Month: April 2026

Iran on Monday formally rejected a US-proposed ceasefire deal amid the escalating conflict in West Asia, instead unveiling its own 10-point plan aimed at permanently ending the ongoing war, as reported by the Iranian state news agency Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

According to IRNA, the plan, presented by Tehran, outlines comprehensive measures to resolve the conflict, including the cessation of regional hostilities, ensuring secure transit through the Strait of Hormuz, facilitating reconstruction efforts, and the lifting of international sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

Earlier in the day, Iran described the 15-point proposal from the US to end the conflict in West Asia and to open the strategic Strait of Hormuz as “excessively demanding”, stating that it has prepared its own set of demands to end hostilities, which have entered the second month now.

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the US proposal – reportedly delivered through mediators – is too onerous and unrealistic for Tehran to accept.

The ministry, in a statement, noted that Tehran has now compiled and formalised its own demands, signalling that negotiations will proceed only if these conditions are met.

It also said that the possibility of a recent “pilot rescue in Isfahan” in central Iran being a deceptive operation aimed at seizing Tehran’s enriched uranium cannot be ignored.

Earlier on Sunday, US President Donald Trump stated that a high-risk rescue operation was conducted deep inside Iran to retrieve a US service member who was part of the crew for an F-15 fighter jet which was downed by the Islamic Republic last week.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry further cautioned that a ceasefire could simply offer the opposing side a chance to regroup and resume hostilities if underlying issues are not addressed.

“The US 15-point proposal is excessively demanding. We have compiled and formalised our own set of demands. The possibility that the ‘pilot rescue in Isfahan’ was a deceptive operation aimed at seizing Iran’s enriched uranium cannot be ignored. A ceasefire risks becoming an opportunity for the opposing side to regroup and continue its actions,” the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.

On the diplomatic front, Iran said talks with Oman are ongoing to establish protocols that would ensure the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. (ANI)

The fans of Akshay Kumar and Tabu first watched the beloved duo in the hit film ‘Tu Chor Mai Sipahi’ in 1996, but you will be surprised to know that their relationship dates back to the time before they even debuted in Bollywood.

At the trailer launch of Bhooth Bangla in Mumbai on Monday, Akshay Kumar revealed that he met Tabu 39 years ago when they used to attend a dance academy together to learn dance.

While addressing the media, Akshay Kumar recalled his initial meetings with Tabu before he debuted in Bollywood.

“I would like to tell you all something about me and Tabu. I know Tabu from 39 years. We used to go dance academy togather to learn dance,” said Akshay Kumar.

“He used to pick me up on bike,” added Tabu.

Tabu and Akshay last worked together in the film ‘Hera Pheri’, which was directed by Priyadarshan in 2000. The duo have come back together after 25 years to share the screen in the upcoming film ‘Bhooth Bangla’.

It is directed by Priyadarshan and also stars Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Wamiqa Gabbi, Mithila Palkar, late actor Asrani and others in the prominent roles.

The makers have finally shared the trailer of the movie today to offer a glimpse at the much-awaited reunion of Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar.

The three-minute and three-second trailer opened with the introduction of a demon, Vadhusur, who has grown powerful since its emergence 1000 years ago. It was followed by the appearance of Akshay Kumar, whose eyes are on a lavish bungalow for sale which also appears to be haunted by the Vadhusur.

While Akshay is hell-bent on selling the property, several housemates experience paranormal activities in the house. Paresh Rawal was also seen giving warning to Akshay about the haunted property.

The interaction between Akshay and Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav and Asrani is nostalgic, as it aims to create the similar kind of slapstick comedy which was earlier seen in films like ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ and ‘Phir Hera Pheri’.

The trailer concluded with Akshay’s physical combat with Vadhusur. Apart from the OG comedy actors, the film also stars Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi and Mithila Palkar in the lead role. While Akshay Kumar leads the charge, Tabu stands out as a surprise element in the film.

Her presence in the sneak peek hints at a layered performance that blends humour with intrigue, adding an extra dimension to the narrative. Balaji Motion Pictures shared the trailer on their Instagram handle today.

They wrote, “Welcome to Bhooth Bangla. Yahan na toh log normal hain… Aur upar se Bangla bhi paranormal hai. (Here neither people are normal and the house is paranormal too) Enter at your own risk.”

The film is slated to release in theatres on April 16. (ANI)

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has been an inspiration to countless people in the film industry. By watching his performances, many actors have learned how to refine their craft. It’s no surprise that his son, Aditya Rawal, who has been doing impressive work lately, must have also picked up valuable lessons from him.

At the same time, Paresh Rawal believes learning goes both ways. He has also learned new things from the younger generation, including his son, showing that no matter how experienced you are, there’s always something new to take in.

Speaking to ANI, Paresh opened up on what he admires the most about Aditya.

“Acting ke mamle mein main pehle aaya hu, mera tajurba meri training alag hai…Main mere bete se yahi seekha hu ki honest ke saath kaam karo. Sir jhukake kaam karta hai woh aur bhaut balanced bachcha hai woh. (When it comes to acting, I came first. My experience and my training are different. But one thing I’ve learned from my son is to work with honesty. He keeps his head down and stays focused. He’s a very balanced individual),” he said.

Paresh shared that there are times when his views don’t align with the views of his children during a debate, but when he reflects on it later, he realises that his children were actually right.

“I am really fortunate to have both my sons, Aniruddh and Aditya. Both of them are very balanced kids. Unke saath debate karo toh unke vichar aapke vicharo se sehmat nahin hote hoge lekin thoda aankh band karke soche toh sahi baat bolte. Main toh yeh maanta hun society mein do ache actors toh aaye hi par do ache insaan aaye yeh main samajhta hu. (They are both grounded and thoughtful. When you debate with them, their views may not always align with yours, but if you reflect with an open mind, you realise they are often right. I believe that society hasn’t just gained two good actors, but also two good human beings),” he beamed with pride.

Aditya was recently seen in Anil Kapoor-starrer ‘Subedaar’ as an antagonist. He will be next seen in ‘Sundar Poonam’ with Sanya Malhotra.

On the other hand, his dad, Paresh Rawal, is gearing up for the release of his horror-comedy film ‘Bhooth Bangla’, which also stars Akshay Kumar, the late Asrani, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav, and Wamiqa Gabbi.

The film is presented by Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, in association with Cape of Good Films. It is produced by Akshay Kumar, Shobha Kapoor and Ektaa R Kapoor. It will be out in theatres on April 16. (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Monday restrained the monitoring committee or any concerned stakeholder from taking any major policy decision regarding the implementation of the resolution plan for the takeover of bankrupt Jaiprakash Associates Limited (JAL) without prior approval of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also requested the NCLAT to hear Vedanta’s plea on April 10 on an expedited, out-of-turn basis.

“There is no need to issue any interim direction except that if the managing/monitoring committee decides to take any policy decision, it shall seek permission of the NCLAT,” the Court observed.

The Court declined to interfere with the NCLAT’s decision approving the Adani Group’s resolution plan to take over Jaiprakash Associates Limited. It noted that since the appeal is likely to be decided soon and the appellant’s (Vedanta’s) interests have been adequately protected by the NCLAT, no further interim directions were necessary.

“Having regard to the nature of the issue and its consequential implications, we request the NCLAT to hear the appeal on an out-of-turn basis. Both sides have assured full cooperation for timely adjudication,” the Court noted.

In its plea, Vedanta argued that its revised addendum bid was financially superior, claiming it offered significantly higher value than Adani’s plan. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Vedanta, submitted that its bid was around Rs 3,400 crore higher in gross terms and approximately Rs 500 crore more in net present value.

“Rs 3,400 crore higher in gross value… roughly Rs 500 crore more in net present value,” Sibal stated.

He further contended that the NCLAT acknowledged certain issues remained pending but nevertheless proceeded to approve the resolution plan. “NCLAT itself says issues are to be decided, but in the meantime they approve the plan,” he argued.

Sibal also submitted that Vedanta had earlier been declared the highest bidder based on value metrics communicated to it. “I received a letter stating I was the highest, both on substantive terms and on NPV basis,” he told the Court.

The Court, however, observed that the decision may have been influenced by the upfront payment component, noting that such considerations could have weighed with the Committee of Creditors (CoC). “That may have weighed with the CoC,” the CJI remarked.

At the same time, the Court reiterated the limits of judicial review over commercial decisions taken by creditors, observing that such matters fall within their domain of expertise. “The problem is the commercial wisdom and our lack of expertise… at this interlocutory stage,” the Bench noted.

Sibal informed the Court that the matter is listed before the NCLAT on April 10.

The Court indicated that, given the pendency before the NCLAT, a time-bound hearing would be appropriate and that a key issue would be whether Vedanta’s addendum bid warranted consideration.

During the hearing, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the Resolution Professional, outlined the sequence of events leading to the approval of the resolution plan. He submitted that both bidders were aware of the timeline and did not raise objections at the relevant stage. “On November 7, both sides were called… voting was about to start, they left without objection,” he said.

He further argued that Vedanta’s improved offer came only after the voting process had effectively progressed. “After the process was frozen, Vedanta made a better offer,” Singhvi submitted.

The Bench, however, refrained from examining the merits at this stage. “We have our own difficulty; we will not say anything,” the Court observed.

The matter is scheduled for final hearing before the NCLAT on April 10, where the tribunal will examine Vedanta’s challenge to the approval of the resolution plan. (ANI)

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan never misses a chance to show support for his IPL team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The Bollywood ‘Baadshah’ arrived at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday to cheer them on against the Punjab Kings.

He was seen sitting in the stands with Suhana. Father-daughter’s visuals from the stadium left fans excited.

The father-daughter duo arrived in the city to support the Kolkata Knight Riders and root for the team.

Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have won the toss and decided to bat against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 12th match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament. The high-voltage encounter is being played at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday.

After winning the toss, Rahane revealed that Varun Chakaravarthy suffered an injury while taking a catch during the last game.

“We are going to bat first. Looks like a good wicket, a little bit of the drier side, but it’s a very good wicket and slightly less covering of grass as well. It’s all about having that belief and confidence. It’s about winning those small moments. We are confident. Two changes, forced. Varun Chakaravarthy got injured taking the catch in the last game, and Narine isn’t playing. Powell and Saini are in,” Rahane said.

Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer confirmed that they are fielding with the same XI. “Not at all, I was supposed to bowl as well. So kind of happy with the decision he took. Our (Shreyas and Ponting) chemistry blossomed from our Delhi Capitals days. He gives freedom to all the youngsters, and he is an inspiration himself. Same team for us.” (ANI)

Former U-23 Asian Championships Bronze medallist Lalit will be challenging for gold in the men’s 55kg Greco-Roman category in the Asian Wrestling Championships 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Tuesday, while two more Indian wrestlers will be aiming for the bronze medal.

According to a release, 23-year-old Lalit dominated China’s Huoying Shi in the semifinals to register an 11-3 victory before Aman (77 kg Greco-Roman) and former champion Sunil Kumar (87 kg Greco-Roman) went down in their respective semifinals on a mixed opening day for the Indian contingent.

Lalit, who had bagged the bronze medal in the Muhamet Malo Wrestling meet last month, will now take on 2025 Asian Championships bronze medallist Ikhtiyor Botirov of Uzbekistan after he defeated the local favourite Ulan Uulu in the second semi-final 5-3.

In the 77 kg Greco-Roman semifinal, Aman went down against Zagreb Open gold medallist Ali Oskou of Iran 13-3. The Indian, who had reversed a 1-4 deficit to win 6-4 against China’s Halishan Bahejiang in the quarterfinals, will now face Yeonghun Noh of South Korea in the bronze medal match. 2020 Asian champion Sunil Kumar lost his 87kg Greco-Roman semifinal against Gholamreza Farokhisenjani of Iran 0-8.

In the 65kg Greco-Roman weight category, Sunny Kumar went down in the qualification round against Saifulla Kurman of Kazakhstan and was eliminated. Also, being knocked out was Joginder Rathee in the men’s 130kg Greco-Roman category after he went down in the quarterfinals against South Korea’s Minseok Kim. The Korean then lost the semifinal against Mirzazadeh of Iran to end the Indian’s hope for a repechage round.

Five more Indians – Sahil (60kg GR), Sachin Sahrawat (67kg GR), Anil (72kg GR) and Prince (82kg GR) and Nitesh (97kg GR) will be in action on Tuesday. (ANI)

The makers of ‘Chand Mera Dil’ have unveiled fresh posters of the film, giving a glimpse into the love story of Ananya Panday and Lakshya’s characters.

The romantic drama, backed by Karan Johar and directed by Vivek Soni, will see the two actors sharing screen space for the first time. They play the roles of Chandni and Aarav in the film.

Johar, on Monday, took to his Instagram account to share a series of posters. The first picture shows the two sitting on a bed and talking casually. One image captures them sitting close in a college classroom, while another shows their more carefree side.

The captions on the posters read, “Falling in love is easy; growing up is not,” “When life changes the syllabus” and “When love grows faster than life.” Along with the posters, Karan Johar wrote, “Presenting a love story where…life happens faster than love.”

Take a look

In another post, makers updated fans that the teaser for the Ananya Panday-starrer will be out on Tuesday, April 7.

A day before the release of the posters, Karan had shared a teaser image of the lead pair walking on a street. In that post, he wrote, “Pyaar ka koi fixed route nahi hota…bas thoda paagal hona padta hai! See you tomorrow at 11 AM to meet our Aarav & Chandni!”

The film is produced under Dharma Productions and is set to release in theatres on May 22, 2026. (ANI)

Veteran actor Mukesh Rishi has backed the proposed 33% reservation for women in Parliament, calling it a “very good” and long-awaited step toward greater representation, ahead of a special parliamentary session scheduled later this month.

Speaking to ANI, Rishi expressed his happiness over the development, describing it as a milestone achieved after years of effort.

“It is a matter of great joy. We have been trying for many years, and although it has taken time, we have finally reached this point. What was meant to happen is now happening,” he said.

The actor emphasised that women have consistently excelled across sectors and dismissed the notion of any inherent limitations.

“I am very happy that a 33% reservation is being introduced for women. I have no doubt that women are working in every field, whether it is medicine, sports, the army, or aviation, they are excelling in everything,” the ‘Sarfarosh’ actor said.

Reflecting on societal perceptions, he added, “The only limitation was the belief that they could not go beyond a certain point. It took time for society to realize that women can achieve anything.”

He also highlighted women’s achievements in sports, noting how their success brings pride to the nation.

Rishi further underscored the role of education and capability in political participation.

“In politics, education plays a very important role. Today, women are educated and capable. There is no lack of knowledge or understanding,” he said, adding that women have already demonstrated leadership at the highest levels.

Citing examples, he noted that Indira Gandhi served as Prime Minister, while Droupadi Murmu currently holds the nation’s highest constitutional office.

Echoing similar sentiments, veteran actor Himani Shivpuri had also called the move overdue and stressed the importance of timely implementation, in an interview with ANI.

“Yes, this is a new step, but I think it should have been taken a long time ago. When it comes to our female population, I believe it is more than 33%,” she said, adding that women’s contributions remain significant across all spheres.

The remarks come ahead of the special session of Parliament scheduled from April 16 to 18, to discuss and implement the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill.

The Prime Minister had announced that the benefit of women’s reservation will come into force from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls and clarified that states with effective population control measures will not face any reduction in seats. (ANI)

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said on Monday that it eliminated the IRGC’s intelligence head in overnight strikes in Iran.

Sharing the details in a post on X, it said, “Guided by precise intelligence from Military Intelligence, the Air Force struck overnight in Tehran and eliminated Majid Khotam-Khasini Khademi – Head of the Intelligence Organisation of the Revolutionary Guards.”

As per the IAF, Khademi was one of the most central commanders of the Revolutionary Guards and had accumulated years of military and security experience.

The post noted that he was appointed to his role following the elimination of Mohammad Khotami in Operation “With a Lion Cub.”

In the framework of his role, he acted to gather intelligence for compiling an intelligence picture for the regime’s senior echelons during Operation “Roar of the Lion”, the post said.

As per the IAF, Khademi was a key figure in the campaign.

“The intelligence he gathered was used to advance and execute terrorist acts. In addition, Khademi acted to promote terrorist acts against the State of Israel and toward Jews around the world and took part in attempts to strike American targets, and was even tasked with monitoring Iranian citizens as part of suppressing internal protests in Iran”, IAF said on X.

It mentioned how Khademi’s elimination joins dozens of commanders of the Iranian regime who have been eliminated throughout the operation.

חיל-האוויר חיסל בטהרן את יושב ראש ארגון המודיעין של משמרות המהפכה

חיל-האוויר בהכוונה מודיעינית מדויקת של אמ"ן, תקף במהלך הלילה בטהרן וחיסל את מג'יד כאט'ם-חסיני ח'אדמי – יושב ראש ארגון המודיעין של משמרות המהפכה.

ח'אדמי היה אחד המפקדים המרכזיים ביותר של משמרות המהפכה וצבר ניסיון… pic.twitter.com/HwZGoGF8Ra

— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) April 6, 2026

As the security situation develops in the region, the IDF also shared on Monday that it has begun to strike infrastructure of Hezbollah in Beirut.

Meanwhile in another operational update from Lebanon, the IDF said that its infantry brigade– Nahal Reconnaissance Unit fighters eliminated the terrorists responsible for the deaths of Captain Noam Madmoni, First Sergeant Ben Cohen, First Sergeant Maxim Antis, and First Sergeant Gilead Harel.

As per the IDF, the terrorists were eliminated in close-quarters combat, and subsequently, through precise intelligence, it was confirmed that these were the same terrorists responsible for the fallen soldiers’ deaths.

לוחמי סיירת נח״ל חיסלו את המחבלים שאחראים למותם של סרן נועם מדמוני, סמל-ראשון בן כהן, סמל-ראשון מקסים אנטיס וסמל-ראשון גלעד הראל זכרונם לברכה

כוחות חטיבת הנח״ל ממשיכים לפעול במרחב דרום לבנון, במסגרת פעילותם כוחות החטיבה מחסלים מחבלים, מאתרים ומשמידים אמצעי לחימה ותשתיות טרור.… pic.twitter.com/q7z9SMGcMX

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) April 6, 2026

The IDF also shared that as part of the effort to strike at Hezbollah’s infrastructures and strengthen the forward defence line, over the past few days, the Air Force identified and targeted in a focused manner launchers and weapons caches that were concealed within buildings and civilian infrastructures in several different areas in Lebanon.

תיעודים חדשים מתקיפות חיל האוויר בלבנון: הושמדו שורת תשתיות טרור ומחסני אמצעי לחימה שהוסתרו בלב אוכלוסייה אזרחית ברחבי לבנון

במסגרת המאמץ לפגיעה בתשתיות הטרור של חיזבאללה וחיזוק קו ההגנה הקדמי, במהלך הימים האחרונים, חיל האוויר זיהה ותקף באופן ממוקד, משגרים ומחסני אמצעי לחימה… pic.twitter.com/Yeee0YtaEX

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) April 6, 2026

With global partners coordinating on the developments in West Asia and the Gulf region, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares spoke to his Qatari counterpart Al Thani and the leaders underlined the necessity to preserve civilian and energy infrastructure and demanded de-escalation.

He abordado con mi homólogo de Qatar @MBA_AlThani_ la situación en Oriente Medio y Ormuz.

Le he trasladado mi solidaridad ante los ataques injustificados de Irán, que tienen que parar. Es necesario preservar las infraestructuras civiles y energéticas. Exigimos desescalada.

— José Manuel Albares (@jmalbares) April 5, 2026

Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps carried out the 97th wave of Operation True Promise 4, targeting US-Israeli positions, state broadcaster Press TV said on Monday. (ANI)

With the conflict in West Asia into its fifth week now, Iranian Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, hailed New Delhi’s call for dialogue and restraint and underlined that it can play a highly effective role.

He made the remarks on Monday in an interview to ANI.

When asked how he views India’s stance in the conflict so far and the kind of conversations taking place between New Delhi and Tehran, the Ambassador said, “India’s call for dialogue and restraint is a commendable and responsible position. We believe that the role of countries like India can be highly effective under these circumstances.”

He underlined that at the same time, Iran expects all independent and freedom-seeking countries to explicitly condemn the military and aggressive actions by US and Israel, “which have violated Iran’s national sovereignty and targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure, including schools, universities, hospitals, residential areas, and economic infrastructure.”

Ambassador Fathali said Iran has never sought war and has repeatedly emphasised that it would not initiate any conflict.

“At the same time, we made it clear that if a war were imposed on us, the management of its end–in terms of timing, scope, and geography–would be in Iran’s hands. What is taking place today is purely legitimate self-defence against external aggression”, he told ANI.

When asked about US extending the conditional sanctions waiver for Chabahar port until April 26, Ambassador Fathali said that economic and developmental cooperation, especially major regional projects such as Chabahar, should not be affected by unilateral approaches and unlawful sanctions.

“Chabahar Port is a strategic project of regional and international importance, playing a key role in enhancing regional connectivity, particularly for India’s access to Central Asia”.

He said in this regard, Iran remains in continuous contact and consultation with the Indian side, and cooperation in this area is ongoing.

“We emphasize the continuation and strengthening of these collaborations, independent of external pressures, and hope that project implementation proceeds without interruption”, he told ANI.

When asked about Iranian achievements– strategically, militarily, and diplomatic, he told ANI, “From a strategic perspective, one of the most important outcomes has been the failure of the initial objectives of the opposing side, including the United States and the Zionist regime. They entered this path with expectations such as regime change, but in practice, they have encountered the opposite result.”

“This war has led to greater cohesion and solidarity among the Iranian people. Throughout this period, the public, by showing presence and supporting the state, has demonstrated that it is more united than ever in the face of external pressure”, the Ambassador said.

On the political front, he highlighted the shift in tone on US President and said that it reflected miscalculations in policymaking by US with regard to the Strait of Hormuz.

“Politically, the shift in tone and declared objectives of the opposing side is noteworthy. For instance, Trump, who previously spoke about issues such as regime change, is now focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, even though this passage was open to all countries prior to the conflict. This reflects miscalculations in policymaking and incorrect assessments by the U.S. government.”

He underlined that Iran has shown that it is capable of withstanding pressure and altering imposed equations in its favor.

“In general, I believe our adversary is now facing a strategic failure in its assessment in three areas: Iran’s leadership, its people, and its military capability”, he told ANI.

The Ambassador underlined the importance of BRICS as an important multilateral mechanism on the international stage and said that for Iran it represents an important platform for expanding cooperation with emerging economies and reinforcing approaches independent of traditional global structures.

The Iranian Ambassador said that urged BRICS member states to adopt a responsible position regarding current developments and to condemn “unlawful and criminal actions by the United States and the Zionist regime” and highlighted that BRICS can play an effective role in supporting the principles of international law, countering unilateralism, and helping to reduce tensions.

His remarks come amid the developing security situation in West Asia and the Gulf region as the US-Israel and Iran conflict stands in its second month now, with hostilities across civilian, energy and military infrastructure in the region. (ANI)