Month: April 2026

Workers’ protests continued on Tuesday in the Hosiery Complex in Phase 2 of Uttar Pradesh’s Noida, despite the state government announcing a wage hike for workers.

Police personnel were deployed at the spot.

The workers have been demanding an increase in minimum wages. The protests turned violent on Monday after an altercation with the police. The protesters pelted stones and torched vehicles.

More than 300 people were arrested in connection with the case, Gautam Buddha Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh said.

The Police Commissioner said that they are conducting route marches, and the committee formed by the UP government has held meetings with stakeholders to resolve the issue.

The police official said, “Route marches have been conducted continuously since 5 am. Workers gathered at three locations this morning and were dispersed within fifteen minutes after immediate talks with them. The high-powered committee, which has been here since yesterday, held extensive meetings and long marathon meetings with all stakeholders, and made some recommendations. The Uttar Pradesh government understands the workers’ problems, sympathises with them, and is ready to resolve all their problems. I appeal to all workers to return to work in their factories and establish a peaceful environment in Gautam Buddha Nagar district.”

“Several such WhatsApp groups have been created in the past two days, where workers are being made to join the group by scanning QR codes. This suggests a systematic, organised gang operating behind the scenes. We have identified some of these elements from the crowd and arrested them, and we will ensure their arrests in the future. Their funding will also be investigated, and if it is found that they received funding from outside the country or the state, action will be taken in that direction as well. Yesterday, we registered 7 FIRs in connection with the incidents that took place at different locations. More than 300 people have been arrested. Some arrests have also been made of those who instigated them, and more arrests will be made in the coming days,” the Police Commissioner added.

Earlier today, the high-level committee constituted by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday increased the interim minimum wages by about 21 per cent for workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad, following massive protests in Noida Phase 2.

According to Noida DM’s office, for unskilled workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad, the interim wages have been increased from Rs 11,313 to Rs 13,690 monthly; from Rs 12,445 to Rs 15,059 for semi-skilled workers and from Rs 13,940 to Rs 16,868 for skilled workers. Interim rates are effective from April 1.

In districts with municipal corporations, the monthly wages for unskilled workers have been increased to Rs 13,006, for semi-skilled workers to Rs 14,306 and for skilled workers to Rs 16,025.

In other districts, the wages have been increased to Rs 12,356, Rs 13,591 and Rs 15,224 for unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled workers, respectively, according to the DM’s office.

The protests have also sparked a political row in the state. State Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ said that a committee formed by the UP government is holding discussions with the workers to resolve the issues. Gupta accused the Samajwadi Party and Congress of conspiring to disrupt the law and order situation in the state.

In a statement, the state minister said, “Our government has taken the matter very seriously. A panel of senior government officials has been formed under the chairmanship of the Industrial Development Commissioner… Anarchic and thug elements of the Samajwadi Party and Congress have repeatedly conspired to disrupt the state’s peace and order under the guise of such protests. At first glance, it cannot be denied that they played a suspicious role in inciting workers through rumours.”

The statement read, “The committee formed by the government is holding talks with representatives of labour unions, industry groups, and all stakeholders. After detailed discussion and due consideration of all points, a suitable solution to the issue will be reached as soon as possible. Any antisocial element challenging this identity and environment will face such action that people for seven generations will shudder at the mention of the crime. I appeal to all parties to exercise restraint and patience.”

On Monday, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said that the UP government is attempting to hide its failures, calling the protest a conspiracy.

“The Uttar Pradesh government ranks number one when it comes to lying. The Chief Minister claims that this is a conspiracy, but if it truly is a conspiracy, did his intelligence wing also accompany him to Bengal to campaign? By labelling this a ‘conspiracy,’ they are merely attempting to mask their own failures. Given the current high inflation, it is only natural for labourers to come forward with their demands. The committee formed today to engage in dialogue with the labourers could have been constituted much earlier,” Akhilesh said. (ANI)

Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Congress In-Charge Girish Chodankar said that a decision on the visit of Rahul Gandhi to campaign for the Assembly elections in the state will be announced within the next two to three days.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the April 23 Assembly elections, he said that Rahul Gandhi, along with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, is expected to take part in the election campaign in Tamil Nadu.

He said that added that an official announcement regarding Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Tamil Nadu will be made soon, and that Priyanka Gandhi will also participate in the campaign.

Chodankar added that Congress has appointed in-charges for 28 constituencies, and also for all 234 Assembly constituencies across Tamil Nadu.

He further said that Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin are expected to campaign together.

“Rahul Gandhi will come and campaign for Tamil Nadu elections, all our leaders will come… All our leaders will start campaigning when the campaigning becomes very aggressive. We have already appointed party cadres and formed special committees in all 234 Assembly constituencies so that we can help all the allied parties’ candidates with whatever forces we have in each Assembly constituency…” he added.

Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to Puducherry, Chodankar said the Congress leader could not share the stage with Stalin due to the latter’s prior public meeting commitments in Tamil Nadu.

He also noted that Rahul Gandhi has already campaigned in three states and is keen to visit Tamil Nadu. However, due to the ongoing Parliament session, the dates are yet to be finalised.

“Congress is working fully to secure victory in 28 constituencies and will also strive for the success of alliance candidates,” he said.

He reiterated that the announcement regarding Rahul Gandhi’s visit will be made within the next two to three days.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate from Kolathur, MK Stalin, conducted a door-to-door campaign in Vellore.

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.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay is also set to make his electoral debut with his party TVK, which could turn the contest into a three-way fight. (ANI)

Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Amir Saeid Iravani has strongly condemned the United Nations over a naval blockade on Iranian ports, calling it a ” gross violation” of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to Iranian state media Press TV.

In a letter sent Monday to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the UN Security Council, Iravani denounced Washington’s move as an “illegal act of aggression” that threatens regional and international peace and security.

“The imposition of a naval blockade is a gross violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Iravani wrote, adding that the measure was publicly announced by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on April 12.

He said the US action violates Article 2, paragraph 4 of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force, and constitutes “a textbook example of aggression under international law.”

The ambassador added that the illegal blockade also seriously violates the fundamental principles of the international law of the sea.

“By attempting to prevent maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, the United States is illegally interfering in the exercise of the sovereign rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran and violating the rights of third states and legitimate maritime trade in accordance with international law,” the letter stated.

Iravani stressed that Iran “firmly and in the strongest possible terms rejects and condemns the illegal action of the United States,” and said Tehran reserves its “inherent right” to take “all necessary and proportionate measures to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.”

He further warned that the United States ” bears full responsibility for this internationally wrongful act and all its consequences, including its effects on regional and international peace and security.”

Calling for urgent international intervention, the Iranian envoy urged the UN Security Council to condemn the blockade and take steps to halt escalation, saying the situation poses a serious threat to stability in an already volatile region.

“Given that the said illegal action constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security and clearly increases the risk of escalating tensions in an already highly unstable region, the Islamic Republic of Iran calls on the Secretary-General and the Security Council… to oblige the United States to immediately cease its internationally wrongful acts against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he wrote.

Iravani began the letter by informing the UN that he was acting on instructions from the Iranian government to highlight “the continuing internationally wrongful acts of the United States of America against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

He also requested that the letter be circulated as an official document of the UN Security Council. 

Meanwhile, the United States Navy currently maintains a presence of at least 15 ships in the Middle East region, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and 11 destroyers, which could potentially take part in a maritime blockade of Iran’s ports, according to a US official, following orders from President Donald Trump, CNN reported.

However, it remains unclear which specific vessels are positioned or designated for participation in the blockade, as earlier assessments indicate that the naval assets are widely dispersed across the US Central Command’s area of operations.

The deployed fleet includes the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln along with 11 destroyers, including the USS Bainbridge, USS Thomas Hudner, USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., USS Delbert D. Black, USS John Finn, USS Michael Murphy, USS Mitscher, USS Pinckney, USS Rafael Peralta, USS Spruance and USS Milius. In addition, the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, comprising USS Tripoli, USS New Orleans, and USS Rushmore, is also deployed in the region.

The naval formation is accompanied by multiple support and escort vessels; however, it would need to transit either through the Suez Canal or exit the Mediterranean Sea and sail around Africa before reaching a position suitable to support any blockade operations.

The US president imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, following marathon talks in Pakistan over the weekend that failed to yield any agreement. (ANI)

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday paid tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, describing him as a visionary who gave India its “moral and Constitutional soul” and urging citizens to defend the values enshrined in the Constitution.

In a post on X, Kharge said, “On the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Dr B. R. Ambedkar, we bow with deep reverence to the visionary who gave India its moral and Constitutional soul. Babasaheb was not just the architect of the Constitution of India, but a relentless warrior for Liberty, Equality, Fraternity and Justice, values that define the very idea of India.”

Saying that with the Constitution being under a “conspiratorial attack”, there is all the more need to defend the principles he enshrined in India’s supreme founding document.

“Today, when the Constitution faces a conspiratorial attack, his words and warnings echo with renewed urgency. This is a moment that calls for courage and conviction. We must not merely remember him, we must rise to defend every principle he enshrined, to protect every right he secured, and to uphold every value he lived and fought for,” Kharge wrote.

In a separate post, Kharge also extended greetings on multiple regional festivals, including Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu, Puthandu, Poila Baisakh, Biju and Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti. “Our warm wishes on the joyous occasions… These festivals bring with them renewed hope, optimism and the spirit of fresh beginnings. May these celebrations fill every home with joy, usher in prosperity, and strengthen the bonds of unity and amity among all,” he said.

Dr BR Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb, was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a key figure in India’s social reform movement. Born into a Dalit Mahar family, he dedicated his life to securing equal rights for marginalised communities and promoting social justice.

Ambedkar served as independent India’s first Law and Justice Minister and was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990 for his contributions to the nation. (ANI)

Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish has teamed up with acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron for a new 3D concert film titled ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour’ (Live in 3D), which is set to release on May 8, according to People.

The newly released trailer offers a behind-the-scenes look at Eilish’s sold-out world tour and her collaboration with Cameron, who serves as co-director on the project.

“It’s your show. It’s your creative vision. This is going to blow people’s minds,” Cameron says in the opening of the trailer.

The trailer shows the duo working closely together, including scenes of them wearing 3D glasses and discussing creative decisions for the film. In one moment, Eilish asks, “So how does that even work, just out of curiosity?” to which Cameron responds, “We’re going to have to play some games, but we’ll make it look great,” according to People.

The film aims to take audiences beyond the stage, offering immersive access to Eilish’s performances and behind-the-scenes moments from her global tour. It also highlights her close connection with fans, whom she refers to as “friends.”

“The day of a show, for me, just feels like any day at all. I just feel like I’m going to hang out with my friends,” Eilish says in the trailer, adding, “I want to feel like it’s me and them.”

“You love them?” Cameron asks later in the trailer, to which Eilish replies, “I love them.”

The “Birds of a Feather” singer later declares, “I want to be the artist that I would want to be a fan of,” according to People.

The singer also reveals a personal tour tradition of maintaining a “puppy room” at each venue, allowing her crew to spend time with rescue dogs amid the demands of touring. Cameron is seen engaging with the idea, saying, “I’m doing this on my next movie for sure,” according to People.

Describing the project, the official synopsis states that the film brings an “innovative new concert experience to the big screen from one of the most celebrated and successful artists of her generation,” according to People.

Eilish later shared the trailer on Instagram, writing, “It’s almost HEREEEEE,” building anticipation among fans worldwide, according to People. (ANI)

A film chronicling the life and legacy of Indian saint Neem Karoli Baba is in the works.

On Monday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled the promo and poster of the film titled ‘Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj’.

The Chief Minister noted that the divine life of Neem Karoli Baba continues to inspire millions of people even today.

At the unveiling of the film’s poster, Yoga Guru Swami Ramdev, Swami Chidanand Saraswati, film director Sharad Singh Thakur, and artists were present.

The project features acclaimed actors including Subhod Bhave, Hiten Tejwani, Mohit Gupta.

A few weeks ago, Hiten took to Instagram and shared the film’s poster.

“Poster of our film Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj was released in Lucknow today . With the blessings of Maharaj ji and love of all of you, we hope that you guys will love this film and shower your love on our film. A blissful moment for our whole team and me. Gratitude,” he wrote.

The movie is directed by Sharad Singh Thakur.

Baba Neem Karori Dham, Kainchi, is located on the Nainital-Almora road in Uttarakhand. (ANI)

Legendary singer Asha Bhosle was cremated with full state honours on Monday at the Shivaji Park Crematorium in Mumbai, where a large gathering of mourners came together to pay their final respects to the iconic voice that enthralled generations for more than eight decades.

Wrapped in the tricolour, the mortal remains of Asha Bhosle, fondly known as “Asha Tai,” were consigned to flames following a traditional gun salute by the Mumbai Police.

The city witnessed an emotional day as fans, political leaders, and members of the film and music industry came together to pay their last respects to the melody queen.

Her last rites were performed by her son Anand.

The legendary vocalist was also given a musical tribute by singers Shaan and Sudesh Bhosale.

Several well-known faces from the film world arrived to pay floral tributes to the legendary singer. Actors Vicky Kaushal, Aamir Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Padmini Kolapuri and Jackie Shroff were among those seen at Shivaji Park.

Apart from the film industry, several senior political leaders were also present at the crematorium. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attended the funeral and paid floral tributes to the iconic singer.

NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Rashmi Thackeray, and Aaditya Thackeray also visited to offer their respects.

Actors Ranveer Singh and Riteish Deshmukh also visited her residence earlier in the day to offer condolences. Veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan also paid tribute to the singer whose songs defined generations of Hindi cinema.

Her mortal remains were earlier kept at her residence for public homage, draped in the Tricolour. Long queues of admirers were seen outside the home, with many offering flowers, folding hands in prayer, and remembering the singer through tears.

Among other dignitaries who paid tribute were Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and state minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha.

Music composer Uttam Singh remembered Asha Bhosle not just as a great artist but as a warm-hearted human being. Recalling an old memory, he shared how she once cooked food for his team late at night after a recording session.

“It was around 1:30 at night. As we were about to leave, she saw us and asked us to wait. Within minutes, she went inside, cooked chicken and rice herself, and insisted we eat before leaving. She was that kind of person,” he said.

Soon after the news of her death broke on Sunday, tributes poured in from across the country. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, for whom she sang the much-loved song ‘Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main’ from the classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, remembered her as a timeless voice of Indian cinema.

In his message, Shah Rukh Khan wrote, “It’s truly sad to learn about Asha Tai’s passing. Her voice has been one of the pillars of Indian cinema and will continue to resonate across the world for centuries to come.”

Widely regarded as one of the most versatile singers in Indian music, Asha Bhosle’s repertoire spanned classical compositions, ghazals, cabaret songs, and contemporary pop. She holds a Guinness World Record for the most studio recordings and, along with her sister Lata Mangeshkar, helped define the golden era of Hindi film music.

Born to classical singer and theatre actor Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, she began her musical journey at a young age and went on to build an unparalleled legacy.

Her collaborations with composer RD Burman, whom she later married, remain among the most celebrated in Indian cinema. Her iconic hits include Piya Tu Ab To Aaja and the rebellious Dum Maro Dum. Her versatile range also spans the soulful ghazal Dil Cheez Kya Hai, playful classics like Chura Liya Hai Tumne, and the timeless dance anthem Yeh Mera Dil. (ANI)

Former Australian cricketer Brett Lee has offered a heartfelt tribute to music icon Asha Bhosle, revisiting the days when he collaborated with her for a duet, ‘You’re the One’.

Taking to his Instagram handle, Brett Lee shared a series of pictures with the late singer and paid homage.

“I had the pleasure of writing and recording You’re the One for Me with Asha Bhosle back in 2006. It’s something I’ll always be incredibly grateful for. What stayed with me most wasn’t just her extraordinary talent, but how kind and humble she was. For someone who had achieved so much in her life, she carried herself with such warmth and generosity,” he wrote.

Extending his support for Asha Bhosle’s family and friends, the former seamer added, “My thoughts are with her family and friends at this time. I feel very fortunate to have shared even a small moment with someone so special. There’s no doubt her legacy will live on for generations to come.”

The song titled ‘You’re the One for Me’ from the album Asha and Friends featured former Australian cricketer Brett Lee crooning Hindi lines alongside India’s melody queen Asha Bhosle. In the track, he could be heard singing, “Haan, main tumhara hu, tumhara hi rahunga,” delighting music and cricket lovers.

In his autobiography, ‘My Life’, Brett Lee described Asha Bhosle as the Aretha Franklin of Indian music.

The music video was shot in 2006, when Brett Lee was in India for the Champions Trophy. During his visit, he was approached by a music label as part of an ambitious compilation project that brought together international artists for the album Asha and Friends.

Asha Bhosle breathed her last on Sunday. She was 92. Doctor Prateet Samdani of Breach Candy Hospital confirmed that the veteran singer had been dealing with multiple health issues and died due to organ failure.

Her final rites are scheduled to take place at Shivaji Park with full state honours, today. Political leaders and members of the entertainment industry gathered to pay their respects. (ANI)

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday assured residents that both domestic and commercial LPG supplies in the capital remain stable, adequate and under control, with no shortage of LPG or any other fuel. She urged people not to be influenced by rumours or panic, and to remain calm.

Sharing an update on domestic LPG, the Chief Minister said that on April 12, a total of 1,11,766 bookings were recorded, while the three Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) delivered 1,30,094 cylinders, well above the number of bookings, according to the CMO.

This indicates that pending backlogs are being cleared efficiently and the supply chain remains robust. The average delivery time has improved to 3.87 days from 4.24 days earlier, ensuring timely doorstep delivery, as stated in the release.

On the commercial side, Delhi has been allocated 6,480 LPG cylinders (19 kg equivalent) per day. In comparison, the average daily offtake over the past week has been only 4,268 cylinders, including 5 kg Free Trade LPG cylinders, clearly showing that supply is exceeding demand. The Chief Minister appealed to all commercial LPG consumers, particularly users of 5 kg cylinders, to avoid unnecessary concern or stockpiling. She reiterated that the distribution system across the city is functioning smoothly and that adequate stock is available at all times.

To facilitate access, a dedicated control room of the Food and Civil Supplies Department is operational. Commercial consumers facing any difficulty in obtaining LPG cylinders can contact 011-23379836 or 8383824659 between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm on any day of the week.

The government has also encouraged consumers and institutions to opt for Piped Natural Gas (PNG) wherever available, as it provides a reliable and continuous fuel supply. Bulk users such as hospitals and educational institutions have been advised to shift to PNG at the earliest to enhance efficiency, safety and supply reliability.

Additionally, consumers are being encouraged to consider electric or induction cooking as a medium to long-term alternative to ensure uninterrupted energy access. CM Gupta reiterated that the Delhi government is closely monitoring the situation on a daily basis and remains fully committed to ensuring uninterrupted LPG supply across the capital. (ANI)

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday hit out at the BJP government over the violent protest by employees of a company in Noida Phase 2, alleging that “injustice has reached its peak” in the state.

Reacting to the protest incidents, Yadav told reporters, “Injustice has reached its peak under the BJP government. All kinds of injustice are happening. Injustice is happening economically. Injustice is being inflicted by increasing inflation. Injustice is being done by rising unemployment. What we saw today in Noida–workers have been demanding their rights on a large scale.”

He further held the administration and the state government responsible for the situation.

“The entire responsibility lies with the administration and the government,” he said.

Raising concerns over wage disparities, the Samajwadi Party chief added, “When workers’ salaries were increased in other states, why hasn’t the government provided relief in Uttar Pradesh?”

The workers from Hosiery Complex in Phase 2 of Uttar Pradesh’s Noida have been protesting while demanding increased wages. Today, the protest turned violent with the protesters allegedly vandalising vehicles and properties, pelting stones during an altercation with the police.

A large number of workers of a company had gathered in protest, pressing their demands for a salary increase. A car was also torched amid the protest.

Heavy police deployment was made at the protest site to bring the situation under control.

On Sunday, the District Magistrate of Noida, Medha Roopam, held a meeting with Principal Secretary (Labour) and Labour Commissioner of the state to discuss protection of workers’ interests, double payment for overtime, bonus, and workplace safety.

“An important meeting was held in the Noida Authority to maintain industrial peace, in which the Principal Secretary (Labour) and Labour Commissioner, UP, participated virtually and discussed topics including the protection of workers’ interests, double payment for overtime, bonus, weekly holidays, and workplace safety,” the DM wrote on X. (ANI)