feel out loud and to lead with it. You’ve shown me a really beautiful way to live.”

She added, “You’re the most human human I know. You’re Mohit Suri. Happy birthday my momo, your purpose finds you every time you create. Thank you for doing what you do, thank you for being you. I love you. Forever and ever and ever.”

Along with the note, she shared a video of the two, capturing a playful and lighthearted moment.

Soon after her post, many fans wished the director on the occassion of his birthday.

One of them wrote, “Happy birthday Aneet’s Mentor”, while another commented, “Happy birthday mohit Suri sir”.

Born on April 11, 1981, Suri is known for his film including ‘Murder 2’, ‘Awarapan’, ‘Ek Villain’, among others. His recent release ‘Saiyaara’ starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, shattered several records on the box office.

On the work front, Aneet Padda will be next seen in Maddock Horror Comedy Universe’s (MHCU) next with ‘Shakti Shalini’. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging that the ruling party has replicated the governance style of the “Left” and failed to bring meaningful change to West Bengal.

Addressing a public rally in Murshidabad, PM Modi said the political history of Bengal has repeatedly seen the fall of entrenched powers, and asserted that the people of the state would now reject the TMC in the same manner.

“Since independence, the arrogance of everyone who dared to challenge Bengal has been shattered. First, the British; then the Congress; and finally, the Leftists saw their arrogance crumble. Now, the people of Bengal will shatter the arrogance of the TMC,” the Prime Minister said.

He further alleged that the TMC, after coming to power on the promise of ‘Ma Mati Manush’, had failed to deliver and instead mirrored the Left.

“With immense hope and enthusiasm–swayed by the rhetoric of ‘Ma Mati Manush’–the public gave the TMC a chance; yet, the moment they assumed power, the TMC became a carbon copy of the Left,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also accused the party of enabling corruption networks, stating that elements linked to the previous government had continued under the current government.

“All the goons and syndicates associated with the Left have migrated to the Trinamool… The TMC has now taken charge of everything–from the smuggling of weapons, narcotics, and cattle, to the cuts and commissions that were once the hallmark of the Left,” he added.

Reiterating the BJP’s stance on governance and national security, PM Modi said the party is resolved to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in West Bengal.

“The security of the nation is paramount to us. The BJP is resolved to implement the UCC (Uniform Civil Code) in Bengal and put an end to the politics of appeasement once and for all,” he said.

Calling the BJP’s electoral pitch a broader political mission, the Prime Minister said the party’s campaign in Bengal was aimed at ending what he described as TMC’s “Jungle Raj” and “Syndicate Raj”.

“The pledge the BJP has taken is not merely an electoral promise; it is the clarion call signalling the end of the TMC’s ‘Jungle Raj’ and ‘Syndicate Raj’,” he said.

He further added that the situation in the state would change after the elections, asserting that accountability would follow.

“The daughters of Bengal will now be safe. Let those in Bengal who shield the corrupt take heed: after May 4th, you will see them fleeing,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister’s visit comes as West Bengal prepares for crucial polling on April 23 and 29, with the results set for May 4.

The upcoming elections follow the 2021 battle, where the TMC secured a landslide 213 seats. However, the BJP’s growth from a minor player to 77 seats in the last cycle has set the stage for the current high-stakes confrontation. (ANI)

Folk singer Mame Khan on Friday shared several pictures from Anant Ambani’s birthday celebrations held in Jamnagar, Gujarat, offering a glimpse into the star-studded event.

In one of the pictures, Mame Khan was seen smiling alongside actor Ranveer Singh. He also shared another photograph featuring Aryan Khan and Anant Ambani, capturing moments from the celebration.

“A night filled with stars, but the brightest one was truly Shri Anant Ambani ji. Seeing such kindness and humility in person is always truly inspiring. I’m feeling incredibly privileged to have been part of this musical celebration–this was bhajan clubbing at its absolute best! #anantambani #mamekhan #ranveersingh #aryankhan #happybirthdayanantambani,” he captioned the post.

Earlier, several celebrities had extended birthday wishes to Anant Ambani, including actor Salman Khan, who shared a personal message and photograph on Instagram.

In the picture, he was seen climbing on Anant Ambani’s back, with both smiling. Along with the image, Salman wrote, “Ye baat suno agar yaadasht kamzor ho toh likh lo… yeh aadmi desh ko bhi uthaega … long live my younger brother Anant… dil aur dimaag ka Ambani Anant Aaaaambaniiiiiiii pure soul,” showing his strong bond with Anant.

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan also extended birthday wishes to Anant Ambani through his Instagram handle.

In his post, Shah Rukh wrote, “Here’s wishing Anant Ambani a very happy birthday… May you continue to do all the good u do..and uphold all that is positive and right. Keep up the good work and keep bringing smiles to people thru your work. God Bless you with the best of health and happiness always.” (ANI)

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf late on Friday reiterated Tehran’s deep distrust of the United States, stating that past negotiations have consistently ended in “failure and breach of promise,” even as he signalled that Iran continues to maintain a posture of goodwill.

According to the Iranian news agency Tasnim News Agency, Ghalibaf made the remarks while speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Islamabad, where he is leading a high-level delegation for talks expected to involve the American side. He was responding to recent comments made by US Vice President JD Vance.

“Our experience of negotiations with the Americans has always been met with failure and breach of promise. They attacked us twice in the middle of the negotiations. We have goodwill but no trust,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a poignant gesture, Ghalibaf carried pictures of Minab victims on the official flight.

In a poignant gesture, Ghalibaf also carried pictures of victims from the Minab incident on the official flight to Pakistan. Sharing the moment on X, he wrote, “My companions on this flight.”

As reported by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the Iranian delegation comprises representatives from multiple key sectors, including security, political, military, economic, and legal domains, reflecting the broad scope and significance of the proposed discussions.

The high-level delegation includes Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, along with Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Secretary of Iran’s Defence Council, and Abdolnaser Hemmati, Governor of the Central Bank of Iran. Several members of the Iranian parliament are also part of the visiting team.

However, Tehran still stresses the acceptance of preconditions issued earlier by Galibaf, noting that if the conditions aren’t met, then it may lead to the failure of the negotiations, as reported by Press TV

Meanwhile, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, in a post on X, said that two measures agreed upon between the parties remain unfulfilled, stressing that progress on these issues is essential before any dialogue can take place.

According to Ghalibaf, the ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of blocked Iranian assets are set as the preconditions before negotiations can take place in Islamabad.

“Two of the measures mutually agreed upon between the parties have yet to be implemented: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s blocked assets prior to the commencement of negotiations. These two matters must be fulfilled before negotiations begin,” Ghalibaf said in his post.

The developments come as the fragile ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran hangs in the balance, with Tehran stating that the truce also includes the halt to Israeli military operations in Lebanon.

The meeting between the two sides is set to take place to end the over-month-long conflict in West Asia and follows an immediate ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran for two weeks. (ANI)