Month: April 2026

The Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday kept the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent in the first monetary policy announcement of the financial year 2026-27, citing rising global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.

Announcing the decision, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously voted to maintain the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility at 5.25 per cent.

Governor stated “After the detailed assessment of the evolving macroeconomic and financial developments and the outlook, the MPC voted unanimously to keep the policy repo rate unchanged under the liquidity facility at 5.25 per cent. Consequently, the SDR rate remains at 5 per cent and the MSF rate and the bank rate at 5.5 per cent”.

“Consequently, the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate remains at 5 per cent and the Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate and the bank rate at 5.5 per cent,” he said.

The MPC meeting was held on April 6, 7 and 8 to assess the evolving macroeconomic and financial conditions before arriving at the decision.

The central bank noted that the policy comes at a time when the global economy is facing significant challenges due to heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict in West Asia, along with disruptions in global supply chains.

The RBI Governor said that before the outbreak of the conflict, India’s macroeconomic fundamentals reflected strong growth and low inflation. However, conditions turned adverse in March as the conflict widened and intensified.

Despite these challenges, he emphasised that India’s economic fundamentals remain strong and are better positioned compared to previous crisis periods and many other economies, providing resilience against global shocks.

He highlighted that global growth is facing downside risks due to rising energy prices and shortages of key inputs, which have increased inflation concerns and pushed up geopolitical risk premiums in oil markets.

Heightened uncertainty due to the conflict has also impacted financial markets globally. Safe-haven flows have strengthened the US dollar, putting depreciation pressure on currencies of major economies.

At the same time, commodity prices such as metals and gold have moderated, while financial markets have witnessed increased volatility. Equity markets have seen broad-based corrections, and sovereign bond yields have hardened due to inflation fears and concerns over long-term fiscal sustainability. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) said that it was a big day for world peace as the US-Iran war headed towards a ceasefire. Trump said that the US will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz.

“A big day for World Peace! Iran wants it to happen, they’ve had enough! Likewise, so has everyone else! The United States of America will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz. There will be lots of positive action! Big money will be made. Iran can start the reconstruction process. We’ll be loading up with supplies of all kinds, and just “hangin’ around” in order to make sure that everything goes well. I feel confident that it will. Just like we are experiencing in the U.S., this could be the Golden Age of the Middle East!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP” he said in a post on Truth Social.

The post came after Trump suspended the “bombing and attack” campaign on Iran, announcing a two-week double-sided ceasefire and saying that the 10-point proposal from Iran was workable.

In an earlier post on Truth Social, Trump, said that ten-point proposal will serve as ground to negotiate for a permanent deal, while reiterating that US has achieved most of its military objectives.

“Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double-sided CEASEFIRE!” Trump said.

“The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East. We received a 10 point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate,” he added.

The Iranian side also accepted US President Donald Trump’s peace overture and agreed to safe passage via the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks as well as a pause in military operations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi posted the Islamic Republic’s response on X and said Iran would cease its military operations if it is was not attacked.

“Considering the request by the U.S. for negotiations based on its 15-point proposal as well as announcement by POTUS about acceptance of the general framework of Iran’s 10-point proposal as a basis for negotiations, I hereby declare on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council: If attacks against Iran are halted, our Powerful Armed Forces will cease their defensive operations. For a period of two weeks, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be possible via coordination with Iran’s Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations,” Araghchi wrote.

The two-week pause is likely to lead to further comprehensive negotiations between the US and Iran and a possible peace summit in Islamabad. (ANI)

On the occasion of superstar Allu Arjun’s 44th birthday, the makers have revealed the title of his upcoming project with director Atlee.

The film, which was earlier referred to as ‘AA22xA6,’ has now been officially titled ‘Raaka.’

The announcement was made on social media along with a new poster. The title reveal came as a special surprise for fans on the actor’s birthday, making the day even more memorable for his followers.

In the striking poster, Allu Arjun can be seen in bald look, with part of his face covered in thick fur. A tusk-like detail adds a raw and intense feel to the look, while his eyes appear strong and mysterious. Sharing the poster, the team wrote, “#AA22xA6 is now #Raaka Prepare yourself for a vision beyond limits”.

The film marks the first collaboration of Allu Arjun with director Atlee and also stars Deepika Padukone. The project has already created a strong buzz among fans. More details about the film are still under wraps.

Allu Arjun’s last release, ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule,’ directed by Sukumar, did very well at the box office after its release in 2024. The film was a sequel to ‘Pushpa: The Rise’ and featured Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Sunil and Rao Ramesh.

Deepika Padukone was last seen in ‘Kalki 2898 AD,’ which also performed well in theatres. (ANI)

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma recently celebrated his birthday, and on the occasion of his special day, actor Manoj Bajpayee took a moment to look back on their journey, calling it “unforgettable” in a heartfelt post.

Taking to his X handle, the Gangs of Wasseypur actor shared a series of unseen pictures with the filmmaker, offering a glimpse into their long journey together. The images captured moments from both their professional and personal bond, which goes back many years.

Manoj spoke about a journey filled with “madness” and memories, and described their association as “unforgettable.” Sharing his feelings, he wrote, “Happy Birthday, @RGVzoomin. We’ve had our share of madness, arguments, laughter, and some unforgettable cinema along the way. Grateful for all of it. Stay as unpredictable, curious, and fearless as ever. Big hug.”

The post soon received reactions from fans, who appreciated their bond and also reflected on Varma’s work. Some also expressed hope of seeing the filmmaker return with strong content.

Interestingly, Manoj Bajpayee and Ram Gopal Varma are set to reunite once again for a horror film titled Police Station Mein Bhoot, which has already sparked curiosity among fans. Their previous collaboration includes the cult classic Satya.

Meanwhile, Manoj was last seen in The Family Man Season 3. Directed by Raj & DK, the show follows Srikant Tiwari, who finds himself in a difficult situation as he becomes the nation’s “most wanted man.” The season blends action, humour, and family drama, making the series popular among viewers. (ANI)

The recently held Screen Awards in Mumbai have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

After journalist Saurabh Dwivedi’s perceived playful dig at actor Rajpal Yadav over his recent cheque-bounce case drew criticism from netizens, including Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, stand-up comedian Zakir Khan has now landed in controversy as well. His joke about the success of Dhurandhar and how it has allegedly sparked jealousy among some individuals in the industry has triggered a fresh wave of backlash online.

“Film mein bomb phoote Lyari mein aur yahan dhuaa udaa Bandra se Juhu mein. (The bombs may have gone off in Lyari, but the smoke is rising from Bandra to Juhu),” Zakir said while hosting the show.

Reacting to his remarks, actress Ameesha Patel took to X and called out Zakir, requesting him to “stop negativity.”

She also highlighted how actors like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Sunny Deol have delivered numerous hits throughout their careers.

“DUDE-Stop spreading NEGATIVITY!film industry has valued n respected DHURANDHAR!Superstars like SRK,SALMAN,SUNNY , HRITHIK,AJAY et have given not just 1 but 25 plus mega hits n will continue to do so CHILL-GADAR bahut saalon se sabne already machai hain aur aage bhi machaayenge,” Ameesha Patel posted on her X.

‘Pathaan’ director Siddharth Anand also found the joke in poor taste.

In a post on X, Siddharth wrote, “Juhu – Bandra peeps have given all ATBB’s (all-time blockbusters) since the past 50 years. You have to be a real duffer to undermine their contribution”.

Screen Awards were held on Sunday. (ANI)

Fresh off Border 2 success, Varun Dhawan is now busy working on his upcoming film ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’.

On Tuesday, he took to Instagram and shared a picture with his co-star Pooja Hegde from the film.

“Ishq sirf ek baar hota hain!!! #haijawaanitohishqhonahai,” he captioned the post.

With the serene azure waters behind them, Varun and Pooja struck a romantic pose for the picture.

The film will hit the theatres on June 12.

‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ was previously scheduled to release on June 5, and was originally slated for April 10, before being rescheduled earlier this year.

The makers confirmed the latest change through an official statement shared on Instagram.

In the statement, the team clarified that the decision was made after reviewing recent developments and the broader industry situation.

“We would like to clarify that our film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai was originally scheduled for release on 5th June, a date we had announced several months ago. However, after recent developments and considering the prevailing situation, we felt it would be more appropriate to shift our release,” the statement read.

The producers further emphasised the importance of cooperation within the film industry.”We strongly believe that it is always healthier for the industry when filmmakers support one another rather than compete unnecessarily on the same date. In that spirit of solidarity, we have decided to move the release of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai to 12th June and bring our film to the audiences a week later,” the note read.

Produced by Ramesh Taurani and directed by veteran filmmaker David Dhawan, the upcoming entertainer promises a lively blend of romance and comedy. Mrunal Thakur will also be seen in a key role in the film, (ANI)

Popular Wireless Festival has been cancelled after the headliner, Kanye West, was blocked from travelling to the United Kingdom.

In an official statement, the organisers updated fans about the festival’s cancellation, as per Deadline.

They said,”As a result of the Home Office banning Ye from entering the United Kingdom, Wireless Festival has been forced to cancel. All ticket holders will receive an automatic full refund.”

Now known as Ye, West had been scheduled to headline Wireless Festival this July. However, earlier on Tuesday, the UK government barred him from entering the country due to his past antisemitic remarks. He was also denied a visa to enter Australia last year.

Sponsors including Pepsi and Diageo have pulled out of Wireless since the news broke last week but today’s Wireless statement added that “multiple stakeholders were consulted in advance of booking Ye and no concerns were highlighted at the time.”

“Antisemitism in all its forms is abhorrent, and we recognise the real and personal impact these issues have had,” added the statement.

“As Ye said today, he acknowledges that words alone are not enough, and in spite of this still hopes to be given the opportunity to begin a conversation with the Jewish community in the UK,” The statement read. (ANI)

In a significant escalation of regional hostilities, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) are intensifying their military operations against Iranian strategic assets.

In a televised address on Tuesday, Netanyahu declared that the Israeli military is “crushing the terrorist regime in Iran”, adding that the offensive is being conducted “with even greater vigour, and increasing force.”

“I tell you constantly that we are crushing the terrorist regime in Iran. But we are doing so with even greater vigor and with increasing force. Yesterday, our pilots destroyed transport planes and dozens of helicopters at an Iranian Air Force base. Today, they attacked the train tracks and bridges used by the Revolutionary Guards. They use these to transport raw materials for weapons, the weapons themselves, and the operatives who attack us, the United States, and the countries of the region, the same operatives who also oppress the Iranian people,” he said

“And this is the central point: These actions, which I approved together with the Minister of Defense, are not intended to attack the Iranian people. On the contrary, they are intended to weaken and crush the terrorist regime that has oppressed them for 47 years. This is no longer the same Iran, nor is it the same Israel. We are changing the balance of power from one end to the other,” he added.

Reinforcing these claims of strategic degradation, the Israeli Defence Forces have released new footage showcasing the targeting of Iran’s air defence systems. This dramatic release, featuring missile-borne cameras, captures the final moments before impact on military infrastructure, reflecting a concerted effort to dismantle Tehran’s layered air defence architecture.

In a social media post on X accompanying the footage, the IDF asserted, “Special Footage from Missile’s View, How the Air Force Targets the Terrorist Iranian Regime’s Air Defence Systems. In precise attacks guided by the intelligence branch of the Air Force, more than 130 air defence systems of the terrorist Iranian regime were destroyed.”

These operations are being supported by broader international coordination, as Israeli and US military briefings have underscored a shared objective to neutralise Iranian missile and radar facilities. To this end, the United States Central Command recently shared video materials showing targets being engaged during combined strikes, highlighting the systematic dismantling of these facilities as a core component of the ongoing campaign.

The physical consequences of this campaign have already begun to manifest across the country. Electricity supply was disrupted on Tuesday in parts of Karaj, Iran, after projectiles from a strike hit transmission lines, according to Al Arabiya, citing Nournews, a media outlet close to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

Simultaneously, the offensive against transport links reached central Iran, where a bridge on a key rail link was targeted. According to Al Jazeera, citing Iran’s Mehr News Agency, the attack struck the Yahya Abad railway bridge located in the city of Kashan, marking a further expansion of hostilities.

The human cost of the strike on the transport network was confirmed by local authorities in Isfahan province. Reports indicated that the Deputy Governor of Isfahan stated the “strike killed two people”, as emergency teams were deployed to the site of the wreckage.

This kinetic action followed a specific advisory issued by the Israeli defence forces earlier in the day. The Israeli military had released a warning directed at Iranian citizens, advising them “against using trains for their ‘safety’ until 9 pm local time (17:30 GMT).” The targeted disruption of the transport network underscores a period of heightened regional tensions that has now extended into both the energy and logistical sectors. (ANI)

Arsenal midfielder and ex-Wales international Aaron Ramsey has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished career.

Taking to Instagram, Ramsey said the decision was not an easy one. “This has not been an easy decision to make. After a lot of consideration, I have decided to retire from football,” he wrote.

Reflecting on his international journey, Ramsey expressed gratitude for representing Wales. “Firstly, I want to start with Wales. It has been my privilege to wear the Welsh shirt and experience so many incredible moments in it. It would not have been possible without the incredible input of all the managers I have played under and all the staff who have helped me in many ways,” he said.

He also paid a heartfelt tribute to the Welsh supporters, popularly known as the “Red Wall.” “You have been there through thick and thin! You have been there through the highs and lows, and you have been an essential and indispensable part of our success. I can’t thank you enough. We’ve been through everything together, and it’s been an honour to represent you. Diolch (thank you),” he added.

Ramsey further extended his thanks to the clubs he represented during his career. “Secondly, thank you to all the clubs I’ve been lucky enough to play for. Thank you to all the managers and staff who have helped me be able to live my dream and play at the highest level,” he concluded.

Ramsey won three FA Cups, a Serie A title and two Italian cups, a Scottish Cup with Rangers and two runners-up medals in the Europa League. (ANI)

In a striking crossover moment between Bollywood and Hollywood, Karan Johar recently met global cinema icons Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway in Tokyo, Japan, as part of the international promotional tour for ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2.’

Sharing the moment on his Instagram handle, Johar offered fans a glimpse into what can only be described as a rare convergence of cinematic and fashion legacies.

Describing the encounter as a “once in a lifetime” moment, the ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ filmmaker wrote, “This is not a caption. This is a confession. I am singularly obsessed and inspired by the unmatchable brilliance of Meryl Streep. In many ways she has been my guru in the art of acting & portraying characters across cinema!!”

He also wrote that meeting the two icons made his knees rattle.

“I have watched The Devil Wears Prada no less than 47 times. I have quoted it at dinner tables, in edit suites and in board meetings (no kidding!) So when I tell you that standing next to HER & them today, I felt the ground shift, please believe me. I tried very hard to be calm and composed but here’s a another confession – my knees were RATTLING,” he wrote.

The meeting comes at a time when anticipation is steadily building for the sequel to the 2006 cult classic, which famously explored the high-stakes world of fashion journalism.

The original film left a lasting cultural imprint, driven by Streep’s portrayal of the formidable Miranda Priestly and Hathaway’s transformation as Andy Sachs. Their reunion for the sequel has already sparked excitement amongst fans.

‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ reunites the original main cast and brings back director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna.

The sequel also expands its ensemble with new cast members including Kenneth Branagh, Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J Shen, Pauline Chalamet, BJ Novak and Conrad Ricamora.

Additionally, Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman reprise their roles as Lily and Irv from the original film.

Backed by 20th Century Studios, the film is set for a theatrical release on May 1, 2026. (ANI)